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

Welcome to this very special Podcast #543, the Sonoma County Barrel Auction 2023. After a bit of a break for Covid, the crowds returned to bid and enjoy the company of winemakers and vintners. I interviewed 21 participants to get their take on their auction lots and to let our listeners learn about the faces behind the wine. To learn more visit www.sonoma.com. Cheers!

Appearing in this video in no particular ordera;

-Greg Morthole/Winemaker, Davis Bynum

-Adolfo Hernandez/Owner & Winemaker, Monroy Wines

-Jill Davis/Hospitality Manager, DuMol Wines

-Theresa Heredia/Director of Winemaking, Gary Farrell Wines

-Ross Outon/Cellarmaster, Patz & Hall

-Justin Seidenfeld/Director of Winemaking, Rodney Strong

-Rachael Bordes/Assistant Winemaker, Ram’s Gate

-Reed Kinnett/Assistant Winemaker, Brooks Note Wines

-Alicia Sylvester/Winemaker, Banshee Wines

-Daralyn Christensen/Head High Wines

-Ryan Williams/District Mgr, Baca Wines

-Davis Anderson/Sales & Marketing, Crescere Wines

-Harry Hanson/Sr. Vice President, Gloria Ferrer Vineyards

-Mike Sullivan/Winemaker & Co-Owner, Benovia Winery

-Randall Watkins/Winemaker, Laurel Glen Vineyard

-Dana Epperson/Winemaker, Migration Wines

-Neil Bernardi/Vice President & General Mgr, Kosta Browne/Duckhorn

-Ellie Haun/Brand Ambassador, E & J Gallo

-Stuart Bryan/Vintner, Pride Mountain Winery

-Bob Cabrel/Winemaker & Owner, Bob Cabrel Wines

-Andy Robinson/Winemaker, Seghesio Wines

Signorello Estate Winery was lost to the 2017 Atlas Peak fire, but is now on its way back later this year. We’ve talked with Proprietor Ray Signorello many times but here we meet with his winemaker Priyanka French. Priyanka’s background is extensive having worked in wine around the globe as well as Napa Valley. This interview was recorded during Premiere Napa Valley week where Priyanka was deeply involved with the auction. I find her last name ironic so you need to listen to hear her amazing story.

You can also hear Priyanka on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Old Ladies”.

Learn more by visiting www.signorellovineyards.com

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Sarah Vandendriessche, Winemaker, Elizabeth Spencer Wines, Napa Valley, defining the phrase “Let it Hang!”. Learn more by visiting www.elizabethspencerwinery.com

If you take the time to look up the history of Napa Valley, you may be surprised. Wineries date back to the 1800’s and many of those structures still exist. Frank Family Vineyards features the Larkmead building which like many in the Valley, could tell fascination tales…if they could talk. I caught up with Frank Family Winemaker and General Manager Todd Graff to get up to date on what’s new at the winery. New history being created right now.

You can also hear Todd on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Goldilocks Vintage”

Learn more by visiting www.frankfamilyvineyards.com