Grape Encounters Wine Radio

David speaks with Will Olean owner of Onehda and Eagle Crest Vineyards in the Finger Lakes region of New York, about this wine region which is up in arms to stop the government to allow businesses from outside the region from creating what many believe to be a danger to their wine and tourism industry. Listen to get a better explanation of the fracking gas storage in salt caves problems and concern. Next, David discusses the issues with Joseph Campbell of Gas-Free Seneca to get a slightly different perspective, and more information about the issue. Finally, with Sara Schneider, Valentine’s Day bring a higher ticket when it falls on a Saturday, and there are some special ways to celebrate the romantic holiday, enjoy this week’s very lighthearted and romantic-tips –filled edition of Grape Encounters Radio with Larry Gifford, hosted by David Wilson.

His Great Grandfather was the founder of iconic Carmel, and though his Great Grandmother would not have approved of his making wine, Jack Galante of the winery of the same name, has a lot to be proud of. His wine is a blend of cattle rancher, outstanding grape production, local history and plenty of good humor. And just to keep him completely honest, his wife Dawn has her own label which generates profits that are given to women and children at risk. Jack and Dawn are a rarity in the wine business… his and her’s wineries with different styles and missions but equally committed to excellence. Also on this week’s show, the Superbowl and the super storm both are having a very big impact on wine consumption and you’ll learn more during the Grape Encounters news segment. Finally, it’s Sippin’ with Sara Schneider, Wine Editor of Sunset Magazine and a very thought provoking discussion about tasting wine in the dark. But for now, it’s lights on for Episode 288 of Grape Encounters Radio!

It’s Hard to imagine, but the wine app Vivino now has a whopping 8 million plus users around the globe and it’s meteoric growth seems unstoppable. So what happens when the companies leaders decide to use the gargantuan database to figure out what the world loves to drink? Find out as Host David Wilson goes behind the scenes of Vivino with the company’s founder and CEO Heimi Zachariassen. It’s an amazing discussion about an amazing app. Also on this week’s show, David risks it all by doing a little custom blending for one of the hottest winemakers in the business, Adam Lazarre. Will Adam find David’s custom blend of wines around the world luscious or laughable. No editing here. It’s the whole truth and nothing but the truth for all the world to hear. On this week’s segment of Sipping with Sara, David and Sunset Magazine’s wine editor discuss the rise in popularity of Petit Sirah and speculate if another Petit wine has an equally bright future. All this plus the latest wine news from Chief Wine News Correspondent Larry Gifford. It’s a Grape way to spend an hour!

Well, we didn’t have enough time to have the Pope on, but we’re hoping he can join us very soon. All kidding aside, this week’s Grape Encounters begins with the Grape Encounters news and one very amusing story about a California Winemaker who found favor with the Pontif.Next, Grape Encounters is pleased to welcome Chris Kern, the founder of The Forgotten Grape… a website and business dedicated to making less familiar grape varietals better known by comparing them to famous personalities. So what grape is most like Alec Baldwin… or Oprah? You’ll have to listen to find out.Finally, Sara Schneider, the illustrious Wine Editor of Sunset Magazine, one of the nation’s largest and most prestigious lifestyle publications, joins David in a friendly debate about inexpensive, bulk produced wine and whether it really can be delicious AND serve a very good purpose! Break out the good stuff… or the cheap stuff if you prefer, and enjoy this week’s very lighthearted edition of Grape Encounters Radio hosted by David Wilson.

As much as we like to talk about small, boutique wines, in truth, the vast majority of wines produced and consumed in America come to market by the millions of gallons. And it’s an absolute fact that these wines are popular for a reason. It. really is hard to argue with success, so this week’s entire show is dedicated to the big brands… the behemoths of the wine business. In segments one and two, Sara Schneider, Wine Editor of Sunset Magazine returns after a few weeks off to talk about how surprisingly well the mass-produced brands actually do at prestigious blind wine tastings. In the end, Sara and David conclude that one should not be too quick to judge and if you enjoy bargain wines, there’s no compelling reason to spend more if you’re perfectly happy. Next it’s Randy Arnold, the longtime Brand Ambassador for Barefoot Wines, perhaps the biggest wine producer in America if not the world. David asks Randy just how much wine Barefoot makes. Find out if Randy spills the beans. Regardless, you’ll get a whole lot of insight into one of America’s most beloved brands. Finally, in the Grape Encounters News segment. Larry Gifford tells all about the wildly popular “Two-Buck Chuck.” Curious how some much wine can be sold for so little? Find out on this addition of Grape Encounters Radio.

It’s an all-star cast as David revisits his favorite moments of 2014. This very special retrospective begins with a heartwarming visit with Mike Grgich, the legendary winemaker who stunned the world by capturing top honors at the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Next up is Jean-Charles Boisett, arguably the most colorful winemaker in the world, who shares his inspiration for “The Chocolate Ladies.” Don’t ask, just give a listen. You won’t be disappointed. From sweet treats to sweet music, the 2014 Year That Was, includes a very rare interview with the St. Petersburg Men’s Ensemble. What does this have to do with wine. You’ll find out in 4-part haromony! From St. Petersburg, it’s on to Bordeaux, where you’ll meet a 14th generation winemaker and the head of US marketing for the Bordeaux vintners. Think a good Bordeaux wine is too expensive? You’ll learn that exactly the contrary is true in this interview.Speaking of contrary… in the next conversation, it’s David and renowned wine expert Wilfred Wong going head to head in a spirited debate over ice cubes in wine. Who’s for it? Who’s against it? You may be surprised! Next, Sunset Magazine’s Food AND Wine Editors take on the subject of blending. It’s all about breaking the rules, Grape Encounters style. Finally, Ian Cauble, the star of the documentary SOMM, shares his earliest memories of wine tasting as a kid. Did he have Cabernet in that thermos? Hmmm. Happy New Year to all!

Veteran Burgundian winemaker Christian Roguenant perfected his craft making bubbly in the Champagne Region of his native France. Today he oversees winemaking at the Niven Family Wine Estates, which produce several premium labels, including Baileyana, Tangent, Trenza, Cadre and Zocker. On this edition of Grape Encounters, Christian joins host David Wilson and explains the difference between a wide variety of sparkling wines with enlightening facts and down-to-earth language and a delightful disposition that will have you wanting more! (More bubbly and conversation!) If you’re not totally sure about the difference between American sparkling wines, Cava, Champagne and other fizzy fare, this is a must listen-to episode. Christian is followed by his good friend Sara Schneider, Wine Editor of Sunset Magazine, who is feeling a bit miffed about the number of “corked” wines she has recently encountered. What does it mean? How does it happen… and how can you fix it? David and Sara can tell you how!

This week, David had the opportunity to participate in an unforgettable event. David begins the show by saying that he’s not a seminar guy and has never sat thru a complete seminar in his life, but says this one was mesmerizing.That’s because the man at the front of the room is a larger than life giant in the wine industry, George Reidl. He’s also David’s guest this week. This particular seminar was about wine glass shapes and how they change your perception of wine. Numerous wine industry experts attended the event, including a couple of David’s good friends. The first is Leslie Gaynor who’s been an executive, a nationally recognized journalist, a founding member of the Paso Robles Vintners and Growers Association, a consultant and speaker in the wine and gourmet foods industries and has created and run multiple wine retail establishments. Leslie joins David on the show along with another friend of Grape Encounters, Laurie Wiesneth. Laurie worked her way up the ranks of the wine industry from tasting room attendant to wine distribution to wine importation, wine brokerage and much more. Laurie and Leslie join David in a spirited dialogue with the owner of the most recognized and respected producer of wine glassware in the world. When you step into the best tasting rooms, chances are they will pour their wines into Riedel Glassware. Riedel has built an extraordinary reputation creating wine glasses that show each wine’s fullest potential. And at the helm of Riedel is the company’s owner, George Riedel. George spends a great deal of quality time sharing truly remarkable information about how the right wine glass can totally change your perception of the wine it contains. George Riedel is a giant in the industry and this is a gigantic interview for Grape Encounters listeners to savor!

David talks with Charlottesville, VA restaurateur and Sommelier Justin Ross about his determination to take the intimidation of ordering wine in his restaurant Parallel 38. Justin uses new technology that enables him to serve every single wine on his extensive list by the glass. Want two ounces of Opus One? You can get it with out having to pay the enormous price. Next, it’s Grape Encounters news with Larry Gifford serving up his usual ensemble of off the wall wine stories. Then, winemaker Keith Nichols joins David in a discussion about aging wine before it is ever sold to the consumer. Keith won’t release any wine until it has been aged at least 10 years. Talk about a winemaker with patience!

This week’s Grape Encounters is all about knowledge. The show begins with a very special interview with Paul Draper, the chief winemaker and CEO of Ridge Vineyards, a true icon in the winemaking world. Those who love Zinfandel certainly owe Paul a debt of gratitude, as he has been a central figure in the elevation of Zin to the stature it enjoys today. Paul competed in the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris and won the rematch decades later. Today, Paul is on a mission to get the government to allow winemakers to disclose the additives they use to alter their wine. Yes, you heard right. The government AND many winemakers are against it. Learn more about this very important issue by tuning in. Next up, meet Publisher and Editor Meridith May of the Somm Journal and Tasting Panel Magazines. Meridith’s publications are two of the single best information resources for beverage and hospitality industry professionals, as well as what Meridith affectionately refers to as “Wine Geeks.” David and Meridith have a spirited discussion about the complex challenges associated with keeping people informed about the ever-mushrooming number of wine and spirit brands that now require big box stores to house them all! How times have changed! Finally, speaking of Somms, News Anchor Larry Gifford tells listeners about the Somm in his pocket. Just tune in to learn more!