Grape Encounters Wine Radio

The Unlikely Tale of a Student and Professor Reunited Through the Grapevine, meet Alexa Chappellet Flagler!

NOTE: This episode of Grape Encounters from earlier in the year was so popular that we had many requests to replay it, so here you are!

A few decades ago, a professor in his early 20s teaching at Pepperdine University’s breathtakingcampus in Malibu California had a student in his speech and debate class who was the daughter of one of the Napa Valley’s pioneering winemakers. The instructor, whose infatuation with fine wine was in its infancy, recognized the name of the student, but didn’t know enough about the wine industry at the time to realize how important the name was to the birth of the California wine industry.

Today, that professor, focuses virtually all of his energy on wine education. As a matter of fact, he is the host of this show. The student is Alexa Chappellet who, along with her siblings, now owns and operates the winery founded by her parents.

Thanks to Facebook’s uncanny ability to reestablish relationships that might have otherwise remained dormant, David Wilson, host of Grape Encounters, and Alexa Chappellet Flagler, had the opportunity to sit down together and catch up on what has transpired over the past 30 odd years.

It’s a delightful conversation that not only gives listeners a behind the scenes peak at the early days of modern Napa winemaking, but it also offers an up-close and personal look at just how far things have come in a relatively short period of time.

This week on Grape Encounters Radio, an aspiring student of public speaking takes to the microphone with her former teacher, and the teacher finds himself in the odd position of following in a student’s footsteps!

Download this episode

The 30-Plus Year College Reunion of Alexa Chappellet and David Wilson. A few decades ago, a professor in his early 20s teaching at Pepperdine University’s breathtaking campus in Malibu California had a student in his speech and debate class who was the daughter of one of the Napa Valley’s pioneering winemakers. The instructor, whose infatuation with fine wine was in its infancy, recognized the name of the student, but didn’t know enough about the wine industry at the time to realize how important the name was to the birth of the California wine industry. Today, that professor, focuses virtually all of his energy on wine education. As a matter of fact, he is the host of this show. The student is Alexa Chappellet who, along with her siblings, now owns and operates the winery founded by her parents. Thanks to Facebook’s uncanny ability to reestablish relationships that might have otherwise remained dormant, David Wilson, host of Grape Encounters, and Alexa Chappellet Flagler, had the opportunity to sit down together and catch up on what has transpired over the past 30 odd years. It’s a delightful conversation that not only gives listeners a behind the scenes peak at the early days of modern Napa winemaking, but it also offers an up-close and personal look at just how far things have come in a relatively short period of time. This week on Grape Encounters Radio, an aspiring student of public speaking takes to the microphone with her former teacher, and the teacher finds himself in the odd position of following in a student’s footsteps!

Introducing Revolt Wine Co. and their mission to inspire others through the power of music & wine.

What happens when a young couple from the Midwest moves across the country to chase their dreams? On this edition of Grape Encounters Radio, you’ll be introduced to Heather Hudson who, along with her husband Steve, recognized the synergy between music and wine. Theirs is a story of innovation and imagination set in an environment of fine, handcrafted wines accompanied by equally innovative and breakthrough music.

Heather loves to share how she and Steve put into action perhaps the most famous admonition of Henry David Thoreau, “Live the life you imagine.”

For Heather, the Revolt brand symbolizes casting aside anything holding you back.  To that end, the Hudsons encourage others to, “Express yourself.  Seize the moment.  Live on the edge.  Have no regrets.  Take time to enjoy the music.  Move forward in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you’ve always imagined.”

Heather and Steve bottle and produce their wines in Napa but run their operation hundreds of miles south in San Diego, CA.  By design, Revolt Wines has no tasting room. Instead, they travel around the country throwing events and partnering with the music community. Heather says, “We work with a different band or artist each quarter and send a special hand-written, inspirational note from them in our wine club shipments that we send to fans across the country. It’s really powerful to be sipping on great wine and receive an inspirational note from your favorite band. It makes anything seem possible.”

If inspiration is contagious, then you’ll likely come down with a serious case of it, after listening to this edition of Grape Encounters Radio!

Download this episode

Introducing Revolt Wines and their mission to inspire others through the power of music & wine. What happens when a young couple from the Midwest moves across the country to chase their dreams? On this edition of Grape Encounters Radio, you’ll be introduced to Heather Hudson who, along with her husband Steve, recognized the synergy between music and wine. Theirs is a story of innovation and imagination set in an environment of fine, handcrafted wines accompanied by equally innovative and breakthrough music. Heather loves to share how she and Steve put into action perhaps the most famous admonition of Henry David Thoreau, “Live the life you imagine.” For Heather, the Revolt brand symbolizes casting aside anything holding you back.  To that end, the Hudsons encourage others to, “Express yourself.  Seize the moment.  Live on the edge.  Have no regrets.  Take time to enjoy the music.  Move forward in the direction of your dreams.  Live the life you’ve always imagined.” Heather and Steve bottle and produce their wines in Napa but run their operation hundreds of miles south in San Diego, CA.  By design, Revolt Wines has no tasting room. Instead, they travel around the country throwing events and partnering with the music community. Heather says, “We work with a different band or artist each quarter and send a special hand-written, inspirational note from them in our wine club shipments that we send to fans across the country. It’s really powerful to be sipping on great wine and receive an inspirational note from your favorite band. It makes anything seem possible.” If inspiration is contagious, then you’ll likely come down with a serious case of it, after listening to this edition of Grape Encounters Radio!

This week, David is pleased to welcome Master Sommelier Eric Entrikin, Director of Wine Education at Southern Glazers Wines & Spirits, talking about SommCon 2016, coming to San Diego, November 16-19.

Eric Entrikin is a Master Sommelier and instructs at the Introductory, Certified and Advanced levels for the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is also an adjunct instructor for the International Culinary Center in Campbell, California, teaching wine studies. More importantly, Eric is one of only 219 sommeliers in the world to reach this top level of certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers since 1969.

Eric’s experience in the wine and hospitality industry spans over 30 years and he has held a cross section of positions, including; wholesale, retail, restaurant and production. Eric’s broad range of experiences enables him to have a unique view of the wine industry and the viability of wines in US markets. His experience in the California restaurant industry has included positions as assistant Sommelier of the original Patina restaurant in Hollywood and Wine Director at Alexander’s Steakhouse in Cupertino and San Francisco.

His 20 years of experience in wholesale, distribution and import has involved the sale of wines from every major wine producing country in the world, with a focus on Europe and many of the unique varieties of grapes and styles of wine produced. The recent teaching and instructing in his career has allowed him to contribute to the wine professionals and sommeliers of the future. He divides his time between this and consulting for various clients, in addition to advising on the US wine market.

In this intimate one-on-one with David, you’ll get a clear understanding of what it means to be a Master Sommelier and why SommCon is making such an enormous difference in the education of wine professionals. Leaving no stone unturned, David is thrilled to provide a vehicle for Eric to share his vast knowledge and insights with the rest of the wine loving world! For more information, please visit: http://sommconusa.com/

Download this episode

This week, David is pleased to welcome Master Sommelier Eric Entrikin, Director of Wine Education at Southern Glazers Wines & Spirits, talking about SommCon 2016, coming to San Diego, November 16-19. Eric Entrikin is a Master Sommelier and instructs at the Introductory, Certified and Advanced levels for the Court of Master Sommeliers. He is also an adjunct instructor for the International Culinary Center in Campbell, California, teaching wine studies. More importantly, Eric is one of only 219 sommeliers in the world to reach this top level of certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers since 1969. Eric’s experience in the wine and hospitality industry spans over 30 years and he has held a cross section of positions, including; wholesale, retail, restaurant and production. Eric’s broad range of experiences enables him to have a unique view of the wine industry and the viability of wines in US markets. His experience in the California restaurant industry has included positions as assistant Sommelier of the original Patina restaurant in Hollywood and Wine Director at Alexander’s Steakhouse in Cupertino and San Francisco. His 20 years of experience in wholesale, distribution and import has involved the sale of wines from every major wine producing country in the world, with a focus on Europe and many of the unique varieties of grapes and styles of wine produced. The recent teaching and instructing in his career has allowed him to contribute to the wine professionals and sommeliers of the future. He divides his time between this and consulting for various clients, in addition to advising on the US wine market. In this intimate one-on-one with David, you’ll get a clear understanding of what it means to be a Master Sommelier and why SommCon is making such an enormous difference in the education of wine professionals. Leaving no stone unturned, David is thrilled to provide a vehicle for Eric to share his vast knowledge and insights with the rest of the wine loving world!

David Wilson hosts Michael Blaylock of Quady Winery in Madera, CA, talking Vermouth, Muscato and herbed dessert wines. What makes a Vermouth, Vermouth? Listen to learn what it really is, and why it’s not just something you should buy randomly to mix into Martinis.

In 1975, in a small San Joaquin valley town, Andrew Quady discovered an unused patch of the rare Orange Muscat grape varietal, known in Italy as Moscato Fior d’Arancio. These grapes became the first Essensia. This marked the birth of Quady Winery's muscat expertise - where the rich flavors of rare muscat varietals are celebrated and intensified rather than blended and softened.

The varieties they use are rare, delicious expressions of the fruit filled San Joaquin Valley. The winemaking style is rich, full bodied, perfectly balanced, and unparalleled in any other muscat you can find. Their other wines, including the Deviation Orange Muscat which is infused with the aphrodisiac Damiana; Starboard Port; Vya Vermouth and the nutty, buttery Palomino Fino, possibly the only amontillado style sherry made in the U.S.

Check out a virtual tour of the winery here: https://www.google.com/maps/@36.9399674,-120.1072526,3a,75y,100.07h,73.06t/data=!3m7!1e1!3m5!1sb6WOOQUlqIjpcmmOk57tQA!2e0!3e2!7i13312!8i6656

Download this episode

David Wilson hosts Michael Blaylock of Quady Winery in Madera, CA, talking Vermouth, Muscato and herbed dessert wines. What makes a Vermouth, Vermouth? Listen to learn what it really is, and why it’s not just something you should buy randomly to mix into Martinis. In 1975, in a small San Joaquin valley town, Andrew Quady discovered an unused patch of the rare Orange Muscat grape varietal, known in Italy as Moscato Fior d’Arancio. These grapes became the first Essensia. This marked the birth of Quady Winery's muscat expertise - where the rich flavors of rare muscat varietals are celebrated and intensified rather than blended and softened. The varieties they use are rare, delicious expressions of the fruit filled San Joaquin Valley. The winemaking style is rich, full bodied, perfectly balanced, and unparalleled in any other muscat you can find. Their other wines, including the Deviation Orange Muscat which is infused with the aphrodisiac Damiana; Starboard Port; Vya Vermouth and the nutty, buttery Palomino Fino, possibly the only amontillado style sherry made in the U.S.

It really wasn’t then intended theme of this week’s show, bit it just kind of worked out that way. In Episode 374 of Grape Encounters Radio, it’s a veritable potpourri of subjects that, for one reason or another, just haven’t been talked about on the show.

The show begins with a truly delightful and eye-opening conversation with Martha Barra, wife of 90- year-old winemaking legend Charlie Barra of Barra of Mendocino. Recorded the prior week at WineSong 2016, we saved this extra-special interview for this week because it about a lot more than WineSong. What’s it like for a winemaker and grape grower to spearhead 71 consecutive harvests? We’ve never talked about it on the show before because we’ve never encountered anyone who has actually done it! Martha and Charlie have been together for a very long time and Martha is very much a driving force behind this world class winery. Listen in as she explains how challenging it is to keep up with the 90 year old who has 15 years on her but keeps going strong.

Next, it’s a preview of our first show in October featuring Michael Blaylock of Quady Winery. Quady is one of the world’s premiere producers of fine Vermouth, and we recently realized it was a topic never discussed on Grape Encounters. In this phone conversation, David and Michael make plans for a big show at the Quady Winery in Madera California.

Next, it’s David and Sara Schneider of Sunset Magazine speaking frank about Franc… Cab Franc that is! It’s one of David’s very favorite varietals, yet one that has not received any attention on the show until now.

Finally, David catches up with his good friend Gil Gagnon of Gagnon Cellars… a winery inspired by Grape Encounters which is about to have it’s first Blessing of the Vines. These kinds of events happen frequently in the wine business and David feels particularly blessed to talk about them for the first time with someone who has brought a lot of blessings to Grape Encounters!

It’s all about things we may have overlooked talking about in the past, on this week’s Grape Encounters!

Download this episode

It really wasn’t then intended theme of this week’s show, bit it just kind of worked out that way. In Episode 374 of Grape Encounters Radio, it’s a veritable potpourri of subjects that, for one reason or another, just haven’t been talked about on the show. The show begins with a truly delightful and eye-opening conversation with Martha Barra, wife of 90 year old winemaking legend Charlie Barra of Barra of Mendocino. Recorded the prior week at WineSong 2016, we saved this extra-special interview for this week because it about a lot more than WineSong. What’s it like for a winemaker and grape grower to spearhead 71 consecutive harvests? We’ve never talked about it on the show before because we’ve never encountered anyone who has actually done it! Martha and Charlie have been together for a very long time and Martha is very much a driving force behind this world class winery. Listen in as she explains how challenging it is to keep up with the 90 year old who has 15 years on her but keeps going strong. Next, it’s a preview of our first show in October featuring Michael Blaylock of Quady Winery. Quady is one of the world’s premiere producers of fine Vermouth, and we recently realized it was a topic never discussed on Grape Encounters. In this phone conversation, David and Michael make plans for a big show at the Quady Winery in Madera California. Next, it’s David and Sara Schneider of Sunset Magazine speaking frank about Franc… Cab Franc that is! It’s one of David’s very favorite varietals, yet one that has not received any attention on the show until now. Finally, David catches up with his good friend Gil Gagnon of Gagnon Cellars… a winery inspired by Grape Encounters which is about to have it’s first Blessing of the Vines. These kinds of events happen frequently in the wine business and David feels particularly blessed to talk about them for the first time with someone who has brought a lot of blessings to Grape Encounters! It’s all about things we may have overlooked talking about in the past, on this week’s Grape Encounters!