I had the chance to interview Bryan Zupon, the estate manager at Roy Estate, a distinguished Napa winery recognized for its seamless integration of Old World and New World winemaking methods. Roy Estate has garnered praise for introducing the concept of Bordeaux terroir to California, a distinction credited to the distinctive landscape shaped by a creek dividing the property. This unique feature creates varied environments for grape cultivation, mirroring the topography found in France.   Within those 17 acres, a compelling argument can be made for the profound influence of ..read more

    Recently, I’ve had the chance to reconnect with winemakers from past columns, and it’s truly impressive to witness not only the realization but also the notable surpassing of goals discussed in earlier interviews. Anne Bousquet, co-owner of Domaine Bousquet, stands out as a prime example from Argentina. Over the last 25 years, Domaine Bousquet has epitomized value-oriented, biodynamic, and organic winemaking, successfully setting, and achieving measurable and ambitious objectives.   When I talked to Anne two years ago, she set a significant goal called “Cultivating for a Bet ..read more

      “Sustainability” and “organic” have become prominent marketing buzzwords in the wine industry. Texas, until recently, reflected this trend without established statewide standards or a measurable framework. The state needed to contemplate the sustainable production of grapes and wine, seeking to establish a true sense of place. But until recently, there wasn’t an organized effort to do so.   My interest was immediately sparked when I discovered Associate Professor Dr. Colleen C. Myles’ collaborative work with Ab Astris Winery, Pedernales Cellars, and William Chris Wine ..read more

    Last year, I tasted Armenian wine for the first time and was captivated. Armenia, the cradle of wine with the world’s oldest wine production facility, had escaped my notice. This reaffirmed that wine continually surprises those who seek new experiences.   Aimee Keushgerian, the Founder of Zulal Wines; Courtesy of Zulal Wines   In my first encounter, I spoke with Aimee Keushguerian, the Founder of Zulal Wines, who shared her father’s role as an early pioneer of Armenian wine and her inspiration to follow in his footsteps.     Vale Keushguerian, Winemaker for K ..read more

      Writing a blog for over a decade offers a unique perspective on witnessing change – be it in the vineyards, the people, the wines, or the regions. Seven years ago, I had the privilege of sitting down with winemaker Santiago Mayorga of Nieto Senetiner, who had just completed his first year in this relatively new role.   While the core story of Nieto Senetiner Winery is a tale of tradition, passion, and a commitment to producing exceptional wines, it was fun to catch up with Santiago to talk about several changes that have happened since we first met.     &nbs ..read more

    When delving into the world of Australian winemaking, one name consistently rises to the top: John Duval. Hailing from a lineage deeply entrenched in the wine-growing industry, John is the first winemaker in a family that grew grapes for five generations. His roots trace back to a historic farm in South Australia, established in the 19th century in Morphett Vale, located to the south of Adelaide. For well over a century, this family farm flourished not only for growing grapes but also for sheep farming.   The Duval family, with their commitment to viticulture, provided Penfo ..read more

      Understanding Italian wines can be both a wonderful adventure and a perplexing journey for wine lovers. With a vast array of regions, grape varieties, and winemaking traditions, Italy offers a detailed range of flavors and styles that can be as rich and diverse as its history. Throw in the labeling and classifications and it becomes quite the matrix to navigate. The world of Italian wine is a puzzle, where each bottle conceals a story woven from the very essence of the land, culture, and the skilled winemakers who craft it.     Master Sommelier Sara Tosti live br ..read more

      If you’ve been keeping up with my career journey, you’re aware that I’ve maintained a clear boundary between my personal life (centered around my passion for wine) and my professional endeavors throughout the entirety of this blog. Over six years ago, after dedicating 26 years to the world of corporate B2B marketing, I made the decision to embark on a new path by establishing my own consulting firm. This change was meant to allow me to strike a balance between my work commitments and spend more quality time with my family, all while seizing the incredible opportunities to ..read more

      I was always aware of the significance of clones in the world of Pinot Noir, but little did I know that Cabernet Sauvignon had a singular tale to tell. This week, I had the unique opportunity to delve into the world of single-clone Cabernets, exploring the balance between nature and nurture in crafting these wines. The University of California, Davis (UC Davis), played a major role in the development of these clones. Its Department of Viticulture and Enology began researching and selecting grapevine clones in the mid-20th century. UC Davis developed the famous Clone 7. At ..read more

    As I delve deeper into the world of Portuguese wines, I’m continually impressed by the unwavering dedication of a select group of wine families who embarked on a mission to redefine the perception of their region’s winemaking capabilities. Their relentless efforts have given rise to a harmonious blend of quality, diversity, and value-driven wines that extend far beyond the realm of traditional Port.   These visionary families have not only contributed to establishing Portugal as a respected wine-producing nation but have also been instrumental in showcasing the nation’s rich ..read more