This interview began as a discussion concerning the 40th anniversary celebration of Raymond Vineyards’ first vintage release. Always the innovator, owner Jean-Charles Boisset had it bottled with a gold embossed red velvet label. No, really. This inspired me to sit down with him to discuss his creative inspiration. That led me to present other wine producing innovations he has been offering from Buena Vista Winery (Sonoma Valley) and JCB by Jean-Charles (Napa Valley). I enjoy interviewing J.C. because I never know what to expect from him. I take that back. I do know what to expect and it’s his playful irreverence that tempts me to return. This is the extended version of what aired on my radio show. An EP of JC, if you will. Enjoy.

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She’s been called “the most respected wine critic and journalist in the world” by Decanter magazine. Jancis Robinson recently honored the UC Davis Shields library by donating her personal writings, papers, photographs, and even tasting notes. Her long list of credits include co-authoring The World Atlas of Wine with Hugh Johnson, editing The Oxford Companion to Wine, and co-authoring American Wine with Linda Murphy. She is founder of the award-winning JancisRobinson.com. Naturally, I jumped at the chance when offered the opportunity to interview Jancis at the Shields Library prior to the event celebrating her donation. As you’ll hear she was quite gracious.

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If you enjoy a glass of wine while reading a good mystery you'll appreciate this story. Zinfandel has been in the U.S. since the early 1800s yet no one knew for sure where it originated. Is it related to Primitivo? Finally in 2001, with help from others around the globe, U.C. Davis professor Carole Meredith solved the mystery and in turn helped save the heritage grape from extinction. Carole shares her exhaustive research and discovery with me in this in-depth interview. You'll also hear about her own vineyard, Lagier Meredith, which sits high atop Mt. Veeder overlooking Napa Valley. Pour yourself a glass, it's a good story.

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On Earth Day my guest was Kenny Likitprakong of Hobo Wine Company. He was a good fit. He's a guy who loves the land, the freedom of the road and wearing out a pair of shoes. It's no wonder he chose a career that would take him into the vineyards along country roads to produce a product from the soil. Kenny and his wife Lynn are also environmentally conscious and choose to use 100% geothermal clean energy to run the production facility. But don't let the name fool you. He's making world class wine and getting noticed.

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It's not often, actually only once before, that I've interviewed a Hospitality/Tasting Room Manager of a winery. Yet the impressive experience that is offered at MacRostie in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley inspired me to do so. LisaMarie Kennedy is the driving force and we discuss the mindset that sets them apart from other tasting rooms. And, of course we'll discuss their wine. That's a given.

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Michael Sebastiani has been in the vineyards since he was ten, if not younger. In his 20s he began working with Paul Giusto at Viansa Sonoma. While there they hatched the idea of starting their own brand. Highway 12 passes through the iconic vineyards of Russian River Valley, Sonoma Valley, Los Carneros and Napa Valley. No better name could capture the essence of the wine they wanted to offer. In this podcast you'll hear what it takes to start and operate a winery as they speak candidly about the challenges and their ultimate success with Highway 12, Carneros Highway and The Highwayman. It's time to travel On The Wine Road.

There were a number of wineries established in the mid to late 1800s in California that still exist however Foppiano Vineyards is the longest continually run family winery in Sonoma County. Some of the original dwellings and structures still exist, even the tasting room is built out of the original old redwood tanks. And if you visit you can still taste their 1996 Petite Sirah. The place is steeped in history. Join me in the Russian River Valley appellation as I talk with the president, the winemaker and self-appointed historian.

On this podcast we talk about Tannat grown and crafted by Bodega Garzón in Uruguay and Y. Rousseau Wines in Napa. Joining me in this discussion is Christian Wylie, the general manager of Bodega Garzón, and French American Yannick Rousseau, the winemaker of his namesake winery. We in the U.S. are not terribly familiar with the Tannat varietal but it is respected in South America and southwest France. Through the efforts of these two experienced wine masters and other wineries who are giving it a chance we'll all become more familiar and appreciative of the unique characteristics this varietal has to offer. By listening to this podcast you'll also become familiar with the state-of-the-art Bodega Garzón winery and the region. You may also be inspired to visit! Let's go...

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If you want to taste depth of variety the wines made from Acorn Winery's Alegria Vineyards dates back to 1890 and includes over 70 different grape varieties. Sixty different varieties are included in the Medley blend! Not many winemakers are bottling field blends like this anymore. Has he gone bonkers or is he crazy like a vineyard fox? In this podcast you'll meet Bill Nachbaur of Sonoma County's Acorn Winery.

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Susie Selby has been a winemaker in Sonoma County for 23 years now but following the loss of her father, who happened to be her partner, she was nearly talked out of pursuing the venture. Facing an uphill battle she chose to forge ahead. Along the way the community has supported her and Selby wine has been served at White House functions more than any other winery in the country. Without a road map she’s found success. As you’ll hear she has maintained her sense of humor and humbleness. Join us for our conversation in Healdsburg on the edge of Dry Creek Valley.