In this episode of the Okayest Cook Podcast, host Chris Whonsetler, broadcasting live from the BHA Rendezvous in Missoula, chats with Blake Pederson from Velvet Buck Vineyards. Blake shares his journey into the wine industry, starting from his first harvest job at 17 in Northern California to studying wine and viticulture at Cal Poly. They discuss Velvet Buck's unique branding, its vision of targeting the outdoor community, and their mission for conservation by partnering with organizations like Backcountry Hunters and Anglers and Meat Eater. The conversation delves into the wine's composition, pairing suggestions, and the process of creating a versatile wine that complements various dishes, including wild game. Blake emphasizes the importance of quality in both cooking and enjoying wine and shares plans for wider distribution of Velvet Buck.

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:31 Meet Blake from Velvet Buck Vineyards

02:41 The Story Behind Velvet Buck Vineyards

06:10 Wine Pairing and Tasting Notes

12:48 Exploring Velvet Buck Wine Pairings

13:16 Santa Maria Style Grilling

14:05 Cooking with Quality Ingredients

15:56 Making Wine Approachable

17:00 Velvet Buck's Market Expansion

20:02 Shoutouts and Future Plans

20:39 Final Thoughts and Farewell