This episode of the Podcast features Natalie MacLean, author, wine educator, and host of the Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast. Natalie, who is based in Canada’s capital city, Ottawa, told us the story of her transition from tech to wine, she gave an in-depth portrayal of the Canadian winemaking regions, and we discussed the work that she does today including creating wine and food pairing classes, writing her third book, and the Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast. Natalie is currently seeking beta readers for her new book, a memoir, and leaves an invitation during our conversation.

135 - Natalie MacLean - Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast

Welcome to Inside Winemaking, your go-to resource for all things winemaking, designed for those already immersed in the wine industry and anyone with a passion for the art and science of crafting the perfect bottle.

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Our mission is to be a comprehensive resource hub for winemaking, providing valuable content to enthusiasts and industry professionals alike. Your host Jim Duane (Napa Valley winemaker) interviews some of the top winemakers in California and beyond.

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In this episode, Avery Heelan, the talented winemaker at Larkmead Vineyards, shares her personal voyage from the pharmaceutical industry to the heart of Napa Valley's viticulture scene. Listen in as she recounts the challenges and growth she experienced while transitioning to a career that aligns with her passion. Our conversation takes a worldly twist as we recount the invaluable lessons learned from winemaking internships across the globe. Avery brings her experiences full circle, detailing the sustainable practices and innovative techniques she now employs at Larkmead Vineyards. We discuss the nuances of managing different grape varieties, the delicate balance of the winemaking process, and the team's commitment to preserving the legacy of their historic estate. Resources from this Episode   Larkmead Vineyards - https://www.larkmead.com/   Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

169: Avery Heelan - Larkmead Vineyards

Join me as I bring back viticulturist Fritz Westover to unpack questions from our dedicated Inside Winemaking community. Listen in as we discuss the intricacies of vineyard management, sustaining vineyard health and productivity over time, and the crucial steps involved in preparing a vineyard for replanting, with a particular focus on the nuances of soil health.  Whether you're looking to increase your planting density or enhance soil fertility with innovative practices like biochar, this episode provides guidance for growers facing these universal challenges. We also answer questions on the significance of vine spacing, the challenges of procuring quality vine material, and the cutting-edge world of biological pruning wound protection.  Resources from this Episode  Westover Vineyard Advising: https://www.vineyardadvising.com/ Virtual Viticulture Academy:  https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/ Fritz’s Online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course:  https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/is-grape-growing-right-for-you/ Ep. 164: Fritz Westover - Westover Vineyard Advising: https://www.insidewinemaking.com/#/164-fritz-westover-westover/  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

168: Viticulture Q&A with Fritz Westover

Join us as we explore the life of Josh Phelps, a seasoned player in the wine industry, from his roots in restaurant work to the strategic cultivation of his winemaking empire. Listen in as Josh recounts his time at Kimberly Jones Selections where he honed his skills in sales and faced the tough skin-building challenge of rejection, and shares how he scaled his initial 100-case winemaking venture to an impressive 40,000. Discover how Josh and his father work together to manage their wine brands while remaining authentic. Get a glimpse into their diverse wine projects, such as Steady State and Spaceage, and understand how these wines evolve with time. We also discuss effective wine sales strategies, the evolving landscape of market gatekeepers, and the indispensable value of personal connections in the wine business.  Resources from this Episode  Grounded Wine Co - https://www.groundedwineco.com/ Instagram - @groundedwineco  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

167: Josh Phelps - Grounded Wine Co

I recently sat down with Shawn Johnson of Amulet Estate, who shared the revolution in winemaking processes brought by innovative software and fermentation techniques. His story intertwines with mine as I recall my years learning the winemaking craft from mentors like Mark Harold and the brilliant minds at Nicholson Ranch. Come with us behind the scenes of Amulet Winery, where attention to detail and a passion for quality over quantity yield wines that evoke the land and the artists who shape them. From fermentation to the precision required in blending, you'll get a rare glimpse into the winemaking techniques that elevate the Cabernet Sauvignon. As we round out our conversation, get a glimpse into the everyday adventures of the vineyard—from sugar levels and acidity to the use of native yeasts and oak influence. You'll hear firsthand accounts of the historical importance captured in each vintage and how equipment choice and yeasts can bring out the flavors that are a wine's signature. Resources from this Episode  Amulet Estate - www.amuletestate.com Winexray - www.winexray.com  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

166: Shawn Johnson - Amulet Estate

Listen in as I sit down with Dan Limoges, a winemaker and grape grower from North Georgia who has truly immersed himself in the craft. Dan shares the narrative of his transition from Iowa to the wine-laden landscapes of Georgia, where he and his wife have established Limoges Cellars. His passion for the vine-to-bottle process is evident as we talk about their hands-on approach to developing their vineyard and winery. In this conversation, we uncover the challenges of starting a vineyard in the unique climate and geography of North Georgia. Discover the story behind the Limoges’ land search, the importance of community relations, and the strategic decisions that were made, from the layout of the vineyard to the selection of grape varieties. We navigate through the complexities of viticulture in a region where elevation plays a crucial role in combating Pierce's disease and where the beauty of the Appalachian foothills presents both opportunities and obstacles. The journey from concept to reality in Limoges Cellars' winery and tasting room is filled with creative solutions to winemaking challenges, such as cold stabilization techniques and the integration of community resources. Join us to learn more about Limoges Cellars and how they have grown their successful operation in North Georgia. Resources from this Episode  Limoges Cellars - https://limogescellars.com/ Instagram Feed - @LimogesCellars https://www.instagram.com/limogescellars/  Follow and Review: We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on  Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you.

135 - Natalie MacLean - Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast

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