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123 results across all types
- 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
- podcast· 1h 12m
The Wine Makers – Jamie Araujo, Trois Noix
Though she carries one of the most prominent last names in modern Napa Valley history, Jamie Araujo didn’t grow up a wine brat or even a Napa kid at all. By the time the Araujos purchased the iconic Eisele Vineyard and launched their wine brand, Jamie was already in college on the East Coast. And she kept going east—eventually all the way to London’s West End, where she built a career as a professional actor. We sat down with Jamie to talk about her fascinating journey: from theater and television to working with some of the biggest names in wine, and ultimately returning to the family business at Araujo Estate Wines. Along the way, we explored the next chapter for the Araujo family—Accendo Cellars—as well as Jamie’s own project, Trois Noix. Most importantly, we discussed how Jamie is working to help shape Napa Valley’s future for the better in meaningful ways. So pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and settle in—you’re going to love this story. (Unless your favorite wine happe
- podcast· 1h 23m
The Wine Makers – The Sake Show!
What happens when the world’s leading non-Japanese Master of Sake Tasting joins forces with three sake brewery presidents and one of the most enthusiastic wine reps in the business? You get a deep, delicious dive into sake that’s equal parts educational and intoxicating—in the best way. In this highly anticipated installment, Bella Pearson returns with “the Godfather of Sake” himself, John Gauntner, to walk us through the fascinating world of sake—from the rice fields to the bottle. Gauntner, the only non-Japanese Master of Sake Tasting certified by the Brewing Society of Japan, brings unmatched insight into the complex processes and centuries-old techniques behind Japan’s national drink. Alongside Gauntner and Bella, we’re joined by sake brewery presidents from Takatenjin, Kawatsuru, and Rihaku, each offering up exquisite pours that showcased the staggering range of flavor profiles—from crisp and clean to rich and unfiltered. Though we barely scratched the surface of this vast and nua
- podcast· 1h 10m
The Wine Makers – Bruce Devlin, Ballentine Vineyards
Ballentine Vineyards, a Napa Valley staple since 1905, isn’t just a winery—it’s a living legacy. We dive into the story of a winemaker whose path to the vineyard wasn’t exactly a straight line. He started out aiming to be a brewmaster, dabbled in forestry and photography, but ultimately found his groove in Fermentation Science at UC Davis. A globe-spanning exchange program took him to Germany, South Africa, and Australia, shaping his winemaking style before he joined the family operation in 1999. Bruce and his wife Danielle also run their own project, Three Clicks Wines, a nod to the telegram code that signaled the end of Prohibition. A journey filled with science, tradition, and a lot of heart. [Ep 370] ballentinevineyards.com threeclickswines.com
- podcast· 1h 19m
The Wine Makers – On the Road in New Brunswick with Francis Schott & Mark Pascal
This week, Sam hits the road with MJ Towler—The Black Wine Guy—for a special crossover episode recorded live in New Brunswick, New Jersey. They sit down with legendary restaurateurs and OG podcasters Francis Schott and Mark Pascal, the co-owners of Stage Left Steak and Catherine Lombardi, and hosts of The Restaurant Guys podcast. Long before podcasts went mainstream, Francis and Mark were pioneering thoughtful, unpretentious conversations in food, wine, and hospitality, straight from their corner of the Garden State. Sam and MJ dive deep into Francis and Mark’s early days in the restaurant industry, the dramatic evolution of hospitality, and how New Brunswick emerged as an unexpected—and underrated—food and wine hotspot. The conversation also revisits the wild, early days of podcasting, raising a glass to names like DiSpirito, Trotter, and Bourdain. With behind-the-scenes restaurant stories, old-school podcast wisdom, and heartfelt reminders about the timeless power of passion and hosp
- podcast· 1h 03m
The Wine Makers – Cathy Corison, Grace Corison & Anna Brittain
Cathy Corison is a legend, pioneer, and true trailblazer in the California wine industry. In the 1970s, when most women were limited to lab work, Cathy set her sights on winemaking. She earned her place at Freemark Abbey and Yverdon, eventually becoming head winemaker at Chappellet in 1980. While the wine world leaned toward big, bold, hedonistic Napa Cabernets, Cathy stayed true to her vision—crafting restrained, elegant wines that initially flew under the radar of critics like Robert Parker. Today, under her own label, Corison, Cathy is celebrated as one of California’s most respected producers. Joining the conversation is Grace Corison, Cathy’s daughter and the future face of Corison Winery. Grace played a key role in getting their vineyards certified organic—a recognition of practices they’d followed for years. She recognized the importance of official certification for transparency and for connecting with a younger generation of wine drinkers. Also joining us is Anna Brittain, Exe
- podcast· 1h 01m
The Wine Makers & Bedrock Conversations – Introducing S.O.R.B.E.T.
What began with a few DMs dunking on misleading “cover crop” Instagram posts—or maybe even earlier, on Napa Valley school bus rides more than 25 years ago—has grown into something much bigger: a groundbreaking tasting event focused on the future of responsible winegrowing. In this first-ever crossover episode of The Wine Makers Podcast and Bedrock Conversations, Katie Bundschu, Morgan Twain-Peterson MW, and Sam Coturri join Chris Cotrell, Alli Badar, Brian Casey, and Bart Hansen to introduce S.O.R.B.E.T.—the Sonoma Organic Regenerative Biodynamic Education Tasting. This inaugural event celebrates Sonoma Valley’s critical role in sustainable and ecological winegrowing—past, present, and future. The only two rules for participation: 1) Wines must be farmed organically, regeneratively, or biodynamically. 2) Wines must come from Sonoma Valley. The result? A dynamic mix of wineries—from garagistes to corporate producers, from emerging natural wine stars to established legacy brands—offering
- podcast· 51:44
The Wine Makers – Napa Green RISE Symposium
This week on the podcast, we welcome Anna Brittain from Napa Green to talk about the upcoming Napa RISE Symposium . Napa Green is a global leader in sustainable winegrowing, known for setting the highest standards for sustainability and climate action in the wine industry. The organization provides wineries and vineyards with the tools, resources, and certification pathways needed to level up leadership from soil to bottle. The Napa RISE event series is designed to drive real sustainability and climate action across the entire wine industry and culture. Joining Anna are two RISE Leadership Award winners: Gita Mallya , Viticulturist and de facto Sustainability Lead at Domaine Carneros , who shares insights about their RISE Leadership Award for Energy , including their cutting-edge microgrid system. Sarah Richmond , Director of Operations at Clif Family , who discusses their RISE Leadership Award for Supply Chain , highlighting efforts like completing a full emissions inventory, switchin
- podcast· 1h 00m
The Wine Makers – Tie Dye Before the High
Live at The Vine Club in Atlanta with Kelly Cornett, Sam Coturri, Eric Crane, and Taylor Sublett. This episode was recorded live at The Vine Club in Atlanta, GA, the Tuesday evening before the annual High Museum Wine Auction, as a crossover episode with Kelly Cornett of The Cork and the Road Podcast. Sam was visiting Atlanta, and we threw a “Tie Dye Before the High” bottle share and vinyl party to celebrate a bunch of people who make the Atlanta wine community so vibrant. We sat down with Eric Crane, the Director of Training for Empire Distributors, and Taylor Sublett, the owner of The Vine Club, who hooked up his space for the party. Even though we are on Kelly’s turf, we brought the wine makers podcast style and had a great Atlanta time. Dig in for Eric Crane’s deep Grateful Dead knowledge, Taylor’s unique wine club rules, and Kelly’s trademark enthusiasm for all things wine and Atlanta related. You can follow @acorkintheroad @sixteen600 @chauneuf and @thevineclubatl on Instagram. Re
- podcast· 1h 09m
The Wine Makers – Dane Cellars Spring Releases & Listener Questions
This week, we’re tasting Bart’s Spring Releases from Dane Cellars. The only question is—will the Spring Offering hit your inbox just in time to match the release of this episode? We also opened the floor to the greatest fandom in podcast land and, as always, you came through with some excellent listener questions. And yes, there was a Signal text chain… let’s just say it ended in a lot of enthusiastic reactions. Check out the new wines at www.danecellars.com
- podcast· 1h 17m
The Wine Makers – Wines of California
Wines of California with Elaine Chukan Brown (aka Hawk Wakawaka) If you’ve been listening for a while, you know that when Friend of the Pod Elaine Chukan Brown—aka the legendary Hawk Wakawaka (or “Chuckavaka,” if you’re in the know)—is asked to write a book on a topic as broad as Wines of California , it’s not going to be your typical “Zinfandel was first planted in 18-blah-blah-di-blah” wine book. In this episode, Bart and Sam sit down with Elaine to talk about their new book, Wines of California , coming next month from Académie du Vin Library. Elaine delivers a powerful, deeply researched take on the history of California wine—connecting the evolution of wine in the Golden State to larger patterns in American history, global politics, and cultural change. With her trademark no-nonsense honesty, Elaine has written what might be called a tough-love letter to California wine—celebrating its innovation, leadership, and resilience while challenging the industry to reckon with its past an
- podcast· 56:56
The Wine Makers – Laurent Gomez, Domaine du Val de Rois
This week, we sit down with Laurent Gomez from Domaine du Val des Rois , a winery whose name translates to “Valley of the King,” paying tribute to Valréas’ rich winemaking history, first planted in the 9th century by King Charlemagne. Val des Rois is a 10-hectare estate in Côtes du Rhône, originally planted in 1965 by 9th-generation Burgundian winemaker Romain Bouchard. Located on the northern edge of the Southern Rhône in Valréas, the vineyard benefits from its unique altitude and southeast exposure, cooling nightly air from the Alps, and soils rich in limestone and deep clay. These natural conditions lead to wines with exceptionally high acidity, setting them apart from the typical Southern Rhône profile. At the hands of legendary winemaker Stéphane Vedeau, Val des Rois produces truly distinctive wines. We had the pleasure of tasting: A White Blend, An 80-year-old vine Grenache, A Grenache/Syrah blend, All wines are aged in concrete, giving them purity, vibrancy, and a true homage to