In this episode, we journey with Jesse Fox, a former small-town chef who followed his passion all the way to becoming a master winemaker in Napa Valley. From his humble beginnings in his mother's kitchen to the hallowed educational halls of Cornell and the culinary scenes of Paris and New York, Jesse's story is one of transformation and tenacity. Listeners will be treated to behind-the-scenes insights into the worlds of both high-end cuisine and meticulous winemaking, learning about the parallels between crafting a perfect dish and a perfect wine. Now at Sequoia Grove, Jesse reflects on the vi ..read more

Listen in for the secrets of winemaking and the stories behind the vines in our latest episode with Rusell Bevan of Bevan Cellars and Adversity Cellars. Russell recounts his journey into the heart of the industry, proving that passion and self-education can create extraordinary success. In this episode, we discuss the meticulous processes defining today's top wines, from the artful sorting of Oakville grapes to the strategic application of glycol-cooled tanks and pulse air systems. We get into climate change, the craftsmanship required in barrel aging, the role of migrant workers in the fabric ..read more

In this episode, Avery Heelan, the talented winemaker at Larkmead Vineyards, shares her personal voyage from the pharmaceutical industry to the heart of Napa Valley's viticulture scene. Listen in as she recounts the challenges and growth she experienced while transitioning to a career that aligns with her passion. Our conversation takes a worldly twist as we recount the invaluable lessons learned from winemaking internships across the globe. Avery brings her experiences full circle, detailing the sustainable practices and innovative techniques she now employs at Larkmead Vineyards. We discuss ..read more

Join me as I bring back viticulturist Fritz Westover to unpack questions from our dedicated Inside Winemaking community. Listen in as we discuss the intricacies of vineyard management, sustaining vineyard health and productivity over time, and the crucial steps involved in preparing a vineyard for replanting, with a particular focus on the nuances of soil health.  Whether you're looking to increase your planting density or enhance soil fertility with innovative practices like biochar, this episode provides guidance for growers facing these universal challenges. We also answer questions on ..read more

Join us as we explore the life of Josh Phelps, a seasoned player in the wine industry, from his roots in restaurant work to the strategic cultivation of his winemaking empire. Listen in as Josh recounts his time at Kimberly Jones Selections where he honed his skills in sales and faced the tough skin-building challenge of rejection, and shares how he scaled his initial 100-case winemaking venture to an impressive 40,000. Discover how Josh and his father work together to manage their wine brands while remaining authentic. Get a glimpse into their diverse wine projects, such as Steady State and S ..read more

I recently sat down with Shawn Johnson of Amulet Estate, who shared the revolution in winemaking processes brought by innovative software and fermentation techniques. His story intertwines with mine as I recall my years learning the winemaking craft from mentors like Mark Harold and the brilliant minds at Nicholson Ranch. Come with us behind the scenes of Amulet Winery, where attention to detail and a passion for quality over quantity yield wines that evoke the land and the artists who shape them. From fermentation to the precision required in blending, you'll get a rare glimpse into the winem ..read more

Listen in as I sit down with Dan Limoges, a winemaker and grape grower from North Georgia who has truly immersed himself in the craft. Dan shares the narrative of his transition from Iowa to the wine-laden landscapes of Georgia, where he and his wife have established Limoges Cellars. His passion for the vine-to-bottle process is evident as we talk about their hands-on approach to developing their vineyard and winery. In this conversation, we uncover the challenges of starting a vineyard in the unique climate and geography of North Georgia. Discover the story behind the Limoges’ land search, th ..read more

Join the conversation with viticulturist Fritz Westover and discover the alchemy of grape growing in climates that challenge even the most seasoned growers. From the humble Pennsylvania plant lover to an acclaimed viticulturist, Fritz unpacks his storied journey and the problems faced by vineyards far from Napa Valley. Learn how Fritz helps vineyards weave through the complexities like market saturation and extreme weather while also considering how variety selection can make or break the success of a vintage. Our discourse is a blend of wisdom and practical tips — like combatting hail with si ..read more

Collin Cranor and Craig Ploof - Grape Culture In this episode, Colin and Craig discuss their journey from Livermore Valley to establishing their own winery in Napa Valley. They explain their focus on single-vineyard wines and the importance of site-driven winemaking. Our discussion included the role of data and technology in their winemaking process, including the use of Wine X-Ray and the Pulsair system for cap management. They express their excitement about being part of the Napa Valley wine community and the potential for growth and success in the region. Grape Culture - Napa Valley Not ..read more

This episode features Kira Ballotta, owner and winemaker for the two brands celebrating past and present trailblazing women.  If a wine brand was a historical fiction novel, Olivia Brion would be the main character in that novel. Each bottle of wine tells a different “chapter” of her story. Life being somewhat more surprising than fiction, the stories of Olivia Brion are inspired by the full lives of real trailblazing women from history.  Cantadora is the natural evolution of Olivia Brion. Where Olivia Brion focuses on stories from history, Cantadora features women from today, giving ..read more