Inside Winemaking - the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine
Inside Winemaking is a podcast that explores the art and science of growing grapes and crafting wine. Hosted by Napa Valley winemaker Jim Duane, it features interviews with top winemakers, grape-growers, and technical wine professionals. Each episode delves into their backgrounds and expertise, sharing stories and insights about winemaking. The podcast aims to be a comprehensive resource for both wine enthusiasts and industry professionals.
Episodes
221: JJ Naab - L'Amitié Wines
In this episode I talk with John "JJ" Julius Naab, assistant winemaker at Matthiasson Wines and founder of Lamitié Wines, about his unconventional path from Chicago brokerage and endurance sports into the wine world. JJ traces his move from finance to Santa Barbara hospitality and DTC sales at Brewer-Clifton and the moment he realized he wanted to make his own wine. We dig into his decision to com
220: Jen Williams - Arrow and Branch
Jennifer Williams joins Jim to talk about her work as a contract winemaker, leading Arrow & Branch and co-owning Zeitgeist Cellars with her husband, Mark Porembsky. They dig into the design and philosophy of the new Arrow & Branch custom crush facility in Oak Knoll—its flexible tank mix, "white glove" service model, and how it's built to handle challenging vintages and a range of client brands. Je
219: Elias Fernandez - Shafer Vineyards
This episode features a conversation with Elias Fernandez, longtime winemaker at Shafer Vineyards in Napa Valley. Fernandez, who was raised by migrant farm workers in the Napa Valley, traces his path from studying enology at UC Davis to joining Shafer in 1984, where he became winemaker in 1994. He discusses the winery's evolution under John and Doug Shafer, its shift toward estate-only vineyards w
218: The Barrel Management Episode
In this solo episode of Inside Winemaking, Jim tackles one of the questions he gets most often: how to manage empty barrels. Working through the full lifecycle of a barrel, Jim covers receiving and inspecting new barrels on arrival, keeping them hydrated before harvest (his go-to: shrink-wrap them tight and lock the moisture in), and recovering barrels that have dried out. He walks through swellin
217: Alison Rodriguez - Silverado Vineyards
Recorded high above the valley floor in Silverado's Stags Leap estate, this episode with winemaker Alison Rodriguez dives into both Napa viticulture and her global winemaking journey. Alison unpacks the 2025 growing season—early bud break, late rains, and the shadow of El Niño—while describing the constant tension between picking early for safety and waiting for full ripeness in a fire-prone era.
216: Meredith Sarboraria - Livermore Valley and Valle de Guadalupe
This episode features Livermore Valley winemaker and consultant Meredith Sarboraria for a wide-ranging conversation recorded on location in the heart of the appellation. A proud self-described "Livermoron," Meredith traces her path from tasting room work in the late 1990s to earning her Viticulture and Enology degree at Las Positas College and building her consulting business, Barrel Down Wine Ser
215: Elizabeth Vianna - Chimney Rock Winery
In this episode Jim Duane sits down with Elizabeth Vianna to explore her unconventional path from pre-med student to one of Napa Valley's most respected Cabernet Sauvignon producers. Elizabeth shares how a late discovery of wine in New York City led her to University of California, Davis, and ultimately to a long-term career rooted in estate winemaking in the Stags Leap District. The conversation
214: Patrick Riggs - Jack Neal & Son Vineyard Managment
In this episode, viticulturist Patrick Riggs dives deep into the realities of organic farming in Napa Valley. We unpack what it takes to convert vineyards from conventional to organic, from soil testing and rethinking fertilizer programs to choosing equipment for under‑vine weed control and managing more volatile, season‑driven budgets. Patrick explains how tools and machinery for cultivation have
213: James Molesworth - Wine Spectator
This Jim sits down with James Molesworth, Senior Editor for The Wine Spectator, to trace James's unconventional path into wine—from a Francophile, academic household in Queens to blind-tasting Burgundy in a tiny West Village cellar, and eventually orchestrating tastings and writing for one of the most influential wine publications in the world. James reflects on formative mentors, the discipline a
212: Matteo Abreu - David Abreu Vineyard Management
In this episode of Inside Winemaking, Jim Duane sits down with Matteo Abreu, fifth-generation Napa Valley farmer and part of the Abreu vineyard management family, to explore what it means to grow and farm at the highest level in one of the world's most demanding wine regions. Matteo shares his path into the family business, the realities of multi-generational vineyard management, and how Abreu app
211: Heat and Cold Stabilization of wines with Leigh Meyering from MyEnologist
In this episode of Inside Winemaking, Jim Duane speaks with Leigh Meyering of MyEnologist about the practical and analytical aspects of heat and cold stability in wine. The discussion focuses on how and why protein haze and tartrate instability occur, with an emphasis on white and rosé wines. Leigh explains the principles behind heat stability testing, protein denaturation, and the use of bentonit
210: Tommaso Martignon - Seve Consulting
This episode features Tommaso, a vineyard consultant whose career spans from Venice and Montalcino to Burgundy, Bordeaux, and other renowned wine regions. Tommaso discusses his background in viticulture, the technical aspects of working in different European vineyards, and how he manages various grape varieties and regional challenges. The conversation highlights real-world issues such as vineyard
209: Andrea Card - Francis Ford Coppola Winery
In this episode, Andrea shares her unique journey to becoming the Director of Winemaking at Francis Ford Coppola Winery. Starting her career without the initial intention of entering winemaking, she found her path through roles in the laboratory, cellar, and bottling lines, developing a passion for the hands-on aspects of the craft. Andrea highlights the value of practical experience, local educat
208 Jason Moulton - Whitehall Lane Winery
This episode features an in-depth discussion about winemaking at Whitehall as the team nears the end of the 2025 harvest season. The episode begins with insights into the progression of the harvest, focusing on the completion of most varietals and the ongoing work with late-harvest selections like Semillon. Our conversation runs the gamut of technical issues such as stabulation of Sauvignon blanc
207: Benjamin Leachman - Walsh Vineyards Management and Vidi Vitis
Ben is a seasoned viticulturist and winemaker currently serving as the Director of Viticulture and Winemaker at Large at Walsh Vineyards Management, overseeing approximately 1,000 acres in Napa and Sonoma. His journey in the wine industry began in 2004 after graduating with a biochemistry degree, starting at RH Phillips and later working with Jim at Seavey Vineyard. At Walsh Vineyards Management,
206: Esther Mobley - San Francisco Chronicle
Join me as I sit down with Esther Mobley, Senior Wine Critic for the San Francisco Chronicle. Esther shares her fascinating journey from an English major to a wine journalist, starting with a harvest internship in Napa Valley and subsequently working in Mendoza, Argentina. Her career path led her through Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator before landing at the Chronicle in 2015, where she has sinc
205: Rich DeScenzo - ETS Labs
Rich DeScenzo, the Microbiology Group Leader at ETS Labs, came on this episode to discuss the science of wine microbiology and its impact on winemaking. We talked about the roles of yeast and bacteria, such as Brettanomyces, in wine quality and stability. The episode explores the evolution of microbial testing, highlighting advanced techniques like Scorpion PCR technology, which enhances microbial
204: Chris Morisoli - Morisoli Vineyard
Join us today as we have a conversation with Chris Morisoli from Morisoli Vineyard. Chris is a fifth-generation farmer from Morisoli Vineyard in Napa Valley and he shares his journey from serving as a helicopter pilot and volunteer fireman to managing his family's historic vineyard. The conversation highlights the vineyard's evolution, the challenges of maintaining old vines, and the importance o
203: Ashley Hepworth, Molly Hill, and Sally Blum - Abloom Wines
Discover the art and passion behind Abloom, a distinctive rosé wine brand crafted by winemakers Molly Hill, Ashley Hepworth, and Sally Blum. This episode discusses their experiences from UC Davis to Napa Valley, highlighting their unique collaboration and the meticulous process of creating a high-quality rosé. They share about their use of fermentation techniques and the thoughtful design element
202: Rosemary Cakebread - Gallica Wine
Join us today as we explore the fascinating journey of renowned winemaker Rosemary Cakebread, whose career spans continents and decades. We discuss her early life in Japan, her education at UC Davis, and her groundbreaking work at Inglenook Winery. Rosemary shares information on dry farming and crafting varietals like Albariño and Petite Sirah, revealing the intricacies of her winemaking process.
201: Morgan Twain-Peterson - Bedrock Wine Co.
Join us this week to hear from Morgan Twain-Peterson, Master of Wine, owner and winemaker at Bedrock Wine Co. Influenced by his father, the founder of Ravenswood Winery, Morgan's path is enriched by his experiences in the European vineyards. Listen in for innovative methods in sustainable viticulture, including sap testing for vine nutrient needs and the role of regenerative agriculture. Explore
200: Ross Cobb - Cobb Wines
Located on the true Sonoma Coast, Ross Cobb of Cobb Wines tackles the intricate challenges of vineyard management and unpredictable weather. Ross farms his family's Coastland Vineyard, planted to Pinot Noir, one of the oldest plantings of Pinot in Sonoma County. Our discussion ran the gamut between farming and Ross' experiments in the cellar. Ross had thoughtful insights regarding with whole clu
199: Rob Perman - Free Flow
In this episode, we welcome Rob Perman, Vice President of Operations at Free Flow Wines, to share the world of wine kegging. We discuss the technical aspects of wine kegging, such as sanitation, oxygen management, and logistics, and how Free Flow Wines has grown from a small operation to a leader in custom kegging services. Rob explains the benefits of wine on tap for restaurants, including susta
198: Cole Ballentine - William Cole Vineyards
Explore the rich history and innovative future of Napa Valley winemaking in this episode with Cole Ballentine from William Cole Vineyards. As a fifth-generation winemaker, Cole discusses his family's path of changing a ghost winery into a thriving vineyard, emphasizing the blend of tradition and modernity in their craft. Learn about the strategic evolution of their brand, the importance of storyte
197: Jack Sporer - Fresh Wine Co
Join us on an exploration into the realm of organic and natural winemaking with Jack Sporer, the visionary behind Fresh Wine Co. and Magnolia Wine Services. Learn how his upbringing in a family vineyard in Sonoma Valley blossomed into a passion for organic viticulture and thoughtful intervention methods. Jack discusses the challenges and successes of transitioning to regenerative farming and revea
196: Kent Callaghan - Callaghan Vineyards
Discover the untapped potential of Arizona winemaking as Kent Callaghan, a pioneer in the Sonoita Valley, shares his approach to crafting exceptional wines in a region south of Tucson. In this episode, Kent explores the distinct challenges of Arizona's high-altitude landscapes, from managing diverse grape varieties to navigating the state's unpredictable climate. Gain perspectives into sustaina
195: Todd Bostock - Dos Cabezas WineWorks
Discover the innovative world of Arizona winemaking through the eyes of Todd Bostock from Dos Cabezas WineWorks. Todd shares his entry into the winemaking industry, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of crafting wines in the Sonoita Valley's diverse climates and soils. We discuss the impact of regional diversity on grape varieties and the techniques being used, such as co-fermenting gra
194: Stu Ake - The Wine Foundry
Stu Ake from The Wine Foundry joins us to discuss the art of personalized custom-crush winemaking. Stu shares his journey into winemaking, which began at Crush Pad in San Francisco. The episode covers the opportunites that The Wine Foundry provides, the logistics and creativity involved in crafting small batches of wine, emphasizing how younger generations are redefining wine conventions. Liste
193: Noah Chichester - Wines of Galicia
In this episode, Noah Chichester, a specialist in Galician wines, guides us through the vineyards of Galicia, Spain. Raised in Potsdam, NY, Noah shares how his passion for Galician wines was sparked by his Spanish-influenced upbringing. The discussion covers the distinct grape varieties of Galicia, such as Albariño and Godello, and the unique challenges winemakers face in the region's Atlantic cli
192: Sarah Placella - Root Applied Sciences
In this episode, we have the honor of having a conversation with Sarah Placella, founder of Root Applied Sciences, to explore sustainable vineyard management through innovative technologies. We discuss the role of spore traps in detecting powdery mildew, enabling grape growers to reduce chemical use while maintaining vineyard health. The episode discusses advancements in air sampling techniques,
191: Kurtis Ogasawara - Robert Mondavi Winery
In this episode, we have a conversation with Kurtis Ogasawara, the Director of Winemaking at Robert Mondavi Winery. Kurtis shares his expertise into the challenges and successes of managing such a prestigious winery in Napa Valley. The discussion covers the winery's rich history, including the legacy of Robert Mondavi. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the art of blending, extended ma
190: Guillaume Maugeais - Oak Trees, Barrels, and Tanks
This episode features a conversation with Guillaume Maugeais, a seasoned barrel cooper and winemaker with a diverse background in the global wine industry. Guillaume shares his journey from becoming a copper in Burgundy to exploring winemaking across continents, including his experiences in Cognac, New Zealand, Australia and California. We discuss the role of oak in winemaking, how Guillaume evalu
189: Neza Skrt - Aiurri Winery
In this episode, we explore the journey of Neza Skrt, a pioneering winemaker who transitioned from biotechnology in Slovenia to leading innovative winemaking practices in La Rioja, Spain. At the forefront of the Aiurri Winery, Skrt shares her insights on blending tradition with modern techniques, emphasizing sustainable viticulture amidst the challenges of climate change. We discuss vineyard manag
188: Winemaking Tools
This episode is dedicated to some cellar Q&A and a highlight covering three key winemaking tools. Listeners will learn about managing sulfur consistency, dissolved oxygen, and free SO2 levels to maintain wine quality. The episode highlights essential winemaking tools, such as the densitometer and optical sorter, which aid fermentation tracking and optimize grape sorting. Additionally, we discuss t
187: Germán di Cesare - Bodega Trivento
In this episode, Germán di Cesare from Bodega Trivento shares his journey in Argentinian winemaking, focusing on innovations like the creation of white Malbec. Growing up in Mendoza, Germán's passion for wine was influenced by local traditions and his family's vineyard roots. He discusses the unique climate challenges in Mendoza, the importance of vineyard management, and the collaborative efforts
186: Núria Artiaga - Recaredo
In this episode, we explore the innovative and traditional aspects of sparkling wine production with guest Núria Artiaga. Núria, a winemaker in Spain's Penedès region, shares her journey into the unique grape varieties and winemaking philosophies at Recaredo. The episode goes into the Spanish grapes used to make Cava, the transition to Brut Nature, the significance of organic agriculture, and the
185: Kelli White - Wine Confident
Kelli White, a renowned wine educator and author, shares her expertise on wine education and industry innovations in this episode. She discusses her journey as a sommelier at PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena and her book "Wine Confident." The conversation explores various topics, including the complexities of the wine industry, the role of sommeliers, sustainable vineyard practices, and the importan
184: Matt Courtney - Arista Winery and Ferren Wines
In this episode, expert winemaker Matt Courtney discusses the intersection of tradition and technology in California winemaking. Matt recounts his journey from casual restaurant work to crafting high-end wines with a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The conversation explores the Burgundian influence on California wines, the distinct characteristics of Sonoma County's vineyards, and the creation
183: Harvest Chemistry Panels
This episode is a discussion of juice and wine chemistries focusing on harvest winemaking. Chemistries covered include the essential elements like pH, titratable acidity, Nitrogen, sugars, and ethanol. Actual chemistry panels are discussed in great detail with the goal of making these technical concepts accessible for casual winemakers and professionals. The episode also covers wine analysis
182: Ten Years of Inside Winemaking
This episode is very special because it's the 10-year anniversary episode of Inside Winemaking! I'm deeply grateful for the support from you — the listeners, as well as the incredible guests and generous sponsors who have been with me throughout this decade. Over the course of 182 episodes, featuring more than 175 amazing guests, we've had the privilege to explore the world of winemaking together.
181: Shawn DeMartino - Sentinel Vine Manager
In this episode, winemaker Shawn DeMartino shares his journey from Argentina to becoming a winemaker in Napa Valley. He discusses his experiences working with renowned mentors and the significance of hands-on learning in winemaking. Shawn also highlights his innovative work building the Sentinel Vine Manager app, a program leveraging high fidelity geospatial technology to monitor vineyard health a
180: Dan Person - Carboniste
Dan Person of Carboniste discusses the art and science of sparkling winemaking in this episode. The conversation covers technical aspects of winemaking, including sugar and CO2 pressure management in Pet-nat production, the impact of acidity and pH on wine quality, and the evolution of American sparkling wines. Dan also talks about the unique packaging and branding of Carboniste, aiming to bring a
179: Jon-Michial Carter - Carter Family Wines
In this episode, winemaker Jon-Michial Carter shares first-hand knowledge on building a successful boutique winery, emphasizing the importance of direct-to-consumer (D2C) sales and personal relationships with club members. Jon-Michial discusses his unique business model, which focuses on maintaining quality and personal touches by capping production at 3,000 cases and 1,000 club members. The conv
178: Peter Devison - Devison Vintners
In this episode, we have a conversation with Peter Devison, the winemaker behind Devison Vintners, as he shares how he moved from Vancouver's dining scene to becoming a winemaker in Washington. Peter discusses his winemaking education in New Zealand and the experience that led him to Washington. He explores the challenges and successes of launching his own label and working as a consultant for oth
177: Britt Richards - Head High Wines
In this episode, we discuss contemporary winemaking with insights from industry pioneer Britt Richards. Britt Richards of Head High Wines shares her inspiring journey from early influences to hands-on experiences at Fresno State and various esteemed vineyards, highlighting the balance of science and art in crafting exceptional wines. We explore the complexities of producing high-quality Chardonnay
176: Greg La Follette - Marchelle Wines
In this episode, we have a conversation with Greg La Follette of Marchelle Wines. We discuss Greg's extraordinary journey from nearly becoming a professional bagpiper and priest to becoming a celebrated winemaker renowned for his expertise in mouthfeel and Burgundian techniques. Listeners will hear the importance of patience, community support, and strategic winemaking practices. Greg also shares
175: James McCeney - Patz & Hall Winery
Join me today for a look into the world of winemaking at Patz & Hall Winery in Sonoma, where tradition harmonizes with cutting-edge technology. My conversation with Patz & Hall winemaker James McCeney offers a deep dive into the meticulous cleanliness and mental preparation required for the winemaking process. Discover how innovative techniques, such as reduced frequency of racking, and advanced t
174: Vincent Fritzsche - Vincent Wine Company
In this episode, we sit down with Vincent Fritzsche of Vincent Wine Company. Vincent shares his journey from California to Oregon, where he has built a unique one-man operation in the Willamette Valley, focusing on crafting high-quality Pinot Noir. Our conversation spans a range of topics, including the impact of mentorship and online wine communities, the balance of technical knowledge and passio
173: Guillaume Large - Resonance Wines
In this episode, Guillaume Large from Resonance Winery takes us on an oenological journey to discover the Willamette Valley in Oregon, where tradition and modernity. Sharing his experience from his early days in Burgundy to the making of wines in the United States, Guillaume discusses the evolution of winemaking methods and the search for balance between innovation and heritage. The episode offer
172: Viticulture Q&A II with Fritz Westover
In this episode, we have a conversation with viticulture specialist Fritz Westover. He shares his knowledge of vineyard management, focusing on cane pruning and shoot management methods. We discuss the significance of fruit drop timing, approaches to prevent powdery mildew and the advantages of maintaining a sustainable vineyard floor. We also go over the emerging wine regions of the U.S., the ch
171: Jesse Fox - Sequoia Grove Winery
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 insi
170: Russell Bevan – Bevan Cellars and Adversity Cellars
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 Oakv
169: Avery Heelan - Larkmead Vineyards
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
168: Viticulture Q&A with Fritz Westover
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 increas
167: Josh Phelps - Grounded Wine Co
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 t
166: Shawn Johnson - Amulet Estate
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 a
165: Dan Limoges - Limoges Cellars
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
164: Fritz Westover - Westover Vineyard Advising and Virtual Viticulture Academy
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 satu
163: Pavle Milic – Los Milics Vineyard and Winery
In this episode, Pavle Milic takes us through a journey of his life, passions, and entrepreneurial spirit. Starting with his roots in Colombia and transition to the hospitality scene in New York, Milic has carved out a unique niche in the culinary and wine world in Arizona. The discussion navigates through the landscapes of Colombia and the burgeoning wine industry of Arizona, underscoring the imp
162: Collin Cranor and Craig Ploof - Grape Culture
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
161: Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse - Birdhorse Wines
This episode features Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse, who, together comprise Birdhorse Wines. Our conversation covers their winemaking backgrounds, the creation of the Birdhorse brand, the vineyards they have partnered with, oxidative white winemaking, novel winemaking techniques, and the hustle of building a brand with full-time jobs. Birdhorse Wines Plasticbags.com San Francisco Chronicle
160: Kira Ballotta - Olivia Brion and Cantadora
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
159: Amy Whiteford and Dave Phinney - Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard
This episode features Amy Whiteford and Dave Phinney in a conversation about the development of the Our Lady of Guadalupe Vineyard in the Santa Rita Hills and Santa Barbara County AVA. Both Amy and Dave have independently been on the podcast before Amy back in 2014 and 2016. Our conversation ranges from their shared work background, the reasons for developing a vineyard in Santa Rita Hills, the ch
158: Mike Nuñez - Nuñez Vineyard Management
Mike NuÑez - NuÑez Vineyard Management This episode features Mike Nuñez, who owns and operates Nuñez Vineyard Management, a farm labor contractor and vineyard development specialist based in Napa Valley. Mike and I discuss the barn we made wine together in back in 2004, Mike's career path, the services that his company manages, and then an in-depth outline of how Mike plans every critical step in
157: Ben Matthews - Terratorium Riesling
This episode features the return of Ben Matthews, who was a part of Episode 83 in 2018, and went on to found Terratorium, which is the focal point of conversation for this episode. Ben has been a long-time podcast listener and he and I met when he came out to Napa for the Deep Winemaking (wine camp) in 2017. A year later Ben came back to Napa to work harvest with me at Seavey Vineyard. Upon return
156: Greg Brewer - Brewer-Clifton, Datom, and Ex Post Facto
Greg Brewer - Brewer-Clifton, Datom, and Ex Post facto This episode features Greg Brewer, founder and winemaker at Brewer-Clifton, which is a winery in Santa Barbara producing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Our conversation runs the gamut from Greg's background, his experience working with grapes from Santa Rita Hills, harvest and processing logistics, my jealousy for Santa Rita's huge picking window,
155: Megan Gunderson - Hall Wines
This episode features Megan Gunderson, Vice President of Winemaking for Hall Wines. Megan oversees the production of wines for the Hall, WALT, and BACA brands. Our conversation ranges from Megan's professional background, the stories Hall wines from Napa, the WALT wines from Oregon to Sta Rita Hills, the BACA Zinfandel wines, production logistics, partnerships with grapegrowers, fermentation tank
154: Scott McLeod - WineXRay
This episode features Scott McLeod, winemaker, and one of the founders of WineXRay. Our conversation covers Scott's background building the Francis Ford Coppola brands, the development of WineXRay with his business partner Gianni Colantuoni, the color and tannin components that the WineXRay technology measures, its practical uses in a winery, the basic traits of anthocyanins and tannins in wine, t
153: Clark Smith - Postmodern Winemaking and Video Course
This episode features Clark Smith, who is a winemaker, author, wine technology innovator, and winemaking instructor. Our conversation in this episode covers Clark's background in winemaking, the development of Vinovation, alcohol adjustment in wines, micro-oxygenation, the enology courses he used to teach at UC Davis, making wine without SO2, his book Postmodern Winemaking, what modern and postmod
152: Matt Parish - Naked Wines and Vinture
This episode features Matt Parish, who is one of the top winemakers within Naked Wines. Our conversation wove through Matt's international corporate winemaking, his work with Naked Wines as an employee and later as a winemaker, the tools and tactics Matt uses to build wines in various styles, and his current international collaborations.
151: Dan Petroski - Massican Wines
Dan Petroski - Massican Wines This episode features Dan Petroski, found, winemaker, and creative director of Massican Wines. Dan jokes that Massican is the best white wine winery in Napa Valley. Our conversation covers Dan's background with magazines, a career in publishing, his ventures in Sicily, learning to make wine in California, Dan's experiments focused on the elimination of additives, the
150: Josh Widaman - Pine Ridge Vineyards
Josh Widaman - Pine Ridge Vineyards This episode features Josh Widaman, Estate Winemaker from Pine Ridge Vineyards in the Napa Valley. Our conversation was focused on Cabernet Sauvignon and covered, the cellar updates at Pine Ridge, their 160 acres of vines in Napa, Wine XRay, and high-brix winemaking. Pine Ridge Vineyards - Napa Valley Malene Wines Rosé - Central Coast, California This po
149: Marcus Notaro - Stag's Leap Wine Cellars
This episode features Marcus Notaro, Head Winemaker, at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in Napa Valley. This was a chance for me to ask Marcus about grapegowing and winemaking in central Washington, where he used to make wine for Col Solare focusing on vineyards in the Red Mountain AVA. Our conversation covered Marcus' background, viticulture in Washington, "stabulation," a new idea to me, styles of Char
148: David Bos - Bos Wine
David Bos - Bos Wine This episode features David Bos in his third time on the podcast. In this episode, we cover David's return to Michigan, organic farming near Lake Michigan, the new Bos Wine Garden in Elk Rapids, and the basics of advancing a newer wine region in the US. Bos Wine - Elk Rapids, Michigan This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel she
147: Natalie Winkler - Salvestrin Winery
This episode features Natalie Winkler and viticulturist for Salvestrin Winery in the Napa Valley. Our conversation during this podcast was heavy on technical farming. Natalie shared her experience in transitioning vineyards from conventional to organic and biodynamic farming. We discussed cover crops, soil building, carbon sequestration, conservation tillage, and even a little about winemaking.
146: Michael Accurso - Director of Emerging Wine Brands: En Route, Bella Union, and Post & Beam
This episode features Michael Accurso who is the Director of Emerging Wine Brands for the En Route, Bella Union, and Post & Beam wines within the Far Niente Family of Wineries. Our conversation ran through Michael's background, Anderson Valley winemaking, Pinot Noir - clones and extraction practices, the remodeling of the winery in Rutherford in Napa, building of the Post & Beam Napa Cabernets.
145: Andy Robinson - Seghesio Family Vineyards
Interview with winemaker Andy Robinson from Seghesio Family Vineyards. January, 2023
Angelina Mondavi Interview
This episode features an interview with winemaker Angelina Mondavi
143 KK Carothers Bryant - Estate Complete
This episode features KK Carothers, who is the winemaker at Bryant Estate in Napa Valley. Our conversation covers KK's path to winemaking, the wines from Bryant Estate, estate grapegrowing, building a fumé blanc wine, and a review of harvest 2022. Bryant Estate - Napa, CA This podcast is sponsored by Innovint. Has your winery turned into a complete Excel sheet show? Say hello to InnoVint, it's
142: Ashley Leonard-CEO-and-Founder-of-Innovint
This is a sponsored episode featuring Ashley DuBois Leonard Founder and CEO of Innovint a wine production software company.
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