Mr. Wine Guy Podcast

Today is going to be an incredible episode because for the very first time I have the privilege of interviewing a father and son duo whose roots go much deeper than their hands in the wine industry. Today you get to hear from Doug and Ryan Hill, Owners and Proprietors of Hill Family Estate.

In this episode Doug and Ryan talk about so many things, for one their biggest strengths. Doug is a pioneer in Napa Valley being the first to plant grapes in American Canyon and also the first to bring Albarino fruit to Napa Valley, just to name a couple. Doug also credits his biggest strength in life to his experiences in vineyard management, and of course his role as president of Oak Knoll Farming Corporation.

Ryan credits his biggest strength to his ability to excel in the hospitality and service industry and shares how important hospitality is when you're really going out of your way to make the biggest impact on your customers and guests.

Doug goes in-depth about vineyard management and how important vineyard management is when you consider all the things that go on in the offseason to really prepare the grapes for harvest; a handful of those things being frost protection, pruning, irrigation, and of course mowing and cultivation.

Ryan discusses his role as Vice President and Director of Sales for Hill Family Estate and both Doug and Ryan talk extensively about Alison Doran and the privilege it is to have her on board as winemaker since the inception of the brand in 2001.

Ryan also talks about Belle Radici, what it's like to work so closely with Nikki and Brie Bella, Mark Wiegard and Tim Martin of Gauge Branding, and what it means to give back and help other successful Entrepeuners succeed and grow their own wine brand while creating a presence for themselves in the wine industry.

Belle Radici, which means beautiful roots speaks so much on personal growth and a desire to make an impact not only on consumers but each other as well. Ryan sums it up as "We all come from different walks of life and we all have our own specialization, but at the end of the day we love wine, we love friendship, and we love family!" Nothing could be better said for this amazing team and I know you're gonna love hearing about this incredible partnership!

This is the tip of the iceberg of all the amazing things you're going to get out of this episode and again, to have the privilege to interview Doug and Ryan, the first father son duo on the podcast meant so much to me. I'm especially excited for you because I know you're going to get so much out of this episode which will motivate and inspire you in your own walks of life.

So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode.

Cheers

To follow Doug and Ryan on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/hillfamilyestate/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/HillFamilyEstate/

https://twitter.com/HFEWine?lang=en

To purchase wines from Hill Family Estate directly, head over to:

https://www.hillfamilyestate.com/store/purchase

To learn more about Oak Knoll Farming Corporation, head over to:

http://www.doughillvineyardmanagement.com/

To learn more about Bella Radichi and to sign up to be on their mailing list, head over to:

https://www.belleradici.com/

https://belleradici.vinespring.com/register

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

To connect on Linkedin:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gallagher-70637b70/

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

In today's episode, you have the privilege of hearing from a 6th generation winemaker whose family has been making wines for a little over 164 years, Steven Kent Mirassou; a guy who I feel's family pioneered the wine industry and one of the most prolific and critically acclaimed winemakers in the wine industry today.

In this episode Steven talks about the viticultural excellence of Livermore Valley when considering weather, soils, sunshine and wind and how, when he originally got into the wine business back in 1996 he wanted to make 1 great wine from Livermore Valley, not just to be another guy making wine, but to stretch the envelope of people's recognition of the appellation they were in.

Steven talks about his favorite varietal being Cabernet Franc and how he thinks this varietal is the sexiest grape, describing it as sort of leaving this tension in the mouth while being very acid-driven, running under both generous fruit and an herbal mix.

Steven talks about Steven Kent Winery, Lineage Wine Company, and Rag Bag Wine Works and the privilege it is to be making these wines alongside his son Aidan, 7th generation winemaker of the Mirassou Family.

Steven talks about some of his biggest inspirations in the wine industry, 2 being Claude Bobba and Brad Buehler of Wente Vineyards and how these gentlemen inspired and educated him about a better understanding of the Livermore Valley. Also mentioned were Ehren Jordan of Failla Wines, and Steve Matthiasson of Matthiasson Wines.

Steven goes on to stress that it's not only people but appellations and wineries that inspire him as well; wineries such as Mount Eden Vineyards who Steven feels makes arguably the best Cabernet out of California, Ridge Vineyards, Spottswoode Estate, and appellations such as Sicily, Barolo, and Barbaresco.

Steven also goes on to share his ultimate goal in the wine industry and that is to make people happy and provide an experience for them that makes their life a little better than it was before they had a glass of his wine.

With that being said, Steven Kent Mirassou is truly a man whose heart goes way beyond his ability to make world class wines. Not only that, but Steven's energy in this podcast overflows with so much charisma, and so much enthusiasm, that from the first minute of this episode you know you're in for a treat.

Whether you're an aspiring winemaker, or just looking for a little motivation to get you through the day, this podcast is for you! So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode.

Cheers

To follow Steven on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stevenkentmirassou/

https://www.instagram.com/skwinery/

https://www.instagram.com/lineagewine/

https://www.instagram.com/ragbagwineworks/

To follow Steven on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/StevenKentCabernet/

https://www.facebook.com/LineageWine/

To follow Steven on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/LineageWine?lang=en

To purchase wines from Steven Kent Mirassou directly, head over to:

http://www.stevenkent.com/our-wines/

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

In Episode 25 of the Mr. Wine Guy Podcast, I look back on the past 24 episodes and reflect on all the joy and appreciation I have for each and every one of YOU! This podcast wouldn't be possible if it weren't for all the committed and dedicated listeners who go out of their way to listen to each and every episode I release.

Your reviews, kind words, and DM's are all instrumental in fueling and propelling this podcast to where it is today and where it will go tomorrow. You are truly the heartbeat of this show, so form the bottom of my heart, I say thank you.

With that being said I also have the privilege of sharing with you my next guest, debuting on Episode 26 of the podcast, Steven Kent Mirrasou of Steven Kent Winery, and Lineage Wine Company out of the Livermore Valley of California.

Steven shares so many things in this podcast from his youth growing up in the wine industry being a 6th generation winemaker, his love and appreciation for Livermore Valley, and some of the people and places that have really inspired him as a winemaker today.

The one thing you'll take away from this podcast more than anything is Steven's love and passion for wine. Steven's joy and energy for the wine industry overflows and I promise you after listening to this episode, you'll be able to take some of that same energy and apply it to your daily life as well.

I also share with you a very special announcement that my wife Jennifer and I have, but you're going to have to tune in to the episode in order to hear why we're so excited! So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode!

Cheers

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

In today's episode of the Mr. Wine Guy Podcast, you're going to get to hear from one of the most generous and caring individuals you could ever ask for, Bob Van Dyk...President and CEO of Van Dyk Health Care, and Owner and Proprietor of Van Dyk Family Wines out of Napa Valley, CA.

In this episode, Bob talks about his generosity as previously mentioned and how, one of the ways people know and appreciate him is not only for his Philanthropy, but his ability to give so much time and energy to everyone that surrounds him.

Bob talks about Van Dyk Health Care, what it means to be President and CEO of Van Dyk Health Care since 1994, and the privilege it is to carry on the legacy that his father and grandfather created back in 1953.

Bob reflects on being the recipient of so many awards for his work with Van Dyk Healthcare, but in particular his award for the 2017 Jan Thayer Pioneer Award and not only how much that award meant to him, but what Jan Thayer personally meant to him as a dear friend.

Bob talks about Van Dyk Family Wines, its inception into the world of wine in 2012, and how he couldn't have done any of it if it wasn't for the help and motivation of Karen Cakebread.

Bob also talks about the profits and proceeds for Van Dyk Family Wines and how everything that is made with Van Dyk Family Wines is donated to Alzheimer's and the research and development to find a cure for this disease.

Bob Van Dyk is without a doubt a man who is on a misson to touch every single life around him and make such an impact on the world, not only through health care, but in the wine industry as well.

This episode is so impactful and motivating on so many levels that I'm confident you will walk away a better person having heard from this man. So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode!

Cheers

To follow Bob on Instagram and Facebook, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/cabernetbob/?hl=en

https://www.instagram.com/vandykfamilywines/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/vandykfamilywines/

To sign up to be a part of Van Dyk Family Wine's mailing list and have the opportunity to purchase wines from them directly, head over to:

http://vandykfamilywines.securecheckout.com/

2017 Jan Thayer Pioneer Award;

https://www.vandykhealthcare.com/robert-van-dyk-to-be-honored-at-ahcancal-conference/

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

In today's episode, I have the privilege of sitting down with Ryan Knoth, winemaker for Sinegal Estate Winery out of St. Helena, California.

In this episode Ryan talks about his biggest strength, being very detail oriented whether it be with vineyard work, winery fermetations, or his ability to properly blend his wines when considering both taste and smell.

Ryan discusses his previous career in Bio-Tech and how he had no real fulfillment in that job everyday. With a love and passion for food and wine, backed by an incredibly supportive wife and family, Ryan decided to go all in and take a leap of faith and pursue a career in the wine industry.

Ryan talks about his experiences at St. Clement, working alongside Danielle Cyrot, Staglin Family Vineyard working alongside Fredrik Johansson, Gandona Winery working alongside Philippe Melka, and the privilege it was to be a part of these incredible establishments, surrounded by such extraordinarty people.

Ryan of course talks about Sinegal Estate and the privilege it is to work for David and Shelley Sinegal, the history of the property combined with all of the advanced state-of-the-art technology used to craft their wines, and just how happy and convinced he is knowing he's a part of this amazing journey that David Sinegal is paving.

Ryan talks about Bernard Noblet of the infamous DRC, his appreciation for French Burgundy wines, and a story of an unforgettable tasting at DRC that you are not going to want to miss.

Ryan also talks about his ultimate goal as a winemaker, that he wants to go down in the history books as someone who's wines will be appreciated yesterday, today, and in the future, which I have no doubt will be the case!

These are just some of the things you are going to hear in this podcast with so much appreciation, and so much gratitude, coming from a guy who is so focused, driven, and unselfish about everything he is set out to accomplish.

So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode.

Cheers

To follow Ryan on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/sinegalestate/?hl=en

https://www.facebook.com/sinegalestatewinery/

https://twitter.com/SinegalEstate?lang=en

To sign up to be a part of Sinegal's mailing list and have the opportunity to purchase wines through a direct allocation, head over to:

https://www.sinegalestate.com/

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

Today is a very special day because I have the privilege of sitting down with one of the most legendary winemaker's of our time, Bob Foley, Owner, Proprietor, and Winemaker for Robert Foley Vineyards out of the Howell Mountain AVA of the Napa Valley.

In this episode Bob shares so much with us, one thing in particular being his biggest strength in his ability to know when to be patient as a winemaker, and also knowing when to make the right decisions that will count for him the most.

Bob talks about the 2018 Vintage, crediting so much of its success to its ripining season during the summer, no real heat spikes, and a fairly dry, cool climate overall. Bob suggests that this vintage is very comparable to the 2001 vintage or even better.

Bob of course talks about Robert Foley Vineyards and its 20 years of success, and also his Merlot's, and his ability to craft some of the finest Merlot's out of the Napa Valley.

Bob talks about Jim Pride, the privilege it was to have known Jim and all of the ways that Jim not only influenced him personally, but has made an impact on him over the course of his career.

Bob also talks about what it's like to be a musician in his own band, The Robert Foley Band, and how music has played such a big part in his life and really transformed him into the kind of person that he is today.

Bob Foley is truly an icon in the wine industry, but at the same time he's so much more than that. Bob has dedicated so much of his time and energy into doing everything he can to make an impact on so many people, which truly defines the kind of man he is.

I know for a fact you're going to get so much out of this episode and even more so sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode!

Cheers

To follow Bob on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/robertfoleyvineyards/

https://www.facebook.com/RobertFoleyVineyards/

https://twitter.com/RobertFoleyWine

To purchase wine from Robert Foley Vineyards directly, head over to:

http://www.robertfoleyvineyards.com/

To learn more about Bob Foley's band, head over to:

http://www.robertfoleyband.com/

To help contribute to the USVI and Puerto Rico hurricane relief, and Boots on the Ground, click the link below to learn more about this stunning 2016 Hawksbill Rose. Orders MUST be placed over the phone at 707-965-2669. Shipping rates will vary depending on state.

http://www.robertfoleyvineyards.com/hawksbill.html

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

In today's episode I have the privilege of sitting down with Karen Williams, owner, founder, and creator of ACME Fine Wines, a fine wine boutique wine shop located in downtown St. Helena, CA.

In this episode Karen talks about what she loves most about the wine industry, being the relationships that she forms from the very start with clients not only tasting their wines, but helping them launch their own brands in the process.

Karen talks about what inspires her the most about wine being the romanticism behind wine and how wine has such a unique way of bringing so many people together.

Karen talks about the meaning behind ACME, her purpose and mission every time the doors are opened for business, and the things that she strives for in order to set herself apart in the wine industry.

Karen also talks about her team and how willing and cheerful they are to promote the ideals that ACME was founded upon, that being customer service and staying true to the clients wants and needs.

This is just the tip of the tip of the iceberg of what you're going to get out of this episode. Karen is such a sweet and genuine person and her passion shows so much, on so many levels it will absolutely amaze you.

So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode.

Cheers

To follow Karen on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/acmefinewines/

https://www.facebook.com/acmefinewines/

https://twitter.com/ACMEFineWines

To purchase Karen's wines directly, head over to:

https://www.acmefinewines.com/

ACME Fine Wines is located at:

1080 Fulton Ln., St. Helena, CA 94574

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

In today's episode I have the pleasure of sitting down with Leigh Meyering, winemaker for Ideology Cellars out of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley.

Leigh talks about her biggest strength in this episode being her ability to balance both the technical and artistic parts of winemaking.

Leigh talks about her time as an Engineer prior to winemaking, from what she originally thought was a safe job. She would eventually leave that job and start her career in the wine industry working at the iconic Charles Krug winery.

Leigh talks about her time at UC Davis studying for her Masters degree in Enology.

Leigh talks about her times spent at MacRostie Winery Estate in the Russian River Valley, Chateau La Commanderie, Clos des Jacobins, both of St. E'milion, as well as Chateau Chevalier of Spring Mountain.

Leigh talks about her company myEnologist, a consultation service specializing in wine analysis and supplies. myEnologist offers panels of numbers of wine samples rather than just individual stats. They also provide a subscription service to clients to incentivize the importance of utilizing extended services, thus increasing client interaction, while reducing overall cost.

Leigh talks about being the winemaker for Ideology Cellars and the privilege it is to work for Bob and Joni Williamson.

Leigh also talks about the importance of family and her experience with her children in the wine industry as it relates to her everyday work.

There is so much more that you are going to get from this podcast and it was such a pleasure getting to sit down with Leigh and really hear about all the things that have inspired her and motivated her to get to where she is today.

So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode.

Cheers

To follow Leigh on Instagram and Facebook, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/ideologycellars/

https://www.facebook.com/Ideology-Cellars-Napa-Valley-627372527346888/

To purchase Leigh's wines directly, head over to:

http://www.ideologycellars.com/

To learn more about myEnologist, go to:

http://www.myenologist.com/

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

Today I have the privilege of introducing to you a guy whose passion goes way beyond that of just being an amazing winemaker. Scott Young of Young Inglewood Vineyards is going to move and motivate you through sincerity, a genuine and compassionate heart, and a strong family commitment towards a mission that they know they're creating some of the most organic and sustainable wines throughout Napa Valley.

In this episode Scott talks about his upbringing, being surrounded by wine most of his life, and that inspiration and appreciation for wine that he viewed through his beautiful mother Jacky.

Scott talks about his earlier days in University studying Philosophy. He recalls his family considering selling their family business to pursue a dream in the wine industry. Scott talks about his family asking him if he'd be interested in joining them along this journey, recalling all the ways that wine motivated his family growing up, and was convinced that this was a great move for him as well.

Scott focuses heavily on the organic and sustainable approach to winemaking that him and his mother Jacky, also winemaker for Young Inglewood, approach each day. Not only that, but Scott had the privilege of being surrounded by these types of foods and lifestyle growing up, so it was a no-brainer to him that this was the way they were going to make their wines as well.

Scott talks a lot about his mother Jacky, and what it's like to make wine in an intimate, family run winery. He also talks about the appreciation he has for his mother, what she means to the winery, and also her appreciation for bio-dynamic farming and all the attention to detail that goes into making wine at Young Inglewood.

Scott talks about mentors in the wine industry and those that have inspired him along his journey, people like Steve Matthiasson, Joe Klein, and the amazingly talented winemaker herself, Jennifer Williams of Zeitgeist Cellars.

Scott also talks about the meaning behind the name Young Inglewood, representing a sense of place, and the meaning behind the label, representing all of the balance and harmony that goes into making wine.

Like I said before, Scott is going to move and motivate you through so many different channels in this episode. You're really going to get to hear from someone who's not only passionate about what he loves, but just as passionate about touching the community, working with his family, and creating extraordinary wines each and every year.

So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode!

Cheers

To follow Scott on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/younginglewood/

https://www.instagram.com/youngbertrand/

To purchase Scott's wines directly, head over to:

http://younginglewood.com/index.html

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1

Today I have the privilege of sitting down with a LEGEND in the wine industry himself, Mark Carter.... Owner and Founder of Carter Cellars.

In this episode, Mark talks about how it all began for him back in 1982, restoring an old Victorian Mansion into the Carter House Inns, creating one of the most recognized wine lists in America through Restaurant 301, and eventually the evolution of Carter Cellars in 1998.

Mark talks about one of his biggest strengths being the wine buyer for Restaurant 301, which has been recognized by Wine Spectator with multiple Grand Award mentions.

Mark talks about his experience meeting Fred Schrader and how this experience eventually got him the fruit he needed to create his very first vintage with Carter Cellars. This story is absolutely amazing by the way!

Mark talks about the privilege it was bringing Nils Venge, the "King of Cabernet" onboard as Carter Cellars first winemaker, and the inspiration and impression Nils has left on Mark over the years. Today, the current winemaker for Carter Cellars is Mike Smith.

Mark talks about receiving multiple 100 pt. scores for his wines with Carter Cellars and how he reacted the first time he found out he earned this prestigious accolade.

Mark talks about some of his biggest inspirations in the wine industry, gentlemen like Andre' Tchelistcheff and Robert Mondavi, and how these gentlemen really made an impact in shaping him into the kind of man that he is today.

Mark also talks about the creation of his bourbon whiskey brand Old Carter Whiskey Company, the attention to detail that goes into each and every label, and what inspired him to make small batch whiskey in the midst of all the amazing things he has already achieved throughout his career.

MarkCarter is undoubtedly one of the biggest influences in wine to ever come out of the Napa Valley. I this episode, you are going to hear from a man who is so passionate, and so transparent about all that he's accomplished, that this conviction will easily trickle into your life, motivating you in similar fashions as well.

So sit back, relax, and get ready, because you are going to love this episode.

Cheers

To follow Mark on Instagram, go to:

https://www.instagram.com/markcarter52/

https://www.instagram.com/cartercellars/

https://www.instagram.com/oldcarterwhiskeyco/

To purchase Mark's wines directly, or his small batch bourbon whiskey, head over to:

http://www.cartercellars.com/

https://www.oldcarterwhiskeyco.com/

To book a room at the luxurious Carter House Inns, or to make a reservations at the critically acclaimed Restaurant 301, head over to:

https://www.carterhouse.com/

To contact Carter House Inns directly with information on events, package deals, gift certificates, etc., go to:

https://www.carterhouse.com/ContactUs.html

To follow Mr. Wine Guy on Instagram and Facebook go to:

www.instagram.com/themrwineguy

www.facebook.com/themrwineguy

Also, make a statement in your very own Mr. Wine Guy Swag which can be found at https://mrwineguy.com/collections/mr-wine-guy-swag-1