Fine Wine Confidential Podcast

Here is Part 2 of my in-depth interview with Lucie Morton where we continue to discuss the differences between Norton and Cynthiana grapes. We also cover her attempt to reclaim another Virginia native grape, Cunningham which one of her familial ancestors is connected to here in Virginia. Finally, Lucie will describe her proverbial Ah Ha moment when she decided that she would produce her upcoming documentary film titled "Odessey of Forbidden wines, exile and return of American grapes." This interview is packed with many more insightful comments and history from Lucie and is a fitting last episode in my All About Virginia Norton podcast series. Take a listen or read the transcript below. Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Lucie Morton is the World's most preeminent Ampelographer, if not the only one still living that practices this art in the wine industry. I know, you are asking yourself what is Ampelography? Well, Lucie will explain that in some detail in this episode. In fact, this interview was filled with so many insights that I have chosen to break it up into 2 parts. In Part 1 we touch on many areas of winegrowing with a focus on American Heritage grapes and their demise and rediscovering. One of which, the Cunningham Grape, another Virginia native grape Lucie is in the process of recovering, it is going through the quarantine requirements, and her nephew plans to plant it on their original family farm on the banks of the Potomac River in King George County, Virginia.Lucie is also in the process of producing a film called the Odessey of Forbidden Wines, Exile and return of American grapes. We will discuss that in detail in Part 2. I could go on about Lucie's many accomplishments, but I will let the Episode speak to it instead. Enjoy the listening. You will be as fascinated as I am every time I engage Lucie in a discussion about winegrowing.    Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

It is safe to say that Kendell Anderson the featured winemaker in this Episode #20 started his career in the Wine Industry in a most unconventional way. He graduated from William & Mary with a degree in Kinesiology and Health Science, not the traditional degree you might associate a winemaker with.It was a girl friend of his that got him interested in wine when she began to take him to wineries mostly in Loudon County in the Northern section of Virginia.  He would eventually land a job with a large California company, Saxco that sold bottles, labels and other packaging materials that many beverage companies used. That led to a position at Stone Tower Winery as a cellar assistant. Ultimately, he would get a position at The Winery at Bull Run where he is the winemaker today.Kendell is emblematic of the younger generation of winemakers here in Virginia as he approaches the industry with an open mind and the interest in learning what folks want in the future for wine and how they will interact with it. It is a fascinating look at a winery that is stepped in history as a result of it's background having been the site of the first battle of the Civil War.Take a listen or read the transcript below.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Tom Payette is one of the veterans making wine here in Virginia. The upcoming 2025 harvest will mark Tom's 40th. While most of Tom's career has been in Virginia he has been involved some years ago on the west coast in California as a result of his position at Prince Michel. The then owner Jean Leducq owned a vineyard on Elhers Lane in Napa Valley.Tom has been recognized by numerous wine publications for his work including being named in 1999 as Winemaker of the Year by Vineyard & Winery management and more recently he was named by Wine Business Monthly as one of their Wine Industry Leader of the Year Awards.Tom has a very active Wine management and consulting business currently and New Kent Vineyards is one of his long-time clients who produces Norton. Tom brought with him the day of the interview two bottles of wine. Once of which was from their Norton vineyard block and the other was from what Lucie Morton the world renown Ampelographer visited and said was from Cynthiana which is not Norton despite the fact that it is legal to label it as Norton. Lucie joined us after the interview concluded and we tasted the wines. There is no question they were different. More on that in a later Episode when I interview Lucie.Take a listen to Episode posted here or read the transcript.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Dustin Minor and Nokesville Winery are a relatively new addition to the Norton scene in Virginia. His first full fledge vintage was 2021 when he made wine in the basement of his house after getting his winery license. Today he only produces a little over 1,000 cases of wine but from what I have tasted the quality is high and the future is bright for this new upcoming Vintner.Dustin started by planting several vines in his backyard in Nokesville because he thought they would look cool. That was over 12 years ago and eventually would lead to him planting the 5 acres of vines they have at their estate. He is a very determined and intense fellow and there is no doubt in my mind that he will succeed. The wines are worth checking out and adding to your Virginia wine tasting experience.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Lexington Valley Vineyard is a hidden gem in the Virginia lineup of wineries. I virtually got lost the first time I went to check it out. I had to keep checking my Navigation app to be sure I was headed in the correct direction. However, once I found it, I was impressed with the wines I purchased that day back in August of 2022, especially their Marchel Foch along with their Norton.This is a small family run operation that Ryan Hale the current winemaker father Cal planted the vineyard in 1999 but passed aways in 2021. Ryan and his sister stepped up and have kept the winery and vineyard moving forward despite having full-time day jobs. Their Norton vines are amongst the oldest in Virginia, now approaching 25 years old. None other than Shep Rouse the owner and winemaker of Rockbridge Vineyard produces his Norton wine from their grapes. If they are good enough for Shep that is all the endorsement I needed to seek them out.One more note: Ryan Hale was most recently in a documentary film about Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton and the history of the Norton grape here in Virginia. You can watch the film on YouTube. It is titled Norton, The Grape That Change Everything.Listen to the Episode or read the transcript attached below.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

I always enjoy sitting down with Shep Rouse and getting his viewpoint on winegrowing in Virginia and wine in general. He has been making wine for close to 45 years. First in California in the early '80s and then in Virginia first in 1986 at the old Montdomaine winery and then founding his own winery Rockbridge in 1992.Although Shep doesn't produce a Norton every vintage, mostly because he doesn't grow it in his vineyard the Norton wine, I have had from him in the past is a great expression of the grape and what it can be once in the bottle and aged properly. In fact, the 2002 Rockbridge Norton, his first vintage, that I had several years ago was one of the highlights for me since I moved to Virginia in 2019. Tasted in the fall of 2020 it had transformed into a wine that reminded me of some of the BV Private Reserve wines from the early '70s that I used to enjoy from California. It was a remarkable bottle of wine. The memory of which has stuck with me since and has inspired me to begin to collect Norton and lay it down in my cellar for the future. You will learn from this conversation with Shep. Take a listen or read the transcript attached below.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Burnley Vineyard was first planted in 1977 making them one of the early winegrowing pioneers during the formative years when Virginia wine was just beginning to re-emerge after a long slumber from the years of Prohibition and its repeal. C. J. Reeder, Lee Reeder's father purchased the land in 1977 and Gabriele Rausse who had just begun to plant Barboursville Vineyard down the road from this property entire into a handshake deal with C. J. The arrangement was Burnley would buy Barboursville vines, (they had begun a nursery at that time) and Barboursville would buy their grapes. Ultimately that would lead to Burnley Vineyards producing its first Estate Wines in 1984 with Lee Reeder fresh out of VA Tech as the winemaker. Lee has been the winemaker ever since.I believe you will find this interview refreshing by the openness and honesty that Lee Reeder shows throughout our discussion. One of the fascinating facets of this interview is how Lee and Burnley Vineyard helped contribute to the trail about whether Cynthiana is a different grape than Norton or the same. I believe through, mostly my tasting experiences over the past several years that it is the former.Take a listen and decide for yourself.  Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

This is a fascinating interview because Anna Want, the General Manager and daughter of the founders openly embraces the idea that Casanel has both Norton and Cynthiana vines planted in their vineyard. There is beginning to be a more robust open debate about whether the Cynthiana grape vine is Norton under a different name, or a completely different species of grape vine. I personally, lean toward it is a different species based on the many bottles of Norton I have tasted and enjoyed that have Cynthiana vines listed as the varietal from the nursery they purchased these vines from.Casanel also is unique in Virginia as they are the only winery I know of who has planted the Carmenere grape and successfully produced a high-quality wine from it here in Virginia. The back story as to why the founders Nelson & Casey DeSouza purchase the land that their vineyard was planted on in Northern Loudon County in 2008 is yet another example of the pioneering spirit behind many Virginia wineries. It is a testament to the hard work and determination of one family to make a success out of a Farm Winery. Take a listen or read the transcript below.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Rob Cox had a dream of being a professional baseball player early in his life and when that didn't pan out, he found himself in the business of Golf. Not the usual way in which a person becomes a winemaker, which eventually he did. Now almost twenty years later he guides the winemaking at both Paradise Springs Virginia winery and their wine making operation in Santa Barbara, California. Additionally, somehow, he also has a consulting practice in Virginia. A very busy man for sure juggling all of these aspects of his wine career.Paradise Springs is in the upper echelon of wine producers here in the Old Dominion, thanks to Rob's ability to handle many different winemaking challenges at the same time.Rob produces a Norton that is meant for long-term bottle aging. I was fortunate several years ago upon meeting Rob for the first time at Paradise Springs to taste several vintages of their Norton going back to 2008 and I can attest to their age worthyness as the 2008 wine was showing beautifully. It was very impressive.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Todd Kliman, is a James Beard Award winning writer. After reading The Wild Vine you will know why. He has an incredible ability to bring to life the story of the Norton Grape and have you feel as if you just entered another world, you didn't even know existed. All the time going back into time and then bringing you back to the moment. He started out with the idea that he would write a column about Norton. But after meeting Jenni McCloud at Chrysalis Vineyards and spending time understanding her story and why she planted the largest single vineyard of Norton in the world he realized there was much more to this story and was inspired to write his book about it.For my part this is one of the more intriguing and interesting Podcast Episode interviews I have ever done. It just crystalized for me why I have been captivated by Norton and the wines it can produce when grown and vinted by a talented winegrower. One last note; if you ever have the opportunity to taste a well-aged Norton wine, say one that is at least 10 to 15 years in age, you will then understand and wonder like Todd does in the last segment of this Episode; what if Prohibition had not happened and wiped out all of the winegrowing in the Eastern United States what could have been. Enjoy the Episode.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Matthew began his winemaker career on the West Coast in California. His final stop on that journey was several years at the venerable Heitz Cellars in Napa Valley where he says he learned some good winemaking skills and lesson that have served him well the rest of his career.He would then move to Virginia in 2002 to take the position as winemaker at Williamsburg Winery established by Patrick Duffeler Sr. in 1985. Matthew has since moved on from Williamsburg Winery and is working with Gauthier Winery a small vineyard and winery who only has Norton planed at their estate vineyard.I always learn something when I have the opportunity to spend time with Matthew because he has a very concise and focused approached to his winemaking. He told me that he had no experience with Norton prior to producing it at Williamsburg Winery but decided he would approach it just like he would a vitis vinifera grape. In other words, give it the respect it deserves as a noble grape. You will enjoy his insights into Norton in this interview.Listen below or read the transcript Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Jeremy Ligon was brought on just in time for the 2021 harvest. Barrel Oak was purchased from its' previous owners and the new ownership wanted to up the quality of the wines from their Vineyard. In my opinion, Jeremy was a significant step up and his wines reflect that. In 2014 Jeremy was recognized as one of the new upcoming winemakers in Virginia as someone to keep an eye on. He has lived up to that from what I have tasted of his new wines from Barrel Oak.There is an intriguing story he relays as to why the previous ownership had planted their Norton vines in the vineyard and why. It turns out it has a connection to Dr. Daniel Norton, who propagated the Norton seedling in the early 1820's.Jeremy got his introduction to winegrowing in his early teens when his family planted a small vineyard in Southern Virginia. The rest is history.Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

If it were not for Dennis & Sharon Horton Virginia may have never come to know and enjoy it's native grape Norton once again. Let me quote a passage from Todd Kilman book The Wild Vine to set the stage for this Episode.Dennis Horton rang up Jon Held at Stone Hill Winery in the fall of 1988 and requested a shipment of vines, (Norton), laying the foundation for his new vineyard in Orange, Virginia. He buried the borrowed roots in the soil that spring, eight acres' worth of Norton--the first planting of the grape in Virginia since Repeal.Folks that says it all. The rest is history.  It wasn't long after that it became known as "Horton Norton" in the marketplace. I have recently had bottles of Norton produced by Horton from as far back as 2002 and more recently 2010 that reminded me of the BV Private Reserve from Rutherford from the mid '70s. it is a grape/wine that needs to be decanted when young but, when given proper bottle aging, which was the practice early in my career that we did for all of the Classified Growth Bordeaux, the wine evolves into an amazing and subtle array of aromas, and deep flavors, again reminiscent of fine Bordeaux style wines from the '70s.Listen to Sharon and Shannon recant the history of Norton in their family or read the transcript. You will enjoy this Episode, I guarantee you. Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Rappahannock Cellars was established when John Delmare and his wife Marialisa made the decision to sell their vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountain area of California and move their family to Virginia back in 1998. They soon purchased the historic Glenway farm in Rappahannock County which would become their new home and vineyard. It is truly a family affair as three of their twelve siblings have returned to the farm after college graduation and work actively in important segments of the family business at Rapahannock Cellars. The 85-acre farm is now planted to 30 acres, and they grow a diverse range of grape varietals which include Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Viognier, and Virginia's grape Norton.John lives by the belief that "wine is made in the vineyard". John and Marialisa believe they have the perfect site for the style and quality of wine they want to produce. The results they have experience in over 20 years of winegrowing bear witness to that.     Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Arterra Winery owned by Founder & winegrower Jason Murray believes in producing wine that is reflective of the grape from which it is grown. Thus, he uses only native yeasts, neutral barrels, and screw caps for bottle enclosure. He feels that when you have a bottle of Arterra you will taste exactly what the grape gave him that vintage and nothing else. After 20 years of growing grapes in Fauquier County in Northern Virginia he is guided by the philosophy that if you plant the grape vine in the best site in the vineyard and give the grape the attention and care it deserves it will reward you with a wine that is a clean and a pure expression of his vineyard and the grape itself. Jason is an introspective and deep-thinking farmer with over 20 years' experience growing wine grapes in Fauquier County and continues to strive to produce wine that speaks of the terroir from which it is grown.   He has a special affinity for growing and producing Tannat and Petit Verdot. From what I have tasted he is right at the top here in Virginia with those varietals. Along the way he became intrigued by the Norton Grape and is becoming quickly a leader in producing some of the most interesting and compelling Norton wines I have had.Take a listen to the Audio or read the transcript to learn for yourself how Jason approaches producing Norton wines.  Thanks for being a listener to the Fine Wine Confidential Podcast. For more information go to www.finewineconfidential.com

Dr. Bruce Zoecklein is nothing short of an Icon here in Virginia. When he was recruited by VA Tech in 1985 to head up their Enology Program the Virginia Wine Industry was just beginning to take shape and form. Bruce brought a level of knowledge about winemaking that would prove invaluable to the growth of Modern-Day Virginia winegrowing. His credentials are incredible and include authoring over 100 hundred papers and publications about winemaking and wine growing. Topped off by his book on Winery Planning and Design.While Bruce is now Professor Emeritus at VA TECH, he is still very active in the Wine Industry, and I don't see him slowing down. Bruce has been a proponent of Norton. He shares some well-timed insights about Norton and what the future could look like.

Michael Heny spent close to 20 years in winemaking at Horton Cellars before taking the position as winemaker at Michael Shaps Wineworks in 2019. As a result of his many years working with Dennis Horton, who was the person responsible for re-introducing Norton back to Virginia, he has a great deal of knowledge regarding the challenges that Norton can pose both in the vineyard and the cellar.Michael addresses those and brings a different perspective to the dialogue about Norton wines. He also spent the early part of his wine career working with Archie Smith at Meredyth Vineyards. Archie was an early pioneer in Virginia wine growing starting in 1975 and become a well-known legend today. Michael also spent time working for one of the top retail wine merchants in Washington D.C. before taking the position at Horton. This gave him an appreciation for wine from the consumer side of the equation.I always learn something new when I speak with Michael. This is an intriguing interview.  Listen to it above or read the transcript attached.  

In this Episode I interview my friend Scott Elliff the Founder & Owner of DuCard Vineyard along with his winemaker Julien Durantie. It is an in-depth look at how one small Virginia Estate tackles the challenges of growing and producing world-quality wine from the Norton grape. For my part I say, "and they do produce world-quality wine". DuCard happens to be the first winery I ever tasted a bottle of Norton from in my now 45 years of wine industry experience. It opened my eyes to a world of wine I had never encountered which would start me on my journey to taste as many wines produced from Norton and learn exactly what this wine was all about. What I discovered was a rich storied history that dates back to the early 1800's in Richmond, Virginia and Dr. Norborne Norton who is credited with the first propagation of this Wild Grape. Thus the book the "Wild Vine" by Todd Kliman would eventually come to my attention and now serves as the best reference you can find about Norton. All of this as a result of a chance purchase of DuCard Norton by my wife at a farmer's market here in Charlottesville. Thank you Scott. 

Episode # 3 found me in my studio interviewing the owner of Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard Dave Drillock and his winemaker Chelsey Blevins who is quickly being recognized as a young rising star in the Virginia wine industry. Fifty-Third Winery & Vineyard produces an outstanding Norton along with a wide range of wines from both vinifera and hybrid grapes.  They are my favorite what I call off the radar winery here in the Old Dominion. But that is changing rapidly as a result of the steady leadership Dave Drillock provides and the high-quality wines that Chelsey crafts.Fifty-Third is one of the upcoming stars in the Virginia growing constellation. A wine that should be on everyone's list who appreciates wine quality and the unique flavor characteristics that the best Virginia wines have to offer.  

Episode # 2 features Jennifer McCloud the Founder & Owner of Chrysalis Vineyards at the Ag District in Middleburg, Virginia. Along with producing some of the finest Viognier and Albarino in the country she is the proud owner of the largest single vineyard planting of Norton in the world. It makes up over 40 acres of the 70 acres of vineyard land she farms. Chrysalis was founded in 1998. and in addition to producing estate wines, she also has 10 Dairy Cows at the property from which they produce top-quality cheeses to compliment her wines and the food that is available for sale and enjoyment at the Ag District for its visitors and the public at large. Check out the cheeses along with the wines. Jake Blodinger the winemaker at Chrysalis, who joined the operation in 2019 is also part of this interview and brings a unique perspective to the conversation.Because Chrysalis produces several different styles of Norton in both flavor profile and aging ability there is a Norton wine for every occasion whether the wine is to cellar and age or to enjoy today. The Episode is very informative and will give you, the listener, a deeper understanding of what Norton is all about.

This Episode kicks off my new series of Podcasts focusing on wines produced from the Norton grape here in Virginia. In Episode #1 I recorded a conversation between the judges at the Homestead Norton Cup Challenge the weekend of November 3rd & 4th, 2023. It was during the lunch break before the judges finished judging the Final Four Norton wines that had made it into the final round that morning. It is an interesting insight into their thoughts.I especially enjoyed the conversation at the end between Dr. Bruce Zoecklein Professor Emeritus of Enology at Virginia Tech and Todd Kliman the author of the book Wild Vine which details the history of Norton and its origin dating back to 1823 and Dr. Daniel Norton.

This Epilogue to my Montage about Dennis Horton and his contribution to the Virginia wine industry you get the opportunity to hear directly from 3 generations of women in the Horton family.  It was my intent to give them the last word on Dennis Horton. The interview was at Horton Cellars where I sat with Sharon Horton, his wife and partner, Shannon Horton their daughter and Caitlin Horton Shannon's daughter and the current winemaker at Horton Cellars. If was a fascinating experience to capture in their words what he meant to each of them.  I know you will find this a fitting end to Episode #44.

Part 2 of Episode #44 Montage about Dennis Horton features my interviews with Jenni McCloud, Owner and Founder of Chrysalis Vineyards who was inspired by Dennis Horton and planted the largest vineyard of Norton currently in the World. Followed by one of the most respected individual in the Virginia Wine Industry, Luca Paschina General Manager & Winemaker at Barboursville Vineyards.  And last, but certainly not least Lucie Morton one of the foremost Ampelographers and Viticulturist in the world shares her thoughts about Dennis Horton.  This is an action-packed Episode with plenty of stories and insights into what Dennis Horton meant to the Virginia wine industry both in the past and currently today through the continued efforts of his wife Sharon Horton in their vineyards and Shannon Horton their daughter along with Caitlin Horton the winemaker today and Shannon's daughter.Take a listen below or download and read the transcript.  More to come in my Epilogue in the final part of this Episode.  I was fortunate to interview all three of the ladies here fore mentioned and let them have the final word.

Because I never had the opportunity to meet of know Dennis Horton before he passed away, I wanted to include his story and contribution to the Virginia Wine Industry in some fashion.   I was given an idea by Bruce Zoecklein Professor Emeritus of Enology at VA Tech.  He suggested that I interview a handful of folks in the Virginia wine community and have them share with me their thoughts on Dennis and 1 or 2 of their favorite stories.  I thought it was a terrific idea.  So, for Episode # 44 I have undertaken that challenge. In Part 1 of a 2-part Episode I interviewed Bruce Zoecklein, which only seemed fitting because it was his idea and Mike Heny who worked as the winemaker at Horton Vineyards from 1997 up through the harvest of 2017. What I found fascinating about my interviews was that each of the five folks I interviewed, Bruce Zoeckein, Mike Heny, Jenni McCloud, Luca Paschina, & Lucie Morton, all of who I have interviewed before in an Episode featuring them, was they essentially shared with me the same thoughts and impressions about Dennis and his significant contribution to Virginia winegrowing, but from their own vantage point.  I believe you will find Episode # 44, both Part 1 and Part 2 to be entertaining and enlightening. Listen to the audio below or read the transcript.

Arterra Winery was founded by Jason Murray in 2013. Jason is a veteran of winegrowing in Northern Virginia for over 20 years. Arterra, which means "Art of the Land" represents Jason's quest to grow wine in a fashion unseen by most of us in the wine business.  His Marketing moniker is " Clean Wine." When I first heard that I didn't really understand if it was yet another take on "Natural Wine".  I learned in my interview that it is much more than that.Essentially, as Jason describes it simply, he tends his vineyard with the least amount of intervention possible.  His wines are meant to reflect the vintage, what the vineyard gives him is what is in the wine.  Ultimately sealed in Stelvin tin lined screw caps to preserve that character. No new oak is used and no additives or corrections to the wine are added or employed to do anything to adjust the character that the grapes give him in any given vintage. It is a very intriguing interview and tasting is believing.  After trying several of his wines I would tell you that the wines back up his story.  You should check them out for yourself and be the judge.  Listen to the Episode below or read the edited transcript.  

Common Wealth Crush Company is a new exciting  development in the Virginia Wine Industry.  Ben Jordan along with his brother Tim and Jordan and Patt Eagan have opened what I term a winemaker Studio in the historic district of downtown Waynesboro, Virginia.  Conceptually, it will allow small wine brands to have access to a winemaking facility without having to shell out the up-front costs of building their own winery. Common Wealth Crush hopes to be an incubator for future Virginia wine brands and as they grow they will move on being replaced by other new start up wine brands.These types of facilities are available in California and Oregon for their industry but nothing like this exists in Virginia today. This is a ground breaking, forward looking addition to help further grow the footprint for Virginia wine throughout the wine market.Ben must believe this will be successful as he left his position as winemaker at Early Mountain Vineyards in July of this year, where he had been since 2015 as was considered a leader in the growth of quality wine in the Old Dominion.  His brother Tim is also a well-known viticulturalist and winemaker in Virginia.  Patt Eagan their other partner in the enterprise is the business and sales manager.  Between the three of them they bring the necessary experience and skill set to succeed.   This is a team of entrepreneurs to keep an eye on for years to come.

Chris Pearmund has been in the Virginia wine industry for over 30 years.  He started his career in 1990 when he managed to snag an entry level position at Naked Mountain.  He would then purchase Meriweather vineyard in 1996 which has the oldest Chardonnay vines in Virginia today, planted in 1976. The numerous ventures and positions Chris has held in the Virginia Wine Industry is very impressive.  He started Pearmund Cellars in 2002 and today manages that operation along with several others: Vint Hill Winery and Effingham Winery. The later was established as recently as 2015.As you can imagine Chris is quite busy but continues to improve the quality of his wines and never stops and is constantly trying new innovations in the marketing of Virginia wine.You will learn a significant amount about Virginia winegrowing during the past several decades packed into this Episode.Listen below or download the transcript.

Bluestone Vineyard started out as a small family vineyard when Curt and Jackie Hartman were, encouraged by their friends Phil and Lois Kreider, to help them expand their own availability of grapes for the purpose to produce wine for their own personal use in 2003.  In 2007 the decision was made to turn it into a commercial venture and in 2008 they began to plant more vines at their already existing property on the hill alongside of their house.  In 2009 they had their first production of just 500 cases.In 2010 a winery was built when Lee Hartman, their son joined them and assumed the position of winemaker and production manager. His 2010 Cabernet Sauvignon won a Gold at the Governor's Cup competition and was in the inaugural Governor's Case. That wine was also named one of the "37 Great American Wines" by Saveur magazine. He has never looked back.HIGHLIGHTS:a). Lee draws attention to the fact that he was a history major before he started making wine without any formal training or education in Enology. b). We learn what sets the Shenandoah Valley apart from the other wine growing regions in Virginia.c). He explains how the idea and ultimately the execution of putting some of his wine in cans made so much sense to him and why it has worked.d). The story behind the branding with the name Bluestone and how it ties back to the land/vineyard.e). Lee takes pride in the fact that his first vintage, 2010 a Cabernet Sauvignon they produced made in into the Inaugural Governor's Cup Case.f). we get his take on Climate Change and what it has meant to his winemaking.Much, much more.  Read the transcript below or listen to the audio.

Chelsey Blevins would tell you that winemaking found her.  It was in 2010 that she visited Horton Vineyards and was given a full tour of the cellars.  It was after the tour that Mike Heny, who was the winemaker at that time asked her if she wanted to work the harvest.  She said, why not.  Thus, her entry into the wine business.  Next, she got a position at Barboursville Vineyards working in their library tasting cellar.  She caught the wine bug and decided to enroll in the wine program at Piedmont Virginia Community College.  It was there that she met the new owner of Fifty-Third winery David Drillock.  David was intrigued when he saw this student taking copious notes and decided to approach her about a potential assistant winemaker position working under Graham Bell, his winemaker at that time.  She would go on to succeed him in 2019 as the full-time winemaker. Chelsey has had the opportunity to work under some of Virginia's top wine folks like Mike Heny, Luca Paschina and the crew at Barboursville, and Graham Bell.  She is now making her mark and impact on the future of Virginia winegrowing.  She is a star on the rise and someone to watch in the coming years.Listen to the interview below or read the transcript.  I know you will enjoy the Episode

Damien Blanchon was born and raised in the South of France where his family had roots in the Beaujolais Village region of Burgundy. He grew up with wine in his family and when he was 8  years-old he already knew this what he wanted to do--drive a tractor in the vines and be a winegrower.  He would go to school to learn the craft of winemaking and recalls a teacher tell him when he was finishing to gain his degree in Viticulture & Enology that he English would be the most important language he could learn and so he pursued an internship in the U.S.He was fortunate to answer an announcement placed by Matthieu Finot another French winemaker who was working in Virginia and took a position at Old House Vineyards in Culpeper, Va.  He would be at Old House for 5 years before being recruited by Elizabeth & Tony Smith the new owners of Afton Mountain Vineyards.  He would join them in 2011 and has been the winemaker and vineyard manager since.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a). Damien recounts when he was young his grandfather would test him early by giving him a bottle of wine that had been tainted by the cork to see if he detected it.  He did.b). He describes how a teacher of his told him that English would be the most important language he could learn.  This promoted him to take an internship in Virginia.c). Damien talks about his unique approach to vineyard management.  He brews his own concoction of different herbs, and organic teas which he uses to spray the vines in lieu of using large amounts of pesticides and other inorganic sprays that are normally used to fight diseases in the vineyard.d). I was surprised that no research university or organization involved in grape growing had even contacted Damien to learn more about his methods and the results. e). Damien shares he thoughts on Beaujolais and admits his favorite "Cru" was Mont Brouilly.f). Damien speaks about how his Uncle was very involved in the 70's conducting trials for the viticulture department of Beaujolais changing various trellis system inspiring him.Much, Much more.  Listen to the Audio posted below or read the attached text transcript. 

AFton Mountain Vineyards was one of the first of the early farm wineries in Virginia when it was planted in 1978 by David Medford a Chemist from Richmond, Virginia.  However, he named it Bacchanal Vineyards after the Greek god Bacchus.  It would be purchase later by Tom & Shinko Corpora and renamed Afton Mountain Vineyards in 1987.In 2009 Elizabeth & Tony Smith would purchase it.  Elizabeth and Tony were both from Charlottesville, had been married at the Chapel on the campus of UVA and wanted to return to the area after spending several years raising a family in coastal Virginia.Since their purchase they have doubled the acres under vine and currently farm 11 different varietals on 26 acres. They have a full working farm as well.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a).  They share with me the fact that they had several potential sites already that they owned but after consulting with Chris Hill about planting a vineyard they quickly realized those sites won't work.b).  I learn how they would discover Afton Mountain vineyards and when they purchased it in April of 2009, believing they had a winemaker lined-up they moved forward.  Only to find that it didn't work out and Tony Smith found himself now the winemaker.  Under the tutelage of Michael Shaps for the next several years he filled that role.c). in 2011 they were fortunate to recruit Damien Blanchot and he has been the winemaker ever since.d). It was intriguing to learn about the innovative techniques Damien uses to cut back on pesticides and other spray in the vineyard in favor of brewing his own concoctions of herbs and teas to treat the wines.e). It was exciting to learn how they managed to purchase the Historic Brand label of The Monticello Wine Company which was established in late 1800's.  f). some of the original vines which were planted in 1978 still produce today.  Possibly some of the oldest vinifera vines in Virginia.  Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir.Much, much more.  Listen to the Episode below or read the transcript.

Patrick Duffeler purchased his tract of land called Wessex Hundred just outside of Williamsburg, Virginia in 1983 and would start to plant his vineyard in 1985.  Patrick was born in Belgium and after gaining his degree in Economics & Finance from the University of Rochester, New York he started his professional career with Eastman Kodak. He would go on to work in the International Division of Philip Morris in Switzerland as the Director of Marketing and ultimately become President of Fragrances Selective. It was in 1983 that his wife Peggy had convinced them that he needed to slow down and after an exhaustive search they landed in Williamsburg, Virginia.  Along with producing world quality wine Patrick Duffeler has an amazing country Inn called Wedmore Place and several restaurants on the Estate at Wessex Hundred.His winemaker Matthew Meyer came to Williamsburg via California where he earned a degree at UC Davis in both Oenology and Viticulture and after a short stint at Grigich Hills Wine Cellars was recruited by Heitz Wine Cellars and learned directly from Joe Heitz.  Matthew moved to Virginia and took the position as Winemaker in 2002 and has been producing some of Virginia's highest quality wines ever since.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW: a). Matthew recounts his introduction to wine as a young boy when he father was a Burgundian wine drinker vs Claret even though they were from Englandb). He talked about what a gift it was to work for Joe Heitz early in his career.c). He relays his father who was a big Burgundy aficionado would send him bottles of Burgundy because he said he would ruin his palette drinking all that California wine.d). When I ask Matthew about Climate Change he points to the continued issue with late frosts in the Spring and how they are getting later and later.e). Patrick brought an interesting perspective to the art of tasting wine and how when he learned to be a Perfumer when he was running an Internation Fragrance company the professionals told him that they couldn't smell and sniff fragrances and remember more than 18 before they got fatigued. He said the same for wine at the most.  Tasting a 100 wines in one sitting you only remember maybe 3 or 4 at the most.f). Matthew surprised me with his answer to my question about what was that one bottle of wine you had that made you go, that's it, now I get it.  Wine can be that ethereal.  g). Patrick's answer to that question was quite different as he tells the story of his Father taking them to a great restaurant in Perigord and he was served Foie Gras with Monbazillac.h). Matthew shares his theory about why Ca wine is so much higher in Alcohol than it was several decades ago.  he ties it to the new Rootstocks since AXR1 has been replaced.i). Patrick has a thought provoking story about what he calls "the Miracle after Midnight" part of winemaking in France.Much, Much more.  this interview is packed with stories and interesting opinions.  Listen below or read the transcript.

When Bill Curtis opened TASTINGS Restaurant, Wine Bar, & Wine Shop in 1990 it was the first of its kind on the East Coast to combine all these elements under one roof.  Bill has been involved in the Virginia wine and food scene for close to 40 years and has a tremendous Passion still, for the wine world.  He is exceptional in his breadth of knowledge and is especially sharp when it comes to wines from Burgundy, France.Bill is an example of a "fine wine merchant" in the true sense of that descriptor.  He will learn your palate, what your price threshold is and recommend wine that will always please your palate and keep you within your budget.  In my opinion this type of Wine Merchant is harder and harder to find in today's environment of on-line and flash sales.  This interview brought another perspective and look back and forward to winegrowing in Virginia.HIGHLIGHTS:a).  Bill shares how he hosted several of the early Monticello Cup tastings in the 1980's.b).  He explains how he learn to be a chef, (in the kitchen no formal training) and his style and approach to cooking.c). Shares some great stories about the early pioneers in Virginia winegrowing and offers the opinion that Piedmont Vineyards, no longer in operation, produced the best Chardonnay in Virginia at the time and would still stand the test of time against those being produced today.d). Bill shares how he started by buying two bottles of German Wine in 1972 at a Safeway in Va. one of the bottles was Blue Nun and the other was Spatlese from Prince Rupert Urban and the Blue Nun was 10 cents more expensive. It opened his eyes to wine though.e). In 1976 he opens Court Square Tavern and in 1977 he turns it into one of the first specialy beer joints in Charlottesville because that is what sold.There is much, much more of these stories. Take a listen below or read the transcript.

Jennifer McCloud's journey and pursuit to reclaim Norton as Virginia's native grape began in the mid-1990's when she found herself in Charlottesville, Virginia at the Eastern conference of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture, (A.S.E.V.) where Dennis Horton and his winemaking consultant at the time Alan Kinne were speaking about Viognier and Norton, two grape varietals that Dennis had been producing wine from.  She was intrigued and when she had her first taste of Norton it just spoke to her.  She would later engage Alan Kinne to consult for her when she wanted to plant her own vineyard in 1997.Jenni claims to have the largest planting of Norton grapes in the world at 40 acres.  There is no question of her commitment to Norton.  However, she pioneered planting Albarino on the east coast and produces one of the finest of all Viogniers in this country. In addition, here 400+ acre farm has dairy cows from which she produces cheeses to sell at the Ag District outlet, here retail space just off of Virginia Highway 50 in Middleburg, VA.One of the comments Jenni made during her interview resonated with me.  She said: "why not plant a grape vine that wants to grow there, and not try and grow a grape vine that doesn't."  I thought that was an interesting and thought-provoking comment.  Think about it.There is a lot to unpack in this Episode.  Some of the Highlights are:a).  How she went from selling her Tech business to becoming a winegrower in VA.b). The background and deep history of the Norton grape which was propagated in Richmond, Virginia by Daniel Norborne Norton, a medical doctor back in the 1820'sc). Her inspiration and motivation to reclaim Norton as Virginia's grape.d). The challenges she has faced on this journey and the successes she has enjoyed.e). The reasons she believes Norton was not a focus of winegrowing here in the Old Dominion after the repeal of Prohibition.f). Her commitment to the land and how the Ag District became an entity recognized by the state.So much more.  Listen to the Episode below or read the text transcript and learn all you will ever want to know about Norton.

Tim & Peter Rausse were involved in the planting and development of the Gabriele Rausse winery beginning early in their youth.  Although Tim went off to school shortly thereafter, he would return and immerse himself in the operation and winemaking and hasn't looked back.  Peter calls himself the unofficial GM these days and recounts in this Episode how his role is to make sure everything at the winery works.  While Tim continues to stay focused on the vineyard and winemaking side of the winery.  Tim's wife is also a winemaker at a Northern Virginia winery and comes from a winegrowing family in the region located in the Southwest region of France that produces Monbazillac.Between the two brothers the winery is in good hands as their Father, Gabriele continues in his day job as the Director of the Gardens and Grounds at Thomas Jefferson's former estate, Monticello which is just up the road from his namesake winery.This is a classic winegrowing family story. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:a). Peter recounts the story Gabriele often tells about when Peter was 3 years-old he once gave a tour to some guests that were visiting what at the time was called Simeon Vineyards. Simeon Vineyards was planted by Gabriele for the Woodward family in the early 1980s. The guests were amazed as he answered all of their questions accurately an indepth. That vineyard is now called Jefferson Vineyards.b). Surprisingly both Tim & Peter did not feel they were necessarily destined to run and operate the winery while growing up.c). Tim tells the story of when they first started to replant the Redlands Vineyard down the road from them how they went about choosing which varietals to put in the ground. There is a funny story surrounding the reasons behind planting Chasselas Dore and then how they figured out to make wine from it that would sell.d). Tim recounts how his wife and Peter came up with the idea of producing a sulfite free wine and the story behind the interesting naming of Vino dal Bosco.e). Both Tim & Peter had fascinating answers to my question about which wine they remember that got them to say, Ah, that is what wine is all about!Much, much more as I capture what it is like to follow in the footsteps of a wine ICON in the Virginia Wine Business.Listen below or read the text transcript

Michael Heny graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering and Comparative Literature from University of Virginia in 1990.  Hardly, the typical training or studies that would lead to a successful career.  He was in need of a job just out of college when he answered and ad for a position as a cellar worker at Montdomaine Cellars where Shep Rouse was the winemaker.  He remembers Shep tasting wine one afternoon outside the cellar when Shep asked him to join him.  It was the first time he even was exposed to the Tasting of wine.  He  became enthralled with the process there but would end up traveling to Europe only to come back and work the harvest at Meredyth Vineyards under Archie Smith.  He then would move on to a position at Horton Vineyards working under the guidance of two more of the early pioneers in Virginia winegrowing, Alan Kinne and Dennis Horton.  Ultimately, he ended back at the Montdomaine Cellars facility in 2019 but, working as the winemaker at Michael Shaps Wineworks who had purchased the facility in 2007 when it became the home for Michael Shaps wine program.  There are some more twists and turns you will learn about when you listen to the interview.  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE: a). describes being a young boy when he became so curious with a bottle of German wine his parents were given as a souvenir of a trip to Europe his Grand-parents made.  He couldn't resist and opened it and tasted. b). he always wanted to be a Poet, so how he ended up being a noted winemaker for over 30 years in Virginia is an intriguing story.c). He was fortunate to work with several of the early pioneers of Virginia winegrowing and had some truly good mentors.d). One of the odd twists in his career was him working at one of the leading Retail wine merchants in the Country at the time Calvert-Woodley in Washington DC.  It opened his eyes to the wide world of quality wine knew nothing about at the time.e).He makes what I believe is a brilliant statement/observation when I asked him about the future of Hybrid grapes in Va.Much, Much more.  Listen below or read the attached transcript.

Rosemont Vineyards was established in 2003 by Stephan and Chandra Rose on a farm that had been in the Rose family since 1858.  When Stephan retired as a successful Dow Chemical executive, he was interested in returning to the family farm and get back to land, so to speak.  With the help of a family friend, he was introduced to Lucie Morton the world-famous Ampelographer and Virginia based viticultural consultant and expert. After many meetings with Lucie, she determined that it was a good location and the vineyard was planted.Rosemont has a great mix of both French American hybrids, primarily Chambourcin and Chardonel along with an equal amount of Vinifera like Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and some outstanding Syrah. When Stephans son, Justin graduated with a degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 2004 with the help of Lucie Morton he met a Napa well-known winegrower in John Caldwell.  That would lead to him going to Napa Valley College and completing their 2-year program in enology and viticulture in 1-year. He would return to the farm to oversee the completion of the winery in 2006 and become the winemaker for their first vintage in 2007.  This interview provides some insight into winegrowing in the Southern Region of Virginia where there are very few wineries or vineyards.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a). Justin shares his stories of spending time in Napa and being given an opportunity to spend time with John Caldwell along with completing a two-year course at Napa Valley College ub enology and viticulture in a one-year time.  Quite an accomphlishment in and of itself.b). Justin shares the background on the family farm that his Father would decide to retire at and get into the business of wine-growing.c). He also makes it clear he didn't drink much wine before all of this and as a 23 --year-old was introduced to wine through Lucie Morton and her connection to John Caldwell in Napa Valley.d). Justin explains to me how his highly successful Vermouth project began and how much fun he has producing it.e). Equally as interesting is how his Sparkling Wine project began and how unique it is to produce the red wine from Chambourcin and the white sparkling wine from Chardonel.f). Justin makes it very clear that for him and his family it is all about the wine and the quality of the grapes that come from their Estate.Much, much more.  Listen below or read the transcript attached.

In 1999 Jon Wehner and his family established Chatham Vineyards at Church Creek located on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Jon is a second-generation winegrower following in the footsteps of his mother and father who had a small home vineyard for over 30 years in Great Falls, Virginia. The quality of the grapes from that vineyard produced a Vidal Blanc that was the house wine at one of Washinton, C. D. areas finest restaurants for many years, L'Auberge Chez Francois in Great Falls, VA. He grew up learning the art of winegrowing from none other than world renown Ampelographer, Lucie Morton who was the consultant for both of the vineyards--past and present.Chatham Vineyards is the only winery today in the Eastern Shore AVA of Virginia and was one of the first vineyards planted to close spacing of the vines at the instance of Lucie Morton. From her experience from other parts of the world she understood the value of it and what it would mean to quality winegrowing for this new project.Chatham Vineyards current farms 20 acres of varietals and their Steel Chardonnay is recognized as one of the Old Dominions most unique expressions of that grape.  HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a). Jon describes his early years working in his families Great Falls vineyard and why he eventually wanted to settle into that style of living later in his life.b). Jon speaks about the life he and his family enjoy on the Eastern Shore of Virginia and the beauty of his surroundings and the remote nature of the location.c). We learn why he believes they are currently the only winery today located in the Eastern Shore AVA in VA.d). He explains how Lucie Morton was adamant about using close spacing when they planted the vineyard.e). Juanita Swedenborg was a topic of discussion as she was the vintner that made the wine from his family's vineyard in Falls Church and here role in breaking the issues around the ban on direct shipping of wine to the consumer.f). Jon explains what he has seen from Climate Change since he started in the late 1990'sMuch, much more.  It is a great look at a terrific producer of wine that is under the radar screen outside of the Virginia area.  listen to the Episode below or read the attached transcript

Dennis and Sharon Horton planted a small hobby vineyard at their home in Orange, Virginia in 1983.  That hobby turned into the full-time pursuit in winegrowing and in 1989 they planted their first commercial vineyard.  In 1993 their Viognier stunned the experts and was proclaimed the best Viognier in the country.  That quick fame and Dennis ambition to pioneer the growing of many different varietals made an indelible mark on Virginia winegrowing for years to come.  Dennis was once quoted as saying he had probably ripped out more vines and varietals that most vintners had even planted.  There is no question that the Horton's have been the greatest experimenters of grape varietals in Virginia.His work with reviving the grape varietal Norton, the original Virginia grape breed and cultivated in the early 1880's by Dr. Norton from Richmond inspired many others to plant and produce wine from Norton.  The Horton's also were the first to bottle and label a wine Cabernet Franc to complement their work with Norton and Viognier.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE.a). Sharon details Dennis and her move to Central Virginia to start winegrowing and getting their initial vine cuttings for Norton from Stone Hill in Missouri, their home state.b). I find out that Dennis was a self-taught winemaker and the background on it.c). Sharon had an interesting response to my question on how a nurse, (what she did prior to winegrowing) becomes a vineyard manager.  A position she still handles today at Horton.d). I was surprised to learn that Dennis visited Ch. Grillet and took his inspiration from there to grow Viognier in his vineyard.e). 1993 Horton Viognier, their first vintage, propels Horton to fame in the country as the wine gets acclaimed as the best in the country.f). Sharon describes how Dennis continued to grow many different varietals that in the end totaled over 40 in his quest to experiment and find those grape varietals that were best for Virginia.g). Sharon shares the difference in growing Norton vs vinifera in vineyard practices and management.h). Shannon, her daughter, talks about growing up with winegrowing as your environment both as a young kid and now with her own daughter taking over the winemaking at Horton today.A fascinating interview with one of the early pioneers in the modern-day winegrowing here in Virginia.  Much, much more in the Episode.  Listen to it below and the text transcript is also available.  Enjoy

Both Corry Craighill & Ashleigh White have had an interesting start to their careers in the wine industry.  Corry has made wine all over the world and Ashleigh has worked on the West Coast and the East Coast of this country.While Ashleigh had the good  fortune to have her uncle, Jeff White turn the family farm into a vineyard, thus providing her with an opportunity to take a shot at winegrowing-- Corry started by working in the tasting room at Jefferson Vineyards for her first taste of what the wine industry is about.  In my opinion they both have years of success ahead of them and I am sure will make a positive contribution to the future of winegrowing in Virginia.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a). Corry details the early start to her career when she worked in the cellar or vineyard at Blenheim Vineyards, in Australia, where she says because of the size of the operation she hated it. In South Africa and after that back to Blenheim, then Oregon and Central Coast of California.  worked with Michael Shaps and even did a brief stint in Burgundy.  All of this at a fairly young age.b). Ashleigh describes working in California in the Central Coast with Raj Parr and Sashi Moorman, and then back to the vineyards and cellar at Glen Manor Vineyards.  While she never intended this to be her career path, she is loving it and is all in.c). Corry is voted winemaker of the year in Loudoun County in 2019 when she was at Sunset Hills and then takes the position at Septenary and leaves Loudoun for the Monticello AVA and Charlottesville.d).  Both Ashleigh & Corry offer their opinions on the present and future of Virginia wines and provide an interesting perspective from the younger generation.Much, much, more.  Check it out by listening the the Episode or read the Transcript.

Bruce Zoecklein began his career in Enology on the staff at Fresno State University in California.  He was recruited in 1985 by the University of Virginia to head up a new initiative to support the Virginia wine industry.  His West Coast friends thought he was "crazy" as they couldn't fathom that quality wine was being produced in Virginia.  Bruce took the position and relocated to Virginia.  His contribution to winemaking in the Old Dominion has been significant and he is well respected by the Industry at large, not just in Virginia, but throughout the country.  He continues to consult for numerous wine producers in Virginia and the West Coast including Oregon & Washington State as well as California.  He has co-authored books on Enology, written for numerous publications and has been quoted and relied upon for advice to this day.  While he is retired and Professor Emeritus with an office at Virginia Tech he is by no means retired or finished working and making a contribution to the wine industry.HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE INTERVIEW:a).  Bruce details his early career and how he went from teaching Enology at Fresno State University in California to Virginia.b). He goes on to make a comment about how his friends on the West Coast couldn't believe that Virginia could possibly produce quality wine.c). He explains how he was recruited for the position at Virginia Tech University in 1985.d). Bruce expands on the progress that he has seen and has been a part of during the past three decades of winegrowing in the Old Dominion.e). Specifically he explains how in his opinion the 2003 vintage in Virginia, which was more than challenging proved to him that Virginia had arrived and could produce good wine in a wet year.f). He answers my question about the difference in growing grapes in Virginia vs the West Coast.h). Bruce gives me his thoughts and opinions on the future of Hybrid grapes and wine in Virginia.i). He wrote a terrific opinion piece for Wines & Vines in  the February 2018 edition about the effect of Climate Changes on Winegrowing and responds to my questions about Climate Change with the authority of an Enology Professor who grasps the significance of what is happening.Much, much more.  Listen below or read the text transcript.

Paradise Springs Winery was founded in 2007.  However, the Fairfax County Board challenged the Wiles family's right to open a winery and start a vineyard.  There was over two years of litigation which Kirk and his mother eventually prevailed and won.  During that two year period Kirk was so confident that with the help of consultant and Virginia vintner Chris Pearmund they began to produce small amounts of wine in 2007.  Once Paradise Springs became active and started selling wine their brand took off.  It was in  2014 during a trip Kirk made to Southern California visiting some friends that they took a trip up to Santa Barbara wine country and it was then he got the idea to see if he could also make wine on the West Coast to compliment what he was doing back in Virginia on the East Coast.  He was fortunate to meet the right wine industry folks in Santa Barbara like Greg Brewer and Doug Margerum who is his consulting winemaker today for his winery in Santa Barbara.  Kirk is currently the Chair of the Virginia Wine Board and just recently purchased some additional land next to King Family Vineyards in Crozet that he is beginning to develop to a vineyard.  He has put together and all star team to help him in Lucien Morton, the world re-known  Ampelographer and viticulturist along with Bubba Beasley a geologist in Charlottesville who works with wineries on digging soil pits and infra-red imaging of the soil to determine the right spots and varietals to plant.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EPISODE:a). Kirk explains the how and why on the challenge they had to overcome starting their winery when the county of Fairfax tried to stop them.b). He also admits that during that two year litigation between 2007 and 2009 he went ahead and produced wine with the help of another winery and consultant. A bold move even if he believed the law was on his side.  Which eventually proved to be true.c).  Kirk clarifies that his family had been given originally over 1000 acres as a land grant from Lord Fairfax  back in 1716. d). Unexpectedly, during a visit to Southern California to see some friends he visits Santa Barbara wine country and eventually starts producing wine from the winegrowing region and becomes the first bi-coastal winery in the country.e). Kirk is one of only a few vintners who is fortunate to get grapes from the Founders Pinot Noir Block at Sanford & Benedict in Santa Barbara.Much, much more.  Take a listen or read the transcript below

Joy Ting fell for the wine bug after a trip visiting here boyfriend, now her husband, while he was stationed in Northern California during his stint in the Air Force.  They took a trip to Napa Valley and that experience intrigued the both of them.  When they settled in Charlottesville, Virginia because he got a position at University of Virginia in the medical department she realized quickly that her degree in Marine Biology wasn't going to lead to a budding career there.  After taking some teaching positions she start to take the accredited viticulture courses at Piedmont Valley Community College in Charlottesville and would then teach several course in the Science of Wine. She got her big break when Michael Shaps hired her in 2013 as his Lab Technician at Michael Shaps Wineworks.  Because of the contract winemaking that Michael was doing they could afford a full-time Lab person.  Eventually, she would move into the role of the production manager in 2015 and from 2016 to 2018 she took on the winemaking duties as Jake Busching who was there moved into the vineyard side of the business..The Winemakers Research Exchange which Joy is currently in charge of as the Coordinator began started when it received a grant from the Monticello Wine Trail in 2014.  In 2016 WRE was funded in total by the Virginia Wine Board and was extend its services to the entire state of Virginia and its winegrowers.Additionally, Joy still produces small amounts of wine under her own wine label, Joy Ting Wine.  Well worth a search if you can find any as they are terrific expressions of the specific vineyards and terroir she sources grapes fromHIGHLIGHTS:a).  She recounts her trip to Napa and how it has such an effect on both her and her husbanc.b).  Explains how she was fortunate to get in the wine business after having a degree in Marine Biology, Biology being her first love.c). Gives me some perspective on why working for Michael Shaps at his Wineworks was so instrumental in her knowledge and development in both research and winemaking, which she still enjoys today.d). Recants that when she took the position at Winemakers Research Exchange, (WRE) she wanted to still continue to make wine on her own and they not only agreed but believed she should continue as it would remind her daily of what the winemakers she would be working with at WRE were experiencing.  In essence to keep her in touch with the reality of winegrowing.e).  Shares stories from the early days of during the formation of what would become WRE when a small group of winemakers received a grant from the Monticello Wine Trail which would ultimately lead to the Virginia Wine Board taking over the funding at substantially higher levels allowing for her full-time positions as the Coordinator and extending it to the entire state of Virginia and its winemaking community.f). Joy shares her opinion about the future of winegrowing in Virginia and the role that hybrids will most likely play along with grape varietals that are being developed for the future.Much, Much more.  It is a terrific interview and you can download the full text transcript on my website.   Thanks for listening.

Jake Busching got his start in Virginia winegrowing after he moved to Richmond Virginia and was a struggling musician working in the restaurant business to make a living.  Eventually he would move to Charlottesville and take a position at Jefferson Vineyards working for the Woodward family.  When Chris Hill, the consulting viticulturist at Jefferson Vineyards realized that Jake knew his way around a farm and could repair equipment he made a point of getting him into the vineyard side of the business and his career grew from there.  Michael Shaps we there at the time and he would along with Chris Hill be instrumental in Jake's early career. He would go on to work at Horton, Keswick Vineyards, Pollack and Grace Estate before joining forces with Michael Shaps, once again, as the head winemaker and GM for Michaels Contract winemaking piece of Shap's Wineworks.  It was there that Jake started to produce a small amount of wine under his own label and would continue making wine under Jake Bushing Wines.  During a stint of teaching viticulture at PVCC in Charlottesville he met  Aaron Hark who with his wife wanted to plant a vineyard and were taking classes at PVCC to learn about winegrowing. It was there that Jake and Aaron met and ultimately after Jake had started his own consulting business he would become the wine grower at Hark Vineyards in 2017 and manage their vineyard estate.  He remains there today.HIGHLIGHTS:a).  Jake explains how a Minnesota native who grew up on a cattle ranch would come to Virginia and eventually start a career in the wine industry.b).  He goes on to detail after going to work for Stanley Woodard at Jefferson Vineyards Chris Hill would bring him over the vineyard side of the operation and have a significant impact on his career path and future.c). He touches on his relationship with Michael Shaps at times in the interview and how that influenced his career and the understanding about the winemaking side of the business.d). Jake shares a great story of how he sub in for Chris Hill teaching viticulture classes at Piedmont Valley Community College and how that would eventually lead to the relationship with Aaron Hark and come to be his winegrower at Hark Vineyards to this day.e). Jake explains to me why he likes working with Cabernet Franc here in Virginia.f). He goes on to describe the difference between the fruit from Shenandoah Valley vs. the Monticello AVA.g). Jake was there right at the table when the Winemakers Research Exchange was birthed.  A complete result of when Bruce Zoecklein retired as the active Enologist at Va Tech.  Learn more and in greater detail when you listen to the Podcast Episode or read the text transcript below.

Walsh Family Wine was birthed when Nate and Sarah Walsh had the opportunity to lease  Bethany Ridge Vineyard and produced their first wine, a Sauvignon Blanc in 2014.  Several years later they entered an agreement with the owners of North Gate vineyard and winemaking facility where they had been sharing space since 2017.  They would end up purchasing it. They now produce wine from several vineyards they farm which includes Bethany Ridge, which they would eventually expand from its original 4.5 acres to 25. Twin Notch Farm which they developed along with the purchase of North Gate Vineyards. They also buy Merlot from Russ Mountain and negotiated a lease that has them farming the vineyard as well.  Nate & Sarah have made a name for themselves as one of the leading wine producers in Loudon County. Nate is active in Virginia Vineyards Association and just recently was appointed to the Virginia Wine Board by Governor Ralph Northam. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a). just out of college and looking for a job Nate answers and ad and goes to work during harvest at Horton Vineyards where he would remain for 3 years.b). He then decides he wants to travel and see other wine regions and gets a job in Oregon and then goes to Central Otago in New Zealand after getting an appreciation and love for Pinot Noir.c). In 2008 he returns to Virginia and the owners at Sunset Hills a prominent winery in Loudon County in Northern Virginia takes a chance on him and he takes over as the winemaker.d). Nate and Sarah begin to produce limited amount of wine in 2014 from Bethany Ridge and for the next several years they are moving from winery facility to facility as they have no winery of their own.  He describes how difficult that was.e).  He gets excited when he let's me know they have planned 1 acre of Chenin Blanc.  f). Nate discusses the future of winegrowing in Virginia and the impact that he has already seen from Climate Change when I ask him about growing hybrids.Much, much  more.  Listen below and download the text transcript.

The Glen Manor property has been in Jeff White's family since 1901. However, it was Jeff who saw the potential that the family property had as an ideal site for a vineyard. He planted his first vines at Glen Manor Vineyards in 1995.  A mere 1.2 acres of Sauvignon Blanc.  At the time Jeff was working for and learning about winegrowing from Jim Law at Linden Vineyards.  He would sell his grapes to Jim for a number of years until he ultimately  planted additional vines and started to produce his own wine with the 2007 vintage. His wines are among the best grown today in Virginia and Jeff, who insist he is just a farmer, is widely respected throughout the Virginia wine industry and his wines are an example of why Virginia is one of the most exciting emerging wine regions in the world.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a). Jeff explains why he left the defense industry where he was working to move to his families farm and work with his father on his Christmas Tree business and his grandfathers Cattle farm.  The same farm that he would later plant a vineyard and become a winegrower.b). Jeff chronicles how he was able to get a summer intern position with Professor Tony Wolf at the Agriculture Research and Extension Center near Winchester not far from his families property and the influence that had on him.c). Next he describes how he managed to get Jim Law at Linden Vineyards to take him on as his assistant and he would ultimately worked at Linden for 12 years.d). Jeff answers my question about a possible generational pass at Glen Manor by explaining that his niece Ashleigh White is now working closely with him in the vineyards and he hopes that she will carry on the family name when the time comes for him to slow down.e). Jeff explains the importance of elevation for vineyard sites in Virginia. Glen Manor is at 1400 ft.f). When I asked him what varietal he is excited about he speaks to just recently  planting Nebbiolo and is optimistic about the future of making wine from it.Much, much more.  Listen below.  You can also read the text transcript attached.  

Tony Wolf by all measures has contributed a significant amount of research and experience that has advanced winegrowing in Virginia during the past 35 years.  He has been the Director of the Alson H. Smith, Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center for the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, (VA Tech) since 2004. He has published many articles that have been Peer Reviewed about Viticulture and is considered one of the leading authoritative voices in the field of Horticulture in the Eastern United States.  His Father was a scientist and instilled a passion and love for Horticulture in him at a  young age. He even had a small  vineyard of just 12 vines.  He currently splits his time between, extension and research, with his administrative and teaching responsibilities as a Professor.  Tony shared his views throughout the interview on past and present practices in Virginia winegrowing and his thoughts on what the future might hold. HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW: a). Tony describes how he was influenced by his Father who was a scientist to pursue a career in horticulture.b). mentions having a small vineyard, only 12 vines.c). He recounts how when he was going to school at Cornell and the position at Virginia Tech opened up his professor advised him he should probably pursue the position and finish his schooling later. Which he did.d). I asked him why pursue a career in viticulture in Virginia and not on the west coast and he shares his reasons for wanting to stay on the East Coast having been raised just 20 miles from Winchester VA where he now works.e). He further goes into why he pursued viticulture over enology.f). Tony gives his insights into what the future for Virginia winegrowing may look like including a comment that he believed in 2050 we might be growing grape varietals that don't even exist today.There is so much good information both history and potential future for winegrowing in this Episode that it is a must listen for anyone who is curious about what winegrowing in Virginia and the East really entails.  Listen below and you can also download the text transcript attached.

Keswick Vineyards was established by Al and Cindy Schornberg in 2000 on a property that has Virginian historical roots dating back to 1727.  Stephen Barnard joined them in 2002 which was their first vintage and jumped right into making the wine.  He left in 2004 and rejoined Keswick in 2006 and has been the winemaker and vineyard manager ever since.  Stephen got his start in wine at Groot Constantia Winery the oldest winery in his native country South Africa.  First as a tour guide, then as a cellar worker and finally as the assistant winemaker.  He would eventually enroll in an intern program at Ohio State that led to his future in Virginia.  Stephen philosophy of winemaking is minimal intervention and Keswick is one of the few wineries that ferments the majority of its wines without the addition of yeast and prefers not to fine or filter any of their reds since the 2006 vintage.HIGHLIGHTS OF THE INTERVIEW:a).  Stephen explains why he left South Africa where he had a budding career as a winemaker to relocate to Virginia and take a chance in a emerging winegrowing region in the U.S.b).  Stephen details what was behind him leaving Keswick in 2004 after working for several harvests as the winemaker at Keswick he left to take a position at Rappahannock Cellars and then  later return to Keswick in 2006 where he has been since.c). The property that is Keswick today has deep historical roots that go back to 1727 but Stephen shares a modern history fact that Art Garfunkel once owned the property. d).  I bring up the idea that perhaps Petit Manseng could be to Virginia what Chenin Blanc is to South Africa only to learn that South Africa grows more Chenin Blanc that all the rest of the world.  Interesting fact.e).  Stephen speaks to why he has fallen in love with Cabernet Franc and why he believes it is the ideal grape varietal for Virginia.f). Stephen talks about the collaboration between the various vintners and the mutual feeling that they are all in this together.  When one succeeds, they all succeed.  What a refreshing interview this was.  You can check it out below and also review the transcript.