The Winemaker's Journey

In this interview with Eric Mayer of Napachar, we explore the low tech approach of creating biochar from grapevines that have been removed to replant vineyards. This technique is a way of actually creating fossilized wood and sequestering carbon for centuries in the soil. It is part of the burgeoning field of regenerative agriculture.

Marcello Monticelli was born in Italy and grew up on a farm in the Central Valley where his fathers was known as the best home winemaker in the community. He went on to study enology at Fresno State and eventually worked 50 years for E & J Gallo, running their premium project in Sonoma County for many years. His two sons, Massimo and Mario, did not fall far from the vine. In this wonderful podcast, we get a view into the lives and philosophies of these three talented and passionate winemakers.

In this interview with Dr. Ron Runnebaum associate professor of Viticulture and Enology and of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at UC, Davis, we discuss the past and future of this important research and teaching department as well as Ron's current research topics and interests which address sustainable winery practices as well as identifying aroma and flavor markers in Pinot Noir wines that can be consistently linked to site. I think you will find it fascinating

In the dual 2 hour podcast Jim Duane and I interview each other about our paths to winemaking and podcasting and our winemaking philosophies. Jim is the creator of the popular Inside Winemaking podcast in which he interviews winemakers, researchers and technicians to shed light on the nuts and bolts of winemaking and grapegrowing. He is the winemaker at Seavey Vineyards, a winemaker for Naked Wines and a partner in Terratorium Wines. I think you will find this an entertaining and informative listen

In the first episode of Season 3, I focus on the new physiological pruning that is replacing geometric pruning in the the quality vineyards of Europe, Argentina, Australia, Chili and, gradually, the United States. I begin with a primer with Sam Baron interviewing me about what I learned getting a Diploma in Pruning from the University of Bordeaux in 2019 and then a detailed discussion with Alessandro Zanutta, an Italian master pruner and agronomist who has worked all over the world teaching this style of pruning that takes into account the physiology and pathology of the grapevine and strives to extend longevity and quality. The music for Season 3 is the original piece Borealis played by composer Mike Marshall on mandocello and his wife, Catarina Lichtenberg on mandolin. It is from their CD, Third Journey. Thanks for listening

In the last episode of Season 2, we look to the future of wine with a roundtable discussion with Darwin Acosta, Kyle Burke, Candace Keeton and Lena Wellington who are all Roots Fund scholarship recipients working in California wineries during the 2002 harvest. The origin stories, ambitions and insights of these four BIPOC individuals provides a view into a future that includes opportunities for people of all backgrounds in the wine industry.

In this conversation with Antica Terra winemaker Maggie Harrison we explore her background and how it has influenced her winemaking aesthetic. She has followed a unique path to become a winemaker and makes iconoclastic wines that express her vision. I think you will find this episode quite compelling.

In Season 2, Episode 4, I have an in depth conversation with viticulturist Zach Berkowitz. We talk about his early days working for Moet and Hennessey Vineyards in Yountville in the 1970's, planting his own vineyard and his current focus on systems and precision farming. Zach's vast knowledge and wide experience give him a unique perspective on grapegrowing. Please listen in.

In this special Father's Day episode two father and son winemakers : Tom and Austin Peterson and Daniel and Sam Baron have a roundtable discussion about mentoring, chasing their dreams and growing up around grapes and winemaking. There is a great sense of comraderie as the two generations compare notes.

In this episode I interview the Colombian born, French trained winemaker Bibiana González Rave. She speaks about her early fascination with wine and her persistence in getting a world class education and training against all odds. She also discusses how she applies this knowledge to making her Cattleya, Alma and Shared Notes wines and her newest project --- Colombian coffee. I hope you listen in.