Livermore Valley is just less than on hour east of San Francisco and stands as one of California’s finest winegrowing areas. Livermore Valley found international recognition in 1889 when it won America’s first international gold medal for wine at the Paris Exposition. It is my pleasure to one again visit this beautiful valley to chat with some fantastic winemakers. For this podcast I met up with Robbie Meyer, Winemaker at Murrieta’s Well Winery. Robbie has many vintages under his belt making wine at some of California’s best AVA’s. Robbie joined me along with his four legged pal Mando to talk about the legend of Joaquin Murrieta and how this property became famous.

You can also hear Robbie on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Stain the Palate”

Learn more by visiting www.murrietaswell.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Wine isn’t scary. Wine is fun and it’s healthy (heck Robert Mondavi lived to 94). So for this podcast I asked 24 winemakers and vintners during the week of the Sonoma County Barrel Auction “Why is wine so misunderstood”. Here is what they said:

Winemakers & Vintners in order of appearance:

Olivia Wright, Winemaker/Rodney Strong Vineyards

Mark Mazzoni, Owner & Winemaker/Zialena Winery

Reid Kinett, Asst Winemaker/Brooks Note Winery

Cassidy Block, Enologist/Three Sticks Wines

Greg Morthole, Winemaker/Davis Bynum

Gregory Roberts, Vintner/Brandon Gregory Estate

Tahlia Suggs, Marketing/Head High Wine

Dan Kosta, Founder & President/dk Wine Group

Theresa Heredia, Director of Winemaking/Gary Farrell Winery

Jay Sweet, Caretaker/Sweet Family Vineyards

Darrell Holbrook, Winemaker/Chalk Hill Winery

Andrea Card, Senior Winemaker/Francis Ford Coppola

Randall Watkins, Winemaker/Laurel Glen Vineyard

Alicia Sylvester, Winemaker/Banshee Wines

Katie MacMurray/MacMurray Ranch Vineyard

Chris Benziger/Benziger Family Winery

Jeff Pisoni, Winemaker/Fort Ross Vineyard

Hillary Sjolund, Director of Winemaking/Aperture Cellars

Lisa Amaroli, Winemaker/Benziger Family Wines

Steve Gower, Vintner/Crux Winery

Brian Callahan, Vintner/Crux Winery

George Christie, Founder & CEO/Wine Industry Network

Mia Mascarin, Vintner/Mascarin Family Winery

Marimar Torres, Vintner/Marimar Estate Vineyards

Learn more by visiting www.sonomawine.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

You can say without a doubt, Marimar Torres was born with wine in her blood. Originally from Spain, Marimar came from a winemaking family and continued that tradition here in Sonoma County while also bringing her daughter Christina into the business. Marimar’s hard work and extended education earned her the honor of Sonoma County Icon at the Sonoma County Barrel Auction this year. But simply put, Marimar is a joy to sit and chat with while her faithful Chico watches on.

You can also hear Marimar on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Pierce’s Disease”

Learn more by visiting www.marimarestate.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

Mia Mascarin is indeed, a woman of many hats. Being the face of a winery isn’t always sipping wine and glamour. Hard work, passion and dedication are just a few her special hats. Mascarin Family Wines is located in Sonoma County and finding the tasting room can be a bit of a challenge. But well worth the time. Mia and her father Ed have grown the winery from their 32 Winds label to now the Mascarin Family wines label. Family wineries are the best. Low production and huge focus.

You can also hear Mia on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Vigneron”

Learn more by visiting www.32windswine.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS

When home winemakers go pro, everything changes. Making great wine is one thing but selling it is entirely another. Steve Gower and Brian Callahan are founders and winemakers at Crux Winery in Geyserville and I caught up with them at their tasting room and cellar a few weeks ago. These guys have developed a loyal following by making great wine and therefore their customers become their friends. Wine always makes great friendships.

You can hear Steve on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Cluster Inverter”

Learn more by visiting www.cruxwinery.com

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Subscribe: RSS