Podcasts about Winemaker

"When I take on a task, I do it with my whole heart," Elena Rodriguez on how she's traveled through her entire life, but specifically, on starting Alumbra Cellars (Alumbra means "to shine"). Elena's story is right out of a good book that you just can't put down. Her story is one of hard work, tenacity, immigrant grit, and the idea of taking on a job with your whole heart and finding out you really love it. Woven throughout - it's a story of family, celebrating family and the hard work put in, and passed down to each generation. Elena talks about the journey her father took, a farmer through and through, season after season, looking for work before finally settling in the Pacific Northwest. He wasn't a wine drinker, but he had a vision in the vines and a dream to plant grapes. While this interview is somewhat focused on Alumbra Cellars and how it came to be... at the heart is the family that made it happen.

What does it take to build a winery that honors both the land and the people who cultivate it?In this episode, we meet Andy Neja, founder and winemaker of Cairjn Wine Cellars, one of Paso Robles' most exciting boutique wineries. Named after the word "cairn"—a carefully stacked pile of stones that serves as both a landmark and a tribute—Cairjn reflects Andy's family's farming heritage and the limestone-rich soils that define the West Paso landscape.Andy didn't simply become a winemaker—he immersed himself in every aspect of the wine industry, from vineyard work and farming to hospitality, retail, and cellar operations. That hands-on experience shaped a philosophy centered on one simple belief: "Winemaking happens in the vineyard; everything else is secondary."Together, we explore how sustainability, meticulous vineyard practices, and relationships with some of Paso Robles' finest growers allow Cairjn to produce small-lot wines of exceptional character.Andy also shares the challenges and rewards of launching his own label, the importance of honoring vineyard workers, and why authenticity remains the foundation of every bottle.Whether you're passionate about fine wine, terroir, sustainable farming, or entrepreneurial journeys, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the dedication required to transform a dream into one of California's most promising boutique wineries.Pour yourself a glass and discover why Cairjn Wine Cellars is quickly becoming one of Paso Robles' hidden treasures.

My guest on the latest ‘Matt Talks Wine & Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is one of the top winemakers working in Ontario, Matt Smith.  The 2024 Paul Pender Rising Star Award winner is the winemaker for Cloudsley Cellars, Honsberger Estate and Kirby Estate.

What happens when you gather an award-winning winemaker, a resident sommelier, and two curious podcast hosts around a table? A few pour decisions... and a whole lot of great conversation. Recorded at Stylus with resident sommelier Krista French, this episode features Fiona S. Mak, founder and winemaker of SMAK Wines, as we uncork the fascinating story behind Washington's first rosé-exclusive winery. We explore the growing popularity of rosé, dispel a few myths about "pink wine," and learn why Fiona made the bold decision to dedicate her entire label to crafting exceptional rosés. Founded in 2018, SMAK Wines was established by Fiona S. Mak, the first Asian woman from Hong Kong to own a winery in Washington State at the age of 32. Her thoughtfully crafted, seasonal collection celebrates the flavors and moods of the year: Spring (Sangiovese), Summer (Grenache), Fall (Cabernet Franc), and Winter (Mourvèdre). Even the vibrant labels tell a story, reflecting the joy, personality, and inspiration behind each wine and inviting you to experience the season before you even take your first sip. Whether you're a devoted wine enthusiast or simply rosé-curious, you'll enjoy Fiona's entrepreneurial journey, her passion for winemaking, and her fresh perspective on an often misunderstood style of wine. So pour yourself a glass, sit back, and join us for an entertaining conversation that's equal parts education, inspiration, and—of course—pour decisions. For more information about Smak Wines or to become a wine club member, visit smakwines.com.

Cory Empting is Managing Director of Winegrowing at Domain H. William Harlan, overseeing Harlan Estate, BOND, Promontory, and The Mascot in the Napa Valley of California.Cory recounts his memories of growing up in the Napa Valley and learning about winemaking from the age of 15. He recalls running around The French Laundry as a kid and helping out with a harvest at Forman Vineyard. He also talks about his first experiences at Harlan Estate, a property where he has now worked for decades. Cory discusses why he decided to pursue a career at Harlan, which led to being named the Winemaker of the property years later.Cory talks about Bob Levy, the Founding Winemaker of Harlan Estate, who Cory still works with today. He also describes working for Bill Harlan and Will Harlan, the owners of the property. Cory talks about the 1997 vintage at Harlan Estate, and his experiences tasting that wine over the years. He also shares some thoughts about the ageing trajectory of Harlan wines in general.Cory discusses the Harlan property itself and contrasts it with the nearby Promontory vineyard, then describes how the winemaking approach for Promontory evolved over time. This leads into a discussion of how the approach at Harlan Estate has changed over the years, both in terms of the farming and the winemaking. One key change has been the move to dry farming (without irrigation), and Cory talks about the implications of that shift. Other topics that emerge in the discussion include soil health, head trained vines, vineyard exposure, harvest date, native yeast fermentation, fermentation temperature, stem inclusion, extraction, tannin management, avoiding acidification, the duration of malolactic conversion, press wine, and the length of élevage. Amidst this discussion Cory emphasizes his respect for Bob Levy's accomplishments and frames the shifts at Harlan over time as a natural evolution in a multi-generational business.Cory shares the terrible circumstances surrounding the wildfires in the Napa Valley in 2017, and what his family experienced during that time. He also grapples with how that harvest redefined his thinking about the winemaking. After that experience in 2017, Cory reviewed harvest records from previous decades and started thinking more about the winemaking of the past in the Napa Valley. This coincided with Cory having more encounters with older vintages of Napa wines.Farming is discussed in-depth, as Cory shares his thoughts on the language of plants and interacting with vines. A significant outcome of the work in the vines at Harlan has been earlier ripening as an outcome of dry farming. Cory recognizes members of his team who made key contributions to the work in the vines on the property, including the Castellanos brothers and Francisco Gonzalez. He also touches on the significant differences between different vineyard parcels within Harlan Estate, both in terms of vineyard work and exposure. The subject of multi-generational wineries comes to the fore as Cory discusses internal dynamics at the workplace between winemakers and ownership.In 2020, wildfire reappeared in the Napa Valley, and Cory made a decision to harvest weeks earlier than had been the norm at Harlan Estate in the 2000s. He refers to that decision as “an inflection point” for Harlan Estate and shares his reasoning in this interview. The question of whether wildfires are part of a new climate reality for Napa is addressed in this interview, and Cory talks about the relation of farming and climate to wine style. He also shares his thoughts on how smoke taint may alter the tannins of a wine. He closes with the thought that his team is currently learning and adjusting at a faster pace.This episode also features commentary from:Ric Forman, Forman VineyardKelli White, Director of Education at The Wine Center and author of the book "Napa Valley Then & Now"Frederic Mugnier, Domaine Jacques-Frederic MugnierSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week's episode comes to you live from Langley-based Township 7 Vineyards and Winery. We discuss with General Manager Mike Raffan the many reasons to visit the rapidly growing wine region of Greater Langley. We highlight the 2023 Seven Stars RIGEL, an award-winning Riesling-based sparkling wine, and preview upcoming seasonal events. Mary McDermott, Winemaker at Township 7, joins us to introduce their first-ever offerings of two unique rosés; we'll taste and discuss both. Gary Zhygailo and Brian Ensor from Chaberton Estate Winery stop by, sharing two bottles for us to enjoy. Karen Yeung, Winemaker and Viticulturalist at Gate 22 Winery & Adega On 45th Estate Winery, gives updates on two wines: their 2025 Chardonnay and a 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon. Lastly, we chat with Tim LaHay of Tourism Langley and owner of the Barley Merchant about reasons to visit Langley, upcoming events, and the Fall wine passport.

Nicole Camp, founder and winemaker of LaShellé Wines, has been honored as Best Black Winemaker in The Seattle Medium's inaugural Best of the Best Northwest Readers' Choice Awards. Her Woodinville-based LaShellé Wines, which began as a backyard experiment, has grown into an award-winning boutique winery. Notably, it is one of Washington state's few Black woman-owned wineries, signifying a significant milestone in regional entrepreneurship and craftsmanship. Interview By Chris B. Bennett.

Winemaker Ted Seghesio from Solo Nostro Wines is our guest today on California Wine Country with Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell. Ted used to work for the winery that bears his family name. In what he refers to now as his “previous post,” he made Zinfandel for 40 years. He still makes it under the new label, among many other varietals. Solo Nostro is Italian for “ours alone.” Ted started as as winemaker in 1979 when the Seghesio family had been making wine already for many decades. The winery used open top concrete fermenters and redwood storage tanks. They had 400 acres of vineyards including French Colombard, Chenin Blanc, Carignane and Zinfandel. He remembers the advent of White Zin in the 1980s that saved a lot of Zinfandel vineyards. Ted and his wife honeymooned in the Rhone region when they got married in 2015. When they created Solo Nostro in 2019, they chose to feature Rhone varietals, Grenache Blanc and Syrah, as well as a Rhone white blend. In addition to that, also make Dolcetto. They plan to expand their portfolio to other Mediterranean grapes. The Dolcetto is from their estate, and they get others from other local growers. Viognier and Dolcetto Rosato They planted Viognier because it was harder to find locally and they wanted it. Viognier can be tricky from year to year, the crop sizes are not as consistent as other varieties. So that is a risk for a winery or a grower. Now they taste a Viognier that Dan says has the flower basket aroma typical of Viognier. It should smell like flowers. They picked at 3am, and went straight to the press at 50 degrees F, then straight to the concrete amphora. After 2 months fermentation, they left it on the lees until 6 months then bottled it. It has flavors of ripe peaches and apricots and floral flavors that put Viognier “in a different class.” Dan says to put this in oak barrels would be a misdemeanor. Dan estimates its alcohol is around 13.8. It’s 13.9. This would not be for aging. In France they do not age this wine. The floral aromatics are there to be enjoyed now. It should be served below 65 degrees. Solo Nostro Wines are available at Bacchus’ Landing, which has various events. The owners are the former owners of the lucrative Low-Rider Magazine so they also hold an annual car show too. Dan says the place is “just stunning.” Next is a Syrah, which is another variety that Ted did not work with in his previous post. It has thick skins. In 2022 it was 116 degrees on Labor Day. Fortunately they had picked the day before. It came out with blueberry essence with a trace of pepper. Dan says it needs two years to get to its ideal place. The Consumer Is In the Driver’s Seat With the downturn in sales in the wine industry right now, consumers have opportunities to try wines at prices they wouldn’t find. Some wines that already have an extra year of aging are now reaching the market which is good for buyers. Slow sales mean the wines for sale may be longer aged. One reason why California wines have become so popular is that they deliver fruit. On the east coast where they grew up with European wine, they are missing the California fruit flavors. Daedalus asks if there is something about the California palette. Are we spoiled? Well, we are just different. Ted says they have done comparative tastings forever, France, Italy, California, lots of them. “Our fruit always stood out.” The Pivot Daedalus asks Ted how he made the pivot in his career. He quit Seghesio in 2018 and his wife Dana was studying in the Sonoma State University Executive Business program. They were going to start a winery but the wildfires wiped them out. They were going to call it Atto Due, Act Two. He rode Seattle to Portland and passing back into California, they found themselves before a breathtaking scene with nobody else around. Dana remarked, Solo Nostro which in Italian means “Ours Alone.” They only make 500 cases per year so far. He even makes a little Pinot Noir. They will also make Sangiovese. He will get some grapes from a vineyard that started with vines that his grandfather planted in 1910. Nobody else has century-old Sangiovese vineyard in California. 

This week's show comes to you from the deck at Laughing Stock Vineyards in the middle of the Naramata Bench. Laughing Stock captured the Best Performing Small Winery of the Year in Canada at the 2025 Wine Align National Wine Awards and was recently acknowledged by Wine Growers British Columbia and the Okanagan Wine Festival Society as the 2026 Winery of the Year. Our guests include Sébastien Lafortune, Manager of Laughing Stock Vineyards, who walks us through the many guest-focused on-site tastings, including the Blending Seminar on August 28th. Sandy Leier, Winemaker at Laughing Stock Vineyards, joins us to focus on Laughing Stock's white wines and sparkling program. We taste the 2024 Blind Trust White and the 2021 Market Bubble, a classic blend of 58% Pinot Noir and 42% Chardonnay, released after 36 months on its lees in bottle. In terms of red wines, we explore the 2023 Laughing Stock Vineyards Pinot Noir and the flagship Laughing Stock Vineyards Portfolio. Caroline Schaller, Winemaker at Culmina Family Estate Winery, drops by to update us on her work at the Culmina estate on the Golden Mile Bench and pours the Unicus 2025 (Grüner Veltliner) and her flagship red, the 2019 Hypothesis. Culmina Family Estate Winery is located on the Golden Mile Bench in Oliver, BC. Finally, winemaker Justin Hall joins the deck party from Nk'Mip Cellars in Osoyoos, pouring his 2022 QQ Syrah, 2025 Pinot Blanc, and the 2025 Rose. Nk'Mip (in-ka-meep) Cellars is a trailblazing winery in Osoyoos, BC, renowned as the first Indigenous-owned and operated winery in North America.

White Wine, Regenerative Farming, and Reinventing Yourself at 50What does it mean to acquiesce to wine? For Lodi winemaker Susan Tipton it means surrendering to the grapes, making wine that represents what the grapes give her.Meet Susan Tipton, founder of Acquiesce Winery and Vineyards in Lodi, California. In a region famous for Zinfandel and other red wines, Sue took a different path, building a winery devoted entirely to Rhône-inspired white wines. What began as a passion project after she fell in love with a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape eventually became one of Lodi's most acclaimed wineries.Sue shares how she and her husband Rodney arrived in Lodi after years of moving around the world for corporate assignments, and how a song called “Acquiesce” by KD Lang inspired both the winery's name and philosophy. Today, Acquiesce is known for wines that as they say, surrender to the grapes, focusing on expressing the vineyard rather than manipulating the wine. She also explains why Lodi's warm days, cool Delta breezes, and sandy soils make Lodi an ideal place to grow Rhône white varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Picpoul Blanc, and Bourboulenc.Our conversation explores Sue's career change in her 50s, the challenges of launching a winery focused exclusively on white wines, and the recognition that followed. From selling out her first vintages to being named Woman Winemaker of the Year by the International Women's Wine Competition, Sue's story is a testament to following curiosity and conviction.We also discuss Acquiesce's food-and-wine pairing program, regenerative farming practices, and the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective, an initiative co-founded by Rodney Tipton to help create pathways into the wine industry for people of color. So grab a glas and join us for this inspiring conversation about wine, hospitality, sustainability, and the rewards.

Episode 681 also includes an E.W. Poetic Piece titled, “Independence.” Commercial Free, Small Batch Radio Crafted in the West Mountains of Northeastern Pennsylvania... Heard All Over The World. Tell Your Friends and Neighbors.

What does it take to leave everything behind and follow a dream?In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nancy Ulloa, founder, winemaker, owner, and unapologetic Boss Lady behind Ulloa Cellars, one of Paso Robles' most exciting boutique wineries.Nancy shares the incredible story of how she left the San Francisco Bay Area with nothing more than determination and a passion for wine, arriving in Paso Robles to learn the craft from the ground up.  From producing her very first Grüner Veltliner in 2019 to building a rapidly growing winery known for its distinctive white wines and intentional winemaking philosophy, Nancy proves that courage, perseverance, and authenticity can turn dreams into reality.We explore her unique approach to crafting small-batch wines, her love for lesser-known grape varieties, the influence of sustainable farming, and the positive energy that she pours into every bottle. Nancy also opens up about the challenges of building a brand from scratch, breaking barriers as a Latina entrepreneur, and creating wines that are every bit as expressive as the woman behind them.Whether you're passionate about wine, entrepreneurship, personal growth, or simply love hearing stories of fearless people who followed their calling, this episode is guaranteed to leave you inspired.Pour yourself a glass and discover why Ulloa Cellars is one of the most exciting names shaping the future of California wine.

If you're searching for how to drink less without quitting, I have good news! You don't have to choose between boring sober and messy out of control. There's a whole middle ground. And I live there. I'm a former winemaker. I still love wine. And I've gone from drinking more than I wanted to one or two glasses a week. Not because I'm being good. But because that's genuinely all I want now. Before I share the secret to how I achieved this truly miraculous change, let's first look at why drinking less is an excellent idea… Want Help Drinking Less Without Quitting? If you'd like support putting this into practice I'd love you to join the Secret Society of Intentional Boozehounds. It's a private weekly group, runs over six months, and you'll build the skill of drinking less without missing out on any of the fun. Learn more here:

Pastor Ken Ortize continues in the book of Genesis. This multipart series dives into the interpretation and the comprehension of its passages. Today we are in Genesis 9:20-28.

We welcome back to Tasting Room Radio, one of our original neighbors on the Naramata Bench, Hillside Estate Winery. Joining us are Kathy Malone, the award winning Winemaker and a fresh talent in the Bistro kitchen, Chef Brandon Fredrick (one of the co-founders of the much talked about Row 14 in The Similkameen) Kathy will be taking all of... The post July 11th, 2026- Kathy Malone, Chef Brandon Fredrick. Both at Hillside Winery (Naramata) appeared first on Mulligan Stew.

What happens when a television producer leaves Hollywood to create one of California's most inspiring wineries?In this episode, we discover the remarkable story behind Vinyl Vineyards, where exceptional wines, timeless music, and meaningful moments come together to create an experience unlike any other.Join us as we talk with Jeff Hevert, the winemaker whose life took an extraordinary turn from producing reality television to crafting premium wines on California's Central Coast.  Starting over as a cellar intern at the age of 40, Jeff embraced a completely new path driven by passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.Together, we explore how Vinyl Vineyards was born from the idea of reinvention—drawing inspiration from iconic artists like David Bowie—and why slowing down, sharing a bottle of wine, listening to great music, and reconnecting with the people around us may be life's greatest luxury.Discover the philosophy behind handcrafted wines that express both place and emotion, the importance of regenerative farming, and why every bottle is designed to create memories rather than simply fill a glass.Whether you're passionate about wine, entrepreneurship, music, or stories of personal transformation, this conversation will inspire you to embrace change, savor the present, and celebrate the moments that truly matter.Pour your favorite glass, put on a great record, and join us for an unforgettable conversation with Jeff Hevert and the world of Vinyl Vineyards.

Kelly owns her own winery Mason Vineyard, is the chief winemaker at Domaine Queylus and is one of the most ambitious winemaker in Canada. She is expanding all things Mason Vineyard while making incredible Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc.Kelly has been on the Podcast more than just about any other guest. Her passion for all things wine is so infectious.

Huw Kinch is the Estate Manager and Winemaker at Pyramid Valley Vineyards, a winery established by visionaries and brought to life through the many dedicated hands and minds of some of New Zealand's most talented wine professionals. Here, the philosophy is clear: these are wines grown, not made—expressions that speak intimately of soil, place, and soul. https://www.pyramidvalley.co.nz SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER FOR EXCLUSIVE ARTICLES, NEWS, GIVEAWAYS AND BEHIND THE SCENES ⁠⁠https://deepintheweeds.us6.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=d33e307cf7100cf947e2e6973&id=d17d8213f5⁠⁠ Follow Over a Glass ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/overtheglasspod⁠⁠  Host Shanteh Wale ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/shantehwale/?hl=en⁠⁠ Executive Producer Rob Locke ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/foodwinedine/⁠⁠ Executive Producer Anthony Huckstep ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/huckstergram/⁠⁠ LISTEN TO OUR OTHER FOOD PODCASTS ⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/DeepintheWeedsNetwork⁠⁠ Over a Glass is a wine & drinks podcast with Shanteh Wale exploring the personalities, stories and landscape of the wine and drinks business. An Australian Wine and Drinks Podcast from the Deep in the Weeds Network.

This week, we're putting another listener recommendation to the test and the pressure is on.After last week's surprise Australian wine win, our community is looking to go 2-for-2 with a Barossa Valley Shiraz from legendary winemaker Chris Ringland. Can a $24 bottle from one of Australia's most respected names really deliver?We dive into bold dark fruit, pepper, herbs, oak, and one tasting note none of us saw coming (fruitcake?!), while tackling a bigger question:Do great winemakers only make expensive wine?Turns out, the answer might change the way you shop for wine forever.Plus:Why affordable wines aren't just "cheap versions" of luxury bottles A chaotic round of Grape Guesses featuring kangaroos, Shiraz exports, and Australia's oldest vines Colin discovers new sound effects... and maybe a little too much powerWine Reviewed: 2021 Ringland Barossa Shiraz (Barossa Valley, Australia)Have a wine you think we need to try? Send us your recommendation—you might pick our next winner.Support the show and help keep the wine flowing!Buy us a glass!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/cheers3⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Connect with the show. We would love to hear from you!Stop Wasting Your Wine on Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/stopwastingyourwine/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Stop Wasting Your Wine on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@StopWastingYourWine⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Chapters00:00 - Ushwin Wine Experience Announcement01:38 - Our Australian Wine Challenge Continues04:15 - First Impressions of the Ringland Barossa Shiraz05:45 - Breaking Down the Aromas and Flavor Profile10:15 - Do Our Tasting Notes Match the Producer's?13:40 - Wine Drop: Why Great Winemakers Make Affordable Wines20:55 - Final Ratings27:20 - Grape Guesses: Australia's Shiraz, Vineyards & Kangaroos34:25 - Close

What could be better than making wine in a castle? Peter Velleno does in fact, make wine in a castle, in Napa Valley. Castello di Amorosa is found in Calistoga at the north end of Napa Valley and actually is easy to miss. As you head up the driveway this 13th century Tuscan castle reveals [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Peter Velleno, Winemaker, Castello di Amorosa, Napa Valley, defining the phrase “Two Dragons, One Sword”.  Learn more by visiting castellodiamorosa.com

What does it take to become one of California's most respected winegrowers—and the first woman ever named Grape Grower of the Year in San Luis Obispo County?In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Hilary Graves, a pioneering winegrower, winemaker, educator, and sustainability advocate whose journey into the wine world was anything but conventional.From an unexpected beginning as a librarian to managing some of California's most prestigious vineyards, Hilary shares how passion, curiosity, and perseverance led her to a career dedicated to producing exceptional grapes while protecting the environment for future generations.We explore her philosophy of letting the vineyard speak for itself, the importance of regenerative organic farming, and how innovative viticulture can play a vital role in fighting climate change. Hilary also takes us behind the scenes of Booker Vineyard's transformation into a Regenerative Organic Certified® estate and explains why healthy soils are the foundation of extraordinary wines.Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a grower, a sustainability champion, or simply love hearing stories of people who have transformed an industry, this conversation is filled with insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on the future of wine.Join us for an unforgettable discussion with one of the most influential voices in modern viticulture.

Sarah and Carrie are joined by writer/director/actor Emil Ström and actor Barrie Herrold to discuss their 2024 film Winemaker! We talk found footage movie making, acting process, going unscripted, New Zealand wines, vineyards, rose petals, and more! 

Jean-Michel Jussiaume shares how his journey from France's Loire Valley to Southern Oregon influences his traditional-method sparkling wines.

Nolan Jones grew up literally across the street from where he now makes wine in El Dorado County, California. Schooled in Los Angeles and then England, he worked wine in Champagne, Sonoma, Paso Robles and Napa Valley but found his way back to El Dorado and Lava Cap Winery. That’s where the bears really, really [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Nolan Jones, Winemaker, Lava Cap Winery, El Dorado County, defining the term “Alpine”.  Learn more by visiting lavacap.com

Simon Nash chats with Ella Hoban about the Peoples Choice Award for the Young Gun of Wine Awards.A really interesting career so far, Ella is overseeing a big project integrating the Accolade Wines and Pernod Ricard brands under the new group Vinarchy.@thewineshowaustralia @vinarchywines

Host Richie Tevlin and Co-Host Evan Blum talk with Josh Moore, the food influencer behind @JoshEatsPhilly. Named Philadelphia Magazine's Food Influencer of the Year, Josh has built a following of nearly 200,000 on Instagram by spotlighting the best food, hidden gems, and can't-miss spots across the city. *This marks Josh's second appearance on the BrewedAt Podcast*  https://josheatsphilly.com/ @josheatsphilly _____________________________________________ THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!: The Beer Accountant: https://www.paddymaccpa.com/brewerysolutions Patrick McDonald Email: pmcdonald@paddymaccpa.com 267-566-4077 - Licensed CPA Norris McLaughlin P.A. https://norrismclaughlin.com/ted-zeller Ted Zeller - Epi 91 Email: tzeller@norris-law.com (484) 765-2220 - Liquor Attorney Cascade Floors https://cascadefloors.com/ Chris Klein Email: chris@cascadefloors.com (541) 510-1080 _______________________________________ EPISODE NOTES: Breweries & Beverage Brands Human Robot - Epi 10, 15, & 62 - Philadelphia, PA Warwick Farm Brewing - Epi 68 - Jamison, PA Mural City Cellars - Philadelphia, PA Pray Tell - Philadelphia, PA Stateside - Philadelphia, PA Space Cadet Brewing - Epi 22 - Philadelphia, PA Urban Village Brewing - Philadelphia, PA Yards Brewing Co - Epi 36 - Philadelphia, PA Victory Brewing - Downingtown, PA Mentioned People Breeze Galindo - Epi 15, CBC3 - Owner of MiLuna Brewing Co. Ken Correll - Epi 15 - Co-Founder of Human Robot Cole Decker - Epi 1, 21, 51 - Co-Founder of BrewedAt Kae Lani Palmisano - Emmy Award-Winning Television Host Nicholas Ducos - Co-Founder & Winemaker of Mural City Cellars Monica Godefroy - Photographer Becca Foxman (@phillygefiltefishy) - Philly Food Content Creator Tim Weaver - CBC1 - Founder of The Brand Weaver Djour Philly - Epi 66 - Philly Food Influencer Jacob Fink (@JacobDoesPhilly) - Epi 88 - Philly Food Content Creator Mike Jerrick - FOX 29 Good Day Philadelphia Anchor Nick Wendowski - Epi 3 - Owner of Stone's Beverage Tom Peters - Epi 42 - Owner of Monk's Cafe Brian Mattera - Owner of Gilda Dave Wesolowski (@FeedingTimeTV) - Philly Food Influencer Marisa Magnatta (@Delicious City) - Radio Producer & Podcast Co-Host Other Mentions Yanaga Kappo Izakaya - Philadelphia Japanese Restaurant Aobaba (Center City) - Vietnamese Café Middle Child - Philadelphia Sandwich Shop Chickie's & Pete's - Philly Sports Bar Reading Terminal Market - Philadelphia Public Market Angelo's Pizzeria - Philly Pizzeria & Cheesesteak Restaurant Pat's King of Steaks - Philly Cheesesteak Restaurant Geno's Steaks - Philly Cheesesteak Restaurant WineDive - Philly Wine Bar Woodrow's - Philly Sandwich Shop Chubby's Steaks - Philly Cheesesteak Restaurant Dalessandro's Steaks - Philly Cheesesteak Restaurant Michelin Guide - Restaurant Rating Guide Del Rossi's Cheesesteak & Pizza Co. - Philly Pizzeria & Cheesesteak Restaurant Stone's Beverage - Epi 3 - Beer Distributor & Retail Store Gilda - Fishtown Café (Portuguese-inspired) Sulimay's - Philadelphia Restaurant Honey's Sit 'n Eat - Philadelphia Brunch Restaurant City Fitness - Philadelphia Gym Feeding Time Philly - Philly Food Platform (Dave Wez) Temple University - Philadelphia University What We Drank? Eirina Rice Lager | 4.1% Human Robot Beer _______________________________________   STAY CONNECTED: Instagram: ⁠⁠@brewedat⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@thebrewedatpodcast⁠⁠ Tik Tok: ⁠⁠@brewedat ⁠⁠/ ⁠⁠@thebrewedatpodcast⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠@brewedat⁠⁠ / ⁠⁠@thebrewedatpodcast⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠BrewedAt Website: ⁠⁠www.brewedat.com / www.spacecadetbeer.com  

In today's episode we continue honoring Idaho Wine Month with Cinder winemaker, Melanie Krause, tasting through four of her wines. Ironically enough, these four wines are now available at Seasons of Coeur d'Alene! Melanie is as amazing as her wines are and we're so excited to shine a spotlight on these wines! #HappyFriday! #ItsWineTime! #Cheersing Sign up to get Shelley's 2027 planner release notification by visiting https://herbestyearspress.com/passwordWines this episode:2024 Laissez Faire Rosé of Tempranillo ($23 at the winery)2024 Laissez Faire Proprietary White ($22 at the winery)2025 Cinder Dry Viognier ($29 at the winery)2023 Cinder Syrah ($43 at the winery)A HUGE thanks to our sponsors: Eternal Wine and Seasons of Coeur d'Alene!Eternal Wine: Are you a Rhone Ranger or just really love Syrah? Then you need to check out Eternal Wine! Their focus is on single vineyard Rhone valley wines in Washington State. Also check out their Drink Washington State brand of approachable wines! Visit https://eternalwine.com for more information or simply call 509-240-6258. Eternal Wine: Drink Wine, Be Happy.*Check out The (Almost) Tragic Story of Carménère by Eternal Wine by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucKOK6oRKVsSeasons of Coeur d'Alene: Experience the best of Coeur d'Alene's culinary scene at Seasons, where farm-to-table cuisine meets elegant ambiance. Don't miss their Wine Down Wednesday where all bottled wines are 50% off! Visit https://www.seasonsofcda.com/ for more information or call 208-664-8008 Visit HERE for all the information for the big weekend at Seasons!The Pilgrim's Market Wine Words of the Week - Phenolic ripenessPhenolic ripeness refers to the stage of maturity in grapes where the tannins in the skins, seeds, and stems have softened and developed, transitioning from harsh or bitter to smooth and well-integrated, which is essential for creating balanced, structured wines.Check out Pilgrim's Market for an expansive selection of fine wines with wine club prices EVERY day, weekly complimentary tastings and just up the street from CDA Gourmet! Visit pilgrimsmarket.com or call 208-676-9730!Mentions: Brand Binko, Polka Dot Power House, Please visit the The USA 250th Tribute Collection page on the Philsosophy website and order your 250th Birthday Wine Bell and/or 250th Anniversary Patriotic Pour shirts!Some wines we've enjoyed this week: Villa Antinori Toscana Bianco, K Vintners The Deal Syrah, Browne Family Vineyards Chardonnay, Ackerman Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Will Pinot Noir and Thesis Chardonnay.Please find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WineTimeFridays), Twitter (@VintageTweets), Instagram (@WineTimeFridays) on our YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@winetimefridays and on Threads, which is @winetimefridays. You can also “Follow” Phil on Vivino. His profile name is Phil Anderson and will probably “Follow” you back! Wine Time Fridays Rating System: Phenomenal 

Shane Finley, winemaker and Lisa Brayton co-owner of Thirty-Seven Wines join Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell on California Wine Country. This episode of August 10, 2022 featured Lisa along with her husband Al, who is holding down the fort today. This is Shane’s first time on the show. Thirty-Seven Wines is named after the highway. Dan describes the Thirty-Seven Wines vineyard. There are varieties there that don’t grow in warmer areas. One example of that is Albariño. They have cooler days and warmer nights, near San Pablo Bay, across the street from the Sonoma Raceway. It is at a high enough elevation to have a 180-degree view of the bay. On a clear day they can see Coit Tower in San Francisco. The vineyard lies within the Petaluma Gap AVA. They get winds from both the Petaluma Gap and from the south, off the bay. This keeps the temperatures down and controls the acid levels in all the varietals. -.. . --- -.. --- .. .-DEODORA ESTATE VINEYARDSCalifornia Wine Country is brought to you by Deodora Estate Vineyards. Visit Deodora to discover 72 acres in the Petaluma Gap that produce exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Sip the difference! -.. . --- -.. --- .. .- Russian River vs. Petaluma Gap Russian River wines have more of a bright juicy red character, while this vineyard produces darker blue fruit, “kind of plummy,” with tangerine skin and spicy flavors. They have a very long growing season, and their harvest goes from late August sometimes into November. Some grapes need more time on the vines. Shane names Albariño, Blau Frankisch, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Grenache, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, Malbec and Merlot, which they have all on the same property. He credits Al and Lisa for being crazy enough and intuitive enough to put so many varieties together like that. Thirty-Seven Wines produces all their wine from their own estate grown grapes. Shane describes their approach to making wine. To keep it fresh and vibrant, they don’t do any lees stirring, they only do partial ML, mainly fermented in concrete. They use their oldest barrels, from 2010 and 2011. These barrels are “really neutral.” Dan detects a faint tropical note in the Albariño they are tasting. It gets intense morning sun but long cool afternoons. Lisa is in charge of managing the canopy to keep space between the clusters and maintain acidity. 

What if the future of wine is cleaner, healthier, and more authentic than ever before?In this episode, we sit down with award-winning winemaker Vivian Valenzuela, founder of WOO GIRL! Cellars, to explore how she's redefining modern winemaking from the heart of Sonoma County.From vegan-friendly wines and regenerative farming to zero residual sugar, minimal sulfites, and single-vineyard expressions, Vivian shares the philosophy behind creating wines that are as honest as the land they come from. Discover why terroir matters, what makes a truly sustainable wine, and how lower-alcohol wines can still deliver extraordinary depth, complexity, and character.Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about the next generation of winemaking, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about wine—and leave you eager to pour your next glass.Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of California's most exciting voices in wine.

In this episode of Eat Sleep Wine Repeat, Janina is joined by nomadic winemaker Darren Smith, founder of The Finest Wines Available to Humanity. Having worked harvests across Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Portugal, Spain and the Canary Islands, Darren shares stories from some of the world's most overlooked wine regions and explains why old vines, heritage wine grapes and local traditions continue to inspire his winemaking philosophy. Together, they explore País, Negra Criolla, Quebranta and Palomino, discovering how these historic wine grapes travelled across continents and evolved into unique regional identities. Along the way, they discuss minimal intervention winemaking, tree-trained vineyards, volcanic terroir and flor-aged wines, while uncovering extraordinary wine travel destinations that rarely make the spotlight. Whether you want to learn about wine, deepen your wine education, discover lesser-known wine regions, understand heritage grape varieties or plan your next wine travel adventure, this wine podcast episode is packed with fascinating stories, expert insight and remarkable wines.   Shownotes 02:45 – Darren Smith's journey into wine — from journalism and wine writing to becoming a nomadic winemaker. 04:13 – Working with Dirk Niepoort — lessons learned from one of the world's most influential winemakers. 06:35 – How Dirk Niepoort's philosophy of infusion over extraction helped shape Darren's own approach to winemaking. 07:34 – The story behind The Finest Wines Available to Humanity and the inspiration for Darren's unconventional wine brand. 08:44 – Why Chile became a defining chapter in Darren's nomadic winemaking journey. 10:59 – The biggest challenge of constantly moving between wine regions, grape varieties and winemaking cultures. 12:46 – País explained — working with Chile's historic heritage grape and why it's perfect for modern chillable red wine styles. 17:21 – Life in Bío Bío, Chile — old vines, traditional farming and one of South America's most exciting wine regions. 19:21 – Minimal intervention wines in southern Chile — preserving purity, freshness and vineyard character. 21:07 – Tasting a País from Ignacio Pino in Itata — 150-year-old vines, granite soils and remarkable precision. 21:51 – Janina's tasting notes — lavender, herbs, freshness and the delicate character of old-vine País. 24:21 – Darren Smith and Ignacio Pino Roman's 2022 Itata País £32 TFWATH.COM  25:08 – Negra Criolla explained — the Bolivian expression of Listán Prieto and its fascinating history across the Americas. 29:14 – Bolivia's tree-trained vineyards — why the Cinti Valley looks more like a jungle than a vineyard. 31:13 – País / Negra Criolla — how the same grape variety is nuanced in different regions and how terroir shapes this grapee. 32:07 – Jardín Oculto and the rise of Bolivia's most talked-about winery. 33:59 – Bolivia's extreme vineyards — some of the highest wine-growing sites in South America. 35:11 – Viñas Viejas Negra Criolla 2024  from Bolivia's Cinti Valley (Not currently available in UK) 35:35 – Ica, Peru — discovering one of South America's oldest and most important wine regions. 37:24 – Quebranta explained — Peru's signature grape variety and its connection to Listán Prieto. 38:39 – Peru's desert vineyards — Pacific influence, sandy soils and the geography that shapes these wines. 39:59 – Working with Raúl Moreno — Palomino, Jerez and the revival of unfortified expressions of the grape. 42.58 - Darren Smith and Raul Moreno's Palomino 2022 £36 TFWATH.COM 43:31 – Jerez and albariza soils — flor ageing, terroir and Darren's experience making Palomino in southern Spain. 47:30 – Further Palomino recommendations — producers to explore including Luis Pérez, Ramiro Ibáñez and Raúl Moreno. 49:04 – What Darren learned from Victoria Torres Pecis and why La Palma remains one of the most inspiring wine travel destinations in the world. 53:08 – Trás-os-Montes explained — one of Portugal's least-known wine regions and its historic field blends. 53.42 - Darren Smith and Arribas Wine Company Palhete 2024 £32 TFWATH.COM 54:51 – Tinta Gorda (Juan García) — a little-known grape variety helping define the wines of Trás-os-Montes. 57:52 – The most misunderstood wine region Darren has worked in — and why Jerez deserves far more attention than just Sherry.

What happens when the worlds of wine and golf collide? More than you might think. In Episode 178 of A Cork in the Road, we welcome two Virginia wine industry leaders - Stephen Barnard, the Winemaker for Keswick Vineyards, and Lance Lemon, the owner of Penny's Wine Shop and Parallax Project Wines - for a lively and unexpected conversation about the parallels between the craft of wine and the game of golf. Recorded ahead of the 4th annual Monticello Wine Trail Winemakers Golf Tournament, this episode explores how both pursuits challenge us to keep learning, embrace imperfection, connect with nature and community, and find joy in the journey. From how a glass of wine might affect your golf swing to bigger conversations around wine tourism, collaboration, and creating memorable experiences, there is no shortage of entertaining insight. The episode concludes with a rapid-fire wine Q&A with both guests that delivers plenty of laughs and reveals the personalities behind the bottles. A special thank you to the Monticello Wine Trail for sponsoring this episode and empowering us to highlight the innovative ways Virginia's wine community is bringing people together through shared experiences.For more information about all of the 2026 Wine Week festivities, you can visit www.monticellowinetrail.com/taste-of Recorded in June 2026 with generous suppport from our friends at the Monticello Wine Trail.-----------------*** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions

Andre' Mack joins us to discuss his incredible journey through the world of wine and opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his career and life. He shares his initial inspiration which came from watching a television show and the “aha” moment tasting three different wines side by side. Eighteen months later he become a sommelier at The French Laundry and later run a major New York program at Per Se. If that wasn't enough he founded Maison Noir Wines in Oregon along with a design studio. We also talk about upcoming projects in the works.Andre's infectious passion for hospitality shines through as he encourages people to integrate wine into their everyday experiences rather than treat it as an elite indulgence. He emphasizes the importance of keeping your 'eyes on the prize' and doing the hard things that lead to fulfilling your dreams. Our conversation is a delightful blend of personal reflection and professional insight, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in wine, hospitality, or simply living life to the fullest.[00:00] Eyes on the Prize[00:31] Show Welcome and Sponsor[02:03] Meet Andre' Mack[02:34] Why He's in St Louis[03:08] First Wine Aha Moment[06:03] Fast Track to French Laundry[06:33] Obsessive Study and Staging[08:49] No Looking Back Mindset[10:08] New York Leap[10:53] From Sommelier to Winemaker[12:10] Discomfort and Discipline[12:59] Army Brat Roots[15:27] Training Palate and Nose[18:13] Skills from the Job[20:47] Inspiration Not Motivation[21:59] Free Time and Learning[22:14] Creative Side Hustles[22:22] Quality Time Parenting[23:17] Future Projects Reveal[24:50] Designing Wine Tools[26:05] Kids Passions Homeschooling[30:50] Bond Villain Yacht Tales[33:35] Wine As Life Condiment[37:02] Marketing Culture Relevancy[38:52] ReflectionTakeaways:Stay focused on your goals because only you know where you're headed, so keep your eyes on the prize!Sometimes, you've got to tackle the not-so-fun stuff to reach your ultimate destination, but trust me, it's worth it!Andre' Mack's journey is a wild ride; from financial advisor to sommelier at the French Laundry in just 18 months, talk about hustling!Wine is more than just a drink; it's a condiment for life, elevating every experience and making moments more memorable!If you want to develop your palate for wine, taste everything, because practice and repetition are key to mastering those flavors!Remember, to be a master of something, you have to stay a student for life, always learning and evolving!Andre Hueston MackInstagram - Andre' MackYouTube - Andre' MackFacebook - Maison Noir WinesMaison Noir WinesThis is Season 9! For more episodes, go to stlintune.com#andremack #maisonnoirwines #sommelier #winemaker #vintner #hospitality

6.5.26 - Ward on Wine - Winemaker Mariano Buglioni by

The Heidi Glaus Show - 6.5.26 - AI takeover; Winemaker Mariano Buglioni; Sports ww/ Brendan; and much more by

Culinary Travels - Munich // Mark Ryan McNeilly – Owner and Winemaker at Mark Ryan Winery, shares the winery’s latest releases // Celebrating Copper River Salmon Season // Laurie Fleek, General Manager of Made in Washington joins us with Father’s Day gift ideas and local maker stories // Behind the Scenes at TD & Co. – Q & A // Ryan Reiter, President of Northwest Marketplaces, helps us kick off farmers market season // We wrap up today’s show with Food for Thought: Tasty Trivia!

On this week's episode of The Wine Makers, we speak to Vine Pair's Winemaker of the year Katy Wilson. Katy is a certified bad ass in the wine industry making wine for Anaba, Reeve, Bloodroot, and her own brand LaRue Wines. Katy grew up with agriculture in her blood, farming walnuts on her family’s farm. After double majoring in Wine & Viticulture and Agricultural Business at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Katy got the winemaking bug traveling the world to make wines with some of the greats. Today we talk about all things carbonic maceration. Katy has been using carbonic maceration to make fresh delicious wines for her clients for years and advised our very own Danielle Langlois with her 2025 Gamay. Katy brought some really cool carbonically made Pinot, Grenache, and Sangiovese wines for us to try, some young, and spicy, and some fresh but subdued with a bit of age. Katy also brought some bottles from her personal label LaRue.  We tasted a coastal, mouth watering, acid-driven 2021 Chardonnay from H. Klopp Vineyards and an elegant and aromatically expressive 2023 Cabernet from Bedrock Vineyards. The Cabernet is from her Charlie LeRue series, a project with her Sommelier husband, David Meneses, and named for her daughter. Katy's wines are elegant and nuanced, expressing a sense of place.  If you have the opportunity to taste any of her wines, you won’t be disappointed. One of those opportunities will be at her yearly LaRue Summer BBQ, where you can taste through her current releases and some special library wines. Get the last few tickets for Katy's Larue Summer BBQ on 8/1 at the link below. https://www.laruewines.com/product/2026-larue-summer-bbq-at-the-farmhouse Find Katy's wines at https://www.laruewines.com, anabawines.com , https://www.reevewines.com and https://www.bloodrootwines.com .  Follow her on Instagram at @laruewines. And don’t miss The Ramble, a charity event put on by Bloodroot Wines happening tonight and  tomorrow 6/5-6/6. Tickets available at https://www.bloodrootramble.com

...See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Jesse Fox, Winemaker, Sequoia Grove, Napa Valley, defining the term “Complexity”.  Learn more by visiting sequoiagrove.com.

A background in the culinary world is a huge plus for a winemaker, and Jesse Fox has just that. Jesse the Winemaker at Sequoia Grove Winery in Napa Valley and his time as a chef has certainly paid off. I caught up with Jesse when he visited Milwaukee just a few weeks ago while on [...]

We are less then a week away from World Verdejo Day which is happening on Friday, June 5th.I have a bunch of interviews with winemakers, winery owners and other people connected with the Verdejo grape and  the Spanish white wine region of Rueda. Rueda is a two-hour drive northwest of Madrid and is perfect spot for Verdejo with its hot summers, cold winters, crazy old vines and a massive commitment to organic/biodynamic grape growing.My first interview is with winemaker Pedro Martin from Bodegas Protos.His family used to make white wine in Rueda in the 1940s. His journey has gone from learning how to make wine in Bordeaux, working at one of London's most famous wine stores, Oddbins to now making a variety of Verdejo for Bodegas Protos.

In this episode, we put a bow on Oregon Wine Month 2026 with guest Brad Ford, winemaker at Illahe Vineyards! Brad is producing amazing wines and most come with some very unique stories! Illahe is available wherever you get your wine and one of their Pinot Noirs is on the menu at Seasons by the glass!#HappyFriday! #ItsWineTime! #Cheersing Wines this episode: https://www.illahevineyards.com/our-wines2025 Illahe Vineyards Viognier ($25 at area retail stores and the winery)2024 Illahe Vineyards Estate Grüner Veltliner ($24 at area retail stores and the winery)2022 Illahe Vineyards Bon Sauvage Estate ($40 at area retail stores and the winery)2022 Illahe Vineyards 1899 Estate Pinot Noir ($85 at area retail stores and the winery)A HUGE thanks to our sponsors: Seasons of Coeur d'Alene and Pilgrim's Market!Seasons of Coeur d'Alene: Experience the best of Coeur d'Alene's culinary scene at Seasons, where farm-to-table cuisine meets elegant ambiance. Don't miss their Wine Down Wednesday where all bottled wines are 50% off! Visit https://www.seasonsofcda.com/ for more information or call 208-664-8008 Pilgrim's Market: Check out Pilgrim's Market for an expansive selection of fine wines with wine club prices EVERY day, weekly complimentary tastings and just up the street from CDA Gourmet! Visit pilgrimsmarket.com or call 208-676-9730!And of course, a HUGE thank you to Tod Hornby who wrote and recorded our official Wine Time Fridays theme music. Please visit https://todhornby.com to see what Tod is up to! The Elsom Cellars Wine Words of the Week - Basket PressA traditional, vertical wine press made of a wooden slatted cylinder and a heavy metal plate. Elsom Cellars: Thoughtfully crafted Washington wines, rooted in time, place and shared experience—made and poured in their Woodinville Winery, shared at their Perrinville Village Social Club and enjoyed wherever you gather. For more information visit https://elsomcellars.com.Mentions: Sharalynn Richardson, Melanie Krause, Cinder Wine.Some wines we've enjoyed this week: Mark Ryan Winerey The Vincent Board Track Racer Chardonnay, Araldica Albera Barbera d'Asti, Casa Santos Lima Red Blend and J. Bookwalter Conflict.Please find us on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WineTimeFridays), Twitter (@VintageTweets), Instagram (@WineTimeFridays) on our YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/@winetimefridays and on Threads, which is @winetimefridays. You can also “Follow” Phil on Vivino. His profile name is Phil Anderson and will probably “Follow” you back! Wine Time Fridays Rating System: Phenomenal 

Discover why California Chardonnay is one of the most talked-about wines in the world—and why it shouldn't be so polarizing. In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Richie Allen of Rombauer Vineyards to break down what truly makes great wine: the right grapes grown in the right place. Richie shares his winemaking philosophy around typicity of region, explaining why understanding where grapes are grown is the key to producing exceptional wines. We also dive into the story behind Rombauer's iconic Carneros Chardonnay, explore why California Chardonnay has become so polarizing (and why it deserves a second chance!), and discuss how fear of failure shaped Richie's early career—and ultimately helped him succeed. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just getting started, this episode will help you better understand California wine, Chardonnay styles, and how to confidently choose wines you'll love.

Campania winemaker Jake Sheedy is flying the flag for the Coal River Valley as another finalist in the Young Gun of Wine Award. 

There's a strong Tasmanian contingent for the 20th annual Young Gun of Wine Awards

Episode 176 takes us live to The Oenophile Institute for an engaging audience conversation with winemaker Matt Taylor, a third-generation Sonoma County native whose thoughtful approach to farming and winemaking has made him one of California's most compelling voices in small-production wine. Known for crafting wines across several labels and portfolios, Matt shares how his deep connection to the Sonoma Coast AVA continues to shape his philosophy in the cellar that is rooted in biodynamic farming, minimal intervention, and allowing the vineyard to speak for itself as naturally as possible. Throughout the conversation, we explore Matt's diverse winemaking journey, from harvests and experiences in Argentina, Bordeaux, and New Zealand, to the unique energy he brings back home to California. We also uncover fascinating Napa Valley history connected to his Ink Grade project on Howell Mountain while discussing mountain viticulture, heritage vineyards, and the evolving identity of California wine. And because no live audience episode is complete without a few surprises, the night also ventures into the world of wine and hip hop pairings thanks to a special audience guest who specializes in connecting music, culture, and wine in unexpected ways. From farming philosophies to global winemaking experiences to soundtrack-worthy pairings, this episode is a vibrant look at the people, stories, and creativity shaping modern California wine.Recorded April 16, 2026 with a live audience at The Oenophile Institute in Smyrna, GA-----------------*** Check out our ⁠⁠MERCH SHOP⁠⁠ to directly support the show, and visit www.acorkintheroad.com for all upcoming events and media contributions