Grape Encounters Wine Radio

Today, Grape Encounters Radio is going to the Dogs, Literally! A few months ago we spent an afternoon with Jean-Charles Boisset, one of the most powerful and influential names in the wine business both here in the US and in France. Well, Jean-Charles and his wife Gina Gallo of the Gallo wine dynasty, are not the only members of their immediate family making great wine and headlines. Now, the families French bulldog, Frenchie is making news by making wine. Yes indeed, the first cainine cabernet and much much more!

On today’s show, Grape Encounters will introduce you to a website that eliminates host David Wilson’s number one pet peeve when it comes to wine tasting. It’s one of those things that you probably have thought would be awfully nice and the forward thinking entrepreneurs at tastingroom.com have made it a reality. We’ll also be talking about whether it makes more sense to give champagne or some other sparkling delight as a holiday gift. But first, wine has been in the news in a very big way and we want to make sure you’re on top of everything that’s going on.

On this week’s Grape Encounters, learn how much wine consumption in France has dropped (while it continues to grow and grow in the US). Have the French adopted our old wine drinking habits… and have we adopted theirs? Speaking of the French, join us for a visit with Sophie Gayot of gayot.com — the world’s premiere food, wine and better living website. We get Sophie’s opinion on falling French wine consumption as well as what’s hot when it comes to food and wine in America. Add to that some amazing insights from Gadget Guru Matt Dubow and you have plenty of reasons fill up your glass and enjoy the show!

On this edition of Grape Encounters radio, we’ll talk about which wines are really hot this year with an expert from the Wine Institute. We’ll also talk about leftovers… both edible and drinkable and what to do with them, but first, we’ll share a little bi-partisan wine story from Capitol Hill!

Hurricane Sandy ravaged vast stretches of land on the East Coast. This epic storm also tore through much of New York’s vineyard land. To better assess the effects this monster storm had on the Empire State’s wine business we talked to Steve Shaw of Shaw Vineyards in the Finger Lakes region and James Silver of Peconic Bay Winery on Long Island’s North Fork. For the most part, it is largely good news… but we’ll let you hear the whole story. Plus, news and a delightful Thanksgiving conversation with our Gadget Guru, Matt DuBow!

This week’s Grape Encounter begins with lots of news you can certainly use, but then goes SIDEWAYS as we present a very special conversation with the author of the book that became America’s most beloved and influential wine movie. Meet Sideways author Rex Pickett as he shares his inspiration for the story, his thoughts on the profound effect Miles has had on our preference for Pinot and the next stop on this journey—his latest book Vertical. All this and a little beer-loving diversion with Gadget Guru Matt DuBow!

Just how decadent can you get? On this edition of Grape Encounters Radio, it’s an amazing visit with legendary winemaker Michael Grgich who rocked the wine world in 1976 when his Chardonnay won the historic Judgment of Paris and literally catapulted California wines into the world winemaking spotlight. Thanks to pioneers like Michael, California wines have become the centerpiece at many a lavish and unforgettable affair. It therefore seems fitting that after Michael gave us a crash course in wine history, we spend that evening with the author of Your Daily Decadence, Sherri Dobay and winemaker Mark Carter, who is one of the few winemakers to earn a perfect 100 point score from Robert Parker.

This week on Grape Encounters Radio, we’re going to Idaho, YES IDAHO for some very special wines. After that, it’s ALL ABOARD the Napa Wine Train and an education on how to feed hundreds of passengers incomparable Cuisine at the same time while rolling down the tracks… Then it’s the ultimate food and music pairing at an upcoming festival you might want to put on your bucket list. But first, it’s Ghouls, Goblins and great costumes for your wines with Matt Dubow!

There’s no better way to enjoy the breathtaking scenery of wine country than touring and tasting by bicycle. That’s exactly what we did. We departed quaint Gyserville Inn on two-wheels (well, four if you include our guide’s bike). On this week’s show, we’re pedaling wine, literally! Join host David Wilson and his guests as we explore small boutique wineries and the fabulous winery created by Francis Ford Coppola all under human power! So what really was in that “water” bottle?

Castello di Amarosa is unlike anyplace you have ever been. It is a dream come true for Dario Sattui whose fascination with Medieval architecture took him on endless trips to Italy and beyond where he studied ancient structures and spent years giving live to a very grand vision. Not only is Castello di Amarosa one of the grandest attractions in America, it is the home of some of the Napa Valley’s most loved wines. Join us on a very special private tour… no amour is necessary! Plus, adding atmosphere to your wine drinking experiences with Gadget Guru Matt Dubow!