Welcome to the first of our winemaker episodes! This week Elena Martinez of TOP Winery joins Shaughn and Ellen to share the wine she and her husband Stanley Barrios make in Paso Robles.

Before getting into her wine, its the return of Grape of Thrones! This week it is Blaufrankisch. Learn about this grape that excels in Austria.

Elena kicks the drinking off with their 2015 Syrah, "Exert". It is ever so juicilicious, as is the story of how Elena and Stanley got started in wine. It was a major switch of careers for them. The job includes drinking sure, but they get hands (and feet) on! 

Elena also brought the 2016 "Exert" GSM blend. She claimed it still had bottle-shock but it impressed, even at its infancy. Even Zig got in on it. Discussions of how it will age involve acid and caramel. Drugs and sugar. Good stuff.

Better than that is Elena's answer to "whats bringing you joy". Tune in!

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