Mike, between guest episodes of the podcast, talks about recent goings on at the winery - Nicholson Ranch, in Sonoma. You'll want to check out the Instagram Post for video of something very interesting that happened recently. 

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Wine discussed on this episode:
2014 Brecon Estate Meritage, Paso Robles

Mike's pal Olivier visits the Vintners Room for a chat about his restaurant L'appart, which was Mike's favorite, until it had to close. Olivier also explains how and why he came to America from his native France and Mike talks about trying to learn French in High School. The guys talk about a couple of Nicholson Ranch wines as well as fishing and podcasts....so much FUN!

Olivier is now working at a wine touring company, and you can get ahold of him to schedule your wine country tour at bloomwinetours.com!

See pictures at Mike's Instagram and contact Mike at [email protected]

Wines tasted this episode:
2015 Nicholson Ranch "La Colina" Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
2014 Nicholson Ranch Syrah, Sonoma Valley

Episode 13 features Bay Area music and concert promoter KC Turner - who's business was basically flattened when the pandemic struck - but KC found a way to bring the music to the people! It's a great story. Also, Mike reveals his ultimate Karaoke set list, welcomes Belgium and Bangladesh to the list of countries tuning in to the podcast AND the guys share a couple of tasty wines. For pictures check out Mike's Instagram, for a complete listing of KC Turner Presents shows check out KC's Website, and as always feel free to contact Mike via email at [email protected] (ask him to mail you some official podcast coasters!).

Wines tasted this episode:
2016 Chateau Vannieres Bandol Blanc
2017 Optima Petite Sirah, Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma 

Episode 12 features a talk with Janet Dyer, veteran wine salesperson by day, screenplay writer, actress and performer by night. Janet wrote a screenplay based on her time in the wine business in the 1970s when she was one of the only women working in the business. Her short film "Corked" is now on the festival circuit and the feature film screenplay has been nominated for some big awards. Mike and Janet also talk about some of the movies made about the world of wine - and wonder why many of them are not so great. They also sip and talk about a couple of delicious wines. See pictures on Mike's Instagram page, and of course if you'd like to give feedback, ask a question, or just check in - email Mike at [email protected].

Wines tasted this episode:
2019 Sineann Gruner Veltliner, Columbia Gorge "Pear Blossom Vineyard"
2010 San Fabiano Calcinaia Chianti Classico "Cellole"

Episode 11: Mike's back in the Vintner's Room! His guest is Jerri Manthey - wine lover and former cast member (and official Villainess) from season 2 of the Survivor Reality TV series. We get some good inside dirt on the production of such shows, what it's like to pack it all up and move to Hollywood in search of stardom and the sort of stardom reality TV bestows on it's "stars". Jerri also talks about her life in Napa, living in a barn! Mike entices you with an offer for wine "by the case" (it's half price!) For pictures from behind the scenes check out Mike's Instagram - and as always send feedback to Mike's email: [email protected].

Wines tasted this episode:
2014 Nicholson Ranch Chardonnay, Sonoma Valley (buy a case here)
2015 Dandelion Vineyards Shiraz, Barossa Valley "Lionheart of the Barossa"

Episode 10: Mike chats via the computer with Cara Almberg of The Walls Winery in Walla Walla Washington (because he enjoys alliteration) about what pulled her unexpectedly into the wine business, and what keeps her there; her choice for a "desert island" wine; her passion for hockey as well as a certain wine writer named Jeb! Mike talks about the latter days of his radio career and the transition into a life in wine back in Spokane Washington; gives a drink recipe (which we don't recommend you make) for a Wet Dog, and also welcomes Oregon and Vermont onto the list of states where people are now listening to the Podcast. See pictures on Mike's Instagram, and do yourself a favor and *follow* Cara on Twitter - come for the wine, stay for the laughs.

Wines tasted this episode:
2020 JB Neufeld Sauvignon Blanc, Yakima Valley "Schmidt Vineyard"
2020 Sonder "Field Blend" Yakima Valley

Not a full episode, just a wrap up of the weekend in wine. Mike talks about the wines he drank on the weekend, and a "first" meal out in over a year! He also bids farewell to a former restaurant colleague from the Elk Public House in Spokane, Washington. For pictures, go to Mike's Instagram. For feedback, please email to [email protected]

Wines in this episode:
2017 JB Neufeld Cabernet Sauvignon, Yakima Valley
2014 Barossa Valley Estates Shiraz "E&E Black Pepper"

Episode 9: Brian Drake, Mike's best wine pal, hosts Mike and the podcast at his home. Brian works in the Corporate Wine World, but is still a super nice guy. They discuss Brian's unique winery job, the fun things overheard while people taste wine, Mike's ambition to fill in for Terry Gross, and a special shout-out to Anchorage Alaska! Of course all while tasting a couple of delicious California red wines.

Wines tasted:
2016 Inizi Sagrantino, Dry Creek Valley "Handal-Denier Vineyard"
2012 Smith Madrone Cabernet Sauvignon, Spring Mountain District, Napa

Episode 8: Mike travels to Schermeister winery in Glen Ellen to hear the story of Rob & Laura Schermeister. It's a love story you'll want to hear. They sip a couple of Schermeister wines, talk about owning and operating a small winery, and even Eli the winery dog contributes to the episode in his own special way.

Wines tasted this episode:
2019 Schemermeister Viognier, Sonoma Valley "Salomon Vineryard"
2018 Schermeister Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast "Rogers Creek Vineyard"

Episode 7: Deepak joins Mike in the Vintner's room for the 3rd time! They taste through the Nicholson Ranch April wine club release wines, and Mike pairs each wine with a favorite restaurant meal. They discuss the popularity of True Crime podcasts and contemplate pivoting to that genre. Deepak talks about the "business of wine" AND his fondness for 90's grunge rock. Can you imagine a more entertaining wine podcast???

Wines tasted:
2018 Nicholson Ranch Chardonnay Sonoma Coast
2018 Nicholson Ranch Chardonnay "Spring Hill"
2017 Nicholson Ranch Pinot Noir "Nirvana"