Inside the Bunghole...A Journey through Wine

Send us a textA Legacy Rooted in Wine and FamilyThe episode kicks off with lighthearted banter and a warm welcome to the first Inside the Bunghole episode of 2025, featuring Michael Keenan of Keenan Wines in Napa Valley. Michael shares the multigenerational story of his family's vineyard, which began when his father, Robert Keenan, was inspired by his father-in-law's wine collection and purchased the Spring Mountain property in 1974. At the time, Napa was far from the food and wine mecca it is today, but Robert had a vision of producing first-growth quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Spring Mountain's ideal east-facing slopes and abundant water supply made it the perfect location. Michael reminisces about the winery's origin, including its ghost winery roots (the property housed a winery from 1890–1930) and the early Bordeaux varietals they were the first to plant on that specific land.From Wandering Seeker to Reluctant WinemakerMichael's personal journey into winemaking wasn't direct. After high school, he traveled the world, became a vegetarian, and meditated in India before returning home in 1977. Initially working the harvest temporarily, he pursued a career in carpentry and general contracting for over 20 years. A family dispute later separated him from the winery, but after the death of his stepmother and reconciling with his father, Michael took over operations in 1998 with one condition: total control. Over time, he reestablished the winery's reputation, embraced a restrained, old-world style of winemaking, and distanced himself from overly ripe Napa wines, aligning more with French techniques that emphasized balance, savoriness, and complexity.Craft, Chemistry & the Keenan IdentityThe conversation shifts into the mechanics of winemaking—Michael explains his preference for mostly neutral barrels and minimal oak influence, likening barrel use to salt in cooking: essential but never overpowering. He also criticizes the use of additives like MegaPurple, which mask a wine's true characteristics and require toxic stabilizers. As the discussion continues, Michael shares stories about label design rooted in family history, his deepening pride in the winery over time, and the upcoming 50th vintage celebration. Notably, the Tribute wine—a 50/50 blend of Bordeaux clones—symbolizes both a viticultural and emotional milestone, coinciding with his father's passing and marking a profound evolution in both the vineyard and Michael's stewardship.Cheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Send us a textWelcome to Season 5!  Who would have thunk?!  We start this season off with a bang as we are interviewing Angela Mondavi...not only an accomplished 4th generation wine maker, from an iconic family in American viticulture, but she is an ass kicking entrepreneur, with several businesses under her belt, of course they pertain to the family business of making AMAZING wines.  The Mondavi family has a checkered past where 1/2 the family pursued winemaking under the family name of Mondavi, while the other half stayed true to their beginnings at their historic Charles Krug winery in Napa Valley.  Cheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Send us a textJames and Pam had an amazing time at the 2024 Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival, put on by Hocker Productions.  Join them as they look back on the interviews with some great wine families, wine experts they met and discovered there.  Make sure to visit palmspringsfoodandwine.org if you are planning a visit to Palm Springs in the fall.  This event is a MUST if you are going to be in the area.  The foodies (and winos) will not be disappointed!  Great guest speakers, celebrity chefs, and of course some beautiful wines, mostly boutique wines that are hard to find, but well worth the search!  As Michael Green said, "I can't separate a glass of wine from the people I shared it with."Cheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Send us a textHave you ever thought about a career where drinking wine was actually a necessary part of your job description?  Well, look no further!  Scott Halterlein, who is a wine rep for Breakthru Beverage Group, one of the very top distributors in the US, gives us the ins and outs, ups and downs of what it takes, besides a liver of steel, to become a successful beverage distributor.  A very fun show, learning about some of the career choices you have if you want to break into the adult beverage industry!  It's not all fun and games and debauchery!Cheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Send us a textThe tasting room of Auteur wines is exquisitely unique...a beautiful, quaint bungalow purchased from the 1915 Sears and Roebuck catalog and restored at its current location in the heart of downtown Sonoma, a little slice of history!What is better than this nostalgic location are the wines that Auteur Wines is producing!  Specializing in Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, we tasted wines from sixteen vineyards that they source their grapes, throughout the coastal climate of Northern California.  Auteur specializes in small-batch wines that highlight the terroir.  Join us as we taste and chat with Angie, the Director of Sales and Marketing.  She gives us a history lesson on Sonoma and gives us insight into the sustainable winemaking efforts of Kenneth J.  Next time you are in Sonoma, definitely call for an appointment, 707-938-9211, and get transported by the wistful surroundings and the beautiful wines of Auteur!www.auteurwines.comFB: Auteur WinesInsta: @auteurwinesx: @auteurwinesCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Send us a textOn our recent road trip to Sonoma, we had an enchanting visit to Three Sticks tasting home, the 1842 Vallejo Casteñada Adobe  in downtown Sonoma.  We were equally captivated by the charm and history of the downtown area, and the amazing wines of 3 sticks!  We got to sit down with Director of Winemaking, Ryan Prichard who is known for crafting distinctive estate pinot noir and chardonnay wines that showcase Three Sticks' iconic Sonoma County vineyards.  You can really taste the terroir from the very unique locations where Three Sticks grows their grapes!Prichard was named by Wine Enthusiast as one of the Maestros of Chardonnay in 2022.  But we think he nailed them ALL! This episode is part wine appreciation, part wine education, and what an amazing teacher!  Thank you, Ryan for an incredible experience!Find out more about their wine club and wines at:threestickswines.comFB & Insta: @threestickswinesCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Send us a Text Message.Meet Matthew Villard, the passionate owner and winemaker behind MCV. He is on a mission to create a name for Petite Sirah wines, and doing a great job at it!  His love for wine blossomed around the family dinner table, fostered by his European-minded parents' perspective on alcohol. Matt pursued his wine education at the University of California, Davis.This is truly a family affair, Mathew, along with his wife, Teresa and his sons, are often times found in the tasting room in Paso.  Make sure to check in to their wine club as they host some great events, with pairing unusual menus with his unique wines.  His passion for the Petite Sirah grape is evident, infusing each bottle with his unwavering commitment to quality.From vine to glass, Matt's dedication shines through in every sip of MCV wine.www.mcvwines.comInsta:  @mcv_winesCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Send us a Text Message.At some point, serious wine lovers will have the same thought..."What if I quit my job and start a winery"?  Some will dwell on it for years, some for only a few seconds, and then there are those like Michael and Charlie Havill who actually do it.Still committed to growing and providing grapes to award-winning wineries, Bella Grace now has a fully-operation winemaking facility, including a custom-designed and engineered wine cave, built-in 2011, that houses the handcrafted current vintage – all aged in oak barrels. The wine cave serves as a focal point of the property with its 12-feet high wide barrel storage design.Pam and James spend an afternoon with Jess Havill talking about the history of Bella Grace and Amador county, which is one of the oldest AVAs in California, and tasting his amazing wines.  Find out about Big Bertha and her unique features in making a great Barbera wine!Don't miss the egg  story sure to crack you up. Cheers  www.bellagracevineyards.comCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Send us a Text Message.Wow!  What a legend!  Gary Eberle not only shares his great wines, he also shares his rich history from Pennsylvania to Paso, and his part in making Paso Robles a destination wine region in California!Gary released his first Cabernet Sauvignon in 1979, depicting the now iconic boar logo, which pays homage to the German origin of the name Eberle, which means "small boar".  If you are lucky enough to visit this mainstay winery in Paso, you will likely find Gary sitting at his Mondavi inspired table, decked out in casual shorts and enjoying a bottle of his Reserve Cab.  He's happy to chat and regale the visitor in the history of his winemaking and of the Paso Robles region!Another amazing tribute to Mondavi is that Eberle doesn't charge for his tastings or tours of the vineyard, which makes THIS stop on your Paso wine tour certainly a best buy in our books!Cheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Pam, James and (introducing for the 1st time as a host) German , who has been a guest, fan and supporter of Inside the Bunghole since the very beginning, are off to Paso Robles.  Our first stop is Tooth & Nail.  Join us as we sit down with Jeremy Leffert, Director of Winemaking.  We find out how Jeremy got in to wine making and about his history with Tooth & Nail.  We also talk about the history of Paso Robles as a leading AVA ( JARGON ALERT

Welcome to our 4th season!  This year we kick it off with a field trip to Grape Expectations, where James and I and a few other bungholers took the winemaking class and ended up with a lot of knowledge and a few cases of our very own, and if I do say so myself, very delicious wine!  We made a Super Tuscan made with grapes sourced just outside of Napa; 67% Sangiovese, 14% Merlot, 14% Cabernet Sauvignon, and 5% Syrah.  WOW is all I can say!  The wine was fantastic, and the experience was just as special!Cheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

James and I are on a field trip to Stockton and caught up with Astronaut  turned wine maker, Jose Hernandez.  We first tried his wines at a wine tasting at La Fe, our regular haunt in Palm Desert, and decided we needed a re-visit.  His story is fascinating...so fascinating that Amazon decided to produce a feature film on his life.  Just released on Amazon Prime, titled A Million Miles Away, is his out of this world journey.We talk to Jose about his journey and how he ended up coming full circle back to "the earth",  growing and making Tierra Luna wines!  Its a fun, inspirational podcast that will launch your motivation, and the power of the mantra "never give up"!!www.tierralunacellars.com@astronautjosehernandez@tierralunacellars#amillionmilesawayCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

If you are around the Palm Springs area on Veteran's Day come join Pam, James, Don, German, Lisa Wherry and Jeff Hocker at Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival – Saturday, Nov 11!Explore the finest international cuisine from world renown food purveyors and award-winning chef owned restaurants, watch LIVE celebrity and emerging chef and mixology demonstrations, experience elevated wine and spirits tastings, talented musicians throughout the Pavilion amid a breathtaking backdrop.Must be 21+ to attendIn this episode of Inside the Bunghole find out about this great event and how you can get tickets!  Also, what it takes to put on an event of this caliber.  Jeff Hocker is well versed in putting on amazing events and Lisa Wherry has amazing connections in the wine industry to make this event one NOT TO BE MISSED!!  You know we'll be there and we hope to see YOU!!For more information on which high profile chefs, wines, and restaurants will be serving and demonstrating visit palmspringsfoodandwine.orgCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Oh BOY!  What happens when 3 great friends, and several bottles of wine meet in one crazy evening?  Well, this episode of Inside the Bunghole is what happens!Don gifted Pam a bottle of wine with the explicit instructions NOT TO DRINK for 5 years, and Pam actually listened!  Listen, if you dare, as they uncork a 2011 French Bordeaux  to see if this bottle of wine aged well, and if these clowns are even sober enough to judge it!  It was a fun filled evening, culminating in frivolity, laughter and maybe a little bit of wine knowledge...but we promise, not much!This is not our usual, but it was a fun experiment, that went off the rails before we even began our journey Inside the Bunghole!Cheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Today we interview Sandra Gomes-Rocha of Diniz Cellars,  whose missions is to bring wines from her homeland of Portugal to the US.  Diniz Cellars is a passion project as Sandra's goal is to expose the talent and history of Portuguese winemaking to the palates of Americans!  In Portugal, wine is part of the family, part of everyday life, and something always to be shared.  They are beautiful and unusual wines from an undiscovered, but up and coming wine region.  The weather and the terroir is very conducive to growing great grapes for delicious wines, and Sandra has quite a portfolio of amazing wines from all over Portugal.And let's talk about VALUE!  You really can't beat these wines especially for the price.  Some amazing wines you simply must try.  It will make you curious for more!  www.dinizcellars.com#portuguesewinegirlCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

WOW!!  What an interview with the incomparable Jon Simmons of Hugo's Cellar restaurant in the 4 Queens, downtown Freemont Street in Las Vegas.  Jon shares not only his knowledge and approach to wine, but boy, oh boy, does he have some amazing stories of Las Vegas, the mob, Sinatra...just to name drop a few!  This episode is longer than most, but you will be captivated by his amazing career, and his no-nonsense, down to earth approach on wine!  I just wish we could keep on going.  We definitely left the door open for another visit...plus we LOVE going to Hugo's Cellar, so any excuse is a good excuse, but this is the BEST excuse ever!From great historical perspective, to sensible advice on ordering the "right" wine, this is a don't miss episode.www.fourqueens.com/diningFB/Insta: @hugoscellar@4queenshotelandcasinoCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Place your seatbacks up and put your trays in the upright position as we taxi the runway to one of the most unique destinations for wine tasting around, Bouschet wine bar!  In a retro strip mall in South Palm Springs, CA there is a little wine bar with big surprises inside!  Join us as we chat it up with the owners Dennis Costa and Tom Beatty, each bringing their passion and knowledge to wow their customers!Dennis has an extensive winemaking background.  His family actually had a farm and grew wine grapes.  Early in his career Dennis worked for Mondavi wines, personally farming 200 acres from planting to harvesting, before they sold the farm to Sebastian Vineyards.Tom was an international flight attendant for 33 years, traveling to every continent except for Antartica (which has limited capacity for growing good grapes for wines

You can enjoy a nice bottle of wine, but once you know what REALLY goes in to making wine, you can truly appreciate all of its nuances.  Well, we couldn't call ourselves true students of wine without exploring what it takes to make our own now, could we?  Although we believed that anything we made would likely be barely drinkable, at best, we still felt the need to pursue this noble craft!  How surprised and delighted were we to find Grape Expectations in Henderson, NV, a wine making school with genuine winemakers from Vegas Valley Winery professionally caring for your barrel! Throughout the process Patty Peters and her team make sure that all of the steps are adhered to, to make a great tasting wine! So the gist is you and 20 of your closest friends get together 4 times over the process and choose the grapes you want to blend.  Class 1 is crushing the grapes.  Once crushed we add the yeast and some other goodies for fermentation.  Exactly one week later, in the 2nd class, we press the grapes and barrel the wine.  Now we wait for about 3 months to meet our barrel mates again and for class 3, we rack our wine, which means we pump our wine into a stainless steel vat (all with the help of the Grape Expectations team), rinse the barrel of all the sediment and yeast, so the wine has better contact with the barrel, then pump the wine back in.  We taste the wine in each step and can tell that it is coming along nicely and starting to develop a very nice flavor!  Then sit back and wait a few more months for our last official class where we bottle and label (with labels that we design) our wine.  Each barrel produces about 20 cases of wine, so for the price of our class we take home a case of our very own wine!  What an amazing way to learn!  Now after our wine is bottled, Grape Expectations has an amazing "release" party, called the Bacchus Awards, which is also a competition amongst our peers and fellow wine makers who made their own barrels.  We are judged on the wines and the labels at an enormous, rowdy party typically held annually at the Orleans hotel.We give this adventure a huge thumbs up!  If you can't come up with a team of 20 (or enough people to buy all of your cases), Patty will get you on a Social barrel team, so there is fun for ALL!  So much fun and so much knowledge and appreciation gained!  To get a hold of Patty and to learn more visit the website grapeexpectationslasvegas.com or email her at umakeadawine@grapexlv.com.FB: GrapeExpectationsLasVegasInsta: grapeexnvCheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Welcome to 2023!  Inside the Bunghole's Pam, Don and James visit their favorite local wine bar in the Coachella Valley, La Fe on the World famous El Paseo!  We interview one of the owners, German to find out how and why Richard and he decided to go into unchartered territory and open a wine bar!  We'll talk about the pitfalls and challenges of a pandemic and growing a business in a trying economy, to new and exciting partnerships with winemaker Brandon Alvarez of Camden Wines.Find out more about these guys on their social media:Instagram and Facebook for La Fe: @lafewinebarInstagram for Camden Wines:  @camdencellars_Cheers! Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us! We LOVE to hear your comments! Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

Imagine drinking wine for a grape cause...your cause!  We are joined by winemaker, Mari Wells Coyle from One Hope Wines, which has a totally unique and fun way to learn about wines, while making money for your favorite charity!Think Tupperware party, but MUCH, MUCH more fun!  One Hope has set up a business model where you throw a wine tasting party, sampling the amazing wines of One Hope, and proceeds go to your favorite charity...talk about a win/win (or should we say wine/wine).  One Hope has donated over $8,000,000 to local and global causes.  The mission of One Hope is to share wine and give hope.  Their wine is fantastic and their business model makes you feel great about drinking it!They are excited to announce their new tasting room in the heart of Napa Valley.  You can purchase their wines on line and join the wine club, you can support your favorite non-profit, and you can even earn money becoming a cause entrepreneur.  Sometimes  thinking "outside the bunghole", while listening to Inside the Bunghole can make this world a better place.  CHEERS!Find out more about them at www.onehopewine.comOn the YouTube Channel - OneHopeWineInstagram @onehopeTwitter @onehopewineFB OneHope Wine

We had a fantastic adventure in Valle de Guadalupe in Baja Norte, less than an hour east of Ensenada.  We had the absolute pleasure of staying at the beautiful airbnb Nativo, which, unbeknownst to us, had such a wonderful winery, and winemaker Benjamin Peña Guerrero,  with a unique story of how he changed careers mid-life from being a successful architect, who designed many of the wine cellars in Valle and caught the winemaking bug...and boy did he make a good decision.  Honestly, some of the most unique, beautiful wines we have ever tasted.  Valle de Guadalupe has outstanding wines that take on the taste of the terrior with some salinity and a climate perfectly suited for growing amazing grapes, some of which we were unfamiliar with, and WOW are they delicious.  The food scene in Valle is impressive and at Nativo there is an outdoor restaurant serving delicious steaks and fresh seafood that pairs beautifully with their boutique wines.Do yourself a favor and plan a trip down Mexico way to visit our friends at Nativo and enjoy some beautiful wines and great food!https://www.facebook.com/Nativo-Vinicola-103944153020545/@nativo.vinicola on Instagramhttps://www.airbnb.com/rooms/16616981 for airbnb

We are so excited to sit down with Dave Fraschetti, who puts on several wine events in California including Vin Diego in San Diego, Rancho Mirage Food and Wine Festival, and the Palm Springs Pinot Noir Fest.  He gives us some insight on what it takes to put on such an event and why his events have been so successful!Dave's philosophy is really about educating.  He is very selective about which wineries are invited to participate in his upcoming Passion 4 Pinot (Palm Springs Pinot Noir Fest), to be held on January 8, 2022 at the JW Marriott's Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, CA.  At this event you will find 60 top-tier, world-renowned wine makers from Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Napa, Lodi, Willamette Valley...all who are known for their amazing Pinot Noirs, and the perfect growing conditions for this fickle grape.A true food wine, Pinot Noir is a very special grape that is enhanced by a great meal, and a great meal makes this delicious, soft bodied wine even more magical!  Palm Springs Pinot Noir Fest is taking place in Palm Desert, CA at the beautiful JW Marriott's Desert Springs resort on January 8, 2022.  This event was a sell out in its 1st year and is sure to be a sell out in January!Want to join us?  Buy tickets at palmspringspinotfest.com and as a listener of Inside the Bunghole you will receive $10 off the ticket price!  Just add promo code BUNG when you check out!  We'd LOVE to see you there and share a glass of Pinot with you!https://palmspringspinotfest.com

WOW is all I can say about Valle de Guadalupe, the wine region that we recently visited just east of Ensenada in Baja Mexico!  Quite possibly THE BEST WINES we have ever tasted...and believe me, we have tasted ALOT of wine!  This episode we were so lucky to meet Kristen at Lechuza Wines, and taste what truly is a passion project for her and her family, and you can taste the love in every drop!  The winery, which was named for the little owls that occupy the land, was started by Ray and Patty Magnussen in 2005, and released its first vintage in 2007.  Kristen, Ray's daughter, has carried on his vision of creating a unique selection of wines.  We tasted an amazing Sav. Blanc/Chardonnay blend, Vuelo.  Usually If you are a fan of either one of these grapes, you are pretty loyal, but this wine will make a believer out of you!Kristen's story of what it is like to start and run a family business, a winery, in a small town south of the border, raising a family and being an entrepreneur is fascinating and WE hope will make you want to visit one of the most untapped wine regions IN THE WORLD!  Easy to get to, beautiful, safe, some of the most amazing people you'll find anywhere, and the wines (over 300 wineries)are PHENOMENAL...put this one on your bucket list!www.vinoslechuza.com#elvalledeguadalupe#larutadelvino#vinoslechuza

We had the amazing opportunity to sit down in the backyard of renowned winemaker Paul Warson to discuss his newest venture...his own label, Warson Wine.  With the support of his many contacts in the wine community, and a (strong) nudge from his wife, he was able to launch his own brand.  We talk about his background, being the winemaker and general manager of Firestone, in the Santa Ynez Valley for Bill Foley.  We ask him about some of the challenges he's faced launching his own brand.  We hear about his education at UC Davis, where at the 11th hour he switched his major to Fermentation Science, and how his parents took that news!  And how he is becoming involved with the #lawinemovement, sourcing more and more of his grapes from the LA County wine region.  We know you'll be hearing more about Warson Wine.  They are some of the best wines we've had!www.warsonwine.comFB/Instagram @warsonwine

Kingman, AZ...one thinks of the wild west, cowboys and indians, historic Route 66, certainly not lush vineyards, a beautiful event venue AND great wines.  Well let us introduce you to Stetson Winery!  A beautiful vineyard nestled in the high desert valley surrounded by mountains.  Magnificent views, stunning sunsets and a great Italian style wines...the things dreams, AND dream weddings are made of!Don and Jo Stetson are gracious hosts and wildly creative entrepreneurs, with the trailblazing spirit to catapult a new wine region in an area that very few knew had great soil for viticulture...in 2012 there were literally a couple of wineries in Kingman.  Now in 2021, the area is getting noticed more and more by serious oenophiles.  With the soil composition and climate very similar to their neighbor to the west, the world renowned California wine regions, we think this area is an up and coming and a wine region to watch!  And Stetson Winery are some damn good wines to taste!

Love the movie Sideways?  Who could forget the misadventures in the Santa Barbara wine country of Miles and Jack?  Well, interestingly enough, much of the movie was shot on location at the now famous Hitching Post 2 steakhouse in Buellton, CA.  We sit down with the owner and chef  AND winemaker, Mr. Frank Ostini about how all of that Hollywood hi jinx came to be.  It is a pretty cool story.We also talk about how Frank came from a restaurant family background.   To enhance the experience of your visit to wine country and his restaurant, he makes wines specifically for his steakhouse menu.  We find out how he and his partner, Gray Hartly, decided to become wine makers (another great story) and how he fell in love with making delicious  food friendly wines.So join us as we learn some tips of the trade of making a great steak better and how great wine enhances that experience...without going completely sideways.

Sitting in the beautiful front yard of Stolpman Vineyard's tasting rooms in Los Olivos, CA with Pete Stolpman, we take some time to learn about the beautiful wines grown in Ballard Canyon and what makes this a perfect location.  Stolpman knows that he could never pull off his huge success without the absolute dedication of his farming family lead by pioneer and rock star vignerons Ruben Solorzano and his wife Maria.  Ruben and Maria hold a very special place in the Stolpman family, and the Stolpman's have a very special collaboration dedicated to the success of the Solorzanos and the success of all of their farmers.We talk about the importance of dry farming in Southerns California, where water is a precious commodity, and how Ruben has actually trained the roots of his vines to go incredibly deep in the limestone for the precious water.  These winemakers are incredibly attentive to organic farming and the natural fermentation process.  Even the stories behind their labels is fantastic!No visit to Stolpman's tasting rooms would be complete without the parade of four legged friends whom accompany Pete from morning to night, shadowing his every move from living room to fields to tasting room!So join us for an informative interview about some incredibly innovative winemaking and a look into what it takes to harvest great wines and great familial relationships with those that help you produce them!www.stolpmanvineyards.comFB and Insta: @stolpmanvineyardsTwitter: @stolpman_wines

Walla Walla, Washington.  Home to sweet onions and now a booming wine economy!  We sit down with Joanne Dunham, founder of Dunham Cellars, one of the regions pioneers, blazing the trail for Washington wine makers.  We talk about the founding of her winery with her husband, Mike and son, Eric.  We talk about how this farmer's daughter, who never saw herself growing into the life of a vintner,  became founder of one of Walla Walla's most trusted and celebrated wineries.Dunham Cellars has been family owned and operated for over 25 years, with 2 estate vineyards that provide the foundation for their acclaimed wines.  We talk to Joanne about the growing wine scene in Walla Walla, her portfolio of delicious wines, some of their pet (and I mean pet) projects and how the vineyard has grown over the years.  We also talk about how important the wine club members are to Dunham Cellars and what benefits the members receive for their loyalty!Come join Pam, James and Don as they find out more about Dunham Cellars and Walla Walla, WA in this fun episode.

Join us Inside the Bunghole as we visit the beautiful Brick Barn Wine Estates on the outskirts of Santa Barbara, in the Santa Ynez wine region.  We sit down with Moldovan wine maker Adrian Bolshoi and share some great wines and hear his fascinating story!  Adrian's journey begins in Moldova, a small country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine with a rich history of wine making,  working the family vineyard with his grandparents.  He shares his adventure to the US and how he ends up in Buellton, CA with only two suitcases and a dream.He shares with us a beautiful Chardonnay, casked in a concrete egg, a late harvest Viognier and an amazing estate grown 2017 Cabernet Franc, Fatalist, which right down to the bottle defines elegance.  If you'd like to find out more about these stunning wines visit the website and follow their social media! www.brickbarnwineestate.comFB: Brick Barn Wine EstateInsta: brickbarnwineestateTwitter: @brickbarnwinee1

Raise your glass to sommelier Katie Finn of @desertwineshop111 (Desert Wine Shop on 111, Palm Desert, CA) as she takes us on a journey of Rieslings! We also learn a bit about what sacrifices one makes to become a sommelier, how she buys for a boutique wine shop and why you should appreciate and support YOUR local wine shop!We debunk myths and common misconceptions of this most complex of grapes, the Riesling. We talk about the climate where this amazing grape flourishes and what the commonalities within Rieslings and the differences you can expect (and why).The 3 very beautiful and different wines we explore are @reevewines (Reeve Prism, A Mendocino County California wine), @forgecellars (Forge Cellars of Seneca Lake, NY Dry Riesling Classique), and @weingut_nik_weis (a Wiltinger Kabinett from Nik Weis of the Mosel region, Germany). Check out our social media posts for fun photos of our experience and wine labels.Cheers!Join us, follow us and like us and please comment on all of our social media: FB/Insta @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastEmail insidethebunghole@gmail.comListen wherever you listen to your favorite podcast (and we're hoping we will be your favorite) or you can find us at insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comUntil next time!

Intro - Who are Pam and James.James and Pam have been business partners and best friends for over 25. We started enjoying wines and going to local wine tastings about 10 years ago. This is where we met our producer Don Maselli, at a wine tasting at 3rd Corner Bistro in Palm Desert, CA. There is a funny story that involves Willamette Valley wines, Lewis and Clark, Brokeback Mountain and some unwritten history!We started our journey into really appreciating wines and have visited some CA wine regions - Santa Ynez valley, Temecula, Napa, and have had the privilege of visiting the wine regions in Burgundy, France and Tuscany, ItalyWe discuss what’s in a name - Whilst becoming more interested in wine, wine making/production and being a couple of knuckleheads, we were thrilled to discover the glorious bunghole! All the things that happen through this amazing hole...the hole in the cask where young wine is inserted, tested and tasted throughout its maturation process, and what a bitchen name! Thanks to the ingenuity of Mike Judge, brilliant comedic creator of 90’s animated MTV series Beavis and Butthead, and his irreverent misuse of the word, we had the perfect name for our podcast! It reflects our lighthearted approach to discovering and sharing more and more about our favorite juice!What we envision for future episodes - We want to take the listener on an informal educational adventure where we continue our exploration into the world of wine and share it with our followers. We will be interviewing vintners, sommeliers, makers of wine products (think wine chips, glassware makers, aerators, etc), wine lovers of all kinds (think wine festival operators, wine distributors, tasting rooms and their associates, wine journalists, etc) to reveal what, besides the alcohol content, is so intoxicating about this beverage and why it elicits such passion, emotion and bliss.So join us as we embark upon a fun, cheeky pilgrimage, learning together about the beverage of the Gods!