Sierra Wine Trails - With B.J. Hansen

Dick and Ron Tanner of Tanner Vineyards in Murphys provide an open, engaging conversation about deep Sierra Foothills roots and navigating a shifting wine scene. Their great-grandfather Angelo Sciaccaluga, was actually one of the first winemakers ever in Calaveras County, arriving from Italy in the 1860s. Dick and Ron jumped into the industry in the 1990s, planting a vineyard in Vallecito. 

With a nearly endless list of accolades, Amador County winemaker Jeff Runquist is renowned for crafting balanced, fruit-forward wines that truly define the Sierra Foothills region. While some wineries specialize in just a few grape varietals, Runquist has mastered dozens. He opens up about his winemaking journey, philosophy, and the unique bond he shares with his growers. We even had a surprise mid-interview visit from one of those growers, Enver Salman!

Get a behind the scenes look at Vina Moda at 147 Main Street in Murphys with Tasting Room Manager Jess DeLappe and Co-owner/Manager and Assistant Winemaker Dre Vader.  Hear about Vina Moda's story, how poetry ties into each bottle, their dedication to using the finest grapes, and how an unfortunate encounter with a rattlesnake sparked a new style of wine they will soon be offering. 

He’s the iconic Bay Area wine merchant who defined what we drink—from his book, Adventures on the Wine Route, to the bottles he imports. Now, Kermit Lynch has a brand new story to tell. He joins B.J. on the telephone from his now home base in France to talk about his new novel At Poupon’s Table, and shares several tidbits about his legendary career. He also mixes in some Sierra Foothills recollections. 

Ready for a taste of Tuolumne County? In this episode, B.J. talks with leading local winemaker Cody LaPertche, who's not only crafting wines for some of the region's best wineries but is also now pouring from his own new wine bar. He shares his journey into winemaking and the lessons he learned from legendary winemakers like Chuck Hovey.

BJ travels just outside of Murphys to visit "The Barn" at Locke Vineyards. Director of Operations Kirsten Locke shares details about the history of Locke Vineyards, the wines, and the unique gift shop. 

This is a quick dispatch, celebrating the 2024 Calaveras Grape Stomp. It includes an interview with the first-place finishers, Eddie and Erica Dwelley of the Dwelley Devastators! This year’s event, again drawing a lively crowd to Murphys Community Park, raised money for a great cause.

Charbono, a rare, and interesting, red wine grape in California, grows exceptionally well in the Sierra Foothills. B.J. visits John and Sarah Krutsinger at their Columbia vineyard and learns what prompted them to grow Charbono and their commitment to regenerative farming practices. 

In the pilot episode of Sierra Wine Trails, host B.J. Hansen travels up Highway 49 outside of Sonora to speak with Inner Sanctum Cellars Basecamp owners Pete and Karen Luckhardt who have created a local entertainment and wine destination. Later, he heads over to Murphys to meet Jody Garcia, the new Executive Director of the Calaveras Wine Grape Alliance to hear about why she feels this wine region is so unique.