Explore every episode of the podcast The Vine Guy

My guest for this special episode of the Vine Guy is Celebrity Chef Lee Anne Wong, whose work on the island of Maui in the aftermath of the devastating fires has helped feed thousands of residents even as it extracted a deep personal toll. Wong opens up about the devastation wrought by the tragic fires in Lahaina last year and what it means to lift up and rebuild a community. Her strength and resilience is beyond admirable. I invite you to drink in this heartfelt episode with the empathetic, passionate and candid Chef Lee Anne Wong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Phillips grew up on the family homestead in Lodi, California. His great great grandparents settled there in 1865. His youth was spent driving tractors in the vineyards and growing fruit and vegetables to sell at the family’s roadside fruit stands and local farmers markets. Today, he and his brother, Michael, have created some of the most iconic brands in the wine industry, including Seven Deadly Zins (which they subsequently sold), Earthquake, Freakshow and Outerbound—their latest project. He is passionate about sustainability and his community. Dave and his wife, Corene, have two boys, and travel the world together marketing their winery and extolling the virtues of Lodi fruit. His passions include ultra running, mountain biking, triathlons and skiing. I invite you to drink in this entertaining episode with the very down-to-earth—and good friend—Dave Phillips. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the head of fine dining and wineries at Tock, Eric Chmiel drives the development of partnerships with the world’s best restaurants and wineries. Eric brings extensive expertise and passion to the hospitality industry. In addition to being a self-proclaimed foodie, Eric holds a WSET Level III certification. I invite you to drink in this peek-behind-the-curtain conversation with the Tock wizard himself, Eric Chmiel. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Leigh Orleans is a private chef based in North Carolina but travels all over the country crafting fresh, seasonal meals for her clients. Her culinary skills were showcased on Season 22 of Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen, where she competed and earned a black jacket during the final round. Leigh holds a degree in culinary arts from the Savannah Culinary Institute and a master’s degree in wine and beverage management from the Culinary Institute of America. In May 2017, she graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a business degree. Travel has consistently been a significant source of inspiration for Leigh's culinary creations. Her passion for travel was further nurtured through study abroad programs in Sevilla, Spain and South Africa. I invite you to drink in this entertaining episode with the very enthusiastic Leigh Orleans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Wine has always been a part of Executive Winemaker Ben Papapietro’s life. A native San Franciscan of Italian descent, Ben grew up with wine as part of every family meal and gathering. His passion for wine making caught fire in his early twenties as he explored wines from around the world. But the wines that really turned Ben’s head were from the Burgundy region in France. During his 37-year career with the San Francisco Newspaper Agency, Ben met future partner Bruce Perry. Through their common passions—cooking and wine—they became fast friends. They joined together to make wine as a hobby in their garages. To hone their craft. they volunteered to work during harvest at a friend’s Sonoma County winery specializing in Pinot Noir. Today, the Papapietro Perry cellar is simply a more elaborate version of Ben’s garage wines. He describes his wines as “… an extension of my home and personal hospitality.” I invite you to drink in this conversation with the delightfully complex, yet humble Ben Papapietro. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Glenn Proctor is part of Sonoma County royalty. Founded by Glenn’s great grandfather in 1904, the Puccioni’s were one of the original Italian farming families in Dry Creek Valley. Today, Puccioni Vineyards is still committed to making distinctive Zinfandel and Petite Sirah from the Puccioni Ranch, located in the Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma County. Their grape growing and winemaking knowledge has been passed down through the generations with the goal of “letting the vineyard speak” by producing concentrated wines in a complex and rustic style that exhibits characteristics of the site. Drink in this fascinating episode with Glenn Proctor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After graduating from UC Davis' Viticulture and Enology program, Tyler Klick joined Redwood Empire Vineyard Management in 1997 on the grounds crew and eventually worked himself up to his present position as co-owner and viticulturist. Tyler oversees all traditional and specialty viticulture for REVM and also handles estimating, budgeting and overall construction projects. He is passionate about the environment. He is actively involved in creek restoration projects and certification programs such as Fish Friendly Farming, CCOF, Organic Certifiers, and Certified CA Sustainable Winegrowing. Tyler led REVM to become the first certified sustainable vineyard management company in California, where they farm about 2,000 acres. He is proud of REVM’s commitment to organic and sustainable farming practices, making sure that any property REVM manages is environmentally better when they are done. I invite you to drink in this fascinating episode with Tyler Klick. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the fourth-generation winegrower and co-owner of Zialena Winery, Mark Mazzoni's deep-rooted connection to the land and his family's winemaking legacy have guided his passion for crafting exceptional wines. A pivotal trip to South America in 2004 immersed him in winemaking traditions, broadening his perspective. In 2012, he co-founded Zialena Winery with his sister, Lisa Mazzoni, focusing on artisanal Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel using open-top concrete fermenters. Beyond winemaking, Mark's devotion to uplifting the local wine community in his hometown of Geyserville is paramount to his success. His dedication to sustainable farming practices and his reverence for tradition are reflected in every bottle of wine that bears the Zialena label. I invite you to drink in this fascinating episode with the innovative Mark Mazzoni. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

She's known for her joyous personality, passion for ethical sourcing and advocacy for small farmers. Duskie Estes has been a leader in the farm-to-table movement for decades. She is also no stranger to television. Estes has competed on two seasons of Food Network’s Next Iron Chef, appeared on an episode of Beat Bobby Flay, and judged on Guy’s Grocery Games. She and her husband, John Stewart, have been featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-ins & Dives as well as numerous PBS shows. I invite you to drink in the episode with the infectious Duskie Estes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the tender age of 10, Erica Stancliff demonstrated the skills that would later define her career as a winemaker and enologist. Now, with 16 harvests under her belt, Erica has been described by Press Democrat as a “young Sonoma County winemaker turning heads” and featured in renowned publications, such as Wine Enthusiast, Forbes, San Francisco Chronicle, Robb Report, Martha Stewart, and more. Currently, she consults for five unique wine brands, including her family’s winery, Trombetta Family Wines, where since 2014, Erica has helped her family’s winery expand from 500 cases of a single Pinot Noir a year to a broad portfolio of 1200+ cases of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. I invite you to drink in this episode with the charming and talented Erica Stancliff. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Paul Sloan, co-owner and winemaker at Small Vines, started his journey in wine as a bus-boy in high school. He eventually worked his way up to the assistant wine buyer position at John Ash and Company. As a very young wine steward, he was given many opportunities to taste both California classic wines as well as wines from all over the world. One night, his life would change forever when a person dining alone offered him a taste of a very rare Burgundy. This ethereal experience sent him on a quest for more knowledge and forever fueled his drive to make captivating wines. He launched into self-study, and soon discovered that some of the greatest Pinot Noirs in the world come from mature, small vines. Paul eventually returned to college to get his Viticulture degree, and simultaneously went to work for one of the most respected winegrowers in the county, Warren Dutton of Dutton Ranches. It was Warren himself, who encouraged Paul to follow his innovative, pioneering spirit and to start planting vineyards his own way, so Paul and his wife Kathryn launched Small Vines. Today, Paul and Kathryn are dedicated to achieving smaller yields from higher-density European style spacing of the vines in order to grow only the highest-quality wine grapes. They have worked hard to consistently grow grapes and produce inspiring “wines of authenticity.” I invite you to drink in this very educational episode with the dedicated Paul Sloan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Food & Wine Magazine Executive Editor Ray Isle says, “You could probably spend your entire life drinking wines under $100 and probably under $50 and drink spectacularly good wine for years and years and never run out,” and he has just written the book to prove it! Ray Isle is the executive wine editor for Food & Wine and the wine and spirits editor for Travel + Leisure. He writes the monthly “What to Drink Next” column as well as regular feature articles for both publications. His new book, The World in a Wineglass: The Insider's Guide to Artisanal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now was recently released and is a must read for both serious wine collectors and novices alike. I invite you to drink in this fun-filled episode with the delightful Ray Isle. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While working for his family's real estate and parking business in DC in the late 80s, Alex Gambal received a life-changing case of wine as a gift. It wasn’t just wine that was uncorked, but opportunity. In 1993, he and his family moved to France. Gambal founded and grew Domaine Alex Gambal, a boutique winery that included some of France's greatest vineyards. As an American in Burgundy, Gambal overcame skepticism from his fellow vignerons and eventually bought some of the most coveted French vines. Today, he spends his time between Idaho and Wyoming in the Teton mountains, where he is a ski host at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, an avid hiker and a grandfather. He is as passionate about wine as he is about community development. He is also the benefactor and chairman of the Diana “Dee” Williams Freestyle Fund, a charitable foundation to benefit the development and advancement of promising mogul skiers to the Olympic and World Cup level. I invite you to drink in this informative episode with the energetic Alex Gambal. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Monique Soltani is an award-winning journalist who has spent the majority of her life working in newsrooms in California's major cities from San Francisco to San Diego, and everywhere in between and through Wine Oh! TV, she has developed a core connection with the wine country community. Monique first brought Wine Oh! to life in 2008, in over 1.5 million homes across California’s Central Valley once a week on KSEE 24. From 2013 - 2018, Monique formed and executed distribution deals for Wine Oh! TV with Comcast/NBCUniversal, Xumo, TV4, streaming on Hulu, Roku, Amazon Prime Video and international distribution. As if that wasn’t enough, during that same period of time, she gave birth to twin daughters. In 2018, Monique was shooting a production of Wine Oh! TV in Italy when she got the phone call no ever wants to get. Her husband was alone with their 2-and-a-half-year old twins when he found out he had Stage IV incurable colon cancer. Monique stopped production and came home to take care of her family. Mark Erman passed in July 2019 at only 47 years old. Then the pandemic hit and added more challenges for Monique and her young daughters, but her resolve was unwavering. The 2022 season of Wine Oh! TV is Monique’s first post-pandemic production and the first since losing Mark. In June 2023, Wine Oh! TV debuted on broadcast television on CBS Bay Area. I invite you to drink in this uplifting episode with the unsinkable Monique Soltani.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Famed winemaker Jean-Nicolas Méo (of Domaine Méo-Camuzet in Burgundy, France) and legendary co-founder of IRS Records (think Police, REM, The Go-Go’s, etc.) Jay Boberg met serendipitously at a party in Philadelphia over 25 years ago. Their friendship has led to a remarkable collaboration in Willamette Valley, Oregon—where they make outstanding wines that, “we like to drink.” I invite you to drink in this extended episode with Jean-Nicolas Méo and Jay Boberg of Nicolas-Jay Wines. It will be “music to your ears…”   Wines tasted in this episode: 2018 Nicolas-Jay Affinités Chardonnay 2017 Nicolas-Jay Willamette Valley Pinot Noir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael Kennedy created the Vin Fraîche Wine Group in 2018, after launching three distinct wineries in Napa Valley, Bordeaux and Oregon. In 2020 an additional winery was acquired to the group in Tuscany, Italy. Kennedy's drive to create wines of freshness, vibrancy and life has created a thread of commonality in the wines throughout the brands. His passion for wines that are complex, long lived and built for food has driven him to assemble a team of winemakers and friends that help create wines of substance. He has been called a “Rising Star” by Food & Wine Magazine, “Super-Somm” by Bloomberg’s Elin McCoy and a “Top Young Entrepreneur in America” by Business Insider. He splits his time between Napa Valley, Bordeaux, Tuscany and his hometown, St. Louis. He and his wife Rachel have two sons, and one more on the way. Drink in this delightful episode with the refreshing Michael Kennedy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gustavo’s love for wine runs deep into his childhood. He grew up in California’s Central Valley, surrounded by family with longstanding ties to agricultural business who instilled in him a love of the land and an appreciation for wine. He spent his summers in orchards, vineyards, cotton fields, tomato fields and canneries, but he never intended to be a farmer, much less a winemaker. His dreams were filled with airplanes and rockets and cars. But one day he found a bottle from Robert Mondavi Winery that his father had put away. After reading the mission statement on the back label, his trajectory changed and led to 17 years at Mondavi, where he earned the title of head red winemaker. In 2009, Gustavo established Mira as one of the top producers of small production, single-vineyard wines in Napa Valley—including fruit from premier vineyard sites such as Hyde Vineyard in Carneros and Schweizer Vineyard in the heart of the Stags Leap District. Drink in this episode with the fascinating Gustavo Gonzalez. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One day, entrepreneur David Kong asked himself, “What good is glassware if it never gets used?” That question inspired David to leave his job at a hedge fund and develop his own brand of hand-blown glassware designed for regular use. Glasvin was born! Working directly with the factory, Glasvin is able to offer wine lovers the unparalleled sophistication of hand-blown glassware at a mainstream price. Glasvin’s pieces are designed to be effortlessly lightweight yet durable and dishwasher-safe. Each style in the collection is designed to promote an uncompromising sensory and wine-drinking experience. Today, Glasvin is the glassware of choice at many of the top restaurants in the U.S., including 14 Michelin Star restaurants. it is also the stem of choice for Christie’s Wine Auction. I invite you to drink in this episode with David Kong. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mike Reynolds began his career at Hall Wines as winemaker and general manager during the infancy of the winery, and was later promoted to president. Since 2002, Reynolds has overseen development of the HALL, WALT and BACA businesses—including production, vineyards, operations and construction. Mike also leads the vineyard acquisition program for Kathryn and Craig Hall. They now own close to 500 acres of premier vineyards in Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Santa Barbara counties. Mike holds an master's in business administration from the University of California, Berkeley and a bachelor's in fermentation science from the University of California, Davis. In addition, Mike is a board member for the California Wine Institute, a member of the Young Presidents Organization, and vice president at Napa Little League—where he also manages a team! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Born and raised in Northern California, Ryan Prichard’s passion for wine blossomed while taking a wine appreciation course at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY. Initially, Prichard worked with smaller wineries in California and Colorado before joining Williams Selyem in Healdsburg where he learned the art of making Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. While running the cellar at Sonoma County’s premier Copain Custom Crush, he was able to work with, and learn from, dozens of the county’s best winemakers. In 2015, Ryan joined Three Sticks where he crafts estate-only Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that showcases Three Sticks’ exceptional vineyards throughout Sonoma. Drink in this episode with the charming Ryan Prichard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Clay Mauritson, of Mauritson Wines, was born and raised in the Dry Creek Valley and is part of the sixth generation of a grape-growing family. Pioneers from Sweden, Clay’s great great-grandparents raised Merino sheep for the wool and planted their first vines on land they settled in 1868. That area now anchors the Rockpile AVA. After playing in the Rose Bowl for the University of Oregon in 1995, Clay graduated and returned to Sonoma County in 1997, where he honed his winemaker skills alongside winemakers at several notable estates. In 1998, he produced the first bottling under the Mauritson label: a Dry Creek Zinfandel. Clay is committed to the sustainability of the family’s 350 acres of vineyards and maintains strong relationships with other growers, giving Mauritson access to some of the best grapes in Sonoma County. Clay’s greatest passion is his family and his the desire to preserve the Mauritson vineyards for future generations. I invite you to drink in this episode with the delightfully charming Clay Mauritson. Note: Clay was in Park City, Utah where he was the Winemaker Honoree at the Red, White & Snow wine event that benefits the National Ability Center Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jeff Morgan is the owner and founding winemaker of Covenant Wines, a boutique urban winery in Berkeley, California making small-lot fine wines from California and Israel. Covenant wines are made from extraordinary vineyards that stretch from Central California, Lodi and Northern California, all the way to the Galilee and Golan Heights in Israel. Covenant wines have been praised by Robert Parker, who called them “the finest kosher wines on planet Earth,” and by Jancis Robinson who stated that Jeff has made “the best kosher wine I have ever tasted.” Drink in this fascinating episode with the exceptionally entertaining Jeff Morgan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Aaron plays Anthony Holmes on the NBC’s comedy, Grand Crew. The popular sitcom tells the story of a ‘crew’ of 30-something Black professional friends in Los Angeles who regularly enjoy getting together at their favorite neighborhood wine bar to unpack their everyday adventures. On the show, Aaron’s character plays the happy-go-lucky, yet slightly uptight accountant. The series first aired in December 2021, and was the top digital comedy on NBC's Peacock streaming platform. Currently in production, season 2 of the successful comedy will return first quarter 2023. In addition to Grand Crew, Aaron can also can be seen on Amazon Prime’s hit series A League Of Their Own, in the role of Guy. Best known for his role as Dr. Malik Verlaine on CBS’ drama Pure Genius, Aaron’s acting resume extends to include appearances in HBO’s Insecure, Tyler Perry’s Meet the Browns, CBS’ NCIS, FOX’s Bones and TNT’s Rizzoli & Isles. Drink in this episode with the talented Aaron Jennings.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lindsey Fern discovered her passion for wine while backpacking through Europe and Africa and later honed her skills working in restaurants all over the world including London, Ibiza, Miami and San Francisco’s Bay Area. In 2014, her journey ultimately led her to the Inn at Little Washington as their cellar master. Then in 2021, she became director of wine. Lindsey is the only woman running a 3-Star Michelin restaurant’s wine program in the country! She in passionate about the industry and her career. Drink in this refreshing episode with the delightfully candid Lindsey Fern. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Loveblock wines is founded by Erica Crawford, and her husband, Kim Crawford, renowned veterans of the New Zealand wine industry. Erica started her career as an aspirational medical scientist, progressing into the pharmaceutical industry. Her career in the wine industry was quite by accident, when she met Kim Crawford. Erica and Kim began making wine under their own label in 1996 and later sold that brand. However, both were lured back by an untamed parcel of land on a hillside in Marlborough’s Awatere Valley and the prospect of making wines that showed “true and naked terroir.” Erica credits her healthy lifestyle with growing healthier vines and making cleaner wines in New Zealand. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Caren Hatton, and her partner Fritz, started Arietta in 1996, in partnership with famed Napa winemaker John Kongsgaard. Their focus is, and has always been, ultra-premium Bordeaux-inspired blends from the Napa Valley. As classical music enthusiasts, Arietta takes its name from Beethoven’s Arietta movement of his last piano sonata, Opus 111. Today, Arietta wines are made by Andy Erickson, one of the most accomplished winemakers in the Napa Valley, and Caren now leads expansion of Arietta Wines into the “mountain states.” Drink in this episode with the melodic Caren Hatton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Vince Anter is a certified sommelier and founder of “V is for Vino.” While pursuing a rock ‘n’ roll career as a guitarist and vocalist, he fell in love with wine while working at the bars and upscale restaurants that paid the bills. As he pursued further wine knowledge, he realized there was no place for the “average Joe” to learn about wine casually; and thus, V is for Vino was born, providing wine education “info-tainment” for the casual and not-so-casual wine drinker. In each episode, Vince takes his audience to a different wine region to explore its culture and history, taste the wine and meet the winemakers. The show is for anyone wanting to learn - from your everyday wine drinker to more serious wine studying professionals. The show has been featured in Forbes, Fox, US Weekly, CBS, Decanter, and more. It can be seen on www.visforvino.com, YouTube, Roku, Amazon Prime, and in airport across the country on ReachTV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

David Ramey revolutionized modern-day winemaking and helped to elevate California to the forefront of the international wine community. Hailed as “Professor Chardonnay” by Wine Spectator, David’s groundbreaking work with indigenous yeasts, whole-cluster pressing, sur lies aging and malolactic and barrel fermentation yielded a new California Chardonnay style that was richer and more complex. A stint working for the Moueix family at the renowned Château Pétrus in Bordeaux introduced David to the time-honored methods of winemaking in France. He brought these lessons back to California where he helped establish a number of wineries that would soon become household names such as Matanzas Creek, Chalk Hill, Dominus Estate and Rudd Estate. In 1996, David and his wife Carla founded Ramey Wine Cellars in Healdsburg, California. They live just outside Healdsburg, not far from the winery. Their two children are now actively involved in the business, continuing the tradition of crafting some of the most sought-after wines in California. Please drink in this master class in winemaking with the Legend himself, David Ramey. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the final installment from the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, Justin Seidenfeld shares his passion for winemaker and sustainability. Justin is the senior vice president of winemaking and winegrowing for Rodney Strong Vineyards, the iconic Sonoma County Winery founded in 1959 by namesake Rodney Strong. Justin’s winemaking career began in Sebastopol, California, where he was an intern at Iron Horse winery in 2005. He quickly rose from cellar hand to taking on winemaking responsibilities which in 2006 led him to the iconic Robert Mondavi Winery in Napa Valley. As a harvest enologist at Mondavi, Seidenfeld gained a comprehensive understanding of quality land and viticulture. He took that experience as he supervised the winemaking at Estancia, Clos du Bois, Simi, and others within the Constellation portfolio. Justin graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2006 with a B.S. in viticulture and enology. He lives in Santa Rosa with his wife Dena and their three daughters Madison, Lila and Reagan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steve Sangiacomo is a third-generation partner at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards, located in Sonoma, California where his family has farmed since 1927. He grew up on the ranch and began learning the ropes from his father and extended family at a young age. In his early 20s, Steve began learning the family business from the ground up, and in his 30s he and his brother Mike took over the reins of the family business. Today, Steve shares responsibility with his brother for managing the family’s 1600 acres of vineyards as well as grape sales to more than 70 premium wineries, many of whom vineyard-designate their wines with the Sangiacomo name. He also oversees his family’s own newly-released wine label, Sangiacomo Family Wines. He flat out loves his job, particularly the wide variety of responsibilities spanning both the framing side and the wine making side. Drink in this episode with Steve Sangiacomo in the fourth installment of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience series, live from the Hotel Healdsburg. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this third installment of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, I had the pleasure of sitting down with wine grower, Duff Bevill. Duff originally intended to specialize in fruit and nut production, but a summer job in Dry Creek Valley in 1973 transformed his career dreams. Working for a local vineyard management company, Duff became acquainted with many older farmers in Dry Creek Valley. “It gave me a sense of history and an appreciation for what it means to be a grape grower in this valley.” Widely recognized as one of Sonoma County’s most accomplished vineyardists, Duff has been farming wine grapes in the area for over 40 years. A strong proponent of sustainable farming, he supports the implementation of the guidelines established by the California Association of Wine Grape Growers and the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission. Duff and his wife Nancy live in the heart of Dry Creek Valley, surrounded by vineyards. Drink in the very educational session with Duff Bevill. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Originally from Spain, Alberto Solis developed his love for food and respect for high quality ingredients from his summers spent in Andalucia, a region known for Iberico. When Alberto came to the U.S., he followed his passion into the specialty food business, introducing many Spanish products, including olive oil, cheeses, vinegars, tuna, and of course, jamon Iberico to U.S. consumers. Over his 30-year career, Alberto became more interested in local foods, and co-founded the successful KitchenTown in Silicon Valley. His knowledge of Iberico, and passion for quality, have inspired him to farm the coveted Iberico pig in Sonoma County, California. Drink in this episode with Alberto Solis as part of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan was seemingly born with a ladle in her hand. She started her culinary journey in her homeland of India and eventually landed in Chicago where she became the executive chef of Vermilion, earning multiple accolades, including Chicago magazine's Best New Restaurant, Esquire's Restaurant of the Month and Wine Enthusiast's Best New Restaurant in the U.S. She eventually landed a role on Iron Chef as the only Indian female ever to compete on that stage. She then proved to be a fierce competitor on The Next Iron Chef. Today, Chef Chauhan is a full-time judge on the Food Network hit show Chopped, which has been nominated for a Critics' Choice Award and granted Chef Chauhan the honor of receiving the prestigious James Beard Award of Excellence. Chef Chauhan is an active supporter of various charities such as CRY (Child Rights and You) and P.A.V.E. (Partnerships for Action, Voices for Empowerment). Maneet is highly devoted to giving back to the community that has given her so much. In 2014, she opened Chauhan Ale & Masala House in Nashville, Tenn. Her energy and creativity, combined with polished culinary skills and the courage to follow her passion, have proved to be the right ingredients for success. Chef Chauhan currently resides in Nashville with her husband, daughter and son. Drink in this episode of The Vine Guy for a very candid conversation with Chef Maneet Chauhan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Just in time for International Sherry Week, Chantal Tseng – a true student of all things liquid - joins the podcast to discuss the versatility of various types of sherry – both paired with food and in cocktails - and to debunk a few old myths. Tseng was the original bar manager and senior bartender of the country’s first ever sherry bar, Mockingbird Hill, where she created and managed the wine list and cocktail program. She was named EaterDC’s 2013 Bartender of the Year and one of Daily Meal’s 25 Top Bartenders in America. Please drink in this educational and fun episode with the charming Chantal Tseng. Wines tasted in this episode:  Gonzalez-Byass Tio Pepe Fino en Rama Sherry Gonzalez-Byass Alfonso Oloroso Sherry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ben Jordan oversees all aspects of winemaking, vineyards and production at Early Mountain Vineyards near the Shenandoah in Virginia. While his background is in fine arts, Ben has been able to put together an impressive winemaking resume with positions at popular wineries in Sonoma County, as well as the general manager and winemaker with Michael Shaps Wineworks in Virginia. Ben brings to Early Mountain a philosophy of crafting high-quality wines from grape varieties that showcase a commitment to the vineyard and the expression of place. Drink in this episode with the very pragmatic Ben Jordan. Wines tasted in this episode: 2019 Early Mountain Vineyards Petit Manseng 2019 Early Mountain Vineyards Quaker Run Cabernet Franc Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There’s a big gap in Erica Stancliff’s winemaking career… the Petaluma Gap to be accurate. Erica’s path to winemaking started at the tender age of 10 when one evening, respected winemaker and family friend Paul Hobbs, whom she calls “Uncle Paul”, came to her parent’s home for dinner with a bottle of 1997 Michael Black Vineyard Merlot tucked under his arm. Hobbs asked her to stick her nose in the glass and describe what she smelled, and “from the mouth of babes” poured adjectives that would have made any wine writer proud. Hobbs then asked her to describe the wine’s flavors. Again, the sensory descriptors flowed, prompting Hobbs to exclaim “you need to be a winemaker!” And become a winemaker she did. Erica is now the fulltime winemaker for Pfendler Vineyards in the Petaluma Gap in Sonoma, California. Drink in this fascinating episode with the talented and enthusiastic Erica Stancliff. Wines tasted in this episode: 2019 Pfendler Vineyards Chardonnay 2019 Pfender Vineyards Pinot Noir Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

John Boich thought he was happy with his successful career as a fund manager until a serendipitous purchase of raw land high in Napa’s Mt. Veeder set him on a life-changing path that he never would had imagined. He eventually traded in his suit for a shovel, planting a vineyard by hand one Saturday at a time for eight years. His goal was to produce wines worthy of a world stage. He assembled a collection of additional vineyard sources including Beckstoffer’s To Kalon, Georges III and Missouri Hopper vineyards; Sonoma’s Ritchie Vineyard; and the winery’s three-acre estate gem: Wall Road Vineyard, and the Wall Road Terrace, the steep estate vineyard that John planted by hand. Drink in this episode with the inspiring John Boich of Boich Family Cellars. Wines Tasted In This Episode: 2018 Boich Family Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Beckstoffer To Kalon Vineyard 2018 Boich Family Cellar Cabernet Sauvignon Wall Road Vineyard Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Daniel Shanks' road to the White House began as a fledgling college student in Richmond, Virginia. Following graduation, Daniel made his way out to Napa Valley, where he started working in restaurants and developed growing appreciation for the passion for the sounds, smells and taste of grapes while living on a vineyard in Rutherford. In 1977, he was hired to be the maitre’d at Chandon, Domaine Chandon’s fine dining restaurant. In late fall of 1994, Daniel received a call that would change his life. It was from the usher's office of the Executive Residence of the White House, inquiring if he would like to be considered for the position of food and beverage usher. He arrived at the White House for his interview with the chief usher and first lady Hillary Clinton’s social secretary. The rest, as they say, is history!  Drink in this very special episode of the Vine Guy and find out why people's perception of the White House as a shining example of the best of American dining has both its rewards and its challenges. Wines Discussed In This Episode: 1995 Heitz Cabernet Sauvignon 1985 “Shanks” Zinfandel Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jean Hoefliger is a man with a quixotic mission: He is inspired and driven by the quest for creative perfection while knowing full well that it can never be achieved. An artisan who has always been motivated to push the envelope, he relies on a commitment to constant scientific research matched by an open-minded, entrepreneurial creativity. His background in winemaking has included stints at Michel Schlumberger and Hartford Family in Sonoma, followed by moves to Bordeaux and South Africa, where he made wine at the esteemed estates of Chateau Carbonnieux and Meerlust, respectively. After earning degrees in enology and viticulture in Switzerland, Jean returned to Bordeaux to make wine at Chateau Lynch-Bages. Moving back to California, he spent five years as winemaker for Newton Vineyard from 2001 to 2005 and then in 2006 became part of the Alpha Omega team from its inception, where he was winemaker and general manager. Today, he has a global consulting business with clients in Tuscany, Texas, Switzerland, France, Sonoma County, and Napa Valley. I invite you to drink in this episode with the passionate Jean Hoefliger. Wines tasted in this episode: 2020 AXR Sauvignon Blanc, Napa Valley 2017 The Debate Artalade Montagna Vineyard, Napa Valley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hailing from a large family in Ireland, David O’Reilly has been working with wine for over thirty years. In addition to making Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley of Oregon, David is also passionate about winemaking in the Yakima Valley of Eastern Washington State. For O’Reilly, this region presents the new world with an outstanding opportunity to create wines that show old world expression. His Owen Roe brand was established using images associated with the iconic Confederate Owen Roe O’Neil, who helped rally the Irish against the English Parliamentary forces. Drink in this lively episode with the delightful David O’Reilly and find out why there is a severed hand on his label! Wines tasted in this episode: 2019 Owen Roe Sinister Hand Red Wine from Columbia Valley 2018 Owen Roe Rosa Mystica Cabernet Franc from Yakima Valley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ian Cauble, MS was featured in the original SOMM documentary as an intense and focused wine professional pursing the coveted Master Sommelier certification. In actuality, this Southern California former surfer is laid back and charming. He has been named “Best Young Sommelier in the World” and TOPSOMM. His thirst for knowledge – and successfully acquiring the Master Sommelier title – has led him to start one of the most unique online wine programs in America. SommSelect is a custom wine program that lets clients “Drink like a Somm.” Drink in this fast-paced interview with the oh-so-passionate Ian Cauble, MS. Wines sampled in this episode: Murgo, Método Classico Brut Rosé from Italy 2017 Bati?, Cabernet Franc from Slovenia Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lisa Mattson, Jordan Vineyard’s director of marketing & communications, has worked in the wine industry for more than twenty years, honing her skills in writing, event planning, public relations, marketing, blogging, social media and creative strategy. She created Jordan Winery’s award-winning videos and dynamic blogs, The Journey of Jordan and Wine Country Table. She is passionate about all-things Jordan, including their new Pollinator program as well as Jordan’s Foundation, which focuses on helping children and young adults in the community. Drink in this episode with the charming Lisa Mattson. Wines tasted in this episode: 2011 Jordan Chardonnay 2011 Jordan Cabernet Sauvignon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mendocino County, located on the coast of Northern California, approximately equidistant from the San Francisco Bay Area and the California/Oregon border, was originally coined “the emerald triangle.” Today, thanks to Bernadette Byrne, the executive director of the Mendocino Winegrowers Association, Mendocino is now known for producing quality wines, including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, and more. The region is diverse, the family farmed vineyards are quaint, and the wines fly free (on participating airlines). Come visit Mendocino County through Bernadette’s interview on this episode of The Vine Guy. Wines tasted in this episode: 2019 McNab Ridge Winery Grenache Rosé , Mendocino 2013 Goldeneye Pinot Noir, Anderson Valley Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Consulting winemaker Aaron Pott learned from an early age from a French waiter that “milk ees for baybees.” From that time on, Aaron knew he wanted to make world-class wines. With the help of legendary mentors such as John Kongsgaard and Michel Roland, Pott crafts wines that exude finesse and charm. Moreover, he loves “the intellectual challenge and the satisfaction of crafting something beautiful for those that will appreciate it.” Drink in this episode with the introspective Aaron Pott. Wines tasted in this episode: 2016 Blackbird Vineyards Paramour 2016 Blackbird Vineyards Illustration Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting and Auction is one of the largest multi-day charity wine events in the country. To date, it has raised over $20 million to help battle heart disease and stroke. And even though the pandemic has prevented in-person participation, it has not dismissed the spirit of the event! Please drink in this special episode with past Heart’s Delight Chairman Brian Kearney, as he invites us all to drink well and do good! If you are interested in participating in this year’s virtual Heart’s Delight wine auction, please check out the event and register here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Well, it’s that time of year again. The Girl Scouts of America are on the cookie-march and never has mixing your support of a worthy cause and indulging in a guilty pleasure ever felt so right! In today’s grown-up world, where pairing wine with just about anything that can find its way onto a plate, the notion of including good ol’ Girl Scout cookies in the game has been elevated to an adult-oriented art form. Check out these whimsical pairings to liven up your next PTA meeting! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As just one of a handful of weekly newspaper wine columnists in the country, Dave McIntyre is passionate about wine, climate change and local wines! We talk about why the world smells like wine, heavy bottle blues, Colorado Nebbiolo, and why it’s important to just “pay attention” when you drink wine. Drink in this delightful episode with the one-and-only Dave McIntyre and find out how you can be a more thoughtful wine consumer. Wines tasted in this episode: 2017 Early Mountain Vineyards “Intention,” Virginia 2017 Red Fox Cellars Nebbiolo, Colorado Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Not many daughters would say this about working with their dad every day; “We have so much respect and love for each other and it’s so much fun to work together that it just works.” But that is exactly how Helene Seillan describes her relationship with her father, famed vigneron Pierre Seillan. Together, they craft some of the most award-winning wines in Sonoma County. Drink in this lovely episode with the father/daughter team behind the success of Vérité Winery. Wines tasted in this episode: 2017 Vérité Winery La Muse 2017 Vérité Winery La Joie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Mark Pisoni works in the vineyards while his brother, Jeff, is responsible for making the wines from their three different sites in the Santa Lucia Highlands in California’s Central Coast. This unique brother team is rare in the wine industry, but their two-heads-are-better-than-one approach results in some world class Pinot Noir! Drink in this episode with Mark and Jeff and see how their different talents come together in the bottle. Wines tasted in this episode: 2012 Pisoni Ranch Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands 2018 Pisoni Ranch Pinot Noir, Santa Lucia Highlands Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There are over 3,000 different grape varieties grown around the world, but Jason Haas, the second-generation proprietor and general manager at Tablas Creek Vineyards in Central Coast California, brings all 15 of the grapes found in the Southern Rhone region of France in their vineyards to make wines inspired by Chateauneuf du Pape but still “rooted” in Paso Robles. Drink in the episode with the delightfully dedicated Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyards. Wines tasted in this episode: 2019 Tablas Creek Vineyards Patelin de Tablas Blanc 2018 Tablas Creek Vineyards Esprit de Tablas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices