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Ep 228: Part 5 of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in Wine – Wine with Purpose: Amber Mihna on Napa Cabernet, Mental Health, and the Legacy of Staglin Family Vineyard
In this episode, we head to the iconic Napa Valley to meet Amber Mihna, Global Sales Director at Staglin Family Vineyard — a family-run winery known not only for its exceptional Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, but for embedding mental health advocacy into the very core of its mission.
Amber dives into the story of how the Staglin family built their estate with a clear sense of purpose, from reclaiming historic vines to pioneering sustainability and championing inclusivity in the wine industry. They explore what makes the Rutherford Bench so special, how the “Rutherford dust” shapes the character of their wines, and the winemaking philosophy behind their elegant, age-worthy style.
They also taste the Salus Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine with a difference: 100% of its profits are donated to brain health research through the family’s foundation One Mind. Expect mocha-dusted tannins, autumnal aromas, and a full-bodied texture that feels featherlight — a wine Janina calls “plush, polished and profoundly humane.”
If you’ve ever wondered why Napa Cabernet is worth the price, or how wine can be a true force for good, this episode is for you.
Pour yourself a glass and enjoy.
Episode Guide
[02:34] – The history of Staglin Family Vineyard
[04:37] – What makes the Rutherford Bench so unique
[06:19] – “Rutherford dust” and the minerality of their wines
[07:24] – Family-owned and family-run: what it really means at Staglin
[09:42] – A breakdown of the varietals grown at the estate
[10:38] – Introducing the Salus wines and their mission for mental health
[13:15] – The origin of their One Mind foundation: from diagnosis to music festival
[15:17] – What kind of impact the family hopes to make
[17:21] – What to expect from a Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon
[19:24] – Tasting Salus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 8Wines £118
[23:37] – Where to buy: Simply Wines Direct & The Champagne Company
[24:56] – Why Napa Valley wines are (deservedly) expensive
[27:27] – How Napa’s climate makes organic farming easier
[29:22] – Winemaking philosophy: balance, freshness, and textured finesse
[33:10] – Creating a more equitable and inclusive wine industry
[35:43] – Advice for small wineries looking to start giving back
[38:09] – What’s next for Staglin: replanting, solar renewal, and generational transition
[40:31] – Vine life cycles and the decision to replant
[42:18] – How to visit the winery and what to expect
[45:20] – Sharing a glass with wine legend André Tchelistcheff
📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: [email protected]
📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time - cheers to you!
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
View all episodes
By Janina Doyle
4.4
1414 ratings
In this episode, we head to the iconic Napa Valley to meet Amber Mihna, Global Sales Director at Staglin Family Vineyard — a family-run winery known not only for its exceptional Rutherford Bench Cabernet Sauvignon, but for embedding mental health advocacy into the very core of its mission.
Amber dives into the story of how the Staglin family built their estate with a clear sense of purpose, from reclaiming historic vines to pioneering sustainability and championing inclusivity in the wine industry. They explore what makes the Rutherford Bench so special, how the “Rutherford dust” shapes the character of their wines, and the winemaking philosophy behind their elegant, age-worthy style.
They also taste the Salus Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, a wine with a difference: 100% of its profits are donated to brain health research through the family’s foundation One Mind. Expect mocha-dusted tannins, autumnal aromas, and a full-bodied texture that feels featherlight — a wine Janina calls “plush, polished and profoundly humane.”
If you’ve ever wondered why Napa Cabernet is worth the price, or how wine can be a true force for good, this episode is for you.
Pour yourself a glass and enjoy.
Episode Guide
[02:34] – The history of Staglin Family Vineyard
[04:37] – What makes the Rutherford Bench so unique
[06:19] – “Rutherford dust” and the minerality of their wines
[07:24] – Family-owned and family-run: what it really means at Staglin
[09:42] – A breakdown of the varietals grown at the estate
[10:38] – Introducing the Salus wines and their mission for mental health
[13:15] – The origin of their One Mind foundation: from diagnosis to music festival
[15:17] – What kind of impact the family hopes to make
[17:21] – What to expect from a Staglin Cabernet Sauvignon
[19:24] – Tasting Salus Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 8Wines £118
[23:37] – Where to buy: Simply Wines Direct & The Champagne Company
[24:56] – Why Napa Valley wines are (deservedly) expensive
[27:27] – How Napa’s climate makes organic farming easier
[29:22] – Winemaking philosophy: balance, freshness, and textured finesse
[33:10] – Creating a more equitable and inclusive wine industry
[35:43] – Advice for small wineries looking to start giving back
[38:09] – What’s next for Staglin: replanting, solar renewal, and generational transition
[40:31] – Vine life cycles and the decision to replant
[42:18] – How to visit the winery and what to expect
[45:20] – Sharing a glass with wine legend André Tchelistcheff
📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: [email protected]
📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat
🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat
🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk
Until next time - cheers to you!
THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST HAS BEEN FEATURED IN DECANTER MAGAZINE, RADIO TIMES AND FEEDSPOT AS THE 6TH BEST UK WINE MAKING PODCAST.
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