Grape Encounters Wine Radio

Susan Kostrzewa, Executive Editor, Wine Enthusiast

It's one of the issues of Wine Enthusiast Magazine that Grape Encounters host David Wilson waits for each year with greatest anticipation.   Hey, there are a lot of ways to enjoy wine, but the best way is to enjoy it in a region that is truly winecentric.   Each year, Wine Enthusiast chooses ten destinations that are all about maximum wine enjoyment and, this year, there are some very big surprises on that list.  Perhaps the biggest for David is the San Luis Obispo Coast, which is home to the Grape Encounters Radio studio.  David says, "I knew we were making the right choice when me moved the studio here four years!"

Matt Kettmann, Contributing Editor, Wine Enthusiast

Joining David on the show are two of Wine Enthusiast's finest.  First up is Executive Editor Susan Kostrzewa, who's passion and charm make the conversation unforgettable.  She gives a run-down of the entire list.  Then, Contributing Editor Matt Kettmann, who covers the Central Coast and San Luis Obispo County beat, zeroes in on all the things that make David's home turf such an exceptional wine travel choice.  Don't miss David needling Matt as to why the Grape Encounters Empourium wine bar wasn't mentioned.  Okay, Matt does have a valid explantion!  It's a must-not-miss episode of Grape Encounters!

 

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode

What is the line that separates wine as a beverage from wine as a work of art? Moreover, when do wine and food go beyond being a great meal and become the source of aphrodisiac pleasure? Two very different questions, and two very different scenarios, from two very unique guests on this week’s show.

Chris Kern, founder of the Forgotten GrapeFirst up, David welcomes Chris Kern of Forgotten Grapes; a wine and culinary entrepreneur who has an amazing method of matching wines with their metaphorical pop-culture icon or celebrity equivalent! Chris and David get into a wine-mind expanding discussion about the difference between appreciating wine as an artisan product and wine as a beverage. Their topic of artisan wines compared to mass produced wine sets the stage for a more detailed future conversation about the various wine-buying layers of the modern wine consumer.

And for the balance of the show, just when we’ve got your grape juices flowing for wine as an art, David welcomes back a long-time show favorite, and the world’s most respected authority on culinary aphrodisiacs, Amy Riley. David and Amy light up the airwaves with an entrancing talk about the sensually stimulating intricacies of food and wine, as well as her latest cookbook, Eat Cake Naked. Did we say naked? Now you have to tune in!

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode

 

David talks with MIKE DeSIMONE and JEFF JENSSEN, also known as the World Wine Guys, who are wine, spirits, food, and travel writers, educators, and hosts. They are award-winning journalists as well as best-selling and award-winning authors. They have been featured guests on the TODAY Show, The Martha Stewart Show, Better TV, and the CBS, FOX, and NBC networks.

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode

Julia Perez, creator of "The Winemakers of Paso Robles" book

David talks with photographer Julia Perez who, along with legendary California wine writer Paul Hodgins, created "The Winemakers of Paso Robles", a large format, full-color book, lovingly crafted and designed to take you beyond the cellar door, deep into the art and science of making the finest wines in the world, and celebrating the men and women who dedicate their lives in this California region to the pursuit of liquid perfection.

Limited Special Edition Gift Box with two Paso Robles wines

Julia Perez is a professional photographer from Buenos Aires, Argentina. She has lived and worked in every corner of the world — photographing safaris in Tanzania, mosques in Turkey, temples in Hong Kong, and war-torn ruins in Southern Spain. She has long been a great lover of wine and fascinated with winemakers. Over the past few years, she has been fortunate to have taken photos of vineyards, wineries and winemakers all over the world.

You can find the holiday gift edition of the book with two very special Paso Robles wines at: https://thewinemakersseries.com/

Alex Remy, General Manager & Winemaker of Atlas Wines

Next, David talks with maverick Alex Remy, General Manager & Winemaker of Atlas Wines, about his views on winemaking and the wine business. Atlas Wines is a Napa, CA-based producer of world-class wines. Our portfolio has grown to contain three unique brands: Agnitio, Oro Bello and Omen. These premiere wines are crafted to be consistent, approachable and ready for immediate enjoyment.

As experts from vineyard to bottle, Atlas Wines has an in-house team of professional winemakers, viticulturists and support staff. We make it a priority to provide consumers with a unique and engaging experience that consistently exceeds expectations. Learn more at: http://atlaswineco.com/

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode

Adam LaZarre, Head Winemaker at Wine Hooligans and LaZarre Wines

It wasn’t that long ago that Grape Encounters host David Wilson would cringe at the idea of putting fine wine in a can, in fact, there are many past episodes of Grape Encounters where David literally rants about the thought of doing such a vile thing. Well, sometimes it takes a respected colleague to get us to revise deep-seated beliefs. And who would imagine it would be the Winemaker of Cycles Gladiator?

On today’s show, winemaker Adam LaZarre, someone who David idolizes, presents his iconic brand, Cycles Gladiator, to David in a CAN. Adam is Head Winemaker for Wine Hooligans, a group who owns numerous artisan CA wine brands, and they now own Cycles Gladiator, for which Adam was the original winemaker that brought them success internationally. This wine brand made winemaker LaZarre famous around the world, so how would fans of the wine and the host of Grape Encounters react to such a daring and potentially blasphemous move? Well, I guess you’ll have to listen to get that answer! You can find out more at: cyclesgladiator.com or winehooligans.com.

Kimberly Charles, Principal of Charles Communications Associates

Plus, a chat with Kimberly Charles, of Charles Communications Associates, an independent creative marketing firm that employs traditional public relations and new media strategies to assist companies, organizations and non-profits in the creation, development and marketing of interesting and compelling brands. Kimberly was featured on Grape Encounters several weeks ago talking about the efforts for fire relief that she spearheaded to help out the victims of the Napa/Sonoma/Mendocino fires. Kimberly jumped into action after the start of the fires, and has raised over $54,000 in 14 days for aid for those affected by the fires. Find out more and donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/fire-relief-napa-sonoma-counties.

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode

 

Bruce Sanderson, Senior Editor, Wine SpectatorThis is host David Wilson’s favorite time of the ear because it’s when the top wine publications release their top 100 wine lists for the year. On this episode of Grape Encounters, David is thrilled to sift through the list released by Wine Spectator magazine with Senior Editor Bruce Sanderson. This list features wines that are fairly easy to find and represent tremendously good quality and value. There’s something for everybody on the list and definitely something for everybody on episode 437 of Grape Encounters Radio. Special thanks to Wine Spectator Magazine for making us one of the first broadcasts to discuss this prestigious list which was narrowed down from 1600 entries.

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode

 

Meet Blakesley Chappellet, Author of Napa Valley Entertaining

If you think Napa Valley Wines are amazing, you should see how the vintners of America’s premiere wine region party! The term “Napa Style” can often be heard in conjunction with entertaining, decorating and even dressing in a way that reflects the nature of the legendary valley.

Blakesley Chappellet, author of Napa Valley Entertaining

But just what is Napa style? Stuffy and pretentious? Not a bit! In actuality, it can run the gambit from re-purposing wine country relics to glitzy affairs that never upstage the valley’s farming heritage. Well, at least that’s David’s impression of doing thing the Napa way. However, David always prefers to defer to the experts, and who better to ask than Blakesley Chappellet, author of the brand new book, “Napa Valley Entertaining.” After all, Blakesley is a member of one of Napa’s pioneering families, the Chappellets, who were featured on the last episode of Grape Encounters.

Napa Valley EntertainingJoin David for an hour-long conversation with Blakesley Chappellet, as she discusses her book which offers an intimate profile in words and pictures of what it’s like to attend social affairs with 28 winemaking families in the Napa Valley.

This is your personal, VIP invitation to get a first glimpse at Napa Valley Entertaining!

 

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode

 

Bruno Mottet, Executive Director of Chateau la France

Continuing the exploration of Bordeaux, David visits with Bruno Mottet, Executive Director of Chateau la France, a beautiful chateau with vineyards, a bed & breakfast and a 20-meter stainless steel rooster who watches over the grapes.

An estate of great name since the XVIIth century, Château La France is one of the largest estates in the Bordeaux region, boasting 90 hectares (222 acres) in a single block. 68 hectares of the 78 under production are classified AOC Bordeaux Supérieur rouge (red) and the remaining 10 hectares AOC Bordeaux Blanc Sec (dry white).

Chateau la France

Its rolling vineyards lie all round giving beautiful views and sense of privacy. The property is open for visits throughout the year and are free with wine aroma workshops included. What is unique is that you can rent the château in its entirety with private swimming pool (12 people for around 3000€ per week). Your own keys to your own château! Owner Bruno Mottet admits that his reason for developing wine tourism is to help build customer loyalty for his wines rather than to particularly create revenue.

Sophie Blot, Sales Director at Chateau Leroy-Beauval

Next, David chats with Sophie Blot, Sales Director at Chateau Leroy-Beauval, which has its roots in the 13th century, and has undergone a state-of-the-art renovation with the current owners, Stéphanie and Alexandre Leroy.

From this well recognized terroir there are a range of 8 wines produced, from Bordeaux red to rose, thereby including a dry white and two sparkling wines dearingly named Marquise, the owners would like to stress, this range of sparkling wines are delicately feminine who have gained a strong reputation on the French market and distinguished themselves with classicism Bordelaise.

While at Chateau Leroy-Beauval, David and his group enjoy a very special caviar tasting from the third largest producer in the world, Sturvia. It was delicious enough to make a David a caviar convert!

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

<a href="http://media.blubrry.com/grapeencountersradio/grapeencounters.com/podcast/media/direct_download.php?file=ep432.mp3"> Download this episode</a>

 

Katrina Frey of Frey Vineyards

From one of the first wineries to be declared lost to the fire, David talks with Katrina Frey of Frey Vineyards in Redwood Valley about the effects, losses and plans for recovery from the devastating wildfires. Frey Vineyards is America’s first organic and biodynamic winery producing award-winning vegan, gluten-free wines with no added sulfites since 1980. Katrina reports on the damage to the winery, but stresses the most important assets of Frey are intact – the family and employees are all safe and sound.

Kimberly Charles of Charles Communications Associates

Next up is Kimberly Noelle Charles, founder & owner of Charles Communications Associates, a public relations, branding and marketing company in San Francisco. Kimberly jumped into action after the start of the fires, and has raised over $54,000 in 14 days for aid for those affected by the fires. Find out more and donate at: https://www.gofundme.com/fire-relief-napa-sonoma-counties.

 

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode

 

David talks with Chris Sawyer [Sommelier to the Stars) and Jeff Davis of KSRO about the effects of the wildfires in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and other northern counties.

Chris Sawyer, internationally-renowned sommelier, wine educator, journalist, consultant, critic and public speaker

/

Update RequiredTo play the media you will need to either update your browser to a recent version or update your Flash plugin.

Download this episode