On The Wine Road Podcast

Now a guy who calls himself John Fucking Caldwell is likely to be brash...probably be a risk taker, and likely one of a kind. In John's case, yes, he could be described by each of those descriptors, as well as pleasant, inventive, philanthropic, and one who can make the best of a situation. So it may come as no surprise that he's the kind of person who would consider, and accomplish, smuggling grapevines into the U.S. And that's just half of the story. Join us in his kitchen in south Napa Valley as John shares the compelling tale he's told many times...because it's one worth hearing. 

As the harvest season was looming I felt it was a good time to talk with a grape grower. I wanted to get answers to questions I was receiving from people about the weather. We had heavy and late rains well into spring, then occasional heat spikes began happening the past couple of months. Would that affect the grapes and vines? After meeting Gus Gamba recently Gamba Vineyards and Winery seemed like the place to visit. And what a story he has to tell about his old vine zinfandel and Italian heritage. My second interview is with the sommelier at Justin Vineyards and Winery in Paso Robles, CA. I sat with Jim Gerakaris a few years ago but it didn't make it onto a podcast. Not much has changed, including Justin's well respected reputation and wine. It's still a worthy interview. Jim is very good at explaining the brand and their philosophy. My Wine Uncorked feature exposes a little known fact about King Tut. Join us On The Wine Road.

On this podcast I'll take a detour from the wine road to talk whiskey. It's another adult beverage that has really be exploding in the last decade or two. In the California town of Graton, head distiller Jeff Duckhorn and his team are crafting Redwood Empire Whiskey. They've gone through a transformation with new branding and adding two more whiskey's to their line-up. Then you'll meet author Paula Moulton. This multi-faceted woman gave up city life to become a grape grower, an author, an accomplished chef, a winemaker and all while raising children. She tells you how you can do it too! Maybe not all of it but even some of it would be cool. Strap yourselves in for another ride On The Wine Road.  

CK Mondavi and Family of Napa Valley is currently ranked at #16 in annual case production for US vintners. That's large. LaRue Wines of the Sonoma Coast region produces less than a thousand cases. My guests are Randy Herron of CK Mondavi and Family, and Katy Wilson of LaRue. I thought it would be fascinating to hear the differences between these two brands. Randy crafts more than half a dozen varietals that are priced in the Value category. Katy focuses on Chardonnay and Pinot Noir priced at the Luxury level. Nevertheless, these two share an easy going nature and make wines that are exceptional for their price range. A Wine Uncorked feature is also included in the podcast. A little trivia gift from me to you.

As I travel this week I'm reaching into the archives to bring you two compelling interviews. UC Davis Professor Emerita Carole Meredith shares the story of how she, with a little help from others, solved the mystery of Zinfandel's origin. If you enjoy investigative stories you'll get a kick out of the many elements involved in her discovery.  Kendall-Jackson's Winemaster Randy Ullom may not be a well-known name but it's very likely you've tasted his creations, including the Chardonnay that has been the top seller in the U.S. for over 25 years straight. Who would have thought a ski trip to Chile would lead to nearly 3 decades of winemaking with one of the world's most successful brands.  Another Wine Uncorked is also included. Let's hit the road!

This podcast offers something a little different. Yes, I do talk about wine - Italian and French varietals, but tasty cuisine as well. The settings for VJB Cellars and The Girl and the Fig Restaurant are entirely different, yet each offer extraordinary experiences. My guests are Italian immigrant Vittorio Belmonte and Sonoma chef & restaurant owner Sondra Bernstein. Their wine and culinary businesses are successful but both started from humble beginnings. Needless to say, that provides a compelling story. 

I was slow to develop a taste for Port and dessert wines but for the last ten years it's been my desire to have at least one bottle on the shelf and/or in the refrigerator. It also took a while for me to hear about Napa Valley's own Port house, Prager Winery and Port Works. They hit two milestones this year; their 40th anniversary and Sweepstakes & Best of Class awards from the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Tasting - the largest competition of American Wines in the world. It was their 10-year-old Tawny that grabbed the prize. Winemaker Peter Prager shares the story of following their father's dream to own a winery as he takes me through each of his Ports and dry Petite Sirah. What a way to start the day! Their rustic winery is a throwback to a simpler time in the valley and truly a unique experience. Join us at the tasting bar.  

It's not intentional that I'm uploading this podcast just a week or so after the movie Wine Country was released. Artesa Estate Vineyard and Winery is one of the featured wineries. As it turns out their winemaker, Ana Diogo-Draper, was on my radio show in April which places her next in line for my podcast. You'll hear Artesa is influenced by Spain, Napa Valley and Portugal. You can taste those influences in the many wines Ana crafts. Varieties include Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Alberino, Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, and a sparkling. Join us in the tasting room to learn about Artesa, the rich history, and their delightful winemaker.

Jordan is an ivy covered Icon. It's one of Sonoma County's most stunning wineries fashioned after a French Chateau. It stands boldly yet gracefully among the sweeping lawn, beautifully manicured trees, and recently planted cabernet sauvignon estate vineyard. Needless to say, it was a pleasure to spend a couple of hours there interviewing CEO & family member John Jordan and winemaker Rob Davis. He and I chatted for 90 minutes, way more than I could squeeze into my one hour radio show. Fortunately, a majority of the outtakes can be heard in this podcast. As you listen you'll understand the reasoning behind Wine Enthusiast Magazine choosing Jordan as American Winery of the Year in 2014. Since they produced their first vintage in 1976 their wine has lived up to the elegance of the chateau.

It's another day on our incredible, beautiful and struggling planet. This podcast focuses on the positive impacts people are making as I present Part Two of my Earth Day celebration. Much like the Slow Food Movement, Italy's Slow Wine crusade promotes sustainable practices within the winemaking industry. The Slow Wine Guide features those who operate within those parameters. The 2019 edition contains 370 wineries from Italy, 121 from California, and new this year, 50 Oregon wineries. I chose two from Northern California who have been selected by Slow Wine; Larkmead Family Estate in Calistoga, Napa Valley, and Littorai Wines of Sebastopol, Sonoma County. They're both highly respected in the industry. You'll be impressed with the efforts they put forth to create their exceptional wine. Cheers to that! Happy Earth Day. 

On this podcast we celebrate the Earth, and those who are doing their part it keeping it as livable as possible. Earth Day is coming up on April 22nd and the Wine Institute is presenting their 8th Annual Down To Earth Month. They're promoting celebrations throughout the month, across California. You can find more details on my Events page Down To Earth Month Celebrations. You might also want to visit Discover California Wines. In this podcast you'll hear my interview with Allison Jordan, the Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and Vice President, Environmental Affairs for Wine Institute. I have a brief conversation about sustainable winemaking and vineyard practices with Ana Diogo-Draper, Director of Winemaking at Artesa Vineyards and Winery. Then I talk with C.O.O. and winemaker John Olney of Ridge Vineyards Lytton Springs about their April 20th event celebrating organic farming. We'll also chat about the rich history of Ridge Vineyards Monte Bello as well. I mean, it's icon

This podcast includes stops at a favorite winery and restaurant; Spring Mountain Vineyard and A16. As  you'll hear, Spring Mountain Vineyard in Napa Valley features three distinct vineyards and a history that makes it a special place. What I love about the experience there are the library wines they offer. In three visits I've tasted vintages from 1988, 2001, '04, '08, '10, and '15. The cabernet sauvignons and Elivette (reserve) blends are made in the Bordeaux style, meaning not a big, ripe, chewy Cab, but an elegantly complex wine that invites you to enjoy taste after taste. They also bottle a sauvignon blanc. Winemaker Justin Hirigoyen is my guest.  **Update: Wine Spectator just released scores for 2015 Bordeaux Blends in Napa Valley. Spring Mountain Vineyard topped the list with a score of 96. (BTW-15 of the top 30 are priced higher than Spring Mountain Vineyard). Don't hesitate, pay them a visit! San Francisco's A16 Restaurant offers authentic Italian Pizza Napolitana, fresh pasta, and house cured meats i

First of all, I apologize for the delay in getting a podcast uploaded. Thank you for your patience, my faithful followers.  Today we'll travel two and a half hours east of Sonoma/Napa to the El Dorado County wine region in the Sierra Foothills. This lengthy podcast will feature three vintners who are distinctly different. They are Chaim and Elisheva of C.G. Di Arie Vineyard and Winery, Kevin Jones of Lava Cap Winery, and Adam Smith of Skinner Vineyards and Winery. They are a good representation of region's wineries who are producing world class wines, and run by the nicest people you'll ever want to hang with. Let's head to the foothills!

On this podcast you'll meet Nate Belden. He grew up on a farm, but spent a number of his adult years working in New York and San Francisco. After a while he felt the unrelenting tug of country life once again. Although his wife Lauren grew up in New York City, surprisingly, she had a similar dream of living a rural life. But grape growing and Belden Barns wine isn't their only focus. They partnered with Jenny and Vince Trotter to offer farmstead goods. Hear how Nate and Lauren's yearning for country life came true as we talk...in the barn.    

This is one of the most unusual podcasts I've offered yet. Prompted by an invitation, I spent 3 days exploring the village and area of Saratoga, California, in San Francisco's South Bay. This historic community is situated between San Jose, Cupertino, and Los Gatos in the Santa Cruz mountains south of Silicon Valley. From wineries and restaurants, to Japanese gardens, stables and a mysterious house, the area has a lot to offer. This is your invitation to ride along as my wife Meredith and I experience Saratoga. 

This episode is a bit different than my usual podcast. You'll hear about two businesses who work with each other to provide unique experiences on the road. Mighway is a peer-to-peer rental platform, like Airbnb, but for RVs. Harvest Hosts has relationships with wineries, breweries, farms, golf courses and other appealing destinations that allow you to stay overnight on the properties in an RV. If you like being on the road these two options offer another way to travel to the experiences you enjoy.   

I kick off 2019 with two interviews from the Santa Rita Hills. You'll meet Chad of Melville Vineyards and Bryan of Babcock Winery in the Santa Ynez Valley of California's central coast. This trip to Santa Barbara offered plenty of wine and craft beer options, blue skies, palm trees and the Funk Zone. The distinctive pleasures tied in well with Chad's unconventional winemaking style and Bryan's innovative vineyard management. Both are gaining high praise and deserve your attention. 

As we approach the end of another year, now my 6th On The Wine Road, 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/J

On today's podcast you'll hear my intimate conversation with winemaker and iconic wine producer, Michael Browne. He gained fame with the highly respected Kosta Browne over the last 20 years. He has since moved on to a his own project Cirq. In this interview you'll really get to know Michael, what drives him, why he loves Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, and hear about past experiences that inspire his winemaking and fearless pursuit of his passions.

Sometimes good things come in twos. It took over two years for me to nail down this interview with Warren, I recorded over two hours of audio, and it took two visits to do so. Yet every minute I spent with him was a pleasure. You may be aware that Warren was the founder of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars and it was his Cabernet Sauvignon that outscored the French Bordeaux wines in the famed Paris tasting of 1976. But that was early on. He has accomplished so much in his 90 years and, remarkably, continues to do so. He semi-retired in 2007 but is still involved with grape growing in his Napa Valley Arcadia Vineyard. He continues to learn yet his depth of knowledge is astounding, and the way his looks at life and winemaking is fascinating. Warren is engaging, charming, and kind of like a great uncle you rarely see but when you do you just want to give him a big hug...and drink his wine.