TLF is gearing up for the 4th of July with a festive, picnic-pairing wine from the good, old U.S.A. They discuss the state of American sparkling wine, and why the category is relatively small. Kathryn explains why this week’s wine comes from the Pacific Northwest but the label says “American Sparkling Wine.” It’s also a RAW wine, and the hosts delve into the meaning of this buzzy wine word. In other news, Tug discovers a new Los Angeles record store. Kathryn recaps the most recent Esters Book Club gathering. The Wine of the Week is Swick Wines ‘City Pop’ American Sparking Wine 2022.

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The run on white wines for summer continues this week with Riesling. Kathryn explains how to find a dry version of this varietal, and why it’s worth seeking out. Shout out to Germany, the birthplace and top producer of this grape. Kathryn professes her love for the perfect restaurant list to explore the styles of this Riesling. At Esters, Kathryn recounts a recent inspiring Regenerative farming seminar with winemaker Steve Matthiasson. At home, the couple grapples with the long days of summer and the wild cost of camps. The Wine of the Week is the K. Weschler, Benn, Riesling, Rheinhessen, Germany 2020.

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Tug wakes Kathryn up to talk some perfect white wines for summer. This week we're getting into Albariño and the hosts sing their praises for this zippy varietal. Kathryn describes the character and origin of this unique grape, the coastal region in the Iberian Peninsula. In other news, Tug talks about hanging with his 7yo as they visit the Los Angeles Country Club (LACC), which is hosting golf's US Open this week. Kathryn reminisces on a recent trip to Chicago. And they're both inspired by a live music event. The Wine of the Week is the Pedralonga, Albariño, Rias Baixas, Spain 2021.

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TLF has visitors! If you’ve been a long time listener, you know that Kathryn draws lots of inspiration from her aunt Amy. Well, Amy and her wife Cindy sit down for a visit! They’ve made a month-long road trip from Bloomington, Indiana to LA. Kathryn explains why she chose this unique bubbly wine from Sicily to share today. It’s Nerello Mascalese rosé made in the "método scacchi"! Sicily is HOT right now - popular for wine and heating up for summer - and Kathryn shares some basics on the region. The discussion also ranges from Book Mobiles to Beer, family trips and childhood memories. The Wine of the Week is the i Suoli, Spumante Rosado Brut Nature, Sicily, Italy 2018.

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Orange wine is flying off the shelves - at least at Esters. Kathryn and Tug discuss this wine trend and how it’s overtaken rosé in popularity. Orange wine can be the perfect pick for summer parties and BBQs outside. Kathryn also explains some natural wine terms, including the meaning of unfiltered and unfined (hint: science is involved). And the hosts discuss what to do when you find sediment (or "gunk", as Kathryn calls it) in your glass. The couple recounts a recent night out at a Dead and Company show, and they share memories of summer camp experiences. The Wine of the Week is the Hollow Wines ‘Sunset Orange’ Chardonnay, Central Coast, California 2022.

It's time to give the people what they want! Believe it or not, this is the first time Kathryn and Tug have opened up a bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon on the podcast! Kathryn tests Tug's tasting skills on the wine, and the hosts discuss the typical markers of this grape variety. Kathryn talks about the Sonoma Coast and what makes it a unique growing region ("refrigerated sunshine"!), especially for Cabernet Sauvignon. The couple gears up for a fun adventure in the music world. Tug recaps an amazing weekend in San Francisco. The Wine of the Week is the Unturned Stone ‘Spider Chase’ Cabernet Sauvignon, Waterhorse Ridge Vineyard, Fort Ross - Seaview, California 2018.

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Mother’s Day is almost here and Kathryn wants to open rosé Champagne. The hosts discuss the trends in rosé and sparkling rosé. Kathryn explains why she loves this small Champagne producer and what makes this rosé of Pinot Meunier unique (this wine is perfect for all occasions: graduations, engagements, random Wednesdays). The duo examines new ways to survive multiple family birthday's in the same week. Tug is inspired by being out on the Writers Guid (WGA) picket lines. Kathryn reveals the next pick for Esters’ book club. The Wine of the Week is the Laherte Frères, Rosé de Meunier, Extra Brut, Champagne, France NV.

NOTE: The hosts hope to begin a new era in podcasting, adding a video component. Check out the TLF YouTube channel. It will be an adventure!

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Check out this book on Champagne!

Champagne: The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers, and Terroir of the Iconic Region by Peter Liem

https://www.champagneguide.net/

Esters' book club read for June:

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/356296

Kathryn and Tug celebrate episode 100 by interviewing Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, one of America's most respected wine professionals. Bobby talks about his love for Friuli and all things Italy. Bobby recounts his early career days and how he discovered his passion for restaurants and wine. He explains how he and chef/partner Lachlan Mackinnon-Patterson chose Boulder, Colorado as the location for their flagship restaurant, Frasca, in 2004. Since then they have added many other restaurants to the group in Boulder and Denver including Pizzeria Locale, Tavernetta and Sunday Vinyl. The hosts gather tips for breaking into the hospitality industry and how to study wine. It's a fun conversation that covers fine dining, music, exercise, mental health, and how Bobby's wife, Danette, was instrumental in sparking his passion for Italian wine. The Wine of the Week is the Dalia Maris, Piccolo Bianco, Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy 2021.

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We're on Video now! Get a closer look at the wines we're drinking. Be sure to like and subscribe to our new YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahbbS-MCWEU&t=18s

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The pod goes Southern Hemisphere! Kathryn and Tug discuss a wine from the latest pick for Esters Wine Club: a white-wine blend from Chile. In a liter bottle (bonus wine!). Kathryn talks about the Itata Valley: the old vines, soil composition and rainfall make this a unique region. Kathryn also shared stories of her semester abroad in Chile. The couple catches up on the latest at Esters with the upcoming Earth Day Tasting and an organization called OOM (Our Only Miission - Earth). Tug shares the latest inspiration - it’s in a book (The Book)! The Wine of the Week is the Rogue Vine ‘Pipeno’ Blanco, Itata Valley, Chile 2021.

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OOM (Our Only Mission - Earth)

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Kathryn and Tug explore one of the most popular white wines: Sancerre. Kathryn talks about her trip there as well as the history of the region and what makes it special. All white wine from Sancerre is Sauvignon Blanc, one of the most popular varietals in the world! The coupe debriefs on their spring break trip to Colorado and ongoing sleep challenges with the kids. Tug shouts out an article from the New Yorker (he’s slowly getting through his stack). Kathryn looks forward to an upcoming Earth Day Tasting at Esters. The Wine of the Week is the Alfonse Mellot ‘Satellite’ Sancerre, France 2020.