Meet The Winemakers, The Cellar Angels Podcast

The Pellet Estate is a spectacular vineyard site in the small town of St. Helena, with a rich history dating back to 1859. Henry Pellet, one of the founding pioneers of Napa Valley winemaking, first planted this site with a vision of producing wines that would be among the best in the world.The Pellet Vineyard's origin begins in 1863 with the purchase of 45 acres of land in the Southwest corner of St. Helena that was filled with Manzanita brush Pellet cleared and planted to 38 acres of vines. During the 1870's, Pellet expanded to a wine cellar under the name of Pellet & Carver, with an on-site capacity of 80,000 gallons that was partially underground. Throughout the following decades, the vineyard continued to produce quality crops over various ownership changes. Today the vineyard produces about equal amounts of Clone 4 and Clone 337 Cabernet Sauvignon, and small amounts of Merlot and Petit Verdot.Winemaking at Pellet Estate is led by the notable Tom Rinaldi. Raised in San Francisco, Tom made frequent trips to Napa on his motorcycle, buying wines directly from the wineries of the day. After four years in the Navy, Tom enrolled at UC Davis along with notable classmates Mike Martini, Tim Mondavi, Randy Dunn, and Bob Levy.Eric Risch oversees the winemaking direction and portfolio, day to day winery operations, and sales and marketing. Eric is an entrepreneur with careers at Wells Fargo Bank, the R&D division of Apple Computer, and Medior, Inc. and founder of Grapevine, a corporation that grew to be one of the top eight web marketing firms in the Bay Area in just six years serving start-ups and Fortune 1000 companies.

Having grown up in a family with many rich traditions, Chris Puppione always dreamed of being a dad. So when he finally met the love of his life, Dee, and they got pregnant, he wanted to bottle the moment of pure joy so he could remember the feeling every time he opened a bottle. Special wines can do that.Chris already made a lot of friends and connections working in the wine and hospitality industry for several years. With their help, Chris got access to a small amount of fruit and made his first wine to commemorate the birth of his daughter Ariya. The wine was meant to be a surprise for his wife, a grand gesture.He never thought this silly idea would lead them to launch a wine brand. He never imagined they would make another wine beyond these first two barrels. He just wanted to create a beautiful reminder of welcoming their first-born into the world.But then they made their daughter another wine… and then they made her a brother, who would clearly need two wines of his own! Then they realized something else: this was becoming more than a grand gesture.This was a new tradition. Chris and Dee continue to celebrate special moments and people with new wine releases ever since.The 2021 Volta Cuvée, a Rhône style GSM blend Chris and Dee want to share with you, just scored a Gold Medal at the largest competition of North American wines, the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.Only 50 cases were produced, so if you appreciate the handcrafted, artisan-made wines, this hidden gem can now be a part of your own traditions.

Elaine Sale, owner of Elaine Wines always associated her best memories with wine tasting trips to Napa Valley and Sonoma. Reluctant to move to California while her children were still young, Elaine and her husband Mark waited until they were empty nesters to finally realize Elaine's dream to live on a vineyard and make wine.While still living in North Carolina, Elaine and Mark spent a year searching for land in Sonoma. They were drawn to the natural beauty and wonderful climate of the Russian River Valley, its welcoming community, supportive grape growers and winemakers and its renowned Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays.They found a breathtakingly beautiful 3-acre vineyard on a steep, rugged site in the Russian River Valley, planted in 1998 (the same year their son Matt was born) to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Elaine and Mark built their house on the land and planned to continue farming the grapes and selling them – like the previous owners. But the winemaking bug bit her and she made two barrels of wine in 2017 – one barrel of Chardonnay and one Pinot Noir.Read more on https://cellarangels.com/wineries/elaine-wines/

Originally from Austin, Texas and Colorado, the family was drawn to northern Sonoma County for different reasons. Their son, Conch, studied winemaking and settled here after traveling the world to learn his craft. Their daughter, Whitney, came to California to build a career in wine hospitality. Donna and Roger followed what they call their Wine-Stained Dream: a passion for Pinot Noir that turned them into wine writers, and then, eventually, winemakers. Each of them came to California seeking something different, but they shared a mutual respect for honesty and integrity in winemaking. Finally, the family decided to combine their training and talents to craft their own wines under the J.Cage Cellars label. Two Generations…One Passion. The Beery Family craft authentic, compelling wines. Learn more on https://cellarangels.com/wineries/j-cage-cellars/

Red Car's original estate vineyard, planted in 2005, crowns the northwestern corner of King Ridge Road above Fort Ross on the coastline of Sonoma County. It sits at 900–1000 feet and is defined by giant coastal redwoods and the fog-laden Pacific Ocean. The 13.5-acre vineyard is densely planted to multiple clones of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. Over 90% of which are actually heritage field selections such as Jackson 16, Calera and other special “suitcase” budwood.Listen to our interview with Winemaker Tanner Scheer to learn about the winery's portfolio. https://cellarangels.com/wineries/red-car-wine/

Long-time friends and wine lovers, former Olympic swimmer Natalie Coughlin Hall and Winemaker Shaina Harding started the winery in 2017 with a mission to bring people together to gather and enjoy great food and wine. They named their winery Gaderian after the Old English verb meaning “to gather.” Natalie Coughlin Hall is most known for her athletic successes after earning 12 Olympic medals for USA Swimming. Throughout her professional athletic career, Natalie has maintained a love for food and wine. She grew up just outside Napa Valley and has always had an interest in the wine industry. She wrote a cookbook “Cook To Thrive,” and is passionate about pairing her recipes with wine. She is eagerly learning the winemaking process through Shaina's tutelage and is looking forward to pairing her recipes with Gaderian Wine's Pinot Noir, Chenin Blanc, and Chardonnay. Shaina Harding is a Florida transplant who misses the beach, but wouldn't trade her vines for the world. She is a graduate of the UC Davis Viticulture & Enology Program who has been living and making wine in the Napa Valley since 2008. She has had the great fortune of being able to work with many of Napa's most creative and influential winemakers as well as touch all of their grapes. She loves being among the vines and working in the vineyards, but her heart lies in the cellar, gently guiding her wines from juice and must to bottled joy.

Davis Estates is a family owned and operated estate located in Calistoga, Napa Valley. In 2011, the Davis family purchased the century-old estate winery and began their ambitious restoration project to create a distinguished winery. Mike Davis has a long and fond association with the Napa Valley. Growing up in San Mateo County just south of San Francisco, his family spent summer vacations at the Napa Valley Ranch Club. Davis Estates is the culmination of a life long dream. Here the vision is carved from this historic site as an estate winery focused on wines of the highest pedigree.The family is entirely involved in the fabric of day-to-day operations and together with their world-class team, they are committed to building a sustainable property while crafting premiere Napa Valley wines to be enjoyed today and for generations to come. Mike describes the winery's production as small, “like a grain of sand on the beach”.

Established in 1866 by Italian immigrant Giacomo Migliavacca, Migliavacca Wine Company was born out of aspiration and tradition in Napa City.This downtown winery ruled its proliferation for the next five decades: the city's first self-made millionaire, the county's first patent holder, the state's largest wine producer. In 1869 Giacomo became the first Napa County resident to receive a U.S. patent for his “Wine Bottling and Corking Apparatus”. In a few short years, Migliavacca Wine Co. became an award winning winery, a household name, and was considered one of the largest and most extensive manufacturing enterprises in California. Nearly a century after its disappearance at Prohibition, over 150 years since its founding, the Migliavacca family offers this revival of Napa's history. Giacomo's great-great-granddaughter Katie Migliavacca is writing a new chapter by resurrecting this once-prolific business to carry on a family legacy.With the help of business partner and Winemaker Vincent Traverso these two young entrepreneurs strive to make wines that reflect the passion and creativity that fueled Giacomo's original vision: to produce wines of excellence and value, with reverence to the importance of family and community.These principles served as the foundation for this pioneering wine brand, and we hope they will be continued with each bottle shared around the family table by a new generation of wine drinkers.

Our guest Brady Moran of Moran Manor has over 20 years of experience in the wine business, including sales, hospitality and managing his family vineyard. A summer job working vineyards in the Santa Cruz mountains after high school, coupled with his family planting their own small vineyard in the late 1990s, created a life-long passion for connecting to people through grapes. After studying at UC Davis and Humboldt State University, Brady came to Napa County in 2005, where he spent 9 years in hospitality, before venturing to Oregon for a 5 year stint in the Willamette Valley. The pull to return to Northern California remained strong, and Brady and his family returned to Sonoma County and Red Car in the summer of 2017. Brady continues to organically farm his family vineyard in Knights Valley, and 100% took over the winemaking in 2020.See a video interview with Brady and learn more about the winery on https://cellarangels.com/wineries/moran-manor/

Listen to our interview with Napa Valley Winemaker Stephanie Trotter-Zacharia to learn about her micro-production Cabernet Sauvignon and what's next for Trotter 1/16 Winery.

Long time friends renowned Winemaker Tom Rinaldi and Eric Risch have been working in the Napa Valley wine industry for many years. They both worked on the Pellet Estate project and when the opportunity presented itself, the two teamed up on their own project in 2019.Initially, they intended on keeping the small production bottlings for themselves, but when COVID-19 pandemic affected their daily lives, they started to dedicate more time toward winemaking and created Patent Wines.We interview Eric and Tom to learn about Patent Wines. Watch the video version of this interview on https://cellarangels.com/wineries/patent-wines/

Monroy Wines is the passion project of two wine enthusiasts – winemaker Adolfo Hernandez, and his wife, Nohelia. Both grew up around wine, albeit in distinctly different backgrounds, but with the same reverence and respect for the efforts involved in every bottle.Adolfo was named by Wine Enthusiast Magazine “as one of the Latinx experts changing the face of American wine.” A pianist and a biochemist with a love of great food, he was naturally drawn to winemaking's ageless combination of art and science. A career in luxury winemaking has given him the combined experiences to offer distinctive wines of his own composition.

Proprietress Allie Ketcham keeps her late husband's winery going as a sustainable, woman-owned and operated business, focused on producing limited amounts of premium Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and more.

This interview is an un-edited audio from our video interview shoot that is available on our YouTube channel. Watch it here: https://cellarangels.com/wineries/calluna-vineyards/

In this unedited audio from our interview with Ross Halleck and Jennifer Halleck of Halleck Vineyard we talk about the winery's history, mission and vision for the brand's future. Find the video version of this interview on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4TtXDZ6AeWE

Viticulturist first, Lise Asimont left a long-time career in wine to start her own brand, Dot Wine. Years of working for big wine brands including Cakebread and Coppola, and experience building close relationships with small vineyard owners, managers and crews allow Lise to be hands on when sourcing fruit from the most prestigious and sought after vineyards in the Russian River Valley for her own wine brand. Listen to our exclusive interview to learn about Lise's background, the unfiltered story of how she and her husband founded Dot Wine. Learn more about Dot Wine and find the video version of this interview on https://www.cellarangels.com/dot-wine.html

This week on SIP, Assistant Winemaker Derek Bajeu of Knights Bridge Winery (who stepped in for Winemaker Douglas Danielak due to technical difficulties) talked about the Knights Valley AVA, the Knights Bridge Winery estate vineyards and winemaking philosophy, as well as the wine portfolio. Did you know there are just two (almost!) wineries in the entire Knights Valley AVA?

This week on SIP Virtual Wine Tastings with Winemakers we chatted with Vintner Christi Coors Ficeli of Goosecross Cellars in Napa Valley. We learned about Christi acquiring the winery in 2012 and how she went from the beer to wine industry, the slimmed down wine portfolio, the state of the art indoor/outdoor tasting room and the famed winemaker who led the team at Duckhorn before joining Christi on her wine journey. During the interview we tasted Goosecross 2018 Syrah, available exclusively at the winery and Cellar Angels.

On this week's episode of SIP we talked with Diana Schweiger of Acumen Wine. We learned about the Atlas Peak AVA, the estate vineyards and the 100-point wines. Diana also presented a special limited-time offer for our SIP viewers: an Acumen Wine bundle featuring their Mountainside Red Blend and the 2015 Edcora Cabernet Sauvignon.

On this week's SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemakers we met with Peter Spann of Spann Vineyards. Peter talked about his journey from New Jersey to Sonoma, talked about the Bordeaux influence on his wine portfolio, and more. We talked about the Mayacamas Range, starting a winery from scratch, and more. Peter Spann shared a photo slideshow, to view it please watch the recording on our YouTube channel.Spann Vineyards limited production 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon is available for Cellar Angels members.

You won't find her wines anywhere.On this week's episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tastings with Winemakers we chatted with Winemaker Stephanie Trotter Zacharia of Trotter 1/16 Winery. A video recording of this interview is available on the Cellar Angels YouTube Channel.

On this week's episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tastings with Winemakers we chatted with Larry and Jean Rowe of Greyscale Wines in Napa Valley. Greyscale Wines produces limited production award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cuvee Blanc from prestigious Napa Valley AVAs, including Oak Knoll District and Rutherford. Listen to learn how a chance meeting connected them with acclaimed winemaker Kian Tavakoli, hear about their world travels and discover their portfolio. During this interview we tasted the Greyscale Wines 2017 Merlot, and Larry and Jean also unveiled a special limited time offer for Cellar Angels supporters.

On this episode of SIP we chatted with second generation proprietor Garrett Bus at Trinitas Cellars. Garrett shared an update about the property, talked about The Two Popes launching later this year and discussed the 2014 Meritage red blend available on Cellar Angels wine marketplace.

On this week's episode of SIP Virtual wine Tastings with Winemakers we talked with certified soil scientist Bryan Rahn, Viticulturist Dylan Rahn and Winemaker Hannah Rahn. Rahn Estate was established in 1998. After working for a consulting company evaluating soils and designing vineyards, traveling to Napa finally caught up with Bryan Rahn and he took a leap of faith and acquired the 20-acre property. Certified soil scientist, Bryan was attracted by the gravely volcanic soils and high elevation of the site and designed the hillside estate vineyards on the Howell Mountain by hand-selecting Cabernet Sauvignon root stocks and clones to fit the micro-climates. The terroir of Howell Mountain allows for nuanced and concentrated fruit flavors and balanced tannin. Bryan's son Dylan, now a viticulturist, and daughter Hannah, a winemaker, started exploring the vineyards and learning from their father at a very young age. Years later, the family continues to grow exceptional fruit and produce ultra premium Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Currently producing only a couple hundred of cases of each vintage, the family aspires to make up to 1200 cases as they grow and develop. We talked about soils, clones and food and wine pairings for the Rahn Estate 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon.

On this week's SIP Virtual Wine Tasting we talked with Proprietor Kenny Kahn of Blue Rock Vineyard in Sonoma. Traversing 46 acres, the hillside vineyard is planted to the five Bordeaux varietals: Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Merlot, and Malbec. In 1993, an additional three acres of Syrah were planted on an extreme hillside. The cool mornings and warm days that characterize the Alexander Valley allow Blue Rock's Bordeaux varietals to develop clarity and finesse. Blue Serpentine rocks populate the soil and create a unique growing medium. As a result, Blue Rock wines are intense yet balanced and with distinctive aromas and flavors. Handcrafted on site, each vintage maintains its unique personality and charm without the interference of excessive oak or other winemaking techniques found in mass quantity production. The estate winemaking traditions of Blue Rock are perhaps best summed up with the French term, terroir, which acknowledges the environmental factors that make the vineyard site unique including soil, weather, appellation, and to that effect, the human element as well. During the interview we tasted Blue Rock Vineyard 2016 Best Barrels Cabernet Franc, it also happened to be Cabernet Franc Day!

Sommelier, Educator, Author and Podcast Host John P. Laloganes and Chef Wook Kang join us on SIP to share tips for pairing Thanksgiving food and wine. Learn how to pick the best red and white wines for the holidays and why sparkling rosé is always a great pairing with non-traditional meals. Sommelier John P Laloganes also gave a glowing review for the Zoetic Wine 2015 Hop Kiln Vineyard Pinot Noir, one of our supporters favorite small production Russian River Valley wines available on Cellar Angels.

On this wee's episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tastings with Winemakers we talked with Proprietor Jeff Loomis of Loomis Estate Vineyards in Napa Valley. Jeff Loomis, founder and vintner of Loomis Estate Vineyards, doesn't like to be told no. When he purchased the majestic mountain property that would become his home and vineyard, he was told he couldn't grow Rhône varietals there. He's had a passion for Rhône wines ever since studying abroad and cycling through Châteauneuf-du-Pape in the South of France. Today, Loomis Estate Vineyards is the sole Napa Valley producer growing and making wine from 100% Rhône varieties. The grapes are grown on four acres, each of which was chosen for its unique terroir, offering maximum sun exposure, ideal micro-climate and varietal-specific soil conditions. Lead Winemaker Rudy Zuidema and Associate Winemaker Michael Andrews help bring Jeff's vision to life. Proprietor Jeff Loomis joined us on SIP to tell his story of persistence and tenacity and his new project, a result of the Glass Fire and a unique way to bring positivity to a tough year 2020. We know Jeff's humor and positive attitude will inspire you tonight. We tasted Loomis Estate Vineyards 2018 'Ember' Red Blend, available on https://bit.ly/loomis18ember

On this week's episode of SIP we talked with Ashley and John Derr of Lampyridae Vineyards in Napa Valley. Lampyridae is one of the highest vineyards on Mount Veeder, we shared photos and location info via Google Earth. Lampyridae has been growing premium wine grapes for the past two decades, sourcing fruit for Beringer, Handwritten, Kind Cellars and more. The wine-growing duo shared their story, talked about their partnership with acclaimed winemaker Aaron Pott, and we tasted their award-winning 2018 Grenache.

This week on SIP Virtual Wine Tasting we talked with Partner and CEO Joy Anne Sterling of Iron Horse Vineyards. Joy told the story of her parents buying the property in 1976 and establishing Iron Horse Vineyards. Decades later the area became Green Valley sub-appellation of Russian River Valley. Iron Horse Vineyards is a premium sparkling wine producer and a pioneer in the Green Valley. Sustainable vineyards, exceptional wine tasting experience and top of the line bubbly. Watch our interview to learn about the upcoming release of Iron Horse Vineyards Gratitude Cuvee and Iron Horse Vineyards Resilience Cuvee.

This week on SIP Virtual Wine Tasting we chatted with Proprietors Miriam and Juan Jose Puentes of Honrama Cellars in Napa Valley and Sonoma. This is truly a humbling and awe-inspiring conversation. Miriam talked about her father's beginning in the wine industry working at Caymus Vineyards and how Honrama Cellars honors her father's legacy and realized his dream. Learn about vineyard sources for the featured 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon and what Rutherford Dust means for the wine's characteristics. Miriam also unveiled a new "quarantine" project, sparkling wine and shared an exclusive offer for Cellar Angels supporters. 

This week on SIP Virtual Wine Tasting we chatted with Dan Parrott of JAX Vineyards. Dan talked about vineyard sources, his beginnings and how he got in the wine industry after an impressive start in photography. We tasted JAX 2018 Calesa Vineyard Pinot Noir and Dan unveiled a special Angel Bonus Offer, access to the not-yet-released Stag's Leap Petite Sirah from winemaker Kirk Venge. Listen to the interview to learn more!

On this week's virtual wine tasting we talked with Winemaker Sam Baxter of Terra Valentine in Napa Valley's Spring Mountain. Sam talked about his wine portfolio, the wines we included in the Fall wine club release and his story. While the Glass Fire destroyed his lookout home on Spring Mountain, and many of his neighbors' properties, Sam's resilience and grit shows as he talks about the future. We tasted the 2013 Estate Riesling, a dry Alsatian style white wine everyone was pleasantly surprised by, talked about the Antorini Sangiovese plantings in his Amore wine, and Cabernet Sauvignon from Fountaingrove District. SIP Virtual Wine Tastings with Winemakers airs every Friday at 5pm PT/8ET on zoom and Facebook Live.

On this episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemakers we chatted with Steve Gower and Brian Callahan of Crux Winery. Steve and Brian told us how the winery started, talked about their winemaking philosophy and why they focus on Rhone style varietals.

On this episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemakers we talked with Co-Funder Crystalyn Hoffmann and Winemaker Doug Hackett of Spicy Vines. We tasted Spicy Vines award-winning 2015 EDGE Red Wine Blend.

This week on SIP we talked with Proprietor Stephen Corley of The Corley Family in Napa Valley and tasted the Monticello Vineyards Corley 2018 Estate Block 1 Clone 96 Chardonnay. Find a limited allocation of this Oak Knoll District wine on cellarangels.com The Corley Family in Napa Valley celebrates 50 years of excellence in the wine industry! Started in 1969 by Napa legend Jay Corley prior to the Judgement of Paris, which put Napa Valley on the radar for world-class wine.

On this episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemakers we talked to Winemaker Andrew Henderlong Nalle and Viticulturist April Nalle from the beautiful (and a little windy) Nalle Winery vineyard. Nalle is family owned since 1917 in the historic Dry Creek Valley. We asked Andrew about his family history, the old vine Zinfandel grapes, and the wine. We tasted the Nalle Winery 2018 Classic Zinfandel.

This week on SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemakers we started the session by introducing one of Cellar Angels charity partners, Folds of Honor, who provide education scholarships for military kids and spouses. We talked to Doug Campbell and Dora Monahan who run the Denver Chapter, learned about their personal connection to the cause as a military family, the upcoming Labor Day Patriot Golf Day and their love for wine. "Honor their sacrifice, educate their legacy". After the short chat Martin talked about Davis Family Vineyards and the busy harvest season in California Wine Country which postponed our guest Winemaker Guy Davis to a later date, while we tasted the Davis Family Vineyards 2016 Blanc de Nor together with our viewers, who were welcome to join on their cameras and jump in and introduce themselves, share wine and food pairing ideas for the sparkling rosé and ask questions.

On this week's episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tastings with Winemakers we talked to Rebecca Sciandri Griffin of Sciandri Family Vineyards in Coombsville, Napa Valley. Rebecca shared more about her family's roots in Italy, her parents moving to Coombsville in 1999 and planting Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, the family dynamics of operating a small business, her plans to help Save the Family Farms in Napa Valley and more. While we chatted, viewers were able to support a good cause with the Sciandri Vineyard 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon, available here: http://bit.ly/sciandri

On this week's episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tastings we talked with Winemaker Laura Barrett of Clif Family Winery in Napa Valley. Laura shared the story and background the the Clif Family brand, shared details about her winemaking style and philosophy and talked about the sustainable and organic farminc practices at Clif Family as well as the organic certified vineyards planted this year. Watch to learn about Howell Mountain wines including the small production 2017 'Gary's Improv' Zinfandel.

On this live episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tastings with Winemakers we talked to Winemaker Cindy Cosco of Passaggio Wines in Sonoma. We talked about her Italian heritage, the "a-ha moment" and why she swore she would never make red wines.. then broke her own promise. And we're grateful! CEO Martin Cody also unveiled a special VIP perk for all who purchase the Passaggio 2017 Rosso Blend. Cheers!

On this episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemakers we interviewed Hugo and Lidia Maldonado of Maldonado Family Vineyards in Napa Valley. While sipping on the 2016 Parr Vineyard Chardonnay, Hugo talked about continuing his father Lupe Maldonado's work at Newton Vineyards and Sterling Winery, continuing the legacy, his "Death and Resurrection" winemaking philosophy, the family business and giving back with the Mexican American Vintners Association.

On this episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemakers we talked to Vintner Susan McNerney of Le Chanceux in Napa Valley. Sue shared the story of moving to Coombsville and planting grapes with a simple plan to provide for their three daughters and retire, talked about the sudden passing of her husband Bob, paying it forward and creating premium, award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon that even Matt Kramer of Wine Spectator advocates for. At the end of the show Sue unveiled a special offer for our viewers.

On this episode of SIP Virtual Wine Tasting with Winemakers we talked to Winemaker Kim Vance of Zoetic Wines. Kim shared the story of falling in love with California Wine Country and Pinot Noir and her journey from Texas to Napa Valley. Kim focuses on single-vineyard and single-clone wines, her "Block 21" Pinot Noir was awarded 94 points by the Wine Enthusiast. At the end of the show Kim unveiled a special offer for our viewers.

Take incredibly small productions and top notch Napa Valley fruit, and you have the award-winning wines of Angelo Cellars. A lover of wine since his college days, Chad established his winery in 2005. He sourced grapes from the famed To Kalon Vineyard for his first production, and now works with the high quality fruit of vineyards such as Carrefour Vineyards, Reverence Vineyards, Howell Mountain Vineyards, Grist Vineyards and Tourmaline Vineyards.

Located in the northern part of Napa Valley right down the road from Chateau Montelena you'll discover Tamber Bey Vineyards, a breathtaking property surrounded by mountains, vineyards and beautiful horses. What started as a winemaking hobby for Barry Waitte slowly grew into award-winning winery producing 10,000 case annually.

Unique in location, the vineyards at Keller Estate benefit from two very important maritime influences. The cool Pacific breezes that float off the San Pablo Bay from the south and those meandering through the Petaluma Gap bathe the vines in fog every morning, allowing longer hang time and even ripening. 

From Scotland to Sonoma, Winemaker Steve Law has had quite a journey. Steve Law's love for wine began post-university when he moved from Scotland to France for a job in technology. Exploring various wine regions with his friends on the weekends, he discovered his palate and passion for wine, notably Sauvignon Blanc from Loire Valley, Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Rosé from Provence, and Viognier from Condrieu. However, it was Northern Rhone where he discovered Syrah... and his world changed.

https://www.cellarangels.com 888 282-1353 Tucked into the forest on a tranquil bench above the beautiful Dry Creek Valley we discover Cast Wines. Today we are joined by Jack Seifrick and John Miller of Cast Wines as they share the story behind the stunning location and the wines. As frequent visitors from their old home in Texas, they had an idea that they wanted to relocate to wine country. Their (now) winemaker told them about the site, it was someone's residence at the time. The vineyard was here, and at first blush they brought a bottle of wine to the property, watched a sunset and it occurred to them that this was a place that people could really enjoy wine.

It was a business deal that included Portuguese corks, of all things, that finally gave Peter Tonti the push he needed to follow a longtime dream. Peter's father was from the old country, and it was part of the Italian culture to make wine in the basement. Assisting in the winemaking process and being allowed to sip small amounts of wine as a child was the start of his dream to be just like dad.But with adulthood came responsibilities and a successful career that took priority, Peter always wondered what happened to that dream. It wasn't until the liquidation of a Portuguese cork company that opened the door to develop relationships in wine country. Shortly thereafter, Peter Tonti officially and ecstatically entered the wine business and is now producing award-winning Old Vine Zinfandel. In just a short time, Peter has really taken the wine world by storm, with high demand for his small batch, limited productions and numerous Gold Medal-winning vintages! 

What started as two neighbors with a serious passion for wine has since turned into an impressive small production portfolio of Rhone-inspired wines. Winemakers/Owners Brian Callahan and Steven Gower initially planted their own vineyards, situated above the fogline, in the northern part of the Russian River Valley. They wanted to make wine with the less commonly found Rhone varietals – Grenache, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache Blanc and Viognier – which thrive in the warmer, northern part of the AVA. In close proximity to both Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley, their vines sit at the crossroads, or transitional zone, of the AVAs which inspired the name, “Crux”.

To make superior wine in Napa Valley, you are required to navigate a maze. We'll give you a clue - you are going to want to take this journey. Cellar Angels interviews Proprietor Paul Mcsharry of Maze Wines in Napa Valley. Watch the story behind Maze Wines and learn how Paul went from working in a French advertising agency to launching a wine import business in Ireland to owning a premium winery in the Napa Valley. Learn more about Paul's wines here: https://www.cellarangels.com/wines/maze-wines/cabernet-sauvignon-2015