The Chronicle
Latest dispatches
110 results across all types
- podcast· 1h 20m
The Wine Makers – Grand Scheme Wines
We sit down with Tom and Chrissy from Grand Scheme Wines and dig into a story that has more layers than it first appears. It begins in Carneros, where they bought a piece of land and started planting Barn House Vineyard in 2018 with a clear vision from day one. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir were non-negotiable, and organic farming was always part of the plan. What follows is a conversation about commitment, patience, and the reality of building something from the ground up. As they walk us through the decisions, challenges, and moments that shaped the vineyard, the bigger picture comes into focus, and it’s worth paying close attention to how it all connects. We wrap things up feeling grateful for the year behind us and excited about what’s ahead. Happy New Year, and here’s to raising a glass together in 2026. [Ep 396]
- podcast· 1h 00m
The Wine Makers – 2025 In Review
We get together with Isabel Gassier and Jasmine Egan for a relaxed year-end catch-up, looking back at the guests, conversations, wines, and trends that stood out in 2025. It’s part reflection, part shop talk, and very much the kind of conversation that happens once the microphones are already on. Listener questions guide a lot of where we go, including the critical ones, and we appreciate all of it. We wrap things up by raising a glass to the year behind us and talking about what’s ahead, with plans to keep pouring and talking into 2026. [Ep 395]
- podcast· 1h 27m
The Wine Makers – Jenny Murphy, Oxlee Graham Wines
Jenny Murphy went to UC Davis to study forensics. While attending a job fair, she was lured into the wine business with visions of a laboratory filled with expensive, new equipment. She took a temporary position at Korbel Champagne and was bitten by the wine bug. After accepting a job at Paul Hobbs, she moved up the ranks, finally settling into the Director of Winemaking, where she was responsible for numerous 100pt wines. Jenny recently left Paul Hobbs and started her own label, Oxlee Graham, making precise Pinot Noir, Petit Verdot, and some very interesting whites. She is perhaps the most detail oriented winemaker we have ever met, her attention to the wine, barrels, tanks and even corks set her apart from the crowd. The wines are expressive and speak to the vineyard sites, from Mendocino to Santa Cruz. We can’t recommend these wines highly enough, they are very small production so move fast. [Ep 394] oxleegrahamwines.com @oxleegrahamwines
- podcast· 1h 43m
The Wine Makers – Keith Beavers, Wine101 & VinePair
The conversation this week features Keith Beavers, Tasting Director at VinePair and host of the Wine 101 podcast. He’s a self-taught wine geek who once ran the New York wine bar In Vino and co-owned Alphabet City Wine Co., and he brings that mix of curiosity and real-world experience to everything he does. Wine 101 is his way of breaking down grape varieties, regions, and technical concepts so they feel clear and approachable. He focuses on helping people understand how wines are made, why they taste the way they do, and how to navigate the world of wine without feeling overwhelmed. The discussion stretches across a wide range of topics, including standout American wines from outside California and a lively digression about “natural wine,” whatever that may mean on any given day. It’s an easy, engaging conversation with someone who knows the subject inside and out, and already feels like a guest worth welcoming back the next time he’s in California. [Ep 393] @vinepairkeith
- podcast· 1h 26m
The Wine Makers – Derek Flegal & Chris Schreiner, Platt Vineyard
Born and raised in Napa Valley, Derek Flegal studied biology before moving to Spain and living abroad for much of his 20’s. After moving to Mendoza, Argentina, his passion for wine became apparent and he returned to the US to study Enology at Fresno State. Upon completion in 2014, he took a cellar worker position at Outpost wines, where he developed a working relationship with Thomas Rivers Brown. In the following years, he worked alongside renowned winemakers Michel Rolland, Aaron Pott, and Heidi Barrett, and began crafting wines for himself under the Blaine label. Originally planted in 2003, Lewis Platt took the time to meet with the winemakers who would purchase the grapes in the early years: David Ramey (Ramey), Fred Scherrer (Scherrer), Eric Sussman (Radio Coteau), Ted Lemon (Littorai), and Carroll Kemp (Red Car). In a few years, Platt Vineyard grapes became one of the most sought-after and expensive Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in California. In 2022, French winemaking group A
- podcast· 1h 30m
The Wine Makers – Todd Jolly (@sonomawinemerchant)
This week, the crew welcomes back Todd Jolly from Sonoma’s Best — better known to many as @sonomawinemerchant. A certified sommelier and proudly dubbed “The Champagne King,” Todd serves as Wine Director for Sonoma’s Best and The Sonoma Cheese Factory, where he’s built an exceptional program that blends local standouts with global gems. Todd shares his perspective on the current wine market, shifting consumer trends, and the importance of personal connection in wine retail. The group also talks about his deep love for the Oregon Ducks, his approach to curating unique lists, and what’s exciting him most in the world of bubbles and beyond. [Ep 391]
- podcast· 1h 26m
The Wine Makers – Jamie Kutch, Kutch Wines
This week, the crew finally sits down with Jamie Kutch of Kutch Wines—a long-awaited guest whose Pinot Noir reputation precedes him. Jamie has shared a production facility with host Bart Hansen for years, so the team already knew his wines were special. What began as a career on NASDAQ trading floors turned into a lifelong pursuit of crafting world-class Pinot Noir, thanks to a pivotal invitation to work harvest at Kosta Browne—and he never looked back. Today, Jamie makes just 3,000 cases a year, with his wines featured in top restaurants around the world. Recently, he purchased land in Sebastopol, once an apple orchard, now transformed into a Pinot vineyard rooted in Goldridge soils—helped along by a local badger serving as natural pest control. A friend of luminaries like Rajat Parr and Ted Lemon, Jamie shares their commitment to balance, integrity, and a deep respect for terroir. It’s an inspiring conversation with one of California’s most thoughtful Pinot producers. [Ep 390] kutchw
- podcast· 1h 28m
The Wine Makers – Brian London: 4Play Wines & Table Culture Provisions
This week the crew sits down with Brian London, Sommelier and wine buyer for one of Sonoma County’s most beloved spots, Table Culture Provisions. Known for its eclectic and adventurous wine list, TCP has become a favorite among locals and winemakers alike — and Brian is the man behind its carefully curated selections. After falling in love with France during a trip with his fiancée, Brian began importing small-production wines to the States, eventually launching 4Play Wines, a boutique distributorship focused on producers with meticulous farming practices and distinct personalities. He shares stories from his travels, insights into sourcing hidden gems, and even kicks things off by pouring a 2014 Beaujolais and some White Burgundy — instantly winning over the hosts. Plus, a special drop-in from Isabel Gassier wraps up this lively and wine-soaked conversation. [Ep 389] @tcprovisions | @4playwines | @isabelgassierwine
- podcast· 1h 31m
The Wine Makers – Will Gondak, Gondak Cellars
Will Gondak has been chasing the dream. Experiences making wine in Napa, Sonoma, Australia, New Zealand, France, Santa Cruz, and South Africa have broadened his view into what is possible. The wide array of hands-on experience accompanied by the study of winemaking and viticulture at both Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo and Napa Valley College has yielded one curious wine nerd. Will has been calling Sonoma County home since 2015 and is looking forward to his 18th harvest in 2025. A full-time side hustle, Gondak Cellars was established in 2015. Will spends the majority of his work time helping make wines for several other brands while slowly building Gondak Cellars. [Ep 388] gondakcellars.com @gondakcellars
- podcast· 1h 14m
The Wine Makers – Matt McDermaid, Staysail Wines
This week the guys sit down with Matt McDermaid, owner and winemaker at Staysail Wines, a small-lot Sonoma County winery inspired by his background in sailing. The name “Staysail” refers to a sail used to adjust for shifting conditions—much like how Matt adapts to each unique vintage. With deep family roots in the wine world (his aunt and uncle run GlenLyon Vineyards & Winery in Glen Ellen), Matt built his own path, earning an MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State and studying winemaking at UC Davis. After hands-on experience at Meeker Vineyard, he launched Staysail with a focus on low-intervention wines sourced from organically and regeneratively farmed vineyards. He’s thoughtful, funny, and passionate—and yes, he managed to score some fruit from Rossi Ranch this year. Keep an eye out for those bottles, and definitely grab some Staysail while you can. [Ep 387] Staysailwines.com @staysail_cellars
- podcast· 1h 30m
The Wine Makers – Brandon Conley, Head Distiller at Brucato Amaro
This week, the crew sits down with Brandon Conley, head distiller at Brucato Amaro in San Francisco, for what could be called an Amaro 101—or maybe an Amaro Study. Amaros have a long, fascinating history, evolving from regional tonics and medicinal tinctures into spirits that connect cultures. Before large-scale production, these bitter liqueurs were hyper-local, crafted from whatever produce and native plants grew nearby. Brucato carries on that tradition today with small-batch amaros that showcase the bounty of California. From sun-ripened citrus to wild foraged herbs, each ingredient is thoughtfully sourced to create a distinctive taste of place. The conversation also covers the exciting new experiences at Brucato. Since April, visitors have been welcomed for tours and tastings, and Bar Brucato now serves fresh, seasonal dishes paired with cocktails that highlight the distillery’s unique amaros. [Ep 386] Learn more at brucatospirits.com
- podcast· 56:52
The Wine Makers – Welcome Back Brian
The crew is back together again, and this week they’re catching up after International Grenache Day. They share memories from the celebration, dig into the challenges of this year’s harvest, and get Brian’s perspective on the London wine scene. Bart also offers a heartfelt and important PSA about his recent health scare. It’s a mix of stories, insights, and reflections that remind us why wine is about more than just what’s in the glass. [Ep 385]
- podcast· 1h 55m
The Wine Makers – Justin Harmon, Argot Wines
Justin Harmon didn’t set out to be a winemaker, but the journey found him anyway. After studying in Philadelphia and working as a chemical engineer, he returned to Chicago in his mid-20s to pursue software engineering. Somewhere in between coding and commuting, his love for wine began to take over. What started as the occasional bottle at dinner soon filled his apartment closets, and weekends were spent roaming Chicago wine shops, devouring books, tastings, and seminars, with every trip planned around a vineyard visit. Curiosity eventually pulled him out of the tasting room and into the cellar. By 2005, Justin was in Sonoma County for his first harvest, followed by internships in 2006 and 2007 that gave him a hands-on education in the craft. Not long after, the chance to buy grapes and ferment them in a professional winery presented itself, leading to the very first bottling under his own label: Argot Wines. Today, Justin blends science, passion, and a relentless curiosity into every b
- podcast· 1h 45m
The Wine Makers – Crux Winery, Brian Callahan & Steve Gower
We love stories like this. Two neighbors bond over their shared love of wine, make some in their garage, then decide to put in a vineyard. With no formal training but a passion for Rhone varietals, they pushed ahead. While walking their dogs, they “spied” on their neighbors’ vineyards and gleaned information from friends and local wineries. The wines have purity and clarity to them, no over extraction or excessive oak treatment. “Our vineyards, located in the Middle Reach neighborhood of the Russian River Valley, just south of Healdsburg, are ideal for growing Rhone varietals. Benefitting from the effects of the river the AVA is famous for, we also see the largest diurnal temperature swings that provide richness and depth of flavor to our fruit without excessive sugars. Crux Winery is a Rhone specialist focused on crafting alluring wines made from meticulously nurtured fruit grown in our sustainably cultivated vineyards. Each bottle tells a story of the valley’s terroir, the vintage, a
- podcast· 1h 22m
The Wine Makers – S.O.R.B.E.T Recap & Listener Questions
The team looks back at the recent S.O.R.B.E.T. tasting at Fort Mason, sharing highlights and feedback from the event. They also tackle listener questions ranging from winemaking to cellar tips, and reveal their favorite wines tasted so far this year. A lively mix of reflection, advice, and personal picks straight from the vineyard to your glass. [Ep 382]
- podcast· 1h 12m
The Wine Makers – Chris Renfro
This week Bart, Sam, and Danielle sit down for a long-awaited conversation with Chris Renfro, the visionary behind The Two Eighty Project and much more. The project began in 2020, when a neglected vineyard along San Francisco’s 280 freeway more or less fell into his lap. Amid the trials and turmoil of that year, Chris took it upon himself to revive roughly 65 vines that had been left for dead. As the vineyard grew, so did The Two Eighty Project’s mission: creating meaningful access to viticulture and wine for communities of color and other groups historically excluded from the industry. The soil of Alemany Farm — and Chris’s little vineyard-that-could — became a seedbed for social and racial equity in wine. Today, in addition to running the 280 Project and its vibrant apprenticeship program, Chris is making wine from grape varieties native to North America, hunting for forgotten vines and vineyards around San Francisco and beyond, and running one of the city’s hottest new wine shops, F
- podcast· 1h 28m
The Wine Makers – Chateau Montelena, Matt Crafton
Matt Crafton took over the white wine program at Chateau Montelena in 2010, then became head winemaker in 2014. The rich history of the Chateau and the part it played in the “Judgement of Paris”, cementing the New World’s place on the wine map is discussed, but we went deeper in this conversation. Spend five minutes with Matt and you can tell why Bo Barrett put him in charge, with very little oversight. Matt understands the history of this iconic winery but is more focused on where they are going today. There is no tangible “style” of their wines, every vintage is an opportunity to create the best wine ever, always with an intention to age. Most consumers know them for the Chardonnay and Cab, but the Zinfandel and Riesling are a mainstay available only at the winery. There may even be some bubbles coming down the road, a celebration of 50 years is on the horizon, something deserving of a “pop”. [Ep 380] @chmontelena
- podcast· 1h 36m
The Wine Makers – Alycia Mondavi – CK Mondavi, Aloft, Dark Matter
Alycia Mondavi grew up with a front row seat on the California wine stage. Growing up with that name gives you access but also may draw unwanted attention. Part of the deal is you must leave for five years before coming to work in the family business, something that we’ve seen in other family run wine operations. Alycia took the break, focused on law, then came back to join her sisters. She now heads brands that do 400 cases to 800,000 cases annually, some only available through allocation and others on every grocery store shelf. Her passion for design has helped her created unique labels on the wines, her allergies to gluten led her to add an ingredient label on the CK Mondavi series with nutritional information, including vegan, sugar and carbs. We weren’t sure what to expect from this podcast, we had never met Alycia before, there was concern that she would just be a corporate talking head towing the family line. We realized quickly that she was an open book, sharing stories about h
- podcast· 1h 16m
The Wine Makers – Brian Hurley of Coteau Pavot
Brian Hurley isn’t trying to sell you a polished narrative. The winemaker behind Coteau Pavot tells it like it is, from getting his start in the wine world before he was even legal to drink, to listing every ingredient on his bottles. That includes tartaric acid and malolactic bacteria, the kinds of details that big brands tend to avoid but that spark some surprisingly candid conversations. His wines speak just as clearly. Made from organically farmed grapes sourced from distinctive vineyards, they are fresh, clean, and full of personality. Even his Grenache Gris orange wine manages a rare purity that stands out in a crowded category. These are real wines made by a real person, and they punch far above their weight. If you’re looking for something honest and perfect for summer, this is it. [EP 378] Drinkcp.com @coteaupavot
- podcast· 2h 00m
The Wine Makers – Lyndsay Hoopes, Hoopes Vineyard
Lyndsay Hoopes has a lot on her plate—and it’s not just wine. Napa County has hit Hoopes Vineyard with a public nuisance complaint over everything from tastings and visitation to a small animal sanctuary on the property. Now, they’re demanding nearly $8.7 million, a figure the family simply doesn’t have. In this conversation, Lyndsay breaks down the murky regulations at the heart of the dispute and shares her frustration over what feels like selective enforcement. “There is no definition of visitor. There is no definition of retail,” she points out, raising fair questions about how anyone is supposed to play by the rules when the rules aren’t clearly written. Meanwhile, the wines—crafted from prime Oakville fruit by winemaker Aaron Pott—are stellar. But behind every glass, there’s a story of one woman fighting for her business, her land, and some straight answers. [EP 377] Hoopesvineyard.com @hoopesvineyard
- podcast· 1h 18m
The Wine Makers – Lost Draw. Andrew Sides, Brad Buckelew
At a relaxed get-together of Rhône producers in Sonoma, a couple of unfamiliar faces caught my attention. They turned out to be Andrew Sides and Brad Buckelew from Lost Draw, winemakers out of Texas who were in town for the Rhone Rangers event at Cline Cellars. One conversation led to another, and soon we were setting up a proper sit-down to get their story on the record. They brought more than just stories. The wines were strong, with a clear sense of place and purpose. We covered a lot of ground, from the geological quirks of the Texas High Plains to the hurdles of farming and distribution in a state still trying to earn its wine credentials. One thing was clear: these guys are not playing catch-up. They are building something real. Perception is still catching up to the quality, but that gap is closing. Lost Draw is proving that Texas can deliver serious wine with character and identity. If you have not tasted what’s coming out of that region lately, it is time to fix that. [EP 376]
- podcast· 1h 22m
The Wine Makers – Danielle Langlois, Jambe Des Bois
Danielle Langlois joins the guys to talk about her new solo venture, Jambe Des Bois—a deeply personal label focused on small-lot, handcrafted wines. After years as the winemaker at Lasseter Family Winery, Danielle stepped away to pursue her own vision, working with fruit farmed by legendary grower Phil Coturri and a bit of Syrah from a Carneros vineyard her husband Dan tends himself. The conversation covers everything from Danielle’s winemaking philosophy to the unique challenges and freedoms that come with striking out on your own. It’s a great listen for anyone who loves Sonoma wines, respects vineyard-driven production, or just wants to support the folks doing it the hard way—by hand, in small batches, and with real intention. [EP 375] Follow along at @jambedesbois and, if you can find a bottle, grab one. These wines don’t stick around long. jambedeboiswines.com
- podcast· 1h 33m
The Wine Makers – Carlton McCoy
Carlton McCoy’s journey from a DC kitchen to the pinnacle of the wine world is anything but ordinary. Bart and Sam sit down with the Master Sommelier and CEO of Lawrence Wine Estates to unpack the milestones and mindset that got him there. Carlton opens up about the moment wine first lit a fire in him, what it took to pass the notoriously grueling MS exam at just 28, and how that early obsession evolved into something far bigger. At The Little Nell in Aspen, he found himself at the helm of one of the world’s most elite wine programs—and it was there that fate introduced him to Gaylon Lawrence. What followed was a dramatic leap into Napa Valley’s legacy scene, where Carlton now oversees iconic estates like Heitz, Burgess, and Stony Hill. He shares how he’s walking the tightrope between preserving history and staying culturally relevant in a rapidly changing industry. The conversation also dives into his work with The Roots Fund, how he sees his role in breaking down barriers, and why hi
- podcast· 1h 21m
The Wine Makers – Amie Fields & Lyndon Smith, Botanist and Barrel
A chance meeting led to a very cool show that turned us into total cider freaks. Amie and Lyndon happened to come in for a tasting at Winery Sixteen 600 on their way to a site visit at the local Sonoma Cider Shop, Pomme. They are based in Cedar Grove and Asheville North Carolina and make cider, pet-nat, piquette and wines from local sources. Their energy, enthusiasm and creativity were truly inspiring and everything we tried was amazing. The winery supports local farmers using only sustainably and organically sourced fruits, including blueberries, heirloom apples, and unusual ingredients like hibiscus. The ciders and wines are raw, wild, unrefined, unfiltered, and unpasteurized, allowing customers to feel good about what they’re drinking. Ask for them at your local cider shop, or if you live in the south, go check them out, they are constantly doing fun events and pop-ups. [EP 373] Botanistandbarrel.com @botanistandbarrel