The Chronicle
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103 results across all types
podcast· 1h 09m· Ep 58Brazilian Wine 101 with Mauricio Roloff, Ep. 58
We have a confession! The Marys had never sipped a Brazilian wine before Apex Brasil invited us to join a small group of wine journalists to tour the country's main wine region. The reaction from most of our friends and family -- they make wine in Brazil? Oh yes, and as we discovered, it is darn good wine too. So we invite you to get in on Brazilian wine now -- we're here to tell you Brazil's wines are the next thing in wine. To help you navigate what's happening in this South American wine producing country, wine journalist and expert Mauricio Roloff is joining us from Brazil! Mary O met him when he gave a master class on Brazilian wine the first day of the wine trip. He's the perfect guide for your Brazilian wine adventure! Saúde! (Cheers in Portuguese)
podcast· 46:02· Ep 57Folktale Winery & Vineyards - David Baird, Ep. 57
You could say that winemaker David Baird is living the dream at Folktale Winery & Vineyards in California’s Carmel Valley. They say every bottle has a story to tell, and behind the label, David coaxes those stories out of Folktale's estate vineyards. If you don’t know the Folktale wines or haven’t visited the winery, you are in for a treat. Folktale is a place you need to know about, a destination whenever you are in Carmel, Big Sur or Monterey. David brings his own touch to the wine program here, and has some exciting projects, including a wine aged under the waves of Monterey Bay. David’s also a good sport, as he met us, the Marys, at the winery the morning after returning from a seven day trek through Yosemeti Valley. So tune in to find out about the tales the wines of Folktale have to tell as they speak through David’s competent and creative winemaking hands.
podcast· 59:32· Ep 56The Magic of Mount Eden Vineyards - Jeffrey Patterson, Ep. 56
Getting to Mount Eden Vineyards in California's Santa Cruz Mountains is an adventure! The drive is up a twisty mountain road with lots of hairpin turns and steep drop offs. A good portion of the road - at the topmost part - is unpaved. But then you arrive at the peak, 2000 feet above Silicon Valley, and the breathtaking views, not to mention the wines, are totally worth the journey. The Marys sit down with winemaker Jeffrey Patterson, one of the best known vintners in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA, and all of California. He's been crafting world class Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon from this historic vineyard for more than 40 years. Join us and discover the magic of Mount Eden.
podcast· 1h 04m· Ep 55The Wine Bible 3rd Edition is Here! Karen MacNeil, Ep. 55
If you've ever picked up a wine book, there's a good chance it's The Wine Bible, by our guest Karen MacNeil . The Wine Bible is so popular that Karen just revised this 3rd edition, and it has surpassed the one million copies sold mark! But she didn't want to call her book a wine bible. This is just one of the many behind the scenes stories Karen shares with the Marys, on this episode of Sip Sip Hooray! Karen's career has come a long way since she debuted The Wine Bible in 2001. Now she heads a multimedia wine empire, including a digital newsletter, live virtual wine tastings, leading classes, seminars and influencing what is in all of our wine glasses. Lest you think Karen is a wine snob, just check out her recent Instagram post , where Karen's answer to the question about holding a wine glass by the stem or bowl was refreshingly unexpected! So grab a glass and settle in for a fascinating chat with Karen!
podcast· 50:55· Ep 54BERNARDUS WINERY - CARMEL VALLEY, EP. 54
Buckle up for the newest Sip Sip Hooray! podcast episode! When you think of wine in Carmel Valley, the first label that comes to mind is Bernardus. This Monterey County winery led the way in establishing the Carmel Valley AVA as a world class wine region. The Marys are excited to be back at Bernardus Winery & Vineyards in beautiful Carmel Valley Village! We filmed several episodes of our NBC TV show In Wine Country here. We're at the Bernardus tasting room to catch up with winemaker Dean De Korth and grape whisperer Matt Shea. These guys are the OGs of the Bernardus team. They shaped the winery's house style along with founder Bernardus (Ben) Pon, who was an avid Bordeaux lover. But Ben was also passionate about cars, and along with wine, VWs and race car driving are part of his story. While Bernardus is an established label, we're excited to share how the winery evolves and innovates. Plus, Bernardus is a beloved label around the world, especially in Holland. Tune in to find out why!
podcast· 50:55· Ep 53Crushed by Brian Freedman Wine and Climate Change - Ep. 53
Climate change is on eveyone's mind, especially when it comes to the world's grape growers and winemakers. Wildfires, drought, water scarcity, hail, floods, extreme weather, oh my! While there's much reason for concern, our guest today says there is hope. It is not all gloom and doom, but we must be mindful. Let's be clear, climate change is happeing now. The Marys welcome Brian Freedman, author of Crushed: How a Changing Climate is Altering the Way We Drink. In his new book, Brian profiles wine growers and winemakers in eight global regions facing climate adversity - but are adapting with innovative solutions. But the bubbly you loved from Champagne is now rivialed by Southern English sparklers. Brian reminds us that grapes and wine are not the only agricultural alcohol based beverages dealing with these issues. He also explores grain-based spirits and how distillers and farmers are adapting.
podcast· 49:40· Ep 52Caraccioli Cellars - Scott Caraccioli, Ep. 52
We're celebrating bubbles and California's Santa Lucia Highlands in Monterey County on Sip Sip Hooray! with Scott Caraccioli of Caraccioli Cellars. Of course the holidays are sparkling wine season, but we believe bubbles are for year round -- and yes, daily sipping 🥂 But there is much more to Caraccioli Cellars than sparkling wine! Scott makes terrific still wines too - Pinot Noir, Syrah, and even Gamay! All from his estate vineyard, the esteemed Escolle Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands. When you spend time with Scott, you can't help but be impressed by his passion and vast knowledge of grape growing and winemaking! He and his family put Monterey County on the map for bubbly, making sparkling wine to rival the world's best Champagne. But he's not content to rest on his successes. Scott and his team are constantly striving to improve what they do with every vintage, from going all estate to tapping into the potential of Gamay. Join us for this great episode and raise a glass to Sc
podcast· 1h 01m· Ep 51Alice Feiring - To Fall in Love Drink This, Ep. 51
The Marys are honored to have wine writer extraordinare Alice Feiring on our pod! Acclaimed wine writer Alice Feiring has been in love with wine for decades. She started her sensory training at very young age, sniffing everything along with her grandfather. Little could she have imagined then growing up to be the OG natural wine movement writer, or the person to take down the homogenous ”Parkerization” of wine, a style favored by one wine critic that changed the way many wines around the world were - and still are made. Now Alice has released her sixth book, To Fall in Love Drink This: A Wine Writer’s Memoir. But as you’ll find out in her engaging chat with us, the Marys, Alice’s is not your typical wine memoir. Instead of touting the great vineyards she’s visited or wines she’s tasted, she recounts an escape from a serial killer - and her reconnection with the perpetrator, and she gives wine recommendations to a plumber, to help him fall in love. You’ll want to get your hands on her b
podcast· 44:36· Ep 50Lepe Cellars - Miguel Lepe, Ep. 50
If you don't know the wines of Lepe Cellars in Monterey County, you're in for a treat! The Marys continue their Monterey County wine tour, where we met up with Miguel Lepe, founding winemaker of Lepe Cellars. Miguel is an up and coming winemaker, who, as the county's first Mexican American winery owner, has a great story that you need to know! Thanks to one college course, Miguel's life path was forever changed. Miguel is a winemaker to watch! Get the dibs first right here. Plus, find out who the model is for his wine label. Lepe Cellars tasting room is in Carmel-by-the-Sea at Dolores Street between Ocean & 7th. Wines tasted in this episode: 2021 Lepe Cellars Pinot Noir, McIntyre Vineyard, Monterey County 2020 Lepe Cellars Petit Verdot, San Antonio Vineyard, Monterey County
podcast· 55:42· Ep 49Denis Hoey - Odonata Wines, Ep. 49
Creating opportunity. That’s how our guest, winemaker Denis Hoey, has been living his life. He pursued a dream of making wine, and now that he’s established his own winery, Odonata Wines in the Monterey County AVA, he’s dedicated to bringing others along in the wine industry. The Marys visit Denis at his Salinas Valley winery - one of seven on the River Road Wine Trail - and we are blown away by his accomplishments and his drive. He makes about 32 different wines - whew! So there’s a taste for everyone. If you love sparkling wine, Odonata is the place to go. Denis loves bubbles, and he makes some fun bottlings, including some sparkling reds! Join us and be inspired by this passionate winemaker who’s paying it forward.
podcast· 1h 02m· Ep 48The Iconic Iris Rideau, Rideau Vineyards, Ep. 48
The Marys have a new friend in wine! Join us for an engaging conversation with the woman who just doesn't know how to stop! Sip Sip Hooray to that! Are you ready to meet the tour de force that is Iris Rideau? From a young age she always had the determination to make hers and the lives of others better. Iris' life is one of many first and of breaking multiple glass ceilings. Her illustrious career began in the front office of a Los Angeles insurance company, and from there she paved the way to being a leader in not just insurance, but in finance, politics and wine. Her life in wine began when she was a mere seven years old, even though she didn't realize it at the time. How fitting that Iris became the first Black woman to own a winery in the United States, Rideau Vineyard in California's Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara wine country. However, it was a long journey from growing up Creole in New Orleans, with Jim Crow segregation in full swing, to becoming a legendary business leader.
podcast· 50:59· Ep 47Heidi Scheid, Scheid Family Wines, Ep. 47
We are excited to introduce you to this wine dynamo! Heidi Scheid does it all, from transforming her family's business as grape growers to winemakers, overseeing Scheid Family Wines business operations, developing new brands - including a low ABV wine - to raising a family and summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro in Africa. Whew! The Marys traveled to the Salinas Valley in the Monterey County AVA to meet up with Heidi on the occasion of her family's 50th anniversary in the wine business! We ask Heidi to share her secrets for doing all she does (hint: she says it's not always pretty) to how she created Sunny With A Chance of Flowers lower alcohol wines to her passion for mountain climbing. Plus, she pays homage to her father, Al Scheid, a pioneer in establishing the Salinas Valley and Monterey as a premium wine producing region. Wines tasted in this episode: • 2021 Sunny With A Chance of Flowers Sauvignon Blanc • 2020 Metz Road Chardonnay * 2019 Scheid Vineyards Reserve Pino
podcast· 54:24· Ep 46Philana Bouvier of Demeine Estates, Ep. 46
The Marys are thrilled to welcome a true wine dynamo and new friend to the pod! Meet Philana Bouvier. She's the President of Napa Valley-based Demeine Estates , whose impressive portfolio includes Heitz Cellar, Burgess, Stony Hill, as well as international wineries Champagne Legras & Haas, Domaine de Montille, Racine, La Chablisienne, Ca Rome, and more across France and Italy. At Demeine Estates, Philana is super lucky to work closely with Master Sommelier Carlton McCoy Jr. - a true wine celebrity who hosts his own show on CNN, Nomad . Philana also works tirelessly to raise up women and minorities, creating more diversity and opportunity for those already working in and those new to the wine industry. We salute her efforts! Learn all about it as we have a delightful conversation, best savored on a "self-care Saturday." What's that you ask? Tune in to find out why you'll want to add this to your weekly routine.
podcast· 48:37· Ep 45Mendo Blendo - Saracina Vineyards' Alex MacGregor, Ep. 45
For this episode of Sip Sip Hooray! we are in Hopland in California's Mendocino County at the beautiful, picturesque winery, Saracina Vineyards. Tucked into the rolling hills, the mantra at this wine ranch is biodiversity and sustainability. Since its founding by John Fetzer and Patty Rock in 2001, Saracina has been on the leading edge of a holistic approach to grape growing and winemaking. Vineyards share the landscape with majestic 140 year old olive trees, baby goats and alpacas, honey bees, orchards and chicken. Saracina may be best known for wine, but the ranch also produces honey and olive oil. Now owned by Taub Family Selections, Saracina is committed to raising the bar through its dedication to diversity in every aspect. Winemaker Alex MacGregor is one of those legendary Mendocino characters and you'll love getting to know him. So grab a glass and enjoy our conversation.
podcast· 52:00· Ep 44A Balanced Glass Rebecca Hopkins, Ep. 44
Can you have a healthy and balanced life with wine? Our guest today says yes! Wine is plentiful in so many professional and personal situations and it can be challenging to navigate, especially if you feel like pulling back. Rebecca Hopkins created A Balanced Glass , an online community of winegrowers, winemakers, cellar workers, winery management and ownership, folks in sales and marketing, PR, media, distribution, retail, restaurants, bars and tasting rooms. While it started as a forum for wine professionals, A Balanced Glass - ABG - quickly attracted wine lovers looking to create balance in their lives with wine. ABG is for everyone, where the community shares stories, successes and practical tips. Beck and her team at A Balanced Glass offer support and suggestions to help you find your way on the path to a balanced life in wine, supporting your health and wellness goals. The community here is welcoming. ABG's motto: Wine in moderation, choose, care, share. Find A Balanced Glass on
podcast· 59:41· Ep 43Wrath Wines - Sabrine Rodems, Ep. 43
From behind the scenes of the theater and opera stage to behind the wine label, Sabrine Rodems gave up the bright lights of theater and film production for producing bold wines. Sabrine hones her craft daily at Wrath Wines in the picturesque Santa Lucia Highlands of California's Monterey County. This region is known for world class Chardonnay and Pinot Noir thanks to the sun and wind that define this wine region. Sabrine adds other varietals to the story, including Syrah and a white Italian variety called Falanghina. Join us as we talk to Sabrine at her winery, overlooking the estate San Saba Vineyard. You can visit the Wrath Wines winery, or enjoy pours at Wrath's Carmel-by-th-Sea tasting room. https://www.wrathwines.com/Visit
podcast· 54:19· Ep 42Niki Wente of Wente Vineyards, Livermore Valley, Ep. 42
Her family is California's First Family of Chardonnay. Most Chardonnay vines planted in the state are from the Wente clone, developed in Livermore Valley at Wente Vineyards by Niki Wente's family. So you can imagine Niki has big shoes to fill. But as a 5th generation winegrower, she's stepping up to the challenge in her role as Viticultural Manager, overseeing vineyards operations and grape growing. We, the Marys, met up with Niki at the historic Wente Vineyards winery, where we chatted about - and yes sipped - Chardonnay, as well as her own Rosé. We also talk about Wente's commitment to sustainability and continuing the family legacy, in a wine region that has a rich history that rivals Napa Valley and Sonoma County.
podcast· 50:18· Ep 41The Kings of Napa - Janine Sherman Barrois, Ep. 41
Are you watching OWN's The Kings of Napa? We are, and we're loving the bingeworthy show about a powerful African-American family in Napa Valley with secrets and scandals that are juicier than the grapes! Joining us for this special Sip Sip Hooray episode is creator and showrunner Janine Sherman Barrois. She's the award-winning writer and executive producer behind many of TV's top shows, including ER and Claws . She's spilling the T on all the behind the scenes action and how she is bringing drama to Black wine culture. Janine shares what it's like to have Oprah greenlight this family drama, where the fashion is fierce and the salacious scandals are non-stop. Wine is a character too, playing a leading role in the family dynamics. So pour yourself a glass of your favorite wine and listen to our conversation with Janine. The Kings of Napa airs Tuesdays at 8 pm ET/7 pm CT and 8 pm PT on OWN.
podcast· 57:39· Ep 40Mark Pisoni, Pisoni Vineyards, Ep. 40
Meet Mark Pisoni. He's a 3rd generation farmer and son of legendary winemaker Gary Pisoni of Pisoni Vineyards. While Gary is larger-than-life, Mark is quietly building his own legacy, as grape grower extraordinare, managing what some call Grand Cru vineyards in the Santa Lucia Highlands: Pisoni, Garys' and Sobranes. For Mark, it all comes down to farming, nature, wine and family. He farms sustainably, has a beneficial insect insectory at the Pisoni ranch, and is also a beekeeper. On top of all that, Mark is a devoted husband and father. We first met Mark more than 15 years ago when we filmed an episode of our NBC TV show In Wine Country. We are thrilled to be back with Mark, this time in his home wine cellar, surrounded by great bottles, both consumed and still aging. If these bottles could talk!
podcast· 1h 12m· Ep 39Winemaker Shalini Sekhar - Neely Wine and More! Ep. 39
We strike a harmonious cord in the wine world with this episode! Say hello to winemaker Shalini Sekhar. She wears many hats in her role as winemaker for Neely Wine in the Santa Cruz Mountains and Waits-Mast Family Cellars in Mendocino County, among others. She also finds time to make wine under her own label, Ottovino Wines . Our setting for this (socially distanced) episode, just before harvest 2021, is the beautiful Spring Mountain Vineyard, home of Neely Wine in Portola Valley, nestled in the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA. We are surrounded by vineyards, redwood and oak trees. Discover how this former classical musician, who excels at the piccolo and aspired to be a concert performer and music teacher, became a leading Indian-American winemaker. She is carving out a path that allows her to persue her dream of teaching into being a mentor to women entering the wine industry, especially women of color. And, she'll share how she balances her very busy career, which involves lots of road tri
podcast· 53:32· Ep 38Carboniste Cali Sparkling Wine - Dan Person, Ep. 38
Why should California try to be Champagne? That's the question Napa winemaker Jon Person posed to himself and his wife Jacqueline. When it comes to bubbly, Champagne‘s allure is clear. But thanks to folks like Dan and Jacqueline, there’s a new style of California bubbly. Think sunshine in a glass, and breaking all the traditional rules. Dan says sparkling wine is an every occassion wine - and we agree! Join us for a super fun episode and get to meet the man behind the critter labels of this new sparkling wine style. You'll definitely want to know about Dan's fireworks hobby and a happy experiement with Albariño and Merlot.
podcast· 1h 10m· Ep 37Clos de la Tech - T.J. Rodgers, Ep. 37
If you think tech and wine don't go together, you haven't met our guest, tech entrepreneur T.J. Rodgers. We all know stories about tech world titans who buy - or launch - their own winery, which often becomes a vanity project. But that's not the case for T.J. Rodgers. The man who created Cypress Semiconductor Corporation is the mastermind behind Clos de la Tech winery in California's Santa Cruz Mountains - and he is totally hands on in his endeavor. From inventing tractors to navigate his vineyards' extreme steep slopes to developing winemaking processes now used by UC Davis, T.J.'s mind works nonstop. He is always tinkering with ways to push the quality of Clos de la Tech's Pinot Noir higher and higher. T.J. sat down with us, the two Marys, inside his wine cave and winery, for an in depth chat about his path to and passion for wine. You don't want to miss this fascinating conversation! Grab a glass and listen now.
podcast· 58:30· Ep 36Olympian Natalie Coughlin, Gaderian Wines - Ep. 36
Have we got an Olympic-sized episode for you! We are thrilled to welcome 12-time Olympic medalist swimmer Natalie Coughlin to Sip Sip Hooray! She won gold in the pool, now she’s winning gold in the vineyard. Join us, the Marys, As we dive deep into what drives Natalie, her Olympic career and her new wine label Gaderian Wines. Natalie says yes to opportunity when it presents itself to her. That’s led to a wide range of experiences, including being a reality show dance competition contestants, both competitor and judge in cooking competition shows, a Sports Illustrated swimwear model, and, of course, hands-on winery owner. You’ll want to gather around Natalie’s table and her wine. With Gaderian Wines she’s making wine fun and approachable and something you’ll want to share.
podcast· 1h 09m· Ep 35A Wine Lineage: Steven Kent Mirassou, Ep. 35
This episode is a Sip Sip Hooray! podcast exclusive! What does lineage mean when it comes to wine? For our guest today lineage means everything. Steven Kent Mirassou’s family is America’s oldest winemaking family - older than the Mondavi’s, the Sebastianis and the Gallos. He’s now working side-by-side with the seventh generation. If you are a Pinot Noir lover, you can thank Mirassou’s ancestors for bringing the some of the first pinot vine cuttings to California. In his first full, sit down interview, sixth generation vintner Steven Kent Mirassou gives us the inside scoop on his deeply personal book Lineage: Life and Love and Six Generations in California Wine . Join us, the Marys, as we introduce you to Steven and his stories. Lineage is a page turner - and definitely not your typical wine book. It is a love letter to wine and highly personal, with emotional highs and lows and sprinkled with racy language!