Podcasts about Winemaker

Why might a symphony night pair just as well with your wine as a heavy metal ballad? What is “sonic seasoning” and how can music impact the way we experience the taste of wine? How are sensory experiences like music, taste, and atmosphere all connected? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Susan Lin, a Master of Wine and a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Piano and Musicology. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What did Susan's grandfather teach her about fine beverages and hospitality? How did playing piano in hotels as a child shape Susan's perspective on the holistic nature of our sensory experiences? Is there a connection between Susan's backgrounds in tech, music, and wine? When did Susan decide she wanted to dive deeper into the intersection between music and wine? What makes a wine "musical"? How do cross-modal correspondences impact wine tasting? Why was Brut Non-Vintage Champagne Susan's choice for her research paper? What is "sonic seasoning" in the context of wine and music? What was Susan's most memorable wine and music pairing event? What might surprise you about the intersection between classical music and heavy metal? How did Susan set up her experiment to observe how music affected participants' perceptions of the wine they were tasting?   Key Takeaways Susan says she was always encouraging a Bach goth night at the symphony to bring people together. I like to say, whether my Brahms is your Metallica or vice versa, music can make such a difference in what you're feeling. Hence, if you got a glass of wine, what you're tasting in that glass, right? I've actually done a few experiments with heavy metal. People feel a lot of things, and there are ballads in metal. It's not just your typical really assertive sound all the time. It can be really soulful too and I noticed a lot of use of medieval melodies and folk songs in the ballads that are really nice. So not too far of a distance between Brahms and Metallica in that sense. Susan explains that if you're listening to something that might add a little bit of pizzazz here or there to your wine, like seasoning can do. It's more of a fun term, not a scientific term. All classical composers experienced all the emotions and all the feelings that we all do and it comes through in their music. Maybe they can be feeling joyful or melancholy or longing or frustrated or upset, and everything in between. So the nature of the seasoning is that it can run in many, many different ways. Susan observed during her performances how moods of the guests changed depending on what she played. Everything in the sensory world, all of our experiences, are really taken in holistically, right? It's not like, oh, we're just listening to this one thing and that's isolated. Oh, and we're tasting this one thing, we're smelling this one thing, and we're seeing something. It's all together. I knew that it was something special, and knew that it was something that I wanted to learn more about, or just somehow be a part of. And playing the piano in those situations actually was a great way for me to be a part of it.   About Susan R. Lin Susan R. Lin is a Master of Wine and a Master of Fine Arts in Classical Piano and Musicology.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/346. Susan's MW research paper ‘Influences of Classical Music on the Sensory Perception of a Brut Non-Vintage Champagne' and subsequent work on the interaction of music and wine have been featured in Decanter, Food & Wine, GuildSomm, and others. Each of Susan's creations is rooted in academic research and inspired by a deep respect for the essence of wine and music.

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This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Kenny McMahon, Co-Founder & Winemaker, Arabilis, Willamette Valley, defining the term “Millerandage”.  Learn more by visiting arabiliswines.com

Loved my interview with Etude Senior Winemaker & General Manager Jon Priest. Etude is one of the preeminent Pinot Noir producers in California. This was such a fun Pinot masterclass with a winemaker who has been working with this "very, very needy" grape for over 25 years.

What turns a wine country visit into an incredibly memorable experience? What are the hidden perks of off-peak wine travel? How has digital media transformed the way people plan wine travel? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter, the world's most prestigious wine magazine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, The Ultimate Wine Lover's Travel Guide. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast.  I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me.   Highlights What don't many wine lovers realize about the wine-making history of the country of Georgia? How important is authentic cultural immersion to wine travel? Can wine tourism help preserve cultural heritage in regions recovering from political strife? What's the association between wineries and wildlife? How and why are many wineries now catering to families? What was Amy's approach to balancing practical with sharing the romance of the locations in The Ultimate Wine Lover's Travel Guide? What would Amy include in her perfect wine day itinerary? How has COVID-19 impacted wine travel? What are the advantages of travelling to wine regions outside of the peak seasons? Is environmental consciousness changing wine tourism? How has digital media transformed wine travel writing? Has the rise of influencers changed the wine industry? What would Amy add to a new edition of the book? What should you be asking about wine travel? How does Amy want readers to feel after reading The Ultimate Wine Lover's Travel Guide? Which famous figures would Amy want to be able to share a bottle of wine with?   Key Takeaways What turns a wine country visit into an incredibly memorable experience? Amy advises to mix it up a bit and not cram too much into the day, because then that becomes too stressful. Probably a bit of planning will help to make it a perfect day. Often you need to book in advance. So maybe just two winery visits, one in the morning, one in the afternoon. Go somewhere for lunch where you can sit outside and just enjoy the beautiful views, get some fresh air. You might be able to hire a bicycle or go for a hike around the vineyards. See a beautiful village that has some nice culture, or architectural churches. What are the hidden perks of off-peak wine travel? Amy says the main thing is that the winemaker might have more time to spend with you. There must be certain times of the year that are really busy, not only in terms of tourists, but in terms of the winemaking. Also you have a higher chance of just being able to get into some of the most sought-after wineries. There might be some wineries that are just fully booked for ages. How has digital media transformed the way people plan wine travel? Amy observes that on social media, you can watch videos and reels of place which inspires people to do more research. So they might be sparked off by something they see on TikTok or Facebook or Instagram, and then they might go to Decanter.com, and read the whole article. So it's all complementary.   About Amy Wislocki Amy has more than 30 years' experience in publishing, and worked at a senior level for leading companies in the consumer, business-to-business and contract publishing arenas, before joining Decanter in October 2000 as Magazine Editor. As well as overseeing content planning and production for the print offering, she has also been involved in developing digital channels, Decanter.com and Decanter Premium.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/345.

Finding Jesus in Unexpected Places // Jesus the Winemaker John 2:1-5 (ESV)“On the third day, there was a wedding at Cana in Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. Jesus was also invited to the wedding with his disciples. When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, ‘They have no wine.' And Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.' His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.'”  John 2:6-12 (ESV)“Now there were six stone water jars there for the Jewish rites of purification, each holding twenty or thirty gallons. Jesus said to the servants, ‘Fill the jars with water.' And they filled them up to the brim. And he said to them, ‘Now draw some out and take it to the master of the feast.' So they took it. When the master of the feast tasted the water now become wine, and did not know where it came from (though the servants who had drawn the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom and said to him, ‘Everyone serves the good wine first, and when people have drunk freely, then the poor wine. But you have kept the good wine until now.' This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and manifested his glory. And his disciples believed in him. After this he went down to Capernaum, with his mother and his brothers and his disciples, and they stayed there for a few days.” John 21:25 (ESV)“Now there are also many other things that Jesus did. Were every one of them to be written, I suppose that the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” Isaiah 25:6-9 (ESV)“On this mountain the Lord of hosts will make for all peoples a feast of rich food, a feast of well-aged wine, of rich food full of marrow, of aged wine well refined. And he will swallow up on this mountain the covering that is cast over all peoples, the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death forever; and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces, and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken. It will be said on that day, “Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us. This is the Lord; we have waited for him; let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.” 2 Corinthians 3:15-18 (ESV)“Yes, to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their hearts. But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit.” Jesus' Actions… Honored Others  Announced His Kingdom  Provided Joy

Its was pretty amazing in this podcast to meet a 5th generation wine family member in addition to reconnecting with a winemaker we previously interviewed who is also a family member! Robert Young is the Hospitality Manager at his family’s Robert Young Estate Winery in Alexander Valley and Matt Michael is Winemaker. Matt was our [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Matt Michael, Winemaker, Robert Young Estate Winery, Alexender Valley, defining the term “Poopie”. Learn more by visiting ryew.com

Jeremy joins Simon Nash and Jill Upton to update us on what has been happening with the brand and off the back of Tessa being shortlisted for Winemaker of the Year.@thewineshowaustralia @vsandbwines

Episode 230 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Craig Colagrossi, Owner and Winemaker of Colagrossi Wines Craig Colagrosi joined us today and we chat about his winery's offerings, featuring a Montepulciano from Dunnigan Hills and plans for bottling diverse Italian varietals and Bordeaux blends.  We also cover upcoming events on the Wine Road, including the Summer Wine Trail and the release of a new book by Jack Florence on the history of Dry Creek Valley.   Wine of the Day: Colagrossi Wines 2023 Montepulciano Links: Colagrossi Wines Summer Wine Trail Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

With the Fourth of July just around the corner no better time to celebrate one of my favourite Napa Cabernet Sauvignon producers, Amici Cellars. My guest on the 'Matt Talks Wine and Stuff with Interesting People' Podcast is their Lead Winemaker Tony Biagi. The interview ranges from just how different Napa Valley is today versus when he started working there, Mountain vs. Valley Floor fruit to what is the best wine Tony ever had after a San Francisco 49ers victory. 

Last fall, I met Francesco Galgani and tried his wines and I was completely blown away. I always think of Vernaccia as a more historical Pinot Grigio -- light on flavor, boring, and not anything to get excited about. But then I visited Cappella Sant'Andrea. HOLY CRAP!! This is the BEST Vernaccia on earth. Francesco and Flavia, the owners and winemakers, are truly the Masters of Vernaccia di San Gimignano. You will never taste Vernaccia like this.    In the show Francesco and I discuss the long history of Vernaccia, wine in San Gimignano, why there is so much crappy Vernaccia, and how they do it right. Their Rialto and Prima Luce, especially are stunning. I can't sing their praises more.   Two things mentioned in the show:  Follow Francesco on IG, he's a brilliant artist: @francescogalgani If you want to order directly from Francesco, and have the wine shipped from Italy, please visit their website: https://www.cappellasantandrea.it/chi-siamo1 and you can contact them for orders and pricing!      Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. Join the community today! www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople _______________________________________________________________   This show is brought to you by my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access – THE place to discover your next favorite bottle. Wine Access has highly allocated wines and incredible values, plus free shipping on orders of $150 or more. You can't go wrong with Wine Access! Join the WFNP/Wine Access wine club and get 6 awesome bottles for just $150 four times a year. That includes shipping! When you become a member, you also get 10% all your purchases on the site. Go to wineaccess.com/normal to sign up!   

Why does wine taste different when you've stood in the vineyard it came from? What's one myth about wine travel that Amy dispels? With Gen Z drinking less wine, how does a 50-year-old wine magazine stay relevant without alienating longtime readers? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Amy Wislocki, editor-in-chief of Decanter, the world's most prestigious wine magazine. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Two of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, The Ultimate Wine Lover's Travel Guide. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose two people randomly from those who contact me.   Highlights What was it like to join Decanter magazine as a 27-year-old magazine editor? How did Amy establish her credibility as a young editor? What exciting incident marked one of her press trips to Chile? Which aspects of wine writing are often misunderstood or undervalued? How does Decanter balance engaging Gen Z readers without alienating their long-term readers? Why has Decanter started reviewing low-alcohol wines? What's made Amy stay at Decanter for 25 years> What's one myth about wine travel that Amy hopes this book dispels? Why is the experience of tasting wine at the vineyard where it's made so powerful? What are some of Amy's favourite essays in Why did Amy include South Carolina, which has no vineyards, in her wine travel book?   Key Takeaways As Amy observes, anybody who's visited a vineyard will understand that there's no substitute. You will have a different relationship with that wine for the rest of your life. The lucky thing is that wine growing areas are often the most beautiful areas of the world. You can see what type of soil it is like. The climate might be very near to the ocean, with the cooling breezes. So that side of it will really give you a better understanding of why that wine tastes like it does. You see the age of the vines. Also meeting the people behind the wine. It could be a small, family-owned winery, hearing the stories associated with the wine. Drinking them with the food of the place and in that environment, it's an irreplaceable experience. Amy says the main thing is that it has to be an elitist thing, because I suppose wine in general has the elitist kind of associations. And I think it's just getting across that, you don't have to have tons of money and only drink the world's finest wines to enjoy wine travel. It's just becoming much more accessible to everyone, and in so many more regions and countries than it was. Amy explains that it's many things: recognizing moderation as a trend. It's a tricky one to get right, and you don't want to be preaching to people. You don't want people who think I'm buying a wine magazine because I love wine. I don't want to be made to feel guilty for drinking wine. This is my refuge. But it's not about that. It's about recognizing a trend that even among wine lovers, people are trying to kind of think about how and when and where, where they're drinking, how much they're drinking. Obviously, there are some things that Gen Z will want to read about that our more traditional conservative readers might not all be so bothered about, like natural wines. It's all a balance, isn't it? And trying to give something to everybody.   About Amy Wislocki Amy has more than 30 years' experience in publishing, and worked at a senior level for leading companies in the consumer, business-to-business and contract publishing arenas, before joining Decanter in October 2000 as Magazine Editor. As well as overseeing content planning and production for the print offering, she has also been involved in developing digital channels, Decanter.com and Decanter Premium.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/344.

This week, we are pleased to welcome you to CheckMate Artisanal Winery, located on the Golden Mile Bench just south of Oliver, BC. Our guests include Greg Rowdon, Vice President of Winemaking at Iconic Wineries of British Columbia. Rowdon, who also serves as the CheckMate winemaker, discusses the 2022 Queen Taken Chardonnay and the 2020 Silent Bishop Merlot. He also speaks of the block-by-block approach that distinguishes this winery while celebrating its tenth vintage. Other notable guests from the Iconic Wineries of BC include Taylor Whelan, Chief Winemaker at Mission Hill Family Estate in Kelowna. Whelan provides insights into the Summer Concert Series and presents tastings of the 2024 Mission Hill Reserve Sauvignon Blanc and the 2022 Perpetua. Shane Munn, Winemaker and General Manager at Martin's Lane Winery, oversees both the winemaking process and the management of the winery's operations, with a particular focus on Pinot Noirs and Rieslings. Shane and Anthony evaluate the Martin's Lane 2022 Naramata Ranch Hieroglyph Pinot Noir and the 2024 Hyland Vineyard Riesling from Oregon. Andres Galves Pizarro, Winemaker at Cedar Creek Estate Winery in Kelowna, updates us on the 2024 Estate Pinot Noir Rosé and the 2022 Platinum Haynes Creek Cabernet Franc. Additionally, he extends an invitation to consider attending the Cedar Creek Summer Song Series.

Mary McDermott. Township 7 Winemaker presents  Interlude  Series 2025.   “Crafted in BC” Wines.     THE SHOW    Such a delight to have Township 7 winemaker- Mary McDermott returning to Tasting Room Radio. When we started this food and wine adventure,  it was from a studio in a barn on the Naramata Bench. The closest vineyard...

As consumer preferences shift towards healthier lifestyles, the non-alcoholic wine sector is poised for unprecedented growth. With the no- and low-alcohol drinks market expected to expand by over $4 billion by 2028, join us as we explore how innovative winemaking techniques and strategic insights are reshaping this industry with winemaker Duncan Shouler.In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating world of non-alcoholic wines with Duncan Shouler, a renowned Director and Winemaking Consultant at Enobev Consulting. With a background in Marine Biology, Duncan's wine journey began in 2004, leading him to work with prestigious producers like Château Angelus and Giesen Wines, where he served as Chief Winemaker. Notably, Duncan was awarded Winemaker of the Year at the New Zealand International Wine Show in 2023 for his exceptional work with Giesen's wines.A pioneer in the non-alcoholic wine space, he played a key role in launching a best-selling collection of premium de-alcoholized wines in the USA and continues to advocate for innovation within this growing category. In our conversation, we'll explore his unique journey, the innovative techniques behind alcohol removal, and the grape varieties best suited for producing exceptional non-alcoholic wines. Duncan also addresses common misconceptions about this category and shares insights into the challenges and future trends that lie ahead.Connect with Duncan on Instagram @DuncanShouler, or on LinkedIn. Reach out to Duncan if you're looking to learn more about his services at Enobev Consulting.  Since 2016, Bottled in China brings you into the food and drink scene through conversations with the some of the most happening personalities. Hosted by Emilie Steckenborn, the show is your one spot for all things food, beer, wine and spirits from across the world. Connect with us on LinkedIn or Instagram @bottled.in.china Podcast available on iTunes, Spotify , online or wherever you listen to your episodes! Subscribe to Bottled in China to follow the journey!Check out our new website & find out more at https://www.thebottledshow.com

What makes old Malbec vines planted in the 1920s so rare and valuable today? Why would a Canadian winemaker head to Mendoza, Argentina, to start a winery? What's one of the biggest challenges holding back Canadian wine and how can consumers change that? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ann Sperling & Peter Gamble. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What makes Devotion different from other On Seven wines? What inspired Peter to look beyond Canada to Argentina for winemaking? How did he decide on the particular vineyard to purchase? What is massal selection in viticulture? How did Versado end up with such old vines, and how does this show up in the wine? Are there aspects of Malbec that are similar to Pinot? How have Ann and Peter revitalized the Leily Winery? What are the differences and similarities between Leily and On Seven Chardonnays? What would Ann and Peter like their legacies to be in the Canadian wine industry? What are the greatest threats to the Canadian wine industry? Which three figures in the wine industry would Peter invite to a dream dinner party?   Key Takeaways In the 1905 to 1925 period in Argentina, winemakers at the time planted the greatest genetic diversity amongst the Malbec vines, because they were still learning about it. Their Versado vineyard reflects that time when genetic diversity was appreciated. We visited a lot of wine regions in the world for the meetings, both fun and a necessity, and one of them was Mendoza and loved the climate - a really interesting climate from the point of view of creating flavors and grapes, and really liked the lifestyle as well. We essentially decided it'd be interesting to do something small there that also gives us a second harvest during New Year's. So we can practice twice as often. That was the driver, the potential quality there. They've been talking about this for probably the 40 years that they've been making wine and and they want to figure out how to have lasting consumer engagement. They have a lot of devoted buyers, but they also know kind of the monopoly culture is that, well, if the wine you were looking for today isn't on the shelf, you can buy something else. Promoting the message of buying directly from the wineries, and if you want to try that wine that's made in Nova Scotia or BC, that you actually can order it and have it shipped to your home province. Those interprovincial trade barriers aren't real. There's lots of wine shipping that's taking place already. Just get on your computer like you do with so many other products that you buy and buy online.   About Ann Sperling & Peter Gamble Often referred to as the “power couple” of the Canadian wine industry, Peter Gamble and Ann Sperling have long pursued the pinnacles of wine quality in Canadian vineyards and wineries. Following her upbringing on her family's Okanagan Valley vineyard, Ann turned to the soil for the character and complexity of her wines. Acknowledged as a Canadian pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture, ‘terroir' was at the centre of her philosophy and she is renowned for her head winemaking roles at Malivoire, Southbrook, and Sperling Vineyards. Peter, a lifetime wine industry professional, has worked alongside Canada's most passionate winemakers to achieve greater heights with our finest appellation wines. Since 2000, Peter has provided expertise in ultra-premium winemaking operations, including: Stratus, Ravine, Benjamin Bridge and Lightfoot & Wolfville. With the purchase of a top-flight ancient Malbec planting in Mendoza, Argentina, in 2008, Ann and Peter broadened their winemaking activities, but Niagara remains their cherished home base. Current focus is on these Niagara projects: On Seven, Lailey and Stonebridge Vineyards and Dobbin Estate.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/343.

Mentioned in this EpisodeConnect with the Podcast: Facebook: @texaswinepod Instagram: @texaswinepod Email: texaswinepod@gmail.com Visit www.thisistexaswine.com Help the Show: Subscribe to the newsletter. Donate virtual Texas wine or join the podcast membership at the Gold Medal, Silver Medal, or Bronze Medal Level! Leave a review on Spotify or Apple Podcasts! Texas Wine In the NewsSilicon Valley Bank Report on DTC Shipping Reported by The Drinks Business: “Smaller wineries lead economic turnaround in the US”Brittany Brillo Garley for Eater Houston: “The Texas Michelin-Recognized Sommelier Who Is Allergic to Wine”Wes Marshall for The Austin Chronicle: "Nine Texas Wines Receive Decanter AwardsWineries, claim your listing and consider membership at Texas Wine Lover - Signup PageInterview with Andrew Sides of Lost Draw Wines Lost Draw Wines Demerit and Gold Star Gold Star: Fredericksburg's Food and Drink (Wine!) Scene for being included in Food and Wine Magazine's recent article “The Top Small US Cities for Food and Drink” Special ThanksNeed lodging in Fredericksburg? Check out Cork + Cactus! Find Cork + Cactus and many more great rentals at Heavenly Hosts.com! Thanks to Texas Wine Lover for promotional help! For the latest information on Texas wineries and vineyards, visit Texas Wine Lover. Don't forget to download the Texas Wine Lover app too!Wine & Food FoundationI'm so happy to be part of the community of wine and food lovers at The Wine & Food Foundation! Get more information about upcoming events, wine education classes, and membership options here.

This is the first time I’ve been able to record an in-person full-length interview with Mike Sullivan and it was a totally great experience. Mike is Winemaker and Co Owner at Benovia Winery which is tucked away near the Charles M Schultz airport in Sonoma County. Exceptional Pinot and a laid-back atmosphere is the vibe [...]

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Mike Sullivan, Winemaker, Benovia Winery, Sonoma County, defining a very special term, “????”  Learn more by visiting benoviawinery.com

What were the key challenges and breakthroughs that shaped the BC and Ontario wine industries in the 1980s and 90s? What makes or breaks a new wine project, and why is finding the right vineyard often the most time-consuming step? What made Peter believe that Niagara-on-the-Lake could produce exceptional Chardonnay? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Ann Sperling & Peter Gamble. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What was Ann's best memory from growing up on the farm? When did Ann and Peter know that they wanted to work in the wine industry? How did Ann and Peter meet? What was the first bottle of wine Ann and Peter shared? How do Ann and Peter navigate their interwoven personal and professional lives? How do they negotiate professional disagreements, and who chooses the wine for dinner? What were the major challenges and opportunities in the BC and Ontario wine industry in the 1980s and 90s? In the early days, how did Peter envision the future of Ontario wines? What are some of the reasons certain vintages almost didn't make it into the bottle? What do you look for when considering a new project? What makes Ann and Peter different from the stereotypical flying winemakers? What were the signs that Niagara-on-the-Lake could produce exceptional Chardonnay? How has working on a small, focused vineyard impacted Ann and Peter's winemaking choices? Why must you suffer to make top-notch wines?   Key Takeaways It was in the early 80s in BC and maybe slightly before that in Ontario, that estate wineries became a thing. Prior to that, that meant there were a few really large wineries, not really making estate or single vineyards. Vineyards were a source of bulk wine for the most part. The hunt for the vineyard became a very important one. We looked at over 230 vineyards before we found one. I think everyone there was on the verge of giving up on this, thinking “Well, they're not really going to buy anything.” Because we'd get it to a certain stage, then we do soil analysis, and we weren't quite happy, or we talked to people who had made wine from the vineyard or something would come up, and we just wouldn't quite be where we wanted to be with the quality of the vineyard. I often work on the basis of paradigms, where I'll take a look at a wine sold throughout the world and say, you know, I think this could be done really well in this area. You know what it is you might be able to accomplish within the parameters that you have - the obvious things, the terroir, the exposures to soils, the temperatures in general.   About Ann Sperling & Peter Gamble Often referred to as the “power couple” of the Canadian wine industry, Peter Gamble and Ann Sperling have long pursued the pinnacles of wine quality in Canadian vineyards and wineries. Following her upbringing on her family's Okanagan Valley vineyard, Ann turned to the soil for the character and complexity of her wines. Acknowledged as a Canadian pioneer of organic and biodynamic viticulture, ‘terroir' was at the centre of her philosophy and she is renowned for her head winemaking roles at Malivoire, Southbrook, and Sperling Vineyards. Peter, a lifetime wine industry professional, has worked alongside Canada's most passionate winemakers to achieve greater heights with our finest appellation wines. Since 2000, Peter has provided expertise in ultra-premium winemaking operations, including: Stratus, Ravine, Benjamin Bridge and Lightfoot & Wolfville. With the purchase of a top-flight ancient Malbec planting in Mendoza, Argentina, in 2008, Ann and Peter broadened their winemaking activities, but Niagara remains their cherished home base. Current focus is on these Niagara projects: On Seven, Lailey and Stonebridge Vineyards and Dobbin Estate.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/342.

This episode features a conversation with Scott Neal, the winemaker and owner at Coeur de Terre Vineyard in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Along with his wife Lisa, they crafted a humble 57 cases in their inaugural 2002 vintage but have grown to making over 6000 cases a year of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Syrah, and Sparkling wines from grapes grown on their estate vineyard in the McMinnville AVA. We talk a lot about geology in this episode because his wine style is focused on reflecting the time and place from which the grapes were grown by employing a gentle hand and allowing the grapes to express in their voice. In the vineyard, organic growing practices have been followed from the beginning in 1998 with a concentration on regenerative farming. The fun connection we discovered was that we both have roots in Minnesota - Scott grew up on a southern Minnesota farm from which he learned a strong work ethic as well as gained respect for the land and for the whims of Mother Nature. Scott, Lisa and their daughters, Abigail and Tallulah, live on the estate vineyard along with their dog Cici. You can visit www.cdtvineyard.com to learn about and order their wines, and you can follow @cdtvineyard on Instagram. Thank you to the Willamette Valley Wineries Association for connecting us when Pinot in the City came to Atlanta!Recorded June 9, 2025

Is a $400 wine really ten times better than a $40 one? Does the right glass really improve your wine and is it worth it when the size makes you look ridiculous? Why do wine labels matter and should the label's look be part of every wine review? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Charles Jennings and Paul Keers, co-authors of the hilarious book I Bought It So I'll Drink It. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of their terrific book,, I Bought It So I'll Drink It. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! You can find the wines we discussed here.   Highlights Why do we feel guilty about window shopping when it comes to wine? What's the worst wine gadget or gimmick Paul and Charles have encountered? How did a 1947 Sauterne create a bond between Paul and a French wine seller? What was their most triumphant wine deal discovery? Are there elements that expensive wine delivers, that bargain wines can't? Why are Charles and Paul suspicious of mixed cases of wine? Has the quality and perception of box wines changed? What's the strangest vessel Paul and Charles have drunk wine from? What was it like drinking wine at 10 Downing Street and Lambeth Palace? What was Queen Victoria's tipple like? Why does Charles love drinking on his own? Which current wine trends will we look back on as ridiculous? Which wines would Charles and Paul now pair with their favourite childhood foods? Who would Paul and Charles love to share a bottle of wine with? Why should wine critics write about wine labels in their reviews?   Key Takeaways Charles and Paul believe there is a greater experience to be gained from drinking better wine, but that the return for your money plateaus quickly. If you go up from a £10 wine to a £30 wine, you will really notice the difference and have a tremendously greater experience. But then if you multiply that by 10 and go from £40 to £400, the difference in quality isn't that great. If I've got people around for dinner and I sit at the end of the table and everybody else has got normal wine glasses, I look like a complete plonker. And I'd love to sit there, “Oh, it's magnificent.” And they're going to think, what an idiot. So unfortunately, it doesn't get much use. It does enhance the taste of the Bordeaux, there's no doubt about it, but I'm so embarrassed sitting there drinking out of this thing the size of a melon that it really doesn't get much use. Charles and Paul mention wine labels because they think that they are ignored by most wine writers, and they're terribly important for two reasons. Firstly, because they're about the only marketing that most bottles of wine have, because we go into shops and that's all we can see, the labels. And second, if you're setting a table for dinner, you've invested in the table, in the dishware, the cutlery, the glasses to set up this beautiful thing. Why would you put a bottle of wine on the table - however it tastes - if it looks terrible? Wine critics should always say what the label looks like and whether it would look good on the table.   About Charles Jennings & Paul Keers Charles Jennings and Paul Keers are award-winning writers based in London, England. Charles and Paul co-authored the wine blog Sediment, described by New Statesman writer and Guardian literary critic Nick Lezard as “the finest wine blog available to humanity.” The blog became the basis for their book, I Bought It So I'll Drink It. Book-Prize-winning novelist Julian Barnes called it “The funniest wine-book I've read in a long time. Not just laugh-aloud funny but snortingly, choke-on-your-cornflakes funny – up there with Kingsley Amis and Jay McInerney.” Their book won the prestigious André Simon Award.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/341.

World Verdejo Day is coming on Friday! In honour of this day, I sat down with Mariate Sanz a winemaker for Bodega Campo Eliseo. We chatted about her early days making wine in Rueda, what she looks for in classic Verdejo and working with famed winemaker François Lurton.

Send us a textRandall Grahm is one of California's most visionary and influential winemakers—an iconoclastic pioneer whose creative spirit reshaped the American wine landscape. Bold, intellectual, experimental, Randal Grahm remains an enduring figure in wine: a philosopher-winemaker and relentless terroir hunter whose life's work has forever shaped how we think about New World wine.Click the link below for more….https://www.popelouchum.com/aboutCheck out the website: www.drinkingonthejob.com for great past episodes. Everyone from Iron Chefs, winemakers, journalist and more.

In this episode, we are talking to Harry Crowther, founder of Tiny Wine, to explore how technology, sustainability, and storytelling are reshaping the wine world. In this episode, we unpack how Tiny Wine is using innovative tech from Coravin Vinitas to bring iconic bottles to curious palates in small, perfectly preserved 100ml tubes. We'll talk Super Tuscans, Bordeaux, and about Harry's time in the Douro, fermenting separately the big five black grape varieties. So get ready to learn the difference between Touriga Nacional and Tinta Cão, and how each contributes to the blend. You'll also hear some of Harry's stories working with Jean-Claude Berrouet, the long-time winemaker and technical director at Pétrus. So whether you're a seasoned collector or just wine-curious, there's plenty of name-dropping in this episode—and a few bottles you'll definitely want to track down. Episode Guide (Chapters)   6:08 – Launching Tiny Wine in partnership with Coravin and their Vinitas technology. 8:16 – How the Vinatas works: ‘The smallest bottling line in the world'. 9:02 – 100ml wine tubes as samples of the on-trade. 10.50 – How last do these Tiny Wine tubes last? Testing through a triangulated tasting with wine professionals. 17:09 – Harry's Perspective on Fine Wine 18.56 - The criteria for wines chosen for Tiny Wine's Tasting Boxes 21.01 - The Prize draw with a Magnum of Petrus 22.07 - Wine to try from the Super Tuscan Select box: Monte Antico 2020 23.10 - Wine to try from the Super Tuscan Explorer box: Coste del Vivo Rosso No.1 MV 22.07 - Wine to try from the Super Tuscan Select box: Monte Antico 2020 23.36: - San Polino Brunello di Montelcino 24:01 – Wine to try from the Super Tuscan Somm box includie Sassicaia, Tignanello and Caiarosso Toscana IGT 24.55 - Tignanello: The wine that created Super Tuscan Wine 26:30 – What is a Super Tuscan? (You can listen to dedicated Episode 169: Everything you need to know about Super Tuscans) 28.15: Merlot planted in Chianti Vs The famous wine made from Merlot: Masseto 30.50: Discussing Rocca di Frassinello amazing wine cellar and their Merlot wine: Baffonero 33:30 – Reflection on Portugal and influences from the Douro. 34:23 – A run down on what each of the 5 main black grapes of Douro offer to the blend 39:16 – Working with legendary winemaker Jean-Claude Berrouet at Quinta da Boavista 41:27 – Blending trials in the winery of Ventisquero Wine Estates 45:03 – The rarest bottle in Harry's Cellar: Familia Silva Branco 500l barrel of Tawny circa mid 1800s 46:37 – Best Value wine: South Africa 47.51 -  Upcoming wine region: Attica, Greece 48:20 – What's coming next for Tiny Wine. 49.39 - Most memorable wine experience: A winemaking stint on Waiheke Island, New Zealand 50.39 - Winemaker shoutout: Kardenakhi 7 for their Fortified Rkatsiteli  52:39 – Prize draws for fine wines in large formats   To connect with Harry: Linked In and Tiny Wine Website  

Pippa speaks to Bruce Jack, a renowned winemaker, who is supporting written creativity through his magazine, Jack Journal, which champions long form writing. Lunch with Pippa Hudson is CapeTalk’s mid-afternoon show. This 2-hour respite from hard news encourages the audience to take the time to explore, taste, read and reflect. The show - presented by former journalist, baker and water sports enthusiast Pippa Hudson - is unashamedly lifestyle driven. Popular features include a daily profile interview #OnTheCouch at 1:10pm. Consumer issues are in the spotlight every Wednesday while the team also unpacks all things related to health, wealth & the environment. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Lunch with Pippa Hudson Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 13:00 and 15:00 (SA Time) to Lunch with Pippa Hudson broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/MdSlWEs or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/fDJWe69 Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For episode 75 of Read Between the Wines, we head to the northern reaches of the Médoc to explore an iconic place in Saint-Estèphe—Château Tour des Termes. General Manager Julien Brustis joins us for a refreshingly candid conversation about shaking the dust off Bordeaux tradition without losing its soul. From climate-savvy vineyard replanting to the launch of a white wine (yes, in Saint-Estèphe!), Julien walks us through the estate's bold new chapter under the O'Connor family's stewardship. We talk terroir, tannins, and why their Merlot-heavy blend is aging like a fine… well, Merlot. He also shares how biodiversity, regenerative viticulture, and a carbon-neutral winery by 2026 aren't just noble goals—they're part of the business plan. We discuss the art of modern Bordeaux: wines that can charm your palate after five years, not just after your retirement. And in true Tour des Termes fashion, Julien explains how the Château is becoming more open, more welcoming, and yes—more fun. Accessible yet age-worthy, fresh yet full of soul—Tour des Termes might just be the Saint-Estèphe you didn't know you needed. For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web:  https://readbetweenthewinespodcast.com Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia Connect with us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines   

What do Lucasfilm, Pixar, and kosher Cabernet have in common? One man: Dan Levin. In this special edition of the Kosher Wine Podcast, Rabbi Yisroel Bernath sits down with Dan Levin, affectionately known in the Valley as “Kosher Dan”—for an unforgettable conversation that flows like a fine barrel sample.Recorded under the starlit skies of OneHope Winery, this episode uncorks Dan's incredible journey from the world of audio engineering to becoming one of Napa's most trusted kosher winemakers. From hand-destemming berries one-by-one at Mayacamas to salvaging vintages with divine timing at Marciano Estate, Dan shares behind-the-scenes stories filled with heart, humor, and hashgacha pratis.Rabbi Bernath and Dan explore what makes kosher winemaking not just rigorous but deeply meaningful, from spiritual discipline to the surprising truth that sometimes the kosher wine tastes better. Whether you're a wine lover, a spiritual seeker, or just someone who appreciates a great story, this episode is as rich and rewarding as a well-aged Cabernet.See Rabbi Bernath's Full Article on his experience with Dan Levin HERE https://medium.com/@loverabbi/a-taste-of-kosher-napa-77bc19e87b51?sk=ddb4e271a3566be0cf50957236f9ff94Support the showEmail your questions and comments to kosherwinepodcast@gmail.com

Our main feature is Bring Her Back. We're also reviewing Into the Deep, Project MKHEXE, Scanners Cop 2, Winemaker, Godforsaken, and Feeders by Matt Serafini.

How does using everyday metaphors make wine writing more relatable? How has the pressure to be an expert in everything turned simple pleasures into social competition? Does buying your own wine versus getting free samples make you a better wine writer? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Charles Jennings and Paul Keers, co-authors of the hilarious book I Bought It So I'll Drink It. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of their terrific book,, I Bought It So I'll Drink It. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck! You can find the wines we discussed here.   Highlights How did Charles and Paul meet? What was the first bottle of wine they shared, and how did they realize they had the same approach to bad wine? What was it like to meet legendary wine critic Oz Clarke? When did Paul and Charles discover their love for writing? What were Charles and Paul's best and worst moments in their writing careers? How did their Sediment blog create a stir with the PR people in the wine industry? Where did the title “I Bought It So I'll Drink It” come from? Did buying their own wines give them a different perspective than other wine writers who are given promotional bottles? How did the collaborative approach to writing I Bought It So I'll Drink It work? Which writers have influenced Charles and Paul's writing? Is the tension between wine snobbery and enjoyment unique to wine? What was the most pretentious wine moment Paul and Charles witnessed? How did Charles and Paul develop their distinctive vocabularies for describing wines? Which overused wine descriptors do they find cringy? What's changed about wine criticism or writing since they published their book?   Key Takeaways Charles and Paul explain that they drew their descriptions from real life. There's a tendency in wine writing to use metaphors that you wouldn't necessarily experience. I mean, I've got a cat, but I really wouldn't use the term cat's pee in describing any wine. I don't know what cat's pee actually tastes like. Whereas if I talk about wine smelling of ink, well, people know what ink smells like, and it seemed more appropriate to use ink as an analogy. The authors say that everybody has to be a bit of an expert about everything these days. It's not just a question of, “Oh, we've been to France, we've gone to Italy, we've made it to the United States,” or something like that. It's how you did it, and where you stayed, and what you did, and what tours you went on, and it's so full of itself. Then it becomes a transaction when talking with friends. As Charles and Paul think the fact that they did buy thei wine is quite fundamental to a difference between Sediment and other wine writing. They had to do the same thing, go out and buy it. Maybe that gave us a slightly different slant on wine buying and drinking as well.   About Charles Jennings & Paul Keers Charles Jennings and Paul Keers are award-winning writers based in London, England. Charles and Paul co-authored the wine blog Sediment, described by New Statesman writer and Guardian literary critic Nick Lezard as “the finest wine blog available to humanity.” The blog became the basis for their book, I Bought It So I'll Drink It. Book-Prize-winning novelist Julian Barnes called it “The funniest wine-book I've read in a long time. Not just laugh-aloud funny but snortingly, choke-on-your-cornflakes funny – up there with Kingsley Amis and Jay McInerney.” Their book won the prestigious André Simon Award.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/340.

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Scott Kirkpatrick, Winemaker, Dancing Crow Vineyard, Hopland, defining the term “Flocculate”.  Learn more by visiting dancingcrow.com

The wine growing regions of California are vast and beyond imagination when it comes to acreage as well as just plain beauty. Dancing Crow Vineyard is located in Hopland just a couple hours north of San Francisco. The scenery along the drive is stunning and the wines are equally exceptional. Scott Kirkpatrick is Winemaker and [...]

This is a Vintage Selection from 2007The ConversationThe Restaurant Guys talk with John Scharffenberger about his premium line of chocolate which is the first “bean to bar” chocolate made in the United States. John talks about the history, sourcing and the crucial details in creating some of the finest chocolate in the world!The Inside TrackThe Guys were fans of John's sparkling wine and are fans of his chocolate. This is how John describes his on-the-job training after his career shift. “ I think we were just stupid when we started and the only way we knew how to do things were the way I had done things in the wine business [which] was just to be really careful about flavor. So we treated the beans like we used to treat grapes. We did blind tastings, we did lots of blind tastings, and only accepted beans that had flavors that we liked,” John Scharffenberger on The Restaurant Guys Podcast 2007BioJohn Scharffenberger started Scharffenberger Cellars known for their world-class California sparkling wine. He left the winery and started Scharffen Berger Chocolates in 1997 with Robert Steinberg. InfoJohn's cookbookEssence of Chocolate: Recipes for Baking and Cooking with Fine ChocolateBy John Scharffenberger and Rober SteinbergScharffen Berger Chocolate is no longer owned by John Scharffenberger and Robert Steinberg. It was acquired by Hershey in 2005, went back to private ownership in 2020 then acquired by Harry and David in 2024. If you want John's Hot Chocolate recipe, email TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.comOn Friday, June 27 Come see The Restaurant Guys LIVE with Chef Andrew Zimmern at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center in New Brunswick, NJ. VIP tickets include a Meet & Greet After-Party with Andrew. Restaurant Guys Regulars get a discount so subscribe https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe Tickets https://www.restaurantguyspodcast.com/Our Sponsors The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Centerhttps://www.theheldrich.com/ Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/ Withum Accountinghttps://www.withum.com/ Our Places Stage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/ Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/ Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/ To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguysReach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**Click Below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe

This episode features our live audience conversation with members of FORTH Club in Atlanta, GA and Nicola Lenci, the co-owner of Fattoria di Magliano, a winery located in the Maremma region of Tuscany. Nicola has been working at the estate since 2010, first in the vineyards and later in the cellar. He became an AIS Sommelier and started traveling, mainly North America, Germany and the UK, as the National Sales Manager of Fattoria di Magliano. Additionally, he currently is the Export Manager of the company and also the assistant winemaker. Nicola brought a flight of 4 of his family's wines to share with us while talking about his family's history, their experience starting a winery business, and their dedication to hospitality in the wine industry. We dive deep into what makes the region so unique, and you'll hear some interesting insights about Italian wine classifications and the estate's specific growing conditions. In 1996, Nicola's father, Agostino Lenci - a fashion professional - turned his passion for wine into a business by investing in a 97-hectare property. At the time, Maremma was not recognized for producing high quality wines, but Lenci endeavored to bring notoriety to this little-known wine-producing region situated a mere 10 miles from the Tyrrhenian coast in southeastern Tuscany. His vision was realized a few years later when Maremma Toscana was granted DOC status by the Italian government. Now at the estate, there is a restaurant serving local cuisine as well as a boutique inn with 30 guest rooms and a swimming pool overlooking the rolling hills. Our audience brought such a great energy of curiosity to this episode, and there was a line that formed behind the mic when we opened it up for the live Q&A at the end of the episode. Recorded May 13, 2025-----------------Our presenting sponsor for May is The Monticello Wine Trail in Virginia. The Monticello Wine Trail proudly announces Monticello Wine Week, an immersive celebration of Virginia's premier wine region, taking place from June 5-8, 2025. With events spanning Charlottesville, Nelson, Orange, and Greene counties, this annual series highlights the exceptional wines, winemakers, and vineyards that define the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA). Nestled in the heart of Virginia's wine country, the Monticello Wine Trail is home to more than 40 acclaimed wineries, all within a short drive of Charlottesville, VA. Click ⁠HERE⁠ for info about all Monticello Wine Week events!“Monticello Wine Week is a time to celebrate the remarkable wines being produced in our region and to share the passion and dedication of our winemakers with both locals and visitors,” said Stephen Barnard, President of the Monticello Wine Trail and Winemaker at Keswick Vineyards.

What do a 1946 Western film, a fight for independence in the Balkans, a celebrity Engagement, a Fulbright Scholarship and Baskin-Robbins ice cream have in common? They are all part of the life story of a charismatic, hardworking, and big dreaming winemaker. Meet Sonja Magdevski of Clementine Carter Wines in Santa Barbara County's Los Alamos, where she's one of the OGs who turned the sleepy little town into a must visit wine destination.But, her first job in wine was planting a vineyard with no experience.We explore how Sonja fell in love with Grenache, her pioneering role in the Los Alamos wine community and her passion for storytelling through both wine and writing. Join us for an inspiring conversation about taking risks, following unexpected paths, and creating something truly unique. We're excited to have Sonja, a fellow journalist and an inspiration to so many people, joining us to share her story.

What do a 1946 Western film, a fight for independence in the Balkans, a celebrity Engagement, a Fulbright Scholarship and Baskin-Robbins ice cream have in common? They are all part of the life story of a charismatic, hardworking, and big dreaming winemaker. Meet Sonja Magdevski of ⁠Clementine Carter Wines⁠ in Santa Barbara County's Los Alamos, where she's one of the OGs who turned the sleepy little town into a must visit wine destination.But, her first job in wine was planting a vineyard with no experience.We explore how Sonja fell in love with Grenache, her pioneering role in the Los Alamos wine community and her passion for storytelling through both wine and writing. Join us for an inspiring conversation about taking risks, following unexpected paths, and creating something truly unique. We're excited to have Sonja, a fellow journalist and an inspiration to so many people, joining us to share her story.

How does biodynamic farming transform a vineyard into a thriving, interconnected ecosystem? What do wild orchids reveal about the health of a vineyard? How do France's preschool lunches help to create a nation of gourmets? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Caro Feely, author of the terrific memoir Grape Expectations: A Family's Vineyard Adventure in France.   You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Grape Adventures. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!   Highlights How did Caro's daughter's medical emergency shape her perspective on risk? Why did Caro feel like a bad mom in the early years of the winery? How has living in France influenced Caro's approach to food and wine? When did Caro realize the wine business was becoming financially viable? What are some of the most interesting aspects of biodynamics? What's the significance of wild orchids in a vineyard? Which wine would Caro pair with her favourite childhood food, marmalade on toast? Why would Caro want to share a bottle of wine with Al Gore?   Key Takeaways As Caro explains, often biodynamics is just picked on as a woo woo, but really, it's about listening to your land and being present. Biodynamics is organics, plus. It's essentially three things: It's working with plant and animal-based sprays to keep the vineyard healthy, using the biodynamic calendar to do things at the right moment. It's about listening to what's going on in the sky. We all notice the sun, but all the other bodies in the sky also have an impact. Lunatic comes from the fact that the moon does have an effect on us. The final thing is to think of your farm as a whole farm system as a living thing where everything is connected. We can't just look at the vine on its own, like a unit of production. It is a living thing, and it is a vibrant living environment. Caro says that when they bought the farm in 2005, it was conventionally farmed. They started organic farming and in 2008 the wild orchids came back. The systemic fungicides had worked their way out of the soil. Essentially, our soil health was coming back. The mycorrhizae, the fungi growing symbiotically with the roots of the vine, helps them to extend their network, to get more nutrients. However, mycorrhizae will not be there if you're using systemic fungicides. Caro loves France's respect for food and for taking time to enjoy it. There's a tradition in the country where everybody, no matter what they do, is somewhat of a gourmet and knows about food and wine. She thinks it does go back to schools with their three-course lunch when they're two and a half at preschool.   About Caro Feely Caro Feely is a writer, yoga teacher, wine educator and organic farmer. She leads authentic, personalized and educative wine tours, wine courses, walking tours and yoga retreats near Bordeaux in France. She is a published author, an engaging speaker, a registered Yoga Alliance yoga teacher, a WSET* wine educator, and a professional with many years of workshop, presentation, teaching, and management experience. Caro offers accommodation, tours and yoga at her organic farm in Saussignac.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/339.

Lodi, Portuguese & Spanish grape varieties, Bastardo, Boots and interview with Stuart Spencer, winemaker, St Amant Winery in Lodi. ON THE ROAD with MR CA WINE is about California's cool, aspirational lifestyle and its awesome wines hosted by Chuck Cramer, a California native, living in London and is the Director of European & Asia sales & marketing, Terlato Wines. This is a wine journey covering the hottest topics in CA wine, chatting along the way with the experts who make it all happen. This week's episode includes an interview with Stuart Spencer, winemaker, St Amant Winery. 

Episode 227 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Today we were joined by Guy Davis from Davis Family Vineyards! He shares how the discovery and revival of an old Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County, as well as his experiences in France and with Passport Wine Club, have influenced his winemaking approach, focusing on balance and complexity. Guy also introduces the newly opened tasting room in Highlands, North Carolina, which doubles as a wine bar featuring both his wines and curated international selections, offering a distinctive experience for East Coast visitors.   Links:  https://www.daviswines.com/ https://www.highcountrywineprovisions.com/   Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

Today's Guest Early adventures to legendary vineyards and wineries around the world with his family and father, photographer Andy Katz, gave Colorado native Jesse Katz a profound respect for the creativity and art of winemaking. It was through his father's work that Jesse recognized and fell in love with the importance of terroir, balance, and the beauty of a winemaker's influence. Setting him on a path he has pursued ever since. Today, Jesse creates distinct and nuanced wines for his brands, aperture sellers, and double-proof vineyards, while serving as a consulting winemaker for some of the world's elite wine programs. Since his debut as a first-generation talent at a college, he has emerged as one of the most exciting and accomplished winemakers globally. Aperture Cellars The Setting Wines Jesse on Instagram About Dr. Raj Dr Raj is a quadruple board certified physician and associate professor at the University of Southern California. He was a co-host on the TNT series Chasing the Cure with Ann Curry, a regular on the TV Show The Doctors for the past 7 seasons and has a weekly medical segment on ABC news Los Angeles. More from Dr. Raj ⁠⁠The Dr. Raj Podcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dr. Raj on Twitter⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dr. Raj on Instagram⁠⁠ Want more board review content? ⁠⁠USMLE Step 1 Ad-Free Bundle⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Crush Step 1⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Step 2 Secrets⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Beyond the Pearls⁠⁠ ⁠⁠The Dr. Raj Podcast⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Beyond the Pearls Premium⁠⁠ ⁠⁠USMLE Step 3 Review⁠⁠ ⁠⁠MedPrepTGo Step 1 Questions⁠⁠ ⁠⁠MedPrepTGo Step 2 Questions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes vine growing and winemaking so physically demanding? What are the hidden dangers of winemaking that most wine lovers never hear about? Why are some winemakers choosing to label their wines as Vin de France rather than follow strict appellation rules? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Caro Feely You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway Three of you are going to win a copy of her terrific book, Grape Adventures. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast. I'll choose three people randomly from those who contact me. Good luck!   Highlights How did Oprah Winfrey influence Caro and her husband to follow their dream of owning a vineyard in France? What was behind the decision to leave their corporate jobs for winemaking, which was such a different career? Why did Caro choose Bordeaux and Saussignac in particular? What were the main criteria that Caro and her husband sought when choosing a vineyard? Were there any transferable skills from the corporate IT world that were helpful in running a winery? What was the most surprising hurdle Caro and her husband had to overcome to buy their winery? How does Caro handle the tension between making wines she believes in versus what will pass official approvals or market trends? Why did Chateau Feely want to be classified as Vin De France? How physically demanding is winemaking? What are some of the funniest and most surprising animal-related episodes that have happened at the winery?   Key Takeaways As Caro explains it involves heavy machinery, tractors, attaching things to tractors, moving heavy pipes and other equipment around. Even hand picking grapes is a fairly active sport. Removing the vine shoots or suckers at the base of the vine is a big job and backbreaking. They don't want them to grow because they take nutrients from the grapes. Caro says that many wine lovers don't realize how dangerous winemaking is. There are four killers of wine makers. The first one was asphyxiation by CO2. In the fermentation, CO2 is created. If you don't have a way for it to get out of the closed spaces, you're going to get asphyxiated. The second one is falling from height particularly if a little bit of CO2 has escaped and made you a little lightheaded. The next one is machinery, so horrific things like falling into a harvest trailer. Electrocution because you're working with liquids and high electricity. Caro says that almost all of her wines are labelled Vin de France because she felt that so many of the appellation rules were not about the quality of the wine. She wanted to be free of those unnecessary constraints. For example, one biodynamic winemaker got kicked out of the appellation system because he had weeds under his vines. He handpicks his grapes so it actually doesn't matter if they're weeds under the vines. If you machine pick, the machine will kind of suck up the weeds. Caro would much rather have some weeds than have to use synthetic weed killer. Even when it comes to Saint-Émilion Grand Cru Classé and Premier Grand Cru Classé, some growers got more appellation points for having a parking lot for tour guests than they received for being certified organic.   About Caro Feely Caro Feely is a writer, yoga teacher, wine educator and organic farmer. She leads authentic, personalized and educative wine tours, wine courses, walking tours and yoga retreats near Bordeaux in France. She is a published author, an engaging speaker, a registered Yoga Alliance yoga teacher, a WSET* wine educator, and a professional with many years of workshop, presentation, teaching, and management experience. Caro offers accommodation, tours and yoga at her organic farm in Saussignac.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/338.

This live audience episode features winemaker Blair Guthrie of Stewart Cellars located in Yountville of Napa Valley in California. We gathered at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA with 20 Atlanta wine professionals and friends of the wine industry thanks to Aaron Cooper of @trickingoffainteasy who conspired with Blair to create a memorable weekend showcasing the entire portfolio of Stewart wines around Atlanta. Aaron even surprised all of the guests with a luxury spread of delicious food at the end of the recording thanks to friends at Bovino After Dark, and essentially this turned into a pretty epic evening of wine-ing and dining with incredible people. You'll hear a little bit about Blair's upbringing in New Zealand, playing rugby, basketball, and cricket, while pursuing an interest in graphic design. He says that the skills he developed in those areas do contribute to his skills as a winemaker today with what he describes as an athlete's competitiveness, a creative eye, and an artist's enthusiasm for winemaking. He takes us back to stories from 2009 when we worked as a harvest intern at Paul Hobb's Crossbarn in California, where he met his wife, Caroline Stewart. They now are running Stewart Cellars together, a multi-generational, family-owned and operated winery that has been producing premium-quality wines since its inception in 2000. We talk about their farming practices and philosophies as we taste through the wines with the audience, and we even open it up for a live Q&A at the end of the episode. Thank you to Aaron and Blair for dreaming this up, thank you Taylor at The Vine Club for hosting us, and thanks to everyone who joined us for this pretty epic evening celebrating the wine community in Atlanta. You can visit www.stewartcellars.com to learn more about these wines and follow @stewartcellars and @guthriefamilywines on Instagram.Recorded April 25, 2025-----------------Our presenting sponsor for May is The Monticello Wine Trail in Virginia. The Monticello Wine Trail proudly announces Monticello Wine Week, an immersive celebration of Virginia's premier wine region, taking place from June 5-8, 2025. With events spanning Charlottesville, Nelson, Orange, and Greene counties, this annual series highlights the exceptional wines, winemakers, and vineyards that define the Monticello American Viticultural Area (AVA). Nestled in the heart of Virginia's wine country, the Monticello Wine Trail is home to more than 40 acclaimed wineries, all within a short drive of Charlottesville, VA. Click HERE for info about all Monticello Wine Week events!“Monticello Wine Week is a time to celebrate the remarkable wines being produced in our region and to share the passion and dedication of our winemakers with both locals and visitors,” said Stephen Barnard, President of the Monticello Wine Trail and Winemaker at Keswick Vineyards.

On the podcast today, the story of a woman who went from finance to fermentation. Terah Bajjalieh earned her degree focused on economic forecasts and number crunching, but instead wound up working in a world of weather forecasts and grape crushing. She's a winemaker you need to know -- who just debuted two of her wines at select Whole Foods.Terah graduated with a degree in finance, but a three month course on wine ended up changing the course of her life. So she followed that unexpected passion for wine and is now one of the most exciting new voices in wine.She's gone from being a globetrotting harvest helper to getting a masters degree in Enology and Viticulture and becoming a sommelier as well. Today, she is winning rave reviews for her natural style winemaking and the impressive wine she makes under her Terah Wine Company label. Terah's work as a natural winemaker earned her a spot as one of Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Tastemakers in 2024. So pour a glass of wine and join us to hear Terah' s inspiring story.

Why is Rosé the go-to wine for celebrity-owned brands rather than Chardonnay or Cabernet? Why are the younger generations of wine drinkers choosing Rosé over red? Is the Rosé boom just a trend, or is its popularity here to stay? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with Rasmus Emborg & Jens Honoré, who co-published the Rose Revolution. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Highlights What are the main differences between wines from Domaine Tempier and Domaine Ott? What makes some Rosé wines better for aging than others? How did Gerard Bertrand's background influence his winemaking style? Which Provençal cuisine dishes pair best with the Rosé wines? Why do so many celebrities who come to the wine world choose to make Rosé? Which celebrity wines are worth buying? How has social media impacted the Rosé Revolution? What does the future look like for Rosé's popularity? Why have more men started drinking Rosé? Which wine regions should wine lovers visit to immerse themselves in the world of Rosé?   Key Takeaways Why is Rosé the go-to wine for celebrity-owned brands rather than Chardonnay or Cabernet? As Rasmus and Jens explain, Rosé is much easier to embrace for a broad audience. Rosé has a lot of lovers, but they don't have any enemies. So you can be a serious musician, a rocker, a pop star, and embrace Rosé. When you're just a celebrity and not a winemaker it's way more bankable and easier to market. We tried a lot of those wines and I'll tell you, some of them are pretty good, big bang for the buck. Brad Pitt, John Legend, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jon Bon Jovi, Cameron Diaz and Kylie Minogue Why are the younger generations of wine drinkers choosing Rosé over red? Rasmus and Jens observe that young people don't drink much red wine, but they drink a lot of white wine and Rosé because it's kind of like a celebratory wine. It's become a wine you kind of gather around. You don't disagree about it. You can't be talked down to if you don't know the terroir, the grapes etc. If it's endorsed by a rapper or rock music or whatever, it enhances that experience. Is the Rosé boom just a trend or is its popularity here to stay? Rasmus and Jens believe that Rosé has established itself as a third wine category. We'll still see the quality improve and higher price points. In France, 3 out of 10 bottles are Rosé, globally, it's about one out of 10. They are seeing a trend of Rosé taking market share from red wine whereas white wine is stable.   About Rasmus Emborg & Jens Honoré Rasmus Emborg is a journalist who has worked in the media industry for over 25 years. He is the author of Beer Brothers (2019), about twin beer brewers Mikkel Borg-Bjergsø and Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø. He and his wife own a small vineyard in Provence. The grapes are mainly used for rosé wine, and the production takes place at a local cooperative. Jens Honoré is a photographer who has worked in the advertising industry for 30 years. In 2018, he published A Place to Dream for SOS Children's Villages, and in partnership with Jens Vilstrup, he published the book, Farewell to a Black/White World about the UN's 2015 Sustainable Development Goals. He has also contributed to Building a Dream about LEGO owner Kjeld Kirks Kristiansen's realization of LEGO House. In 2021, he published The Right to Food about homeless people's relationship with food. Jens lives in New York and as a wine enthusiast, has followed the trend of increasing enthusiasm for rosé wine with great interest.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/337.

In this episode of Five Questions with a Winemaker, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Nancy Irelan, Winemaker and Owner of Red Tail Ridge Winery in New York's Finger Lakes. Renowned for her cool-climate varietals and sparkling wines, Nancy has made Red Tail Ridge a Finger Lakes standout.Nancy shares:

From The Wine Makers Podcast:This week, Sam hits the road with MJ Towler—The Black Wine Guy—for a special crossover episode recorded live in New Brunswick, New Jersey. They sit down with legendary restaurateurs and OG podcasters Francis Schott and Mark Pascal, the co-owners of Stage Left Steak and Catherine Lombardi, and hosts of The Restaurant Guys podcast.Long before podcasts went mainstream, Francis and Mark were pioneering thoughtful, unpretentious conversations in food, wine, and hospitality, straight from their corner of the Garden State. Sam and MJ dive deep into Francis and Mark's early days in the restaurant industry, the dramatic evolution of hospitality, and how New Brunswick emerged as an unexpected—and underrated—food and wine hotspot.The conversation also revisits the wild, early days of podcasting, raising a glass to names like DiSpirito, Trotter, and Bourdain. With behind-the-scenes restaurant stories, old-school podcast wisdom, and heartfelt reminders about the timeless power of passion and hospitality, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Guests Francis Schott and Mark Pascal join co-hosts Sam Coturri and MJ Towler (The Black Wine Guy, Beats Vines & Life) for this special collaboration.HostsSam Coturri of The Wine Makers podcast and Sixteen 600 Winehttps://radiomisfits.com/twm369/MJ Towler of Beats, Vine and Life podcast and The Black Wine Guy Experiencehttps://blackwineguy.com/The Restaurant Guys LIVE with Chef Alex Guarnaschelli at the New Brunswick Performing Arts Center on Monday, May 12! VIP = After-Party with Alex! Tickets https://www.restaurantguyspodcast.com/rglivealexguarnaschelli Discount on Tickets AND Cocktail Party for Restaurant Guys Regulars on May 10 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe Our Sponsors The Heldrich Hotel & Conference Centerhttps://www.theheldrich.com/ Magyar Bankhttps://www.magbank.com/ Withum Accountinghttps://www.withum.com/ Our Places Stage Left Steakhttps://www.stageleft.com/ Catherine Lombardi Restauranthttps://www.catherinelombardi.com/ Stage Left Wineshophttps://www.stageleftwineshop.com/ To hear more about food, wine and the finer things in life:https://www.instagram.com/restaurantguyspodcast/https://www.facebook.com/restaurantguysReach Out to The Guys!TheGuys@restaurantguyspodcast.com**Become a Restaurant Guys Regular and get two bonus episodes per month, bonus content and Regulars Only events.**Click Below!https://www.buzzsprout.com/2401692/subscribe

Paso Robles, celebrating 100 years, Zinfandel, a teenage winemaker and interview w Janell Dusi, owner & winemaker of J Dusi Wines in Paso Robles. ON THE ROAD with mrCAwine is about California's cool, aspirational lifestyle and its awesome wines hosted by Chuck Cramer, a California native, living in London and is the Director of European & Asian sales & marketing, Terlato Wines. This is a wine journey covering the hottest topics in the business of California wine, chatting along the way with the people who work in wine, and make it all happen. This week's episode includes an interview with Janell Dusi of J Dusi Wines.