I'm not sure if there is a cooler way to kick off the new season: Aurelio Montes.  Frickin' AURELIO MONTES!!  During the course of this awesome conversation, Aurelio tells us about the history of Montes, the future of Montes, and everything in between. (like, why, exactly are they making Malbec in Chile?!)

First 'Take Five' of the year, with Chef Javier Uriarte - owner of the newly opened Ratio Restaurant.  Javier tells how his Peruvian background influences everything he puts on the table, and of course, his favorite Star Wars character.

Finally, the first of (hopefully) many of these segments with Ian Burch, winemaker for Archery Summit and guest from Season 3.  Ian takes us for a walk through his lovely vineyards in Willamette Valley, Oregon, and shows us exactly what is going on!

Wines tasted this episode:

Montes Alpha Chardonnay, D.O. Valle de Casablanca 2017

Montes Alpha Malbec, D.O. Valle de Colchagua 2017

In this episode I had the great pleasure of speaking with Kathryn Hall.  Tune in to hear a snapshot of the amazing story someone who went from loving wine, to creating some of the best (and most highly rated) wines to come out of Napa Valley!  Such a delight, and so humble, I really cannot say enough about the pleasure it was to speak (and taste with) Kathryn.  Enjoy!

Wine tasted this episode: Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, 2016

I had the amazing opportunity to speak with Melissa Stackhouse, Sonoma icon and director of winemaking for Simi Winery.  Melissa tells me all about her experiences and her wine, as well as the history (and future) of this truly, iconic winery.

In this week's local restaurant segment, I am speaking with Carmella Roche, who's grandmother opened Villa Tronco (SC's oldest restaurant) 80 years ago (not to mention brought pizza to Columbia!)

Also, in my second installment of 'Life Behind Bars' with Josh Taylor, we discuss several things, including:  "what does domestic actually mean?"

Wines tasted this episode: 

Simi Chardonnay, Sonoma 2018

Simi 'Landslide' Cabernet Sauvignon, Alexander Valley 2016

Amazing episode!  

Winemaker, Ian Burch, of Archery Summit tells us all about Oregon, amazing Pinot AND Chardonnay, and the world of whole cluster!

And later in the episode, my newest segment with everyone's favorite bar..guy: Josh Taylor!

Action packed episode!  Matt Fowles, owner/winemaker of Fowles Wine in Victoria, was such a pleasure.  We talk about farm vs game wine pairings, wild fermentation, and so much more!  

And for my local restaurant segment, Chef Kristian Niemi, of Bourbon, Black Rooster, F2T Productions, the list goes on.  We discuss everything from Star Wars to leaf blowers!  Great episode!  

Wines tasted this episode:  Ladies That Shoot Their Lunch Chardonnay Farm to Table Pinot Noir

Two winemakers for the price of one!  In this fantastic installment, I have the great pleasure of speaking with Michael Beaulac and Colleen FitzGerald of Pine Ridge Winery in Napa!  We discuss appellations, soil, grapes, and what makes these wines so special.   

Wines tasted this episode: Pine Ridge Napa Cab '16 and Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc/Viognier '19.   

Local 'Take Five' Segment - Sean Moore, owner of the newly reopened BLD in Trenholm plaza.  This is a concept like no other, and a true hidden gem in the heart of Columbia!

I had the great pleasure of speaking with Mark de Vere, Master of Wine.  We spoke about his life, his role, and the amazing life/contributions of a true wine legend: Robert Mondavi. 

And in my Take Five segment, I spoke with Jonathan Lopez, Advanced Sommelier and owner of the newly reopened Hampton Street Vineyard, in Columbia, SC.

I had the great pleasure to speak with proprietor and winemaker, David O'Reilly from Owen Roe.  We chatted about his life, the history of the winery, wine-making in the pacific northwest, and tasted a couple interesting and delicious wines!  

Later, during my local restaurant "Take Five" segment, I speak with Greg Slattery of Curiosity Coffee about a whole slew of topics, including Angels Share - a program partnering with several wineries* to help provide meals to those who need them (including Owen Roe).  Check it out!

*All wines from the following wineries, purchased in retail or in restaurants from August-October 2020, contribute to the local food banks (Harvest Hope in Columbia, SC) :  Owen Roe, B.R. Cohn, Clos Pegase, Swanson, Cosentino, Cigar, Laetitia, Middle Sister, Cartlidge & Browne, Qupe, Bar Dog, Firesteed, Cherry Pie, Purple Cowboy, Gaze, Paula Kornell) 

www.AngelsSharing.com

What is Lambrusco and why aren't you drinking it?!   In this action packed episode, I speak with Alessandro Medici, from Medici Ermete in Reggio-Emilia, and we are talking all about Lambrusco!  And in my take five segment, I speak with longtime wine aficionado at one of our coolest local restaurants/wine shops:  Bryan della Volpe from The Gourmet Shop.  Don't miss!

This episode I speak with Mina Samouti, winemaker for Fattoria Sardi in Toscana.  We chat about her life, this history of the winery, organic/biodynamic farming, and, of course, rosé!  

Later in the episode, Chef Mike Davis from Terra Restaurant joins me for my local restaurant segment, Take Five!   Great episode, don't miss!