Northwest Wine Radio

(2019)  It's one thing to produce some really good wine in one of the most beautiful places on Earth.  These people also make their own cheese, meats, and the homemade crackers are to die for!

We're on the road this week to Oregon's Applegate Valley, where we meet the couple behind Wooldridge Creek Winery and Wooldridge Creek VinFarm.  These two do it all, offering a fantastic experience in a gorgeous setting.  Then, we drive north of the border to sample the unique offerings of Strange Fellows Brewing in Vancouver, British Columbia.  If you've ever had trouble with names, you'll certainly appreciate their story!

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019)  His Canadian up-bringing exposed him to wine, but Washington is where he's perfected his craft.

On this week's show, we meet the people behind Cadaretta Winery and Southwind Vineyard on Walla Walla.  There's a great story behind the name on the label, as well as what goes into the bottle!  Then we're off on a field trip to historic Granville Island in Vancouver B.C., the home of The Liberty Distillery.  It's our first experience inside a distillery where they're allowed to serve cocktails.

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019)  We definitely have some wine to talk about this week, but we also have some delicious beer that requires a little "island hopping."

On a recent trip to Kauai, host Brian Calvert and "Director Drew" met the crew from Kauai Beer Company and learned more about the craft beer scene on the small Hawaiian island.  But before we escape to paradise, it's time to go to wine school, as we check out the program at College Cellars in Walla Walla.  This program is producing some really great winemakers!

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019) When he first arrived on the scene, Woodinville was home to a handful of wineries, and there were about 100 total in Washington.

Over the past three decades, his presence in the industry has grown right alongside the industry itself.  On this episode, we meet the winemaker and learn more of the story behind Patterson Cellars.  We also catch-up with a winemaker who's balaning his love for making wine, with his passion for opening a bed and breakfast.  There are good things ahead for Fivash Cellars.  Then, we head out to the Kitsap Penninsula and check out the cider production happening at Finn River Farms and Cidery.

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019)  How many hats do you wear?  As we've come to know, winemakers wear several hats.  And at this place, they take their wine...and their hats...seriously.

On this episode, we learn the story behind Nine Hats Wines of Seattle.  This is a family operation, but the story is more like the Prodigal Son who goes away, only to eventually find his way back.  We also visit the Newberg area of Oregon to learn the story behind Utopia Vineyard, a certified sustainable operation run by a guy who's first career was in the Silicon Valley.

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019)  Make sure you're ready to celebrate all things Irish as you listen to this week's show, but don't worry, we've already kissed the Blarney Stone for you!

On a recent trip to Ireland, host Brian Calvert and "Director Drew" met the crew from Killarney Brewing Company and learned more about the craft beer scene overseas.  We saved this story to share on Saint Patrick's Day, as you'll love the Irish accents telling this story!  We'll also meet the local winemakers making a go of things in Duvall, Washington, where they're currently the only winery in town.  You'll love meeting the couple behind Cherry Valley Wines.

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019)  Southern Oregon is booming when it comes to vineyards.  There's so much activity, it's spreading towards the coast...which is where we find this week's guests.

On this episode, we take you to where the Umpqua River Valley meets the Oregon Coastal Range for the story behind Brandborg Vineyards & Winery.  It's the tale of a winemaker who's blazed quite a trail through this country, finally landing in Elkton where he's built a renowned facility.  Then, we're off to Newberg to the home of Nicolas-Jay wines for the story of how a lady and two gentlemen have staked their own claim in the Willamette Valley.

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019)  Every now and then we take you some place unexpected for a real treat, and this week's show is definitely in this category. 

Last month, we visited the Hawaiian Island of Kauai for the first time, and got a chance to meet a local producer who makes something a little different.  What do you know about mead?  On this episode, we meet the islanders behind Nani Moon Meadery, where we learn mead isn't as sweet as you might expect. 

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019)  What do you get when you take a couple of lawyers and give them some wine grapes?

No joke: A historic operation.

On this episode, we take you deep inside Barrister Winery in Spokane, and share the story of how two local attorneys channeled their love for wine into this unique operation inside a historic location.  We also catch-up with families behind Pearl and Stone Wine Company of North Bend, then we go out for a beer in Bend and learn the history of Cascade Lakes Brewing.

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.

(2019)  What happens when you buy a wine operation with a stellar reputation and set your sights on the future?

Then what happens when you buy a SECOND winery?

We get a chance to meet the new owners of some long time wine operations, and hear the story of what's next for these two Woodinville stalwarts under the new Tinte Cellars label. Then, we head out to the Snoqualmie Valley to find out more about the region's newest group of wineries, and how they're marketing a unique experience.  The episode ends with a visit to central Oregon, where a cider favorite has been forced to change its name from Atlas to Avid Cider.

Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.