From time to time I like to step into the retail component of the wine business especially when that retailer, is a sommelier. Jerel Hall, certified sommelier, along with his wife Rebecca Sue Button own Thelma Carol Wine Merchants in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I spoke with Jerel, at the Life Between the Vines studio just a few weeks ago to get a glimpse of how they compete in a crowded adult beverage market, especially in a well-known beer town.

You can also hear Jerel on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Lagar”.

Learn more by visiting www.thelmacarolwine.com

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Douglas Fletcher, Winemaker, Klipsun Vineyard, Red Mtn, Yakima Valley, defining the term “Corked Wine”. Learn more by visiting www.klipsun.com

Several of our Podcasts have focused the history of wine growing regions. For many of our listeners, that history is fascinating. Napa Valley wineries date back to the late 1800’s and in fact the Schramsberg Vineyards property goes back to the 1860’s. Fred Zammataro is COO, CFO and Executive Vice President at the winery and is as passionate about wine as are many winemakers. Find a place in the sun with Fred.

You can also hear Fred on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Elegance”.

Learn more by visiting www.schramsberg.com

This week on our Vino Lingo Video #116 we feature Pam Starr, Proprietor & Founding Winemaker, Crocker & Starr, Napa Valley, defining the term “Garrigue”. Learn more by visiting www.crockerstarr.com

Many people visit Napa Valley and never get to see the “real” Napa Valley. Several wineries scattered around the Valley represent winemaking at it its very best. These wineries are humble, not super fancy and make the most kick-ass wine you’d ever want to drink. Smith-Madrone on Spring Mountain is one of those wineries. Dating back to the early seventies, Stu and his brother Charlie make some of the best wine you’ll ever taste. I never tire of talking with Stu. I caught up with him at his home in St. Helena to dig a little deeper into the history of Smith-Madrone. This history goes very deep.

You can also hear Stu on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Fire Safe Farming”.

Learn more by visiting www.smithmadrone.com