The Wine Makers on Radio Misfits

Returning to her second home from France, Isabel brought the rains, her wit and wisdom back to Winery Sixteen600. Isabel is the winemaker for A Duex Tetes (along with Philippe Cambie and Phil Coturri) and we tasted samples from Oakville and the Rossi Ranch Grenache from the latest harvest. Phil Coturri joins us a for a bit of organic farming insights.We give thanks for our listing in Wine Business Monthly as 2021 Industry leaders that made us all feel quite good. Enjoy the show! [EP211]

You might know Gustavo as the Winemaker at Scribe here in Sonoma Valley. Did you know that he and his wife Jackie their own wines under the Orixe Sotelo label? Focusing on Spanish varieties grown here in California. Or as they say it “singular wines from Alta California”. This is a good one and we hope you will not miss the chance to try their inaugural wines. www.sotelowines.com @sotelo.wines @tintodecalifornia

Those of us in the wine business know this company and likey access something they publish on a daily basis. Looking for a job? Want to know the latest insider news? How about an in depth report on barrel producers, yeast cultures or on supply chain issues. This is the place to start. Cyril Penn (Editor in Chief) has followed the U.S. wine industry as editor of Wine Business Monthly for nearly two decades. In that time, Wine Business Monthly has emerged as the leading provider of information to the wine industry in North America. Cyril has explored wine regions throughout the world, is a frequent speaker at industry events, and is often quoted in the news media. He has more than three decades of wire service, magazine and broadcast experience. After graduating Fordham University in New York he started his career with Reuters in New York and later contributed to dozens of publications, specializing in energy, high technology and biotechnology. [EP209] www.winebusiness.com @winebusiness

This week the guys converse about a wide variety of topics and answer listeners questions. Did you know archaeologists have unearthed a 1500 year old wine production facilty in Israel ? Does Petrus taste better after spending a year on the International Space Station ? Did the SF Giants collude with weathermen in LA to knockdown Dodgers potential home runs ? We cover it all this week. Enjoy the show!!! [EP208] winerysixteen600.com danecellars.com sonomasommwines.com

Sam, Bart and John are joined by Tanner Walle from Valley Bar and Bottle and cover all things harvest, shortages and Fall Releases from Dane and Sixteen600. Lots of listener questions and the Bix Clan is heading for Sonoma! [EP207]

This week we are celebrating International Grenache Day with The Grenachista, Casey Greybehl, who’s entire portfolio consists of nothing but Grenache Noir and Grenache Blanc. This is one of our favorite days of the year and the bottles on the table far outnumbered the people on the show. From Pet-Nat to Châteauneuf-du-Pape, we drank it all. Enjoy !!! grenachista.com @the.grenachista @internationalpirateday

David Rossi is a Jersey Boy who used to make wines in his basement, literally flying in fruit from different parts of the world to make 10 gallon batches to experiment with. Now known as one of the top producers of world class Pinot Noir in California, we discovered some of his favorite wines are the aromatic whites he crafts from cool sites up north. Having taught himself, he knows just about everything you should not do when making wine and his witty sense of humor is sharper than his skill set. fulcrumwines.com @fulcrumwines [email protected]

It’s all about harvest on The Wine Makers this week. Whites are rolling in and reds are coming up as we speak, the days are long but everybody is excited for a great vintage year. Brian has roussanne on the line and Bart’s got Chenin coming up. Brian has a French Rose’ dinner coming up at the Fairmont and damn if we aren’t going to show up…with a reservation, not crashing it. Cheers and Enjoy. [EP204]

This week we sit down with Tony Biagi, one of Napa and Sonoma’s star winemakers. He is listed as winemaker at Hourglass, The Vineyardist Family, Amici Cellars and his own Patria Wines and consulting winemaker at Lasseter Family Winery, Jada Winery, Caliza Winery and Alma Rosa Winery. However if you ask Tony, the2020 Vinous Winemaker of the year, he prides himself most in mentoring young winemakers who lead these estates. While his career arc lines up with the rise of Napa Cult Cabs but if you really want to hear Tony wax poetic about wine, ask him about classic old California Wine, which is just what we did. Tony shared a bottle of 1985 Carment, made in the heart of what is now known as the Moon Mountain District. [EP203]

Birdhorse represents a vision for the future of California wine-making, a vision anchored in a passion for diversification And they make some really nice wines. Striving to use under-represented varietals Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse sure make good use of their backgrounds including Bedrock University and Scribe to turn out a diverse line of wines from Arneis, Verdelho and Valdiguie varietals and more. [EP202]

Sam, Bart and John do a bit of reminiscing about the podcast, all of our friends and listeners who made it possible and all of our incredible guests. And of course Ed Silha plays the best role as The Podfather himself, Despite drought, fires and pandemics we’re still at it bringing you the very best of Sonoma winemaking. Cheers and Enjoy!!! [EP201]

This week we welcome Prema Behan from Three Sticks Wines and Nicole Garzino from the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers. Prema is the Director of Operations at Three Sticks and the current President of the board of the Vintners & Growers. Nicole is the new executive director of the Vintners & Growers. Three Sticks is a favorite past guest of the podcast, so we wanted to check in about what new with them. If you haven’t check out our episode with winemaker Bob Cabral it’s not to be missed. We also wanted to welcome Nicole to hear how she came to her new job and what’s new and exciting with the SVVGA. [EP200] @sonomavalleywine www.sonomavalleywine.com @threestickswines www.threestickswines.com

This week on the Wine Makers Pod-Two professors from Bedrock University, AKA Cody Rasmussen of Desire Lines Wines and Reid Griggs of Tidings Wines, visit to Bart, Brian and Sam for a conversation ranging from the microbiome of vineyards to the wine selection in Iowa college towns. Cody is the Associate Winemaker at Bedrock Wine Co. where Reid worked in 2016, one of his many internships at high profile wineries. Both are among the best and the brightest of California’s young winemakers. We dig into Reid’s research at UC Davis, Cody gets into the intricacies of fermenting Riesling, Brian discovers his new favorite California Cabernet and Sam dings wine glass until his finger turns black and blue. [EP199]

Jen & Sara were going to make wine together, and they knew that it started with organic grapes and that the wine would be a reflection of the vineyard. What they didn’t know was what the winery would be called. Now inspiration comes in many forms and “Trouble” comes in many forms and after getting to know these two we think you will know exactly where the name comes from. [EP198] www.littletroublewines.com @littletroublewineco

Sam, Bart and John cover Weather, Wind and Water after the holiday and answer listener questions. The heat spell is starting to fade a bit, Sonoma is beautiful and we’re still in the mega drought. Enjoy a light-hearted conversation that’s a lot of fun. Cheers! [EP197]

This week we sit down with Morgan Twain-Peterson, MW, founder and winemaker of Bedrock Wine Co. in Sonoma. If you listen to the show, you know Morgan is a bit of a phenom, making his first wine at 5, saving historic vineyards, starting a California “grower” sparkling wine program Under the Wire, M.W., the list goes on. If you want to know anything about wine, ask Morgan. We get into a lot of subjects on this pod, including drought, DOC instability, climate change, and the amazing investment being made by Morgan and his partner Chris Cottrell to release some of the best sparkling wine in California. Enjoy this one. [EP196] -Cheers

How nice was it for the whole team to gather outback of the Sixteen600 Tasting House for a chat with John Musto and Tom Young from Drive Wines. These guys make some really nice wines and we actually got to taste some of their original garage-made that aren’t for sale. But don’t worry as they have plenty of great wines on their list and these are Micro-production, single-vineyard wines too. This is another great Sonoma area success story that started out in an old race car garage that ended up well. A beautiful day in Sonoma and an awesome show. Enjoy [EP195] www.drivewines.com Email -> john@ tom@ drivewines.com Twitter, Instagram, Facebook -> @drivewines

La Prenda Vineyard Management is a full service vineyard management company. That means that not only do they have a skilled crew working in the vineyards and in this case orchards but they also have a winemaker on staff. Mike Cox is a Sonoma native who first started working at Hacienda Winery when attending UC Davis in the late 80’s. Mike spent the majority of the last 30 years working at Schug Winery and he brought along a bunch of wines and a couple of ciders he made to share with us. We only scratched the surface of stories and experiences with Mike, so we hope you enjoy this episode and I’m sure there will be a follow up show so we can dive in to the wines we didn’t get a chance to open. [EP194] www.laprendavineyards.com www.sonomacollectionwine.com @laprendasonoma

Groove Wines isn’t a canned wine company, it’s a winery that puts some of it’s wines in cans. We sat down this week with Nate Miles and Matt Nagy to talk about their new brand. Yes the same Matt from Benevolent Neglect, Nate and Matt met each other working for Steve Matthiasson in Napa valley, it was a great conversation check out the show. Nate says that Groove is a new wine company interested in making wines that you want to drink, bring you pleasure, and make you happy. We want to make your wine experience more flexible and convenient, a better fit for your modern lifestyle. We’re going to do this by putting your wine in cans. [EP193] www.groovewines.com @groovewines

When we first sat down with David Ramey in October of 2018 we spent time talking about his start in the wine business and the winemaking techniques that he pioneered of which many winemakers use today. This time we are joined by his children Claire and Alan as David takes a step into the future helping guide his children toward running this family business. We also get some insight into the standards that this winery has build it’s reputation on. [EP192] rameywine.com/ @davidramey @rameywinecellars

While studying chemistry at the University of Colorado at Denver, Danielle sensed that laboratory research was not fulfilling her passion. Throughout her young adult life, Danielle’s father, shared his love of wine, continually encouraged her to move to California and explore winemaking. Finally, in the late summer of 2013, she took his advice and moved to Sonoma. That year Danielle had her first opportunity in the wine industry working as a cellar intern for harvest at the Kamen Estate. Dan, armed with a background in geology and a passion for organic agriculture. Dan moved to California with his soon to be wife, Danielle in early 2014. Phil Coturri gave him his start in wine-growing where he worked with the vineyard crews at Kamen Estate. Over his six years working with Enterprise Vineyards, Dan studied all aspects of organic farming, including biodynamic agriculture and Korean natural farming. While Dan keeps very busy in the vineyards, he is also known to lend a hand in the winery whenever needed. Dan is an integral part of the husband and wife Jambe de Bois Wines team. Jambe de Bois was born out of Danielle’s yearning to study winemaking and develop her own unique style. Every vintage is different not only because of the weather that shapes it, but also the experimental and bold techniques employed to make the wine. “Jambe de Bois is her creative outlet. These small batches of wine are meant to be a discovery of different winemaking processes as I learn more every year. One thing I know about wine, is I will never be done learning.” www.jambedeboiswines.com

Master Sommelier Christophe Tassan has spent his career hanging out in the most rarified air the wine and hospitality business has to offer. He grew up in his family’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Avignon, he worked for super star chef Alain Ducasse, he was the wine director of the legendary Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia, he attained literal heights running the wine program at Aureole in Las Vegas famous for the Wine Angels soaring 50 feet into the air to retrieve the best bottles. A career like his doesn’t lack for hardware either; he was awarded 2nd Best Young French Sommelier in 1988, Best Sommelier “South of France” in 1992 and became a Master Sommelier in 2000. In 2004 he was rewarded with the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France – Sommelier, France’s highest distinction for the trades. Today, his career has taken him to new heights-the top of the Moon Mountain District where Christophe oversees Moon Hollow a new wine label from Michael and Xochi Birch who own The Battery in San Fancisco where Christophe is also the beverage director. Through it all, Christophe remains a humble steward to the grape, to the wine and to the stories they can tell. [EP190] www.moonhollow.com

This week we sit down with Paul Duroussay, former intern to our friend Jeff Cohn. Paul grew up and was educated in Burgundy with friends and family in the wine business. He now imports small production wines that would normally never see American soil. Follow the story from France to California and see what it takes to bring these incredible wines to us. Oh and there’s Champagne too !!! The wines are incredible and the prices are mind blowing for the quality. Viva la France 🇫🇷… pierreclosimports.com

This week we checked in with two of our favorite guests, Blair Guthrie from Guthrie Family Wines and Joel Burt from Las Jaras Wines. We thought it would be fun to have them both on together to double your pleasure. This is a great show, covering a wide variety of topics, and a multitude of wines. Normally we tell you to pour yourself a glass, but this week you might want to crack a couple bottles. Enjoy !!! [EP188] lasjaraswines.com guthriefamilywines.com

Well it’s been a year of Zoom for The Wine Makers during the Covid pandemic so to celebrate Spring, bud break and vaccinations, we did this show in person on the beautiful new deck at the Sixteen600 Tasting House. We cover a lot of ground today with lots of beautiful new releases from Bart and Dane Cellars plus new ones from Sam. This is an episode you should really enjoy. Cheers! [EP188]

This week we discuss Weed Slayer, no that’s not Sam’s nickname. The maker of Weed Slayer/ Agro Gold WS Herbicide and Fertilizer was hit with a false advertising class action lawsuit related to claims that the product was safe. We are now learning that this product contains glyphosate and diquat, which are both prohibited for use in organic production. What are the consequences and what do we do now? [EP186]

Scott Kirkpatrick moved out to California from Kentucky with $30 in his pocket. He discovered a love for wine, and for a woman named Allison. After working numerous harvests at a crush pad facility, he had an idea. What if we make Petite Sirah and treat it like the aromatic, lively beauty that it could be, instead of continuing to produce the masculine beast that most wine makers typically do ? Mountain Tides was born, with his artistic photographer wife crafting the labels, they started on a voyage of discovery into all things Petite. Now four years later they have attracted the attention of the wine world. Why do they do it ? How do they do it ? Give it a listen and hear for yourselves. mountaintideswine.com @mountaintides

Paul Giusto and Michael Sebastiani met back in the day, working together at Viansa Winery in Sonoma. In 2004, they decided to partner up and go out on their own, taking their vineyard connections, Michael’s wine making experience and Paul’s marketing skills. These guys are true ambassadors of Sonoma County, showcasing fruit from some of the most prized and historic vineyards. Their wines are like them, accessible and approachable. Paul joined the conversation from the back of his truck, parked in the MacLeod Vineyard on Lawndale Rd. in Kenwood. Check it out. [EP184] highway12winery.com

We welcome back Paul Mabray this week and he is joined by Erica Duecy, they are here this week to introduce us to their new company. Pix is a wine discovery platform that helps wine consumers find the right bottle: If you’re looking for a specific wine, the website will help guide you to it, or to a great alternative. If you’re exploring a region or variety, they will find benchmark bottles in the price range you specify. Pix locates bottles for in person pick-up or delivery. Set to launch in Spring 2021, Pix is a better way to find and buy wine. [EP183] @pixwine @pmabray @ericaduecy

Bart Hansen and Sam Coturri are officially announcing their “Spring Release” wines. Dane Cellars is releasing the 2018 Chenin Blanc from the Buddha’s Dharma vineyard and the 2018 Grenache from Rossi Ranch. Sam Coturri is releasing the “A Deux Tetes” series with a 2019 Grenache Rose from the Miller Vineyard in Napa, a 2018 Grenache from Rossi Ranch and the 2018 Grenache from Oakville Ranch. All the wines are currently available by visiting their websites. [EP182] winerysixteen600.com danecellars.com sonomasommwines.com

Shaina Harding earned her degree in Enology & Viticulture at UC Davis, working for Domaine Chandon, Clos Pegase and Flora Springs before taking the position of Associate Winemaker at HUNNICUTT Wines. Natalie Coughlin grew up outside of Napa in Vallejo, with a love of food and wine,before becoming one of the most decorated American Olympic swimmers in history. How did these two dynamic women meet and decide to start a small production label called Gaderian Wines? Listen to this week’s Podcast and get the whole story. [EP181] Gaderianwines.com Hunnicuttwines.com Nataliecoughlin.com

This week we are joined by Fred & Jamie Pererson of Peterson Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Producing wines for the past 30 years and like most wineries in the Valley, they make Zinfandel but it’s the other wines and their unique part of Dry Creek that are an important part of the story. Fred is an iconoclast with an old-world winemaking philosophy and a reverence for sustainable farming. The Peterson approach is to capture the essence of vintage and vineyard—a philosophy they call Zero Manipulation—with low tech, yet high touch winemaking techniques to produce wines of a place, wines with soul. Jamie was named assistant winemaker in the summer of 2002 and in 2006, they moved their production to Timber Crest Farms on Dry Creek Road, Jamie was given the overall responsibilities as winemaker. Together Fred and Jamie assess the grapes each evaluating how the weather, soil and site are interacting for the particular vintage. [EP180] These are exceptional wines made with thought, care and have a lot of soul. We hope you enjoy the show. Cheers www.petersonwinery.com @petersonwinery

There are stories about people who leave their jobs in corporate America to pursue their dreams of working in the wine business. This week we have Sean McBride from Crosby Romann Wines on the show. Sean, his wife Juliana and their twin daughters did just that. Their first commercial release from 2007 was made at a custom crush facility and they have been moving forward ever since. They purchased an abandoned commercial building in Napa, completed its construction to be their production facility and tasting room. Just last year they purchased a 5 acre vineyard in Carneros planted to Sauvignon Blanc and a plan to replant part of it to some Bordeaux varieties for their own Estate Blend. Hope you enjoy hearing their story and that you will check out their wines. [EP179] We are excited to be back and have a whole list of exciting shows for 2021 and can’t wait to share them with all of you. Cheers Crosby Romann Wines www.crosbyroamann.com @crosbyromann

The guys gather this week on the day after… No not New Years Day, the day after what can only be described unbelievable. We touched on a number of subjects, everything from what’s going on in the vineyard to vineyard designated gummies. We are looking forward to 2021 and already have an entire list of guests we can’t wait to introduce you to. Stay safe everyone and we look forward to a great year. Cheers!!! [EP178]

Laura joined the conversation while sitting on her lanai on Kauai sipping a Pellegrino in the morning sun talking about wanting to distill some rum. Ahh, the life of a winemaker right ?? Not exactly… Dig deeper and you’ll find that she is extremely thoughtful in her approach to the wine business, almost like she has one eye on a barrel of Merlot and the other eye up in space looking down at the planet. She catches the attention of the critics, named Winemaker to watch in 2017 and recently having her Carneros Merlot selected as 1 of 12 wines that defined 2020 by Esther Mobley, but that is not her goal. Laura wants to make soulful wines made with intention for everybody to enjoy. Reacting to climate change, she has moved up to Washington to make more acid-driven white wines, in a cooler environment with lower overhead. She is not a fan of social media or even the process of selling, Laura simply wants to create beautiful wines. You can purchase some of these wines through Benchmark in Napa. Happy New Year, thanks for supporting us this year, it is truly appreciated. [EP177] 1614 Sixth Street Berkeley, CA 94710 (510) 883-3189 laura @ inconnuwine.com

Fine Disregard Wine Cowas founded by Mike Schieffer and Kara Maraden – both came to the Napa Valley drawn to wine from previous careers, Mike from Texas and Kara from Pennsylvania. Mike graduated from American University in Washington, DC – worked for the Discovery Channel – exploring a possible career in law – but then was bitten by the wine bug. His introduction to wine making came through a Rugby coach who connected him with several wineries in Bordeaux – Mike worked in Bordeaux in 2008 and later in the Hunter Valley in Australia where he was introduced to Sémillon – an introduction that would later influence his decision to work with Sémillon in the Napa Valley. Kara graduated from Penn State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture and Master’s in Plant Pathology. Trying to determine a career – she initially helped managed large estate gardens in Pennsylvania, sold beer for a stint before moving to California in 2010. Initially seeking a job in a tasting room, she soon discovered viticulture was a better match to her interests and background. She has been a viticulturist for Clos Du Val, Regusci and Foley Family of Wines. [EP176] https://www.finedisregardwine.com

This week on the show we discuss the wines on our favorite year ending lists, Wine Spectator Top 100, Wine Spectator top 100 wines under $20, Esther Mobley’s 12 California wines that defined 2020 and Jeb Dunnuck top 100. We also discuss automated tractors, future guests, supply chain inequities and our personal favorite wines of 2020. Happy Holidays. [EP175]

Ray has had a life full of adventures, from traveling around Asia after graduating college to signing up to help build a sailboat and the being on the crew sailing around the South Pacific. Ray’s wine-making career began on various Sonoma Valley bottling lines in the late 1970’s. From there he worked at Kenwood Vineyards in the cellar for about 5 years. Ray also picked-up some Pinot Noir knowledge, by working a couple of harvests at Bouchaine Vineyards. In 1987 he began working as co winemaker for Laurel Glen Vineyards. When Ray first started, the wine world was a different place. He watched and learned as stainless steel tanks began replacing redwood tanks and concrete fermenters. He saw refrigeration become commonplace, and work in the vineyards and the wineries become more specific. He saw this willingness to change lead California to produce unique world class wines. Similarly, Ray developed as a winemaker first by following traditional procedures, then by following the more technical approach suggested by the University of Davis. Ultimately, Ray’s wine making style utilizes traditional, natural methods supported by technical knowledge. Ray is uniquely familiar with the difference between working with multiple vineyards to make one wine and using a single vineyard. In Argentina, the single vineyard concept is still new. Before Ray’s first visit, he knew very little about Argentina. Once he arrived, he found great joy in the people, the culture, the food, and of course–the Malbec. The wine industry reminded him of California when he first started out. At that time, there was an influx of new people and new ideas. Change for the better was in the air, grounded by an appreciation and respect for tradition. [EP174] https://adelantewine.com/

The Wine Makers celebrate their favorite holiday of the year, Repeal Day, with Tom Wark, wine publicist, wine blogger and tireless advocate for wine consumers, producers and retailers. Perhaps best known for his Fermentation Wine Blog, where he never shies away from controversy and frequently takes on the archaic “Three-Tiered System” of wine sales that has allowed wholesalers to keep a stranglehold on the market since the repeal of prohibition. Listen in as Wark dispatches on 30 years in the wine business, the current state of wine shipping laws, neo-prohibitionists and much more! [EP173]

This week we gathered together on Zoom the day before Thanksgiving to answer some listeners’ questions. As a request from a couple of listeners we will be asking for suggestions and questions that we can attempt to answer each week. But to always be on brand we recommend that you “Question the Answers”. If nothing else we will eventually get the right answers to your questions. Brian, Sam, Bart and John are truly grateful for all your support for the podcast from you listeners. We love doing the podcast but it doesn’t mean anything if no one listens. [EP172]

Bertus grew up in Cape Town, South Africa, and knew he wanted to be a winemaker at the age of 15. He went on to study Viticulture and Enology at the University of Stellenbosch, then working in the cellars at Deetlefs Estate, Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, Glen Carlou. In 2010 he came to California to work harvest in Napa Valley where he met Alli. But it wouldn’t be until 2012 when they had their first date at Bouchon and shared a bottle of 2008 Domaine Tempier. Whether it was his South African charm or the Mourvedre that swept Alli off her feet only she knows. In 2017 wanting to celebrate everything they hold dear: love, adventure, a sense of exploration, and one ton of Mourvedre from El Dorado County Belong Wine Co. was on its way. Bertus is also the winemaker at Tank Garage and James Cole Wines in Napa Valley, we hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we enjoyed his wines. www.belongwines.com @belongwineco @bertusvz

Just the name makes you wonder about the wines and who makes them. It all started with Syrah, funny how a lot of our winemaking guests have told us it started that way. Matt Nagy and Ben Brenner both found their way to California from the East Coast working at different wineries in Napa Valley. In 2013 they came together and started making Syah from the Las Madres Vineyard in Carneros. Now they are sourcing grapes from the Alder Spring vineyard in the farthest reaches of Mendocino County and down to Carmel Valley in Monterey County. All with the focus of sourcing the best grapes and staying out of the way. Minimal intervention is likely the best way to describe our winemaking style. “The idea of the winemaker is to be the reliable translator – to take what was made in the vineyard from sun, water, and soil and let it become the finest wine that it can be.” With that much time spent on the car I hope they are all caught up with all the episodes of The Winemakers Podcast. Check out this week’s show and Matt & Ben’s wines. [EP170] www.bnwines.com @bnwines [email protected]

This week we’re joined by a trio of young winemakers who are making their voices heard about the future of winemaking in Sonoma Valley. Jack Sporer wears many hats, he runs the operations of Sonoma’s newest custom crush facility, Magnolia Wine Services, he’s the assistant winemaker for Bucklin Vineyards and has his own label, Fresh Wine Co. Through Magnolia he works with Dan Marioni who got hooked on making wine the hard way at Coturri Winery and now makes zero/zero Natural wines under labels D. Marioni Wines and Sonoma Mountain Winery. Rounding out this next-gen trio is a friend of the program, Isabel Gassier, who is making A Deux Tetes and some Sixteen 600 wines at Magnolia. Three different winemaker and winemaking styles all come together under the same roof in pursuit of the best grapes, the best vineyard and a true expression of Sonoma Valley. The future looks bright! [EP169]

To me a Journeyman is someone who has spent their career learning from those around them, expanding their knowledge and then sharing with their peers. If we agree on that then Mike Drash is truly a Journeyman since his first position at DeLoach Winery then on to J winery in the Russian River Valley. Next moving to the Napa Valley working at Far Niente and as Winemaker at Luna Vineyard and his own brand Tallulah. But not until taking a winemaking position in Southern Minnesota that he had to take all that experience and apply it to varieties and grape growing conditions unlike anything he had worked with, another time to learn. 2020 finds Mike taking on another chance to learn as winemaker for Stone Tower Winery in Virginia, I wonder if Thomas Jefferson would have anything to share with Mike. Hope you enjoy this week’s show, but you can’t listen until you have voted. Cheers!!! www.stonetowerwinery.com @stonetowerwinery @winemakermiked

This week we virtually visit Anderson Valley and chat with the owners of Bee Hunter Wine. This region is typically known for Pinot Noir and racy whites but there is a lot more going on up there. One of our listeners turned us on to this “dynamic duo” and their funny way of talking up there. If you have never heard of Boontling, we will translate some of their favorite sayings. Super cool humans and talented winemakers. Do you know anyone that was born in a “fairy ring” ?? You will if you listen to the show, check it out… beehunterwine.com @beehunterwine

This week we wish John Myers a Happy Birthday and talk about female wine influencers, UV light for grapes and smoke taint. [EP166]

Rosalind Reynolds started her journey into wine at a young age, working on experimental techniques in the lab for Gallo. Her passion for making wine pushed her to “harvest hop” around the world, finally settling in as assistant winemaker to Pax Mahle in Sebastopol. Rosalind then started her own label, Emme Wines, making small batches with unique varietals in a crushpad that can only be described as an incubator for young, talented winemakers. Sam and Brian were literally left speechless when she described some of the projects she was working on. Wine drinkers, meet your future, young winemakers that are more than willing to think outside the box and bring you fresh, interesting wines. She just released her new wines this week, I encourage you to act quickly if you want to try them. emmewines.com [email protected] @rosalindsreynolds To attend the Voter Registration Party on Monday go to ashesdiamonds.com

This week we sit down with Jen Reichardt, owner-winemaker at Raft Wines. Jennifer was raised in Petaluma, born into a family of duck farmers. In 2016 she started her own wine label, focusing on unique varietals from interesting vineyards, maintaining a price point that was accessible to everyday wine drinkers. Her wines have also given her a platform to raise awareness about voting issues, supporting restaurant workers and obviously delicious duck consumption. In the midst of our current round of fries, we also discuss smoke taint and the issue of climate change. We encourage our listeners to follow Jennifer on Instagram and reach out to your House Representatives via the Capital switchboard to help us pass the Restaurants Act. Tune in, turn on, eat local, drink local… [EP164] Capitol Switchboard – 202-224-3121 drink.raft.wine @duckdaughterjj @raftwines @miracle.plum

With the sale of the Benziger Family Winery to The Wine Group in 2015, Joe and Mike Benziger have left as well as Tim Wallace. So who stepped up to continue in the family tradition? Jill Benziger took over Consumer, Trade and outreach Liaison and her sister Jamie, named Wine Enthusiast Magazines 40 under 40 tastemakers in 2019, took over as winemaker at Imagery. We sit down with the new generation to see how the transfer of power is going. The commitment to Biodynamic farming and the passion for making great wine is still there. So what’s different ? Give it a listen and find out. Benziger.com Imagerywinery.com @imagerywinery @benzigerwinery The Wine Makers is #9 on the list of Top 30 Wine Podcasts of 2020!

This week we celebrate one of our favorite holidays by sitting down with the two biggest champions of Grenache. The Haas & the Perrin Family changed the focus of the wine industry in California by introducing Rhone varietals to the New World. Sondra Bernstein from the girl & the fig forced wine lovers to step out of their comfort zones by only offering these wines at her hugely successful restaurant in Sonoma. These were not seen as smart business decisions at the time, but passion and focus sometimes override logic. Thank God, we hope you enjoy the show! [EP162] tablascreek.com thegirlandthefig.com @figgirl @tablascreek @MJ Towler @hospicedurhone