Grape Encounters Wine Radio

From a historic standpoint, the central coast of California, home of incomparable Hearst Castle, is a very young wine region. But a few decades of winemaking magic has made it one of the most renowned regions on the planet. Central Coast wines are revered across the globe, and while the name may not be as familiar to some in far-off regions, the area's centerpiece, legendary Hearst Castle, is a California icon that millions fantasize about visiting. This show is the prelude to an in-depth, first-hand look at this remarkable region. In a few weeks, we'll take you to Hearst Castle marketing director Jim Allen and Molly Cano of the San Luis Obispo County Visitors and Convention Bureau. Plus, never a dull moment as we do a wine versus beer taste test with Gadget Guru, Matt duBow.

OK, never say "NEVER"! This week, we're having some good old-fashioned fun as we attempt to pair wines with the leading Presidential Candidates. Please, none of our comments represent our political views other than the fact that we believe it's healthy to laugh when things get too heavy. Also, on the show, in honor of St. Patrick's Day, we'll talk a bit about beer (with a wine twist or two). After all, many of you drink both. (You do drink both, don't you?) The show begins with a bunch of very amusing wine news stories you won't want to miss...like who is the newest celebrity winemaker? You'll be stunned! All this and our Gadget Guru, Matt DuBow, with some very amusing stuff, on this week's Grape Encounters!

It's all about Hollywood and Wine as this week's show looks at the relationship between movies and wine in a variety of ways. What would you pair with this year's best picture nominees? What are your favorite movies about wine? Who is the big winner when it comes to placing wine in hit movies and TV shows? Meet Ian Blackburn of LearnAboutWine.com, Clos Du Val Executive VP Tracy Mason and our beloved Gadget Guru. Lights! Camera! Cue the Wine Steward... Action!

This week we're pleased to present winemaking pioneer Brooks Firestone and premium Pinot producer Steven Pepe, in a spirited discussion about finding, buying and collecting rare wines, as well as a preview of their upcoming rare wine sale and auction. Plus, a very hot new gadget from our Gadget Guru, Matt DuBow and tips on wine aging, breathing and recovery from dreaded cork taint and other nasty ailments.

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Even though wine goes down easy, there are sure a lot of decisions you have to make given the amazing selection of great and not so great wines available. To that end, we've enlisted Mia Malm of the Wine Institute to help us navigate some perfect romantic pairings of food and wine for Valentines Day. Next, Gadget Guru Matt Dubow helps tackle some equally challenging wine and romance questions. Superstar Sommelier Chris Sawyer really knows his wine and has some exceptional advice to add to the discussion. Finally, set sail for a neighborhood that's a lot closer than most--it's oh so fine, thanks to the fruit of the vine. So fine that they've even written a book about it!

This is a very busy time of year with lots of opportunities for wine lovers to have fun. This week, you'll meet a tour operator that will take you to some very unexpected places… Mom and Pop cafes, Farmers Market and more. A food expedition of a different kind! Then, what happens when all the tasting rooms in an emerging wine region get together to do something special for lovers? You'll see AND you might want to come along. Speaking of coming along… we'll introduce you to the founder of the most decadent food and wine fundraiser of all time. What an event! Then, our Gadget Guru gets very patriotic and Presidential as we discuss wine and Presidents Day. Oh, and you won't want to miss David's rant about ill-conceived wine tastings! Tune in to see what we're talking about!

From the world's best restaurant to the final football showdown to the Urban Wine Trail of Santa Barbara, Grape Encounters Radio takes on some very engaging topics this week. Meet Sean O'Connel, the incomparable Chef who opened the Bellagio, Las Vegas, reinvented dining at Hong Kong's Mandarin Oriental and now is taking culinary creativity to the limit at the BluEmber in Rancho Mirage, California. Plus, Christian Garvin of the highly acclaimed Oreana Winery, online wine buying tips from Sommelier Jim Newcomb and finally, David and Gadget Guru, Matt DuBow, take wine out on the grid iron and talk about the surprising connection between wine and football.

Since last fall, the weather in California and other wine regions has been anything but normal – too much rain when we need it the least, not enough when we need it the most. None-the-less, Grape growers are a fearless bunch who don't scare easily. As a result, our expert, Wes Hagen looks into his crystal ball and gives us a lot to look forward to and some things we should be cautious about. Also on this week's show: How to do the right thing for the one you love, with Gadget Guru, Matt DuBow. Also, tell your friends that Grape Encounters may be throwing a party, just for them! Listen and learn what you need to do.

David visits with Tom Silberkleit, publisher of "The California Directory of Fine Wineries", on how to take a European wine vacation in the United States. Also, Amy Relley, author and leading aphrodisiac expert, discusses the release of her new book "Romancing the Stove". Becky Bleibaum, VP of Tragon Corp. shares the latest study "Cork versus Screwcap", and you can test your knowledge of wine gadgets and more with our gadget guru Matt DuBow.

On Grape Encounters Radio, we often talk about the relationship between wine and music. This time, we've taken it one step further by joining in on the blending action with the winemaker who creates the WINES THAT ROCK. Join us as we assist Winemaker Mark Beaman in the creation of a blend to compliment the classic Eagles Hotel California. It's great fun with the mad scientist of musical magic. Plus, more fun with Paul Cullen, Acoustic recording artist, former Bad Company bass player and now wine producer! Paul has created some special wines to go with his very special latin-infused compositions. The perfect pairing for sure! And no show would be complete without a free-spirited conversation with Gadget Guru Matt Dubow of EpicStyle.com. Nobody, and we mean NOBODY, works harder to bring wine lovers the coolest products on the planet!