What does it take to build a winery that honors both the land and the people who cultivate it?

In this episode, we meet Andy Neja, founder and winemaker of Cairjn Wine Cellars, one of Paso Robles' most exciting boutique wineries. Named after the word "cairn"—a carefully stacked pile of stones that serves as both a landmark and a tribute—Cairjn reflects Andy's family's farming heritage and the limestone-rich soils that define the West Paso landscape.

Andy didn't simply become a winemaker—he immersed himself in every aspect of the wine industry, from vineyard work and farming to hospitality, retail, and cellar operations. That hands-on experience shaped a philosophy centered on one simple belief: "Winemaking happens in the vineyard; everything else is secondary."Together, we explore how sustainability, meticulous vineyard practices, and relationships with some of Paso Robles' finest growers allow Cairjn to produce small-lot wines of exceptional character.

Andy also shares the challenges and rewards of launching his own label, the importance of honoring vineyard workers, and why authenticity remains the foundation of every bottle.Whether you're passionate about fine wine, terroir, sustainable farming, or entrepreneurial journeys, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the dedication required to transform a dream into one of California's most promising boutique wineries.

Pour yourself a glass and discover why Cairjn Wine Cellars is quickly becoming one of Paso Robles' hidden treasures.

What makes a vineyard truly exceptional?

Is it the soil, the climate, the people—or the philosophy behind every bottle?In this episode, we take you to the breathtaking hills of Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery, one of Paso Robles' most acclaimed Rhône wine estates, where every wine begins with a simple belief: great wine is grown, not made.

Founded by Bob Tillman after a lifelong dream of creating world-class wines, Alta Colina has become a benchmark for Rhône varietals in California. Perched nearly 1,800 feet above sea level in the renowned Adelaida District, the estate combines fractured shale soils, cool Pacific breezes, organic farming, and minimal intervention to produce wines that express the purest character of their vineyard.

We explore the fascinating journey from engineer to winery owner, the family's commitment to sustainability, the unique terroir that makes Alta Colina so distinctive, and the meticulous winemaking process that transforms hand-harvested grapes into some of Paso Robles' most celebrated Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Rhône blends.This episode is about much more than wine—it's about vision, patience, family, and respecting nature. Whether you're a collector, a Rhône enthusiast, or simply someone who loves discovering the stories behind extraordinary wineries, this conversation will leave you with a deeper appreciation for every glass.Join us as we uncover why Alta Colina has become one of California's hidden gems and why its philosophy continues to inspire winemakers around the world.

What does it take to leave everything behind and follow a dream?

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nancy Ulloa, founder, winemaker, owner, and unapologetic Boss Lady behind Ulloa Cellars, one of Paso Robles' most exciting boutique wineries.Nancy shares the incredible story of how she left the San Francisco Bay Area with nothing more than determination and a passion for wine, arriving in Paso Robles to learn the craft from the ground up.  

From producing her very first Grüner Veltliner in 2019 to building a rapidly growing winery known for its distinctive white wines and intentional winemaking philosophy, Nancy proves that courage, perseverance, and authenticity can turn dreams into reality.We explore her unique approach to crafting small-batch wines, her love for lesser-known grape varieties, the influence of sustainable farming, and the positive energy that she pours into every bottle.

Nancy also opens up about the challenges of building a brand from scratch, breaking barriers as a Latina entrepreneur, and creating wines that are every bit as expressive as the woman behind them.Whether you're passionate about wine, entrepreneurship, personal growth, or simply love hearing stories of fearless people who followed their calling, this episode is guaranteed to leave you inspired.Pour yourself a glass and discover why Ulloa Cellars is one of the most exciting names shaping the future of California wine.

What happens when a television producer leaves Hollywood to create one of California's most inspiring wineries?

In this episode, we discover the remarkable story behind Vinyl Vineyards, where exceptional wines, timeless music, and meaningful moments come together to create an experience unlike any other.Join us as we talk with Jeff Hevert, the winemaker whose life took an extraordinary turn from producing reality television to crafting premium wines on California's Central Coast.  

Starting over as a cellar intern at the age of 40, Jeff embraced a completely new path driven by passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.Together, we explore how Vinyl Vineyards was born from the idea of reinvention—drawing inspiration from iconic artists like David Bowie—and why slowing down, sharing a bottle of wine, listening to great music, and reconnecting with the people around us may be life's greatest luxury.

Discover the philosophy behind handcrafted wines that express both place and emotion, the importance of regenerative farming, and why every bottle is designed to create memories rather than simply fill a glass.Whether you're passionate about wine, entrepreneurship, music, or stories of personal transformation, this conversation will inspire you to embrace change, savor the present, and celebrate the moments that truly matter.Pour your favorite glass, put on a great record, and join us for an unforgettable conversation with Jeff Hevert and the world of Vinyl Vineyards.

What does it take to become one of California's most respected winegrowers—and the first woman ever named Grape Grower of the Year in San Luis Obispo County?

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Hilary Graves, a pioneering winegrower, winemaker, educator, and sustainability advocate whose journey into the wine world was anything but conventional.From an unexpected beginning as a librarian to managing some of California's most prestigious vineyards, Hilary shares how passion, curiosity, and perseverance led her to a career dedicated to producing exceptional grapes while protecting the environment for future generations.

We explore her philosophy of letting the vineyard speak for itself, the importance of regenerative organic farming, and how innovative viticulture can play a vital role in fighting climate change. Hilary also takes us behind the scenes of Booker Vineyard's transformation into a Regenerative Organic Certified® estate and explains why healthy soils are the foundation of extraordinary wines.Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a grower, a sustainability champion, or simply love hearing stories of people who have transformed an industry, this conversation is filled with insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on the future of wine.Join us for an unforgettable discussion with one of the most influential voices in modern viticulture.

Can Lambrusco become the next luxury sparkling wine?

In this episode, we uncover the remarkable story behind Saint Enzo, the premium Lambrusco brand founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Armon and Myisha Moore. More than a wine, Saint Enzo is the result of six years of dedication, craftsmanship, and a deeply personal journey inspired by family, heritage, and a bold vision.

Discover how this extraordinary wine is redefining Lambrusco's reputation by embracing its Italian roots while positioning itself alongside the world's finest sparkling wines. Produced in Italy from 100% organic Lambrusco Grasparossa grapes, with no additives and made using traditional methods, Saint Enzo proves that authenticity and luxury can coexist in every bottle.

We also explore the inspiration behind its iconic design, the meaning of its name, and why this modern expression of one of the world's oldest wine traditions is captivating a new generation of wine lovers.If you're passionate about fine wine, entrepreneurship, luxury brands, and inspiring founder stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Pour a glass, press play, and discover why Saint Enzo is changing the conversation around Lambrusco forever.

What if the future of wine is cleaner, healthier, and more authentic than ever before?In this episode, we sit down with award-winning winemaker Vivian Valenzuela, founder of WOO GIRL! Cellars, to explore how she's redefining modern winemaking from the heart of Sonoma County.

From vegan-friendly wines and regenerative farming to zero residual sugar, minimal sulfites, and single-vineyard expressions, Vivian shares the philosophy behind creating wines that are as honest as the land they come from.

Discover why terroir matters, what makes a truly sustainable wine, and how lower-alcohol wines can still deliver extraordinary depth, complexity, and character.Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about the next generation of winemaking, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about wine—and leave you eager to pour your next glass.Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of California's most exciting voices in wine.

Growing up in the central valley of California, we’ve inherited a sense of pride from our Greek parents and have continued to farm vineyards and make wine, incorporating the Mediterranean lifestyle and culture into our everyday lives. We don't make wines that are made to have an instant and powerful impact like tasting room wines; our wines are wines of finesse and elegance, and are made to be enjoyed with friends, family, and food. From the proprietors: We grew up growing winegrapes along with working at our parents' mom & pop grocery store. When we got older, we fell in love with wine and began working on our viticultural practices, and then decided to start our wine project. We are known for our old vine Zinfandel field blend vineyard called "Stampede Vineyard," as well as planting & producing some of the first Assyrtiko in California. We are trialing other Mediterranean varieties going forward as well.

Peltier Winery & Vineyards is a fourth-generation farming family operation where the winery itself was established in 2001 by third-generation farmer Rodney Schatz and his wife Gayla in the heart of California's Lodi Appellation. What began in 1985 with Rodney's purchase of 40 acres of Old Vine Zinfandel has evolved into a 1,000+ acre sustainably certified operation producing over 30,000 cases annually across multiple wine collections. The winery's product innovation spans from rare Italian varietals like Teroldego and Vermentlno to modern offerings like Zante-a carbonated rose designed for today's conscious consumers with less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. Peltier distinguishes itself through complete estate control from vineyard to bottle, pioneering sustainable practices including being among the first to achieve 100% Lodi Rules certification and installing an innovative worm farm water treatment system that reduces energy use by 95%. Looking ahead, the winery continues expanding into new appellations like Clarksburg while maintaining their core phllosophy of minimal intervention winemaking that lets vineyard personality shine. Peltier consistently delivers award-winning quality across price points from $17-$60, earning accolades from Wine Enthusiast, San Francisco Chronicle, and international competitions. Their unique tasting room features a 24-wine WineStation system that eliminates waste while encouraging exploration of their diverse portfolio, embodying their brand promise of being "wine-smart with a wink"-knowledgeable experts who don't take themselves too seriously while delivering exceptional estate-grown wines that reflect four generations of farming heritage with three generations currently working together.

Cambria is a women-owned, women-led producer of 100% certified sustainable, estate-grown Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in the Santa Maria Valley AVA in Santa Barbara County, California.
Founder Barbara Banke was an early champion of the region and established Cambria Winery in 1986. Barbara’s two daughters are co-proprietors of the winery and the namesakes for the two main vineyards, Julia’s Vineyard and Katherine’s Vineyard. A winemaker’s paradise, the estate is situated on a West Coast transverse valley a rare geological feature that funnels in Pacific Ocean breezes and blankets the vines in maritime fog, creating one of California’s longest growing seasons. The ocean influences the soils as well, with seashells and fossils lending a signature Santa Maria spice note to the Pinot Noirs. Winemaker Jill Russell believes that “happy people make great wine” and passionately crafts wines that show the best of the estate and are prized for their texture, harmony, and energy. Jill leads vineyard and cellar crews who have worked at Cambria on average for more than 20 years and whose drive for excellence earned Cambria the title of a Top 100 Winery of 2020 from Wine & Spirits.