Imagine owning a vineyard that is considered one of the very best in the U.S. How would you feel if it were chosen as one of the Top 30 vineyards in the world!? Within the last year, that remarkable honor was bestowed upon Hirsch Vineyards. Perched high above the Sonoma Coast, Hirsch is defined by extremes - high elevations, steep hillsides, nearly 80 inches of rain each year, intense sunshine, and wind-driven storms. The nearby San Andreas fault has fractured the land into a composite of rock, sand, and soil, producing wines of extraordinary character. More than 60 individually farmed blocks of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir each tell their own story, and range from wines that are powerful to delicately elegant. Winemaker Jasmine Hirsch, the daughter of founder David Hirsch, has grown up on the property and has a lifelong understanding of its land and potential. On this podcast, she shares details about what makes this property so distinctive. Discover more at HirschVineyards.com

 On The Wine Road Podcast theme music was composed by Marscott. Additional music was sourced from APM Music.

This interview at Korbel Champagne Cellars dates back to September of 2021. We were just easing out of the pandemic, so to play it safe, I had the pleasure of joining owner, president, and chairman Gary Heck poolside. Yes, there is a swimming pool off the guest house at the winery. It was a beautiful fall morning, and to have a Korbel mimosa in hand was a bonus! Korbel Champagne Cellars has a multi-layered history full of drama and perseverance. We touch upon Gary's life on the property and how the Korbel brothers eventually created California "champagne" in 1882. Interestingly, the Hecks are only the second family to run the business, and as a result of their decades of determination, the brand can be found across the U.S. and internationally. Click here to visit Korbel Champagne Cellars.

The podcast opening and closing themes were composed by Marscott

Phillip Titus is a likeable winemaker whose exuberance is youthful, yet he has been in the business for a long time. As you'll hear, he's had a stellar career and recently added Acumen Napa Valley to his list of respected wineries. He helped plant his father's vineyard as a young teenager, entered the acclaimed wine and viticulture program at UC Davis at age 18, and has been making some of Napa's most sought-after wines since graduating.  You'd likely expect him to have a swelling ego, but no, he's one of the most pleasant, easy-going guys you'd want to meet. He delves into his storied career and shares details of the iconic vineyards from which he makes wine for Acumen.

The podcast opening and closing themes were composed by Marscott, and additional tunes are sourced from APM Music.

On The Wine Road Podcast is sponsored by Sonoma Clean Power.

Why take the 6 hour and 40 minute drive to the Applegate Region in Southern Oregon? I had to see what 29 year old Mini Byers has acquired. Cowhorn Bioynamic Vineyard and Garden is a Petal-certified Building under the Living Building Challenge 2.1 by the International Living Future Institute.  The tasting room is LEED-certified, and there is a beautiful, modern guest home on the property overlooking the vineyard. Naturally, I accepted the offer to stay there for two days. While there, I spent a morning with Mini's winemaker, Vince Vadrine. We talk about his background, the vineyard, and the Rhone wine varietals he crafts.

A trip to the area is well worth it. There's so much to see and experience, of which we took full advantage!

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power.

Music was sourced APM Music, and the theme was composed by Marscott.  

I am reaching back to 2019 for this podcast. In case you missed it, you may want to hear this story as Jordan Vineyard and Winery is one of Sonoma County's most stunning wineries, fashioned after a French chateau. It stands boldly yet gracefully among the sweeping lawn, beautifully manicured trees, and vineyards. Since the first vintage in 1976, Jordan wine has lived up to the elegance of the Chateau in which it is produced.

Needless to say, it was a pleasure to spend time there interviewing CEO, General Manager, and family member John Jordan and winemaker Rob Davis. For you Napa wine history fans, you'll love the stories Rob shares about "the Dean of California Winemakers," André Tchelistcheff.

As you listen, you'll understand the reasoning behind Wine Enthusiast Magazine choosing Jordan Vineyard and Winery as American Winery of the Year in 2014. 

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power.

Music was sourced from FirstCom/Universal Music and Marscott.  

This podcast was spawned by the new book from Ace Cider founder and former owner Jeffrey House, The Cider King, How I Ace'd It!  The book was Jeffrey's project after selling his beloved brand in 2021. All kinds of unexpected developments occurred following the book's release. Of The Cider King book, Jeffrey says, "It's a story of immigration, a story of business, entrepreneurship, plus some encouragement for anyone who suffers from depression" (which he's dealt with for decades).

We go into quite a bit of detail about the sale of his company and how he almost bought it back. You'll also hear how he ended up working for Ace Cider again, thanks to the insightful decision made by its new owner in 2024.

Jeffrey is always a kick to interview, aside from the fact that we drink cider while doing it. Maybe pop one open yourself while you listen. 

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power

The open and close theme was composed by Marscott

Additional music was sourced from APM Music

I'm going to start this Women In Wine Day post by recognizing the founders of National Women in Wine Day, Yolanda Papapietro and Renae Perry. You can read more about Women in Wine Day and nominate a woman in the wine industry for recognition at Women In Wine Day.com. You may realize a number of the women listed for nomination have appeared on this podcast in the past.

The interviews for today's offering were originally posted in 2022, in honor of the Second Annual Women in Wine Day. I feel they're worthy of a second posting in 2025 to celebrate this year's Day. Katie Madigan is one of two winemakers at St. Francis Winery in Kenwood, Sonoma Co. Katie was lucky enough to develop an interest in wine as a result of her parent's love and enthusiasm for the beloved nectar. 

Pam Starr is a Co-Owner & Founding Winemaker of Crocker & Starr in St. Helena, Napa Valley. She has great enthusiasm about working in all aspects of the wine industry and has made quite a name for herself. As you'll hear, both ladies share some common experiences.

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power 

The closing music was composed by Marscott

For this podcast, I sat down with Andy Robinson from Seghesio Family Vineyards. I recently learned that Wine Spectator named Seghesio’s 2022 Sonoma County Zinfandel the Top Value Wine of 2024—an incredible achievement, especially considering the global competition in the Top 10. Producing high-quality wine at a scale that reaches shelves across multiple states and countries—while keeping it affordable—is no small feat. That’s just one of the many topics I explore with Andy in this conversation. 

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power 

The closing music was composed by Marscott

Additional music is sourced from APM Music

In the fall of 2023, I recorded this interview as an oral history video for the Napa Valley Wine Library Association. I didn't get it completed until early summer of last year. It's about time I post it as a podcast! It was a real pleasure to get to know David Duncan, co-owner and CEO of Silver Oak Winery, founded by his father, Ray in 1972. Together, David and I explore the numerous innovations and transformations that have helped solidify Silver Oak's remarkable legacy over the past 50 years. By the end, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for why Silver Oak remains a true icon in both the Napa and Alexander Valleys. 

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power 

The closing music was composed by Marscott

Additional music is sourced from APM Music

Nestled at 1,500 feet atop Bennett Mountain, overlooking Bennett Valley, Coursey Graves Estate Winery boasts some of the most breathtaking views in Sonoma County—I can vouch for it, having had the pleasure of working there for the past year. (This explains why I’ve been behind on updating this podcast and my website.) Guests are often struck by the beauty, exclaiming, “This is gorgeous!” From every vantage point, there’s something to admire: sweeping vistas that stretch for miles, a serene Monet-inspired pond framed by stately oak trees, lush, colorful gardens, and the occasional visit from local wildlife.

The wines themselves are marvelous, capturing the essence of their unique origins.

• Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reflect the elegance of the cool-climate Sonoma Coast vineyards in which they’re grown.
• The Estate Cabernet blend (currently Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec) and Syrah embody the rugged volcanic soils and rock in which they’re grown.

The vines, with roots that dive deep, are often blanketed in early evening to late morning fog, yielding wines with remarkable complexity and character. Find more details and photos at courseygraves.com.

On this podcast, you'll hear from talented winemaker Matt Casalenue. Click play to discover his perspective on what makes this estate truly special.

For more photos of the winery, visit my website https://onthewineroad.us/coursey-graves-estate-winery. 

On The Wine Road Podcast is sponsored by SonomaCleanPower.org. 

The closing music is composed by Marscott.