In this podcast you'll meet Nate Miles, who with is partner Matt Nagy, created Groove Wines. It's a thoughtful, stylish brand that believes in transparency. If you prefer wines that are made with little intervention; if you're concerned about the environment, preferring less impactful alternatives, then you'll want to hear about Groove Wines. These intriguing varietals and blends feature names like Joyride, The Daydreamer, The Wild One and The Raconteur. What's more, they're ready for home or on the go! As they suggest...Find Your Groove.

On The Wine Road Podcast

Groove Wines

Gracianna Winery was built on a history that stretches back to World War II. His great-grandmother's perseverance helped her escape Europe to start a new life in California. Gratitude was the result of what the New World had to offer. There were struggles, but maintaining a farm and living a full life was rewarding. Owner Trini Amador speaks lovingly of Gracianna, the woman who taught him gratitude. He so appreciated and respected his great-grandmother he captured her story in a book. In her honor, with their son's unintended coaxing, Trini and Lisa have created the successful Gracianna Winery, which also took some perseverance. They're grateful for the appreciation expressed by their club members and the many who have paid a visit to their Sonoma County tasting room. Hear Trini tell the tale of Gracianna in this podcast.

Gracianna Winery - Inspired by Gratitude

You may recall I interviewed owner John Balletto in 2015. His story is a perfect example of perseverance. He was only 17 when his father died, leaving 5 acres of vegetables to John and his mother. Now, 43 years later, Balletto has grown to include 800 acres of estate vineyards across Sonoma County. The wine is excellent, their prices are moderate, and have been referred to by wine magazines as a "Best Buy". The man responsible for the wine is Anthony Beckman, the subject of this interview, although John chimes in as well. Anthony hit pay dirt when he left his newspaper career behind to pursue his other love - good food and excellent wine. His journey to Balletto is fascinating, and what he and John accomplish together is remarkable.

Balletto Vineyards' Anthony Beckman - Sonoma Co.

On today's podcast you'll meet Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot. It was a pleasure to head back to Beaune, France, albeit this time by telephone.  Matthieu will talk about his background and the wines they sent me (aren't I the lucky one?). He'll also touch upon the vineyards of Albert Bichot in areas of the three main appellations of Burgundy - village, Premier Cru and Grand Cru.  You'll also hear about some experiences you can enjoy if you plan to visit in the Burgundy Region now that the world is beginning to open up. If you'd like to see the wine I received, click the links: The 2018 Chablis Domaine Long-Depaquit The 2018 Gevrey-Chambertin "Les Murot" And the Cremant de Bourgogne Brut Rosé

Matthieu Mangenot of Domaines Albert Bichot

Join me on a road trip to southern Oregon's Rogue Valley wine region. Ashland was a wonderful town to be based in during our week there. I met up with Dan Marca of Dancin Vineyards, who offer excellent Pinot Noir, Italian varietals and food, west of Medford. And I sat with Eric Weisinger who bottles a good number of Rhone varietals. He's been at his well established family winery since he was a kid. These interviews will give you insight into what I found to be two of the best wineries in the Rogue Valley. Let's hit the road!  

Dancin Vineyards and Weisinger Family of Rogue Valley, OR

This interview is was a bit unusual for me, with good reason. Ehlers Estate is one of the few wineries that possess an on-going philanthropic element. But that came later. Ehlers Estate has a rich history dating back to 1886. It is arguably one of the top Cabernet producers in the competitive Napa Valley region. The old stone winery has been transformed into a modern, fashionable tasting space. In 2018, they hired Spanish immigrant Laura Diaz Muñoz as winemaker and General Manager. Her talent and willingness to revamp the appearance and winemaking is breathing new life into the brand.      In 1996, the French philanthropists and owners Jean and Sylviane Laducq, established the Leducq Foundation which supports research for the diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disease and stroke. On a small level, proceeds from Ehlers' wine sales and tastings benefit research as part of the global international network. You'll hear details from the Foundation's Executive Board Members, Spaniard Martín Landaluce and American Dr. David Tancredi. It's a monumental endeavor and one you'll appreciate if you have a loved one who has suffered from cardiovascular disease. I think you'll be impressed.  

Ehlers Estate's International Formula

On this podcast I feature Seghesio Family Vineyards & Shadowbox Cellars. Winemaker Andy Robinson and Sonoma County's Seghesio Family Vineyards are celebrating 125 years of grape growing this year. Seghesio is one of the few that made it through Prohibition and continue to this day. In comparison, owner Justin Preiser's Shadowbox Cellars is in its infancy at 11 years of winemaking. His fairly new tasting room in downtown Napa was the first wine entity granted an outdoor space, the parklet, during this covid era. Seghesio Family Vineyards and Shadowbox Cellars are producing outstanding wines and offer enjoyable experiences. Justin's Salt and Acid Pairing is nearly one-of-a-kind, utilizing a gourmet food item paired with his aged wine. To hear more details about the Salt and Acid Pairing you'll just have to listen to the podcast. I'll tell you this, it was surprisingly tasty. Hit play to join us under the ancient trees in Healdsburg, and streetside in Napa. Download for later  OTWR_Seghesio_Shadowbox_R

Seghesio Family Vineyards & Shadowbox Cellars

There were two reasons that prompted me to reach out to Todd Graff. First, in October my step-daughter Jackie told me that her favorite wine is Frank Family Vineyards' Cabernet Sauvignon. Then in December, I watched as Todd received "Napa Valley Winemaker of the Year" from the North Bay Business Journal's Annual Wine, Spirits and Beer Industry Awards.  Among the details of his history in the industry, he shared why he chose to travel early on. His wanderlust was further satisfied when he was chosen by Schramsberg Vineyards for a project in Portugal.  For the last 18 years he's enjoyed working with Frank Family and making a good list of wine varieties.  Why is Frank Family Vineyards often chosen as Napa's Favorite Tasting Room? He'll share his opinion on that topic as well.  As you'll hear, Todd Graff is a casual guy, down to earth, and a bit humble...like most winemakers I interview.  Enjoy the conversation!  

Napa's Todd Graff of Frank Family Vineyards

Winemaker and G.M. Todd Graff shares his wine and storied past. I envy his choice of traveling to various wine regions before settling in at Frank Family Vineyards where he's been making wine now for 18 years.

Both of the wineries featured in this podcast pay tribute to musicians. Mersenne has a wine label for a band, and Capo Creek has named a vineyard after a beloved performer. That's one similar aspect of each winery you'll appreciate as I get in-depth with their stories of overcoming obstacles as they were starting their brands.

Mersenne Wines & Capo Creek Ranch

Both wineries featured in this podcast, Mersenne Wines and Capo Creek Ranch, pay tribute to musicians. Mersenne created a wine label for a British band, and Capo Creek has named a vineyard after a beloved performer. That's one aspect of each winery you'll appreciate as I get in-depth with their stories of overcoming obstacles. Mitch Rice of Mersenne Prime Artisan Wines entrance into the industry wasn't too complicated. He had experience as a home winemaker before taking the leap as a winery owner. Though his beginnings were less challenging, delicate maneuvering was needed to "secure" his partner. As it turned out, their brand features a love story that is wrapped in historical lore...which I greatly respect. However, if you buy a vineyard there are many more hurdles. Sisters Mary and Nadine Roy of Capo Creek Ranch did purchase land and it took several years to get their footing. They're strumming along now and offer a wine and food pairing that is par excellence! It was quite an unexpected chapter following their lives as owners of a medical practice in Chicago, when one day an unsolicited pamphlet arrived in the mail that completely changed their life's direction...eventually. Join me for these tales of persistence by Mersenne Wines and Capo Creek Ranch, as heard On The Wine Road...

Mersenne Wines and Capo Creek Ranch

To celebrate International Women's Day and Women's History Month I interviewed two talented female winemakers; Danielle Cyrot of CADE Estate Winery, and Colleen FitzGerald of Pine Ridge Vineyards.

Celebrating International Women's Day at CADE Estate & Pine Ridge Vineyards

On this podcast I talk with two talented female winemakers as we celebrated International Women's Day, recorded March 6th. My first guest will be Danielle Cyrot who has held enviable positions in her career, the last 12 years of which have been at CADE Estate Winery on Howell Mountain. Danielle is working with two interesting projects, the details of which we'll cover. Colleen FitzGerald is the enologist and a winemaker at Pine Ridge VIneyards in the Stags Leap District. She's been handed an intereresting wine wine project which led to a sparkling brand that is their first added label in 25 years. Has it been a challenge for these women to work in such a male dominated field? You may be surprised by their answers.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.

Today's podcast features Amador County winemaker Bill Easton of Domaine de la Terre Rouge and Easton Wines. For years, this talented winemaker has shown you don't have to live in a world-renowned wine region to make world-class wines.

Winemaker and Rhone Ranger Bill Easton

The Far Niente Family of wines has a new, lower priced wine called Post and Beam. That led me to interview with winemaker Michael Accurso. My second guest is David Parker who can sell you rare wines from collections across the globe. Find out how...

Far Niente Family & Benchmark Wine Group - The Finest of Wines

Learn about winemakers, growers, wineries, brewers, restaurants and more in Napa, Sonoma and beyond. On The Wine Road airs Saturday at 1pm on 1350AM, 103.5 FM KSRO and KSRO.com

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On The Wine Road Podcast

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