The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
103 results across all types
podcast· 52:56· Ep 130Why Acquiesce Winemaker Susan Tipton Bet On White Wine In Red Wine Focused Lodi—And Won, Ep 130
White Wine, Regenerative Farming, and Reinventing Yourself at 50 What does it mean to acquiesce to wine? For Lodi winemaker Susan Tipton it means surrendering to the grapes, making wine that represents what the grapes give her. Meet Susan Tipton, founder of Acquiesce Winery and Vineyards in Lodi, California. In a region famous for Zinfandel and other red wines, Sue took a different path, building a winery devoted entirely to Rhône-inspired white wines. What began as a passion project after she fell in love with a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape eventually became one of Lodi’s most acclaimed wineries. Sue shares how she and her husband Rodney arrived in Lodi after years of moving around the world for corporate assignments, and how a song called “Acquiesce” by KD Lang inspired both the winery’s name and philosophy. Today, Acquiesce is known for wines that as they say, surrender to the grapes, focusing on expressing the vineyard rather than manipulating the wine. She also explains why Lodi’s wa
podcast· 54:40· Ep 131From Apples To Wine: Discover El Dorado County's Edio Vineyards in California's Sierra Foothills, Home To The Delfino Family's High Altitude Vines, Ep 129
“We’re about as high as you can get in the Sierra Foothills and still grow grapes.” — Derek Delfino El Dorado County in the Sierra Foothills wine country is one of California’s best kept secrets, but it shouldn’t be. When gold was discovered here in the mid 1800s, the Italians who came to the region to strike it rich brought with them their grapevines and winemaking traditions. The folks with Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms in the Camino district came from this heritage. In homage to patriarch Edio Delfino - who created the family’s fruit orchards, the third generation planted vineyards at what many might think is an impossible elevation - up to 3,000 feet - where wintry snows are not uncommon. Today, you’ll meet brothers Derek and Peter Delfino, who bring their wine growing and winemaking talents as third generation vintners to the family’s endeavor, and along with other family members, created what today is one of the most exciting wineries in El Dorado County. Edio is named for thei
podcast· 21:00· Ep 128Reflecting on the Judgement of Paris 50th Anniversary through Warren Winiarski's words, Ep 128
We’re continuing our celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris Tasting, that 1976 blind showdown where California wines stunned the French establishment and changed wine history forever. We’re revisiting an interview Mary Orlin did with the late Warren Winiarski, the visionary winemaker behind the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon that shocked the judges when it was ranked above some of the most revered Bordeaux in the world. We’ll talk about how the wine came to be, what the victory meant in the moment and how it helped reshape the future of the Napa Valley and the global wine conversation. You’ll hear Warren’s own words on tape from an interview 10 years ago on the occasion of the Paris Tasting’s 40th anniversary.
podcast· 42:29· Ep 127Inside Chateau Montelena Today: Matt Crafton on Leadership, JOP 50th Legacy & Modern Napa Wine, Ep. 127
What does it take to lead one of Napa Valley’s most iconic wineries into the future—especially in a milestone year? In this episode, Matt Crafton, winemaker and president of Napa Valley’s Chateau Montelena , reflects on guiding the winery during the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris—the moment their 1973 Chardonnay stunned the world by beating top white Burgundies from France. While that historic win put Montelena on the global map, Matt emphasizes that the real responsibility today isn’t reliving the past—it’s honoring it through innovation and consistency. He shares how the winery continues to focus on long-term decisions, resisting industry trends in favor of site-driven wines that prioritize balance, ageability, and a true sense of place. While Chateau Montelena is celebrating that feat this year there’s barely any of the 1973 Chardonnay left. You can find an unopened bottle on display at the winery and one in the Smithsonian. It makes us wonder how relevant is the judgment
podcast· 45:56· Ep 126Judgment of Paris at 50: Still Relevant? Esther Mobley’s take plus her 10 Years at the San Francisco Chronicle Covering a Changing Wine Industry, Ep 126
We’re popping the cork on a milestone moment, the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, the legendary blind tasting that shocked the wine world and put California wine on the global map in a big way. To help us unpack what it all meant then and what it means now, we’re joined by wine journalist Esther Mobley, formerly of the San Francisco Chronicle. We’ll chat about how that legendary showdown reshaped the wine scene, what’s changed over the last five decades in California and where things are headed next. Plus we’ll get to know Esther, her path into wine, what’s next for her since departing the Chronicle. During Esther’s tenure at the Chron, extreme wildfires raged through Napa,Sonoma, the Santa Cruz Mountains and more. Then came the pandemic when people stocked up on wine and booze to drink at home. Yet post pandemic America’s thirst for wine is drying up. We also saw Napa Valley becoming increasingly and some say too expensive to visit. As Esther leaves the Chronicle for a new
podcast· 57:45· Ep 12550 Years of Bubbles at Iron Horse Vineyards with Joy Sterling, Ep. 125
Raise a glass of California sparkling wine! Fifty years ago, when America was celebrating its Bicentennial, and the famous Judgement of Paris put California wine on the world map, Barry and Audrey Sterling founded Iron Horse Vineyards . At the time, the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA was unknown. But the Sterlings saw potential there, and created a sparkling wine house that would go on to earn worldwide acclaim. CEO and second generation vintner Joy Sterling is back for an encore appearance on the pod. She shares how a winery stays relevant for half a century and what it means to keep the Iron Horse spirit galloping into the future. As Joy says, Iron Horse’s 50th anniversary is a toast for the history books. It also coincides with the Chinese lunar year of the horse, Joy’s mother’s Audrey Sterling’s 95th birthday, winemaker David Munksgard’s 30th vintage and America’s 250th anniversary. Iron Horse has played a role in that, with its sparkling being served in seven preside
podcast· 43:24· Ep 126It's Time For An American Apéritif Culture, Say Rue de Rêve Apéritifs Founders, Ep 124.
Two friends are crafting a European tradition with a California vibe. We’re stepping into that delicious moment before dinner, when the day loosens its tie. We take a breath and we ease into the evening. It’s the perfect time for an apéritif. Can America have an apéritif or aperitivo culture just as the French and Italians do? Rue de Rêve Apéritifs founders Jennifer Kimpe and Jeanne-Marie Hebert say, pourquoi pas, perché no or why not? You can sip the classic drinks - bitters like Aperol or Campari, bubbles and botanicals, Vermouth, et cetera - but there’s room for a new style of apéritifs, created by our guests today. Jennifer and Jeanne-Marie always say that apéritif isn’t something you drink, it’s something you do. After three years of research and recipe development, these friends are on their way to realizing their dream of a modern apéritif culture in the U.S.
podcast· 53:50· Ep 123Is Wine Really in Trouble? Wine Market Council's Dr. Liz Thach Breaks Down the Data, Offers Hope, Ep 123
If you’ve read the wine headlines lately, you’d think wine is over. Younger generations don’t drink it. Wellness concerns have people cutting back. Baby boomers are aging out of the market. But according to Dr. Liz Thach , President of the Wine Market Council and one of the world’s most respected wine researchers, that story is incomplete. Turns out younger generations ARE drinking wine On this week’s Sip Sip Hooray podcast, Liz joined us to share brand-new research from the Wine Market Council — and the picture she paints is far more nuanced, and far more hopeful. Liz is a Master of Wine, an educator, author, and longtime professor who lives at the crossroads of wine, business, and culture. She asks the big questions about how wine is made, sold, and enjoyed, and she has a gift for connecting what’s happening in the vineyards and boardrooms to what ends up in our glasses. Recent Wine Market Council research finds Millennials are now the largest wine-drinking generation in the U.S., su
podcast· 49:51· Ep 121How Master Sommelier Laura Maniec Built Corkbuzz, Became an Ambassador for Vinho Verde, and Makes Wine Less Intimidating, Ep 121
"Wine is the way we connect. It makes the world smaller in many ways." - Laura Maneic On the podcast today, a woman who’s been wowing the wine world since she started work as a sommelier at the ripe old age of 21. Today, she owns one of the buzziest wine concepts around. Corkbuzz is part wine bar, restaurant and education center. Laura Maniec is a Master Sommelier and a master of bringing people together to learn about wine, enjoy good food and wine and spirited conversation. Laura’s been educating folks on wine even before she opened the doors to her first Corkbuzz Restaurant & Wine Bar in New York City. A sommelier prep course at New York’s former Windows on the World led Laura on a path to roles at various restaurants in New York and Las Vegas, where she was encouraged to pursue the Master Sommelier certification. She became a mentor for others on that path and continues to educate a new generation of wine lovers and professionals alike. Corkbuzz is just as buzzy as it was when it o
podcast· 51:58· Ep 120Meaghan Frank on Legacy, Riesling and Innovation at Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery in NY's Finger Lakes, Ep 120
Want to know the best winery to visit in the US? The Dr. Konstantin Frank winery was named the best winery tour in America for the third year in a row in 2024 by the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. What’s the secret sauce? On today’s show, we’re headed to New York’s Finger Lakes region, where winemaking dates back to the 1800s. Meaghan Frank is the great granddaughter of Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant credited with pioneering modern wine making in the Finger Lakes. He is known as the father of vitis vinifera in the East because he taught American vintners how to grow European varietals in the cold climate of the Finger Lakes. Dr Frank developed and mastered cold weatherproofing farming techniques in Ukraine and he brought that innovation to America and his namesake winery, D r. Frank Konstantin. Meaghan Frank inherited quite a legacy, but she’s also brought her own experience and knowledge to the family winery, where she is now in charge of the day-to-day opera
podcast· 48:32· Ep 122Holiday Wines 2025: Sparkling Stars, Crowd-Pleasers, NA Options & Wine Gifts That Impress, Ep 122
It’s officially the season of festive dinners, Friendsgiving gatherings, holiday parties, and “What wine should I bring?” moments. On this year’s Sip Sip Hooray Holiday Wine episode, the Two Marys share their top picks for the 2025 season—plus expert recommendations from winemakers across California and beyond. On the show today we've enlisted help from some friends of the pod to suggest the best wines for festive times. No doubt you've seen many holiday wine guides about what to drink with Thanksgiving and other holiday meals, or what to give friends and family. But we've got our own take on this and we hope to help you sort out what will make that magical pairing, that magical gift this holiday season. Check out our recommendations for sparkling wine, white wine, red wine, non-alcoholic wine, what to bring for Friendsgiving and wine related gifts to give.
podcast· 52:11· Ep 119From Colombia to California meet winemaker Bibiana González Rave of Cattleya Wines, Ep 119
“I wanted to connect people, my brand, to Colombia and to really just bring a more beautiful part of Colombia than what everybody knows Colombia for.” - Bibiana Gonzáles Rave, Cattleya Wines New Sip Sip Hooray pod ep! The Marys chat with Bibiana González Rave , a force of nature in the world of wine. Bibiana’s first sip of wine at age 11 led to a life in wine. At age 14 she declared she would be a winemaker. Even though wine was not grown or made in her native Colombia, she was determined to pursue her teenage dream of becoming a winemaker. A detour to studying chemical engineering didn’t deter her. Bibiana followed a calling that led her across continents. She talked her way into a French enology school after 11 rejection letters, and built a career spanning nearly 30 harvests across France, South Africa, and California. Her wines pay homage to her Colombian roots while reflecting the soul of the California vineyards she works with. Bibiana is also a member of one of the most belo
podcast· 43:58· Ep 114From remodeling homes in Pebble Beach, one couple's journey to making wine in Amador County at PleinAir Vineyards, Ep 118
"I tell people I haven't made my best wine yet" - Tom Malone The Marys are on location in Amador County in California’s Sierra Foothills! On the podcast today, plein air is a French term for painting outside in a natural environment. Well, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque spot to paint than our location today. We are at PleinAir Vineyards , one of Amador County’s newest wineries. This is a small, intimate winery started by husband and wife team Tom and Sarah Malone, with an eye for design and a taste for good wine. We’re excited to have Tom and his consulting winemaker Steve Leveque (whose pedigree includes Mondavi, Opus One, and Hall Wines) here to paint the picture of PleinAir for us. Tom and Sarah were in the home remodeling business, renovating houses with a French country flair. They bring that design aesthetic to their winery, filled with items Sarah finds combing through French markets, and the winery’s motto- Casual, Rustic, Elegant - reflects this. At PleinAir
podcast· 52:37· Ep 115No more wasting wine or chugging a whole bottle - How Greg Lambrecht and Coravin disrupted the way you drink wine and Champagne, Ep. 117
A game changer for enjoying wine one glass at a time. “I wanted the freedom to drink whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.” – Coravin inventor Greg Lambrecht. How do you open a bottle of wine without committing to finishing it before it goes bad? That question led Greg Lambrecht, a medical device entrepreneur, to invent Coravin - a groundbreaking system that lets you pour a glass without pulling the cork. Greg combined medical technology with a passion for wine to change the way we drink. From the original idea, developed in his kitchen, to the latest innovations like Coravin Sparkling, Greg shares his story of perseverance, problem-solving, and a mission to give wine lovers freedom by the glass. With nearly two million units sold to date since debuting in 2011, Coravin is so popular that the company says a glass of wine preserved with Coravin is poured every second of every day. That’s impressive. Coravin has even become a verb and an adjective. For example, you might say, “I’ll Corav
podcast· 47:38· Ep 116Wine Folly’s Madeline Puckette Makes Wine Fun And Visual With Zero Snobbery, Ep 116
If you're a fan of the podcast you know that we're all about simplifying and demystifying the world of wine to make it more accessible and appealing for all of us. That’s also the goal of Wine Folly, a multi-platform blend of information for wine education, entertainment, and enjoyment. Our guest today is Madeline Puckette, the co-founder and chief design officer of Wine Folly . She made a career of guiding people through the maze of wine appellations, varietals, tasting notes, and price points. And she does it all with panache and an ultra relatable appeal. Madeline's an author, a sommelier, an educator, and a wine expert. With Wine Folly, she gives wine lovers at every level more confidence to enjoy what they drink. Wine shouldn't be precious, and we agree. And that's why Madeline is the perfect guest for our pod. We'll hear her perspective on the wine world and what trends you can expect to see. We're delighted she’s joining us to share her story of building a blog, a website, and a
podcast· 54:54· Ep 115Starfield Vineyard winemaker Rob Sinton says high altitudes and Sierra spice make this El Dorado County winery a star, Ep. 115
For this episode, the Marys are on location with Rob Sinton, winemaker at El Dorado County’s Starfield Vineyards . This is where the grapes meet the sky, as they say, thanks to high altitude vineyards reaching upwards of 2400 to 3000 feet in elevation. Here at Starfield Vineyards, you gaze at the vineyard views surrounded by evergreens in every direction. This mountain terroir gives El Dorado wines their distinct herbal and spicy flavor, or Sierra spice, as it's called in these parts, a flavor profile that makes them stand out among other California wines. We're so excited to be speaking with Rob Sinton at this gorgeous property set with lakes and miles of walking trails, where you can soak up the wine country experience and enjoy some darn good wines. Starfield is also the dream of Rob and his father Tom, whose love of wine led them on a quest to find the best place to grow Rhone and Italian varietals. Their search sent them into the Sierra Foothills and El Dorado County. Today Rob is
podcast· 1h 04mJames Hall Reclaims Patz & Hall. Meet The Winemaker Who Bought Back His Winery and Defied Big Wine, Ep 114
We love a good wine comeback story where the little guy wins! On today's show, a story that stopped the wine world in its tracks and made seemingly everyone cheer. It's a "Let's Hear It For The Little Guy" tale, a David versus Goliath story with a dreams do come true plot. We're talking with James Hall, founding winemaker of the illustrious Patz & Hall Winery California’s Sonoma County. He's the guy who pulled off the unimaginable when he bought back his winery from one of wine's biggest conglomerates. James is here today to share his story and his wines with us, and to catch us up on how things are going since the buyback more than a year ago.
podcast· 45:13· Ep 113Uncorking Amador On Location With Scott Harvey, The Sierra Foothills Zinfandel and Barbera Trailblazer, Ep. 113
We’re on location in California’s Amador County in the Sierra Foothills. Meet Scott Harvey, one of the pioneers in this wine region. Scott has been making wine in the Amador County AVA at his namesake winery Scott Harvey Wines since the late 1970s, making a name for himself with celebrated Zinfandels and Barberas. We're excited to be with Scott at his namesake winery in the Shenandoah Valley, and we can't wait to share his story with you. We're sitting here with Scott overlooking beautiful vineyards on gently rolling hills. Now Scott is known for Barbera and Zinfandel but he will always have a specific German variety in his lineup and we'll get the inside scoop on why and the story behind the label of his vineyard 1869 Zinfandel. Yes, you heard it right, 1869. Scott takes us on a journey from his German winemaking roots and family heritage to his hands-on, terroir-driven approach in the Shenandoah Valley AVA. Plus, we’ll learn the role his wife Janaplays - she even has her own label -
podcast· 48:14· Ep 109The Path To Wine Dreams - Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribó of Camins2Dreams, Ep. 112
Two women with a love of wine, the Earth, and chemistry are at the heart of our show today. Their story is a blend of Native American and Spanish culture, but it is rooted in a love of family and belief in dreams. They are Tara Gomez and Mireia Taribó of Camins2Dreams Winery in Lompoc, California. These winemaking wives share their journey from different continents to one shared dream. Tara is the first Native American woman winemaker, and Mireia is a Catalan chemist-turned-vintner. Wine brought them together, meeting as interns at J. Lohr in Paso Robles, to launching a winery that honors underrepresented grapes, tribal traditions, organic farming, and the LGBTQIA2S+ community. And, they’ve been known to roller skate in their Lompoc winery. We know you’ll love getting to know Tara and Mireia, so pop the cork, pour a glass and enjoy hearing their story.
podcast· 59:03· Ep 108Justin Boeger of El Dorado County's Boeger Winery on Reviving This Historic Gold Country Wine Region, Ep. 111
You'll feel you've stepped back in time at Boeger Winery with $15 tasting fees and great wines for far less than in other more famous California wine regions. But the quality here equals them! On today's podcast we are on location at Boeger Winery in El Dorado County, where the original owners of this estate first arrived in California’s Sierra Foothills to strike it rich in gold. What they discovered instead was that there was a more fruitful fortune to be made in fruits and nuts. That same soil is now planted with grapevines and home to Boeger Winery. We’re delighted to be speaking with fourth generation winemaker Justin Boeger about his family’s pioneering role in establishing El Dorado’s first post-prohibition winery, in 1972, and launching the region’s modern wine renaissance. We even got to meet Justin's father Greg, a living legend in the El Dorado County wine world. Visiting Boeger is like stepping back in time. You’re surrounded by rolling hills dotted by vines and you’ll stil
podcast· 48:16· Ep 110Dr. Laura Catena Reacts to AHA’s Statement on Alcohol and Heart Health and other wine and health issues, Ep. 110
Dr. Laura Catena reacts to AHA’s statement on alcohol and cardiac health and the possibility of USDA Dietary Guidelines dropping alcohol consumption guidance. Given the recent news that the USDA may drop the current recommendation of one alcoholic drink per day for women and two alcoholic drinks per day for men in the soon to be released update of the USDA dietary guidelines, and the American Heart Association’s new statement that alcohol may have no to little impact or could even be beneficial on heart health, we are fortunate to have just the right person to respond to this and sort it all out for us. We welcome vintner and physician Dr. Laura Catena back to the podcast. With her unique dual background in medicine and winemaking, Catena shares her researched perspective, emphasizing the importance of scientific integrity, the value of moderate wine consumption in historical health data, and the need for ongoing research free from bias. She challenges the absolutist messaging that no
podcast· 56:08From iPods and GarageBand to Wine: Xander Soren's Foray into Pinot Noir and Japanese Cuisine, Ep. 108
On today's show, when you think of Japanese cuisine, what beverage comes to mind? Maybe sake or a Japanese beer? What about an elegant Pinot Noir? Our guest today is out to prove that Pinot is the perfect complement to umami-rich Japanese dishes. Xander Soren has spent his career blending technical expertise with a passion for music and creative expression. He helped launch iTunes, the first iPods, and he co-created GarageBand, which opened the world of music production to creators everywhere, inspiring indie music makers around the world. Today Xander's focus is wine. His latest venture is Xander Soren Wines, a boutique wine label with wines that truly sing. Xander certainly brought the Apple design sensibility to his wines in the packaging and in the elegance of the Pinot Noir made with one of our favorite winemakers, Shalini Sekhar. We've never met a vintner or winemaker who counts top Japanese sushi masters as friends. Nor have I ever heard a reaction to a wine where a friend who I
podcast· 51:52· Ep 105A flower shop chance encounter led to a life in wine. Meet winemaker Sonja Magdevski of Clemetine Carter Wines, Ep. 107
What do a 1946 Western film, a fight for independence in the Balkans, a celebrity Engagement, a Fulbright Scholarship and Baskin-Robbins ice cream have in common? They are all part of the life story of a charismatic, hardworking, and big dreaming winemaker. Meet Sonja Magdevski of Clementine Carter Wines in Santa Barbara County’s Los Alamos, where she’s one of the OGs who turned the sleepy little town into a must visit wine destination. But, her first job in wine was planting a vineyard with no experience. We explore how Sonja fell in love with Grenache, her pioneering role in the Los Alamos wine community and her passion for storytelling through both wine and writing. Join us for an inspiring conversation about taking risks, following unexpected paths, and creating something truly unique. We're excited to have Sonja, a fellow journalist and an inspiration to so many people, joining us to share her story. 🍷
podcast· 44:21· Ep 109Terah Wine Co. winemaker Terah Bajjalieh is crushing it with lesser known grape varieties and natural wines, Ep 109
On the podcast today, the story of a woman who went from finance to fermentation. Terah Bajjalieh earned her degree focused on economic forecasts and number crunching, but instead wound up working in a world of weather forecasts and grape crushing. She's a winemaker you need to know -- who just debuted two of her wines at select Whole Foods. Terah graduated with a degree in finance, but a three month course on wine ended up changing the course of her life. So she followed that unexpected passion for wine and is now one of the most exciting new voices in wine. She's gone from being a globetrotting harvest helper to getting a masters degree in Enology and Viticulture and becoming a sommelier as well. Today, she is winning rave reviews for her natural style winemaking and the impressive wine she makes under her Terah Wine Company label. Terah's work as a natural winemaker earned her a spot as one of Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Tastemakers in 2024. So pour a glass of wine and join us to hear