El reconocido enólogo Raj Parr se une a nosotros en Wine World para compartir su extraordinario recorrido desde las vibrantes calles de Calcuta hasta los viñedos de California. Con el sueño de convertirse en chef, Raj se topó con el mundo del vino casi por casualidad, iniciando así un camino que redefiniría la enología estadounidense. Al recordar sus colaboraciones con figuras influyentes de la industria como Larry Stone y Michael Mina, Raj revela cómo sus primeras aspiraciones culinarias florecieron en una pasión por la pureza y la expresión del lugar en la elaboración del vino. Su transición a la industria vitivinícola lo llevó a cofundar Sandy y Domaine de la Côte, marcando un momento decisivo tanto en su carrera como en el panorama vinícola en general.

Nuestra conversación se desarrolla para revelar las colaboraciones literarias de Raj con el escritor Jordan McKay, ofreciendo una mirada a sus obras “Secrets of the Sommelier” y “The Sommelier's Atlas of Taste”. Profundizamos en sus motivaciones para dejar la bulliciosa escena de los restaurantes y abrazar una vida más serena —aunque igualmente desafiante— entre las viñas. A través de proyectos como Evening Land, Raj ha realizado contribuciones significativas al mundo del vino, abrazando la magia de la hospitalidad y el encanto del viñedo. Su historia dibuja un retrato de transformación, guiado por una profunda conexión con la naturaleza y el arte atemporal de la vinificación.

En este episodio escucharás:
• El recorrido de Raj Parr desde Calcuta hasta California, pasando de aspirante a chef a reconocido enólogo.
• Sus colaboraciones con figuras influyentes de la industria y la fundación de Sandy y Domaine de la Côte.
• El énfasis en prácticas agrícolas sostenibles y holísticas en Fallon Farms, en Cambria.
• La integración de ganado, incluidos perros maremma y ovejas, para la gestión del viñedo.
• La exploración de los desafíos y recompensas de dejar el mundo de la restauración para dedicarse a la vinificación.
• El compromiso de Raj con la creación de vinos que reflejen el terruño y su enfoque innovador dentro de la enología estadounidense.

Wine World is back on Congress in downtown Tucson after a sabbatical to open the Los Milics restaurant and tasting room. This return episode stays local—because Ursa is next door at 110 E. Congress. Pavle sits down with Chef Aaron to unpack the genesis story behind Ursa and the path that shaped it.

Aaron grew up in Calexico, a small California–Mexico border town where culture, family, and hard realities coexist. After high school he moved to Los Angeles chasing music, played bass in punk bands, and later opened an Echo Park art gallery. When art didn’t pay the bills, a barback job pulled him into hospitality, and he fell for the intensity of service. Farmer’s markets and unfamiliar produce sparked a fascination with transformation—how a raw product becomes something new—so he started staging in kitchens.

He chose Le Cordon Bleu Pasadena as something he could earn, then sharpened his chops in Los Angeles kitchens that prized creativity. In 2016, a reset took him to Oahu, where hiking and a different pace helped him rebuild. Hawaii also brought June into his life—his now-wife and partner, who had never worked in restaurants but became essential to Ursa.

Later, time in Austin and Southwest road trips pulled them back toward the desert. With foraging guides and a camera, they cataloged native plants and flavors and asked a bigger question: what does the Southwest taste like when you stop defaulting to the usual ingredients?

That inquiry became Ursa: a tasting-driven restaurant built around heritage and monsoon crops, fermentation, and a bar program with cocktails and NA drinks made from native ingredients. Aaron shares how Ursa first opened in El Centro on a shoestring, why it had to evolve, and how they opened in downtown Tucson at record speed. Pour a glass and settle in.

www.ursadesert.com

110 E Congress Street

Tucson, AZ 85701

IG: @ursa_az

Renowned winemaker Raj Parr joins us on Wine World to share his extraordinary journey from the vibrant streets of Calcutta to the vineyards of California. With dreams of becoming a chef, Raj stumbled upon the world of wine, setting him on a path that would redefine American winemaking. As he recounts his collaborations with industry giants like Larry Stone and Michael Mina, Raj unveils how his early culinary aspirations blossomed into a passion for purity and place in winemaking. His transition into the wine industry saw him co-found Sandy and Domaine de la Côte, marking a pivotal moment in his career and the broader wine landscape.

Our conversation unfolds to reveal Raj's literary collaborations with writer Jordan McKay, offering insights into their penned works, "Secrets of the Sommelier" and "The Sommelier's Atlas of Taste." We delve into his motivations for leaving the bustling restaurant scene for the calmer, yet challenging, life among the vines. Through ventures like Evening Land, Raj has made significant contributions to the wine world, embracing the magic of hospitality and the allure of the vineyard. His narrative paints a picture of transformation, guided by a deep connection to nature and the timeless art of winemaking.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Raj Parr's journey from Calcutta to California, transitioning from aspiring chef to renowned winemaker.
• Collaborations with industry giants and the founding of Sandy and Domaine de la Côte.
• Emphasis on sustainable and holistic farming practices at Fallon Farms in Cambria.
• Integration of livestock, including Maremma dogs and sheep, for vineyard management.
• Exploration of the challenges and rewards of leaving the restaurant scene for winemaking.
• Raj's commitment to creating wines that reflect terroir and his innovative approach to American winemaking.

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Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Award-winning winemaker Corey Turnbull shares his remarkable journey from humble beginnings in Sedona to becoming a celebrated figure in the Arizona wine landscape. With his first taste of Cristal in a Styrofoam cup as a young man, Corey's path was set toward crafting exceptional wines like the renowned Grenache Noir at Rubrix and Page Springs Cellars. His story is as colorful as the labels on his bottles, featuring unique artwork by his daughter, and reflects a dedication to quality and creativity that shines through every vintage.

Join us as Corey brings to life the challenges and triumphs of winemaking, from early mornings in the vineyards to the creation of innovative blends like the humorously named "PMS." Discover the transformative moments that led to the establishment of the Burning Tree brand, and the collaborative spirit that drives his work with mentors and partners. Corey's dual role at Page Springs and Rubrix highlights his strategic approach to vineyard selection and the art of creating wines with personality and depth.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Corey's journey from Sedona beginnings to an award-winning Arizona winemaker.
• Early influence of Cristal champagne in a Styrofoam cup on Corey's wine passion.
• Creative wine blends and brand development, including the Burning Tree brand and "PMS" blend.
• Strategic vineyard selection, focusing on Rhône varietals at Colibri Vineyard.
• Establishment and growth of Rubrix Wines, with unique topographical labels and innovative blends.

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We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Join me as I engage in an illuminating conversation with Marc Hochar at the iconic Chateau Musar in Lebanon. We unravel the rich tapestry of the Hochar family's legacy and their remarkable influence on the world of winemaking, tracing back through millennia to the Phoenician pioneers. Discover the pivotal moment when Gaston Hochar left a medical career in France to embrace the fertile Bekaa Valley and how his son Serge propelled their soulful wines onto the global stage. Despite Lebanon's complex history, Chateau Musar stands as a testament to resilience and quality, with its wines becoming vessels of memory and identity.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Exploration of Chateau Musar's rich winemaking legacy in Lebanon.
• Insights from Marc Hochar on the Hochar family's influence in global wine.
• Historical roots of Lebanese winemaking dating back to Phoenician times.
• Innovative viticulture techniques to combat climate challenges.
• Unique qualities and evolution of Chateau Musar's white wines.
• The enduring legacy and cultural significance of Lebanese cuisine and hospitality.

Resources from this Episode

https://chateaumusar.com/

https://static1.squarespace.com/static/551ae52ae4b07eac17467926/t/66d0f2807ae5e0732b50f9a4/1724969601006/FnB+Restaurant+Wine+Menu+-+8-28-2024.pdf

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We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Unlock the secrets to transforming a dream into reality as we explore the incredible story of Todd and Michelle Myers and their successful vineyard venture. Hear firsthand from Michelle about how a simple conversation with winemaker Kent Callaghan inspired them to cultivate their passion for wine into a thriving vineyard on the Willcox bench. Discover why they chose Willcox over other potential sites and how they navigated the critical early stages with the support of the Arizona wine community.

Navigate the intricate operations of Rhumbline Vineyard as Michelle shares the challenges and triumphs of vineyard life, especially in the wake of COVID. From labor issues to grape cultivation, you'll gain insights into the business decisions that shape a successful vineyard. Learn about their partnerships with renowned winemakers and the essential logistics behind grape sales that ensure quality.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Todd and Michelle Myers' journey from a winemaker's lunch to establishing Rhumbline Vineyard in Willcox, Arizona.
• Importance of community support and expert guidance in vineyard establishment.
• Overcoming labor challenges and leveraging the H2A program post-COVID.
• Strategic grape varietal selection based on local expert advice.
• Insight into the collaborative relationships with renowned winemakers.

Resources from this Episode

https://rhumblinevineyard.com/?srsltid=AfmBOoqC83-rZlz_0bBnUJZu8kqZ5UljpIfV29ZzFovNQSMZq-Bxmy6Uw6u8&dl=0

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

We’re thrilled to have Andrew Wright, the brilliant head winemaker at Jessup Cellars, share his fascinating journey from the vineyards of Arizona to the wine scene of Napa. His story is not just about making wine; it’s about embracing his roots and blending innovation with tradition, inspired by mentors like Michel Rolland and Bob Levy.

Our conversation also captures the essence of wine exploration through Andrew’s spontaneous road trip to the Finger Lakes and his transformative experiences in Tucson and Chicago. His narrative is enriched by friendships with influential figures like Kent Callaghan and Simone Fleury, culminating in memorable adventures and a deep appreciation for European wines. Together, we celebrate the joy of wine discovery and the community that thrives within it, highlighting the blend of academic knowledge and practical experience that fuels this passion.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Andrew Wright's journey from Arizona's wine scene to becoming head winemaker at Jessup Cellars in Napa.
• Andrew's blend of innovation and tradition.
• Spontaneous road trips and experiences that shaped Andrew's passion for wine, including the Finger Lakes and Chicago's wine community.
• The balance between personal ventures, like launching a bookstore wine label, and professional growth in Napa Valley.
• Emphasis on creating wines with personality, freshness, and a commitment to lifelong learning and exploration.

Resources from this Episode

https://www.wildplumbooks.com

https://jessupcellars.com/winemaker/

https://www.harlanestate.com

https://www.callaghanvineyards.com

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Renowned vineyard consultant Fritz Westover takes us on an enlightening journey through the art and science of viticulture. His expertise in vineyard health, irrigation management, and pruning practices reveals the delicate balance between nature and nurture in producing exceptional wines. We explore his personal story and the remarkable pathway that led him to become a cornerstone of success for vineyards across America, offering listeners a rich tapestry of insights and experiences.

Our conversation touches on the unique challenges faced by grape growers in Virginia, Texas, and California. We discuss the importance of education, workshops, and direct problem-solving to empower local growers. The creation of the Virtual Viticulture Academy emerges as a resourceful platform, offering comprehensive educational content and ongoing support, ensuring grape growers worldwide can access crucial knowledge and innovative solutions. By sharing cross-regional insights, we aim to address niche market challenges and strengthen the viticulture community through collaboration and knowledge sharing.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Insights into vineyard health, irrigation, and pruning, balancing nature and nurture in wine production.
• Viticulture challenges and solutions in regions like Virginia, Texas, and California, highlighting knowledge sharing.
• Virtual Viticulture Academy as a global resource for grape growers, offering educational content and support.
• Edutainment in viticulture education through platforms like the Vineyard Underground Podcast for community learning.
• Discussion on plant nutrition, climate challenges, and vineyard management

Resources from this Episode

https://www.vineyardadvising.com/

https://www.vineyardundergroundpodcast.com/

https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/ 

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

Picture this: a bustling restaurant in Scottsdale, Arizona, where a chance encounter sets the stage for a journey into the world of winemaking. From co-owning a restaurant to founding Los Milics Vineyards in Southern Arizona, I share my story of transformation and the serendipitous beginnings that launched a career fueled by passion and dedication. Guided by mentors like Todd Bostock and inspired by Jim Duane's Inside Winemaking Podcast, my path was shaped by both education and experience, leading to profound personal and professional growth.

Jim Duane is a seasoned winemaker with a unique journey that began in the unlikely setting of Salt Lake City, Utah. Despite not growing up in a wine-centric culture, Jim's early curiosity led him to explore the art of winemaking, initially through homebrewing beer and wine kits during his teenage years. His passion for the craft was further fueled by his academic pursuits at UC Davis, where he honed his skills in viticulture and enology.

As we explore Jim's career journey, we'll venture from the vineyards of New Zealand to the storied cellars of Napa Valley. Each chapter of his life offers a unique lesson in the art and science of winemaking. From the technical skills honed at Stag's Leap Wine Cellars to the hands-on challenges embraced at Seavey Vineyard, every phase has been pivotal. Throughout, he's navigated career transitions with perseverance, learning to adapt and thrive in a constantly evolving industry.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Serendipitous encounters and mentorship shaping a winemaking career.
• Experiences in New Zealand's wine industry and learning diverse winemaking skills.
• Career growth through internships and roles at Robert Mondavi Winery and Stag's Leap Wine Cellars.
• Exploration of Seavey Vineyard's history and the transition to head winemaker.
• Emphasis on diverse paths to winemaking and the importance of passion and education.

Resources from this Episode

https://www.insidewinemaking.com/about

https://www.chensuchartstudio.com

https://www.doscabezas.com

https://www.seaveyvineyard.com

https://www.caminocellars.com

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.

In this episode, we delve into the remarkable journey of Greg Gonnerman, the visionary behind Laramita Cellars. Join us as Greg shares his inspiring transition from a home winemaker to a prominent figure in Arizona's burgeoning wine industry. Discover how his passion for viticulture and innovative techniques, such as force-cropping, have enabled him to successfully produce Pinot Noir in the challenging climate of Arizona.

Greg's story is one of resilience and collaboration, as he recounts his partnership with Rob Hamelman of Sand Reckoner and the strategic decisions that have shaped Laramita Cellars. We explore the standout varietals that thrive under his care, including the floral Viognier and vibrant Sangiovese, while also delving into the challenges of cultivating Primitivo.

Throughout the episode, Greg offers insights into the logistics and distribution of his wines, revealing his hands-on approach to reaching consumers and local restaurants. He also provides a local's guide to the best accommodations and dining spots in the Wilcox wine region, enhancing the experience for wine enthusiasts visiting the area.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Greg Gonnerman's innovative approach to producing Pinot Noir using force cropping techniques at Laramita Cellars.
• Challenges and successes in Arizona's wine industry, including late spring frosts and grape varietal performance.
• Exploration of the role of tourism in supporting Arizona's growing wine industry and local economy.
• Overview of sustainable practices being implemented by Arizona winemakers to adapt to climate change.
• Greg's collaboration with Rob Hamelman and the logistics of distributing Laramita Cellars wines.
• In-depth discussion on Pinot Noir production in Arizona's climate and the evolution of the state's wine industry.

Resources from this Episode

https://www.laramitacellars.com

http://www.fnbrestaurant.com

https://losmilicsvineyards.com

Follow and Review:

We’d love for you to follow us if you haven’t yet. Click that purple '+' in the top right corner of your Apple Podcasts app. We’d love it even more if you could drop a review or 5-star rating over on Apple Podcasts. Simply select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” then a quick line with your favorite part of the episode. It only takes a second and it helps spread the word about the podcast.

Episode Credits

If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com Let them know we sent you.