Wine Fringe

We’re back—and digging into a bold, unconventional corner of Virginia wine.

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake sit down with J. Snyder, owner of Petite Domaine, and Shai Van Gelder, winemaker at Petite Domaine. Together, they unpack J.’s leap from a different industry into wine and what it takes to carve out a niche in today’s complex, ever-shifting wine landscape. From launching a brand during one of the most challenging periods the industry has faced to questioning the standard tasting room experience, this conversation explores what it really means to do things differently.

The episode dives into how Petite Domaine is building a high-end product and a luxury experience, selling the aspirational lifestyle that sparkling wine represents—all while staying deeply rooted in Virginia winemaking. It’s a candid look at risk, reinvention, and reshaping expectations from the ground up.

It’s real, it’s refreshing, it’s Wine Fringe.

We’re back—and kicking off Season 2 with a story rooted deep in American wine history!

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake dive into the work of Nicholas Nearhing, the horticulturist helping to bring Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello vineyards back to life. Where Jefferson’s centuries-old notes meet modern innovation, Nicholas is rebuilding a vision that helped shape America’s earliest wine aspirations. From honoring Jefferson’s meticulous records to navigating the unique challenges of restoring historic vines, he’s breathing new energy into the gardens of the “Father of American Wine.”

We launched the new season right on the Monticello grounds, exploring the obstacles Jefferson faced—and how Nicholas and his team are rewriting the next chapter. It’s history, horticulture, and hands-on curiosity woven into one unforgettable episode.

It’s real, it’s refreshing, it’s Wine Fringe.

To learn more about the Monticello gardens, visit: |www.monticello.org

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake dive into the story of Chateau MerrillAnne with owner Kenny, where the land, the varietals, and the passion behind the winery come together to create something unforgettable. From pushing the envelope with unique wine styles to crafting intentional marketing that connects directly with their guests, Chateau MerrillAnne is redefining what a Virginia winery can be.

We wrapped our season with a celebration at Chateau MerrillAnne and loved spending time with Kenny and Emily—the friendly couple at the heart of the winery. They’re the kind of neighbors you didn’t know you had but will never want to lose.

It’s real, it’s refreshing, it’s Wine Fringe.

To learn more about Chateau MerrillAnne, check out their website and blog!

www.chateaumerrillanne.com

www.vinosanctum.com

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake sit down with Rae Wilson—one of the few female winemakers in Texas and the force behind Wine For the People. Rae’s path from sommelier to winemaker has taken her through Napa, Portugal, and cellars across the world before landing back in Austin, where she’s shaping what Texas wine can be.

She shares the story behind launching Dandy Rosé, why sustainable farming and minimal intervention are at the heart of her philosophy, and her candid takes on the Texas wine industry.

Curious about the winemaker behind this episode’s featured wine? Learn more here: https://wineforthepeople.com/pages/welcome

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake uncork the world of Bottle Shops—the hidden gems where wine buying transforms from overwhelming to inspiring. Forget staring at endless shelves in a grocery store. At a good bottle shop, you’ll find a curated experience, expert guidance, and maybe even your next favorite bottle.

We’re joined by Daniel Elliot of The Discerning Sommolier and the soon-to-open Vinícola wine bar, as he shares his latest ventures and explains how bottle shops create adventure for both budding enthusiasts and seasoned wine lovers alike.

Curious about the winemaker behind this episode’s featured wine? Learn more here: https://www.abiounesswines.com/about/

Want to snag the bottle we tasted? Check it out here: https://www.abiounesswines.com/product/2022-pommard-clone-pinot-noir

It’s thoughtful, it’s practical, it’s Wine Fringe.

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jake and Jill sit down with Janine Aquino of Aquino Baron Consulting—a powerhouse winery consultant and vineyard/winery realtor.

Whether you're dreaming of owning a winery or already knee-deep in vines and barrels, this episode is packed with insight. They dive into what future winery owners need to know before buying, how to shape an intentional and profitable tasting room experience, and what today’s sellers wish they had known before entering the wine industry.

Want to learn more about Janine?

Website: aquinobaron.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janine-aquino/

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

We’re also sipping on a delicious Petit Manseng from Mountain & Vine Vineyards & Winery (formerly Delfosse). 🍷 Check it out here: https://vinoshipper.com/catalog/sparkling/mountain_vine_vineyards_and_winery_formerly_delfosse/petit_manseng_132846

It’s insightful, it’s practical, it’s Wine Fringe.

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake dive into the wild world of wine trends—from the eyebrow-raising to the industry-shaping. We’re talking jalapeño-infused wines, celebrity-backed bottles, and more.

What drives these trends? Are they just marketing gimmicks or do they reflect deeper shifts in how people connect with wine? Jill and Jake explore the fine line between innovation and absurdity, offering their fringe takes on quality, authenticity, and what makes a trend stick. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a famous actor’s private label or been secretly curious about that spicy rosé, this episode’s for you.

It’s weird, it’s honest, it’s Wine Fringe.

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake sit down with Jennifer McCloud, proprietor of Chrysalis Vineyards and longtime champion of Norton, Virginia’s native grape.

From its deep historical roots to the challenges of modern-day vineyard management and winemaking, Jennifer walks us through the evolution of Norton—from overlooked oddity to bold, expressive wine with serious potential. We explore the grape’s unique flavor profile, its sustainability in the vineyard, and why it’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew about this distinctly American varietal. If you’ve ever wondered why Norton isn’t getting the respect it deserves—or if it’s truly capable of producing world-class wines—this episode brings the facts, the history, and the Fringe perspective to the table. This is Norton’s moment. Don’t miss it.

Wine Fringe – Neoprohibition

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake unpack the rise of Neoprohibition—modern efforts to demonize alcohol through campaigns like Dry January and No Alcohol November. They explore wine’s 8,000-year history, the month-long abstinence movement, and whether moderate drinking deserves its bad rep. Plus, what do studies actually say about wine’s health benefits? We’ve got the links:

• https://reason.com/2024/12/31/moderate-drinking-linked-to-lower-overall-mortality-rate-says-national-academy-of-sciences/
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-20048281

California vs. Virginia – Shai Van Gelder of Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake sit down with Shai Van Gelder, winemaker at Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery, for a real-deal conversation about what it’s like making wine on both coasts.

From breaking into the industry to navigating the day-to-day grind of production, Shai shares firsthand insight into the differences—and surprising similarities—between California and Virginia winemaking. It’s a deep dive into culture, expectations, and what it really takes to grow as a winemaker in two very different worlds.

If you’ve ever wondered how Virginia stacks up against the West Coast, or what’s driving the next generation of winemakers, this one’s for you.