The Wine CEO Podcast

What if the future of California wine isn't Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay—but grapes like Sangiovese and Vermentino?

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Dan Fitzgerald, winemaker at AVIVO Wines in Lodi, California, to talk about how a changing climate could reshape what we grow and drink. AVIVO is taking a different approach to California wine. Their wines are made from climate-adapted Mediterranean grape varieties, grown using certified organic and regenerative practices, and made with just TWO ingredients: organic grapes and a small amount of sulfur dioxide.

Dan and I discuss:

1) What makes a grape variety "climate-adapted" 2) What sustainable, regenerative, organic and Biodynamic wine mean for AVIVO 3) Why AVIVO wines contain only two ingredients 4) Why Mediterranean varieties like Sangiovese and Vermentino make sense in Lodi 5) How California wine culture may evolve in the years ahead

If you've ever wondered what's actually in your bottle of wine, whether sustainable wine tastes different, or what California wine might look like in the future, this episode is for you.

WATCH this episode on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/UJdBsR-a_e8

Subscribe to The Wine CEO for approachable wine education, conversations with winemakers and industry leaders, and a look at the people and trends shaping the future of wine.

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Today's Guest:

Dan Fitzgerald

AVIVO Wines

https://avivowines.com/

#Wine #CaliforniaWine #SustainableWine #OrganicWine #RegenerativeAgriculture #LodiWine #winemaking #WineEducation #TheWineCEO #podcasts #newepisode

What's actually in your glass of wine — and should wineries be required to tell you?

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Michael Honig, President of Honig Vineyard & Winery in Napa Valley, for a fascinating conversation about transparency, sustainability, and the future of wine labeling. Starting with its 2025 Classic Sauvignon Blanc, Honig is taking a major step toward greater transparency by listing the wine's ingredients directly on the bottle: grapes, yeast, and sulfites. It's a simple move that raises some much bigger questions for the wine industry. Why hasn't wine traditionally included ingredient labels? Do consumers deserve to know exactly what goes into their wine? And could greater transparency help wineries build trust with a new generation of consumers?

Whether you're a wine lover, wine professional, sommelier, or simply someone who has wondered what's actually inside a bottle of wine, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

🍷 Subscribe to The Wine CEO for approachable wine education, conversations with leading winemakers, and a behind-the-scenes look at the business of wine.

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Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/KUUyCBjNt38

Today's guest:

Michael Honig

https://www.honigwine.com/

#Wine #WineEducation #NapaValley #HonigWinery #WineLabels #WineIngredients #WineIndustry #SauvignonBlanc #CaliforniaWine #WinePodcast #Winemaking #Sommelier #TheWineCEO

What does it take to turn an "impossible" piece of Napa Valley land into one of the region's most influential vineyards?

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Dr. Jan Krupp, founder of Krupp Brothers Winery and the visionary behind Napa Valley's legendary Stagecoach Vineyard. Jan shares the remarkable story behind his new book, "Forging Eden", including his journey from a successful career in medicine to the wine industry and the enormous risks, challenges, and perseverance required to transform hundreds of acres of rugged volcanic mountainside into a world-class vineyard. We also look at the wine industry today and where Napa Valley may be headed next. Jan shares his perspective on changing consumer behavior, the challenges facing the wine business, and why he believes the industry may be missing an important opportunity in the broader conversation around wine, health, moderation, and lifestyle.

In this episode we discuss:

• The incredible story behind Stagecoach Vineyard

• Why Jan left medicine for the wine industry

• Building a vineyard experts said couldn't be built

• How consumer attitudes toward wine are changing

• Wine, health, moderation, and the evolving wellness conversation

Whether you're a wine lover, wine professional, entrepreneur, or simply fascinated by the people who helped shape modern Napa Valley, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Watch this episode on my Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/6tAbWuvN0QM

🍷 And don't forget to subscribe to The Wine CEO for approachable wine education, interviews with leading voices in the wine industry, and conversations about wine, food, and travel.

thewineceo.com (sign up for my newsletter for a free guide to food and wine pairing!)

Today's guest:

Dr. Jan Krupp https://www.kruppbrothers.com/

Pre-Order his new book: https://www.amazon.com/Forging-Eden-Impossible-Legendary-Vineyard-ebook/dp/B0HBRGN4L8/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/forgingedennapa

#NapaValley #NapaWine #WinePodcast #TheWineCEO #JanKrupp #KruppBrothers #StagecoachVineyard #ForgingEden #WineIndustry #WineBusiness #CaliforniaWine #NapaValleyWine #WineEducation #Winemaking #Viticulture #cabernetsauvignon #winelovers #winelover #winevibes

Can Christians drink wine? Is alcohol inherently sinful? And if the Bible speaks openly about wine, why has drinking become such a controversial topic in parts of the American church?

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Pastor Randy Frazee for a thoughtful conversation about the spiritual significance of wine and alcohol in Scripture. We discuss what the Bible actually says about drinking, the difference between alcohol and drunkenness, how Prohibition helped shape American church culture, and why faithful Christians can come to different convictions on this issue.

Whether you enjoy a glass of wine or choose not to drink at all, this conversation offers fascinating historical and biblical context for a topic the church has debated for generations.

Watch this interview on YouTube: https://youtu.be/GeXbyfjubUc

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Today's Guest:

Pastor Randy Frazee: https://www.randyfrazee.com/

New Book on Wine: https://www.randyfrazee.com/wine-in-the-word

https://www.instagram.com/randyfrazee

https://www.instagram.com/giselakreglinger/

#TheWineCEO #Christianity #Bible #Wine #ChristianLiving #Faith #BiblicalTruth #ChristianPodcast #AlcoholAndFaith #RandyFrazee

What makes Burgundy wine so special—and why does terroir matter so much? In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot to explore the philosophy behind one of Burgundy's most respected family-run wineries. With over 20 years of sustainability practices in the vineyards, Albert Bichot is leading the way in organic winemaking, low-intervention techniques, and environmentally responsible wine production—all while preserving the classical identity that makes Burgundy so iconic. As both an agronomist and enologist, Matthieu brings a rare, full-circle perspective to winemaking—ensuring that exceptional wine begins with exceptional grapes.

In this episode, we discuss: what terroir really means in Burgundy wine, why you can't make great wine without great grapes, how sustainability and organic certification impact wine quality, and so much more! Whether you're new to Burgundy or looking to deepen your knowledge, this episode will help you understand what makes these wines so elegant, expressive, and world-renowned.

This episode is best enjoyed on my YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/i1OhEGzHTpE

Be sure to subscribe to my newsletter at thewineceo.com for a FREE guide to Food and Wine Pairings! https://www.thewineceo.com/

Subscribe to my Youtube channel and follow me on Instagram for more wine content: ⁨@thewineceo⁩

Today's guest: https://www.albert-bichot.com/en

Instagram: @bichotfamily

#BurgundyWine #AlbertBichot #PinotNoir #Chardonnay #FrenchWine #WineEducation #WinePodcast #Terroir #OrganicWine #SustainableWine #WineLover #Sommelier #WineYouTube #PouillyFuisse #WineCEO

Discover why California Chardonnay is one of the most talked-about wines in the world—and why it shouldn't be so polarizing.

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Richie Allen of Rombauer Vineyards to break down what truly makes great wine: the right grapes grown in the right place.

Richie shares his winemaking philosophy around typicity of region, explaining why understanding where grapes are grown is the key to producing exceptional wines. We also dive into the story behind Rombauer's iconic Carneros Chardonnay, explore why California Chardonnay has become so polarizing (and why it deserves a second chance!), and discuss how fear of failure shaped Richie's early career—and ultimately helped him succeed.

Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just getting started, this episode will help you better understand California wine, Chardonnay styles, and how to confidently choose wines you'll love.

🍷 In this episode, we cover:

What "typicity of region" really means in winemaking, why the right grapes in the right place matters so much, the truth about California Chardonnay (and why it's misunderstood), the story behind Rombauer's signature Chardonnay, how fear of failure can actually drive success, and tips for choosing and enjoying Chardonnay with confidence

✨ If you've ever said "I don't like Chardonnay"… this episode might change your mind.

Subscribe to my newsletter at thewineceo.com for a FREE guide to Food and Wine Pairings! https://www.thewineceo.com/

Watch this conversation on my youtube channel: https://youtu.be/Ik18Vq8TzM4

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Today's Guest: https://www.rombauer.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rombauervineyards/

TikTok (NEW!): https://www.tiktok.com/@rombauervineyards

Visit Their Tasting Rooms

🍇 Rombauer Vineyards Napa Valley Tasting Room

🍇 Rombauer Vineyards Sierra Foothills Tasting Room

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#Rombauer #Chardonnay #CaliforniaWine #NapaValley #WineEducation #WinePodcast #WineLover #SommelierLife #WineTasting #WineYouTube #Carneros #WhiteWine #WineTips #WineCEO #DrinkBetterWine

What happens when a wine brand focuses on just one wine and does it exceptionally well?

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with winemaker Tristan Butterfield to explore ETHOS, a newly launched wine brand from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates that is taking a bold, focused approach: crafting a single, high-quality Cabernet Sauvignon that showcases the power and elegance of Columbia Valley. If you love Cabernet Sauvignon, want to discover emerging wine regions, or are curious about premium, small-production wines, this episode is for you.

Watch this episode on my YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/qYdrjqSwWRg

Be sure to subscribe to my channel for more wine education, interviews, and insider access to the wine world! A

nd sign up for my newsletter today for a FREE guide to Food and Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com

Today's guest: https://ethoswine.com/

#WinePodcast #CabernetSauvignon #WashingtonWine #ColumbiaValley #WineEducation #Sommelier #WineLover #WinemakerInterview #LuxuryWine #FineWine #WineYouTube #TheWineCEO

What would you do if life forced you to stop waiting?

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Debra Mathy, Proprietor of Dutcher Crossing Winery, to talk about the deeply personal moment that led her to leave the corporate world and pursue her dream of owning a winery in Sonoma County.

After her father's stage 4 melanoma diagnosis, Deb made a bold decision—to stop putting life on hold. Just months after purchasing the winery, her father passed away, leaving her with a powerful symbol that still defines the brand today. In this episode, we talk about: What it really takes to build a successful winery from the ground up The challenges and opportunities of being a female winery owner How personal loss can shape your leadership and legacy The story behind Dutcher Crossing's iconic penny farthing logo Deb's newest venture and what's next in her winemaking journey Whether you're a wine lover, aspiring entrepreneur, or someone navigating a major life pivot, this conversation will inspire you to take action on the life you truly want. 🍷

Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share with a fellow wine lover!

Subscribe to my newsletter for a FREE GUIDE to Food and Wine Pairing: thewineceo.com

Today's guest: https://dutchercrossingwinery.com/

#WinePodcast #WineCEO #SonomaWine #WomenInWine #FemaleEntrepreneur #WineryOwner #WineEducation #WineLovers #EntrepreneurJourney #LuxuryLifestyle #WineBusiness #CaliforniaWine #SommelierLife #WineStories #WomenInBusiness

In this episode of The Wine CEO Podcast, I sit down with Myisha Moore, Co-Founder and CMO of Saint Enzo—the modern luxury Lambrusco brand that sold out its first release in minutes. With a background leading marketing strategy for global brands like Nike, Ferrari, and Vogue Singapore, Myisha shares how she identified a massive gap in the wine industry—and turned an overlooked category into a culturally relevant, luxury experience.

We dive into:

✨ How to build a luxury wine brand from scratch

✨ The psychology behind premium pricing and exclusivity

✨ Why Lambrusco is being reimagined for modern consumers

✨ What the future of luxury wine looks like

Whether you're a wine lover, entrepreneur, or brand builder, this conversation will completely change how you think about wine, luxury, and consumer behavior.

Watch our conversation on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iVa5flSnYSc

Subscribe to my newsletter for a free guide to Food and Wine Pairings: thewineceo.com

And follow me on IG: ⁨@thewineceo⁩

Today's Guest: https://www.saintenzo.com/

#WineCEO #LuxuryWine #WinePodcast #Lambrusco #WineEducation #WineBusiness #Entrepreneurship #LuxuryBrand #WineLovers #Sommelier #WineIndustry #BrunchCulture #FemaleFounder #MarketingStrategy #PersonalBrand #WineInfluencer #ModernLuxury #ChampagneAlternative #FoodAndWine #YouTubeWine

In this special International Women's Day 2026 episode of The Wine CEO, I sit down with Namratha Stanley — French author, wine merchant, and founder of the Bordeaux wine brand Solicantus — to share one of the most powerful stories I've heard in the wine world.

After surviving more than a decade in an abusive marriage in India, Namratha made the courageous decision to leave everything behind and rebuild her life. In 2017, she moved to Bordeaux, France, where she reinvented herself in the heart of one of the world's most famous wine regions.

Today, she is a wine entrepreneur, brand owner, and author of the memoir Vineyard Melody — a deeply personal story of resilience, reinvention, and finding freedom through wine.

In this episode, we discuss: 🍷 Her journey from India to Bordeaux 🍷 Escaping an abusive marriage and starting over 🍷 Building a wine brand in France as an outsider 🍷 The inspiration behind her memoir Vineyard Melody 🍷 Lessons about courage, identity, and transformation

Her story is a powerful reminder of what is possible when women reclaim their future.

If you enjoy wine stories, inspiring female entrepreneurs, and behind-the-scenes perspectives on the wine industry, you'll love this conversation.

>>>Watch this conversation on my Youtube channel: https://youtu.be/HlHleGdcD3M

📚 Learn more about Namratha Stanley and her memoir Vineyard Melody *Enter a special giveaway before March 31st, 2026 to celebrate the launch of Namratha's new book! You could win a stay at a beautiful chateaux in Bordeaux! https://www.namrathastanley.com/home1#about-nam

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#InternationalWomensDay #IWD2026 #WomenInWine #WineIndustry #WineEntrepreneur #BordeauxWine #WineStory #FemaleFounders #WineCEO #WomenEmpowerment #Memoir #WineEducation #WinemakerStory