Grape Encounters Wine Radio

Host David Wilson has returned from honeymooning in Napa Valley and welcomes one of America’s most revered winemakers and romanticists back to Grape Encounters. The legendary Michael Grgich loves Wine, Women and Valentine’s Day! Our aphrodisiac food and wine authority Amy Reiley, author of Romancing the Stove, is back with more advice on making big impressions with your special Valentine. If you’re going to make a romantic journey to wine country, you’ll absolutely want to slow down and enjoy the ride as you’ll find out in an informative and entertaining exchange between David and gadget guru Matt Dubow. And, just what is that you’re pouring your favorite wine into? Sunset wine editor Sara Schneider says that depending on what you’re drinking, the glass you sip from does make a difference.

Weather patterns across the United States have posed a dramatic threat to agriculture this year. From extreme drought in the Golden State to the frigid polar vortex conditions that have paralyzed the Midwest and Eastern regions with a record-breaking chill, grape production is facing a serious threat. This week on Grape Encounters, host David Wilson talks with agriculture expert Dr. Lowell Zellinski of Precision Ag Consulting, who says that with enough water reserves, vintners can weather the driest conditions for a couple of years. But, there are now challenges with irrigation resources being tapped out. And, while David is on his honeymoon to Napa wine country, he couldn’t leave his microphones behind. He is driven to inspire the desperately needed rains and makes his way atop a 1300-foot hill overlooking the Somerston Estate and Winery, where he visits with Ben Brenner, the brand ambassador for Somerston, Priest Ranch, and Highflyer wines. If you’re a budget-conscious wine drinker, there can be some real treasures among discounted vino. David is sipping those bargains with Sunset magazine’s wine editor Sara Schneider this week. Find out why a great value doesn’t have to mean giving up where quality is concerned. The gadget guru, Matt Dubow, is prepared for our host’s most embarrassing wine moment with the antidote to spilling red wine all over a white carpet. Tips, tricks and a must-have item for that accident waiting to happen!

This week, host David Wilson celebrates his biggest Grape Encounter ever with an intimate gathering of special friends… and You! As David prepares to exchange wedding vows, Dr. Doug Hauck and his wife Kim, owners of Hammersky Vineyards talk about the unique experience of tying the knot at their beautiful Paso Robles winery. The Queen of Aphrodisiacs, Amy Reiley whose newest book is Romancing the Stove, shares relaxing and recreational ideas in Napa and Sonoma wine country, where our bride and groom will be honeymooning. One thing’s for sure in this week's edition of Sipping with Sara: David and Sunset wine editor Sara Schneider both find cooking wine abhorrent. That is not to say, however, that they discourage the use of wine as an ingredient when preparing a nice meal. The Big Game is almost here once again. And, ahead of the showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and the Denver Broncos, EpicStyle.com gadget guru Matt Dubow puts his trivia knowledge to the test with a Grape Encounters quiz about football pro’s in the wine biz.

This week on Grape Encounters Radio with David Wilson, get a ‘Cheap Buzz’ when nationally renowned sommelier, author and wine educator Marnie Old shares a glass or two plus her charm and wisdom. In addition to writing her humorous ‘Cheap Buzz’ column in the Philadelphia Daily News, Marnie is a featured speaker at the annual Food and Wine Classic in Aspen and author of the new book, “Wine: A Tasting Course.” This week’s installment of Sipping with Sara Schneider, wine editor at Sunset Magazine, features a fun conversation about recent adventures pairing wine with the tasty vittles served from a variety of Food Trucks. And, cork stoppers can protect the contents of those wine bottles. Gadget guru Matt Dubow talks about EpicStyle’s inaugural gadget – the stopper - which is a must-have!

On this Grape Encounters episode, David Wilson delves into the subject of wine labels and wine perception. Things have gone absolutely haywire with the labels you'll find on bottles of wine in retailers across the country. Aficionado and publisher of the California Directory of Fine Wineries Tom Silberkleit believes that consumers make wine purchases based often times on the bottle's artwork. He shares his insight on the matter. As David goes Sipping with Sara Schneider, wine editor at Sunset Magazine, they talk about how when you pour a glass of wine for friends or loved ones, you can ensure that they have a great experience. David and Sara also delve into whether or not people are “suggestible.” You might be surprised at the power of perception, even among the most expert wine connoisseurs. Gorman Winery in Woodinville, Washington, is home to some of the most fantastic wine names on the market today. Owner Chris Gorman returns to Grape Encounters for an entertaining and enlightening conversation about the brands that grace their bottles. And, Gadget Guru Matt Dubow talks about ways to preserve your labels and the details of each bottle of wine you enjoy… or not.

Grape Encounters executive producer John McMullen steps out from behind the curtain and goes 1-on-1 with host David Wilson in a retrospective glance at the people and the adventures shared around the world since the program’s inception. From conversation about the extraordinary relationship between wine and music to reminiscing about a Grape Encounter of a near-death kind, the interviewer becomes the interviewee. Then, David shares a surprise so fabulous, you’ll want to have a glass of your favorite vino ready to toast as he makes the big reveal with gadget guru Matt Dubow from EpicStyle.com. And, just what is David’s “go to” wine for such a special occasion? Tune in as he and Sunset Magazine wine editor Sara Schneider go sipping Syrah!

More champagne and sparkling wine will be purchased and consumed for New Years celebrations than any other time of the year. This week on Grape Encounters, host David Wilson – who we learn is something of a New Years Scrooge – welcomes Sunset Magazine’s Sara Schneider into an extended edition of Sipping with Sara to talk about the good, the bad and the must-have of the sparkling variety for your celebration on the arrival of 2014. David will also introduce you to some new friends of the Grape Encounters family. Jutta Thoerner and Cynthia Douglas are the owners of Manzanita Manor Organics and they are making organic wine and farming walnuts. It’s a fascinating story about a vineyard surrounded by thousands of acres of National Forest. And, if you’re hosting a New Years Eve party, our gadget guru Matt Dubow has everything to make your spirits bright and shares those EpicStyle ideas.

How did California’s Central Coast region grow into such a winemaking powerhouse? This week on Grape Encounters, David Wilson hosts a lively discussion with an esteemed group of vino pros representing a cross-section of the Paso Robles wine region. Niels Udsen, owner of Castoro Cellars, Skylar Stuck, general manager of Halter Ranch Vineyard, Michael Young, a sales a marketing exec from L’Aventure Winery, Joel Peterson of Solterra Strategies, and Stacie Jacob, director of the San Luis Obispo County visitors bureau talk about how this once-unknown area has emerged as the number-one wine region in the world. Weekly contributors Sara Schneider, wine editor of Sunset Magazine, and gadget guru Matt Dubow of EpicStyle.com also talk about what to do when you’re stuck for a gift giving idea and you’re thinking a bottle of wine might make the perfect impression!

A passion for wine does not require any sort of expertise, but learning about American’s favorite adult beverage can be just as fun as drinking it. This week on Grape Encounters Radio, host David Wilson brings together three people whose unpretentiousness is as significant as their knowledge of wine and wine-related products. Sunset magazine wine editor Sara Schneider discusses being a learn-on-the-job aficionado who holds no certifications herself. Then, Master Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator Michael Jordan, an ambassador for Jackson Family Fine Wines, joins the conversation to talk about the nuances of various wines. They also talk about the documentary Somm, which Jordan appears in as it follows a group of students on their intense journey to taking the Master Sommelier exam. Matt Dubow, the gadget guru shares more of his expertise in the realm of making products that make drinking wine fun, too!

This week on Grape Encounters you’ll meet a couple who are doing something very unique with wine that they began making for their personal enjoyment. David Wilson introduces you to Cowboy Ike’s Wine Jelly and Syrup created by fifth generation rancher Ike Porter and his wife Linda. If you have a sweet tooth for vino, you won’t want to miss this week’s Sipping with Sara segment. The Sunset wine editor raps about Moscato, which has become a favorite of younger wine consumers. An Upstate New York winemaker has joined forces with other local vintners and have successfully begun to penetrate the European wine market. Scott Osborn of Fox Run Vineyards in the Finger Lakes region is pleasing palates from the Empire State to Belgium and beyond. And, gadget guru Matt Dubow has more value-priced holiday gift ideas for wine lovers from EpicStyle, while also discussing a fascinating story about cooking wine with David.