Weinnotes

Alex and Breauna Kanzler are a husband and wife team from Kanzler Vineyards located in Sebastopol Hills inside the Russian River Valley. When I first tasted Alex’s wines during IPNC over the summer of 2022, I was blown away. Over the next few days of IPNC, I continued to be impressed by how Kanzler’s wines were showing and grabbing my attention.

With a farm that started off being full of raspberries that was transformed into one of the first vineyards of Sebastopol in 1996, Kanzler Vineyards is one of those gemstone wineries I am always on the hunt for. So sit back and enjoy this conversation with Alex and Breauna of Kanzler Vineyards.

Today is about 30-45-ish second clips of the 15 interviews I did this year. I got so much inspiration from every interview. My hope is you found juicy tidbits over the year as well. Next year, I promise to have more than 15 interviews. I learned so much from the process and have a long list of people to interview.

In case you don’t know or don’t remember the 15 interviews, here they are!

Jessica Mozeico from Et Fille

Mac and Sid from King’s North

Andy Lytle from Aubaine and Lytle Barnett

Piper Underbrink from Privee

Wynne Peterson-Nedry from RR and Ridgecrest

Dan from Utopia

Janie from Brooks

Bryan and Laura from Hazelfern

Jessica and Paden from Approachment

Leah Jorgensen from Leah Jerrgens Cellars

Micheal Juergens from Bhutan Wine Company

Vincent from Vincent Wines

Philippe Andre - Charles Heidsieck US Ambassador

Kathryn Hermann from 00 Wines

Dave and Sara from Bells Up

Listen to the end for my favorite two words from this year!

Ten years ago, in 2012, Dave and Sara made a huge life change by moving from Ohio to Oregon in pursuit of starting a winery. Their hard work, dedication, and meticulous attention to detail have paid off! Their winery is Bells Up (http://bellsupwinery.com), where Dave, the winemaker, does all of the tastings providing an experience you will never forget!

In our conversation, we dive into what got the couple into winemaking, how they ended up in Oregon, Seyval Blanc, a new Italian grape they planted, stories of community, and much more.

Please enjoy this conversation with Dave and Sara!

00 Wines has taken the wine world by storm with their luxury brand recently scoring a 99 from James Suckling. We always hear of these stellar wines and the company, but how often to we get to hear a person’s journey to where they are today. My guest today, Kathryn Herman, grew up in Maine, lived in New York, moved to Denver and eventually to Portland Oregon creating her own startup and ended up in the world of wine.

If you know 00 Wines, family roots run deep with Chris Herman’s story. My conversation today takes you on a journey with a boss lady determined to make her mark in the world who enjoys the original Super Mario game, won a major award from the Oregon Technology Awards, and has poured 00 Wines at the American Ambassador Residence.

Please enjoy this conversation with Kathryn Herman

Cheers 🍷

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER: https://newsletter.oregonvinocountry.com

About A.J. Weinzettel:

A.J. Weinzettel is the person behind Weinnotes. With a German last name translating into “wine note”, there is only one mission: Highlight the people and stories of wine with a tag line of “A.J. sent me” when customers visit wineries.

Follow Weinnotes on Instagram - http://instagram.com/weinnotes

Download the Weinnotes iPhone App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1522306889

Philippe Andre is the U.S. Ambassador for Charles Heidsieck Champagne. His passion for wine started with helping the family restaurant, Oceanique. In 2013, he attended Oregon’s Pinot Camp and later helped with Harvest at Maysara. Wine Enthusiast’s 2021 40 under 40 had Andre on the front cover, and in 2021 Andre’s journey brought him back to Oregon as the Master of Ceremony for IPNC (International Pinot Noir Celebration). Enjoy this conversation with Philippe as we dive into inspiring words from Jason Lett, life obstacles to becoming Charles Heidsieck’s ambassador, the white horse of Charles Henri, Champagne Charlie, and pairing cigars with Champagne.

Cheers 🍷

SUBSCRIBE: https://newsletter.oregonvinocountry.com

About A.J. Weinzettel:

A.J. Weinzettel is the person behind Weinnotes. With a German last name translating into “wine note”, there is only one mission: Highlight the people and stories of wine with a tag line of “A.J. sent me” when customers visit wineries.

Follow Weinnotes on Instagram - http://instagram.com/weinnotes

Download the Weinnotes iPhone App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1522306889

It takes a certain type of person to become a winemaker, a surfer, an academic, and an all around genuine nice person. Vincent is one of those If You Know, You Know winemakers in Oregon. Plenty of people know who he is, but his marketing is all grassroots word of mouth. Making wines from some top name vineyards such as Zenith, Armstrong, Bjornson, and Temperance Hill to name a few. Vincent’s quality and price point are amongst the best you can get.

Vincent and I talk about his first wine epiphany at the age of four, a new project coming online with fruit from Napa, and team flip flop. Please enjoy my conversation with Vincent from Vincent Wine Company.

When you read the bio of Michael Juergens, it is a stellar read! Michael is on track to becoming a master of wine. He wrote the wine laws and business plans for the country of Bhutan. The author of several wine books, the owner of an award-winning rum company, and the drummer of a punk rock band that published the first punk rock album on the blockchain.

Micheal is different from most wine professionals, and his weekly emails always start with, “Let me tell you why Vin Santo or some other off-the-wall wine is dope AF.” His colorful language is straightforward, leaving you balled over with laughter while learning the world of wine like none other.

Please enjoy this conversation ranging from blowing up cars, Prowein 2022, Club Dvin, the world’s first Punk Rock NFT, Bhutan Wine, The Grand Slam Marathon, and Drinking and Knowing with Micheal Juergens!

Sign up for his newsletter at: https://www.drinkingandknowingthings.com

The first Punk Rock NFT: https://opensea.io/assets/0x495f947276749ce646f68ac8c248420045cb7b5e/6443195943822045714817219933130301709808866189715402230585942626335555846320/

Leah Jorgensen does something I am not sure any other winemaker in Oregon does, focuses 100% on Cab Franc. Being named a winemaker to watch in 2015 by the SF Chronicle, Leah strives to make the highest quality wine possible. Recently, Paul Gregutt gave Leah a shoutout for her 2017 Clos Rogue Valley Reserve Cab Franc as Cellar selection of the week.

Outside of being a winemaker, Leah enjoys having fun with her “Between two Vines,” side project showcasing some incredible winemakers in the Willamette Valley. Leah is also a holistic nutritionist where great introspection takes place in wine and nutrition, taking form in a book she is currently writing. Her passion for life comes from "the most curious man in history,” Leonardo DaVinci.

Please enjoy this conversation with Leah Jorgensen

Cheers 🍷

SUBSCRIBE: https://newsletter.oregonvinocountry.com

About A.J. Weinzettel:

A.J. Weinzettel is the person behind Weinnotes. With a German last name translating into “wine note”, there is only one mission: Highlight the people and stories of wine with a tag line of “A.J. sent me” when customers visit wineries.

Follow Weinnotes on Instagram - http://instagram.com/weinnotes

Download the Weinnotes iPhone App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1522306889

A few months ago, I came across an Instagram post for a new winery called Approachment. So naturally, I was intrigued, and when I dove the teeniest bit, I was super excited to notice Jessica West, who has worked with Drew Voit at Harper Voit for the past seven years, was behind the project with her husband, Paden. Paden was assitant to Isabelle Meunier at Lavinea and is now making wine at Fayla in Dalles and Karta Wines.

The husband and wife team riff off one another online, with Jessica spraying her partner in crime with Bubbles or Paden finding the perfect moment to exact revenge. When it comes to making wine together, they are earnest about trying new things, like their first release of extended contact Pinot Gris at a seriously affordable price point. They might work together harmoniously while playing Post Malone during Harvest, but what happens when I ask, “Who is the better winemaker?”

Please enjoy this conversation with Jessica and Paden West

Find out more by visiting - https://www.approachmentwines.com

Cheers 🍷

Subscribe to the Weekly Oregon Winery Newsletter: https://newsletter.oregonvinocountry.com

About A.J. Weinzettel:

A.J. Weinzettel is the person behind Weinnotes. With a German last name translating into “wine note”, there is only one mission: Highlight the people and stories of wine with a tag line of “A.J. sent me” when customers visit wineries.

Follow A.J. on Instagram - http://instagram.com/oregon_vinocountry

Follow Weinnotes on Instagram - http://instagram.com/weinnotes

Download the Weinnotes iPhone App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1522306889

Bryan and Laura from Hazelfern Cellars in Newberg Oregon are known for the fun vibe via their Instagram Account and in real life. They are also known for some killer Pinot Noirs and Chardonnay. During our talk we talk about family roots in South Carolina, what it’s like sharing the same birthday, the fun marketing behind a couple wine auctions, HazelFern Sparkling, and what it’s like juggling a winery, being parents while trying to find some peace and quiet to name a few topics. Please enjoy this conversation with Bryan and Laura from Hazelfern! 00:00 Intro 02:01 Family and Roots in South Carolina 07:38 The Backstory of the Barn / Winery / Tasting Room 13:52 Bryan and Laura working together and the Valentines Picture on IG 17:15 Sharing the same birthday 19:10 W.V. Wine Auction and NKOTB 21:02 Zachy's Auction Back to The Future 23:14 First Gen Label Teaser 27:48 HazelFern Sparkling is coming! 28:26 Juggling Life, Being Parents, Managing a Winery, How do you do it? 31:27 Legacy 34:52 Oregon Wine Community Story 39:34 Newly Wed Game 50:53 Rapid Fire Questions 53:46 Blind Wine Reveal