Grape Encounters Wine Radio

This week, Grape Encounters host David Wilson returns to the extraordinary wine cellar at Sunset Magazine for the second of a two-episode series at one of the nation’s premiere lifestyle publications. Few people beyond a winery are encouraged to explore and drink wine for a living. Sara Schneider is Sunset’s wine editor and writes about vino each month. She also hosts tastings and almost-daily pairings in the magazine’s test kitchen. Just how sweet is this assignment? Tune in, but we’ll warn you… David may have been a little red, white… or green… with envy. And, hard as it is to believe, some people are already starting their holiday gift shopping. Gadget Guru Matt Dubow has some Epic Style ideas for the wine lover on your list… even if that’s just… YOU!

When it comes to the world of fermented fruit beverages, there may be no topic that’s more confusing to many people than bubbly. Most people are quite content to call all bubbly… Champagne. And, while Grape Encounters host David Wilson isn’t likely to lift an eyebrow if you call a sparkling wine by some other name, there are some pretty strict rules that govern the use of a number of wine-related terms. This week, Margie Healy, the vice president of communications and marketing for Korbel joins the conversation with all sorts of bubbly facts. And, meet a winemaker whose efforts to encourage sustainability is creating artisan spirits from premium grapes. Alex Villicana of Re:find Distillery shares a Grape Encounter of a different sort, as he tells the story of making vodka and gin with what is left over after fermentation. Also this week, even if a wine isn’t the greatest, there are things you can do to change perception from crummy to yummy. Gadget Guru Matt Dubow from Epic Style has several suggestions on how to give that bottle an upgrade!

Viewing a sunset from a wine cellar? Amazing, but true, it’s another first for Grape Encounters listeners and host David Wilson. Sunset Magazine editor-in-chief Peggy Northrop invites us into the wine cellar at one of the country’s leading lifestyle publications. Guess what? Readers and listeners share many similarities between Sunset and Grape Encounters… like a penchant for life’s finer things without the unpretentious attitude. It’s a fun and inspiring conversation with a journalist whose colorful experiences include being the global editor of Readers Digest. Also this week, David yuks it up with Gadget Guru Matt Dubow as they show Epic Style has a real sense of wine humor.

It’s an unforgettable Grape Encounter as we join several of the world’s hottest rock and roll musicians for part 2 of THE WINE, WISDOM AND ROCK EXPERIENCE, hosted by Mike Martini of the Louis M. Martini Winery in the Napa Valley. Headlining this week’s show is legendary guitarist Joe Satriani along with Teddy Andreadis who played with Carole King, Guns N’ Roses, Chuck Berry, Alice Cooper and many more. Also sharing the stage is legendary drummer Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath fame, Bruce Kulick who was the lead guitarist for KISS for twelve years before moving on to Grand Funk Railroad, and Kane Roberts, guitarist and songwriter for Alice Cooper also joins us on this very unique and special edition of Grape Encounters. Also on the show we’ll talk to our gracious host Mike Martini and the always charming Gadget Guru Matt Dubow.

The ultimate pairing of world-class rock n' roll and wine -- and we had an exclusive all-access pass to bring it to you! What happens when a bunch of world-renowned rock musicians team up with wine experts and a small group of music and wine aficionados who want to know more about both? You get the first ever, WINE, WISDOM AND ROCK EXPERIENCE. This once in a lifetime event was the brainchild of Mike Martini; third generation winemaker at the 80-year-old Louis M. Martini Winery in the Napa Valley. Join us for this 2-part series where you’ll meet musicians from Kiss, Guns N’ Roses, Black Sabbath, Alice Cooper, Grand Funk Railroad, Carole King and so much more. Learn the similarities between making wine and making music and hear so up close and personal conversations you won’t hear anywhere else!

This week, it’s a triple dose of decadence as we visit with two celebrities from the world of food, wine and music. Paul Cullen, former bass player for Bad Company, is living out his rock and roll fantasy by cooking, pouring and playing for fans of the three best things on earth; wine, food and music. Then, host David Wilson is joined by renowned cookbook author Brigitt Binns, who has published more than twenty epistles for foodies. Her latest work is wine country-inspired and has some interesting twists that you won’t want to miss. Finally, it’s all fun and games with Gadget Guru Matt Dubow as he and David share some playful ways to liven up your next get-together. This week, David will be at the Rock and Roll and Wine Fantasy Camp at the Louis M. Martini Winery in the Napa Valley and he’ll share all the details with you on the next episode of Grape Encounters.

Don't mess with the wine! That's how it used to be. But these days folks are getting very creative with wine and you'll learn just what we mean on this episode of Grape Encounters Radio. We start with a lesson in getting creative with corks... and who better to engage in this conversation than the wine Gadget Guru, Matt Dubow. Next, Tom Silberkleit, Publisher of the California Directory of Fine Wineries surprises us with a visit to our new studio and talks about the creative things wineries are doing to attract visitors. Then it's wine cocktails with our studio audience and folks from Hope Family Wines, including Winemaker J.C. Diefenderfer and Joel Peterson, Director of Communications and unofficial resident Mixologist! It's good times and getting creative with wine! You'll definitely want to take some notes!

For years, the broadcast location of Grape Encounters Radio has been a secret. But now, we’re announcing our studio location and we’re also inviting you to join us live and in person! Where is the Grape Encounters studio and how can you come share good wine and good times with us? You’ll have to listen. Also on this week’s show, discover some wines you should be drinking with Sommelier and Certified Wine Educator Jim Newcomb (Who will also share some great ideas about what to do with used corks and wine bottles). Then we’ll talk about absolute essential wine-related products with Gadget Guru Matt Dubow. Don’t miss out!

One of the world’s leading wine experts talks about how tough it is to be a Master Sommelier, bargain wines and much more! Michael Jordan is one of only 14 people in the world to be a Master Sommelier and a Certified Wine Educator. So who better to ask why only one person manage to pass the most recent Master Sommelier test. While we had Michael behind the mike, we asked him if you really can find good wines at ultra cheap prices, plus a lot of other questions we’ve been dying to fire at the “Sommelier of the People.” Then, we have some serious fun with Gadget Guru Matt Dubow as we blind taste some unusual white wines on this edition of Grape Encounters Radio.

Gayot.com is truly the gold standard when it comes to food, wine and living the good life. This week, Sophie Gayot joins us in studio to talk about everything under the sun. Sophie’s father has had an enormous impact on the culinary arts and this lively conversation is proof positive that the fruit does not fall far from the tree. How does Sophie feel about the latest beverage hybrid--a French wine and cola blend? And who is the only person that has ever intimated the woman once described as “one of the most feared food critics?” It’s a very good time with one of our favorite Grape Encounters guests. Then, it’s a whole lot of fun as we try to stump our cheese-loving Gadget Guru in our very first installment of “Name That Cheese!” (And “Name That Milk” while you’re at it!) Sit back, pour a glass of the good stuff, and lose yourself in a delightful installment of Grape Encounters!