Daniel Shanks' road to the White House began as a fledgling college student in Richmond, Virginia. Following graduation, Daniel made his way out to Napa Valley, where he started working in restaurants and developed growing appreciation for the passion for the sounds, smells and taste of grapes while living on a vineyard in Rutherford. In 1977, he was hired to be the maitre’d at Chandon, Domaine Chandon’s fine dining restaurant. In late fall of 1994, Daniel received a call that would change his life. It was from the usher's office of the Executive Residence of the White House, inquiring if he would like to be considered for the position of food and beverage usher. He arrived at the White House for his interview with the chief usher and first lady Hillary Clinton’s social secretary. The rest, as they say, is history! 

Drink in this very special episode of the Vine Guy and find out why people's perception of the White House as a shining example of the best of American dining has both its rewards and its challenges.

Wines Discussed In This Episode:

1995 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon

1985 “Shanks” Zinfandel

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Jean Hoefliger is a man with a quixotic mission: He is inspired and driven by the quest for creative perfection while knowing full well that it can never be achieved. An artisan who has always been motivated to push the envelope, he relies on a commitment to constant scientific research matched by an open-minded, entrepreneurial creativity. His background in winemaking has included stints at Michel Schlumberger and Hartford Family in Sonoma, followed by moves to Bordeaux and South Africa, where he made wine at the esteemed estates of Chateau Carbonnieux and Meerlust, respectively. After earning degrees in enology and viticulture in Switzerland, Jean returned to Bordeaux to make wine at Chateau Lynch-Bages. Moving back to California, he spent five years as winemaker for Newton Vineyard from 2001 to 2005 and then in 2006 became part of the Alpha Omega team from its inception, where he was winemaker and general manager. Today, he has a global consulting business with clients in Tuscany, Texas, Switzerland, France, Sonoma County, and Napa Valley. I invite you to drink in this episode with the passionate Jean Hoefliger.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2020 AXR Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley

2017 The Debate Artalade Montagna Vineyard, Napa Valley

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Ian Cauble, MS was featured in the original SOMM documentary as an intense and focused wine professional pursing the coveted Master Sommelier certification. In actuality, this Southern California former surfer is laid back and charming. He has been named “Best Young Sommelier in the World” and TOPSOMM. His thirst for knowledge – and successfully acquiring the Master Sommelier title – has led him to start one of the most unique online wine programs in America. SommSelect is a custom wine program that lets clients “Drink like a Somm.” Drink in this fast-paced interview with the oh-so-passionate Ian Cauble, MS.

Wines sampled in this episode:

Murgo, Método Classico Brut Rosé from Italy

2017 Bati?, Cabernet Franc from Slovenia

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Lisa Mattson, Jordan Vineyard’s director of marketing & communications, has worked in the wine industry for more than twenty years, honing her skills in writing, event planning, public relations, marketing, blogging, social media and creative strategy. She created Jordan Winery’s award-winning videos and dynamic blogs, The Journey of Jordan and Wine Country Table. She is passionate about all-things Jordan, including their new Pollinator program as well as Jordan’s Foundation, which focuses on helping children and young adults in the community. Drink in this episode with the charming Lisa Mattson.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2011 Jordan Chardonnay

2011 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon

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Mendocino County, located on the coast of Northern California, approximately equidistant from the San Francisco Bay Area and the California/Oregon border, was originally coined “the emerald triangle.” Today, thanks to Bernadette Byrne, the executive director of the Mendocino Winegrowers Association, Mendocino is now known for producing quality wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and more. The region is diverse, the family farmed vineyards are quaint, and the wines fly free (on participating airlines). Come visit Mendocino County through Bernadette’s interview on this episode of The Vine Guy.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2019 McNab Ridge Winery Grenache Rosé , Mendocino

2013 Goldeneye Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley

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Consulting winemaker Aaron Pott learned from an early age from a French waiter that “milk ees for baybees.” From that time on, Aaron knew he wanted to make world-class wines. With the help of legendary mentors such as John Kongsgaard and Michel Roland, Pott crafts wines that exude finesse and charm. Moreover, he loves “the intellectual challenge and the satisfaction of crafting something beautiful for those that will appreciate it.” Drink in this episode with the introspective Aaron Pott.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2016 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour

2016 Blackbird Vineyards Illustration

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