On The Wine Road Podcast

National Rosé Day was June 10th and to mark that occasion I interviewed 3 winemakers who craft distinctive versions of refreshing pink wine. I traveled from Napa Valley to Sonoma County and hit Glen Ellen in between. This is the season for Rosé and over the last few years that style of wine has been getting quite interesting as winemakers search for creative ways to produce it. That’s what you’ll hear on this podcast. So find a warm spot in the sun with a chilled glass of Rosé and let’s get started. Cheers! For more interviews visit www.OnTheWineRoad.com.

This interview began as a discussion concerning the 40th anniversary celebration of Raymond Vineyards’ first vintage release. Always the innovator, owner Jean-Charles Boisset had it bottled with a gold embossed red velvet label. No, really. This inspired me to sit down with him to discuss his creative inspiration. That led me to present other wine producing innovations he has been offering from Buena Vista Winery (Sonoma Valley) and JCB by Jean-Charles (Napa Valley). I enjoy interviewing J.C. because I never know what to expect from him. I take that back. I do know what to expect and it’s his playful irreverence that tempts me to return. This is the extended version of what aired on my radio show. An EP of JC, if you will. Enjoy. Find more podcasts, upcoming events and wine trivia at OnTheWineRoad.com

She’s been called “the most respected wine critic and journalist in the world” by Decanter magazine. Jancis Robinson recently honored the UC Davis Shields library by donating her personal writings, papers, photographs, and even tasting notes. Her long list of credits include co-authoring The World Atlas of Wine with Hugh Johnson, editing The Oxford Companion to Wine, and co-authoring American Wine with Linda Murphy. She is founder of the award-winning JancisRobinson.com. Naturally, I jumped at the chance when offered the opportunity to interview Jancis at the Shields Library prior to the event celebrating her donation. As you’ll hear she was quite gracious. Find more interviews at OnTheWineRoad.com.

If you enjoy a glass of wine while reading a good mystery you'll appreciate this story. Zinfandel has been in the U.S. since the early 1800s yet no one knew for sure where it originated. Is it related to Primitivo? Finally in 2001, with help from others around the globe, U.C. Davis professor Carole Meredith solved the mystery and in turn helped save the heritage grape from extinction. Carole shares her exhaustive research and discovery with me in this in-depth interview. You'll also hear about her own vineyard, Lagier Meredith, which sits high atop Mt. Veeder overlooking Napa Valley. Pour yourself a glass, it's a good story. Find more stories at OnTheWineRoad.com.

On Earth Day my guest was Kenny Likitprakong of Hobo Wine Company. He was a good fit. He's a guy who loves the land, the freedom of the road and wearing out a pair of shoes. It's no wonder he chose a career that would take him into the vineyards along country roads to produce a product from the soil. Kenny and his wife Lynn are also environmentally conscious and choose to use 100% geothermal clean energy to run the production facility. But don't let the name fool you. He's making world class wine and getting noticed. OnTheWineRoad.com

It's not often, actually only once before, that I've interviewed a Hospitality/Tasting Room Manager of a winery. Yet the impressive experience that is offered at MacRostie in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley inspired me to do so. LisaMarie Kennedy is the driving force and we discuss the mindset that sets them apart from other tasting rooms. And, of course we'll discuss their wine. That's a given. For more interviews visit OnTheWineRoad.com

Michael Sebastiani has been in the vineyards since he was ten, if not younger. In his 20s he began working with Paul Giusto at Viansa Sonoma. While there they hatched the idea of starting their own brand. Highway 12 passes through the iconic vineyards of Russian River Valley, Sonoma Valley, Los Carneros and Napa Valley. No better name could capture the essence of the wine they wanted to offer. In this podcast you'll hear what it takes to start and operate a winery as they speak candidly about the challenges and their ultimate success with Highway 12, Carneros Highway and The Highwayman. It's time to travel On The Wine Road.

There were a number of wineries established in the mid to late 1800s in California that still exist however Foppiano Vineyards is the longest continually run family winery in Sonoma County. Some of the original dwellings and structures still exist, even the tasting room is built out of the original old redwood tanks. And if you visit you can still taste their 1996 Petite Sirah. The place is steeped in history. Join me in the Russian River Valley appellation as I talk with the president, the winemaker and self-appointed historian.

On this podcast we talk about Tannat grown and crafted by Bodega Garzón in Uruguay and Y. Rousseau Wines in Napa. Joining me in this discussion is Christian Wylie, the general manager of Bodega Garzón, and French American Yannick Rousseau, the winemaker of his namesake winery. We in the U.S. are not terribly familiar with the Tannat varietal but it is respected in South America and southwest France. Through the efforts of these two experienced wine masters and other wineries who are giving it a chance we'll all become more familiar and appreciative of the unique characteristics this varietal has to offer. By listening to this podcast you'll also become familiar with the state-of-the-art Bodega Garzón winery and the region. You may also be inspired to visit! Let's go... For past interviews visit www.OnTheWineRoad.com.

If you want to taste depth of variety the wines made from Acorn Winery's Alegria Vineyards dates back to 1890 and includes over 70 different grape varieties. Sixty different varieties are included in the Medley blend! Not many winemakers are bottling field blends like this anymore. Has he gone bonkers or is he crazy like a vineyard fox? In this podcast you'll meet Bill Nachbaur of Sonoma County's Acorn Winery. For other interviews visit OnTheWineRoad.com.

Susie Selby has been a winemaker in Sonoma County for 23 years now but following the loss of her father, who happened to be her partner, she was nearly talked out of pursuing the venture. Facing an uphill battle she chose to forge ahead. Along the way the community has supported her and Selby wine has been served at White House functions more than any other winery in the country. Without a road map she’s found success. As you’ll hear she has maintained her sense of humor and humbleness. Join us for our conversation in Healdsburg on the edge of Dry Creek Valley.

I read in Wine Spectator that Garrett of G. Love and Special Sauce is a fan of wine. It turns out his sister helps supports his desire with fine Burgundian wine. This gave me a good reason to set up an interview prior to a show at the Fillmore in San Francisco a while back. I've been a fan for many years and it was very cool to spend some time with him. (I gave him a nice bottle of Kosta Browne Pinot to say thanks). We talked wine, music and family. After the interview he asked if I wanted to hear a song he’d been working on called “Drinkin’ Wine”. Absolutely! It was a great start to an extraordinary evening. Part of the song is on this podcast but you can find a link to the full video of the song at www.OnTheWineRoad.com/People and search for Garrett there.

I think you'd have to agree that in 1969 Lee Titus was likely the only person who was a wine grape grower and radiologist. There's nothing like pursuing two passions. Inspired with what has happening in Bordeaux at the time he replanted the grapes that were falling out of favor wtih the varieties that are now so popular in Napa Valley. We learn about the family's changes and decision to make their wine as I talk with second generation wine grower Eric Titus.

You're invited to join me on a foggy morning in May as I meet winemaker and viticulturist Tom Meadowcroft. We walk through the Louvau Vineyard in Russian River Valley, Sonoma County. We discuss bloom, his winemaking process and those he respects. In this intimate conversation you'll feel you're standing and walking along side of us. The Meadowcroft tasting room is in Cornerstone Plaza south of the town of Sonoma. I really enjoy his Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet and the other wines he crafts.

On this first day of 2017 I’m presenting my show from the last day of 2016. On the final broadcast of the year I wanted to highlight those who have expressed their passion about the wine industry. The winery owners, winemakers and growers I have chosen have done so eloquently, philosophically, poetically, and often spiritually. 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, George Macleod of MacLeod Family Vineyard, Delia & Janet Viader of Viader Vineyards and Winery, and Gary Breen of Campovida.

Not long after college, and with a degree in French Language, Michaela Rodeno talked her way into getting hired as the second employee at Moët & Chandon's new American winery, Domaine Chandon. It was 1973 and the office was in a garage on Mt. Veeder. After 15 years of helping Chandon become a success, she left as a V.P. and accepted the C.E.O. position at the newly established St. Supery Vineyards and Winery. While there she formed Women for WineSense with Frog's Leap Winery's Julie Johnson, to combat the rising anti-alchohol movement of the 1990s. Michaela is now retired from the industry and focuses on the family's Villa Ragazzi Wines, while Women for WineSense has continued to grow across the country. When you hear this interview you'll understand why she is a beloved member, if not an icon, of the Napa wine industry.

This is one of the oddest segments I've ever recorded. Judd Finkelstein of Judd's Hill Winery has his own radio show on 1440AM KVON, Tuesdays at 9am. So I joined his show to interview him which aired on my show. Still with me? Judd's Hill Winery is a family owned and green certified winery in Napa Valley. Learn more by listening here.

The University of California at Davis has undertaken a wine label transcription project called “Label This” and you can participate. Imagine, lending your time to this prestigious college which is considered by some to house the greatest wine library in the world. They have digitized 5,000 historic wine labels which were collected over a period of decades by Maynard Amerine, a professor of viticulture and enology at UC Davis. To make them searchable and accessible to the world, they need your help. If you appreciate wine you’ll enjoy this simple task which will open a window into the history of wine. Listen in as Amy Azzarito explains the project.

I had a feeling of great anticipation before meeting this international wine icon. Agustin Huneeus began his career by saving Concha y Toro in Chile, a brand now recognized across the globe. He also worked for Seagram's, eventually overseeing their international brands. That position brought him to Napa Valley which led to his decision to get back into running his own winery again. He's done very well and continues to do so at Quintessa and with other successful wineries here and in Chile. Like me, I'm sure you'll be captivated by his voice which resonates with the wisdom he has gained and the miles of dusty roads he has traveled.

On this podcast we're going to challenge your belief in mystical talent. Marc Mondavi is not only a long time winemaker from the iconic Mondavi family, he is also experienced in the fine craft of dowsing, divining, yes they even call it water witching. Go ahead, scoff if you will, but Marc is paid handsomely for this talent and he wouldn't have been for decades if he wasn't successful. It's no wonder his other wine project, aside from the family's Charles Krug winery, is called The Divining Rod Wine. You'll walk with me as he demonstrates his talent and as he talks about his other craft, fine wine.