In this second episode of Posttcards in a Glass, wine educator and journalist Lyn Farmer shares a postcard of France’s Languedoc region with winemaker and wine philosopher Gérard Bertrand. Owner of 17 chateaux and wine estates in Southwestern France and one of the world’s leading proponents of biodynamic agriculture, Bertrand shares stories of his time as a top level rugby player on the French national team, his first glass of wine at eight years of age, lessons learned from his wine grower father, his sense of spirituality in the vineyard and his boundless sense of adventure. He says, "You can change the world with a glass of wine," describing a glass as "an invitation to communicate." Along the way he shares his surprising favorite wine for a cheese plate and the pleasure he took in writing his third book, “Multidimensional Tasting: An Initiation.”

After their conversation, Lyn mentions a few wines to try – some classic reds and whites from Languedoc and some of Bertrand’s newest efforts with orange wines, unfiltered wines and low alcohol wine, including one called “Trouble.” Gérard Bertrand is a captivating storyteller and his audio postcards are beautiful!

You can also learn more about Gerard Bertrand and his extraordinary passion at his website:

https://www.gerard-bertrand.com/en/

Our first Postcard in a Glass is a beautiful picture of Russian River Valley, home to some of California's best Pinot Noir (and Chardonnay too!). In the inaugural episode of the program, educator and journalist Lyn Farmer shares thoughts on cool climate wines and chats with Heidi von der Mehden, winemaker at Merry Edwards Winery & Vineyards in Sonoma's Russian River Valley.

Heidi grew up in Sonoma and, after graduating from Santa Clara University, she joined the Peace Corps to teach chemistry in Tanzania. On her return, she joined the wine industry and worked in the laboratory at Kenwood Vineyards, then joined Mauritson Winery in Sonoma's Dry Creek Valley as assistant winemaker. In 2007 she became associate winemaker at Arrowood Winery, eventually become head winemaker. Arrowood is famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, but Heidi always loved Pinot Noir and jumped at the chance in 2015 to work with Merry Edwards, on of California's most influential winemakers. Merry named Heidi winemaker in 2018.

In our conversation, she talks about the uniqueness of both Russian River and Mendocino County's Anderson Valley. She discusses cool climate winemaking and her vision for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay as well as Merry Edwards' iconic Sauvignon Blanc.

Following the conversation, Lyn shares some notes on three Merry Edwards wines and recommends some food pairings.

You can connect with Heidi von der Mehden and Merry Edwards Winery and Vineyards at

https://merryedwards.com

In Postcards in a Glass, James Beard Award-winning wine and food journalist and WSET wine educator Lyn Farmer shares his favorite thing about wine: every good wine takes you somewhere, it shares with you something of the region it hails from and of the people who raised it. This is the best kind of armchair traveling, an unpretentious look at the joyful pursuit of wine, how it pairs with food, how it magnifies a culture, how it brings pleasure in every sip.

Each episode of the podcast will share stories of wine and conversations with the people who make wine, enjoy wine, collect wine and best of all, share wine. Every wine sends you a postcard from its vineyard, and we'll bring you great stories every time you join us. We'll also share impressions of new releases, news from the wine world and interesting foods that enhance the experience.