Brooks Winemaker Chris Williams carries on the mission of late owner Jimi Brooks by making a wide variety of fine wines in the Willamette Valley. Oregon is known for great wines and Chris loves the opportunity to experiment whenever possible. Brooks makes exceptional Pinot Noir as well as Reisling, Gewurztraminer, Viognier, Sparkling Riesling to name only a few. We spoke with Managing Director Janie Brooks Heuck back in 2013 (Podcast #82) but this time we met with Chris in person, at the winery for the first time.

Learn more by visiting www.brookswine.com

The magic of Willamette Valley wine is known as Pinot Noir. This beautiful part of Oregon produces some of the worlds finest Pinot’s. This was our first trip to the Willamette Valley to see the wineries first hand and to document the Pinot Noir Auction. In it’s 3^rd year this auction brought in $800,000. Previous to the auction many winemakers were concerned if their lots would do as well as 2017. They had nothing to worry about. The auction exceeded last year by 56%! We conducted brief interviews with 26 winemakers during the barrel tasting just before the auction. Willamette Valley Wine, this is where passion reigns!

Learn more by visiting www.willamettewines.com

This short video features David Adelsheim, Founder & Director of Adelsheim Winery in the Willamette Valley.  You can hear more by listening to

Podcast #270.

As everyone knows, Napa Valley is home to many wineries. But more important is the fact that a huge amount of those wineries are family owned. You see it in their name. In this case, we’ve known Chris Madrigal, owner of Madrigal Family Winery for several years but this is the first time we’ve done a sit down interview with him. And it was a great sit down. As you will see in the video, Chris sits with the Mountain range behind him on the deck outside the tasting room. Make an appointment to taste the wine and sit on the deck. You may never want to leave.

Learn more by visiting www.madrigalfamilywinery.com

Over the last few months we have been fortunate to record several interviews with Italian winemakers both here and in Italy. Italian wine continues to be a fascination. There is so much to learn and some incredible wines to taste. Once again we are in Chicago, this time to interview Armando Castagnedi of Tenuta Sant’Antonio. Armando has visited the US many times and brings with him some excellent wines that are also a great value. Like any wine, Italian wine is a continuing education. We hope you walk away growing your love for Italian wine.

Learn more by visiting www.tenutasantantonio.it