Inside the Bunghole...A Journey through Wine

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In this episode of Inside the Bunghole, the team welcomes winemaker Brian Marquez from Weins Cellars, a legacy winery located in Temecula, California. Brian shares the story of Weins' 20+ year journey, from its beginnings in Lodi to becoming one of the “Four Castles” of Temecula wine country. Known for producing over 30 varietals and upwards of 100 different SKUs, Weins has built a diverse portfolio—from sparkling wines and white ports to bold reds—crafted to appeal to a wide range of palates. Brian kicks things off with their popular sparkling wine, “Blanc de Blanc,” and discusses the local and historic fruit sources they work with, including old vines from Cucamonga and heritage plantings near Native reservations.

Brian’s personal journey from event bartender to head winemaker is filled with humility, hustle, and heart. A self-taught craftsman shaped by the mentorship of the Weins family, Brian describes learning the ropes—from cellar hand to creative winemaker—through hands-on experience and a willingness to taste, learn, and adapt. His breakthrough came in 2013 when he was given the reins on Chardonnay production, ultimately earning a 90+ rating from Wine Enthusiast. Since then, he’s gone on to craft award-winning wines such as their Arneis and Refugio Cabernet Sauvignon, while also representing the winery in prestigious competitions and even judging international wines himself.

The episode also explores the evolution of Temecula as a wine destination, the technical side of winemaking (including a deep dive into barrel selection and toasting), and why Weins Cellars prioritizes the direct-to-consumer experience over mass distribution. Brian discusses how their family-oriented vibe, member-exclusive experiences, and music-driven events help create lasting memories. The winery’s commitment to crafting elegant, approachable wines—like their fan-favorite Refugio Cab—has made them a standout in Temecula's growing wine scene. It’s a heartfelt, informative conversation about legacy, labor, and loving what you do.

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In this rich and candid episode of Inside the Bunghole, the hosts sit down with Rajeev, founder and producer of Kubani Wines, a boutique winery nestled near downtown Napa. Rajeev shares how an unexpected trip to Napa in 1997, prompted by his lawyer, sparked a lifelong romance with winemaking. Now partnered with winemaker Bobby Moy, Rajeev emphasizes crafting wines that are elegant, approachable, and ready to drink—no snobbery required. The conversation also highlights their rosé, a refreshing blend of muscat, tempranillo, grenache, and mulberry, and the “Red Crush,” a laid-back blend ideal for spontaneous moments.

Rajeev opens up about balancing his ongoing career as a KFC franchisee with his passion for wine, revealing that Kubani is not just a business, but a family venture inspired by his children’s names—Kunal and Shabani. He discusses the practical choice of sourcing grapes over vineyard ownership, explaining the complexity and generational commitment required for farming. The conversation dives deep into wine production techniques like whole-cluster fermentation and the importance of barrel aging, blending, and aeration, showcasing the thoughtful craftsmanship behind each bottle. He also shares insights into Napa's diverse soil profiles and how vintage variations affect grape character.

In the final segment, Rajeev reflects on the collaborative spirit of the wine industry, especially in Napa, where winemakers openly support one another rather than compete. With limited production, Kubani Wines is self-distributed via their website and select partners like La Fe Wine Bar. The episode wraps with a conversation on food pairings, wine club plans, and a deeper appreciation for how wine intersects with mood, food, weather, and company. It’s a heartfelt journey through one man’s passion project turned legacy-in-the-making.

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🍇 From Croatia to California: A Winemaking Legacy

In this heartfelt episode, Ivo Jeramaz of Grgich Hills shares the remarkable story of his uncle, Miljenko “Mike” Grgich—a Croatian immigrant whose 1973 Chardonnay triumphed at the historic 1976 Judgment of Paris, placing Napa Valley on the global wine map. Mike’s journey from a modest upbringing in Croatia to becoming a pivotal figure in the wine world is filled with resilience and vision. Ivo recounts how Mike’s early exposure to winemaking, combined with inspiration from a professor’s tales of Napa as "paradise," ultimately led him to California, where he spent his life building a world-class winery and legacy.

🌿 Regenerative Roots and Hard-Earned Wisdom

Ivo’s personal story echoes his uncle’s grit. Arriving in the U.S. in 1986 with a mechanical engineering degree and no prior experience in winemaking, he started at the bottom—washing barrels. Guided by a strong work ethic rooted in his upbringing on a Croatian farm, Ivo rose through the ranks. Over time, he became deeply committed to regenerative farming, realizing that exceptional wine starts with healthy soil. He transitioned Grgich’s vineyards to organic practices by 2003 and biodynamic principles soon after, despite early skepticism from traditionalists. His philosophy embraces nature’s wisdom, rejecting chemical farming in favor of biodiversity, soil health, and microbiological vitality.

🐝 Biodiversity, Biostimulants, and the Future of Wine

Now a passionate advocate for regenerative organic farming, Ivo details how Grgich Hills integrates ancient wisdom and modern science. From introducing cover crops and livestock to nurturing soil microbes, the vineyard operates as a thriving ecosystem. Ivo emphasizes that real change begins with respecting nature—and people. The winery’s new ROC (Regenerative Organic Certification) not only supports environmental sustainability but also ensures fair treatment and health safety for farm workers. His insights reveal that the future of wine lies not just in flavor, but in integrity—from grape to glass.

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🌲 Wine on the Edge: Domaine Anderson’s Cool-Climate Vision

Darrin Low, winemaker at Domaine Anderson, shares the story of crafting exceptional Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from California’s northernmost wine region—Anderson Valley. Nestled near the coast and defined by its cool maritime climate, the valley offers ideal conditions for delicate, acid-driven wines. With vineyards at elevations up to 600 feet and just 25 miles from the Pacific, Darrin explains how this unique terroir, once scouted by the Louis Roederer Champagne family, provides the foundation for Domaine Anderson’s still wine program, which began in 2009 as a complement to their renowned sparkling wines.

🌿 Farming with Purpose: From France to Philo

Darrin's winemaking roots trace back to his upbringing in Healdsburg and his education in Bordeaux, where he studied enology and developed a respect for Old World technique. His experience at wineries like Flowers and Grgich Hills sparked a passion for biodynamic and organic farming—principles he’s implemented at Domaine Anderson. Today, 50 acres of their estate are certified organic, with two-thirds also biodynamic. Darrin discusses the impact of dry farming, cover crops, and sheep grazing, emphasizing how soil health and biodiversity create wines of elegance, complexity, and balance.

🍷 The Style and Soul of Anderson Valley Chardonnay

Darrin’s winemaking philosophy focuses on restraint, terroir expression, and continuous evolution. He favors low-alcohol, lightly oaked Chardonnays and Pinots that reflect their cool-climate origins rather than chase big, bold California stereotypes. With a tasting room nestled in Philo and a growing wine club, Domaine Anderson welcomes visitors to experience a slice of Napa’s past in a quieter, more rustic setting. Darrin's love for Chardonnay, combined with his humility and technical depth, paints a portrait of a winemaker rooted in tradition but always reaching for the next level.

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A Legacy Rooted in Wine and Family

The episode kicks off with lighthearted banter and a warm welcome to the first Inside the Bunghole episode of 2025, featuring Michael Keenan of Keenan Wines in Napa Valley. Michael shares the multigenerational story of his family's vineyard, which began when his father, Robert Keenan, was inspired by his father-in-law's wine collection and purchased the Spring Mountain property in 1974. At the time, Napa was far from the food and wine mecca it is today, but Robert had a vision of producing first-growth quality Cabernet Sauvignon. Spring Mountain’s ideal east-facing slopes and abundant water supply made it the perfect location. Michael reminisces about the winery’s origin, including its ghost winery roots (the property housed a winery from 1890–1930) and the early Bordeaux varietals they were the first to plant on that specific land.

From Wandering Seeker to Reluctant Winemaker

Michael’s personal journey into winemaking wasn’t direct. After high school, he traveled the world, became a vegetarian, and meditated in India before returning home in 1977. Initially working the harvest temporarily, he pursued a career in carpentry and general contracting for over 20 years. A family dispute later separated him from the winery, but after the death of his stepmother and reconciling with his father, Michael took over operations in 1998 with one condition: total control. Over time, he reestablished the winery’s reputation, embraced a restrained, old-world style of winemaking, and distanced himself from overly ripe Napa wines, aligning more with French techniques that emphasized balance, savoriness, and complexity.

Craft, Chemistry & the Keenan Identity

The conversation shifts into the mechanics of winemaking—Michael explains his preference for mostly neutral barrels and minimal oak influence, likening barrel use to salt in cooking: essential but never overpowering. He also criticizes the use of additives like MegaPurple, which mask a wine’s true characteristics and require toxic stabilizers. As the discussion continues, Michael shares stories about label design rooted in family history, his deepening pride in the winery over time, and the upcoming 50th vintage celebration. Notably, the Tribute wine—a 50/50 blend of Bordeaux clones—symbolizes both a viticultural and emotional milestone, coinciding with his father's passing and marking a profound evolution in both the vineyard and Michael’s stewardship.

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Welcome to Season 5!  Who would have thunk?!  We start this season off with a bang as we are interviewing Angela Mondavi...not only an accomplished 4th generation wine maker, from an iconic family in American viticulture, but she is an ass kicking entrepreneur, with several businesses under her belt, of course they pertain to the family business of making AMAZING wines.  The Mondavi family has a checkered past where 1/2 the family pursued winemaking under the family name of Mondavi, while the other half stayed true to their beginnings at their historic Charles Krug winery in Napa Valley.  

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James and Pam had an amazing time at the 2024 Palm Springs Food and Wine Festival, put on by Hocker Productions.  Join them as they look back on the interviews with some great wine families, wine experts they met and discovered there.  Make sure to visit palmspringsfoodandwine.org if you are planning a visit to Palm Springs in the fall.  This event is a MUST if you are going to be in the area.  The foodies (and winos) will not be disappointed!  Great guest speakers, celebrity chefs, and of course some beautiful wines, mostly boutique wines that are hard to find, but well worth the search!  As Michael Green said, "I can't separate a glass of wine from the people I shared it with."

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Have you ever thought about a career where drinking wine was actually a necessary part of your job description?  Well, look no further!  Scott Halterlein, who is a wine rep for Breakthru Beverage Group, one of the very top distributors in the US, gives us the ins and outs, ups and downs of what it takes, besides a liver of steel, to become a successful beverage distributor.  A very fun show, learning about some of the career choices you have if you want to break into the adult beverage industry!  It's not all fun and games and debauchery!

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The tasting room of Auteur wines is exquisitely unique...a beautiful, quaint bungalow purchased from the 1915 Sears and Roebuck catalog and restored at its current location in the heart of downtown Sonoma, a little slice of history!

What is better than this nostalgic location are the wines that Auteur Wines is producing!  Specializing in Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, we tasted wines from sixteen vineyards that they source their grapes, throughout the coastal climate of Northern California.  Auteur specializes in small-batch wines that highlight the terroir.  Join us as we taste and chat with Angie, the Director of Sales and Marketing.  She gives us a history lesson on Sonoma and gives us insight into the sustainable winemaking efforts of Kenneth J.  Next time you are in Sonoma, definitely call for an appointment, 707-938-9211, and get transported by the wistful surroundings and the beautiful wines of Auteur!

www.auteurwines.com
FB: Auteur Wines
Insta: @auteurwines
x: @auteurwines

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On our recent road trip to Sonoma, we had an enchanting visit to Three Sticks tasting home, the 1842 Vallejo Casteñada Adobe  in downtown Sonoma.  We were equally captivated by the charm and history of the downtown area, and the amazing wines of 3 sticks!  We got to sit down with Director of Winemaking, Ryan Prichard who is known for crafting distinctive estate pinot noir and chardonnay wines that showcase Three Sticks’ iconic Sonoma County vineyards.  You can really taste the terroir from the very unique locations where Three Sticks grows their grapes!

Prichard was named by Wine Enthusiast as one of the Maestros of Chardonnay in 2022.  But we think he nailed them ALL! 

This episode is part wine appreciation, part wine education, and what an amazing teacher!  Thank you, Ryan for an incredible experience!

Find out more about their wine club and wines at:

threestickswines.com
FB & Insta: @threestickswines

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