When Dennis and Judy Groth purchased 121 acres in Oakville in 1981, it included the Oakcross Vineyard - filled with prime Cabernet Sauvignon that had been planted by Justin Meyer and Ray Duncan some 8-10 years earlier. So, it didn’t take long for them to establish a track record with their Cabernet. In fact, Robert Parker gave the 1985 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon the distinction of California’s first 100 point wine.

Fast forward to today, and between 1999 and 2003 they replanted all of the Cabernet Sauvignon with new clones, rootstocks, and new trellising. With all the young vines, they also decided to not produce wine for the Reserve program for vintages 2000-2004.

Join us as we talk about Oakville, Cabernet and what it’s like to be given the first perfect 100 point score on a wine from the U.S.

For more info on Groth Vineyards and Winery: www.grothwines.com

Sponsor: Vinfolio: www.vinfolio.com

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One of the highlights of the 2008 World of Pinot Noir was the Wines of Domaine Jacques-Frédéric Mugnier. It was billed as a seminar, but it was really more like sitting down with one of the foremost authorities on Burgundy, Allen Meadows (Burghound.com), and the highly respected producer Frédéric (Freddy) Mugnier to sample and discuss the wines of his domaine.

Join us as Allen and Freddy lead us through what could easily be called among the purest wines in Burgundy.

For more info on the wines of Domaine Jacques-Frederic Mugnier: www.mugnier.fr

Sponsor: Bagged Wine - Blind Wine Tasting Kits: www.baggedwine.com

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Acclaimed as the creator of the famous wine list at Windows on the World (which sold more wine than any restaurant in the United States), Kevin Zraly designed the training program for the most knowledgeable wine-service staff in America. He is a James Beard Award winner and has co-hosted the Food Newtork’s “Wine A to Z”.

Kevin also celebrated his 30th anniversary in 2006 as the founder and teacher of the immensely popular Windows on the World Wine School that has graduated over 18,000 students since its inception. He has been teaching wine for over 30 years, beginning at the age of 20, and has studied wine-making techniques in California and all the great wine regions of Europe.

Join us as we talk with Kevin about the role of a wine educator, and his many experiences in the world of wine.

For more info on Kevin Zraly: www.windowswineschool.com

Sponsor: 10th Annual Winemakers Cookoff: www.winemakerscookoff.com

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Marchesi Antinori is one of Italy’s most famous wineries. Indeed, the Antinori family has been making wine for over six hundred years, since Giovanni di Piero Antinori became part of the Arte Fiorentina dei Vinattieri in 1385. Not ones to be stuck in the past, they were also right there at the birth of the “Super Tuscan” with their own Tignanello. In fact, they continually try to be inventive in seeking out partnerships with wineries from other countries and hemispheres, as well as experimentation in the vineyards and cellars, trying different clones, growing techniques, fermentation methods, traditional and modern vinification and aging methods.

Today Marchese Piero Antinori is director of the company, assisted by his three daughters, Albiera, Allegra and Alessia, all of whom are personally involved in the business. Join us as Allesia Antinori visits in the studio to describe what it’s like to have both the tradition and responsibility of 26 generations to follow in the Tuscany region of Italy.

For more info on Antinori: www.antinori.it

Sponsor: New Media Expo: www.newmediaexpo.com

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The new movie Bottle Shock premiered at the 2008 Sundance Film Festival and GrapeRadio was there to cover it. The screenplay is told through the lives of Jim and Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, whose Chardonnay went on to win the competition, and the movie chronicles the events leading up to the famous Paris Tastings of 1976. It was at this place and time that Napa wines bested French wines in a blind tasting - immediately catapulting California into the limelight on the world stage of wine.

While at Sundance, our correspondent, Ann Lieber, conducted interviews with actors Alan Rickman (Steven Spurrier), and Bill Pullman (Jim Barrett), as well as Director Randall Miller, and fellow screenplay collaborator Jody Savin. Join us as we get their perspectives of why and how the story of this pivotal wine event needed to be told via film.

For more info on Bottle Shock the Movie: www.bottleshock.com

Sponsor: New Media Expo: www.newmediaexpo.com

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Does the name Russell Bevan ring a bell? Well, it probably does to most wine-geek denizens of the internet. Russell (and alter ego Bacchus) was there at the start, when wine-based bulletin boards and discussion groups emerged from their cocoons.

A rabid wine fan from the time he could buy wine (actually, even before), Russell wanted to learn everything he could about the subject. Eventually, he found many others across the country like himself who were thoroughly into wine. Before long, Russell found himself leading groups of thirsty geeks on extended wine tours of his favorite region, California. These tours became the things of legend, and soon other geeks were doing likewise, exploring and indulging their passion in the California grape scene.

So, where did all this crazy passion for wine lead Russell? Right into winemaking. When he was offered a ton of high-quality Cabernet fruit from a very respected source in Napa Valley, Russell jumped at the chance and made his first Bevan Cellars Cabernet. And where did that lead him? The winemaking job at this same source – Showkett Vineyards. Fast forward to today, Russell leads some of the same friends on a new adventure, hand-sorting through grapes in an all-out effort to make a “yummy” wine.

Join us as we talk with Russell about the early days, the present challenges, and how he and his inspiration Victoria realize a dream of what must seem like the perfect life.

For more info on:

Bevan Cellars: www.bevancellars.com
Drystack Cellars: www.drystackwinery.com
Showket Vineyards: www.showketvineyards.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies, Mailing List: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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With his wild Adrian Duritz-like hair, Charles Smith looks more rock star than winemaker. But, while he did once manage rock bands, winemaking is where his heart and mind are now.

Located near the Blue Mountains in Walla Walla, Washington, K Vintners began business in 2001. Owner and winemaker Charles Smith has some great B&W (aka
monochrome) packaging which gives the “K” wines a unique look, and he is making a name for himself in Washington Syrah, and (gasp) Riesling.

Join us as we walk some vineyards, drink some wine and hear from Charles about what he feels is important in life and wine.

For more information on the K Vintners : www.kvintners.com ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/07/06/k-vintners-walla-walla/feed/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/29/the-secret-life-of-pinot-noir/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/29/the-secret-life-of-pinot-noir/#comments Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:21:30 +0000 GrapeRadio Bunch http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/29/the-secret-life-of-pinot-noir/

Pinot Takes a Walk on the Sparkling Side: A Champagne seminar at IPNC? Mais oui! If you dig through the calcium-laden soils of Champagne, more often than not, you will find Pinot Noir roots.

Two Parts. Part One Moderators: Rollin Soles, Argyle Winery, Dundee, Willamette Valley, Oregon and Ghislain de Montgolfier, Champagne Bollinger, led the group through a tasting that explained how sparkling wine is made and included tastings of base wines for sparkling wine and Champagne. Part Two Moderators: Eric Asimov, New Yorks Times and Peter Wasserman of Le Serbet/Selection Becky Wasserman introduced the wines of some of Champagne’s best grower/winemakers who were represented by Paul and Francoise Couvreur (Champagne et Villages), Morgane Fleury (Champagne Fleury), Jose and Corinne Lievens (Champagne Jacques Picard), and Thierry Massin and Sylvie Fricot (Champagne Thierry Massin).

For more info on the 2008 International Pinor Noir Celebration: www.ipnc.org

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies, Mailing List: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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We are back for more coverage of the 3rd annual Pinot Days, held in San Francisco’s Fort Mason Event Center, showcases some of the finest artisans making Pinot today. Organizers Steve and Lisa Rigisich and Eric and Teri White continue to tweak this event, and with blind tastings, grand tastings and seminars, it is one of the must-attend Pinot Noir festivals during the year.

Interviews include: (Click Below for Web Links)

- Tom Mortimer - Le Cadeau Vineyard (Willamette Valley, Oregon)
- David White - Carneros dell Notte (Napa Carneros, California)
- Don Baumhefner - Ridgeway Family Vineyards (Sonoma Coast, California)
- Gideon Bienstock - Clos Saron (Sierra Foothills, California)
- John & Barbara Drady - Sonoma Coast Vineyards (Sonoma, California)
- Jonathan Pey - Pey-Marin (Marin County, California)
- Paul Clary - Clary Ranch (Sonoma Coast, California)
- Moira Conzelman - Harmonique (Anderson Valley, California)
- Dennis De La Montanya - De La Montanya (Russian River Valley, California)

For more info on the 2008 Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Technologies, Mailing List: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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For more information on the James Beard Foundation: www.jamesbeard.org
2008 James Beard Foundation Award Winners: www.jbfawards.com

Here is our video that won the award: Stewards of the Land.

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When you think of the Russian River Valley, what comes to mind? Pinot Noir and Chardonnay? Well, right now, yes, but it wasn’t always that way.

Trappers and hunters predominated in the early 1800s, as Russian settlers moved into this area just north of San Francisco giving the river and the surrounding watershed its colorful name. By the 1870s, viticulture had been firmly established in the valley, only to be completely de-railed by prohibition in the 1920s. What followed, even after the repeal of prohibition in 1933, was a steady growth in normal agricultural crops and orchards for many years to come. It would take a 30-year incubation period for the re-birth of vineyards.

The true wine Renaissance finally arrived in the 1960s, when pioneers like Charles Bacigalupi and Joe Rochioli began planting Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. And later, when Chateau Montelena took the French by surprise at the 1976 Paris tasting (with a Chardonnay made from Bacigalupi fruit), and Williams Selyem began to win accolades for its Russian River Valley Pinot Noirs, the valley found its rightful place as a world-class (and world famous) wine growing region.

GrapeRadio is proud to present a brief look at the Russian River Valley, including interviews with Joe Rochioli, Howie Allen, Helen Bacigalupi, Burt Williams, John Haeger, James Laube, and many more. Join us for a close-up of this beautiful area, including highlights of its history, its agriculture, its foods, and most importantly, its people.

Cellar accidents, broken wine glasses, wine left in your car trunk - these are just a few of the wine disasters that can happen.

Join us as the GrapeRadio bunch discuss some of their worst or most embarrassing moments.

Sponsor: Wine Away, Red Wine Stain Remover: www.wineaway.com

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Part 3 of our visit to Vintage Walla Walla continues with visits to a few winemaking folks where we participate in a blending trial with Woodward Canyon’s Rick Small. Of course, some winery visits were an absolute must (no pun intended), so we paid a visit to Pepper Bridge and Basel Cellars, followed by a terrific wine tasting.

For more information on the Vintage Walla Walla : www.wallawallawine.com ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/13/vinatge-walla-walla-part-3/feed/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/08/vintage-walla-walla-part-2/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/08/vintage-walla-walla-part-2/#comments Mon, 09 Jun 2008 04:00:49 +0000 GrapeRadio Bunch http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/08/vintage-walla-walla-part-2/ Welcome to our video podcast of the Vintage Walla Walla - Part 2 - Video Show #34.

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We continue with our visit to Vintage Walla Walla, this time getting down to the real nitty gritty - soil, that is. We get a first-hand history lesson and a look at the different soil types in Walla Walla Valley with Dr. Kevin Pogue, a Professor of Geology at Whitman College.

Much of the soil in the Walla Walla Valley is a blown-in almost talcum-like mixture called loess. This, mixed with granite, basalt, and cobbles from the Blue Mountains make for a unique terroir.

For more information on the Vintage Walla Walla : www.wallawallawine.com ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/08/vintage-walla-walla-part-2/feed/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/04/vintage-walla-walla-part-1/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/04/vintage-walla-walla-part-1/#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2008 09:00:11 +0000 GrapeRadio Bunch http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/04/vintage-walla-walla-part-1/ Welcome to our video podcast of the Vintage Walla Walla - Part 1 - Video Show #33.

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Located in one of the primary agriculture-producing regions of Washington State, Walla Walla Valley lies in the southeastern part of the state on the edge of the Columbia and Snake River basins. Here, the most important commercial crops have been wheat and sweet onions, but the region is fast becoming known for its distinctive wines. In 1984, the region was federally recognized as an AVA. Home to just four wineries and 60 acres of vineyards at the time, today there are more than 100 wineries and more than 1,500 acres of vineyards.

Join us as we explore Part 1 of Vintage Walla Walla, the regional food and wine festival that showcases the vineyards and wineries of the Walla Walla Valley.

For more information on the Vintage Walla Walla : www.wallawallawine.com ]]> http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/04/vintage-walla-walla-part-1/feed/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/02/the-wines-of-vega-sicilia/ http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/02/the-wines-of-vega-sicilia/#comments Mon, 02 Jun 2008 09:00:57 +0000 GrapeRadio Bunch http://www.graperadio.com/archives/2008/06/02/the-wines-of-vega-sicilia/

The history of Vega-Sicilia began in 1848, when Basque landowner Don Toribio Lecanda met the bankrupt Marques de Valbuena and bought a 2,000 hectare estate. Don Toribio’s son later brought in 18,000 young vines of Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenere, Malbec, Merlot and Pinot Noir from France to begin the vineyard.

Early wines were sold off in bulk as Rioja, but in 1929, the 1917 and 1918 wine won awards at the World’s Fair. Steady progress was made at making great wines, and today Vega-Secilia arguably stands at the pinnacle of wines from Spain.

Join us as we talk with Puri Mancebo, Bodegas Vega-Sicilia’s Export Manager, about this historic winery, and its past and present.

For more information on Vega Sicilia : www.vega-sicilia.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Tech, Your Mailing List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Break out the Champagne — we are celebrating our 200th audio show, and we couldn’t have planned it any better. Our guest for this momentous occasion is one of the world’s premiere Champagne producers, Champagne Krug.

Bottles of Krug Champagne are considered some of the most sought-after collectibles in the vinous world. Whether it be the multi-vintage bottlings of Ros and Grand Cuve, or the vintage bottlings of Clos de Mesnil, or the ultra-premium Clos d’Ambonnay - the bottles are very difficult, if not impossible to find on the market. Established in Reims in 1843 by Johann-Joseph Krug, the Maison has retained the guidance of family hands through present day, even while becoming a part of Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH).

Join us as we talk with Kurt Dienel, Krug’s Business Development Director, to find out more about their vineyard properties, their winemaking practices, and what it is that makes Krug so special.

For more information on Krug: www.krug.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Tech, Your Mailing List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Audio #13: Let’s Celebrate Champagne
Audio #45: The Business of Champagne
Audio #170: The Wines of Dom Perignon
Audio #175: Champagne with Veuve Clicquot
Video #31: Champagne Taittinger: A Walk Through the Cellars
Video #32: Champagne of Philipponnat

The GrapeRadio Bunch decided to have a bit of fun with this show. So, while kicking around some ideas, we wondered…Do you hide wine from your spouse or significant other? Of course not; who would do that? Well, maybe we would!

Join us as Brian, Eric and Jay “come clean” about how they would “disguise” a wine purchase here and there, so as not to bring unwanted attention to their wine-buying habits.

If you comment on this show and share your crazy wine hiding antics you will be automatically entered in our drawing. We are giving away 4 autographed copies of George Tabers book “To Cork or Not to Cork”. Contest Expires June 1, 2008.

Sponsor: Pinpoint Tech, Your Mailing List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Although the Philipponnat family history in the Champagne region dates back to 1522, the recent history began when Auguste and Pierre Philipponnat settled in the Mareuil-sur-Aÿ region of Champagne in 1910. When Pierre acquired the steep Clos des Goisses vineyard on the southern flank of the Gruguet hill in 1935, he broke with the tradition of blending Champagne vineyards, creating a single-vineyard wine from a rather remarkable site that overlooks the Marne River. Charles Philipponnat, grandson of Auguste, is now President of the Maison and has overseen the creation of new wine making facilities and barrel storage.

Join us as Charles takes us on a walk (make that climb) of the five and a half hectare Clos des Goisses - which stood witness to the WWI battles of nearly 100 years ago. We also visit the cellars and barrel room, and disgorge some Champagne.

For more information on the Champagne of Philipponnat: www.philipponnat.com

If you enjoyed this episode check out these other related shows:

Audio #13: Let’s Celebrate Champagne
Audio #45: The Business of Champagne
Audio #170: The Wines of Dom Perignon
Audio #175: Champagne with Veuve Clicquot
Video #31: Champagne Taittinger: A Walk Through the Cellars
Audio #200: The Champagne of Krug

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The roots of Taittinger date back to 1734, when Champagne merchant Jacques Fourneaux established his company. The business prospered through the 19th century, ultimately Fourneaux-Forest merged with the Taittinger family, who retained control.

Join us as we accompany Cellarmaster Loïc Dupont through the famous Taittinger cellars, located in Reims on the site of Gallo-Roman chalk mines dug during the 4th century, and enlarged in the 13th century by the Saint Nicaise Abbey monks to provide storage for the Champagne wines which they traded in. Remains of the Abbey, which was destroyed during the French Revolution, are still visible today throughout the tunnels, in an excellent state of preservation.

For More Information on Champagne Taittinger: www.taittinger.com

If you enjoyed this episode check out these other related shows:

Audio #13: Let’s Celebrate Champagne
Audio #45: The Business of Champagne
Audio #170: The Wines of Dom Perignon
Audio #175: Champagne with Veuve Clicquot
Video #32: The Champage of Philipponnat
Audio #200: The Champagne of Krug

If you are into Spanish wine, it is likely you are aware of the oldest Bodega in the Rioja. Founded in 1852, Marqués de Murrieta concentrates on making Reserva and Gran Reserva, each spending multiple years in large oak barrels. The Castillo de Ygay is their Gran Reserva, and is produced only in exceptional years. Incredibly, the current release of this wine is 30 years old! The 1978 vintage was not bottled until 1998, after spending 212 months in oak!

Join us as we sit with Vicente Dalmau, President of Marqués de Murrieta winery. Vicente (who is also the Conde de Creixell) discusses Tempranillo, La Rioja, and an exciting new property in the Rias Baixas area of Galicia, where they are producing Alberiño.

For more information on Marqués de Murrieta: www.marquesdemurrieta.com

Sponsor: Pinpoint Tech, Your Mailing List Source: www.pinpoint-tech.com

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Audio #34: All About Port
Audio #37: The Wines of Sierra Bodegas Montecillo
Audio #130: Hospice Du Rhone – The Priorat Posse

Beginning in 1979, Randy Dunn (then winemaker at Caymus) produced his first vintage of Cabernet from Howell Mountain fruit, arguably putting Howell Mtn on the map, and creating a demand from then on for “mountain-grown”
fruit from Napa Valley.

Join us as we talk with Kristina Dunn about her role as marketing director of the family business, the legendary long-lived Cabs made by her father, and what it was like growing up on Howell Mtn.

For more information on Dunn Vineyards: www.dunnvineyards.com

Sponsor: The Beaches of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

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If you enjoyed this episode check out these other related shows:

Audio #15: Shafer Vineyards with Doug Shafer
Audio #16: The Wines of Bob Foley
Audio #93: Mondavi – 40 Years In Napa
Audio #103: Bo Barrett and Ch. Montelena
Audio #108: Winery Profile: Trefethen Vineyards
Audio #125: Winery Profile: Staglin Family
Video #1: The Staglin Family
Audio #148: Wine Maker Profile: Mike Trujillo

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Some might say Christophe Baron had rocks in his head to plant Syrah in 1997 in Washington’s Walla Walla Valley. But actually, it is the vineyards of Cayuse that are loaded with rocks. As with most of his colleagues, Christophe feels the answer to great wines is to work hard work in the vineyard. But, the weather is a tough variable here in Southeastern Washington. To keep the vines from freezing during the harsh winter, Christophe must bury the vines with rocks and dirt. And, since grafting is a problem because of the cold winters (grafts would have difficulty surviving), all of his vines are all on their own rootstalks.

Join us as we listen to this fascinating vigneron, and his take on working among the stones to make great wines from the Walla Walla Valley.

For more information on Cayuse Vineyards: www.cayusevineyards.com

Ted Burns interviews David Schildknecht, Robert White and Greg Jones about the influences of soil and weather on wine grapes. David Schildknecht is a well-respected wine critic and writer for the Wine Advocate and has a special interest in the topic of terroir. Robert White is author of the book, Soils for Fine Wine. Greg Jones is a climatologist and vineyard site selection consultant.

The participants discuss the influence of the physical and chemical properties of soil and the influence of weather on wine grapevine growing, the quality of wine and the terroir of many winegrowing regions. The topic of taste of “minerality” is also discussed during this in depth look at these important and usually only superficially-covered topics.

Sponsor: CRUSHPAD: www.crushpadwine.com

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GrapeRadio is proud to announce that it has won the award for “Best Wine Podcast and Video Blog” from the American Wine Blog Awards. A panel of wine industry insiders selected the finalist in each category and the winners were then selected by popular vote of the listening public. So thanks again to all of our listeners.

Summary of all Winners:

BEST PODCAST OR VIDEOBLOG
Grape Radio
The crew that produces Grape Radio deliver one of the finest wine radio shows in America. And they have for quite some time. In my mind, what sets them apart from other wine related radio broadcast, be they originating on the Internet or via broadcast, is their willingness to treat their listeners with the respect they deserve, not talking down to them and not assuming they all need remedial education. The American Wine Blog Awards is hardly their first piece of recognition. The Grape Radio crew is now twice honored as a James Beard Award Nominee.

BEST WINE BLOG WRITING
Vinography
www.vinography.com
Last year Alder Yarrow’s Vinography took the prize for Best Wine Review Blog. I consider this award offering even broader recognition to what has become the standard bearer of the wine blogging effort. Alder has not built a substantial readership based on marketing and promotion. He’s earned it through his thoughtful, insightful writing and analysis.

BEST SINGLE SUBJECT BLOG
Good Wine Under $20
www.goodwineunder20.blogspot.com
Deb Harkness, aka Dr. Debs, the LA college professor and wine blogger has probably been the most newly noticed wine blog of the last 12 months or so. This is all due, as far as I can tell, to her enormous passion for both wine and her readers’ passions for wine. Her subject matter has of late broadened beyond recollections of her search for good wines under $20. This is very good news because she is quick witted and has an excellent eye for the curious and newsworthy. Yet her focus on value remains true and will likely be what delivers even more readers to her outstanding blog.

BEST WINE BLOG GRAPHICS
Chateau Petrogasm
www.chateaupetrogasm.com
Benjamin Saltzman and Andrew Stuart have done something remarkable. They created something new and very, very good in the world of wine reviewing. When I first came across Chateau Petrogasm I was knocked by in my chair by their graphic approach to reviewing wines. How simple. A single picture to convey their impressions of a wine. The approach is both highly cerebral as well as arresting due to its implications for how sophisticated and precise the simplest form of communication can be. There is no doubt a coffee table book in the Chateau Petrogasm’s future.

BEST WINERY BLOG
Tablas Creek
www.tablascreek.typepad.com
Tablas Creek has one of the longest running winery blogs. Any really good winery blog must impart the experience of working at a winery and running a winery. The Tablas Creek blog not only does this but is able to do so by also imparting the excitement they possess for being in the business, the seriousness with which they take their efforts and with the occasional self deprecating approach. It is a joy to read that takes one inside the head of someone who thinks clearly and communicates clearly about the business and fun of growing grapes and making wine.

BEST WINE REVIEW BLOG
Good Wine Under $20
www.goodwineunder20.blogspot.com
This was for me by far the most interesting group of nominees in this year’s awards. All four nominees do give their readers an educated and passionate glimpse into their view of the world of wines. Deb Harkness of Good Wine Under $20 did not necessarily win this category running away, but she did win it convincingly, with both the public and the judges. Why? I think it’s because voters and judges see in her reviews exactly what we all want when we encounter a wine we’ve not tasted: an excitement stemming from true discovery. Dr. Debs is clearly becoming an important person in the world of wine blogging and wine reviewing.

BEST BUSINESS BLOG
The Wine Collector
www.vinfolio.com/thewinecollector
The raise to win Best Business Wine Blog was easily the closets of them all. In the end, Steve Bachmann’s The Wine Collector took the prize, actually garnering the most votes from both the public and the judges. The Wine Collector was the winner of last year’s prize for Best Single Subject Wine Blog. This year it was honored for what it does best: deliver exceedingly high level analysis of the wine market and wine selling from the perspective of someone who knows markets and knows about selling wine. Steve’s blog posts, however, are not so far in the air above people’s heads that they won’t appeal to a broad market. What accounts for this is the straightforward nature of his writing. The Wine Collector is a deserving winner.

BEST WINE BLOG
Vinography
www.vinography.com

Scott Paul Wines is a boutique winery dedicated to producing ultra-premium Pinot Noirs from the Willamette Valley of Oregon. Proprietor and winemaker, Scott Paul Wright, came to winemaking as a second career. For thirty years, he had a career in the radio and music industries. As a disc jockey, his handle was “Shadow Stevens” and those of you from the East Coast remember him well. His financial success in the music world allowed him to cellar and drink good wine from an early age. As the music business became more and more a corporate-driven industry, Scott lost interest in continuing in that field, and left to learn winemaking.

Under the mentorship of Greg Le Follette and others, and taking inspiration from Burgundy, he developed his winemaking skills. After ten vintages in Oregon, he is now very comfortable with his career change.

For more info on Scott Paul Wines: www.scottpaul.com

Sponsor: The Beaches of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

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GrapeRadio has once again been selected as a finalist by the James Beard Foundation for an award in the category of Video and Webcasting.

Click here to access the video that was nominated: Stewards of the Land

The James Beard Foundation Awards are the nation’s preeminent honors for culinary professionals. More than 60 awards are given out each year in the categories of cookbooks, restaurants and chefs, design and graphics, broadcast media, journalism, and achievement. Nominees and award winners are selected by their industry peers, with more than 600 culinary professionals involved in the voting process.

Thank you to all of our fans who have given us such great support over the years.

The Boscaini family have been the owners of the Masi Winery in the Veneto region of Italy for six generations, and specialize in the production of Amarones and Reciotos. In 1964, Masi rediscovered and refined the technique of double fermentation using semi-dried grapes, essentially updating the style of Amarone by using new vinification techniques. Their Amarones are now considered ‘new world’ in style, and indeed, Masi has even established vineyards in Argentina, using the same vinification processes with the Malbec grape.

Join us as we talk with Sandro about the unique method of apassimento, a process of drying the grapes for over 3-months, and hear why Masi isn’t making your father’s Amarone any more.

For more info on Masi Winery: www.masi.it

Sponsor: The Beaches of South Walton: www.beachesofsouthwalton.com

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The highly touted 2005 Bordeaux vintage was reason enough to attend the Union des Grands Crus de Bordeaux tasting in Santa Monica. With nearly 80 châteaux in attendance, the event promised to be an extraordinary one.

Join us as we discuss this fabulous vintage with representatives from several châteaux, as well as a couple of sommeliers and retailers to see and taste if 2005 is everything it’s cracked up to be.

We are pleased to see that GrapeRadio has been listed on http://wine.alltop.com as one of the world’s top wine blogs. This site is Guy Kawasaki’s new experiment in aggregating data from across the web. Guy was one of the original Apple employees responsible for marketing of the Macintosh in 1984, and also is a well known tech venture capitalist and author.

GrapeRadio has once again been nominated for the Fermentation’s - “American Wine Blog Awards” in the category of Best Wine Related Podcast.

We need your help!!!

To vote for GrapeRadio as the “Top Wine Podcast”: CLICK HERE

Starting in 1987, the International Pinot Noir Celebration is held annually in McMinnville, Oregon, on the beautiful grounds of Linfield College. Arguably the benchmark in Pinot Noir festivals, this brings in participating wineries from Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, and of course the U.S., along with seminars, winemaker discussion panels, bus tours, lunches and dinners - making this a full immersion into the international world of Pinot Noir.

Join Rusty Gaffney, “The Prince of Pinot” as he interviews: (Click for Web Links)

- Sheila Nicholas, Anam Cara Cellars: www.anamcaracellars.com
- Terry Brandborg, Brandborg Vineyards and Winery: www.brandborgwine.com
- David Croix, Maison Camille Giroud
- Frank Ostini, Hitching Post II: www.hitchingpostwines.com
- Dr Edwin Irish, Salud: www.saludauction.org
- George Riedel, Riedel Wine Glass Company: www.riedel.com

For more info on the 2008 International Pinot Noir Celebration: www.ipnc.org

Sponsor: Wine Blue Book, Wine Buying Guide: www.winebluebook.com

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The 3rd annual Pinot Days, held in San Francisco’s Fort Mason Event Center, showcases some of the finest artisans making Pinot today. Organizers Steve and Lisa Rigisich and Eric and Teri White continue to tweak this event, and with blind tastings, grand tastings and seminars, it is one of the must-attend Pinot Noir festivals during the year.

Interviews include: (Click Below for Web Links)

- Kevin Hamel - Pellegrini Family Vineyards/Hamel Wines (Russian River Valley)
- Kathleen Inman - Inman Family Wines (Russian River Valley)
- Mike Sullivan - Benovia Winery (Russian River Valley)
- Rod Berglund - Joseph Swan (Russian River Valley)
- Anthony Filiberti - Anthill Farms Winery (Russian River Valley)
- Kent Humphrey - Eric Kent Wines (Russian River Valley)
- David Dain - Dain Wines (Russian River Valley - Crushpad)
- Bob Ruskin - Lost Canyon Winery (Oakland)

For more info on the 2008 Pinot Days: www.pinotdays.com

Sponsor: CRUSHPAD: www.crushpadwine.com

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Part 3 of our coverage of the 2008 Naples Winter Wine Festival continues with more conversation from attendees, vintners, organizers, and some successful bidders. We’ll also follow Shari & Garen Staglin’s amazing $1 million lot, consisting of tickets to the Academy Awards, a walk-on TV role, dinners, tours, private jet to Cabo, and more - and, of course 3-6L of wine.

For More Information on Naples Wine Auction: www.napleswinefestival.com

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Part 2 of our coverage of the 2008 Naples Winter Wine Festival continues with more conversation from attendees, vintners, and organizers, and we’ll follow the Chapoutier lot bidding and hear from auctioneers Ann Colgin and Humphrey Butler. One of a kind lots include a 12L bottle of SQN Inaugral.

For More Information on Naples Wine Auction: www.napleswinefestival.com

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The 2008 Naples Winter Wine Festival raised $14 million for children’s charities, making it once again the most successful charity wine auction in the world. Indeed, in only eight years, the Trustees of the NCEF have raised more than $69 million to improve the lives of underprivileged and at-risk children in Collier County, Fla.

Saturday kicked off with a wine tasting and culinary feast prepared by Ritz-Carlton chefs from across Florida. The 635 attendees at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort in Naples, Florida, got right to it, bidding on 72 one-of-a-kind, unique and luxury auction lots, with winning bids ranging from $45,000 to $1 million.

Join us for Part 1 of our coverage, as we hear from organizers, attendees and vintners like Doug Shafer, and Vega Sicilia’s Pablo Alvarez about why this event is so successful, and its charitable causes so important.

For More Information on Naples Wine Auction: www.napleswinefestival.com

Founded in 1825 in Nuits-Saint-Georges, Maison J. Faiveley has expanded over seven generations to include prestigious Crus from Côte de Nuits and Côte de Beaune, as well as the most renowned appellations of Côte Chalonnaise, such as Mercurey. Today, Domaine Faiveley owns more than 120 hectares (296 acres), including seven appellations in their entirety (monopoles) - more than any other domaine in Burgundy. These vineyard holdings include eight Grand Crus and 16 Premier Crus spread over 15 Villages. Eighty percent of Faiveley wines come from family-owned vineyards; the balance from long-term contracts.

In December 2004, Erwan Faiveley took over the reins from his father, François, at the age of 25. This might seem young, but it is not without precedent, as Erwan’s grandfather Guy handed the Domaine off to François in 1976 when the latter was about the same age. Join us as we talk with the very personable Erwan Faiveley about the region and its wines, and the skill and passion it takes to run the largest family Domaine in Burgundy.

For more info on the wines of Domaine Faiveley: www.bourgognes-faiveley.com

Sponsor: Millesima, Fine Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com

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If you are a Bordeaux fan, the name Château Pétrus will be no stranger to you - even if the wine might be, given it’s exalted status and price. But, such is the result of something made in nearly miniscule quantities. Along with Pétrus, the Moueix family own several other “right bank” Châteaux in St. Emilion as well as the Dominus Estate in Napa Valley.

Jean-Pierre Moueix began the family business 1937, founding the Établissements J. P. Moueix as a négociant and shipper of wines from St.-Émilion and Pomerol, near their home town of Libourne. Many years and several Château acquisitions later, Jean-Pierre’s son Christian began exploring the idea of developing a winery in Napa Valley.

Join us as we talk with Edouard Moueix, the third generation of his family to continue the business, about the Moueix properties, Bordeaux vintages and pricing, and the Dominus Estate.

For more information on the wines of Moueix: www.moueix.com

Sponsor: Wine Blue Book, Wine Buying Guide: www.winebluebook.com

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The Vietti family trace their winemaking roots back to the mid 1800s in the Piedmont region of Italy. The modern era for Vietti began with Mario Vietti producing the first Vietti labeled wines, transforming the family’s farm into a grape growing and wine-producing business. In 1952 Alfredo Currado, married Mario’s daughter, Luciana, and became a major influence in the Piedmont by seeking to vinify individual site separately, to accent the terroir
of Barolo’s best slopes. In 1970 Alfredo & Luciana Currado introduced local art on their family’s wine labels.

Luca Currado joined the family business in 1990. Wine is in my blood,” he said, and he could not have imagined anything other than following his father Alfredo as the 5th generation at the Vietti winery in the Piedmont region of Italy. After oenological school, Luca left Italy to intern at several properties in France and the U.S., returning home, as he put it, “when my father stopped sending money.”

Join us as we talk with this engaging winemaker and vineyardist about the intricacies of Italian wines in general, and the Borolos, Bararescos, and Barberas of the Piedmont region. You just might find you too have an affinity for Italian wines.

For more information on the wines of Vietti: www.vietti.com

Sponsor: Wine Blue Book, Wine Buying Guide: www.winebluebook.com

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Michel Chapoutier is one of the most highly respected winemakers in all of France. Since taking over his family firm in 1990 at age 26, he has transformed M. Chapoutier winery into its eminent role in the Rhône Valley.

Michel embodies both the modern and the traditional, working at expanding operations and experimenting with cutting edge winemaking techniques, while crusading for biodynamic winegrowing. He pruned vineyards and reduced yields from 35 or more hectoliters per hectare to 25 hectoliters per hectare, and embraced biodynamic techniques in his estate vineyards, harvesting grapes by hand and using only natural yeasts to produce unfiltered wines to ensure that soils are alive and a true expression of the terroir.

Since 1996, Braille has been present on all M. Chapoutier labels as an homage to Maurice Monier de La Sizeranne, owner of the plot of the Hermitage, la Sizeranne, and also the inventor of the first version of abbreviated Braille.

Join us as we talk with this charismatic and fascinating winemaker about M.Chapoutier, biodynmanics, and his obvious joie de vivre. You might even hear the twinkle in his eye.

For More Information on M Chapoutier: www.chapoutier.com

Sponsor: Millesima, Fine Wine Merchants: www.millesima-usa.com

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If you are into Pinot Noir, seminars on the subject are almost always interesting. But, what really gets all of the pinophiles attention and turns them into Burg-heads, is the opportunity to hear more about the Holy Grail of Pinot Noir - Burgundy. Join us as we listen to Allen Meadows take us on a journey to Domaine Comte Georges de Vogue and Domaine Michel Gros, as he discusses the 1996, 1999, and 2000 vintages with these two iconic producers.

Sponsor: Wine Blue Book, Wine Buying Guide: www.WinBlueBook.com

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The origins of Schramsberg Vineyards began in 1862, when immigrant Jacob Schram bought some acreage on a hillside in Napa Valley. He was a barber at the time, but had lofty intentions of growing grapes and making wine in this wild area. By the 1880s, Jacob had quit barbering and was making 12,000 cases of award winning wines - mostly Riesling, Hock, Burgundy and Chasselas. Jacob’s death in 1905 and prohibition resulted in a series of sales over the next 50+ years, until finally the property was bought by Jack and Jamie Davies in 1965.

Join us as we follow Schramsberg winemaker Craig Roemer through caves filled with bottles of sparkling wines, and see how riddling is done. Then, it’s on the watch the disgorgement on the bottling line and finally a sabering of the bottle.

For More Information on Schramsberg Vineyards: www.schramsberg.com

When Baron Nathaniel de Rothschild, a member of the English branch of the Rothschild family, purchased Pauillac’s Château Brane-Mouton in 1853, he founded what would become a Bordeaux powerhouse. Classified in 1855 as a second growth (”a first among seconds”), it would take almost 120 years to gain back what arguably should have been Mouton’s in the first place - classification as a first growth. Through most of the 20th Century, Baron Philippe de Rothschild was the guiding force of Mouton. From his decision to bottle the wines at the Château (1924), to his inventive use of artists and sculptors to design new wine labels for each vintage (1945), and from his successful campaign to obtain first-growth status, to his daring partnership with Robert Mondavi to begin Opus One in 1979, Baron Philippe worked tirelessly for Mouton.

Join us as we talk with Mouton’s Managing Director, Hervé Berland, about Mouton’s past, present, and future. His 30 years with Mouton speaks volumes about the loyalty and commitment of its staff.

For More Information on Ch. Mouton Rothschild: www.bpdr.com

Sponsor: Millesima, Your Fine Wine Source: www.millesima-usa.com

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Frederic Magnien always felt destined to follow in his father’s footsteps - indeed, he is the 5th generation in his family to farm vineyards or make wine in Burgundy’s Morey-St-Denis. As winemaker for both his father’s label (Domaine Michel Magnien) as well as his own négoce wines (Maison Frederic Magnien), Frederic approaches both vineyard management and winemaking with an obvious zeal.

Join us as we talk with this introspective yet confident Burgundian winemaker about terroir, balance, and the intricacies of Burgundy.

For More Information on the Wines of Frederic Magnien:www.frederic-magnien.com

Sponsor: North Berkeley Imports: www.northberkeleyimports.com

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Some of the wines made by Frederic Magnien include:

Cotes de Nuits Villages “Croix Violette”
Gevrey Chambertin “Jeunes Rois”
Morey St Denis 1er Cru “Les Ruchots”
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru “Borniques”
Chambolle Musigny 1er Cru “Charmes Vieilles Vignes”
Gevrey Chambertin 1er Cru “Les Cazetiers”
Vosne Romanee 1er Cru “Les Suchots”
Echezeaux Grand Cru
Chambertin Clos de Beze Grand Cru
Bonnes Mares Grand Cru

Is it soft cheese with white wine, and hard cheese with red wine? Or, what’s this we have been hearing lately about cheese not even being a good match with wine?

Find out the answers to some of your fromage questions as we listen to this World of Pinot Noir seminar on wine and cheese pairing, and you’ll be saying, ‘cheese, please.’

Moderator: Fred Dame, MD

Speakers:
- Kent Torrey, The Chese Shop of Carmel
- John Priest, Etude - Winemaker
- Mark Peel, Executive Chef / Owner - Campanile Restaurant
- Christine Maguire, Cheese Maker / Owner - Rinconada Dairy

Wines and Cheeses Pairings of the Seminar:

1. Wine - 2004 Etude “Depp Camp” Estate, Carneros
Cheese - Cow Girl Creamery - Mt Tam (USA)
Cheese - Seal Bay (Australia)

2. Wine - 2004 Stoller Estate - Oregon
Cheese - Andante - Crottin (USA)
Cheese - Surfing Goat - Mango Supreme (USA)

3. Wine - 2004 Freeman Sonoma Coast
Cheese - Trentino Grana (Italy)
Cheese - Aged Prima Donna (Holland)

4. Wine - 2000 Arcadian “Pisoni” - Santa Lucia Highlands
Cheese - Pecorino Toscano Stagionato (Italy)
Cheese - Rincondana Diary - Pozo Tomme (USA)

5. Wine - 2004 Wild Horse “Unbridled” Solomon Hills- Santa Maria
Cheese - Vieux Lille - Maroille (France)
Cheese - Le Trou Du Cru - Mini Epoisses (France)

6. 2004 Kawarau Estate Reserve - New Zealand
Cheese - Memoire (Holland)
Cheese - Sottocenere (Italy)

Click Here to download a detailed description of the cheeses: Cheese Detail

For More Information on the 2008 World of Pinot Noir: www.worldofpinotnoir.com

Sponsor: Champagne USA: www.champagne.us

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