Wine Without Worry – Jameson Fink

Your fridge is not just for white wine. Explore red wine you can–and should–chill for maximum refreshment. Rachel Belle, host of Ring My Belle on KIRO radio, stops by to chill out with cool reds. … Read more about this episode...

Travel through time and learn about the history of Wente Vineyards in the Livermore Valley. Carolyn Wente, Fourth Generation Winegrower and CEO, is your guide. … Read more about this episode...

Traveling through British Columbia‘s Okanagan Valley, you’ll a diversity of both wine and landscape. Get to know the region via interviews with folks from these wineries: St. Hubertus Estate Winery, Quail’s Gate, Meyer Family Vineyards, Tantalus Vineyards, Black Hills Estate Winery, and Burrowing Owl Estate Winery. … Read more about this episode...

Cabernet, Gruner Veltliner, Malbec, Sparkling? It’s all happening in Washington State. Interviews with winemakers and more who illustrate the diversity of wine scene, featuring DeLille, Treveri, WT Vintners, Fidelitas, Savage Grace, and Efeste.   … Read more about this episode...

Get to know the wines of Cadence, Betz, Two Vintners, Refuge and Prospect, and Avennia. I speak with winery owners and winemakers, ranging from recent upstarts to buzz-worthy names to top labels in the state. All recorded during a visit to Woodinville, Washington. … Read more about this episode...

What makes a Syrah unique and exceptional? Guy Sarton du Jonchay, Managing Director of Vidal-Fleury, pours the wines and shares his stories of a winery dating back to 1781.   … Read more about this episode...

Get to know an extremely picturesque yet undiscovered wine region of France: Bergerac. Your guide is Clive Pursehouse, who recently returned from a memorable trip there, cycling through beautiful rural settings. Discover exemplary sweet wines, memorable whites, and delicious reds.   … Read more about this episode...

Put aside your notions of pizza being round. Get to know the Roman-style pizza served up at Seattle’s Pizzeria Gabbiano. Seasonal toppings and a unique crust (and shape) will make you a convert. Also get (some of) the secrets behind its inspiration and creation.   … Read more about this episode...

It’s science, not magic, that powers Coravin: an invention that allows you to sample wines at your leisure, without fear of oxidation. Founder Greg Lambrecht reveals how it works and talks about the inspiration (and perspiration) behind its development. Also Christopher Gronbeck of Seattle’s The Barrel Thief explains how Coravin allows him to offer over 150 wines by the … Read more about this episode...

What goes into the making of a wine bar? Get to know David Butler, owner of Seattle’s Le Caviste. We discuss the philosophy behind his all-French wine list, a tribute to some of the most notable wines for leisurely enjoyment.   … Read more about this episode...

Move beyond Pinot Noir and the Willamette Valley and get to know Herb Quady of Quady North winery. Discover a unique place and surprising wines when you tour Southern Oregon’s Applegate and Rogue Valleys.   … Read more about this episode...

Sustainable winegrowing is at the core of what Karl Wente does. The Fifth Generation Winegrower and Senior Vice President of Winemaking for Wente Vineyards explains how he’s committed to the land and a legacy. … Read more about this episode...

Are your photos more like mug shots than memories? Photographer Richard Duval has tips that even beginners with smart phones can use to make photos of vineyards–and people–look distinctive, creative, and impressive. … Read more about this episode...

Are you worried about being stuck in the kitchen while your guests are out having fun? Wondering what dishes you can make ahead? What wines to have ready? Fifth Generation Winegrower Christine Wente stops by to ease your mind and make you the perfect host, glass of wine in hand. … Read more about this episode...

Would you spend five years of your life studying for an exam you only had a five percent chance of passing? That’s what you sign up for when you attempt to become a Master Sommelier. Joining me to discuss this Herculean quest for wine knowledge is Jason Wise, Writer and Director of SOMM, a documentary following four passionate sommeliers … Read more about this episode...

Headed to Las Vegas and curious about what’s cool in the world of wine? And what wines to drink to keep you cool in the hot weather? Cole Sisson, Head Sommelier at Michael Mina Bellagio, answers. … Read more about this episode...

Explore The World of Sicilian Wine with the authors of the book of the same name: Bill Nesto and Frances Di Savino. You’ll be drinking in the rich history and culture of Sicily through its captivating wines. … Read more about this episode...

Uncork your inner winemaker at Wente Vineyards’ Winemakers Studio. From creating your own custom blend to understanding aromas to cheese pairing, Carolyn Wente is your guide to a unique and exciting wine experience. … Read more about this episode...

Is Sherry one of the world’s most versatile wines? Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe makes the case during our discussion at Seattle’s Aragona, where he is Wine and Service Director. Also tune in for a further exploration of Spain, discover the next big thing in Washington wine, and find out how Tanghe’s culinary background informs his wine career. … Read more about this episode...

Get to know the exciting developments when it comes to wine in New York’s Finger Lakes with Kris Matthewson, winemaker at Bellwether Wine Cellars. The focus is on Riesling and Pinot Noir, but find out why fans of all types of grapes should put this exciting region on their radar. … Read more about this episode...

It’s time for warm-weather sipping, so I chat and taste with Elaine Chukan Brown of Hawk Wakawaka Wine Reviews. She sent me California wines, I sent her Washington wines, and we share our thoughts. Break out the sunscreen and get on the patio! … Read more about this episode...

How do you learn about wine without memorizing places on a map? Madeline Puckette of Wine Folly shares educational tips combining her graphic design background with her zippy personality. We also share a couple wines from Bellwether Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes and I get introduced to Childish Gambino. … Read more about this episode...

What is Gruner Veltliner? How do you say it? (Seriously!) Why should you drink it? Get to know the white and red wines of Austria with Winebow’s Austrian Import Specialist Melissa Sutherland. … Read more about this episode...

A call to Cape Town starts a conversation with Jean-Baptiste Cristini, Head of Sales and Marketing for Fairview and Spice Route wineries. We talk about the country’s most famous wine regions, touch on Pinotage and Chenin Blanc, and, naturally, discuss goat towers. … Read more about this episode...

Who better to talk with about the diversity and history of our most popular white wine grape than a member of California’s First Family of Chardonnay? I welcome Wente Vineyards CEO and Fourth Generation Winegrower Carolyn Wente to the show. We talk about the variety of styles available to suit anyone’s palate as well as food pairings that make your … Read more about this episode...

What are the highs and lows of being a winemaker? What surprises people about the job? And are you crazy to go it alone? My guest, William Allen of California’s Two Shepherds, (who makes tiny amounts of wine from grapes that aren’t the usual suspects), answers these questions and more. Plus, I taste some of his wines, including a most … Read more about this episode...

Are you frustrated by heavy, long-winded, confusing wine books? Pick up a copy of The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert. My guest is the book’s author, Richard Betts. He’s a Master Sommelier who wants to help YOU decide what you like, and even provide a map to your (wine) desires. … Read more about this episode...

Does wine service and selection play a big part in a review of a restaurant? Should it? Does it depend on the pricetag of the meal? Food Writer and Critic for the Charleston (SC) Post and Courier Hanna Raskin provides the answers. We also talk about how to get Yelp Help via her book of the same name, with great … Read more about this episode...

It’s a one-two punch of awesome with these guests: Natalie Slater of Bake and Destroy, followed by CakeSpy Jessie Oleson Moore. Natalie destroys stereotypes of vegan cuisine, and I offer the wines to show off her cooking style. And if you’re craving sweetness, who better to speak with than a CakeSpy? I brought the dessert wine. … Read more about this episode...

We’re making the case for year-round, regular Champagne consumption with David Speer of Ambonnay Bar in Portland, OR. David has some surprising thoughts on the best glass for appreciating Champagne, plus reveals why you might want to forgo the ice bucket. … Read more about this episode...

Join me outdoors, relaxing in the winery courtyard as I learn a lot about pairing food and wine from Jordan Vineyard and Winery Director of Wine, Greg Miller. We taste an outstanding Chardonnay and a few vintages of Cabernet as well, matched with cheeses and savory bites. Then it’s a trip up to the top of this scenic Sonoma property … Read more about this episode...

From Lodi Zinfandel on ice to Napa Valley Cabernet from dramatic hillside vineyards to a sublime sweet Italian wine made from partially dried grapes, my discussion with Michael Mondavi covers a lot of ground. You’ll also get advice on how to trust your own taste, navigate the highs and lows of family business, and what (surprising) wine pairs with jambalaya.… Read more about this episode...

How and where do you buy your wine? Increasingly, it’s less in person and more over the internet. And it may be via responding to a compelling e-mail detailing a unique selection. So how does that wine offer get into your inbox? I speak with Paul Zitarelli, owner of Full Pull Wines, and chief scribe of their e-mail wine … Read more about this episode...

How does a winemaker decide when grapes in the vineyard are ready to pick? Is it an art? A science? Both? Ross Andrew Mickel, Winemaker at Ross Andrew Winery, takes time from his busy harvest schedule to shed light on what goes into making this crucial decision. Ross also discusses the diversity of grapes and vineyards from a host … Read more about this episode...

Near the Northern Italian town of Trento, with the dramatic Dolomite Mountains as a backdrop, you find a place making sparkling wine where the distinction of Champagne meets the uniqueness of Italy: Cantine Ferrari. Jamie Stewart, US Brand Ambassador for Cantine Ferrari, joins me to help explain what makes this (relatively undiscovered) place and its wines so special. … Read more about this episode...

Wine is great on its own, but you can also get creative in mixing up cocktails. I welcome ace bartender, Mezcal lover, and Spirits Director for the Heavy Restaurant Group Casey Robison. He concocts lively cocktails using red wine, white wine, rosé, sparkling wine, sparkling rosé, and sherry. A most spirited episode. … Read more about this episode...

Emmy-Award Winning Television Host, Author, Speaker, and Educator Leslie Sbrocco joins me to talk about what women want to know about wine, and how she came to be a Thirsty Girl. We also talk about what wines she always has within reach: R&R. (That’s Riesling and Rosé.) And Leslie shares her views on how to make wine more accessible … Read more about this episode...

What the best wine for BBQ? For grilling? Wine Writer, Educator, and Consultant Mary Cressler of Vindulge joins me to provide some surprising picks, way beyond Zinfandel. We talk about Mary’s outdoor cooking adventures (included potato-chip crusts and plenty of rosé), how we met in Santorini, and her return to Oregon. … Read more about this episode...

If you find Pétillant Naturel to be a mouthful, just say “Pet-Nat”. These sparkling wines are made in an ancient way, but provide great pleasure to today’s drinker. I’m joined by Writer, Wine Monger, and Passionate Pet-Nat Promoter Sarah Chappell to explore this little-known, but much adored, corner of the wine world. We also talk about how Pet-Nat, born in … Read more about this episode...

It’s time to put British Columbia on your wine radar. There’s so much to discover in this Canadian Province: Riesling, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Syrah, sparkling wine, and a lot more. Looking for where to start? I turn to my guest, Luke Whittall, creator of the blog and podcast Wine Country BC, for all things British Columbia wine. Since most of … Read more about this episode...

Is Australian wine all about Shiraz? What makes the wine region of South Australia unique and intriguing? I speak with Jason Miller, General Manager of Rich & Lingering, a food and wine touring company located in Adelaide, South Australia, to discover the diversity of this storied wine region. From “alarmingly drinkable” white wines to unusual red grapes like Sagrantino, … Read more about this episode...

Explore a “beyond organic” method of farming producing some of the most outstanding and exciting wines in the world: biodynamics. My guest, Katherine Cole, wrote a book, Voodoo Vintners, focusing on wineries in Oregon using this controversial, holistic method of vineyard maintenance. We also talk about Oregon Wine (the app), the astonishingly prolific founder of biodynamics, Rudolf Steiner, and … Read more about this episode...

So you’ve got some leftover red or white wine and wondering how to use it for cooking? Help is on the way from Mike Easton, owner of Seattle’s phenomenally good Il Corvo, where you’ll find pasta perfection. We also sip on vermouth and talk about how he went from making rock and roll to making pasta via a life-changing … Read more about this episode...

How do you read a wine label? Know how to ask for what you like? And do pairings and vintages matter? I flip the script and turn over the keys to the show to Author/Cook/Urban Farmer Amy Pennington. When she’s not working on her Fresh Pantry e-book series, she’s probably enjoying a glass of wine. So she had lots … Read more about this episode...

Working in the wine business, as well as writing about wine, means tasting a lot of wines. I welcome Sean Sullivan, creator of Washington Wine Report as well as a Contributing Editor to Wine Enthusiast Magazine, to talk about how not to be overwhelmed when tasting wine. We also chat about the the identity of Washington wine, and I … Read more about this episode...

Sure, drinking wine is great, but have you ever thought of using it in the kitchen as an ingredient in homemade jams, jellies, and chutneys? To give you a dose of confidence, plus the necessary enthusiasm to get cooking with wine, I welcome the creator of the charming and informative site Learn to Preserve, Brook Hurst Stephens. She’s also … Read more about this episode...

Oregon’s Willamette Valley is justifiably famous for Pinot Noir. But think about journeying beyond its best-known region and grape to experience Southern Oregon wine. Joining me to talk about the wine and the landscape of Southern Oregon is Clive Pursehouse from the Northwest Wine Anthem. Clive also reveals how he combines cyclocross racing and wine writing, as well as how … Read more about this episode...

How does a Pinot Noir expert from New Zealand end up making wine in Chile? My guest Grant Phelps, Chief Winemaker at Casas del Bosque, explains why he’s found Chile to be the perfect spot to make wine. Considering the presence grape-growing regions from practically tip to tail of this nearly 2,700 mile-long country, we explore the astonishing … Read more about this episode...

It’s not every day you talk with a pilot, sailboat racer, powder skier, and whitewater rapids guide who also happens to own a company that imports Italian wine. I welcome Brian Larky, Chairman and Founder of Dalla Terra, to talk about wines that flow. We focus on why sparkling wines are so popular, especially Prosecco, Lambrusco, and Moscato d’Asti. … Read more about this episode...

Washington State has become famous for its wine. Critics have given some bottles perfect scores and put them at the top of year-end lists. But the vast majority of these wines come from Eastern Washington. Quietly, wineries on the Puget Sound off the coast of Western Washington are making distinctly delicious wines from such curious and rare grapes as … Read more about this episode...

Napa Valley may be the first place that comes to mind when you think of California wine, but there is no place like the Santa Cruz Mountains. That’s where you’ll find Ridge Vineyards, and one of the world’s most legendary wines: Monte Bello. Christopher Watkins, Manager of Retail Sales and Hospitality as well as the Author and Host of 4488: … Read more about this episode...