Grape Encounters Wine Radio

Mark Carter is one of the very few winemakers in the world to earn a perfect 100 point score. His wife, Sherri Dobay, author of Daily Decadence could probably take that score up to 110 with her remarkable ability to make good things great and great things, well, greater! Then, meet Stephanie Putnam, the winemaker at Raymond Vineyards in the Napa Valley, as she shares her thoughts about why Wine Enthusiast named Raymond Winery of the Year. She'll also reveal who that mannequin on the trapeze in the Crystal Room was modeled after. Plus, Gadget Guru Matt DuBow on putting wine in your blender and changing Pink Floyd's name!

This week, we visit with Violet Grgich, daughter of Michael Grgich, the famed winemaker responsible for making the Chardonnay that won the historic Judgment of Paris in 1976. Join David as he sits down with Violet at Grgich Hills Estate to talk about continuing the Grgich legacy side-by-side with her 90 year old, very hands on, Dad! Also on the show, French wine importer and Sommelier Laurent Michit of H. Mercer Imports talks about the business of bringing great wines to America from abroad. Plus, things you really ought to know from Gadget Guru Matt DuBow. A fun-filled and very informative edition of Grape Encounters Radio!

On this week’s Pre-Valentine’s Day show, we’re going to focus on Wine, Champagne and other goodies that will help you celebrate the very romantic 14th of February in style. From do’s and don’ts to tips on turning up the temperature without touching the thermostat. There’s a lot to share including advice from world-renowned romance and wine expert. Author Amy Reiley. Learn her scintillating secrets about wine and whoopie. Why is that Barnyard smell so sexy? Stay tuned and find out! Also on the show, Matt Dubow, our gadget guru, is no stranger to romance and no stranger to products that can class up your Valentine’s Day act.

This week Grape Encounters Radio welcomes Michael Jordan. Except, this Michael Jordan isn’t tall and doesn’t dribble. In fact, dribbling would be totally unthinkable for him. That’s because Michael is a Master Sommelier… that’s French for big time wine expert. Michael is known as the Sommelier for the People and was once head of wine and spirits for the Disney Resorts. Michael has amazing insights into why and what restaurants serve wine-wise and what kind of premium you may have to pay to wine and dine out. You’ll never look at a wine list quite the same way again!

The first time President Obama was elected, there was a lot of grumbling in the American wine world when it was learned that the new Commander in Chief had chosen wines not of this country to serve at the Inauguration. This time around, political sensitivity and good taste prevailed as wines from the Empire State were given the honor… along with something bubbly from the Left Coast. Meet the winemakers responsible for the Finger Lakes Riesling that made the grade and made New York proud! Today’s show features David Whiting, owner and winemaker at Red Newt Cellars and Scott Osborne of Fox Run Vineyards. We’ll also check in with Gadget Guru Matt DuBow of Epic Style to find out if the administration’s good taste goes beyond the chosen wines!

Today on Grape Encounters, we’ll visit with one of the savviest people in the wine business. He’s a winemaker, an author, an educator, a wine judge and a connoisseur of fine, well, tequila. He’s also someone who thinks Americans need to embrace their own wine identity. Also on the show, we’ll talk zin with a guy who knows the ins and outs of some of our greatest wineries like no one else, but first, a little news and information that will take your wine knowledge up a notch… or at least give you something to talk about at the next dinner party. Plus, how wine effects your testosterone levels with Gadget Guru Matt Dubow of EpicStyle.com.

We have had Michael Grgich on Grape Encounters before, but the time was far too short. Most wine lovers know Michael as the iconic winemaker who stunned the world when his masterfully-crafted Chardonnay won the 1976 Judgment of Paris. But that’s just a small part of this amazing man’s story. As he prepares to celebrate his 90th birthday, we spend some quality time in his living room learning a lot more about the winemaker whose personal effects are preserved like fine wine at the Smithsonian. With amazing wit, insight and a delightful Croatian accent (literally and figuratively) Michael shares his world with you. A MUST NOT MISS. Gadget Guru Matt DuBow caps off this amazing show!

There was much to celebrate in 2012. Great wines and lots of them! The truth is, the past few years have seen more innovations, more varietals and more reasons to break out the good glasses. In this episode of Grape Encounters Radio, we'll visit with the first guest to ever be heard on the show. Join host David Wilson as he catches up with the very innovative Keith Saarloos. We'll also give you some ideas about what to do with that leftover bubbly, with the help of Gadget Guru Matt DuBow and we’ll also pass along a heath dose of wine news and wisdom that you can probably use... especially at parties where you really want to look smart!.

In 2012, we had the privilege to introduce you to some of the most exciting and influential names in the wine, food and wine lifestyle world. On our very special year-end edition of Grape Encounters, we're really serving up the good stuff! Special guests include mega wine importer and producer Alex Guarachi (last year's Importer of the Year), Sunset Magazine Editor in Chief Kitty Morgan, food television superstar Ted Allen of Chopped, Pinot pineer Dr. Stanley Hoffman, French and American winemaking icon Jean-Charles Boisset and legendary winemaker Michael Grgich, winner of the historic Judgment of Paris. PLus, the very best of our Gadget Guru, Matt Dubow and a heart-stopping winery tour…by zipline.

Economically speaking, there hasn't been a lot to celebrate in 2012, but if you're a wine lover, it really has been a good year! All kinds of innovative winers and products have been introduced to wine lovers. We'll recap some of the things we think are amazing and worth savoring! Joining host David Wilson this week is author and host Amy Reiley, the world's leading authority of the aphrodisiac qualities found in many foods and wines plus our gadget go-to guy, Matt Dubow!