Podcasts about Zinfandel

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.

It appears on some wine labels, winemakers speak lovingly about them, and there are organizations focused on them. “Old Vines” is a loosely defined term that is often associated with quality in the wine industry. Seghesio, a historic Californian winery, has a strong focus on old vines with its focus on Zinfandel and Italian varietals. Andy Robinson, Seghesio's winemaker, lays out the economics of growing and selling old vine wines. Detailed Show Notes: Andy's background: grew up in the Finger Lakes (NY), studied Chemistry, worked at Charles KrugSeghesio overviewFounded 1895 by Piedmont immigrant Eduardo SeghesioAlexander Valley & Russian River (Sonoma)~120k cases / year; 160 acres plantedMostly Zinfandel (oldest 1895 at Home Ranch) and Italian varieties (Sangiovese, oldest from 1910)Defines old vines as 50+ years vs Old Vine Conference defines as 35+ years, conventional vineyards normally have 20-25 year lifespanMust be an excellent vine (both in yield and quality) to become an old vineBenefits of old vinesOften head trained, umbrella shape gives natural shading, don't need trellis supports, requires less maintenance late in the season; overall about the same cost as trellised (head trained harder to mechanize)More flavor compounds (a Spanish company researched this)More textural and complex flavorsCosts of old vinesExpect lower yields (sets less fruit)Big cuts from pruning can have bigger impact on vinesNeed to have a focus for old vines to be successful, which is why there are many single vineyard old vines; consistent ownership important for thisPeople are often willing to pay more for old vine wines, wine needs to be goodFor deciding when to replant old vines: wines not fantastic anymore, yields drop

[originally aired May 26, 2023]   This episode explores the history of American rosé wine culture and the events that led to the blush rush of the last three decades of the 20th century. When is it blush, when is it rosé? We tackle these questions in this story of America's pink kink or crush on the blush. Resources from this episode:  Books: Exploring Wine, 3rd Edition, Kolpan, S. Smith, B., and Weiss, M. [The Culinary Institute of America] (2010) Oxford Companion to Wine, 4th Edition, Robinson, J. and Harding, J. (2015) Rosé: A Guide to the World's Most Versatile Wine, Morgan, J.(2005) Rosé Wine: The Guide to Drinking Pink, Simontetti-Bryan, J. (2017) Websites: Lodi Wine Commission: The Mystery of Zinfandel, Part 2 - The Long Strange Trip from Somewhere, Caparoso, R. (29 October 2013) https://www.lodiwine.com/index.cfm?method=blog.blogdrilldown&blogEntryID=657B5FB6-9AC5-B1B2-7171-E8506853BD2E Los Angeles Magazine: A Brief History of White Zin - Why the wine that aficionados love to hate is making a comeback, Snyder, G.(16 July 2014) https://www.lamag.com/liquidlablog/a-brief-history-of-white-zin/ National Archives and Records Administration [Code of Federal Regulations]: Wine Laws, Regulations and Public Guidance - Title 27, Chapter I, Subchapter A, Part 4, Subpart C, § 4.21 The standards of identity (last amended 24 March 2023) https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-27/chapter-I/subchapter-A/part-4/subpart-C/section-4.21 Trinchero Family Estates: The American Dream in Napa Valley https://www.tfewines.com/about-us/ Vinepair: Your Guide to Blush Wine Which Isn't Rosé But Kind of Is, Beavers, K., (20 June 2016) https://vinepair.com/wine-geekly/your-guide-to-blush-wine-which-isnt-rose-but-kind-of-is/ Wine History Project: Wine History By Decade - 1860s, Agran, L. (8 July 2019) https://winehistoryproject.org/wine-history-by-decade-1860s/ Wine Spectator: Ask Dr. Vinny - Where does the term "blush" wine come from? (9 November 2016) https://origin.winespectator.com/articles/origin-of-blush-wine-vinny-54063 Podcasts: Wine Two Five Episode 54 (21 April 2016) Where Wine Takes Us - Barry Wiss from Trinchero Family Estates https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/where-wine-takes-us-barry-wiss-from-trinchero-family/id986650051?i=1000367276787 Wine Two Five Episode 52 (7 April 2016) Enter the Zin https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/enter-the-zin/id986650051?i=1000366397606 Glass in Session® Episodes Related to this Session: S1E3: Rosato - Wading into the Italian Pink https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s1e3-rosato-wading-into-the-italian-pink S1E4: Tavel at my Memory Palace's Table https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/s1e4-tavel-at-my-memory-palaces-table S12E6: Croatia Corkdorkery https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/croatia-corkdorkery-s12e6 S13E1: American Sparkling Wine https://glassinsession.libsyn.com/website/american-sparkling-wine-s13e1 Glass in Session® swag mentioned in this show: https://www.teepublic.com/user/glass-in-session Glass in Session® is a registered trademark of Vino With Val, LLC. Music: "Write Your Story" by Joystock (Jamendo.com cc_Standard License, Jamendo S.A.)

Erin Kirschenmann’s day job is managing editor of *Wine Business Monthly*. After spending her days immersed in the intricacies and moving targets that make up the wine business, she spends her nights curled up with a book and a glass of wine (or two). As both a writer and a wine lover, she naturally began pairing her reading with wines—a moody Pinot with a twisty thriller, for example. A couple of years ago, it occurred to her that there were other bibliophile-oenophiles out there who would love to do the exact same thing, so she founded Novel Pairings. Novel Pairings exists at the confluence of a book club and a wine club, where quarterly wine shipments align with book selections and monthly gatherings. We sat down with Erin to learn more, find out how she chooses the wines and books, and see if we can do what Petaluma’s finest educators couldn’t: get Brian to read a book. We’re always looking for new ways to bring wine into people’s lives, and people are always looking for more ways to be in community. Novel Pairings lands at just the right time. Whether it’s the monthly virtual meetups, the growing calendar of live events, the online quizzes, or now a SommSocial wine club, Erin has created an innovative platform—something the wine business needs more of. When she’s not reading and sipping, Erin is closely tracking the business of wine from her desk at *Wine Business Monthly*. And if you’re not signed up for the DNE, how do you know what’s going on? Given that this is the Year of Zinfandel, if we were going to pair a wine with this show, we’d suggest popping open a bold, bright Zin and enjoying it. Novel Pairings Wine Business Monthly Daily News Email (DNE) Instagram: @erinakirsch Instagram: @novel_pairings

IWP Ep111 Jake Des Voignes - Heleje Wine Co. w/ Andrew Sullivan. Andrew Sullivan and I recently traveled to Lodi to meet up with Jake Devoiges of Heleje wine company.  Jake runs Heleje with his wife Shauna where together they make some great low intervention wines. They moved here after succeeding as Chefs in San Francisco at the highest levels. Jake also farms the 2 family vineyards, The Fernow Ranch and Hartwick Family Vineyard where they live.  On both he's at the forefront of farming in Lodi, starting at organic but pushing through with regenerative practices and utilizing the products of the ranch to help further his goal.  They supply fruit to at least 4 producers who have been on the podcast.  Jake gave us a great tour of the vineyard and you can hear most of that at the very end of the episode, it'll give you great insight into the intricacies of what they are doing. On our way there we stopped at the always great Lodi Visitors Center which is a great place to pick up wines made by small Lodi producers or other small producers working with Lodi fruit, everyone that works there is great too.  Jake and Shauna are part of this new breed of small producer farming responsibly at a high quality in Lodi.  A few of the grapes that they grow have very few other organic sources in California or sometimes none at all.  The Heleje wines are always well made, clean wines with minimal or occasionally no sulfur and help show what Lodi is capable of. The white wines especially deserve your attention in a region so famous for Zinfandel. You can follow them at https://www.instagram.com/helejewineco/ and find their wines at https://heleje.myshopify.com/. Tickets for Unfiltered are on sale, the festival is fast approaching soon, July 25 and 26, 2 days of great winemakers pouring their wines, 3 wonderful panels each day and a chance to catch a few winemakers that you rarely see out in the wild, I hope you can make it. You can get tickets at ⁠⁠https://www.donkeyandgoat.com/unfiltered/⁠⁠ and follow the festival at ⁠unfilteredwinefestival⁠ Follow the podcast ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.instagram.com/indiewinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or email indiewinepodcast@gmail.com with questions, comments or feedback. Please rate or subscribe or if you are able, consider making a donation to help me keep telling wine stories ad free and available for everyone. -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.patreon.com/IndieWinePodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/indie-wine-podcast/id1673557547⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/06FsKGiM9mYhhCHEFDOwjb⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://linktr.ee/indiewinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  

Sebastian Höpfner, Jahrgang 1986, aus Flensburg stammend ist kein Herold, der Etiketten vorliest. Er ist eher wie jemand, der einen alten Brief gefunden hat und herausfinden will, wer ihn wirklich geschrieben hat. Dass er dabei zuverlässig bei Antworten landet, die andere nicht mal als Fragen formuliert hätten, gehört zu den Dingen, die man von ihm nach ein paar Minuten schlicht erwartet. ___ Als kleinen Bonus für Dich haben wir uns Christoph Nicklas, einen der absoluten Weinfachmenschen und Fachjournalisten unserer Republik vor das Mikrofon geholt, da sich das berühmte „Judgement of Paris“ im Mai zum 20. Mal jährte und anlässlich dessen die legendäre Vergleichsprobe mit ausgewählten Weinen im Rahmen des vom Meininger Verlag durchgeführten SOMMELIER SPRING SUMMIT, bei dem die besten SOMMELIERS aus dem D-A-CH-Raum nach Neustadt geladen werden, erneut exemplarisch durchgeführt wurde. Und natürlich lassen wir es uns nicht nehmen, Christoph um seine Eindrücke zu bitten. Angedacht war es als kleiner, 10-minütiger Einspieler, und dann ist doch eine ganze Stunde daraus geworden – und das nicht ohne Grund. DANKE, Christoph Nicklas, für Deine Eindrücke – wir hätten uns noch Stunden austauschen können. ___ Doch zurück zu Sebastian, dessen Weg begann in Flensburg, wo er bei Mäder's Restauration das Handwerk lernte. Den Wein entdeckte er dann nicht im Kurs und nicht aus dem Lehrbuch, sondern im Gourmetrestaurant Die Quadriga des Berliner Brandenburger Hofs: eine deutsche Weinkarte, alle 13 Anbaugebiete mit einer Tiefe, die ihn nach eigenem Bekunden bis heute suchen lässt. Was folgte, war keine geplante Karriere, sondern eine Folge von Entscheidungen, die alle in dieselbe Richtung zeigten: Waldorf Astoria Berlin, Riva Hotel Konstanz, dann ab 2017 bis 2022 als Head-Sommelier im Restaurant Français des Steigenberger Frankfurter Hofs, einem Haus mit Michelin-Stern, in dem er die Weinkarte so aufbaute, als würde er ein Manuskript verfassen. Danach, für knapp zwei Jahre, der Taubenkobel in Schützen am Gebirge in Österreich, eines der bekanntesten Häuser der biodynamisch und naturweinaffin ausgerichteten österreichischen Spitzengastronomie. Seit Januar 2025 ist Sebastian Sommelier im Berliner Drei-Sterne-Restaurant Rutz, das von Marco Müller und dem Inhaberehepaar Anja und Carsten Schmidt geführt wird und seit 2020 als einziges Restaurant Berlins drei Michelin-Sterne trägt sowie zusätzlich den Grünen Michelin-Stern für nachhaltiges Wirtschaften. Die 800 Positionen umfassende Weinkarte des Rutz ist dort sein Instrument. Die Branche hat das alles registriert: Rolling Pin führte Sebastian Höpfner 2024 auf Platz 8 der 50 besten Sommeliers Deutschlands, 2023 unter den Top 50 Österreichs. Der Sternefresser kürte ihn 2023, der Gusto 2025 zum Sommelier des Jahres; der Schlemmer Atlas listete ihn bereits 2020 unter den Top 50. Das ist keine Preissammelmentalität. Das sind Markierungen auf einem Weg, der konsequent in eine Richtung führt: raus aus der Komfortzone, rein in das Unangenehme, das hinterher besser schmeckt. Und was hat das alles mit Lodi zu tun? Fast alles. Sebastian Höpfner hat das Talent, zwischen den Welten zu übersetzen, ohne je zu vergessen, aus welcher er kommt. Sein Leitfaden, Respekt vor der Klassik und Offenheit für die Moderne, beschreibt Lodi besser als jede offizielle AVA-Beschreibung: eine Region, in der Zinfandel-Stöcke aus dem Jahr 1886 neben Winemakers mit Betonei-Tanks und Orangewein aus Picpoul stehen. Wer am Taubenkobel gelernt hat, was nicht-interventionistisches Arbeiten mit Wein bedeutet, und wer am Rutz versteht, warum Nachhaltigkeit kein Marketingbegriff ist, der kann Lodi erklären. Und zwar nicht als Kuriosität, sondern als das, was es ist: eine der bedeutendsten Weinregionen der Welt, die sich über Jahrzehnte erfolgreich geweigert hat, so zu klingen.

Unsere Folgen sind nicht selten ungewöhnlich lang. Das hat seinen Grund: Wir möchten den Tiefsinn fließen lassen und Euch unsere Gesprächspartner so präsentieren, wie Ihr sie sonst nie – und vielleicht nie wieder – kennenlernen könnt. Und um Euch die Scheu zu nehmen, die man verspürt, wenn man einen über drei Stunden langen Zeitstempel sieht, aber auch, um Euch so richtig Lust auf den Kandidaten zu machen, präsentieren wir Euch immer einen Tag vor dem Release einen exklusiven Sneak in die neue Folge. Viel Spaß beim Hören, und wir freuen uns auf Euch mit einem herzlichen „Welcome back“ am Freitag.

                                                                                                                                           Martinelli Winery "Giuseppe & Luisa" Russian River Valley Zinfandel In this episode, Rob hates and Scott pretends to enjoy Martinelli's exclusive Giuseppe & Luisa Zinfandel from the Russian River Valley in California.  So come join us, on The Wine Vault.

Pork Spare Ribs and Zinfandel

Pork Spare Ribs and Zinfandel

Äntligen dags att snacka druvsort igen och den här gången har turen kommit till Zinfandel. Är det en amerikansk druvsort egentligen? Vad har den för kännetecken och vad äter man till Zinfandel? Det och mycket mer pratas det om i avsnittet.Vinerna som provas i avsnittetArt. nr 2256201 Seghesio Sonoma Zinfandel, Kalifornien, USAArt. nr 9475701 Turley Juvenile Zinfandel, Kalifornien, USA

  The podcast begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing the episode and thank their sponsor, Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards for supporting the show (0:10-0:48). They welcome guest Bret Munsell of Munsell Vineyards, a family friend with deep ties to the Alexander Valley wine community (0:49-1:15). Bret shares his family's 150-year farming legacy in Alexander Valley, starting with his great-great-grandfathers in the 1870s and 1880s, who initially focused on vineyards and wineries before diversifying into crops like prunes, hops, and dairy. By 1972, the family transitioned entirely to wine grapes (1:15-2:57). Bret discusses his journey, including studying business at UC Davis and working in agricultural finance before joining the family business. He credits his banking experience with giving him valuable insights into production and finances, which he applies to their vineyard operations (3:03-4:27). Bret reflects on the importance of instilling a love for the land in his children, emphasizing the value of community and stewardship (4:36-5:14). He shares how his family celebrated their 150th anniversary with a community-focused event, highlighting the joy of bringing people together (7:12-8:03). The conversation shifts to the growth of their business, which now includes managing 400 acres of their own vineyards and an additional 400 acres for clients. Bret credits his wife for pushing the family to start making wine in 2006, beginning with Chardonnay and Cabernet. They later expanded to Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé, and Petit Verdot, with their Zinfandel earning double gold awards in competitions (9:11-14:34). Bret explains their unique approach to wine sales, focusing on private tastings in the vineyards rather than a traditional tasting room, allowing guests to connect with the land (15:01-16:09). Bret recounts his early experiences working in the vineyards as a child, learning the value of hard work and responsibility. He shares how his daughters and nieces have also participated in vineyard work, gaining an appreciation for the effort involved (17:12-18:06, 32:11-33:10). He reflects on his passion for farming and the wine grape industry, describing it as the perfect blend of hard work and beauty, with Sonoma County offering unparalleled diversity and vistas (21:14-23:00). As the current chair of the Sonoma County Wine Growers Commission, Bret discusses the organization's role in marketing Sonoma County wine grapes and supporting vineyard workers through programs like the Leadership Academy (23:46-25:06). He highlights the importance of balancing work, family, and community involvement, sharing his family's participation in 4-H and FFA activities (25:48-26:26). Bret also talks about his hobbies, including gardening, hunting, and spending time at a family cabin, which provide a welcome escape from his busy schedule (34:39-36:00). The episode concludes with Bret reflecting on the enduring legacy of wine grapes in Alexander Valley, the challenges and changes in the industry, and his deep connection to the land. He encourages listeners to visit Munsell Vineyards for a unique tasting experience and to watch a heartfelt video celebrating their 150th anniversary, which captures the spirit of their family and agricultural heritage (37:22-41:08).   We're excited to share this video of the Munsell Family legacy.  What an honor.  150 Year Celebration

In this episode, we're paying homage and shining the spotlight on the Judgement of Paris which happened 50 years ago this Sunday. This was a monumental event that started out as a whimper but ended up HUGE in telling the world that California is making world class wine. We are tasting those two winners today, albeit, their recent vintages.#HappyFriday! #ItsWineTime! #Cheersing #BigAssGlass #UnSkulduggeris #LesserKnownLibationsMonday #AngryPhilEasterEgg Check out episode 057 for our 45th Judgement of Paris anniversary episode. Also, visit Shelley's 2027 Planner kickstarter by clicking HERE and check out Phil's Philsosophy line by clicking HERE.Wines featured this episode:2021 Chateau Montelena Chardonnay ($75 at Total Wine & More)2022 Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis ($82 at Total Wine & More)A HUGE thanks to our sponsors: J. Bookwalter and Bells Up Winery!Bells Up Winery: Recovering attorney turned winemaker Dave Specter composes micro-boutique wines with the intensity of a French horn fanfare. Experience your own Bells Up moment with a private, never-double-booked tasting by calling 503-537-1328.J. Bookwalter: Celebrating their 40th year of producing award-winning wines crafted from the finest Columbia Valley vineyards, J. Bookwalter wines bring excellence and quality to every glass. Visit https://www.bookwalterwines.com for more information or simply call or 509-627-5000.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 Seasons of Coeur d'Alene Wine Word of the Week - Non-ManipulatedNon Manipulated wine (often referred to as minimal intervention or low-intervention wine) is wine made with the philosophy of letting the vineyard, the vintage and the natural grape characteristics speak for themselves, without relying on heavy chemical additives, technological corrections or aggressive cellar techniques to alter the final product.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 Mentions: David Specter, Jennifer Brummett, David Hoffman, Total Wines & More, Mark Ryan, Dossier, John Kobylt, Rush Limbauch, Bottle Joy, Bottle Shock, Joy and Curt Grady, Pour Decisions, Matthews, Elsom Cellars, Jody Elsom, Cinder, Melanie Krause, Naked Wines, Sharalynn Richardson, Brad Ford, Illahe Vineyards, Daniel Bentley.Check out episode 057 for our 45th Judgement of Paris anniversary episode. Also, visit Shelley's 2027 Planner kickstarter by clicking HERE and check out Phil's Philsosophy line by clicking HERE.Some wines we've enjoyed this week: Elsom Cellars Corks on the Loose, Cinder Rosé of Syrah, Akiyoshi La Strada Montepulciano, Matt Parish “The 24” Zinfandel, Hierogram Chardonnay, Daniel Baron Ode Cabernet Sauvignon, Casa Santos Lima Red Blend, The Vincent Chardonnay and a Araldica Albera Barbera d'Asti.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 

WBZ's Jordan Rich talks with Ken Hoggins of Ken's Wine Guide about great Zinfandels to check out. Get all the news you need by listening to WBZ - Boston's News Radio! We're here for you, 24/7. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. David has highlights from the most recent series, with Master Distiller John Hall talking about reinventing gin; Mel Chester of Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley; Bob Biale talks old vine Zinfandel; there's a look at the wines of Cyprus; while Billy Abbott talks about China's spirits scene.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Monday, Let's raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It's time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let's begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Welcome to a special live episode of the podcast, recorded on location at ZINposium: A Tale of Two Zins—an immersive seated masterclass created for true Zinfandel lovers. In this episode, we take you inside this incredible seminar featuring two outstanding Paso Robles producers, Guyomar and Brochelle Vineyards, as they share their stories, philosophies, and some truly remarkable wines. Because this episode was recorded live during the tasting, you'll hear the energy of the room throughout—clinking glasses, conversations, and the ambient sounds of guests enjoying the experience right alongside us. We wanted to mention that upfront, because while there is background noise, it is all part of the atmosphere and authenticity of being there in the moment. And what a moment it was. This seminar was thoughtful, engaging, and full of insight into the beauty and diversity of Zinfandel, with incredible wines that made this tasting especially memorable. So pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us as we revisit ZINposium: A Tale of Two Zins. Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It's completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!   Slainte!  Find out more about Brochelle here Find out more about Guyomar here  Find out more about my Wine Education Classes here Order Spanish Wine Bingo Game here Earn your Rioja Enthusiasts Certification here Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video Follow me on Instagram!   Follow me on Twitter! Subscribe to my YouTube channel SIGN UP FOR EXPLORING THE WINE GLASS NEWSLETTER SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES STITCHER | iTUNES | YOUTUBE | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN | AUDIBLE | BOOMPLAY Even ask your smart speaker to play Exploring the Wine Glass GIVE US A RATING AND REVIEW Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com. Please support our sponsors Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order GET SPECIAL OFFERS FOR DRACAENA WINES

Send us Fan MailCline Ancient Vines Zinfandel 2022This is a Zin from Contra Costa AVA, which is east of the San Francisco Bay and south of the San Pablo Bay.This is home to multiple 100-year-old vineyards.Check out www.cheapwinefinder.com and listen to the PODCAST to get all the details.This is a wine that usually receives 90+ points in reviews, but is not outrageously priced.Check us out at www.cheapwinefinder.comor email us at podcast@cheapwinefinder.com

Carol Shelton brings her latest Gold Medal winners to California Wine Country with Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell. She produces Zinfandel and other varietals under her own label, Carol Shelton Wines. She has been on the show several times and her very first episode was this one in December of 2017. Dan explains that Carol always does extremely well in wine competitions. “Gold medal, gold medal…” says Dan, and he says it’s because she uses fruit that she knows and elevates it every single vintage. The Wild Thing Zinfandel is the wine she is most known for. She started making it back when she was at Windsor Vineyards. It is a wild yeast fermentation, and it is organically grown. Without pesticides, the wild yeast grow on the skins of the grapes without any damage or weakness, so she can count on them to do the fermentation all the way through. The wine is “smooth and polished and long and slurpy,” she says. CWC is brought to you by Deodora Estate Vineyards. Visit Deodora to discover 72 acres in the Petaluma Gap that are producing exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Sip the difference!  Wild Thing Zinfandel Dan calls it silky and elegant, with good acidity and perfectly balanced. It has a little Carignane (14%) blended in, and a little Petit Syrah (7 or 8 %). This wine just got 94 points and a Gold Medal at the North Coast Wine Challenge. She won a total of 8 gold medals and two double golds, and one was a best in class. The half bottles are 375 ml. During the first decades of Carol’s career she worked for Windsor Winery and produced a lot of excellent wines. Dan got to know here when he was writing about the winery’s direct-to-consumer program, which was a new process then. She produced 200,000 cases a year of 48 different wines. “Everything was exemplary,” says Dan. Carol is one of the first women to get an Enology degree at UC Davis. In the early years she remembers there were about ten or fifteen women winemakers. She noticed more and more until today there are about sixty or eighty. She belongs to a roundtable of women in wine that meets monthly. Albini Zinfandel The second wine they taste is the 2023 Albini Zin, grown in Windsor. The vineyard is not old vines, it is only about 35 years old. She and her assistant winemaker taste every barrel. The first year they got that fruit, they both agreed that “the new Albini” was the best. Dan explains why Russian River Zinfandel is hard to find, because a lot of vineyards were converted to Pinot Noir. She also makes some other Zins from old vines and both styles are in demand. There is an undefinable spice component in Russian River Zin that you don’t find anywhere else, says Dan. This wine got 97 points and a double gold medal. Dan explains that a lot of Zinfandel suffers from having too much alcohol. He actually put a small amount of water in the glass to balance it and free the flavors. All of Carol’s wines are under 15% alcohol, usually about 14.5. She used to use Clark Smith’s process for removing some alcohol from wine. Dan remembers a clinical tasting session with Clark Smith. The “sweet spot” for flavor was more apparent at different alcohol levels, and his favorite was the lowest. Then they taste the third and fourth wines. Third is an old vine Carignane called Wireless because the vines are not growing on trellis wires. Fourth is an Alicante Bouschet. That is a grape named after the botanist who created it. For a consumer looking for something “off the beaten path” this is a good choice. It has a dark red color. It is unusual and makes a great gift. Dan would give it 10 years but with really good storage.  

Justin Leone ist einer jener Sommeliers, bei denen man nach wenigen Minuten begreift, dass Wein für ihn weder Dekoration noch Disziplinübung ist, sondern eine Form von gelebter Aufmerksamkeit. Wer ihm zuhört, merkt sehr schnell, dass hier kein bloßer Sammler von Jahrgängen, Etiketten und Trophäen spricht, sondern ein Gastgeber mit Weltläufigkeit, Kellerinstinkt und einer ausgesprochen eigenen Handschrift. Der gebürtige Kanadier hat unter einigen der renommiertesten Namen der internationalen Spitzengastronomie gearbeitet – bei Grant Achatz' Alinea in Chicago, bei Marcus Wareing in London und als Chef-Sommelier im Tantris in München. Dazu kommen Stationen in Burgund, wo er beinahe ein Jahr lang unter Nicolas Potel und bei Domaine de Bellene arbeitete – aus der Überzeugung heraus, dass kein Sommelier glaubwürdig über Herkunft sprechen sollte, ohne selbst Erde an den Händen gehabt zu haben. Auszeichnungen folgten nicht zufällig, sondern fast zwangsläufig: der „Prix Le Montrachet“ als bester Burgunder-Sommelier Deutschlands, 2013 der Titel „Sommelier of the Year, Germany“ durch Rolling Pin sowie in den vergangenen Jahren mehrere internationale Ehrungen rund um Weinliste und Pairing. Heute ist Leone nicht nur Autor von Just Wine, sondern vor allem die treibende Kraft hinter Sticks & Stones – A Terroir Bar by Justin Leone in München, einem Ort, der 2025 bei den World's Best Wine Lists Awards als globale Gewinneradresse in der Kategorie Best Wine Bar List ausgezeichnet wurde. Wer ihn beschreibt, sollte deshalb vorsichtig sein mit Superlativen: Nicht, weil sie unzutreffend wären, sondern weil sie zu klein wirken könnten für eine Persönlichkeit, die Fachwissen, Energie, Musikalität und Gastgeberqualität so selbstverständlich verbindet. Und heute widmet er sich mit uns einer Region, die nicht die lauteste, wohl aber eine der intelligentesten Weinlandschaften Nordamerikas ist: Sonoma County. Einer Gegend, die sich der bequemen Einordnung mit bewundernswerter Konsequenz verweigert. Sonoma ist nicht bloß die grüne, kühlere, freundlichere Ergänzung zu Napa. Sonoma ist ein Mosaik aus Küste, Gebirge, Tälern, Windschneisen, Nebelzonen und Wärmeinseln – eine Region, die Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel und Sauvignon Blanc nicht nebeneinander duldet, sondern ihnen sehr unterschiedliche, oft erstaunlich präzise Bühnen baut. Wer Kalifornien nur über Macht, Reife und Sonnenlicht versteht, übersieht hier fast alles Entscheidende. Sonoma erzählt die andere Geschichte: von Luft, Spannung, Topografie, Nachhaltigkeit und der Fähigkeit, Widersprüche in Wein zu verwandeln.

Relentless in her pursuits would be an understatement because Kerrin Laz is a force of nature.  Kerrin is the type of person the wine trade needs...now. She is chock full of energy, a plethora of ideas, and a cavalcade of pathways to get there. She will be on the show again; there were too many subjects we never discussed. Sitting down with Kerrin Laz was like flipping open a well-loved journal and discovering a handful of stories you'd forgotten you needed to hear. There's a warmth to the East Coast energy she carries with her, this tenacity blended with familiarity—sort of like sipping an old-vine Zinfandel that carries the sun of California but has the grit of Long Island soil. Right out of the gate, Karen Laz reminded me of those early, stumbling steps we all take in our careers. She grew up in New York, knew Dean & DeLuca as an iconic place—couldn't resist popping in for a cup of coffee, even though her resume, as she freely admits, "had, like, nothing on it" 00:06. When asked if she preferred food or wine, she just sort of shrugged and said, "Wine, I guess." That honest uncertainty? I find that refreshing. Most people will fabricate a grand narrative about their calling, but Karen Laz is humble enough to admit a little serendipity goes a long way. But don't let that humility fool you. Ten years leading her own wine collection, a knack for knowing what guests want before they do, and the rare ability to forge real partnerships with wineries—she's seriously dialed in. I marveled when she described how growing up on Long Island, she watched potato fields transform into vineyards. The region's rise in agro-tourism stuck with me—how people from the city pour into the North Fork and don't think twice about whether the wines are international gold medalists. "It brings excitement," she told me 06:14, "it gets people interested." Sometimes, wine is about adventure—stomping out to a farmstand, finding a bright Merlot, or realizing, incredulously, that some Long Island wineries still only ship within New York 03:46. One thing I picked up fast: Karen Laz is obsessed with the guest experience. She's made it her mission to create truly tailored wine tastings—her team asks questions, customizes lineups, brings in wines that excite her personally, not just what's expected. She has that gift for bringing nervous new tasters right into the fold, making them feel like collectors before they've even bought a bottle 09:01. As someone who's spent decades trying to match people with the right glass, I recognize how rare that skill is. Of course, we dove deep into wine business nitty-gritty as only two veterans can: the hotel rates in Napa these days, how the pandemic shifted staff and guest expectations, and the ever-higher bar for making the DTC wine game work. We commiserated about the "innovation" that nobody wants—wine in pouches, anyone?—and agreed that the future of our trade lies in experience, not just packaging 25:03. But the heart of our conversation came when Karen Laz opened up about her philanthropic work—her mother's Alzheimer's journey and the creation of Inspire Napa Valley 42:57. Her passion for making a difference was palpable. She's raised over $9 million, funneling funds directly into research and care, not just awareness. This is what happens when someone, out of necessity and love, channels their professional success into something bigger than profit. In the end, it all circles back—relationships, authenticity, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves for guests, friends, and causes that matter. That's what the wine business should be, and Karen Laz is living proof. Sitting with her, I was reminded that sometimes the best bottles are poured at a table where the stories matter as much as the juice in the glass.   https://youtu.be/c8cKLJSU2M8    

Send us Fan MailJosh Reserve Bourbon Barrel Zinfandel 2021Bourbon barrels are charred.Wine Barrels are toasted.Bourbon barrel flavors can overpower wine, unless handled properly.The bourbon flavors here are handled in textbook fashion!Barrel flavors are not everything in wine.But they do add texture and flavor.These wines are fun to experience.Check us out at www.cheapwinefinder.comor email us at podcast@cheapwinefinder.com

On this week's episode of The Wine Makers, we sit down with Japanese winemaker Sonoe Hirabayashi of Six Cloves Wines. She talks about her roots in Nagano, her family's long history of fermenting miso and sake, and how she found her way into wine, along with her connection to the art of Taiko drumming. Sonoe originally moved to New York to work as a corporate accountant, but after getting hooked on wine, she realized that path was not for her. She headed to UC Davis to study winemaking, later returned to Japan to help her family make sake, and has since worked around the world. Today, she produces balanced, elegant, acid-driven wines under her Six Cloves label. She shares her Chardonnay from Linda Vista Vineyard in Oak Knoll and her Alder Springs Pinot Noir, both showing a strong sense of place and her light touch in the cellar. She also makes Cabernet, Zinfandel, and a Grenache Pinot blend worth seeking out. [Ep 409] Wines – sixcloveswines.com Instagram – sixcloveswines Hear Sonoe talk fermentation and play Tokai drums in San Francisco on Sunday April 26th at Sequoia Sake Company.  bit.ly/3QftzQZ

Chris Sawyer is here as Melissa Galliani’s special guest, along with Courtney Wagner the winemaker at Martinelli Winery. Chris is getting ready for the Sonoma County Vintners Pour and Explore event on April 23. They will be tasting the best Pinot Noir in Sonoma County. He has been in the wine business locally since the 1970s and has seen its growth. Courtney Wagner is the winemaker for Martinelli Winery. They specialize in wines from the old vines on their property. Giuseppe and Luisa Martinelli settled in Forestville in the late 1880s. When they arrived and got the property, the Jackass Vineyard was already there. It is on a 60% slope which makes it maybe the steepest grade of a vineyard in the country. The Martinelli website has lots of images and videos of the vineyard. Dry Farmed for Decades The vines have been dry-farmed for decades. They start to get good after 40 years. That’s quite different than Cabernet vines that only last about 40 years. Courtney Wagner followed a path into winemaking that began with studying music in high school. Then she thought of studying nutrition. Food science at Cal Poly led to wine. Chris Sawyer remembers the farmers market in San Luis Obispo on Thursdays. Courtney had a professor who suggested she work a harvest, to see if she really wanted to do that. She stayed with her grandparents in Napa and was able to work at Artesa. Chris thinks that they are making the best sparking wines in California now. Courtney has made Pinot Noir and Chardonnay everywhere she has been a winemaker. She did 32 different varietals at Wild Horse. Chris Sawyer remembers Sonoma County in the late ’70s and ’80s. Some of the innovators were starting Pinot Noir then, but Zinfandel was already well-established. Conditions can vary a lot from year to year, and so does the wine. 2022 was a hot year, and their last day of picking in 2022 was the first day of picking in 2023. They were worried that their foreign interns’ visas would expire before harvest was done. Because of that cold weather, these wines will age very well. The 2023 Bondi Pinot Noir is nice now, but it has the potential to be great up to 15 years in the future.     

You can read and see more about this episode on it's webpage HERE.Rosé has officially grown up. Once dismissed as cheap and sweet, today's pink wines are landing on fine dining menus, earning high scores from critics, and being taken as seriously as any red or white.In this episode, I'll break down how rosé is actually made (and how it's NOT), why the color doesn't always predict the flavor, and how to find the bottles that match your palate — plus a few of my personal favorites for you to try!Nikki's Favorite Rosé PicksGérard Bertrand's Provence rosé (France) — a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Cinsault — lands around $20, sits on the drier side with bright acidity, and comes in around 13% ABV. It's a reliable, crowd-pleasing bottle.For something a little more unique, a Rosato di Nerello Mascalese from Sicily was highlighted as a 92-point Wine Enthusiast pick at just $24. Ingrid & Julia rosé from Tres Sabores in Rutherford, CA — a certified organic grower of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah blended — it's a local gem that defies expectations with its pale color and concentrated flavor.Coming Soon from Sollevato WinesNikki and Michael's first ever rosé — a single-barrel Grenache with a touch of Sangiovese — releasing late May 2026, with first access going to Il Circolo, the Sollevato wine club.Their 2023 Petite Sirah (bold, inky, and great for BBQ season) is also coming this fall. Sign up for the mailing list at sollevatowines.com to be the first to know. use code PODLISTENER for 10% off all of Nikki's wines on sollevatowines.comOther resources and links: If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy us a glass of wine! Please and Thank you!Follow Nikki on Instagram for more behind the scenes look at life in Wine CountryEnjoy some of MY FAVORITE THINGS from our Sponsors:Use my VIP Friends and Family Link to sign up for Wine Spies! And use the coupon code NIKKI for $50 off your order of $200 or more!You NEED some delicious California Olive Oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Check out Sena Sea's website to get your hands on some beautiful wild-caught Alaskan fish shipped right to your door! Use code sipandsea for 10% off your order and sign up for their email list (great recipes!) and be entered to win a monthly $50 gift card drawing.Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

In partnership with Club Oenologique - the world through the lens of wine and spirits. Though its origins lie in Europe, Zinfandel is one of California's most famous grapes, renowned for the quality of the wines produced from heritage vineyards, yet it finds itself under threat. David finds out why, and how it can be saved.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us Fan MailOn this episode of Inside the Bunghole, we welcomed Scott Lindstrom-Dake of Thumbprint Cellars, a Sonoma County winemaker whose background in art deeply informs every bottle he creates. Scott shared his unconventional path into winemaking, which began in art school and evolved through curiosity, creativity, and a growing appreciation for wine as a form of expression. What started as a practical way to enjoy better wine on a student budget became a lifelong pursuit, with Scott ultimately transforming winemaking into an artistic medium—one rooted in balance, narrative, and personal identity, symbolized by the thumbprint label that bears his own mark.Throughout the conversation, Scott Lindstrom-Dake explored his philosophy of sourcing exceptional grapes from trusted growers across Sonoma County rather than farming himself. His portfolio spans a diverse range of varietals, including Chardonnay in both stainless steel and oak styles, old-vine Carignan, Grenache Blanc, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel-based blends. He emphasized the importance of vineyard relationships, thoughtful harvest timing, and restraint in the cellar, allowing the fruit to lead the process. For Scott, winemaking mirrors cooking more than baking—grounded in technical understanding but guided by intuition, aesthetics, and experience.His candid, humorous, and thoughtful approach made for an engaging conversation that perfectly captured the spirit of Inside the Bunghole—where wine is both serious craft and joyful exploration.Cheers!  Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us!  We LOVE to hear your comments!  Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at insidethebunghole@gmail.com

This episode marks another Clark Smith Double Gold win, on California Wine Country with Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell. This is also Clark’s 12th time as a guest on the show. Clark Smith’s first CWC episode was this one in 2017 . It was one of our very first shows! Today we can say he has filled the case, with his 12th guest appearance. No other guest has been on the show as often as Clark Smith, and few of them have won as many awards. One of the wines they will taste today is a recent Double-Gold medal winner. Clark begins by saying that he cut his teeth on European wine. That means wines that are balanced, that don’t have too much alcohol and will age well. “I don’t like to release them until they are ready and that means sometimes waiting 6 or 8 years in the barrel.” He doesn’t like woody wines. The barrels he owns are over 20 years old. Double Gold for the Petit Verdot Clark is one of the only winemakers who makes wine from Norton, a grape that was discovered in Virginia in the 1920s. Hardly anyone grows Norton. Clark also makes a lot of uncommon wines, “goofy stuff.” His Petit Verdot just won a Double Gold from the American Institute of Wine. It is a 2018 that he just bottled, after six and a half years in the bottle. The problem with Zinfandel is that too many people buy it to drink right away. Some are ridiculously high in alcohol. The higher alcohol, the less the variety shows its signature. 17% alcohol is the equivalent of adding two tablespoons of vodka to your wine. Don’t do that. All of the flavor components are soluble in alcohol so the heat from the alcohol masks the aromas. Dan says that this is a problem for the heavy Napa Cabernets. They will be prune juice in 20 years and undrinkable, unlike this wine which is below 14% ABV. 

Welcome back to another episode of The Bourbon Road! This week, hosts Jim Shannon and Todd Ritter are broadcasting from the Corner Rickhouse at the Frankfort Bourbon Society. Joining them for his sixth appearance is a great friend of the show: Drew Hannish, the creator of Whiskey Lore and author of the upcoming travel guide Experiencing American Whiskey. Drew drops by during his trip to Kentucky for the James B. Beam Institute Industry Conference, bringing his elite palate to help tackle a fantastic lineup of craft spirits. In this episode, Todd takes the crew on a four-state craft whiskey road trip, exploring hidden gems and highly unique mash bills from across the country. The craft whiskey scene is booming, and this flight proves that there is incredible innovation happening well beyond the borders of Kentucky. The tasting mat features four remarkable expressions: James E. Pepper Bottled in Bond Bourbon (Kentucky): A historic Lexington brand revitalized. This Bottled in Bond bourbon features a high-rye mash bill utilizing malted rye, delivering a classic caramel and vanilla nose backed by an oaky, smoky depth and a light, fruity twist. It is a fantastic representation of traditional Kentucky distilling. 1832 Distilling Missouri Straight Wheat Whiskey (Missouri): A true "soil to sip" operation from Concordia, Missouri, founded by a local farmer and a Marine veteran. This 100% wheat whiskey, aged 4.5 years in a #4 char Missouri white oak barrel, clocks in at 108.2 proof. It stuns the table with its incredibly dark color, rich stewed fruit and plum butter notes, and a complex palate of spicy gumdrops, sassafras, and sorghum. Southern Star Limited Series Straight Bourbon Whiskey Finished in Zinfandel Casks (North Carolina): Clocking in at 108 proof, this limited-edition release spent over a year finishing in red Zinfandel wine casks. The guys pull out distinct wine barrel tannins, dark chocolate, overripe raspberries, warm pralines, and a tart cranberry finish. Belle of Dayton - Detrick Fine Whiskies Straight Bourbon (Ohio): A 5-grain, pot-stilled bourbon (corn, oats, rye, wheat, malted barley) aged 8.5 years. At a whopping 123.2 proof, this single barrel brings fresh orange peel on the nose and a rich, honeyed cherry palate that gracefully dries out with a hint of cinnamon oatmeal and black tea. Tune in as Jim, Todd, and Drew analyze the nuances of these exceptional pours, discuss the impact of low barrel entry proofs, and debate their final rankings. Will a 100% wheat whiskey from Missouri take the crown, or will a massive 5-grain pot-stilled bourbon from Ohio win the day? Pour yourself a glass and join us on The Bourbon Road to find out!

This is one we've been wanting to do for a long time. We finally sit down with Mick Unti from Unti Vineyards and get into what makes his wines and his approach so different. Unti sits right in the middle of what most people think of as Zinfandel country, but that's not what you'll find in the glass. Mick has built the winery around Italian varieties like Vermentino and Sangiovese, and he talks about why those grapes work so well where he is and how they're farmed and made. You can tell pretty quickly this isn't just business for him, it's something he genuinely loves. We also get into music, vinyl, and everything else that comes up when the conversation gets comfortable. By the end of it, it felt less like an interview and more like hanging out. There's no wine club, the wines tend to sell out, and the mailing list is the way in. Trust us on that. We had a great time with this one and learned a lot along the way. [Ep 405] untivineyards.com thewinemakerspodcast.com

It's This Week in Bourbon for February 20th 2026. E. & J. Gallo announced its plans to acquire Four Roses, Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership, and Michter's Releases their Celebration at $6,000 a bottle.Show Notes: E. & J. Gallo expands its spirits portfolio with a $775 million acquisition of Four Roses Distillery from Kirin A U.S. District Judge ruled that Uncle Nearest will remain under court-ordered receivership through March amid insolvency allegations Frey Ranch Distillery debuts "Harvest the Savings," a new farm-to-glass subscription program offering up to 15% off and free shipping A Texas judge blocked the immediate liquidation of Stoli Group USA and Kentucky Owl, opting for a structured Chapter 11 wind-down A new Kentucky bill proposes a 4% regulatory fee on alcohol sales, shifting the tax burden from producers to consumers Unicorn Auctions' 2025 report reveals a democratized secondary market where 80% of bottles now sell for under $250 Green River launches a 109.3-proof wheated bourbon at a $50 price point across 25 markets this February Black Diamond Distillery introduces a $25 wheated bourbon "Mineshaft" expression designed specifically for cocktails Maker's Mark partners with artist Ashley Longshore on a limited-edition label benefiting women's leadership through Vital Voices Yellowstone Bourbon celebrates America's semiquincentennial with 250 limited-edition Bottled-in-Bond single barrels Michter's prepares to ship the rare 2025 Edition of its Celebration Sour Mash, limited to just 315 bottles globally Buffalo Trace and Chris Stapleton evolve their partnership with the nationwide release of Traveller Whiskey Full Proof at 121 proof Rebel Bourbon joins forces with NASCAR champion Kyle Busch for a limited 108-proof single barrel release Penelope Bourbon upgrades its core Barrel Strength expression to a 7-year age statement for a limited 13,000-case release Southern Distilling Company releases a Statesville-exclusive Southern Star Paragon Bourbon finished in Zinfandel wine casks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Miro Tcholakov is back on California Wine Country with Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell, and Melissa Galliani is also in the studio today.  He operates Miro Cellars and is also winemaker for Trentadue Wines. Miro has been on CWC before, on this episode back on September 9, 2020. and his last appearance was this episode on April 5, 2024. Miro has brought a Chardonnay, the only Chardonnay he makes now. The vineyard belongs to the De Loach family. It was given “incomplete” malolactic fermentation, so it doesn't have too much “popcorny” flavor. This wine won a gold medal at the SF Chronicle competition. Miro grew up in Bulgaria. Sometimes he refers to it as “way back east.” After college in Bulgaria, he came to the US on a student visa. He had good grades in biology and, also needed to do two years of military service. His degree was agronomy engineering, specialized in viticulture. Then in 1990 he won access to an exchange program to the US. He chose viticulture and he was the only one of the six who went to the west coast. He worked a standard harvest internship at Dry Creek Vineyards. The night before he was supposed to leave, they asked him to stay, to cover for an injured colleague. He rose through the ranks and nine years later he took a full time winemaker job at Trentadue. When he was growing up in Bulgaria, his grandfather made wine. They made about 1000 bottles of wine per year. CWC is brought to you by Deodora Estate Vineyards. Visit Deodora to discover 72 acres in the Petaluma Gap that are producing exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Sip the difference!  Pinot Noir too Next they taste the Pinot Noir. Miro doesn't usually make Pinot Noir. He was known for making Petite Syrah and Zinfandel, but he wanted to try it just to say he can do that too. He gives credit to the work in the vineyard. “I am in opportunistic buyer…” of Pinot Noir grapes. It won a double gold medal from the SF Chronicle competition. Daedalus tastes dry cherry, old books, dustiness. Miro thinks maybe it's from the oak or the terroir. It's supple and round. It might handle about five or six years of aging. Daedalus' judgement: “Super drinkable, dangerously drinkable.” Later the discussion turns to the wine market and everyone’s opinion of how this downturn looks from their point of view. Aurelio Aguilar who is twenty-six, speaks for his generation. He suggests that winemakers have an important opportunity to get young people familiar with experiences like wine tasting. Then Miro tells his story of how the cave woman invented wine. Next they taste the Grenache named after his daughter, Cuvée Sasha. He started making it when she was born, 23 years ago, and for the last 10 years the grapes have come from the same vineyard on the shore of Lake Mendocino. Grenache is a good wine for any occasion, sort of like Pinot but spicier, and can have a hidden bite of tannin when younger. It’s fruity but can also be earthy. It is easy to pair with anything, Miro suggests grilled salmon or tuna. It can benefit from chilling, too. Melissa suggests bringing Grenache as a hostess gift, for it novelty and quality. Affordable Luxury “You can make high quality wines at a reasonable price. It’s possible. I’ve been doing it for twenty-three years.”

                                                                                        Sandlands Vineyards In this episode, Rob and Scott review an ultra small production Zinfandel from the head winemaker at Turley Wine Cellars known as Sandlands Vineyards.  So come join us, at The Wine Vault.

Welcome back to the second half of Season 6 of Wine & Chisme. Before diving into this special festival episode, host Jessica Yañez addresses the current state of our nation and the importance of community solidarity during these challenging times. In this episode, Jessica takes you to the O'wineside Baja Wine Festival, the second annual celebration of Mexican wine and Baja California's culinary spirit held in Oceanside, California. Join her as she connects with vintners from Valle de Guadalupe and shares their incredible stories and wines with you. Episode Highlights: A heartfelt message about current events and community resilience Behind-the-scenes footage from the O'wineside Baja Wine Festival Exclusive interviews with Baja California vintners An introduction to Mexico's premier wine region: Valle de Guadalupe Event Details: When: October 2024 (Second Annual Event) Where: Valle Oceanside at Mission Pacific Beach Resort, Pacific Lawn, Oceanside, CA Hosted by: MICHELIN-starred Chef Roberto Alcocer in partnership with La Competencia Distributing Featured: 27+ premium Baja California wineries Wines Tasted: 80+ wines from Valle de Guadalupe Culinary Experience: Gourmet bites featuring Imperia Caviar, 5 Jotas Jamón Ibérico, and Harbor Pelican Fish Market Baja Oysters Valle de Guadalupe is Mexico's premier wine-producing region, often called "the Tuscany of Mexico" or compared to Napa Valley from decades past. Key Facts: Location: Just 90 minutes south of San Diego and 14 miles north of Ensenada Production: Produces approximately 90% of all Mexican wine Number of Wineries: Nearly 200 wineries (as of 2024) Climate: Mediterranean-like climate with proximity to the Pacific Ocean Elevation: Vineyards planted at altitudes between 1,000-1,250 feet History: Wine production dating back to 1791 when Jesuit priests began growing grapes Popular Grape Varieties: White: Chenin Blanc, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Colombard Red: Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, Nebbiolo, Merlot, Malbec, Zinfandel, Barbera What Makes Valle de Guadalupe Special: Boutique artisan wineries with unique personalities Farm-to-table "campestre" (countryside) restaurants Baja Med cuisine movement Rustic charm forged from rugged desert landscape Small-batch, handcrafted wine production Rich cultural history with Russian, Italian, and Spanish influences Note: While Jessica wasn't able to feature every winery in attendance, this episode showcases several exceptional Baja California wine brands. Full list to be updated as featured in the episode. Learn More About Valle de Guadalupe: Valle de Guadalupe is one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the Americas The region holds an annual Fiestas de la Vendimia (Wine Harvest Festival) Most Valle de Guadalupe wines are consumed within Mexico and rarely exported to the US US Customs Information for Wine: California residents: 2 bottles per person duty-free Non-California residents: Up to 5 cases of wine allowed Always declare your purchases and follow customs regulations This episode begins with a powerful message about recent events affecting our community. Jessica honors the names of those we've lost: Renee Nicole Good Alex Pretti Luis Gustavo Nuñes Cáceres Geraldo Lunas Campos Victor Manuel Diaz Parady La Luis Beltrán Yañez-Cruz Heber Sanchez Dominguez Liam Ramos and countless others still being held in detention centers The Wine & Chisme Podcast creates an intimate space where professionals, artists, and changemakers across communities of color share their unfiltered stories of career, love, and personal transformation—all over a glass of wine and genuine conversation. Connect with Wine & Chisme: Website: www.thewineandchismepodcast.com Instagram: @thewineandchisme Host & Creator: Jessica Yañez Episode Theme: O'wineside Baja Wine Festival Season: 6 Production: Jessica Yañez

In this episode, Janina travels to Croatia, a country best known for its coastline, history and food - but still widely misunderstood when it comes to wine. She is joined by Miquel Hudin, American-Croatian wine writer and founder of the Vinologue book series, to explore Croatia's regions, indigenous grape varieties, travel tips, and the wines that best represent this diverse and historic wine country. From Dalmatia to Istria, coastal vineyards to continental regions, this is a deep yet accessible guide to Croatian wine for curious drinkers and travellers alike. A quick shout out to this episode's lovely sponsor Viavinum. I've got a special discount code that could earn up 5 or even 8% off your wine tour. Find details at the bottom.* Shownotes 01:50 Fun fact: Zinfandel is Croatian - the genetic link to Crljenak Kaštelanski. 02:25 Via Vinum Wine Tours and bespoke wine travel experiences. 03:48 What makes Croatian wines special - why they're worth exploring and travelling for. 05:12 Which region best represents Croatia today? 05:59 The impact of tourism on Dubrovnik and Dalmatia after Game of Thrones. 08:00 A three-day wine itinerary in Croatia - where to go and why. 10:00 The wine or region that first sparked Miquel's passion for wine. 11:49 Is Plavac Mali the most widely planted indigenous red grape? 13:12 Miquel's personal connection to Plavac Mali and its link to Zinfandel. 13:38 Plavac Mali explained - style, structure, alcohol and flavour profile. 15:41 Why Miquel chose to write the books he did – Dalmatia, Herzegovina and beyond. 18:38 Tasting Pošip – introducing the Stina project. 21:06 Janina's tasting notes on Pošip – texture, minerality and freshness. 22:22 What makes the Stina project unique - limestone, design and terroir focus. 23:46 Buying the wine in the UK - Stina Pošip (£29 at Strictly Wine). 25:30 The new era of Croatian winemaking after independence. 31:46 What to expect from entry-level vs premium Malvazija Istarska (Malvasia Istriana). 34:13 Comparing Pošip and Malvazija Istarska – savoury vs aromatic styles. 35:06 Teran explained – what should people expect from this red grape? 38:20 Teran described in simple terms – “Maybe if Malbec was crossed with Sangiovese?”. 40:26 How far back does winemaking in Croatia really go? 41:47 The most magical winery or vineyard experiences in Croatia. 44:22 How climate change is reshaping Croatian vineyards and regions. 46:36 One bottle to represent Croatian wine – Miquel's pick. 48:08 Other Croatian grape varieties worth knowing. 51:57 The standout wine of the last year. Visit Hudin's Top 100 2025. * VIAVINUM WINE TOURS: If you're dreaming of a wine-filled escape to Italy, I've got something special for you. Book a customized wine tour of more than 6 days / 5 nights through my trusted travel partners and use my code EATSLEEPWINE to unlock an exclusive discount: 5% off for private groups of 2 to 5 people 8% off for groups of 6 or more Right now, the full range of private tours isn't live on the website as they're being refreshed for the new season — but if you're ready to plan something unforgettable, this is the perfect time to design your own bespoke wine adventure.  

Send us a textCocobon Espresso Roasted Oak Red BlendThis is the newest wine in the Cocobon Red Blend series.They take a blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah and age it in some sort of oak.I don't know what kind of oak aging, since oak barrels can cost over a $1000, and this is a $6.99 wine.How an oak barrel is toasted affects the flavor it imparts to the wine.The oak here adds a mocha thing that is quite tasty!Check us out at www.cheapwinefinder.comor email us at podcast@cheapwinefinder.com

Dan, Daedalus and Julie Julie Pedroncelli from Pedroncelli Winery is back on California Wine Country with Dan Berger and Daedalus Howell. She has been on the show before, the last time was this episode of last January. Dan describes the current slowdown in the wine business. The other times that the wine market went soft, there were one or two causes, but today there are several causes. But the benefit to the consumer is, the longer it takes to sell the wine, the more the wine improves. The Pedroncelli family has owned the property for almost 100 years. The vineyards are very carefully farmed and they take great care making their portfolio of wines. “Four generations and still going strong,” says Julie. Her grandparents put down roots in Dry Creek Valley outside of Geyserville. They bought a property in 1927 that had a vineyard and a shuttered winery. The previous owners were making wine as far back as the early 1900s. Their winemaker Montse Reese just completed her 18th harvest at Pedroncelli. They produce mostly Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sauvignon Blanc and a few red wine blends. Her father is 94 and retired just a few years ago. CWC is brought to you by Deodora Estate Vineyards. Visit Deodora to discover 72 acres in the Petaluma Gap that are producing exceptional Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Sip the difference!  Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel Julie has brought the “block party” today, with single-vineyard wines that represent certain blocks in the Pedroncelli vineyards. She has brought a Sauvignon Blanc, which they will start with, before moving on to the Zinfandel and others. “White wine is always good to start with.” This Block 11 reserve Sauvignon Blanc, vintage 2024, is not their regular production. It is a special designation reserve. Block 11 showcases the grassier, herbaceous side of SV and Montse Reese thought the neutral oak would bring out that side of SV without overdoing it. Daedalus detects a bit of Pez candy flavor, which Dan thinks is like green mint. Next is a Block 13 Zinfandel from 2023 which was a cool year. This is a little spicy, with a bit of black pepper flavors, and a raspberry note that Dan says is a characteristic of Dry Creek Valley Zins. Block 13 has had Zinfandel grown on it for over 100 years. It is the third generation of Zinfandel vines on the property. Some of the vines are 100 years old but they have replanted twice. It was Zinfandel, then Petit Syrah, then back to Zin. Montse found that this block stands out and merits a single-vineyard bottling. They used bud wood from the Rockpile vineyard for the planting and Montse also uses a yeast that was developed at Rockpile. Julie describes its character as feminine, not high in alcohol, very delicate in its fruit, “…it doesn’t hit you over the head, it’s not a fruit bomb, it’s more like a light spice bomb,” says Julie. Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah The Cabernet Sauvignon needs to breathe, decanted it would be a little more open. The long finish is not oak, though, it’s all the flavors you want in Cab without the other flavors like too much Oak. Dan Berger will be opening a 1966 Louis Martini Barbera next week for a special occasion. There are two Masters of Wine candidates from Taiwan who are taking a course at the Flamingo. Dan has met them and they expressed interest in an old California wine. Dan has one of two remaining bottles. He will open one for the students at Ca’ Bianca in Santa Rosa, along with two or three other wines from the era. The fourth wine they taste today is the Pedroncelli Syrah. Dan says he has never heard of anything like this before. It is a lower-alcohol Syrah, about 12%. This one was earlier harvested, to make a lighter style of red with lower alcohol. They picked two or three weeks before they otherwise would have.

Send us a textAldi Scarlet Path Old Vine Lodi Zinfandel 2023This year it sells for $6.79, usually $7.99 to $8.99.This is a bargain Lodi Zin from old vines of undetermined age.Typically, old vines are 40 years+, and those vines are not hard to find in Lodi.This isn't a 90+ point wine, but it does sip well and is very usable.Pair with comfort food or sip while playing PlayStation 5A bargain at $6.79!Check us out at www.cheapwinefinder.comor email us at podcast@cheapwinefinder.com

After 14 years, I felt like it was probably time to do another show on Zinfandel! Known as America's heritage grape, the story of the quest for its European origins is like a mystery novel with an interesting end. It is a great grape and so historic!    Photo: Frank Schulenburg, CC BY-SA 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons   In this show I cover the massive history of the grape and the unbelievable decades-long search for its origins, which were finally discovered after a dogged group of researchers did a painstaking investigation.    I move on to discuss the vineyard and winemaking. Much of the information I got was from one of the kings of Zinfandel in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma, Fred Peterson of Peterson Winery. Fred started his career in wine working under the very famed Paul Draper at Ridge, before starting his own winery. Fred has been making Zinfandel for more than 50 years. His estate vineyard is outside his front door and has Zin in it. He sources from other vineyards, and makes low intervention, excellent Zinfandel in different styles. I share all the wisdom I got from my conversation with him, including the stylistic differences in winemaking and vineyard management and how that shows up in the wine.  Check out Peterson Winery!    After discussing the grape and cellar, I talk about flavors, styles and where the grape is grown. I end with a disucssion of serving temperatures, aging, and food pairing (Zin is so versatile!).   You can call it Zinfandel, Primitivo, Tribidrag, Pribidrag, or Crjenak Kaštelanski, but whatever the name,  I wish more people were into Zinfandel. It's such a storied and truly great grape.    Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. Become a member today! www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople _______________________________________________________________   Check out my sponsor, Wine Access.  They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the Wine Access-Wine For Normal People wine club for wines I select delivered to you four times a year!    To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes    

(0:10 - 0:23) The hosts, Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, introduce the "Wine Road" podcast, supported by Ron Rubin, focusing on Northern Sonoma County wines. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial support, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. (0:49 - 0:57) Introduction of guest Jamie Peterson, second-generation winemaker at Peterson Winery. (1:00 - 1:22) Jamie shares his "desert island wine," a 2020 Zinfandel from their Bradford Mountain Vineyard, which includes Petite Syrah for added depth. (1:23 - 1:51) Discussion of the vineyard's history, its location in Dry Creek Valley, and the challenges of the 2020 fires. (1:52 - 2:12) Jamie explains the blending process of Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, emphasizing the wine's fruity and spicy profile. (2:13 - 2:39) Details about Bradford Mountain's geography and the resilience of the vineyard during the 2020 fires. (2:42 - 3:00) The hosts admire Peterson Winery's distinctive labels, designed with local fauna and flora themes. (3:00 - 3:32) Jamie shares the story behind the labels, featuring wood carvings of mountain lions, reflecting the vineyard's environment. (3:32 - 4:11) Jamie recounts his journey into winemaking, starting with his father Fred Peterson's grape-growing background and the winery's evolution. (4:12 - 5:14) Jamie describes his role as winemaker, blending decisions with his father, and managing marketing and operations in their small, family-run winery. (5:15 - 6:09) The organic growth of the winery is discussed, from Fred's grape-growing roots to producing 5,000 cases annually, focusing on Zinfandel and other varieties. (6:10 - 7:21) Jamie explains their mix of estate-grown and purchased grapes, with plans to focus more on estate production for better control and cost management. (7:21 - 9:00) Jamie reflects on his initial lack of interest in winemaking, his travels to Australia and New Zealand, and how those experiences deepened his appreciation for the craft. (9:00 - 10:27) Jamie shares how working abroad gave him a new perspective on winemaking and led to his full-time role at Peterson Winery in 2002. (10:32 - 12:07) Jamie discusses balancing vineyard work, winemaking, and marketing, emphasizing his love for the sensory aspects of winemaking. (12:10 - 13:37) The hosts and Jamie talk about the winery's vast portfolio of 20 wines, their focus on quality over quantity, and the importance of offering something for every palate. (13:38 - 15:35) Jamie highlights the aging potential of their wines, the benefits of screw caps versus corks, and their approach to barrel aging and minimal intervention. (15:59 - 17:09) Peterson Winery's tasting room schedule and its location among other wineries in Dry Creek Valley are discussed, making it a great stop for visitors. (17:09 - 18:46) Jamie mentions upcoming events like the Holiday Wine Trail and Winter Wineland, as well as the winery's plans to close briefly for the holidays. (18:46 - 20:48) Jamie shares his favorite local activities, including visiting the coast, hiking, and exploring thrift stores, as well as supporting local restaurants. (20:48 - 22:01) Jamie talks about involving his children in the winery, fostering their interest without pressure, and their creative contributions like designing labels. (22:02 - 24:01) The hosts and Jamie reflect on the challenges and rewards of running a family winery, including working with the next generation and maintaining traditions. (25:00 - 28:40) A winemaker answers a listener's question about determining grape harvest timing, explaining the process of testing sugar levels, acidity, and grape maturity. (29:02 - 31:40) Beth shares updates about the Wine Road auction, new Wine Road Ambassadors, and encourages listeners to explore Sonoma County and support local wineries. (31:41 - 33:01) Jamie provides contact information for Peterson Winery and invites listeners to visit and enjoy their wines. The episode concludes with a toast.   Links to explore River Road Family Vineyards & Winery Peterson Winery Holiday Wine Trail Winter WINEland Wine Road Ambassadors

Regulations, Water Challenges, and the 2026 Outlook: Roger Isom on the AgNet News Hour In this Thursday edition of the AgNet News Hour, Nick Papagni and Lorrie Boyer sit down with Roger Isom, a leading voice in California agriculture. The conversation covers critical challenges and opportunities for growers, including regulatory pressures, water scarcity, rising energy costs, and strategies for advocacy heading into 2026. Advocacy and Grassroots Engagement Active participation in agriculture advocacy is essential. Growers and farm suppliers are encouraged to engage with legislators and county supervisors. Joining industry organizations strengthens collective influence: Western Tree Nut Association (WTNA): wtna.org California Cotton Ginners and Growers Association (CCGGA): ccgga.org 2026 is an election year—growers need to be heard in policy and voting decisions. Regulatory Challenges Rodenticide restrictions: Proposed DPR rules may limit usage, affecting food safety and crop protection. Sustainable pest management: Phase-out of priority pesticides by 2050 raises concerns about balanced advisory representation. Automation hurdles: Driverless tractors face restrictions under OSHA rules, despite driverless cars operating freely. Increasing paperwork burdens take time away from actual farming. Water, Energy, and Affordability Pressures Groundwater restrictions are enforced ahead of SGMA 2040 benchmarks. Funding gaps prevent critical infrastructure development for water conveyance and storage. Rising PG&E rates threaten farm operations: Proposed 27% electricity hike California agricultural rates up to 3x higher than Texas Solar payback periods under NEM 3.0 now nearly 20 years. The Future of California Agriculture Population loss and migration of growers to states like Texas and Idaho. Regulatory and energy burdens threaten long-term agricultural viability. Advocacy, voter engagement, and unified industry action are critical to protecting California agriculture. Wine Industry Insights Younger generations are drinking less wine due to cost, health, lifestyle, and cannabis alternatives. Wine marketing must emphasize storytelling, tasting experiences, and approachable options. Sampling and education about varietals, winemakers, and history can grow consumer appreciation. In today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, host Nick Papagni (The Ag Meter) and co-host Lorrie Boyer wrapped up a lively discussion on the changing landscape of wine consumption and what the wine industry can do to engage new generations of drinkers. Younger Consumers: Price, Health, and Lifestyle Drive Decisions Lorrie explained that younger adults are drinking less wine for several reasons—cost being a major factor. Many prioritize health, career, or school, while others prefer non-alcoholic beverages now trending in breweries and restaurants. She noted that wineries may need to expand into non-alcoholic options, just as beer companies have. Experience Over Alcohol: What Today's Drinkers Want Nick and Lorrie agreed that modern consumers focus more on experiences than alcohol volume. Craft cocktails, tasting-room visits, and curated beverage moments continue to capture interest. At the same time, the overwhelming number of wine choices can intimidate new drinkers, especially when bottle prices are high. The Value of Tasting and Storytelling Lorrie shared her personal love for wine tasting—trying small pours, exploring Cabernet and Zinfandel, and discovering new favorites based on food, mood, and weather. She emphasized that winery visits are about more than wine: Meeting the winemaker Learning the history Hearing the story behind each bottle Nick added that “every bottle has a story,” underscoring why wine remains a unique and powerful part of agriculture. Wrapping Up Nick and Lorrie closed the episode with excitement for upcoming holiday-themed content and encouraged listeners to return tomorrow for more ag news, insights, and seasonal fun. Listeners can find additional information, connect on social media, and subscribe to podcasts through AgNetWest.com.

For the first time, Vinepair conducted a Zinfandel Round Up for our Buy This Booze section for 2025. Getting to know this variety by tasting such a large amount from a wide spectrum of styles sparked more than a few realizations about one of our oldest Vitis Vinifera transplants. Here are some takes on a favorite grape. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Wine Talks was invited to meet the Pope....well, at least by the language in the invitation, it sounded like we were going to meet the Pope. It turns out that the word "private audience" meant with 6294 other private invitees. Lol, it was an honor just to be there. Wine Talks took a detour out of Rome to the now-famed wine region of Puglia.  Home of Primitivo, Negroamaro, and Fiano, the area of Puglia has a rich Italian history on its own. As the trip was put together on short notice, I searched through my database of Puglian wines tasted and found the wines of A MANO as wines I enjoyed. In the meantime, I reached out to Vahe Keushguerian for some advice on who to contact for a podcast; after all, his famed winemaking career started in Puglia. He mentioned Mark Shannon of A Mano wines...how about that for a serendipitous connection?  I put out a quick email to Mark, and he graciously accepted...and offered to bring in a "traditional" Puglian lunch for our group.  Mark Shannon may call himself "just a student of winemaking," but after you hear his journey, you'll realize he's more of a wine whisperer—an alchemist who turns curiosity and grit into liquid art. Pour yourself a glass, because in this episode you'll travel from the bustling streets of Toronto and the sun-drenched vineyards of California, all the way to an ancient town in Puglia, Italy, where Mark Shannon has spent nearly three decades revolutionizing the region's wines. You'll discover how he ditched a potential career in medicine for the fermentative fascination of grapes, and how, propelled by his mother's wisdom to "work at something you really want to do," he has woven innovation through tradition. Journey me and Mark Shannon as they break down the science, art, and sheer perseverance it takes to make world-class wine in a place once known as Europe's bulk wine cellar. You'll learn about the true identity of Primitivo, the surprising origins it shares with California's Zinfandel, how post-communist Slovakia and Texas played into Mark's winding path, and why he chooses soil health and vineyard wisdom over trend-chasing packaging fads. They'll dig into the sociocultural shifts rocking the global wine market, dissect the mythos (and madness) of biodynamics, and debate what makes a wine truly reflect its terroir—even as climate, culture, and commerce threaten to pull it apart. By the end, you won't just know how great wine is made—you'll understand why people still obsess over it, why the right bottle at the right table can mean everything, and why Mark Shannon wouldn't trade his hard-earned slice of Puglia for anything in the world. Amano Wines (also referred to as a Mano or Amano): https://www.amanowine.com This is the winery founded by Mark Shannon, and much of the conversation centers around it. Bogle Vineyards (mentioned by Mark Shannon as a place he worked): https://www.boglewinery.com Fess Parker Winery (another winery Mark Shannon helped build): https://www.fessparker.com   #WineTalks #Puglia #ItalyWine #MarkShannon #AdamCarolla #AmanoWines #Primitivo #NegroAmaro #Falanghina #BiodynamicWine #VineyardLife #WineMaking #Terroir #WinePodcast #EuropeanWine #GlobalWine #WineCulture #WineTasting #Sustainability #WineEducation  

Zinfandel has been called California's grape: it's a little rebellious, often misunderstood, and always the life of the party. In this episode of Unfiltered, we're diving deep into Zin's roots with Chris Morisoli, fifth-generation Napa Valley grapegrower, helicopter pilot, and host of the Nine One Wine podcast. From the old vines of Rutherford to the spicy, fruit-driven bottles from Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley, Amanda and Chris unpack what makes Zinfandel so uniquely American—and why it's poised for a major comeback. Along the way, Chris shares family stories dating back to the 1800s, what it's really like during harvest season (spoiler: it starts at 3AM), and why the “Old Vine” label isn't always what it seems. Wine Featured on This Episode:⁠ 2023 Dancing Zinfandel Fresh Take Dry Creek Valley

(0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to the podcast "Wine Road" hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial support. Listeners are encouraged to explore their wines, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.   (0:49 - 0:57) Introduction of guest Catalina Perez, Hospitality Manager at David Coffaro Vineyards & Winery. (0:57 - 1:23) Catalina shares her excitement about being on the show, and Beth reminisces about knowing Catalina since kindergarten. (1:30 - 2:25) Catalina introduces "Block Four," a popular wine made from 130-year-old vines in a traditional Italian-style field blend, featuring Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Carignan, and other unique varietals. (2:26 - 3:02) Discussion about the popularity of Block Four and Catalina's role as an ambassador for the winery. (3:06 - 4:14) Catalina shares her current favorite wine, Lagrine, a rare Italian varietal known for its dark, intense color but surprisingly light and drinkable profile. (4:15 - 5:15) Conversation about the winery's focus on Italian varietals, including Allianico, Barbera, and Sagrantino, and Dave Coffaro's passion for experimenting with these grapes. (5:46 - 7:17) Details about the winery's appointment-based visits, emphasizing its small, family-run nature and the personal touch of calling ahead. (8:12 - 9:36) Catalina recounts how she started working at the winery 14 years ago, transitioning from catering events to becoming a key team member. (10:12 - 11:18) Discussion about the importance of barrel tasting and the winery's futures program, which supports the business while offering customers exclusive access to upcoming wines. (11:22 - 12:54) Insights into Dave Coffaro's expertise in finance and his unique approach to winemaking, including his detailed online diary, which covers everything from vineyard updates to personal anecdotes. (13:14 - 14:13) Beth and Catalina discuss Dave's sustainability efforts, which predate the trend, and his innovative practices like solar energy and sustainable vineyard management. (16:04 - 17:13) Catalina shares her love for her job, describing the winery as a true family-run business with a close-knit team and a supportive environment. (17:23 - 18:56) Details about the winery's wine club, which offers twice-yearly shipments of unique blends and a 40% discount for members. (19:07 - 20:01) Catalina highlights the passion and authenticity behind the winery, emphasizing its family-oriented culture and dedication to quality. (20:21 - 22:09) Further discussion about the wine club's benefits, including access to exclusive blends and personalized barrel tastings. (22:16 - 24:07) Catalina explains the variety in the winery's portfolio, with over 30 wines available, and the fun of discovering new blends through the wine club. (25:36 - 26:05) Details about the winery's location in Geyserville and how to reach them via their website or by calling directly. (26:41 - 27:56) Shoutout to Vinarosa in Santa Rosa, a newly renovated lodging option with vineyard walking paths and wine tastings. (28:04 - 30:16) Beth describes a "mystery winery" in Alexander Valley with a unique cave and picnic area, encouraging listeners to guess its identity. (30:21 - 31:03) Closing remarks, with Catalina expressing her gratitude for being on the show and encouraging listeners to visit David Coffaro Winery.   Russian River Family Vineyards & Winery   David Coffaro Vineyards & Winery   Vinarosa Inn & Spa            

Podcast Summary: Wine Road Episode 237 Welcome to another episode of Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with special thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. This episode features Julie Pedroncelli St. John, President and CEO of Pedroncelli Winery, and newly elected President of The Wine Road. Highlights: Pedroncelli Winery's Legacy: Julie shares the rich history of her family-owned winery, which is nearing its 100th anniversary. She reflects on the winery's evolution, including their focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the recent release of their Block 10 Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine showcases the best of Dry Creek Valley with its layered flavors and elegant tannins. Winery Updates: Julie discusses the winery's refreshed tasting room, complete with new landscaping, rock walls inspired by her great uncle's original designs, and a peaceful vineyard-view pergola. Visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere with Adirondack chairs and picnic-friendly spaces. Upcoming Events: Pedroncelli Winery is hosting a harvest celebration in October, offering an immersive experience where guests can taste freshly picked grapes, sample wines from the tank, and witness the winemaking process firsthand. 50 Years of The Wine Road: Julie celebrates the upcoming 50th anniversary of The Wine Road, highlighting the collaboration among wineries to promote the region. She emphasizes the importance of the iconic Wine Road map, a resource for visitors planning their adventures in Sonoma County. Personal Stories: Julie shares fond memories of growing up at the winery, from picking grapes as a child to working alongside her family. She also talks about her love for road trips, including her favorite drive along Highway 395 and visits to hidden gems like the ghost town of Bodie. Lodging Spotlight: Beth highlights the Geyserville Inn, a charming hotel surrounded by vineyards, offering a pool, on-site dining, and proximity to local tasting rooms and attractions. Wine and Food Affair: The hosts remind listeners to grab tickets for the Wine and Food Affair, happening November 1-2, where 50 wineries will pair wines with delicious recipes. Julie's passion for her family's legacy and the wine community shines throughout the episode, making it a must-listen for wine enthusiasts planning a visit to Sonoma County.   Thanks to: Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards & Winery - for their financial support Richard Ross and Threshold Studios - for making us sound so darn good! Links from today: Pedroncelli Winery Harvest Activities at Pedroncelli - Event Calendar Geyserville Inn Wine & Food Affair  

Welcome back to another episode of Beats Vines & Life! Today, we're taking you inside the vibrant, forward-thinking world of Sonoma's wine scene with a recap of the S.O.R.B.E.T tasting in San Francisco —no, not the dessert, but the Sonoma Organic Regenerative Biodynamic Educational Tasting, where the future of wine and sustainable farming takes center stage.Host MJ Towler brings you along for an energetic journey through San Francisco's Fort Mason as he mingles with some of California's most influential winemakers, vineyard owners, and passionate industry voices. From legends like Ravenswood's Joel Peterson, to the next generation making their mark, MJ dives into the stories behind the bottles—and the land—that are reshaping how we think about wine. You'll hear about everything from the challenges and rewards of organic and regenerative farming to the collaborations that are building a more inclusive, responsible, and flavorful future for wine lovers everywhere.Whether you're a die-hard Zinfandel fan, a lover of music and lifestyle stories, or just curious about what sets Sonoma apart, this episode uncorks candid conversations, meaningful insights, and a community-wide toast to doing things differently. Get ready to sip, savor, and celebrate the intersection of great wine, conscious living, and the personalities who make “wine country” so much more than a place—it's a way of life.Follow S.O.R.B.E.T on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, The Conaway Fund. The Conaway Fund is a philanthropic initiative under The Prosperity Foundation that allows donors to contribute to a fund that supports various causes such as scholarships, nonprofit organizations, schools, and families facing financial challenges. Donors can recommend where the funds should be directed, providing a flexible way to make a positive impact in communities. The Conaway Fund embodies the spirit of giving and community support, aiming to create a lasting impact through strategic philanthropy.For more information, go to The Conaway Fund and donate today!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of Beats, Vines & Life, host MJ Towler sits down for an illuminating conversation with Larry Turley, founder of Turley Wine Cellars. This episode dives deep into Larry's remarkable journey from growing up on an organic farm in Tennessee, navigating the Jim Crow South, and working as an ER doctor, to ultimately founding one of California's most iconic Zinfandel houses.MJ and Larry weave through everything from early experiences with wine, family influences, and the evolution of Napa Valley's wine scene, to the preservation of historic vineyards, the art of old vine Zinfandel, and the unique quirks and personalities that have shaped Turley Wine Cellars. You'll hear about the challenges and rewards of organic farming, the critical importance of education and literacy, and Larry's culinary adventures that pair perfectly with his legendary wines.If you love stories of transformation, American culture, and the intersection of philosophy, music, and lifestyle with great food and wine, this episode will inspire and entertain. Grab a glass and join us as we explore the incredible beats, vines, and life of Larry Turley.For more information about Turley Wine Cellarsclick the link!Follow Turley Wine on IG!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlifeThank you to our sponsor, The Conaway Fund. The Conaway Fund is a philanthropic initiative under The Prosperity Foundation that allows donors to contribute to a fund that supports various causes such as scholarships, nonprofit organizations, schools, and families facing financial challenges. Donors can recommend where the funds should be directed, providing a flexible way to make a positive impact in communities. The Conaway Fund embodies the spirit of giving and community support, aiming to create a lasting impact through strategic philanthropy.For more information, go to The Conaway Fund and please donate!____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give Beats Vines and Life a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyFollow Beats Vines and Life @beatsvinesandlife Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Crafton took over the white wine program at Chateau Montelena in 2010, then became head winemaker in 2014. The rich history of the Chateau and the part it played in the "Judgement of Paris", cementing the New World's place on the wine map is discussed, but we went deeper in this conversation. Spend five minutes with Matt and you can tell why Bo Barrett put him in charge, with very little oversight. Matt understands the history of this iconic winery but is more focused on where they are going today. There is no tangible "style" of their wines, every vintage is an opportunity to create the best wine ever, always with an intention to age. Most consumers know them for the Chardonnay and Cab, but the Zinfandel and Riesling are a mainstay available only at the winery. There may even be some bubbles coming down the road, a celebration of 50 years is on the horizon, something deserving of a "pop". [Ep 380] @chmontelena

Join us this week to hear from Morgan Twain-Peterson, Master of Wine, owner and winemaker at Bedrock Wine Co.  Influenced by his father, the founder of Ravenswood Winery, Morgan's path is enriched by his experiences in the European vineyards. Listen in for innovative methods in sustainable viticulture, including sap testing for vine nutrient needs and the role of regenerative agriculture. Explore the contrasts between the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier certifications and discover the power of mentorship in the industry.  Morgan also offers insights into managing California's historic vineyards, reshaping the perception of Zinfandel, and enhancing vineyard soil health with advanced techniques. The conversation concludes with a celebration of the community spirit among Sonoma winemakers and the evolving landscape of winemaking that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. Winemaking Class Offers and Show Notes for all episodes at https://www.insidewinemaking.com/ Resources from this Episode Bedrock Wine Co.: https://bedrockwineco.com/ Bedrock Wine Conversations Podcast: https://bedrockwineco.com/the-study/podcast/ This episode is sponsored by the Vineyard Underground Podcast hosted by leading viticulturist and vineyard education expert, Fritz Westover: https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/ Follow and Review: We'd love for you to follow us if you haven't yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We'd love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

If you have spent any time at all in the wine trade...even if you have just visited the wine section of your favorite market; you know, have seen and recognize the name Sebastiani. They are one of the original Sonoma county wine families and August is the 4th generation. He makes an interesting point that traditionally in the Italian culture, the firstborn son that gets the name of the founding family member, in this case, it was the 4th generation son. But don't let the family history fool you into thinking this is old school, archaic thinking wine approach; nothing could be further from the truth. Few winery names are as steeped in Sonoma lore as Sebastiani, but August Sebastiani himself is as approachable as a bottle of his family's famed Zinfandel. Tune into this episode and you'll discover why. You'll be privy to a firsthand account of American winemaking's intersection with immigration, family legacy, and relentless innovation, as August peels back the layers of his family's journey from Tuscan stone mason beginnings to California wine empire. You'll hear how his great-grandfather started with nothing but a trowel and a dream, made his fortune in rocks after San Francisco's great earthquake, and how the generations that followed grew that spirit into an industry force—pivoting from stones to grapes, from bulk to premium, and always with a nod to their roots. August shares candid stories of sibling rivalry among winemaking families, the hard lessons learned from Prohibition, and the offbeat path that nearly led him away from wine. Whether wrangling city council duties in between harvests or tending to the next generation of wine drinkers, August reveals how both tradition and restless creativity fuel Three Badge Beverage Corporation's quest for relevance in a marketplace that's constantly shifting underfoot. You'll learn why packaging matters as much as what's in the bottle, what innovation actually looks like for a multigenerational wine business, and why sometimes, the key to success is simply listening—whether it's to a bartender's take on what's trending or a customer's unvarnished truth. Walk away from this episode with intimate knowledge of how the Sebastiani family has continually reinvented itself, how legacy and bold experimentation coexist, and why August believes you sometimes have to run to the front of the parade and pretend you've been leading it all along.   Three Badge Beverage Corporation (Three Badge) Website: https://threebadge.com Sebastiani Vineyards Website: https://www.sebastiani.com Don Sebastiani & Sons Website: https://donsebastianiandsons.com Wine of the Month Club Website: https://www.wineofthemonthclub.com B.R. Cohn Winery Website: https://www.brcohn.com Constellation Brands Website: https://www.cbrands.com Gallo (E. & J. Gallo Winery) Website: https://www.gallo.com Mondavi (Robert Mondavi Winery) Website: https://www.robertmondaviwinery.com Château Montelena Website: https://www.montelena.com Inglenook Website: https://www.inglenook.com Pepperwood Grove Website: https://www.pepperwoodgrove.com Barefoot Wine Website: https://www.barefootwine.com Uncle Val's Gin Website: https://unclevalsgin.com Crudo (Sushi restaurant in Oaxaca) This appears to be a restaurant, but not enough detail was given for an official website. Knox & Dobson (RTD Cocktails) Website: https://knoxanddobson.com #wineindustry #SonomaValley #SebastianiFamily #wineinnovation #winemarketing #premiumwine #generationalbusiness #ThreeBadgeBeverage #spiritsindustry #Prohibition #immigrantstories #Californiawine #nonalcoholicbeverages #winebranding #markettrends #familylegacy #winepackaging #retailwinesales #craftbeer #readytodrinkcocktails