PEOPLE Behind the Places

My guests are sister and brother, Heather Griffin and Brian Brakesman, who own and run Summit Lake Vineyards with their father. Summit Lake Vineyards is one of the earliest wineries in Howell Mountain, Napa Valley and is celebrating their 50th anniversary this year. When I first met Heather up on the mountain I was so happy to hear that their 70+ year old father, Bob Brakesman, still actively manages the vineyards, while Brian makes the wine and Heather takes care of the sales and marketing.  We dive into life as a small family winery over the past 50 years, the changes, challenges and looking into the future. Website https://www.summitlakevineyards.com/ (https://www.summitlakevineyards.com/) Facebook https://www.facebook.com/SummitlakeVineyard (https://www.facebook.com/SummitlakeVineyard) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/summitlakevineyards/ (https://www.instagram.com/summitlakevineyards/) Yelp https://www.yelp.com/biz/summit-lake-vineyards-and-winery-angwin (https://www.yelp.com/biz/summit-lake-vineyards-and-winery-angwin) Trip Advisor https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29096-d3600893-Reviews-Summit_Lake_Vineyards_Winery-Angwin_Napa_Valley_California.html (https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g29096-d3600893-Reviews-Summit_Lake_Vineyards_Winery-Angwin_Napa_Valley_California.html)

With the increasing impact of wildfires on our lives, we were very fortunate to welcome Forest Science Expert, Stacy Drury to share his insight and experience. Coming from a place of deep expertise with decades of passionate study, work and observation, Stacy helps us understand better the natural ecology of forests, the dynamics of human society's interaction with forests and considerations on how we can improve our forest management. In a world filled with so much "opinion", it was great to dive deep with a real expert. I really hope you enjoy listening and learning as much as I did. Thank you, Steve Stacy Drury, Forest Service: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.fs.fed.us%2Fpsw%2Fprograms%2Fff%2Fstaff%2Fsdrury%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C4c7ce360c16846d42ec608d8ca32a92c%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637481666242201380%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=DpgyFcWOf80D1xLaBG7cyODZDaQEI%2Bx%2BRKlx1sI0Avc%3D&reserved=0 (https://www.fs.fed.us/psw/programs/ff/staff/sdrury/) Napa County Community Wildfire Protection Plan:  https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fncff-cwpp-dms-usa.hub.arcgis.com%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C4c7ce360c16846d42ec608d8ca32a92c%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637481666242201380%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=hj9gLtL2ZLoLFEMYhNppCu3EjIswikZWaA4GUKMZzxA%3D&reserved=0 (https://ncff-cwpp-dms-usa.hub.arcgis.com/) Northern California Prescribed Fire Council: https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.norcalrxfirecouncil.org%2Fhome.html&data=04%7C01%7C%7C4c7ce360c16846d42ec608d8ca32a92c%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637481666242211333%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=R%2FTl7ModT4Vp2swGJEMdHfIAnlm6npsN7Jn%2BuWaEbc0%3D&reserved=0 (http://www.norcalrxfirecouncil.org/home.html) The link to the Napa CWPP has a link to the Napa Communities Firewise Foundation. Two active FireSafe Councils are : FireSafe Sonoma https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.firesafesonoma.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C4c7ce360c16846d42ec608d8ca32a92c%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637481666242211333%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=O9LE2rkuTcUR9UtywrOyw6NQu5R2rWa3p%2BFZ9FznoUI%3D&reserved=0 (https://www.firesafesonoma.org/)  Fire Safe Marin (https://gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.firesafemarin.org%2F&data=04%7C01%7C%7C4c7ce360c16846d42ec608d8ca32a92c%7Ced5b36e701ee4ebc867ee03cfa0d4697%7C0%7C0%7C637481666242221290%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C1000&sdata=5TlWmo8tp2mq9gmf0836NT1GT4ceK9L93PNnrboOuD8%3D&reserved=0 (https://www.firesafemarin.org/))

Before taking over the family business, Hoopes Vineyards, Lindsay Hoopes, was an aspiring spy, was hired by now Vice President Kamala Harris to work with her in the District Attorney’s office and cut her wine teeth working in the famous sales programs of Gallo. I really appreciated her thoughtful and holistic perspectives that are born from not just ideology but by this broad range of experiences in life. We dive into life, law, regulation, succeeding as a woman, motherhood, the evolving definition of luxury and all the good things they’re doing at Hoopes Vineyards. I think you’re really appreciate getting to know Lindsay, her great perspectives and the spirit behind Hoopes Vineyards. Enjoy. Social Handles:  @hoopesvineyard  @oasisbyhoopes #hoopesthereitis #hoopesididitagain #hoopesvineyard #hoopeswines #OasisbyHoopes #WomenInWine

Jason Moore wasn’t born into a multi-generational winemaking family, come from big family money or have a prestigious degree in viticulture an enology.  What Jason does have, is an infectious passion for wine and a love of people. He represents a class of winemakers that are still alive in the Napa Valley, who are young, hungry, work hard and are driven to pursue their passion. Get to know Jason, his struggles, his life and his perspectives. He’s a friend, a great winemaker, a great guy and I’m grateful to have him on the show today. www.moduswines.com https://www.facebook.com/ModusWines https://www.instagram.com/moduswines/

My guest today is Philippe Langner, someone who has a love of life, people and an adventurous spirit which will put a smile on your face. He’s the Owner and Winemaker of Hesperian Wines on Atlas Peak in Napa Valley.  Of French descent, his journey started growing up in Africa, where, when his parents weren’t working, they’d take the family 10 hours by boat and jeep into the bush where they chose to live and enjoy their time off. Philippe shares how such experiences living so far from any aid or assistance helped form his character including his innate ability to accept and deal with severe challenges in life.  Listening to Philippe, one can’t help but feel his infectious love of life, people, passion for growing things and his free spiritedness. He has relations with the Rothschild family, has worked in and seen success in the world of finance, yet he just couldn’t sit still and be content in his corporate, indoor office.  In our conversation you’ll hear his fascinating journey and get to know his wonderful character that is embodied in his estate and Hesperian wines he crafts. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. https://www.facebook.com/HesperianWines (https://www.facebook.com/HesperianWines) https://twitter.com/hesperianwines (https://twitter.com/hesperianwines) https://www.instagram.com/hesperianwines (https://www.instagram.com/hesperianwines) https://www.pinterest.com/hesperianwines (https://www.pinterest.com/hesperianwines) INFO@HESPERIANWINES.COM  

My guest today is Dave Thompson whose passion or what he might call his obsession with Napa Valley wines has led him to create probably the number 1 website for people interested in Napa Valley wineries, napawineproject.com.  We so often romanticize about a certain lifestyle, without recognizing how much work and devotion the people in it make to their craft. One could say that about wine and talking with Dave, one can understand how it applies to travel writing as well.  In Dave’s case, his love for Napa Valley wines and their stories, has led him to visit, taste and review over 1050 wineries over 15 years, with hundreds of revisits. Even with such extensive Napa Valley coverage, it’s only part of his passion for travel as he explores the world, writing, taking photographs and sharing in depth and with great detail about these places on his website DavesTravelCorner.com.  On top of that he’s built up and shares his explorations with almost 400k followers on Twitter. It’s a fascinating conversation where we get to see his inspiration and a behind the scenes look at the life of a modern day wine and travel blogger. I hope you enjoy listening and learning as much as I did. Enjoy! http://www.davestravelcorner.com/ (www.davestravelcorner.com)  http://www.napawineproject.com/ (www.napawineproject.com)  http://www.twitter.com/davedtc (www.twitter.com/davedtc)  http://www.instagram.com/davedtc (www.instagram.com/davedtc) http://www.facebook.com/davestravelcorner (www.facebook.com/davestravelcorner)  http://www.linkedin.com/in/davelevart (www.linkedin.com/in/davelevart)  http://pinterest.com/davestravel/pins/ (http://pinterest.com/davestravel/pins/)  http://www.youtube.com/user/davestravelcorner (http://www.youtube.com/user/davestravelcorner)  NWP Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/napawinetasting (www.instagram.com/napawinetasting) 

Our guest today is Kirk Venge.  He is part of one of the multi-generational Napa Valley wine families, with his father being quite a pioneer in making world class Cabernet Sauvignon in the 80’s. Kirk has picked up the mantle and passionately forged his own path as a very successful consulting winemaker and owner/winemaker of Venge Vineyards in Napa Valley and Croix Estate in Sonoma.  We dive into what it was like growing up in Napa Valley and the various challenges they’ve faced from fighting off the fires to running a family owned business. His love for what he does, the people and valley really shines through and I’m sure you’ll enjoy getting to know him.   Check out the links below to buy their wine and visit their properties. Enjoy! https://www.vengevineyards.com/ (https://www.vengevineyards.com/) https://www.facebook.com/Venge-Vineyards-185223143032/ (https://www.facebook.com/Venge-Vineyards-185223143032/) https://www.instagram.com/vengevineyards/ (https://www.instagram.com/vengevineyards/) https://twitter.com/vengevineyards (https://twitter.com/vengevineyards) https://www.croixestate.com/ (https://www.croixestate.com/) https://www.kv-wines.com/wines (https://www.kv-wines.com/wines) https://www.instagram.com/kv_wines (https://www.instagram.com/kv_wines) @kv_wines 

This is Part 2 of a discussion I had with Stu Smith as he reflects on entering their 50th year as Smith Madrone Winery in Napa Valley. You can tell from the trailer that Stu is immensely entertaining, intelligent, passionate about wine and certainly doesn’t hold back sharing what he thinks. We discuss the evolution of wine styles in Napa Valley, the effect of wine “ratings” on the entire wine world, the value and ethics learned from the great outdoors and much much more. You’re in for a real treat and I hope you enjoy. https://smithmadrone.com/ (https://smithmadrone.com/) https://www.instagram.com/smith_madrone/ (https://www.instagram.com/smith_madrone/) https://www.facebook.com/smithmadrone/ (https://www.facebook.com/smithmadrone/)

Deborah is a highly respected and prolific wine writer, critic, competition judge, editor, educator and more. She’s part of a community of professionals that really fascinates me, as they are determined to craft a life they love, doing what they love, oftentimes in a field which might not have a clearcut step by step path. I know it’s often a challenging path to forge but also immensely fulfilling.  Enjoy hearing Deborah’s story, perspectives and insights learned along the way. Follow or Connect with Deborah at: http://www.deborahparkerwong.com/ (www.deborahparkerwong.com) http://www.facebook.com/deborah.parker.wong/ (www.facebook.com/deborah.parker.wong/)  https://www.facebook.com/deborahparkerwongdwset (https://www.facebook.com/deborahparkerwongdwset)  Twit @parkerwong IG deborahparkerwong LI www.linkedin.com/in/deborahparkerwong/ Publication sites: http://www.sommjournal.com/ (www.sommjournal.com) http://www.tastingpanelmag.com/ (www.tastingpanelmag.com) Slow Wine Guide https://deborahparkerwong.com/2020/02/10/slow-wine-guide-2020-your-free-digital-edition/ (https://deborahparkerwong.com/2020/02/10/slow-wine-guide-2020-your-free-digital-edition/)

Master Sommellier Matt Stamp and Ryan Stetins discuss "what is a sommelier", making wine approachable, what it takes for a successful partnership, wine program and restaurant. They share the vision and culture of their award winning and locals' favorite Napa Valley restaurant and wine shop, Compline, as well as how they're helping the community and adapting to the great challenges the restaurant industry is facing. Great guys, great food, wine and service at Compline, so I'm sure you'll enjoy. www.complinewine.com instagram: complinewine Photo courtesy Emma K. Morris

If you’re not aware of it already, almost all of the wines termed “Cult Cabs” as well as many of the coveted wines out there are made by Consulting Winemakers. They are at the top of their field and sought after to make magic happen for the fortunate owners they choose to work with. Celia Welch is such a winemaker, having made superb wines for high-end clients such as Staglin, Keever and more, with the most renown being Scarecrow, which is basically in a league of it’s own. However, we not only talk wine, but get to know Celia in a way most people don't get insight to. I'm sure what you find will be enriching and inspiring so please listen and enjoy. Find Celia's person wine label, Corra wines at: http://www.corrawines.com (www.corrawines.com) info@corrawines.com

"The beauty of wine is that you can play in dirt as a farmer, you get to process the grapes and make the wine and bottle it, and then have it on the dining room table with your friends and family and therein lies the conversation that comes out of the dinner table that makes the world a better place for you and the harshness of the reality of the day gets washed away." Stu Smith Listen and enjoy hearing Stu's stories of the old days and insight into how we've come from then to now. With Stu you get to see the real guy without a facade and it's one you're sure to enjoy. https://smithmadrone.com/ (https://smithmadrone.com/) https://www.instagram.com/smith_madrone/ (https://www.instagram.com/smith_madrone/) https://www.facebook.com/smithmadrone/ (https://www.facebook.com/smithmadrone/)

You’re in for a real treat today as we get to know Chris Hyde of Hyde Estate. What starts out with learning about their farming and background quickly becomes a beautiful story of a young man’s respect, love and appreciation of his father, their shared passion for the land and all the people who work with them on it.  It’s a true feel-good family story you’re going to want to hear all the way through, as it just keeps getting better and better as we go. www.HydeWines.com https://www.facebook.com/hydewines (Facebook) @HydeWines https://www.instagram.com/hydewines/ (Instagram) @HydeWines https://twitter.com/hydewines (Twitter) @HydeWines

Did you know the “human nose can detect one trillion smells”? If so, then there must be a vast undiscovered world of experience associated with our sense of smell, and how it effects our enjoyment of food, wine, time in nature and life in general.  Our guest, Kelly Jones created her own fragrance company Kelly+Jones, having “set out to create fragrances inspired by the art of wine tasting.” Together, we’ll dive into this mysterious world of scent, wine, her entrepreneur's path through the world of fragrance and one of the most beautiful places in our country, the Hudson Valley, NY. http://kellyandjones.com/ (kellyandjones.com) IG: https://www.instagram.com/kellyandjones/ (https://www.instagram.com/kellyandjones/) FB: https://www.facebook.com/kellyjonesperfume/ (https://www.facebook.com/kellyjonesperfume/) Email: info@kellyandjones.com

It's impossible to escape the enjoyment of life Mac and Bulent exude, making choices to make a living in Park City and then using their passion for wine to make a difference supporting many charitable causes. It's fascinating to hear about the early days of Park City to some of the legendary local preferred dining spots off the beaten path. I hope you enjoy! Parallel's Virtual Experiences: https://www.parallelwines.com/meetusonline http://www.parallelwines.com/ (www.ParallelWines.com) Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/parallelwines (/ParallelWines) Twitter:  https://twitter.com/ParallelWines (@ParallelWines) Instagram https://www.instagram.com/parallelwines/ (@ParallelWines) http://www.parallelwines.com/Visit-Us (Schedule a Tasting Appointment)

"Things will never be the same again"..."the new normal"... We dive into what this new normal may be and how can we make it a better normal. Judd shares from his deep experience building company culture and the great success they've had at Charles Krug winery. It's a great example of committed, involved owners combining with an inspired team of expert professionals. The people behind the places we love includes the people on the teams as much as the owners. We hope you enjoy! Contact Charles Krug: https://www.charleskrug.com/ (https://www.charleskrug.com/) https://www.facebook.com/CharlesKrugWinery/ (https://www.facebook.com/CharlesKrugWinery/) https://www.instagram.com/charleskrugwinery/ (https://www.instagram.com/charleskrugwinery/) https://www.linkedin.com/company/charleskrugwinery/ (https://www.linkedin.com/company/charleskrugwinery/) https://twitter.com/charleskrugwine (https://twitter.com/charleskrugwine) https://twitter.com/CharlesKrugCEO (https://twitter.com/CharlesKrugCEO)

Our guests are Henri and Christopher Vandendriessche, of White Rock Vineyards. Their roots run deep in both Northern France and the Napa Valley, with an Old World sensibility evident in their life and wines. It’s inspiring to hear how they prioritize a lifestyle that includes family, living intimately with the land and making world class wines. We also dive into the history of winemaking in California and Napa Valley. Thank you for joining us and I hope you enjoy. www.whiterockvineyards.com Facebook @whiterockvineyards Instagram whiterockvineyards

Jim Duane is the winemaker at Seavey Vineyards, Napa Valley and hosts the number one podcast on winemaking, “Inside Winemaking”. He’s made wine at such legendary wineries as Robert Mondavi and Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars and has a clear passion for learning, growth and sharing his knowledge with others.  We’re grateful he was able to take precious time away from the cellar to speak with us today and hope you enjoy. Seavey:  http://www.seaveyvineyard.com/ (www.Seaveyvineyard.com) Instagram: @insidewinemaking Podcast  http://www.insidewinemaking.com/ (InsideWinemaking.com)

Yountville is considered one of the top culinary, wine and hotel destinations on the west coast. John shares how The French Laundry put Yountville on the map and helps us understand how such a high profile destination keeps its small town community charm and friendliness. Websites:  http://yountville.com (http://yountville.com)  http://yountvillechamber.com (http://yountvillechamber.com) Instagram: @yountvilleca Facebook: @yountvillechamber Yountville Welcome Center & Chamber of Commerce 6484 Washington Street, Suite F Yountville, CA 94599

"I think that when you grow up in a remote area, Native or not, you just understand that most of life is beyond your control." Elaine Chukan Brown is a prolific and successful wine writer, who's work includes being the American Wine Specialist for JancisRobinson.com, contributing writer for Wine & Spirits Magazine and has been featured in Robb Report, MensHealth, Decanter and many more wine and lifestyle outlets. Her fascinating story goes far beyond just wine, having grown up in a remote village of Alaska with her rich indigenous culture. We explore her life and reflections, including how she applies her lessons in purposeful entrepreneurship, some very cool travel tips to Alaska and much more. After our conversation I can appreciate even more her passion and depth that comes through her wine writing. I hope you enjoy! Connect with and Follow Elaine at: Website                              http://www.WakawakaWineReviews.com (www.WakawakaWineReviews.com) Twitter or Instagram:       @hawk_wakawaka Facebook:                          http://www.facebook.com/hawkwakawaka (www.facebook.com/hawkwakawaka) Jancis Robinson www.jancisrobinson.com

"I took a dollar an hour paycut and it was the best decision I ever made." Sean Scully on getting his first job as a journalist, 30 years ago. It’s a fun and fascinating discussion where we hear his perspective and stories from his career in journalism. You get a real sense of his and the paper’s commitment to serve the community in daily life and in times of crises. I always love talking with people who are genuinely living their calling, as their sense of fulfillment naturally exudes from their voices. I hope it can give us all some inspiration to discover and pursue our own calling in life. Thank you very much for being with us and I hope you enjoy! Napa Valley Register: https://napavalleyregister.com/members/join/ (https://napavalleyregister.com/members/join/) Twitter @nvreditor

Find out how farming taught Angelina to accept things beyond her control, how to book a private virtual tasting with her, where she sends visiting friends to Napa Valley and much more. Schedule a private Virtual Tasting with Angelina Mondavi at: info@mondavisisters.com or (707)225-2759 www.angelinamondavi.com IG: amondaviconsulting, mondavi_sisters Twitter: @MondaviSisters Facebook: @mondavisisterscollection  Dark Matter: www.darkmatterwines.com Aloft wine: www.aloftwine.com Charles Krug: www.charleskrug.com Angelina Mondavi Clients: brasswood napa Valley, flat top hills wine, Castlevale and Illum.