On The Wine Road 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.

The Far Niente Family of Wineries and Vineyards has created a lower priced wine called Post and Beam. That led me to interview winemaker Michael Accurso. He'll take us through the full Far Niente portfolio, which includes Nickel & Nickel, Dolce, En Route and Bella Union. You'll also learn how Far Niente came to be the revered winery that it is today, the beginnings of which go back to 1885. Far Niente helped create the high-end Napa Valley wine market and has continued that role for more than three decades. Benchmark Wine Group is the leading source of fine and rare wine for wine retailers, restaurants and collectors around the world.  It is the largest online seller of rare wines and they can be obtained by YOU!  Do you want a 1995 Châteauneuf-du-Pape? A 1999 Antinori Brunello di Montalcino? Or how about a 1977 Graham's Vintage Port?  Hear how Benchmark can obtain these sought after wines, and how you can buy rarities from a collector's cellar. David Parker fills us in on this episode of On The Wine Roa

Today’s offering comes to you in a timely fashion. The Stay at Home Order in California has been lifted. As a result, winery tasting rooms opened again last week for outdoor service. However, the order went into affect the day we arrived in the Sierra Foothills region back in December. Nonetheless, both winemakers were happy to meet with us, at a safe distance, of course. Both interviews in this podcast feature winemakers in Amador County; Bill Easton of Domaine de la Terre Rouge and Easton Wines, and his neighbor Paul Sobon of Shenandoah Vineyards, Sobon Estate and his boutique brand, Paul J wines. I get a kick out of the winding country roads and the small towns of the Sierra Foothills, and the welcoming nature of the people who enjoy the slower pace there. For years,  winemakers Easton and Sobon have shown you don't have to live in a world-renowned wine region to make world-class wines. That said, the time is coming when the wine regions of the Sierra Foothills will be mentioned in the same discussion as N

On this podcast I feature Seghesio Family Vineyards & Shadowbox Cellars. Winemaker Andy Robinson and Sonoma County's Seghesio Family Vineyards are celebrating 125 years of grape growing this year. Seghesio is one of the few that made it through Prohibition and continue to this day. In comparison, owner Justin Preiser's Shadowbox Cellars is in its infancy at 11 years of winemaking. His fairly new tasting room in downtown Napa was the first wine entity granted an outdoor space, the parklet, during this covid era. Seghesio Family Vineyards and Shadowbox Cellars are producing outstanding wines and offer enjoyable experiences. Justin's Salt and Acid Pairing is nearly one-of-a-kind, utilizing a gourmet food item paired with his aged wine. To hear more details about the Salt and Acid Pairing you'll just have to listen to the podcast. I'll tell you this, it was surprisingly tasty. Hit play to join us under the ancient trees in Healdsburg, and streetside in Napa. Download for later  OTWR_Seghesio_Shadowbox_R

John Williams has had quite a career. The story of Frog's Leap didn't begin until after John worked with Napa Valley icon Warren Winiarski at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars. He helped launch Glenora Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes region. Afterward, he returned to Napa Valley as winemaker for the esteemed Spring Mountain Vineyard. All this, before and during the founding of Frog's Leap, where early business decisions, like their comical slogan, were made with his partners in the Frog Farm hot tub. 40 years on, John continues to evolve, innovate and successfully sustain the Frog's Leap brand, all while maintaining his sense of humor. Join me as John fills us in the details, with cameo appearances from Larry and Julie.

My guests from Chenoweth and Chev have a history together. Charlie Chenoweth grows sought after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Charlie's wife Amy and friend Michael Browne craft their own versions of epic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Russian River Valley also plays a role on this podcast.  Its diverse soil, fog-filled valleys, rolling hills and redwood trees have inspired my two guests. Chenoweth Wines The Chenoweth Wines tasting experience was quite a venture, as you'll see below. That was before the pandemic. But you can make a reservation to taste their fantastic wines within their picturesque Redwood Grove. It's quite a setting. As you'll hear, Amy and Charlie are quintessential Sonoma County residents.  Amy has a rock 'n roll attitude, and Charlie is as laid back as a country boy can be. Michael Browne Michael Browne has sourced grapes from Chenoweth's highly regarded Treehouse and Bootleggers Hill vineyards in Russian River Valley for his previous Kosta Browne cult wines, then in Michael's Browne Family W

Wild fires? I was hoping it would be quite a while before I had to cover this topic again. Mother Nature hit with a vengeance in mid August. The late summer storm was a nice surprise, but the 12,000 lightening strikes in four days across Northern California was insane. The resulting 585 wildfires produced 18 large infernos, one of which was the Hennessey Fire. Today's podcast features two wineries who "miraculously" survived the firestorm, Green and Red Vineyard & Nichelini Family Winery of Napa's Chile's Valley.   

Clément Pierlot is the chef de cave of historic Champagne Pommery in France. I found it interesting that the Champagne house known for creating the Brut style of bubbly is now making a sparkling wine from California grapes. It turns out Louis Pommery California Sparkling is harvested and made just up the freeway from me in Sonoma County. It was a topic worth pursuing. That led to another interview with a fellow Vranken-Pommery winemaker, Bruno Maillard. He crafts rosé in Provence and Carmargue/Languedoc, the world’s foremost regions for the light refreshing pink wine. You’ll hear from these Frenchman and learn about the incomparable heritage of the largest winegrower in Europe, Vranken-Pommery.

It was a chance meeting at an industry party. It's common to meet people of various winery positions at these after hours gatherings. I've struck up the occasional friendship during one of these evenings, and that how I met Mike. He's a pleasant guy, smart, and when he told me which wineries he works with it raised my eyebrows. Not one, not two, but FOUR high-end Napa Valley wineries. That's what led to this interview. His boss (bosses)?  Married winemaking couple Mark Porembski and Jennifer Williams Porembski. The three of them have an enviable business, and friend, relationship. What are the duties of an assistant winemaker? (Often they do as much or more hands-on work than the winemaker). Which esteemed wine brands do the three of them craft? Well, you'll just have to listen to discover the answer. And when this whole virus era settles down, I can't wait to try more of them with Mike. Press play to join us safely on the wine road. 

For this interview I traveled 2000 feet above Napa Valley to the peak of Spring Mountain. Schweiger Vineyards offers picturesque views from their tasting room in the center of their rolling mountaintop vineyard. As father and son, Fred and Andy have been working the property, with wife and mother Sally, since the 70s. As you can imagine, they have plenty of stories to tell. Their wines are excellent and they have a close relationship with their club members - whose suggestions often get put into action by the family. As it was planned, this interview aired on Father's Day weekend. Here's to father and son!

Looking for intrigue, self-preservation and humor? It's here. I talk with Agent Red of The Wine Spies. Each day they present a tempting, world-class wine at discounted prices. How do they do it? Through covert intel. On a side topic, Agent Red's personal mission is protecting our health with HALOmask. The most protective, easy to wear face mask. He explains what sets them apart from others. Then you'll hear about a whimsical wine brand from a serious Napa Valley winemaker - Grant Long's T.P. Reserve Wine. He chose to put a smile on our faces during these sobering times. Cheers! 

On this podcast you're going to meet a professor from the past who you're likely not familiar with but who's decades of travel and research led to many important discoveries in viticulture, much of which had a positive influence on the quality of wine produced across the globe. Through interviews with winemaker Dan Petroski of Larkmead Vineyards and the professor's daughter Jeanne, you'll meet Dr. Harold Olmo. He was such a fearless researcher he became known as the Indiana Jones of Viticulture. Thanks to the University of California at Davis for prompting me to pursue this story. 

While the Napa and Sonoma Vintners organizations are incredibly supportive to their winery members, and communities, covid-19 has required an even greater response. The Napa Valley Vintners and Sonoma County Vintners are helping to promote the creative and necessary ways wineries are reaching out to the wine loving public. In some cases, they're presenting their own virtual tasting sessions. In this podcast I talk with the President and Executive Director of the Napa Valley Vintners, Linda Reiff, and the Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners, Michael Haney. These interviews were conducted to coincide with my previous post "Wineries Battle the Coronavirus Blues." As  you'll hear, there is no elitist attitude from either of these executives despite the fact they run organizations in two of the world's top wine regions. They're pleasant, down to earth people. Many winemakers, growers, and owners are the same way. As I've said before, that's what I love about the wine industry. Keep listening until the end

Back in December - before sheltering in place and when corona referred to a type of crown or the glow around the sun - my wife and I spent a week up and down Oregon's Willamette Valley. It was cool, with light rain and occasional heavy fog...and we loved it. Prior to our trip I set up several interviews, with Lynn, the dynamic former owner of Penner-Ash; Bryan and Laura Laing, the fun-loving owners of Hazelfern Cellars; and Luisa, from one of the oldest Oregon family wineries, Ponzi Vineyards. Each guest expressed their love for the region and the wine they craft. As always, their stories are entertaining and distinctly different from one another. Join me as I travel beyond California On The Wine Road.