The Vine Guy

Dr. Kevin Atticks, executive director of the Maryland Wineries Association, explains how Maryland has played an important role in America’s wine industry and now has over 100 wineries in the state experimenting with about 200 wine varieties. It’s time to take a hike on the Maryland Wine Trail with Kevin Atticks. 

Wines tasted in this episode:

2018 Boordy Vineyards Albariño 

2017 Catoctin Breeze Vineyard Estate Syrah

2014 Fiore Winery & Distillery Sangiovese

2017 The Vineyards at Dodon Drum Point Sauvignon Blanc/Chardonnay blend.

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Sandra Guibord enjoyed a wonderful career in film and television, but her passion for wine took off when an acting job sent her packing to California. Today, Sandra is an preeminent guide in the wine and spirits community, assisting corporations in entertaining and educating their clients and executives. Her enthusiasm for helping everyday wine consumers select wines for backyard barbecues, business dinners, romantic dates as well as building wine collections is infectious. Drink in this episode with Sandra and find out what World Wine Wednesday is all about.

Wines tasted in this episode

2018 Sella & Mosca Vermentino di Sardegna

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Fayssal Bazzi's family was uprooted from their home in Lebanon when Fayssal was just 3 years old. They emigrated to Australia where Fayssal had to quickly learn a new language and culture. Today, he is one of Australia's most talented - and delightful - actors co-starring with Cate Blanchett in the new Netflix limited series, Stateless, available now. This timely refugee drama gives a harrowing look at a broken immigration system. Fayssal plays Ameer, a brave Afghan refugee who flees to Australia to seek asylum with his family. Drink in this episode of the Vine Guy with the extremely talented and humble Fayssal Bazzi.

Wines Tasted In This Episode:

2018 Tyrrell's Beyond Broke Road Cabernet Sauvignon, Margaret River, Western Australia

2018 Two Hands Gnarly Dudes Shiraz, Barossa Valley, Australia

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Master Sommelier John Blazon is blazing a trail with the Jackson Family’s high-end Spire Collection of wines. A 37-year veteran within the Hospitality/Beverage industry, John received his master sommelier diploma from the International Court of Master Sommeliers in the fall 2004, becoming only the 59th MS for the American Chapter. Today there are 164 Master Sommeliers in the United States and only 255 worldwide. John has been recognized by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), Santé magazine (“Wine Professional of the Year” in 2003), and the STARWINE International Wine Competition as their “Sommelier of the Year.” Drink in this episode with the ever-so-knowledgeable John Blazon, MS.  

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John Forrest, and his wife Brigid, are both doctors by training and winery owners by choice. Their lineup of wines in New Zealand covers the gamut from delicious low-alcohol wines (Doctors’), to the hallmark wines of Marlborough (Forrest), to the sumptuous Cote de Beaune-esque wines of the Waitaki Valley (Tatty Bogler). If you don’t think that low-alcohol can’t be sumptuous and complete, think again. Find out what John’s secret is when you drink in this episode with Dr. Forrest.

Wines Tasted in This Episode:

2018 Doctors’ Pinot Noir

2018 Doctors’ Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Doctors’ Rose

2019 Forrest Sauvignon Blanc

2018 Forrest Albarino

2015 Forrest Chardonnay

2015 Forrest Pinot Noir

2017 Forrest Pinot Noir

2015 Tatty Bogler Waitaki Valley Pinot Noir

2018 Forrest Botrytised Riesling

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Te Whare Ra (pronounced “too far rah”) Winery is the “oldest small” winery in Marlborough, New Zealand with the oldest vines in the region. Husband and wife Jason and Anna Flowerday – both winemakers in their own right – bought the 35 acre property in 2003. Together, they have brought the vineyard back to life and take great care to farm the land organically for two reasons; first, they genuinely believe it’s good for the land and the fruit, and second, they actually live on the property with their two sets of twin daughters – yes, four girls – and they want a safe place to raise their children. I had the amazing good fortune to meet Anna at the winery’s “cellar door” during a recent trip to New Zealand and take a wonderful tasting tour of their wines. I invite you to drink in this episode with the talented Anna Flowerday.

Wines sampled in this episode:

2018 TWR Sauvignon Blanc

2017 TWR Estate Riesling “D” (for dry)

2019 TWR Estate Riesling “M” (for medium)

2018 TWR Pinot Gris

2018 TWR Gewürztraminer 

2018 TWR Chardonnay

2016 TWR Pinot Noir

2015 TWR Pinot Noir Home Block Single Vineyard

2017 TWR Noble Riesling Sticky (Dessert Wine)

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Celebrated wine writer, author and educator Elaine Chukan Brown and Stuart Spencer, the executive director of the Lodi Winegrape Commission, join me in the studio for a very special episode of The Vine Guy. They discuss everything Lodi, from the multi-generational farmers who have grown grapes in the area since the mid-1800s to the new innovations taking place in the vineyards. There are a few surprises along the way, including a stunning Albariño and a Cinsault made from vines over 100 years old. Drink in this educational conversation with Elaine and Stuart.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2018 Oak Farm Vineyards Albariño, Lodi, California

2017 Michael David Winery Ancient Vines Cinsault, Lodi, California

2018 St. Amant Winery Marian's Vineyard Ancient Vines Zinfandel, Lodi, California

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As the former head winemaker at Beaulieu Vineyards (BV) in Napa Valley, Joel Aiken liked to experiment with a lot of clonal varieties of Cabernet Sauvignon. During his tenure at BV, Joel was responsible for making some of the most storied wines in the history of the century-plus old estate and oversaw some of the most significant changes at the winery. Today, Joel is not resting on his proverbial laurels. His consulting firm is helping several brands make wines that are both stunning and affordable. I invite you to drink in this episode with the legendary Joel Aiken.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2017 Scattered Peaks Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

2017 Scattered Peaks Small Lots Cabernet Sauvignon

2006 Beaulieu Vineyards BV1 Cabernet Sauvignon

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There are two things you should definitely know about Nicole Salengo, the talented winemaker at Berryessa Gap Vineyards, located in Winters, California. First, she gets bored easily, so she is always looking to take on new challenges – which is a good thing if you are a fan of great wine. Second, she is passionate about crafting wines that are true to their varietal characteristics. Since she is the winemaker for a family who runs one of the most well-respected vine nurseries in California, she is never bored and she is making a lot of interesting wines – 13 to be exact. Drink in this interview with the charming and talented Nicole Salengo.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2019 Berryessa Gap Vineyards Verdejo 

2016 Berryessa Gap Vineyards Malbec

2016 Berryessa Gap Vineyards Tempranillo 

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While St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery is only one of about a dozen wineries in Napa Valley that produces 100% estate grown and produced wines, they’re also just as dedicated to the environment. Under the leadership of St. Supéry’s CEO, Emma Swain, the winery has embraced “Napa Green,” a comprehensive environmental certification program that represents a soil-to-bottle approach to environmental stewardship and winemaking, integrating holistic management practices at every step of the process. Oh, and St. Supéry also makes some stunning wines, focusing on Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Bordeaux-style blends. Drink in this episode with the delightfully dynamic Emma Swain.

Wines tasted in this episode:

2018 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Napa Valley Estate Sauvignon Blanc

2015 St. Supéry Estate Vineyards and Winery Rutherford Estate Merlot

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