On The Wine Road Podcast

My guest on this podcast is the engaging Theresa Heredia, the winemaker at Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery. I really enjoyed sitting down with Theresa. Not only is she savvy, she's quite playful too, further adding to the enjoyment. Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery is one of the early producers of Pinot Noir in Sonoma County, and remain in the forefront of bottling cool climate Pinot and Chardonnay. Theresa is a perfect fit. Please join us in their nicely designed tasting salon, won't ya? 

In the 20th century until the mid-70s or so, west Sonoma County was about as rural as a region could be. When it came to agriculture, it wasn’t far removed from the centuries prior in the farming, orchard, and grape growing regions of the old world. And like many small towns across America, it was common to marry “the boy next door.” Or girl. That’s part of the history of Dutton Ranch and Kozlowski Farms; two small family run businesses who managed to grow with determination and ingenuity. Out of that setting Tracy and Joe Dutton eventually founded Dutton Estate Winery. Tracy joins me to share their impressive story, which still embraces their family’s essential attributes.  

I've made the trip to the San Francisco Wine School a number of times in the past to expand my wine knowledge, while enjoying a selection of fine varietals. Heading into "the city" is something I enjoy. Often, I stay the night.   Since I’ve taken advantage of the San Francisco Wine School I thought you might find it an appealing option as well. They offer so many workshops, programs and events there's bound to be one that appeals to you. So I sat down with co-owner, Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator David Glancy a couple of weeks ago for this interview, and it gave me the chance to ask...what led him to opening the school.

On today’s podcast I'm featuring my roadtrip to the Hospice du Rhone event. It's an atypical wine tasting in California. In the French Rhone Valley region there are a great number of wine varieties and 22 of them were featured. 125 Wine producers from California, Oregon, Washington, and France were in attendance. During the weekend I spoke with General Manager and family member Jason Haas from Paso Robles' Rhone winemaking pioneer Tablas Creek Vineyard, winery owner Ted Ross of Hayseed and Housdon, who donates 50% of his wine sales to local charities, and Elena Barrios, who with her winemaking husband are gaining attention with their outstanding Rhone varietal blends at Top Winery. If you like Grenache, Syrah and Viognier but haven't tried Picpoul Blanc or Bourboulenc, you might want to join the fun next year. Otherwise, visit Pas Robles for their own style of popular and rare varietals. Listen to the podcast and get inspired!  

I think of Alicia Sylvester as a shooting star because, to me, she appears to be speeding through life...even when she's standing still; when she can stand still. Her passion is invigorating. Her energy is inspiring. And at times you could even say she glows. This podcast can serve as a sort of Master Class on how to rise through the ranks. You'll get a kick out of how this small town central Cali girl ended up working harvests across the globe, playing a role in winemaking with respected brands, then landing her current gig at Banshee Wines. Alicia Sylvester crafts small vineyard designate wines for their club, and up to 70,000 cases wholesale. Any aspiring young winemaker should take notes!

I'm offering something a bit different today. As the Visual Oral Histories Chair of the Sonoma County Wine Library Association, I began videotaping oral histories as a way to capture the stories of those who made major contributions to the wine industry. Joel Peterson, the founder of Ravenswood Winery and now Once and Future Wine, certainly deserved to be included. This is the audio from his video. If you'd like to see the video click here. You may have heard the radio interview I posted in 2017 but this interview delves much deeper into his past. Join me in the historic Bedrock Vineyard in Sonoma County with Joel.

Spring is here, we're getting out to enjoy it, and many are considering how to thoughtfully take care of our beauiful planet. Each April, California Wines presents Down to Earth Month celebrating Earth Day. In this podcast you'll  hear about events that are occuring across California. Guests include Allison Jordan of the Wine Institute, Jenifer Freebairn and Danielle Langlois of Lasseter Family Winery, and owner Dario Suttui of Napa Valley's Castello di Amorosa. Celebrate our planet and enjoy the spring season!  Photo: copyright California Wine Institute

It's that time of year to pop some bubbly, so why not find out how the Korbel brothers eventually created "champagne" 139 years ago. It's a multi-layered history full of drama and perserverance. The Hecks are only the second family to run the business, and because of their decades of determination the brand can be found across the U.S. and internationally.  Click Play to hear the story of California Champagne. Cheers, and Happy Holidays! 

It was only a matter of time before cannabis would end up in wine. As it turns out, it's not an easy process. However, the proficient hand-picked crew at House of Saka have managed to make it happen. Looking for a different kind of lift from your Pinot Noir and sparkling Chardonnay that doesn't include alcohol? They can accommodate you. In this podcast Co-Founder and CEO Tracey Mason will share how they built the House of Saka and their vision of the future. You'll hear how years of experience in the wine and cannabis industries, Napa Valley grapes, and the will of Warrior Women have come together to create this transformative beverage within the House of Saka. 

Apparently, I've been absent for a while. For now, I'd like to reach back to share a version of this previous post. It's been an extreme pleasure to meet many fascinating personalities in the wine business. This recording highlights those who have expressed their passion about the wine industry, from Napa Valley and Sonoma County to Hopland and places in between. The winery owners, winemakers and growers I have chosen speak eloquently, philosophically, poetically, and often spiritually about wine and vineyards. I'm confident that if you listen it will make the wine you love taste even better. Cheers! Guests include Greg LaFollette of Alquimista Cellars, Julie Johnson of Tres Sabores, Ulysses Van der Kamp of Van der Kamp Vineyards, Mark Topel of Topel Wines, Jean-Charles Boisset of Boisset Family Estates, the late George Macleod of MacLeod Family Vineyard (who we lost earlier this year), Delia Viader of Viader Vineyards and Winery, Gary Breen of Campovida, and Randy Ullom of Kendall-Jackson/Jackson Family Wine

In this podcast you'll meet Nate Miles, who with is partner Matt Nagy, created Groove Wines. It's a thoughtful, stylish brand that believes in transparency. If you prefer wines that are made with little intervention; if you're concerned about the environment, preferring less impactful alternatives, then you'll want to hear about Groove Wines. These intriguing varietals and blends feature names like Joyride, The Daydreamer, The Wild One and The Raconteur. What's more, they're ready for home or on the go! As they suggest...Find Your Groove.

Gracianna Winery was built on a history that stretches back to World War II. His great-grandmother's perseverance helped her escape Europe to start a new life in California. Gratitude was the result of what the New World had to offer. There were struggles, but maintaining a farm and living a full life was rewarding. Owner Trini Amador speaks lovingly of Gracianna, the woman who taught him gratitude. He so appreciated and respected his great-grandmother he captured her story in a book. In her honor, with their son's unintended coaxing, Trini and Lisa have created the successful Gracianna Winery, which also took some perseverance. They're grateful for the appreciation expressed by their club members and the many who have paid a visit to their Sonoma County tasting room. Hear Trini tell the tale of Gracianna in this podcast.

You may recall I interviewed owner John Balletto in 2015. His story is a perfect example of perseverance. He was only 17 when his father died, leaving 5 acres of vegetables to John and his mother. Now, 43 years later, Balletto has grown to include 800 acres of estate vineyards across Sonoma County. The wine is excellent, their prices are moderate, and have been referred to by wine magazines as a "Best Buy". The man responsible for the wine is Anthony Beckman, the subject of this interview, although John chimes in as well. Anthony hit pay dirt when he left his newspaper career behind to pursue his other love - good food and excellent wine. His journey to Balletto is fascinating, and what he and John accomplish together is remarkable.

On today's podcast you'll meet Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot. It was a pleasure to head back to Beaune, France, albeit this time by telephone.  Matthieu will talk about his background and the wines they sent me (aren't I the lucky one?). He'll also touch upon the vineyards of Albert Bichot in areas of the three main appellations of Burgundy - village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru.  You'll also hear about some experiences you can enjoy if you plan to visit in the Burgundy Region now that the world is beginning to open up. If you'd like to see the wine I received, click the links: The 2018 Chablis Domaine Long-Depaquit The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Murot" And the Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé

Join me on a road trip to southern Oregon's Rogue Valley wine region.I met up with Dan Marca of DANCIN Vineyards, who offer a great variety of excellent Pinot Noir from around the region, Italian varietals, and a food menu that's nearly as long as their wine list. They're west of Medford near the historic town of Jacksonville.  As you occasionally hear in my interviews, serendipity often plays a key role. Dan has two stories that play into that theme. And I sat with Eric Weisinger of Weisinger Family Winery. He's the winemaker and G.M. of the well established family winery where he's held numerous positions since he was a kid. His father moved his family there from Texas to pursue a dream. I'd say he captured it!  Now Eric  bottles a good number of Rhone and Bordeaux varietals, a Tempranillo and a few surprises; which includes Caldera Lager of IPA beer. We enjoyed staying at the historic Ashland Springs Hotel. It's in the center of town with many excellent restaurants just blocks away, and off the lobby.These

This interview is was a bit unusual for me, with good reason. Ehlers Estate is one of the few wineries that possess an on-going philanthropic element. But that came later. Ehlers Estate has a rich history dating back to 1886. It is arguably one of the top Cabernet producers in the competitive Napa Valley region. The old stone winery has been transformed into a modern, fashionable tasting space. In 2018, they hired Spanish immigrant Laura Diaz Muñoz as winemaker and General Manager. Her talent and willingness to revamp the appearance and winemaking is breathing new life into the brand.      In 1996, the French philanthropists and owners Jean and Sylviane Laducq, established the Leducq Foundation which supports research for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke. On a small level, proceeds from Ehlers' wine sales and tastings benefit research as part of the global international network. You'll hear details from the Foundation's Executive Board Members, Spaniard Martín Landaluce and Ame

There were two reasons that prompted me to reach out to Todd Graff. First, in October my step-daughter Jackie told me that her favorite wine is Frank Family Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon. Then in December, I watched as Todd received "Napa Valley Winemaker of the Year" from the North Bay Business Journal's Annual Wine, Spirits and Beer Industry Awards.  Among the details of his history in the industry, he shared why he chose to travel early on. His wanderlust was further satisfied when he was chosen by Schramsberg Vineyards for a project in Portugal.  For the last 18 years he's enjoyed working with Frank Family and making a good list of wine varieties.  Why is Frank Family Vineyards often chosen as Napa's Favorite Tasting Room? He'll share his opinion on that topic as well.  As you'll hear, Todd Graff is a casual guy, down to earth, and a bit humble...like most winemakers I interview.  Enjoy the conversation!  

Both wineries featured in this podcast, Mersenne Wines and Capo Creek Ranch, pay tribute to musicians. Mersenne created a wine label for a British band, and Capo Creek has named a vineyard after a beloved performer. That's one aspect of each winery you'll appreciate as I get in-depth with their stories of overcoming obstacles. Mitch Rice of Mersenne Prime Artisan Wines entrance into the industry wasn't too complicated. He had experience as a home winemaker before taking the leap as a winery owner. Though his beginnings were less challenging, delicate maneuvering was needed to "secure" his partner. As it turned out, their brand features a love story that is wrapped in historical lore...which I greatly respect. However, if you buy a vineyard there are many more hurdles. Sisters Mary and Nadine Roy of Capo Creek Ranch did purchase land and it took several years to get their footing. They're strumming along now and offer a wine and food pairing that is par excellence! It was quite an unexpected chapter following

On this podcast I talk with two talented female winemakers as we celebrated International Women's Day, recorded March 6th. My first guest will be Danielle Cyrot who has held enviable positions in her career, the last 12 years of which have been at CADE Estate Winery on Howell Mountain. Danielle is working with two interesting projects, the details of which we'll cover. Colleen FitzGerald is the enologist and a winemaker at Pine Ridge VIneyards in the Stags Leap District. She's been handed an intereresting wine wine project which led to a sparkling brand that is their first added label in 25 years. Has it been a challenge for these women to work in such a male dominated field? You may be surprised by their answers.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.