Cleo Pahlmeyer grew up in Napa then headed to the East Coast and later to London to pursue her of love art history. By 2008 though, she’d developed an interest in the world of wine. She applied for an entry level job at her father’s winery, Pahlmeyer, where she took on more and more responsibilities, and today is Pahlmeyer’s president.

For more visit: Pahlmeyer.com

At nearly 30, Chris Carpenter moved to Napa, earned a viticulture degree at UC Davis, and went on to become winemaker at Lokoya, Cardinale, Mt. Brave, and La Jota here in the Valley and Hickinbotham in Australia. In this episode, Chris talks about what it takes to make wines of beauty and distinction on two continents.

For more visit: Lokoya.com

In the 1980s Michael Honig took over the family’s Napa Valley vineyard property and started Honig Winery, focusing on Sauvignon Blanc. While making Sauvignon Blanc is popular today, 20 or 30 years ago it was a steep uphill climb. He’s seen it all and tells great stories about making it in the wine business. Enjoy!

For more visit: HonigWine.com

Cathy Corison discovered her passion for wine almost by accident when she was a biology major in college. She went on to study winemaking at UC Davis and ventured into the wine business, which in the 1980s was not always eager to hire a woman. Undaunted, she pursued a personal vision for wine produced at the intersection of power and elegance – and has succeeded. Enjoy!

For more visit: corison.com

He grew up one of 11 children on an apple farm and become one of the most celebrated names in the world of wine. The epic story of Paul Hobbs includes names such as Robert Mondavi, Zelma Long, Larry Hyde, Michel Rolland, and Andy Beckstoffer and winds through Napa, Sonoma, the Finger Lakes, Argentina, France, Spain, and Armenia. You won’t want to miss this great wine adventure. Enjoy!

For more visit: paulhobbswinery.com

Jim Regusci on 100 years of family, wine, and fun in Napa on “The Taste with Doug Shafer”

The Regusci family’s roots in Napa Valley go back more than 120 years. On this episode of “The Taste with Doug Shafer” Jim Regusci tells the story of his grandfather coming to America from Switzerland in the 1890s and eventually purchasing the family’s home ranch on Silverado Trail. Jim’s father, Angelo, and later Jim and his siblings all grew up on the property, which today is the home of Regusci Winery and the site of some of the oldest Zinfandel vines in the Valley, which may date to the 1800s.

Besides running the family winery, Jim operates a vineyard management company and is a partner in two other wineries, T-Vine and Tank Garage Winery.

Jim and Doug talk about all this, plus how they met over a bottle of Wild Turkey, on this episode. Enjoy!