Enter the realm of Rudi Pichler, a luminary among Wachau's esteemed vintners renowned for crafting wines of unparalleled precision, strength, and ageability. Nestled in the idyllic village of Wösendorf, the Pichler family has nurtured vineyards since 1731, embodying a legacy steeped in tradition and excellence. In 1997, Rudolph Pichler III assumed leadership of the winery, embarking on a journey of expansion and innovation. Under his stewardship, vineyard acreage flourished, culminating in the construction of a state-of-the-art cellar in 2004.

At the heart of Rudi Pichler's portfolio lie Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, which collectively constitute 95% of the production, while Weißburgunder and Roter Veltliner contribute to the remaining 5%. Aligning with the rigorous standards set forth by the prestigious Vinea Wachau, Rudi Pichler adheres to their codex, ensuring wines of utmost quality and authenticity.

Recognized for his unwavering commitment to excellence, Rudi Pichler was honored as Falstaff's Vintner of the Year in 2010, cementing his status as a visionary leader in the world of Austrian winemaking.

Join us as we uncover the storied legacy and extraordinary wines of Rudi Pichler, a testament to the enduring spirit of Wachau's winemaking heritage.

Meet Joe, a member of the fourth generation of the Bauer family, deeply rooted in the cultivation of grapes and winemaking in Austria's picturesque Wachau region, nestled along the steep hills of the Danube valley between Melk and Krems.

The unique geography of the Wachau region tells a story of ancient forces at play. Carved by the mighty Danube river, the valley is graced with soils of unparalleled distinction. During the Ice Age, prevailing winds carried clay and chalk from Eastern Europe, which settled upon the hillsides, forming layers of "loess" ranging from a few inches to over ten meters in depth.

For Wagram Grüner Veltliner, the mantra is "Loess is More!" This fertile soil type retains moisture and boasts a rich mineral composition, essential for nurturing Grüner Veltliner grapes to perfection. In areas dominated by pure loess, wines exhibit a lush richness and velvety texture. Conversely, when ancient Danube river pebbles intermingle with the loess, Grüner Veltliner develops a pronounced minerality and maintains a crisp, lively character. Where loess is less prevalent, and deeper alluvial soils prevail, red varietals flourish, adding further diversity to the region's vinicultural tapestry.

Join us as we journey through the captivating landscapes of Wachau and uncover the intricate relationship between soil composition and wine expression, guided by Joe's profound connection to his family's winemaking legacy.

We spotlight the Sustainable Wine program guided by Tessa Chilala—a cornerstone of NZ Winegrowers' commitment to environmental stewardship and industry excellence. Established in 1995, Sustainable Wine New Zealand (SWNZ) quickly gained international acclaim as a trailblazing sustainability program. Initially focusing on vineyard practices, SWNZ expanded its scope in 2002 to encompass winery operations, setting rigorous certification standards.

Driven by the belief that collective action yields more significant results, SWNZ garnered widespread support from grape growers and wineries across New Zealand. Today, 96% of the nation's vineyard area proudly holds Sustainable Winegrowing NZ™ certification, and 10% operate under-recognized organic programs.

Join us as we delve into Sustainable Wine New Zealand's transformative impact, showcasing how collaborative efforts are shaping a more sustainable and vibrant future for New Zealand's renowned wine industry.

We have the pleasure of speaking with LODI Rules. In 2016, the Lodi Winegrape Commission welcomed Dr. Stephanie Bolton as its Sustainable Winegrowing Director, marking a significant milestone in the region's commitment to environmental stewardship. Dr. Bolton brings a wealth of expertise to her role, earning a Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Georgia. Her research focused on fungi in Vitis vinifera vineyards and mycotoxins in red wine. With a master's degree in Food Science and a bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Dr. Bolton's academic background is complemented by hands-on experience at Gordon Brothers Cellars in Washington State and as an educator in Tuscany.

Joining Dr. Bolton is Chris Storm, Director of Viticulture at Vino Farms. Since its inception, Chris has been a driving force behind the Lodi Rules program, showcasing his dedication to sustainable viticulture practices.

Dr. Bolton and Chris Storm offer invaluable insights into Lodi's sustainable winegrowing initiatives, which demonstrate the region's commitment to excellence in environmental conservation and grape production.

Join us as we delve into the transformative impact of the Fish Friendly Farming (FFF) program with Laurel Marcus. This program provides farmers with invaluable expertise to tackle environmental challenges such as erosion, soil loss, and water quality degradation. By implementing FFF recommendations, farmers not only contribute to environmental conservation but also adopt a cost-effective and efficient management approach.

Moreover, the FFF program serves as a crucial mechanism for meeting the requirements of Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) regulations in Napa, Sonoma, and Mendocino counties. Certification under FFF ensures compliance with TMDL regulations, which are integral to state and federal water quality laws. These regulations focus on reducing fine sediment input into waterways and lowering stream water temperatures, safeguarding aquatic ecosystems.

Join us as we explore how the Fish Friendly Farming program revolutionizes agricultural practices, fosters sustainability, and promotes environmental stewardship in wine-growing regions.

Join us as Mardi Longbottom guides us through exploring Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, the nation's flagship initiative empowering grape growers and winemakers to enhance sustainability across their vineyards and wineries. This comprehensive program addresses environmental, social, and economic dimensions and guides participants toward continuous improvement.

Administered by the Australian Wine Research Institute and backed by Australian Grape & Wine and Wine Australia, Sustainable Winegrowing Australia adopts a holistic approach to sustainability management. Governed by a joint steering committee, the program's activities are outlined in an Annual Operating Plan, ensuring alignment with global best practices and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Tune in to discover how Sustainable Winegrowing Australia is shaping the future of Australian viticulture and winemaking, driving positive change in the industry's sustainability practices.

Welcome to our podcast with Anna Brittain of Napa Green. Napa Green brings together a dynamic team of experts specializing in climate resilience and community empowerment. With a collective experience spanning 120 years, they excel in regenerative agriculture, optimizing resource usage, fostering team engagement, and crafting compelling narratives.

As a 501c3 nonprofit, they offer unparalleled consulting services at below-market rates to help wineries cultivate resilient farming systems that yield top-quality grapes and operate wineries with minimal carbon footprint.

Join us as we embark on this transformative journey towards a more resilient and environmentally responsible future for the wine industry.

In this podcast episode with guest speaker Jim Clarke of Wines of South Africa, we explore Sustainable Wine South Africa, a powerful alliance uniting the Wine and Spirit Board, the Integrated Production of Wine scheme, and Wines of South Africa. Together, these organizations spearhead the South African wine industry's dedication to sustainable and eco-friendly production practices.

Listeners will discover how each wine bottle bearing the Wine and Spirit Board's certification seal signifies adherence to stringent criteria. This seal guarantees the wine's origin, vintage, and variety as listed on the label and assures compliance with IPW standards.

Join us as we delve into the transformative sustainability journey within the South African wine industry, where every sip tells a story of environmental stewardship and quality craftsmanship.

In this episode, we delve into sustainable wine crafting in Australia with Mark Davidson, guest speaker and award-winning author on the Australian wine industry. This comprehensive sustainable approach addresses environmental, social, and economic concerns within viticulture, wineries, and wine businesses. Sustainable wine practices reshape the industry by minimizing environmental impact, enhancing social and financial performance, and promoting community resilience.

We explore Sustainable Winegrowing Australia, the national program that empowers grape growers and winemakers to assess, track, and enhance their sustainability efforts. This voluntary initiative guides participants towards sustainability excellence and leads to certification under the Australian Wine Industry Standards of Sustainable Practice for wineries and viticulture. Remarkably, as of June 30, 2022, participants in this program represented over 40% of total wine production in Australia.

Tune in to learn how sustainable practices reshape the Australian wine industry for a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.

COVID series, recorded 2020

Carla Malherbe of Rupert & Rothschild: Nestled at the base of the majestic Simonsberg mountain in the Franschhoek Valley, lies the esteemed French Huguenot farm Fredericksburg, steeped in history since its establishment in 1690. Today, this historic estate is the proud home of Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons—a distinguished partnership in winemaking forged in 1997 between the Rupert family of South Africa and Baron Benjamin de Rothschild of France.

Under this prestigious collaboration, Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons produce three exquisite wines, each showcasing the unique terroir and craftsmanship of the estate. Among them is the single varietal Chardonnay, offering a glimpse into the elegance of the vineyard. The flagship Bordeaux blend, Rupert & Rothschild Baron Edmond, stands as a testament to the estate's commitment to excellence, while the classic red blend, Rupert & Rothschild Classique, represents one of South Africa's most coveted wines.

Join us as we delve into the rich tapestry of history and tradition that defines Rupert & Rothschild Vignerons, and explore the artistry behind their sought-after wines.

Connie Synman of Rust en Vrede: Founded in 1694, Rust en Vrede holds the distinction of being the first South African producer to introduce blends of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, and Merlot, a tradition that continues to define its legacy of excellence in winemaking.

Nestled in the heart of the Stellenbosch area, Rust en Vrede boasts a rich heritage reflected in its exquisite Cape Dutch architecture. Perched on the lower slopes of the Helderberg Mountain, ranging from 280ft to 425ft above sea level, the estate offers stunning vistas of Table Mountain to the West. The vineyards, predominantly situated on North facing slopes with subtle variations in aspect, benefit from the shelter of the Helderberg and Stellenbosch mountains, creating a warm microclimate conducive to red wine production.

Specializing in varietals like Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon, Rust en Vrede crafts full-bodied wines with robust structure and exceptional aging potential. In 1991, the estate received the Merit award of export achievement from President Nelson Mandela, a testament to its dedication to quality and excellence. This commitment was further recognized in 1993 when President Mandela selected Rust en Vrede wines to be served at the prestigious Nobel Peace Prize banquet, solidifying its reputation as a world-class producer. Join us as we explore the storied history and unparalleled craftsmanship behind Rust en Vrede wines.