The Vine Guy

By WTOP | Hubbard RadioArts

The Vine Guy episodes

August 06, 2021 Former White House “sommelier” Daniel Shanks had the best seat in the house
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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
41 min
July 23, 2021 There is no such thing as a perfect wine, but that doesn’t stop Jean Hoefliger from trying
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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
34 min
July 08, 2021 Winemaker Alberto Bianchi is unfiltered about Newton Vineyard’s wines
Born in Milan, Italy, Alberto Bianchi has had the luxury of traveling the world while learning how to make wine, including stints in Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, and finally in California where he became the head winemaker at Newton Vineyard. Alberto was drawn to the Spring Mountain site because it’s steep hillside vineyards reminded him of his idyllic summers spent in the Cinque Terre of Italy where he became intrigued by the region’s mountain vineyards. According to Alberto, the vines on Spring Mountain may not have an easy life, but their struggle pays off with wines that are seriously delicious and clean. I invite you to drink in this episode with the charming and talented Alberto Bianchi.
Wines tasted in this episode:
2017 Newton Vineyards Unfiltered Chardonnay
2018 Newton Vineyards The Puzzle
0 min
June 25, 2021 Why is there a severed hand and an old castle on two of Owen Roe’s labels? Ask David O’Reilly
Hailing from a large family in Ireland, David O’Reilly has been working with wine for over thirty years. In addition to making Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, David is also passionate about winemaking in the Yakima Valley of Eastern Washington State. For O’Reilly, this region presents the new world with an outstanding opportunity to create wines that show old world expression. His Owen Roe brand was established using images associated with the iconic Confederate Owen Roe O’Neil, who helped rally the Irish against the English Parliamentary forces. Drink in this lively episode with the delightful David O’Reilly and find out why there is a severed hand on his label!
Wines tasted in this episode:
2019 Owen Roe Sinister Hand Red Wine from Columbia Valley
2018 Owen Roe Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc from Yakima Valley
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
44 min
June 11, 2021 The film 'SOMM' may have made Ian Cauble a household name, but his palate is making him a star
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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
35 min
June 03, 2021 Robin Lail is Napa Valley royalty who is using her influence – and her wine - to make the world a better place
Robin is the direct descendant of Gustave Niebaum, founder of the famed Inglenook Vineyards. And while she loved growing up among the grape vines, it wasn’t until 1977 that she launched her career in wine as Robert Mondavi’s personal assistant and later as co-founder at Dominus with Christian Moueix — and then again with Bill Harlan at Merryvale Vineyards, where she served as president for twelve years. Finally in the mid-90s, Robin fulfilled her dream of creating her own extraordinary wines, launching Lail Vineyards with her two daughters, Erin and Shannon. Come drink in this episode with the extraordinary Robin Lail and taste two of her favorite wines, including Wine Enthusiast’s Number One Wine for 2020.
Wines tasted in this episode:
2019 Lail Vineyard Blueprint Sauvignon Blanc
2018 Lail Vineyard Blueprint Cabernet Sauvignon
0 min
May 27, 2021 Butter or Lemon? Natalie MacLean shares a few of her wine and food pairing secrets
Unless you have been living in a wine cave up in the hills, you’ve probably heard of wine journalist Natalie MacLean. In addition to being the bestselling author of Red, White and Drunk All Over: A Wine-Soaked Journey from Grape to Glass and Unquenchable: A Tipsy Quest for the World's Best Bargain Wines, she is also the recipient of four – count them – FOUR James Beard Foundation Journalism Awards. In this episode, Natalie shares her tips on pairing food and wine – including her favorite, Ketchup Crisps (potato chips). And she is offering a special gift to listeners. Drink up this conversation with the incomparable Natalie MacLean.
Wines tasted in this episode:
2019 Hidden Bench Pinot Noir (Niagara, Canada)
2018 La Crema Pinot Noir (Sonoma, California)
36 min
May 21, 2021 The social initiatives of Jordan Winery ranges from people to pollinators
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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
43 min
May 14, 2021 Mendocino County wines are on the rise, thanks in large part to Bernadette Byrne
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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
27 min
May 07, 2021 Aaron Pott lets the grape vines tell him how to make wine
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
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
34 min

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The Vine Guy dives into the world of wine with wine makers, wine producers, wine professionals and wine lovers. WTOP wine columnist Scott Greenberg talks with wine industry greats, shares which…