Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including the Wine Meets its Match tasting at The Ivy Cafe in Easton, MD on April 22nd.

Think all California wine tastes the same? Not even close.

In this episode, I’m joined by Kristina Shideler, head winemaker at Stonestreet Estate Vineyards, to break down what really sets mountain-grown wines apart—and why Sonoma is full of surprises.

Kristina takes us from her science-driven start to crafting wines at high elevations, where vineyard site, climate, and timing aren’t just details—they’re everything. We get into what mountain fruit actually tastes like, why “bigger isn’t always better,” and how thoughtful winemaking lets the vineyard lead.

We also talk about pushing boundaries (hello Assyrtiko), the truth about price vs. quality, and how to actually pair these wines without overthinking it.

If you’ve ever wondered what you’re really tasting in the glass… this one’s for you.

In this episode we cover:

•  Kristina’s journey from science and global travel into winemaking
•  How European wine culture shaped her perspective on terroir
•  What makes mountain vineyards so different—soil, elevation, and microclimates
•  How Stonestreet’s extreme vineyard diversity shows up in the glass
•  Why planting grapes like Assyrtiko could be the future of California wine
•  How native yeast, harvest timing, and restraint let the vineyard shine
•  The real difference between everyday wine and age-worthy bottles
•  Easy food pairings for Chardonnay and white blends (no stress required)
•  How long you can age Stonestreet Cabernet—and why it’s worth the wait
•  The biggest myth about California wine—and why it needs to go 

Wines Tasted

Stonestreet White Blend 2025

Stonestreet Chardonnay 2021

Stonestreet Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

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