Through The Grapevine

Join SVC and JTM as we reflect on the good, bad, ugly, and everything else in between. It has been a great year for TTG and we owe so much of that to the folks that listen and support our shenanigans. It is also our favorite time of the year, the end of it!!! In this episode we revisit our goals and dig into some of the items we would like to accomplish in the new year. Of course we go over our 2022 Spotify Wrap and as always we take down some amazing wine with the episode. Savannah digs into why Cava is a category worth following and JTM continues to share his love of Cabernet Franc. If you are one of those people that actually read these little blurbs we thank you and wish you a happy holidays and hope that the end of the year brings your all the recharge that you need. Next year will be a great year for this podcast and we are excited to connect with you all in new ways in the new year. For now PEACE!!!!!!!!!

We are back with another awesome episode of Through The Grapevine Podcast a.k.a. TTG Podcast. We invite Brad Kurtz Vineyard Director at Gloria Ferrer back to the pod for an epic blind tasting using the advance sommelier grids. Savannah and I welcome in the cooler weather and share some of our favorite holiday pairings and feels. Bradley also takes us through a vintage snapshot - could 2022 be an epic vintage? Be sure to check us out on Spotify, where you can check out the Advance Creative Studio and a look under the hood of a blind tasting. We have one more episode slated to round out the year, see you soon.  Subscribe and share if you like what we are up to - our message is only as large as our following! Until next time - Cheers!

We are back with another round o tasting with a few of my favorite local wine lovers. We get back to some basics and go over a bit of the local news. Followed by jumping right back into a semi-blind tasting of 4 Sauvignon Blancs moderated by SVC.  Only to be followed up by one more pass through 4 more Sauv. Blancs. The Livermore Valley is one, if not the oldest wine-growing region in America. And even though our roots are written all over the industry today, why haven't we been recognized by the greater market and industry as a region worth investing time, money, and interest in? There are a few theories out there, but for us here on TTG, we can help but think it has a lot to do with our varietal identity or lack thereof. Over the last few years, the Livermore Valley Wine Growers and various industry leaders have seriously considered both Sauvignon Blanc & Cabernet Franc as our regional identity. We are all about the hype, so we put the theory to the test and brought in 8 SBs from all over the world.

In this episode, we are joined by Alex Wolfe of Fraser-Howard Vineyards & GM over at 3 Steve's Winery here in the Livermore Valley Wine Country. Alex, Savannah, and Jeremy are a few representatives of the next generation of wine professionals helping to propel the Livermore Valley to new heights. Alex offers us his newest bottling of Chardonnay from the famed Fraser-Howard Vineyard and joins us for an SVC led blind tasting. As some of you know Savannah just took a new gig working with Chambers & Chambers as a portfolio specialist. Chambers is one of California's most prized books and it was a treat to taste a few of the wines from this book. The tides have turned and you won't want to miss JTM being blind tasted. Tune in to see if he can nail these blinds. We definitely geek out a bit on this episode so be prepared for a close-up look at how wine professionals go about deductive tasting. AND DON'T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE!!!

Voted USA Today’s 2021 #1 Wine Festival in the Country, Black Vines® is the longest-standing Black wine festival in the country and California’s preeminent curator of Black wine experiences and special events. Hosting an annual celebration of culture, art, and wine education that brings together Black artists, Black musicians, Black winemakers, and vintners; an outdoor summer soiree featuring delectable light fare paired with sparkling rosé, and sangria. After attending the 2022 BlackVines event at Berkeley's CEIL Center - JTM couldn't wait for his opportunity to get Fern out here to the beautiful Livermore Valley to talk all things wine and culture. Fern is ROOOOOTED in the East Bay (Oakland, Berkeley), originally working in Tech and as an intern for NASA. Fern has always had a passion for community and provides some unique perspective on the connections between the tech and wine industry. Her father was a tour guide for the Gray Line Tour Buses in the Napa Valley, so she grew up with a shotgun seat to how w

The bittersweet reunion... Collin makes his way back to the podcast after over a year! JTM's former co-host is back in the studio talking all things Napa, Livermore, and beyond. JTM & Collin, as always, have a bit too much fun on the microphones together and share some insight into the next episode for Nottingham Cellars. After over a year, it was nice to get back into the studio with Collin and chat about his recent move to Napa and what he aims to accomplish. He also shares his desire to continue to do his part in sparking a long-awaited Livermore Valley Renassaince. But this episode isn't all love, JTM asks a few tough questions and shares some BIG news about his next chapter here in the Livermore Valley.  Subscribe and stay in tune with all things Livermore Valley hospitality, California's oldest wine-growing region. 

What an amazing episode! I wish I could say we kept it serious the entire show but we just have too much fun with the Wingen crew. We circle the wagons, after nearly 2 years and one of our most popular episodes to date, and talk all things Livermore hospitality. Are we headed into a full-fledge renaissance here in the Tri-Valley? Tune in and find out. We are also joined by Rachel Kleist, Human Resources, Web Developer, and Honorary Wingen Break Sandwich to help share another side of what has been an epic rise of this young couple. Both Aimee and Rachel were born and raised here in Livermore and are able to share some really amazing insight into the growth and what makes this community what it is.  And as always share this with a friend, subscribe, and join the tribe!! The best is yet to come here in the beautiful Livermore Valley Wine Country and these young restauranteurs are at the forefront of that progress. Did I mention that I make the seasoning that goes on their Everything Bagel?? Well tune in for

It has been a few weeks since we published an episode, but we are excited to be back with Tracy Farhad. Tracy joined Visit Tri-Valley in January of 2020 as their newly appointed President & CEO. Halted by the pandemic Tracy takes us through her onboarding at VTV. She shares what it took for her and her new team to grind their way through the pandemic and speaks about some of its great things! We learn a lot about the many facets that make Agritourism what it is, more than just food and beverage. It is an industry of sports, conferences, and much more. The Tri-Valley is uniquely situated in the East Bay, nestled primarily on the 580 & 680 junctions. A bustling region of innovation, community, and hospitality the pandemic has really shown us our strengths here in this region. Tracy shares what she thinks makes the Tri-Valley special, how her organization serves its community, and most importantly, how she believes the Livermore Valley's best days are ahead of us. Tune back in and saddle up for a great e

Here we go again!!! Join SVC & JTM for an extended episode featuring Jaton B. Gunter - Certified Sommelier, Author, & Owner of Grapes & Sands Publishing. Jaton has been in the industry for over 2 decades now, has published 5 books, and has produced 140+ episodes of Fruit In The Glass on Instagram. Needless to say, the dude has made a name for himself and we are happy to have had him in the Livermore Valley.  NOT TO MENTION - This episode is also our first video podcast that can be found on Youtube now! - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VWrkXIqG1U&t=11s - Through The Grapevine 'Sommeliers Unite'  In this episode we show some love to the start of Women's Appreciation Month, chatting through a few of the most badass ladies in wine. Jaton and JTM share their BlackVines 2022 experience, Savannah is awarded 6oz of Pt. Reyes Stilton Blue Cheese, and we even make time to blind taste two offerings made by Craig Ploof & Collin Cranor of Nottingham Cellars. Can you guess what they are?! D

In this episode, we are joined by Brad Kurtz Vineyard Director at Carneros's first sparkling house Gloria Ferrer. We cover a lot of ground in this episode with Brad from his days at Cal Poly becoming a soil legend to tasting wines before they begin their journeys through method champenoise. We have never sparkled so hard in an episode before and you won't want to miss this bubbly conversation. It was truly a treat to have Brad in the studio with us and share his experiences and more. Native to Danville, a suburb not too far from the Livermore Valley, he was able to share some unique perspectives on the future of agro-tourism here in Livermore and what it might take to get us on the map.  We definitely went a bit long on this one but the conversation was too good to cut off along with tasting thought 8 bottles of wine, yum!! This episode is a sipper for sure so pop open a bottle of something nice, kick those feet up and enjoy. TTG is back at it!

Here we go! In this episode, we touch on a few of the most influential organizations making change for the wine industry and BIPOC. Tune in as SVC and JTM cover everything you need to know about a few organizations that you should be following. We also spend some time recognizing the Lunar New Year while sipping a bit of Black Girl Magic from the McBride Sisters.  Looking for some outlets for career growth or education advancement? This is the episode for you - JTM list 5 of our favorite organizations making change and SVC offers a plethora of education entities that can help catapult into the world of wine. There is literally no better time to join the food and beverage industry.  Most importantly do not forget to hit that subscribe button and give us a follow. We are humble and motivated by your support and ya better believe me when I say the best is yet to come!! #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal

Savannah and I are back for episode two of season four! In this episode, we dig into some local politics, and defend our city council!! After SVC and JTM finish their rants they spend some quality time talking about what makes their holiday dinner tables complete. Are you a thanksgiving purist or do you color outside the lines? Regardless of where you stand on the matter, you won't want to miss out on one epic holiday feast. Listen in now and give us a follow! We have one more episode coming to you before the year is up so get caught up and stay a part of our journey.  We hope you were able to enjoy your holiday with a roof over your head and in good company. Cheers!!!

Yooooo! TTG is back in full effect and we could not be more excited to be back behind the microphone talking to you. In season four we will see the podcast take on some new heights. New guests, new sounds, bigger ideas, and a brand new co-host. SVC and I are geared up to bring you all the latest news, booze, and buzz going our the food and beverage world while talking up our hometown in the Livermore Valley Wine Country. Set those notifications to stun and give us a follow as we take on a brand new season of Through The Grapevine. Let's build!

Yup, that's right part 2 of the blind tastings!! Savannah, Nakoah, and Dave are diving right back into it with our red wines for the day.  This will be our final episode of the year - Thank you to our listeners and to all those that actually read this stuff I take the time to write, lol. It has been a pleasure thus far and I look forward to getting better next season. I am looking to add a few more segments, some cool givebacks, an all-around better listening experience, and of course loads of cool new guests! Take care of one another and support "your" local as best you can. 2021 is right around the corner and brighter days are ahead,  that's what Paul over at Story keeps telling us!! TTG nation you rock, Happy Holidays and we love you!! Okay bye and many many many Covid kisses to you!!! JTM 

This week's episode is a two-parter featuring some live blind tastings!! I invited back Savannah & Nakoah to test their palates, along with a new voice in Dave Hendrickson of Occasio Winery and Sidewinder Spirits. Our last blinds tastings did well and we wanted to see if it might translate again to this style! I made sure to cut out as much slurping as possible haha. The goal of this episode is to pull back the curtain on industry professionals tasting through a series of wines blind.  All of us coming from different wine-focused backgrounds were all able to add a unique perspective to the tasting. As the first part of our season finale, I couldn't be more excited to share this episode with you today. Tune in now for all the secrets on what it takes to blind taste like a pro.  And be sure to tune in tomorrow for PT.II of the blind tasting as we go over the red wines as well!  Thank you for your continued support thus far - Be sure to subscribe and share with someone that you think might ge

Did you know that from about 1800-1900 the Livermore Valley was known across the nation as a must-stop town for settlers heading west? Or that the historic Ravenswood used to be the Livermore Valley's very own Gatsby Estate? Where spectacular and luxurious parties were thrown inviting folks from all over the region to stop here in our neck of the woods. Well, you won't want to miss Paul Halvorsen's dive into the rabbit hole of rich history here in the valley. We take a moment to try out some holiday coffee, Paul shares a few of his 2020 bests, and ultimately sends away with exactly what we could all stand to hear as the holiday rolls in. Tune in now for an insider's look on everything Livermore, Story coffee, and those waffles!!!! 

Yo!!!! TTG could not be more excited to offer this episode with CEO & 4th Generation Winegrower Carolyn Wente. With over 130 years of history here in the Livermore Valley, we are humbled at the opportunity to chat with this amazing woman. Talking all things wine and food! Carolyn shares her passion for food while taking us through a few things you might not have known about this valley. In the quest to find a regional identity who better to talk to than Carolyn. You won't want to miss what she has to say about the future of the region. It is Thanksgiving week and we hope you are enjoying responsibly together with your loved ones. Keep pushing for greatness and keep pushing us to be the greatest we can be. TTG Nation stand up!!!

We are always happy to sit down with Mr. Flywheel himself, Brandon Cardwell. Born and raised here in the Livermore Valley he has become one of the region's most influential ambassadors. Working alongside the city to ensure the future of a region and it's community. JTM and Collin introduce a new nickname, will it stick?? And Brandon introduces the Isabel Neighborhood Specific Plan that was recently adopted by our city council. Collin is back!! And shares a harvest recap along with some big NC news. You won't want to miss this week's episode. 

November 3rd - Election Day 2020 Collin and JTM wanted to go into the vault a pull out an episode that we think everyone might want to hear. The man the myth the legend Julio Covarrubias of Casa de Vinas Vineyard here in the Livermore Valley. Regional maturity is a topic we bring up often on this show, and without people like Julio, it would not be a conversation we could have. While there may never be a statue built of him here in the Livermore Valley. We wanted to make sure we do our part as ambassadors to the region in highlighting the wonderful people that make the needle move. You may even recognize an old voice in this episode, could it be? Jason 'Jmon Green' Montero. That's right we are getting the gang back together in this episode. Tune in and learn a little something from this guy Julio, we sure did! AND VOTE DAMMNIT!!!

Yo, we have Trent Thompson in the house! Most recently he and a handful of Bay Area artists made the Only Up Mural Festival a reality. Bringing color and vibrancy to our city like never before. Originally from Rochester, NY he has made tremendous strides in his first few years here in the Tri-Valley. It was great to sit down with him and reflect on a few of these accomplishments. We cover a few of his favorite places to eat and drink here locally as well as what collaborations you can look forward to.  Tune in now!!!!