What's Cookin' on Wine with Michael Horn

2/06-Michael Horn visits with George Skorka and Sean Tevik

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:34:13 PST

George Skorka -

Sales Representative,

Strange Wines

Wine Warrior & Kalinist Sommelier and Maitre’D George Skorka wasn’t yet a teenager when he tasted his first wine, a cup of tea with the teaspoon of white wine in it, and he remembers it clearly, it always brings back memories: "The wine made the tea immediately lighter in colors, and it’s flavors with the odd but stimulating bouquet, good acidity and gentle richness mesmerized the little boy." By age 6 he was cooking daily fresh food from the farmers market with his grandmother. The Hungarian Olympic kayak team member made supporting money by being a bar back in the most famous night club in Budapest. Master Sommelier

After college and working in the classic floor system in many ranks, Skorka become assistant Food and Beverage Director in the 200 years old legendary Hotel on the Danube’s treasure Margaret Island in the heart of Budapest. At age 30 the revolutionary New York restaurateur Paul Kovi of the Four Season gave him a Gourmet Magazine review of Gyertya, his former Restaurant in Budapest. They collaborated in the New York Years in the complete rewriting of the Transylvanian Cuisine, published in 1984. “I must thank Paul for a half of my inspirations in life he was magical to direct people towards to spiritual values in our material business”- said Skorka, the other great amongst of my many mentors is Terry Leighton the renaissance man of Kalin Cellars. Escaping communist Hungary for political reasons in 1981 with $ 5 in his pocket and not to speak English, gave a great new opportunity to Mr. Skorka: start again. In a few months the busboy become a waiter in N.Y. Moved to Washington DC and from waiter became a Manager of the Kennedy Center, running Ronald Regan’s Inauguration Ball. In 1985 The Jefferson Hotel Maitre’D become the Maitre’D of the Bel Air Hotel in Los Angeles. In the next two plus decades Skorka spent in Los Angeles and became a Maitre D’/Sommelier in Shutters on the Beach and Casa Del Mar Hotel, New Chasen and Crustacean, La Merigot and many more. The wine buyer/MaitreD position in the Santa Barbara Biltmore Hotel become the major opportunity to discover a Central Coast’s potential before it become known for many. Skorka’s own restaurant in Beverly Hills 456 North Bedford was a turning point. Constant touring of the vineyard become a passion, and Skorka is proud of his contribution in Tantara Vinery. He spent years in the winery and his chosen barrel in the spring racking got the highest score from Robert Parker in that time.

Years with one of the leading wine Company as a District Manager further benefited him and the organization. He was one of the first among them to be tested with the Court of Master Sommeliers then three level advance exams. The entire group started to focus on the education of the employees afterwards. Skorka’s current plans are learning and teaching: After running the successful Jonathan Club and Bastide, his latest was the opening of BottleRock downtown. “The casualty but Riedel standards fit to the new generation” said the opening Skorka. Skorka is also on the advisory Board of the Cordon Bleu Culinary Institute, and in the last half decade he is a judge on the largest wine event in the USA: the San Francisco International Wine Competition. Skorka’s philosophy is shared with his winery find and sommelier certified wife, his mountain cabin and two Bernese Montain dogs: “I am very lucky, in my life I always being paid for what I love to do anyway…”

Sean Tevik - Operations Manager, Thomas George Estates
Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, Sean had a natural affinity for food, beverages, and music at a very young age. While attempting a career in music he became drawn to the production of beer. Beer in turn led to simple distillations. The proverbial next step came in the form of wine while studying abroad in Madrid, Spain.

After courses with the International Sommelier Guild and the Court of Master Sommeliers it was obvious that hands on experience in the wine industry was needed. After working as a Sommelier and wine director in Scottsdale, Arizona, Sean made the plunge to wine country.

Sean is now the Operations Manager at Thomas George Estates helping out with anything that needs to be done and staying as close to the wine as possible.

1/30-Michael Horn talks to Paul Bush and John Hilliard

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 18:29:06 PST

Paul Bush - Madrona Winery

Partners in business as in life, Paul and Maggie Bush continue the tradition of family, friends and community so well set by Paul’s parents. Their commitment and passion for Madroña are evident in every aspect of their lives — they literally live and breathe Madroña.

Paul grew up with the cycles of winery life, spending school vacations pruning vines and washing barrels at the winery. Today, Paul is both vineyard manager and winemaker for Madroña, balancing his days among the vines and barrels. His passion and enthusiasm for grapegrowing and winemaking are unmistakable and perhaps best expressed in his hands, stained rich burgundy from his grapes and calloused from hard work in the vineyard.

Maggie serves as Madroña’s General Manager. Her background in corporate finance is perfectly suited to Madroña. Most days, she can be found at the winery balancing the demands of business planning, wine club shipments and winery marketing and communications. She is undeniably the rudder behind the passionate creativity and enthusiasm of her husband, Paul, and is an indispensable member of the team shepherding Madroña to the next generation.

Paul and Maggie live near the winery with their daughters Hanna and Tessa. Both are active in the community, having served on numerous boards, including the El Dorado County Winery Association and the Apple Hill Growers Association.

THE VINEYARD

Situated at 3,000 feet in the El Dorado County Appellation, Madroña consists of three family-owned vineyards — our Madroña vineyard, located in Apple Hill and our Enyé and Sumu-Kaw vineyards, located in nearby Pleasant Valley. These three unique vineyard sites are planted with over 26 varietals, carefully selected for their unique winemaking characteristics and blending qualities.

John Hilliard - Hilliard Bruce Winery

A 21-acre vineyard planted beginning in 2004 to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The vineyard is located on Highway 246 directly across from Dos Hermanas Vineyard (formerly Ashley's). Planted to 17.5 acres of Calera, Pommard, 115, 667, 777 and 828, 2,420 vines per acre. Yields are very low (1lb per vine in 2010). Certified Sustainable by SIP. The vineyard is meticulously farmed by owner John Hilliard and noted viticulturist Jeff Newton.

The estate Pinot Noir was first offered in 2008. Consulting winemaker is Paul Lato. The wine is sold primarily online through the website and via a mailing list.

1/23-Michael Horn talks to Debbie Thomas & Lorenzo Mottola & Elton Sloan

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:22:34 PST

Debbie Thomas - Thomas Hill Farms

Joe & Debbie Thomas, owners of Thomas Hill Organics have captured a lifestyle experience by uniting quality with experience. Their story begins at a wine festival in Santa Inez where they first met and discovered they both had the same interest; a love of fine food and wine. Joe was a fine art teacher at Santa Clara University and Debbie was the Key Account Sales Manager for an athletic accessory company in LA.

Joe developed his interest in farming as a child from his Grandfather; who had numerous fruit trees on his property. His love of "fresh" unprocessed foods came from his Mother. He was never allowed to eat fast food and nothing was prepared out of a can or put in the microwave. “I was raised the complete opposite, but quickly learned to appreciate fresh-healthy fine food after dating Joe.”

“Three years ago we moved to Paso Robles to start our organic farm. I continued to work for Adidas and he planted, and planted, and planted. Ha! We started our CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program a year and a half ago and it has grown significantly through word-of-mouth.”

Lorenzo Mottola - Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

Producers of: Chateau Ste. Michelle, Columbia Crest, Col Solare, Northstar, Spring Valley Vineyard, Domaine Ste. Michelle, Red Diamond, Snoqualmie,14 Hands, Distant Bay.
Stag's Leap Wine Cellar, Hawk Crest, Conn Creek, Villa Mt. Eden.
Importers of Antinori ( Tuscany, Umbria), La Braccesca ( Tuscany), Tormaresca ( Puglia), Haras de Pirque (Maipo Valley, Chile), Antica Napa Valley ( California), Villa Maria (New Zealand), Nicolas Feuillatte ( Champagne)- Since 1934

Elton Sloan - Genreal Manager, Robert Craig Winery

Our GM & Winery Partner Elton Slone also directs National Sales & Marketing, including sales planning, key account development, and marketing communications. Elton joined the winery in 2004 with more than 12 years of sales management experience on both the winery and distributor side. In 2007, he was made a partner in the winery.

1/16-Michael Horn talks with Phil Hurst & Gary Pisoni

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:25:14 PST

Phil Hurst - CEO & Managing Partner H.D.D. LLC

Phil Hurst grew up on a 1000-acre ranch on the eastern hills of Napa Valley where his family raised cattle, horses and sheep. “That’s what gave me the agriculture bug,” says Phil. He is still proud of the Reserve Grand Champion steer that he raised to show at the Napa Town and Country Fair.
As a teenager he worked in wineries during summers to earn money for college. When he headed to the University of California at Davis, he intended to become a veterinarian, but a great summer job at Domaine Chandon inspired a new vision. Phil studied Fermentation Science (Enology), earning a BS degree in 1985, the same year he joined Paul Dolan and the winemaking team at Fetzer Vineyards. “We did a lot of organic farming then, with great results,” Phil recalls. When Brown-Forman (B-F) purchased the winery from the Fetzer family in 1992, B-F appointed Phil their International Winemaker and Brand General Manager.
After 12 years at Fetzer, Phil joined Golden State Vintners (GVS), serving as Vice President of International Sales. While at GSV, Phil met the people who became his partners in Winery Exchange, a venture-backed company founded in 1999 to source, develop and produce private labels and national brands of fine beer, wine and spirits. In 2008 sales reached almost $70 million. Phil is co-founder and was Senior Vice President, Sales and Marketing.
Over the years the Dolan-Hurst relationship, which began at Fetzer, has grown. The two families share a mutual dream: to build three small wine estates (Napa, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley) where they can practice the highest level of earth-friendly farming and make the finest wine. In 2007 Phil and his wife Sylvia joined Paul and Heath Dolan in the purchase of a 26-acre property in the heart of Dry Creek Valley and the historic Napa Valley brand Stonegate. Phil loves the Dry Creek site – its beautiful views of the valley and neighboring hills, pristine character and creek-side venues. “I want this to be a family legacy where my boys will someday get involved with winemaking, grape growing and marketing. Right now, I want them to learn to drive the tractor,” says Phil.
Phil and his wife Sylvia live in Dry Creek Valley, Healdsburg, with their two sons Alek and Clay.

Gary Pisoni - Founder & Visionary

At Pisoni Vineyards & Winery, we are committed to growing the best grapes possible and producing exceptional handcrafted wines that represent our vineyard and the dedication of our family. When Jane and Eddie Pisoni started farming vegetables in the Salinas Valley in 1946, they had no idea what lie ahead for the future Pisoni generations. They started a heritage that continues today. Their son Gary, an avid wine collector, had ambitious dreams of his own vineyard. In 1982, against many obstacles, Gary planted his first 5 acres of vines. With the success of his first vineyard, he planted an additional 40 acres. Today Pisoni Vineyards consists primarily of Pinot Noir, with most of our grapes sold to recognized producers of vineyard-designated wines. The partnerships with these small wineries are based on long-term friendship and enthusiasm for great wine. In 1998, we started retaining a small percentage of grapes for our own Pisoni Estate label. Gary Pisoni exudes passion—for adventure, for family and friends, for grape growing and definitely for wine. He is the Burgundian-crazed founder and visionary of Pisoni Vineyards & Winery. After collecting and making wine for most of his life, Gary wanted to plant a vineyard of his own. He was fascinated by the mountain landscape of the ranch his parents purchased in 1979, so he decided to plant the first vines early in the spring of 1982, without even having a source of water. As he will tell you, the story started with him driving a water truck from the Salinas Valley floor to the vineyard to irrigate his young vines, which would struggle to survive in the shallow, granitic soil. After ten years, Gary finally discovered a well hidden within the far reaches of the mountains. With this source, Gary propagated his vines and began selling grapes to California’s finest Pinot Noir producers. In 1998, he started the Pisoni Estate label. According to Wine Enthusiast, this free spirit and maverick among winegrowers personifies the new face of American Pinot Noir.

01/09-Michael Horn visits with Daniel Benton & Executive Chef Claud Beltran

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:24:43 PST

Daniel Benton - COO & Assistant Winemaker Croze Winery

It's WINTER in the vineyards. You may think it's time to rest, but the vineyards are very much alive! Pruning has already begun and Mustard is abundant in vineyards all over Napa Valley. In the vineyard pictured here, the first pruning is already complete.

We're busy inside the winery, too. It's time to put barrels of the 2011 Vintage into storage and to pull out older vintages for topping and other adjustments.

We've also bottled and released four, wonderful wines!

Executive Chef Claud Beltran - Noir Food & Wine, and organizer of the Kickoff Dinner

The Grand Kickoff Dinner for the fourth-annual Pasadena PinotFest promises to be a delectable event done by the numbers—specifically, the numbers five, five, five—as the evening celebration will feature five exquisite courses prepared by five preeminent chefs, all accompanied by outstanding Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines provided by five of California's top wineries, in an elegant country club setting. And to make this standout event even more significant, a portion of the proceeds will benefit the in-need children and families served by Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services—one of the largest provider of children's mental-health services in Los Angeles County.

The Grand Kickoff Dinner will be held on Jan. 15, 2012, 6 p.m., at the Altadena Town & Country Club. Guests will be treated to a five-course, epicurean experience and will be joined by the winemakers:

• Course I—Elements Kitchen (Chef Onil Chibάs) and Clos Pepe Winery (Wes Hagen);

• Course II—AKA Bistro & Bistro 45 (Chef James Lambrinos) and Hitching Post Winery (Gray Hartley and Frank Osini);

• Course III—Altadena Town & Country Club (Chef John Angelopulos) and Alma Rosa Winery (Richard Sanford);

• Course IV—The Raymond Restaurant (Chef Tim Guiltinan) and D'Alfonso-Curran Wines (Kris Curran and Bruno D'Alfonso);

• Course V—Noir Food & Wine (Chef Claud Beltran) and Williams-Selyam Winery (Jeff Mangahas and Bob Cabral)

To purchase Grand Kickoff dinner tickets,which are $149 - $179 per person, please visit http://www.pasadenapinotfest.com/Kickoff_Dinner-2012.html

The Grand Kickoff Dinner ushers in the always-highly anticipated Pasadena PinotFest—sponsored by Pasadena's top-rated Noir Food & Wine—which promises once again to be a palate-satisfying series of spectacular events from Jan. 15 through Feb. 11, 2012. A month-long celebration of the wonderful world of Pinot Noir, events include gourmet winemaker dinners as well as wine tastings at Noir Food & Wine. The festival will culminate with a Grand Public Tasting at the Altadena Town & Country Club on Feb. 11, which will feature wines from more than 100 wineries. For information and ($95 pp) tickets, visit http://www.pasadenapinotfest.com or call 626.795.7199.

Pasadena PinotFest Calendar of Events:

Sunday, January 15, 2011 — Grand Kickoff Dinner

6:00 pm, Altadena Town & Country Club (2290 Country Club Drive, Altadena 91001), $149.00 pp (regular), $179.00 pp (VIP)

Saturday, January 21, 2011 — Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Series #1

3:30 pm, Noir Food & Wine (40 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena 91106) $15 pp

Saturday, January 28, 2011 — Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Series #2

3:30 pm, Noir Food & Wine (40 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena 91106) $15 pp

Saturday, February 4, 2011 — Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Series #3

3:30 pm, Noir Food & Wine (40 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena 91106) $15 pp

Friday, February 10, 2011 — Pinot Noir Wine Tasting Series #4

3:30 pm, Noir Food & Wine (40 N. Mentor Ave., Pasadena 91106) $15 pp

Saturday, February 11, 2011 — Grand Public Tasting

1:00 – 5:00 pm, Altadena Town & Country Club (2290 Country Club Drive, Altadena 91001), $89.00 pp (general), $119.00 pp (VIP)

After January 15, ticket prices are $95.00 and $125; General admission includes: admission (1-5pm), featuring up to 100 top wines, winemakers, use of Reidel Pinot Noir Glass and cuisine provided by Altadena Town & Country Club, Noir Food & Wine, Elements Kitchen, The Raymond Restaurant, and AKA Bistro, free parking and shuttle. VIP admission includes all of the above plus access to Grand Public Tasting at 12 noon, one hour earlier, and the use of the VIP lounge.

For most up-to-date information and tickets for all events, visit http://www.pasadenapinotfest.com or call 626.795.7199.

01/02-Encore Broadcast Michael Horn visits with Dick Calafato, Larry Van Alst, Terry Hall

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 20:24:12 PST

Dick Calafato - Partner/General Manager Pyrenees Vineyard and Winery

Special guest Dick Calafato will update you on the latest news from the Umpqua Valley, Southern Oregon's fastest growing wine region.

Apodaca family’s commitment to the superb quality of their wines is evident in its excellent quality and distinction. Pyrenees Vineyard and Winery pulls many of its influences from the Basque country of northern Spain where the Apodaca’s Heritage was originated. Pyrenees Vineyard and Cellars brings to you their many varietals of wines from the finest Oregon grapes influenced by the textures of the rich soil, the abundant vegetation and mild climate of the Umpqua Valley.

Pyrenees Vineyard and Cellars sets along the South Umpqua River surrounded by 30 acres of lush grapes and rolling hillside. You will find sitting out on the vineyard’s deck overlooking the river extraordinary, while you take pleasure in one of our indescribable wines. Come walk through our long rows of beautifully intertwined grape vines and smell the aromas in the earth and wind that you find as welcoming on your palate as you take each sip of our Vino.

At Pyrenees Vineyard and Cellars we have a wonderful group of people who will welcome you as old friends and take you through our majestic wine selection. A place where relationships are created that last life times and memories will be made that last through-out countless generations!

Larry Van Aalst Hosts the What's Cookin' On Wine: Sonoma Wine Report from the Equus Restaurant inside the Fountain Grove Inn

Located just 65 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the hotel is close to the Redwoods, the Sonoma Coast and the Russian River. The quaint towns of Healdsburg, Calistoga and Sonoma are within an easy drive as well as the wine appellations of Dry Creek, Russian River and Sonoma Valleys.

Golf at the private Fountaingrove Golf and Athletic Club located only a half a mile from the hotel or plan a shopping excursion in nearby charming downtown Santa Rosa. Sonoma Wine Country has so much to offer.

Terry Hall - Napa Valley Vintners

The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) non-profit trade association announces its annual Premiere Napa Valley Wine Auction June 2 - June 5, 2011.

The Napa Valley Vintners is the non-profit trade association responsible for promoting and protecting the Napa Valley appellation as the premier winegrowing region. From seven founding members in 1944, today the association represents nearly 400 Napa Valley wineries and collectively is a leader in the world-wide wine industry. To learn more about our region and its legendary American wines, visit www.napavintners.com .

12/26-Michael Horn visits with Dick Calafato, Larry Van Alst, Terry Hall

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 20:07:07 PST

Dick Calafato - Partner/General Manager Pyrenees Vineyard and Winery

Special guest Dick Calafato will update you on the latest news from the Umpqua Valley, Southern Oregon's fastest growing wine region.

Terry Hall - Napa Valley Vintners

The Napa Valley Vintners (NVV) non-profit trade association announces its annual Premiere Napa Valley Wine Auction June 2 - June 5, 2011.

12/19-Michael Horn talks to Christine Wente and Jim Fiolek

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Tue, 20 Dec 2011 18:13:28 PST

Christine Wente - Wente Vineyards

Wente Vineyards is California's oldest family owned and continuously operated winery. Founded in 1883 by C. H. Wente, the winery is now managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wente family. The winery farms nearly 3,000 acres of estate vineyards in the Livermore Valley, San Francisco Bay, and Arroyo Seco, Monterey appellations, two premier Central Coast winegrowing regions.

Family owned and operated for 125 years, the fourth and fifth generations are committed to producing wines of distinguished character and excellence at an affordable price.

The Wente family shares wine country experiences with visitors to the Livermore Valley at their award-winning Restaurant at Wente Vineyards, Greg Norman designed golf course, wine country events center, summer concert series, and two tasting rooms.

Jim Fiolek - Executive Director Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association

The Santa Barbara County Vintners' Association is a non-profit organization founded in 1983 to support and promote Santa Barbara County as a premium wine producing and wine grape growing region. The Vintners’ Association produces festivals, seminars and tastings and provides information to consumers and the wine and travel media.

For more info, go to http://www.sbcountywines.com/

12/12-Michael Horn visits with Terry Culton & Robert Z. Hass

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 13:52:34 PST

Terry Culton - Winemaker Adelaide Cellars

Terry Culton had no complaints working as assistant winemaker at San Benito County's Calera Wine Co., refining his education under Josh Jensen, one of California's most respected makers of Pinot Noir.

But when Adelaida Cellars offered him a chance six years ago to return to the Paso Robles region - where he worked as a self-described cellar rat for Wild Horse Winery in the early 1990s - Culton knew it was time to strike out on his own.

"It was a chance for me to do my own thing," said Culton. "I knew I would have total creative freedom."

Plus, he said, it gave him the chance to work with Adelaida's HMR and Viking Estate Vineyards. Paso Robles isn't generally noted for its Pinot Noir, but Adelaida's HMR vineyard sits more than 1,700 feet above sea level and is a mere 16 miles from the Pacific.

It is, noted Culton, the oldest vineyard planted to Pinot in San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara counties, having been established in 1964 by Central Coast wine pioneer Dr. Stanley Hoffman.

"Calera was a great place to learn, but the opportunity to work with HMR and Viking vineyards was irresistible."

Culton believes the austere, calcareous soils of the vineyards produce superior grapes.
Upon arriving at Adelaida, which was purchased in 1991 by the Van Steenwyk family, Culton made some immediate changes.

One of the first steps he took was scaling back on the use of oak.
He switched from American to French oak barrels, with only about 25 percent new oak. Oak should spice the wine, said Culton, not overwhelm it.

"I want our wine to give you something from the beginning of your palate to the end of your palate," said Culton. "I want people to taste our terroir, not cover it up with oak."

Under Culton's guidance, Adelaida reduced the yields of its sustainably-farmed vineyards, producing fruit with more concentrated flavors. Culton also uses only native yeasts during fermentation and the wines are unfiltered.

"I believe in minimalist handling," he said.

Culton didn't grow up thinking he would become a winemaker. He graduated from Humboldt State University with a psychology degree, but changed careers after moving to Paso Robles in 1991 so his wife could attend Cal Poly.

He wound up working for Wild Horse Winery, where owner/winemaker Ken Volk gave him the job of cellar master. It was there that Culton first worked with Pinot Noir grapes from HMR Vineyard, which Volk purchased.

Volk, said Culton, was "an incredibly gracious man" who became somewhat of a mentor to Culton and others working at Wild Horse (including Jon Priest, now the winemaker at Napa's Etude.)

"He's responsible for a lot of us being where we are today."

Culton continued learning his craft during stints in the Anderson Valley and Oregon's Willamette Valley, before landing at Calera.

Besides Pinot Noir, Culton is producing Rhone-style reds and whites that are gaining fans and generating positive notices. Culton said 85 percent of the grapes he uses are estate-grown and he expects Adelaida to be 100 percent estate-grown within a few years.

And Culton is happy to be back in Paso Robles, which he said retains the close-knit feel among winemakers that was present 15 years earlier, when only a handful of wineries existed.

"I think that's what makes the Central Coast so special."

Robert Z. Hass - Tablas Creek Vineyard

Robert Haas has played a leading role in the American wine industry for over half a century. After graduating from Yale in 1950, he joined his father’s firm, M. Lehmann, Inc., a retailer of fine wines and spirits in Manhattan. As a buyer for the company, Haas traveled through the cellars of France, establishing a formidable reputation as a wine taster while forging lifelong relationships with premier wine producers.

In the mid-1960s he set out on his own to import fine estate wines from Burgundy, Bordeaux, the Loire, Alsace and the Rhône Valley, where he met the Perrins of Château de Beaucastel and became the exclusive American importer for Beaucastel. As his company Vineyard Brands grew, it introduced the American market to brands such as La Vieille Ferme, Marqués de Cáceres, Santa Rita, Warre’s Port, and Villa Maria. The company also served as a representative for newly emerging California wineries including Chappellet, Freemark Abbey, Clos du Val, Joseph Phelps, Rutherford Hill, Hanzell, Kistler, and Sonoma-Cutrer. He founded the symposium "Focus on Chardonnay" in 1984 to promote dialogue between producers in Burgundy and California.

As Managing Partner of Tablas Creek since its foundation in 1989, Haas has consistently spoken in favor of organic viticulture, minimum-intervention winemaking and wines of terroir and sophistication. He has spoken on wine and winemaking topics at festivals around the country, including the New York Wine Experience, the Boston Wine Expo, Society of Wine Educatorsannual meeting, Santa Fe Wine & Chile Fiesta, Hospice du Rhône, Central Coast Wine Classic and many others.

Haas is one of four American members of the Académie Internationale du Vin. In recognition of his contributions to the international wine community as an importer, a vintner, and an advocate for quality, he was elected as the AIV president in 2000. He manages Tablas Creek with his son Jason.

12/05-Michael Horn talks to Richard Arrowood and Dave Pramuk

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 05 Dec 2011 18:00:06 PST

Richard Arrowood - Winemaster Amapola Creek Vineyards & Winery

Richard is an iconic winemaker who has recently completed his 46th harvest in Sonoma County. Throughout the years, Richard has gained critical acclaim and a world-wide reputation for crafting exceptional wines. In 2005, Richard and his wife Alis founded Amapola Creek, a tiny, ultra-premium winery in the Sonoma Valley to focus on producing small quantities of organically farmed wines including a Monte Rosso Vineyard Zinfandel (SRP $$40), an Estate Cabernet Sauvignon (SRP $$70) and Cuvée Alis, a Rhône blend of Grenache and Syrah.

Dave Pramuk - Robert Biale Vineyards

Dave Pramuk was born and raised in Napa in a medical family. After graduation from CSU Chico and newspaper work, he began a career working in sales and public relations at Napa Valley wineries. A Founding Partner in Robert Biale Vineyards and lifelong friend of Bob Biale all the way back to grammar school, Dave is a board member of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and active in Appellation St. Helena, Zinfandel Advocates and Producers and Petite Sirah’s P.S. I Love You. Dave is responsible for the Biale winery’s marketing, sales, and communications.

11/28-Michael Horn talks to Stephen Ross & Adam Lee

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 18:00:01 PST

Stephen Ross - Stephen Ross Wine Cellars

In the summer of 1994, Stephen Ross Dooley started his label Stephen Ross at a custom crush winery in Santa Maria. By the next year he moved to Talley Vineyards to make his wines and in 1998 moved to Courtside Cellars in the Edna Valley - a large custom crush winery that Dooley designed and helped establish.

In 2001 he developed an estate vineyard planted exclusively to Pinot Noir in partnership with Talley Vineyards called Stone Corral Vineyard; it is located in the Edna Valley, a designated American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Home to several well-known vineyards, the Edna Valley exemplifies the characteristic microclimate and geologic features, which are the hallmark of the south central coast; an east-west valley, which mitigates its temperate climate with cooling, ocean-borne breezes. This provides a long growing season ideal for the development of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Petite Sirah grapes.

More recently, in 2005 he invested in new winemaking equipment and moved to Santa Maria where he leased a winery building to make his wine directly under his control. In 2008 Stephen Ross moved to a new building at 178 Suburban Road , San Luis Obispo for wine production as well as a tasting room.

Adam Lee - Siduri Wines

Siduri started more than 15 years ago in our native Texas. At the time it was a dream shared by two wine geeks (us!) who wanted nothing more than to move to California and make killer Pinot Noir from the finest vineyards we could find. Today that dream is a reality.

In 2004 Siduri celebrated its 10 year anniversary. We can hardly believe it, but between two wine labels (Siduri and sister label Novy Family Wines) and three beautiful children, we are beyond blessed and beyond busy! With our small but tireless crew we produce over 25 different Pinot Noir wines each year, representing the largest Pinot Noir focus of any California winery.

We invite you to use this site to learn more about our wines, winemaking, and vineyards as well as to access our online tasting notes. To receive information directly from the winery on special wine offerings, events and tastings, please take a moment to join our mailing list.

Next time your travels take you to the wine country, be sure to give us a call. We would be delighted to have you visit the winery for a personal tour and tasting.

Thanks again for your interest in Siduri. We love what we do and enjoy the opportunity to share with others.

Adam & Dianna Lee

11/21-Michael Horn talks to Mark Cummins & Dan Teldeschi

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 12:00:04 PST

Mark Cummins - Winemaker, Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

We recently tapped Mark Cummins to lead the Kelsey's into the new decade.
As a winemaker, Mark has worked in wineries and vineyards for over two decades. He grew up in the Silicon Valley, in the shadow of the venerable Ridge Winery and soon became drawn to the discipline and lifestyle of the vinters.
"The craft of winemaking requires use of both sides of the brain, lying in the crossroads of art and science," Mark says, "I enjoy how wines are an integral part of celebrating life."

Mark has worked various Crushes in the Napa Valey, the Sierra Foothills and Santa Cruz Mountains before he found his home on the Central Coast. He found a passion for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay while working at Byron in Santa Maria, and he has carried that passion with him here to Kelsey since August of '09.

"I am bringing more of a focus on Pinot Noir, and making some Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Gris and Zinfandel from some vineyards I enjoy," he says, adding to the already tried and true Kelsey portfolio, "my philosopy is to find balance in each wine, and that varies in style from grape to grape and vineyard to vineyard."

Dan Teldeschi Owner Teldeschi Wines

Teldeschi Winery is a premium wine producer in Dry Creek Valley. The Teldeschi Family owns approximately 70 acres of vineyards in the AVAand makes mainly Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, and Muscat.

Brothers Dan and John Teldeschi currently run the winery. Their parents, Frank and Catarina, established most of the vineyards. Although Frank has passed away, Catarina remains the family matriarch and land owner.

Frank sold grapes to home winemakers in San Francisco in the difficult years following World War II. There was very little commercial demand for wine grapes at this time, but the Teldeschis persisted, and found buyers wherever they could. The Frei Brothers and Seghesio Family were two of their consistent customers followed by Pedroncelli and Ravenswood in later years.

In addition to Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carignane, Malvasia, Cinsault, and Gamay are planted. There is also a bit of French Colombard and Palomino. These are rustic grapes not exceptionally valued for winemaking that John Teldeschi says he feeds to the deer and turkeys so they don’t eat his better varietals.

Teldeschi Winery makes a number of wines with a focus on Zinfandel. The family also produces outstanding Petite Sirah, a Port-style wine with Zinfandel grapes, and a blend Carignane, Valdiguie, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah called Terranova. This wine is made in memory of Dan and John’s father, Frank Teldeschi.

11/14-Michael Horn talks to Eileen Crane & John Thunen

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Wed, 16 Nov 2011 18:14:35 PST

Eileen Crane - Founding Winemaker CEO Domaine Carneros

Eileen, Domaine Carneros' founding winemaker and president is equally at home in the world of food and fine dining. Raised with a keen appreciation for fine wines and haute cuisine, Eileen originally prepared for a culinary career, earning a master’s degree in nutrition followed by professional training at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America.

After two years of teaching nutrition at the University of Connecticut, Eileen made the decision to turn her passion for wine into a profession, headed west, and enrolled in the U.C. Davis Enology and Viticulture program. Upon completion of her studies, she was hired by Domaine Chandon, where she progressed to the position of assistant winemaker.

The next move for the young winemaker involved a task that most lifelong veterans of the industry never undertake--building a winery. Hired as winemaker and vice president of Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, she was entrusted with the dual responsibilities of overseeing the design and construction of the facility in addition to developing the line of sparkling wines.

It turned out to be an experience that served her well. Selected personally by Claude Taittinger for the position of President/Winemaker of Domaine Carneros, dedicated to producing world-class sparkling wines made in the French tradition from famed Carneros region grapes, Eileen oversaw the planning and development of the beautiful Carneros landmark chateau, vineyards and winemaking facility. In 2003, Eileen directed the planning and construction of Domaine Carneros' second winemaking facility, dedicated exclusively to the production of Pinot Noir wines.

It is understandable that Taittinger and Eileen Crane have joined forces as they share a common winemaking style. The elegant, delicate, yet intense style for which Taittinger is well respected is what Eileen strives for. No less surprising is the fact that the joint venture is located in Carneros. Carneros and Eileen Crane go together, as do Carneros and sparkling wine.

Carneros is famous for production of chardonnay and pinot noir grapes, two key ingredients of a premium sparkling wine. An area blessed with a long, cool growing season, Carneros produces grapes which are particularly fine for sparkling wine as they have greater fruit maturity and produce wines with superb balance and a long finish.

In 1992 Domaine Carneros started producing small quantities of fine Estate Pinot Noir. The wines are appreciated for their great depth, balance and long silky finish. In 2003, Domaine Carneros completed a dedicated Pinot Noir Facility that incorporated the largest solar collection system on any winery in the world.

Eileen Crane is one of a handful of women who are now in the forefront of the wine industry in California. Recently recognized as one of the 75 Most Influential Women in Business by the San Francisco Business Times, Eileen is actively involved in numerous wine and civic organizations and is a past president of both the Carneros Quality Alliance and the California Classic Methods/Classic Varieties Society (CM/CV) and currently Chairs the Board of Napa Valley Hospice.

John Thunen Ph. D Winemaker - Phantom Rivers Wine

The Nipomo Wine Group was created in 2004 by four couples who share a passion for making wine and enjoying the life style of the California Central Coast. Each one of us brings a unique skill to the company which includes: wine making, business administration, marketing, scientific theory, cooking, and wine & food pairing.

The name Phantom Rivers was selected for our winery as it pertains to the misty fog that evaporates into the air. Streams of fog flow in and out of the valleys and wind their way up the old maritime valleys hugging the courses of ancient rivers. This fog cools the vineyards at night and early morning which extends the hang time of the grapes on the vine. This all adds to the distinctive flavors and complexities of Central Coast Wines.

We do not believe a single property is capable of producing the best fruit for each varietal, as the terroir required for each varietal is different. Therefore we focus our efforts in finding the perfect area for each varietal and purchasing grapes from those farmers.

While we are all winemakers, the title of Wine Maker for Phantom Rivers belongs to John Thunen, PhD. John had an extensive career in the aerospace industry during which time he stayed “grounded” by making wine. During the past 30 years, John has honed his skills as an exceptional winemaker in much the same way he did as a Physicist, using scientific method coupled with natural artistic ability. For years John led a team of scientists, now he leads our team of winemakers.

11/07-Jennifer Horn talks to Tami Semler & Rudi Bauer

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 16:02:47 PST

Tami Semler - Malibu Family Wines

The rich, fascinating history of Saddlerock Ranch began more than three centuries ago when the vast expanse of land surrounding the Santa Monica Mountains was part of the original Spanish Land Grant. The area of more than 200,000 acres was a perfect site for sheep and cattle, and up until the 1930's, was known as El Malibu.

Local caves are filled with ancient pictographs painted by the Chumash Indians, dating back to the Portola Expedition of 1769. The beautiful pictographs of this culture have become very rare due to erosion and weathering, but some of the most well preserved examples remain on the ranch and have been studied by archeologists and photographed for books on the subject.

Today, the Semler Family owns Saddlerock Ranch. Ronnie and Lisa Semler, along with their nine children, have lived on the ranch for over twenty-seven years.

Rudi Bauer - Otago Wine People

Austrian-born Rudi's reputation as a winemaker goes ahead of him, and his list of awards is extensive. Rudi gained a degree in viticulture and winemaking in Salzburg, and gained experience in Austria and Germany before his arrival in New Zealand in 1985. He worked at Mission Vineyard in Hawkes Bay until 1989, doing vintages in his offseasons in California and Oregon.

His Oregon experience gave Rudi a taste for pinot noir, and he moved to Central Otago to make the region's first gold and trophy pinot noir at Rippon Vineyard in 1991 in the Royal Easter Show 1993. His 1992 Rippon Vineyard Selection also won gold, and trophy. Rudi moved on to Canterbury to produce consistent medal-winners for Giesen over five years, before returning to Central Otago in 1997 to continue his success.

Rudi is a partner in a new vineyard, Quartz Reef, at Bendigo, whose first Sparkling Chauvet, made in association with French winemaker Clothilde Chauvet (also formerly a winemaker at Rippon), has just been released. He will leave the CO Wine Company next year to concentrate on developments at Quartz Reef.

Rudi says Otago wines have a good portfolio, with the flagship being Pinot Noir, because of its consistency and quality. He has strong confidence in Riesling, Gewurtztraminer, Chardonnay and especially Pinot Gris.

10/31-Michael Horn talks with Jean-Pierre Wolff & Matt Young

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 12:28:26 PDT

Jean-Pierre Wolff Ph. D. - Owner and Vintner Wolff Vineyards

Wolff Vineyards Winery is located on 125 acres of ecologically friendly property just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo, scenic beaches and major tourist attractions.

The vineyard was planted 30 years ago by one of the Edna Valley's winegrowing pioneers, Andy MacGregor. World-class awards were earned by wineries that used MacGregor Vineyard Chardonnay grapes (such as Mount Eden). The new owners, Jean-Pierre and Elke Wolff, renamed the vineyard in 1999 when they expanded the vineyard and added their artisan winery.

The vineyard includes 55 acres of Chardonnay and 37 acres of Pinot Noir grapes. Twelve additional acres are planted in Teroldego, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Riesling. The 30 years old Chardonnay blocks are dry farmed, giving the wine a site-specific "terroir" characteristic.

The Pinot Noir blocks are planted on four Dijon clones. The vines are situated on steep slopes with maximum southern exposure. They are grafted on two different root stocks best suited to our specific soil conditions, sun and wind exposure. These clones are sometimes referred to as the new "sexy" clones, which have produced some outstanding Pinot Noir wines in California and Oregon.

The Syrah blocks are planted on steep slopes with an ocean breeze cooling influence. the two Northern Rhone clones benefit from this cool climat by developing a thicker berry skin with good color, soft tannin and pepper notes extract.

Our Petite Sirah is the first planted in the Edna Valley. This unusual cool climat Petite Sirah has quickly gained national review and recognition, as well as popularity with our customers.

Our grapes are sold to Ultra-Premium wineries who enjoy wide acclaim for their wines. "Our own very-limited production is hand-crafted using traditional Burgundian wine-making methods. French new oak, barrel fermentation, sur lie and batonnage are a few of the techniques applied to our wines," according to Jean-Pierre Wolff, winemaker.

Matt Young - Former Major Leaguer Winemaker & Sommelier

Matthew Richard Young (born August 9, 1958) is a former American Major League baseball player. Young played for a variety of teams over his career, and is best known for his unofficial no-hitter against the Cleveland Indians while a member of the Boston Red Sox. Young would pitch for the Red Sox for two seasons before being released days before the start of the 1993 season. He became part of baseball history during his tenure with the Red Sox. On April 12, 1992, Young faced the Cleveland Indians in the first game of a doubleheader, allowed two runs on seven walks and an error by shortstop Luis Rivera en route to the fourth no-hitter by a losing pitcher. On that day Roger Clemens pitched a two-hit shutout in the second game of the double header, giving Young and Clemens the Major League Baseball record for the least number of hits (2) allowed in a doubleheader.

Young was born in Pasadena, California in 1958. He attended the University of California Los Angeles. While at UCLA, he was drafted by the Seattle Mariners, in the second round of the 1980 amateur draft. He would make his major league debut three years later with the Mariners, eventually winning 11 games over 2031/3 innings, with a 3.27 earned run average, good enough to rank in the top ten for ERA that season. He represented the Mariners in the 1983 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, where he pitched a scoreless 8th inning facing Johnny Bench, Darrell Evans and Pedro Guerrero.

Professional career

Young, however, struggled to replicate that success, underwent "Tommy John surgery" and was traded twice, from the Mariners to the Los Angeles Dodgers, then to the Oakland Athletics in a three-team trade with the New York Mets, appearing in a game in relief during the 1989 American League Championship Series. Eventually, Young hit free agency and signed with the Boston Red Sox.

Young would pitch for the Red Sox for two seasons[1] before being released days before the start of the 1993 season. He became part of baseball history during his tenure with the Red Sox. On April 12, 1992, Young faced the Cleveland Indians in the first game of a doubleheader, allowed two runs on seven walks and an error by shortstop Luis Rivera en route to the fourth no-hitter by a losing pitcher (see No-hitter#No-hitters in a losing cause). On that day Roger Clemens pitched a two-hit shutout in the second game of the double header, giving Young and Clemens the Major League Baseball record for the least number of hits allowed in a doubleheader. While Young sent the ball to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York, Major League Baseball, in a rule created prior to the season, did not recognize the performance as a true no-hitter, as Young, playing for the losing team on the road, only pitched eight innings in his complete game loss. According to Seymour Siwoff, who was on Baseball's Committee for Statistical Accuracy, the feat could not be listed with the "pure" no-hitters because "Young didn't get the chance to go out and pitch the ninth...who knows what would have happened if he did." Had the no-hitter been officially recognized, it would have been the first no-hitter by a Boston pitcher since Dave Morehead did so in 1965, also against the Indians, and was the fifteenth time, at that point, that a Red Sox pitcher had completed a game without allowing a hit.

Young would be released by the Red Sox in 1993, appeared in 22 games for the Indians in 1993, spent a month on the Toronto Blue Jays roster before being released a final time in September 1993.

10/24-Michael Horn talks with Becky Gray & Claiborne (Clay) Thompson

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:00:01 PDT

Becky Gray - Executive Director, SLO Vintners Association

South San Luis Obispo County, located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles, has earned worldwide recognition and respect for the exceptional quality of wine grapes produced in this ideal viticultural area. The area includes the Ed

na Valley, the Arroyo Grande Valley, each a designated American Viticultural Area, the Avila Valley and Nipomo.

Wine growing in San Luis Obispo County stretches back to the missionary days of California viticulture, when the first grapevines were planted by the Franciscan padres who settled California in the 1880s. Today, because of this region’s ideal world-class microc

limate and soils, wine grapes are the leading crop in San Luis Obispo County.

There are over 3000 acres of vines in South San Luis Obispo County, and more vineyards are being planted. The climate and soils have been proven to provide the perfect environment for growing and producing ultra premium quality wines.

Due to the unique geography of the South Central Coast, the valleys have east-west orientations and are distinguished by the extensive

maritime influence on the climate and soil. The soils are dominated by marine deposits left millions of years ago when the valleys were under water. Loam and clay topsoil overlay calcareous marine deposits promoting complex flavors.

The climate is tempered by marine air flowing directly into the valley from the Pacific Ocea

n. This cooling influence creates an unusually long growing season resulting in greatly intensified varietal flavors. All of these elements produce wine grapes and wines of complex flavors and intensity found only in the world’s greatest wine regions.

Claiborne (Clay) Thompson - Co-Owner Claiborne & Churchill Winery

Claiborne & Churchill is a small, family-owned winery founded in 1983 by Claiborne (Clay) Thompson and Fredericka Churchill. Former teachers at the University of Michigan (Clay specialized in Old Norse Languages and Literatures and Fredericka taught German), the couple left the "Groves of Academe" for the vineyards of California in 1981 in order to start a new life in the wine industry. Clay began as a "cellar rat" in a local winery, learning the business from the ground up (actually underground), and soon the two were encouraged to start their own wine production in that host facility. With its first crush in 1983 Claiborne & Churchill announced its special focus, producing 565 cases of Dry Gewürztraminer and Dry Riesling, modeled on the fruity but dry dinner wines of the French province of Alsace. Claiborne & Churchill now produces about 10,000 cases of wine a year, purchasing grapes from vineyards in the cool maritime valleys of California's Central Coast. About two-thirds of these wines remain our signature wines, the Dry Riesling and Dry Gewürztraminer, which are sold all over the country (and abroad) by a network of brokers and distributors. A variety of other wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, as well as other wines in the Alsatian style (Pinot Gris, Dry Muscat, and an Edelzwicker), are produced in small lots and can be ordered directly from the winery. In 1995 Clay and Fredericka completed construction on their new and permanent winery building. This structure, a noteworthy example of environmental architecture, is a "straw bale building," the first of its kind in California. With sixteen-inch thick walls made of bales of rice straw, the winery is so well insulated that it maintains a constant cellar temperature, without the need for mechanical cooling or heating. At Claiborne & Churchill traditional European winemaking techniques prevail, including extensive use of barrel-fermentation and barrel-aging (even with Riesling and Gewürztraminer), minimal manipulation of juice and wine, "natural" or spontaneous fermentation using indigenous yeast, and limited use of SO2, all in the belief that the winemaker's task is to bring out the flavor and character that is latent in the grape. Our aim is to create pleasurable dinner wines in which there is a harmonious balance of fruit and oak, structure and texture.

10/17-Michael Horn talks with Michael Young & Randy Ullom

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 20:38:29 PDT

Michael Young - Sales & Marketing Director Stephan Vineyards/L'Aventure

Stephan Asseo, owner and winemaker at L'Aventure Winery, began making wine in 1982, following his education at L'Ecole Oenologique de Macon, Burgundy, France. In that same year, Stephan established Domaine Courteillac in Bordeaux. He and his family later purchased Chateau Fleur Cardinal, Saint-Emilion Grand Cru, and Chateau Robin, in the Cotes de Castillion, Bordeaux. Over the next 15 years, Stephan developed into an artisan winemaker of fastidious craftsmanship, and gained a reputation as a maverick vigneron. However, his true desire was to be more innovative than AOC law would allow. In 1996, this led him on a quest for a great terroir, where he could pursue his ideal as a winemaker. After searching for over a year among the world's great wine fields, ranging from South Africa to Lebanon, and Argentina to Napa, Stephan found Paso Robles. Stephan immediately "fell in love" with the unique terrior of west side Paso Robles. The rolling topography of the Santa Lucia Mountain Range, the deep calcareous soils, and the maritime influence of the renowned Templeton Gap all combine to produce a world class wine country, with the potential to craft some of the world's greatest blends. It is here, in Paso Robles, that Stephan began his adventure, "L'Aventure".

In order to maximize quality in our harsh terrior, Stephan has established a high density plantation scheme of 2,100 vines per acre. A meticulous regimen of leaf pulling, shoot thinning, and cluster dropping result in benchmark yields of two to two and a half tones per acre. This equates to one bottle of wine per vine. In addition, Stephan's drive for fully mature fruit allows our grapes to fully express their character, in the form of intense, concentrated wines. After the painstaking labor in the vineyard, we continue quality selection by hand sorting the grape bunches as they come in. The grapes are then destemmed, and vinified in small lots, to maintain the integrity of each source or parcel. Thermostatic control enables us to manage premaceration and fermentation flawlessly, with silky, rich wines as the result. Furthermore, aging in French oak, and a minimal racking program contribute much to Stephan's artisan, handcrafted style.

The spirit of L'Aventure is most evident in Stephan's "Paso blends", such as Optimus and Estate Cuvée. Both wines are Cabernet Sauvignon /Syrah blends. In these wines, as well as in our Rhône blend Côte à Côte, the blending of premium varietals increases the authenticity, complexity, and balance of the wines. In this adventurous spirit, we find the future of Paso Robles wines…great, balanced red blends.

Randy Ullom - Winemaster Kendall-Jackson

Personal Philosophy on Winemaking: Make wine that can be enjoyed by all, enjoyed without a PhD, wines that have a lot of forward fruit, are easy and enjoyable to drink, with long enticing finishes...that linger, beckon and entice for another sip.
Favorite Part of the Process: Walking the vineyards, tasting the grapes, then the excitement, anticipation and chaotic rush of the harvest! I love the family feeling and team effort of our winemaking group. And finally, watching a smile appear on someone's face as they sample and enjoy the wines we have made.

If you were snowed in on a mountain-top villa...what two wines would you want?
I'd have to go with our Highland Estates Camelot Highlands Chardonnay and Stature.
Favorite wine descriptor? "Lush." "Rich" and "Velvet" are close seconds.

Randy's Creative Path: A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Randy became interested in wine during a three-year stay in Chile, while on sabbatical from college in the early 1970s. His stay inspired a cross-country trek through Chile's vast wine-growing regions. On his return to the United States, he entered Ohio State University to study crop production with a specialty in Viticulture and Enology and received his degree in 1975.

After six years as a vineyard manager and Winemaker in Ohio and upstate New York, Randy moved to California to become associate Winemaker at De Loach Vineyards in Sonoma County. He was promoted to Winemaker and Vice President in 1991. The wines produced during his tenure were consistent gold medal winners at wine competitions.

Hired by Jess Jackson in 1993 as Winemaker for some of our smaller and international vineyards, Randy was handed his most prestigious assignment in 1997 - Winemaster for Kendall-Jackson Winery.

"I look at all of the vineyards we own, and all of the individual lots of wines that we make, and the thousands of barrels we have sitting in our cellar and sometimes I think, you gotta be kidding me! After I've sufficiently recovered from my daily panic attack, I take off my coat, dig in my heels and take it one barrel at a time. It's a rewarding job that I love."

10/10-Michael Horn talks to Mikhail Gishizky & Craig Haserot

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:52:04 PDT

Mikhail Gishizky - Owner / Apprentice Winemaker,

Spotted Owl Vineyards

The Spotted Owl Vineyards story began years ago on a warm Napa Valley summer evening. While enjoying dinner in their vineyard high on Mt. Veeder overlooking the Valley floor, Jill and Mikhail were astonished to see a rare spotted owl fluttering in the moonlit sky. As the tiny owl swooped down from the surrounding forest they became mesmerized watching him survey the vineyard then perching himself on a near by vine as though he was a dinner guest joining them with his meal. Overtime the spotted owl became a fixture among the serene vineyard, guarding the vines that have come to be known as Spotted Owl Vineyards. Since becoming a member of the Vineyard Family he is affectionately referred to as "Chuck" the vineyard caretaker.

Jill and Mikhail Gishizky are wine growers who have sold their prized fruit grown in the legendary appellation of Mt. Veeder for many years. In 2004, they decided to create a special wine, "Alexandria's Cuvee", to celebrate the birth of their daughter. This wine was extraordinary, receiving high praise and being called "Sensational" by Wine Spectator. This response confirmed what Jill and Mikhail had thought about the fruit grown on their unique vineyards and convinced them to create an enterprise that would continue their family passion and provide an opportunity for their daughter to experience how nature, science, art, and business come together to make a positive impact in this world.

At Spotted Owl Vineyards we are dedicated to crafting world class wines that respect our environment, support our community and help our patrons enjoy the wonderful gifts that nature has to offer.

Craig Haserot - Proprietor, Sojourn Cellars

Craig Haserot is co-founder and proprietor of Sojourn Cellars. He oversees sales, marketing, and operations, and he also plays important roles in the finance and winemaking functions of the winery. And while he enjoys his work in all of these different facets of the winery, his favorite part of his job is spending time with customers at release parties, wine events, and Tasting Salon gatherings.

During his nearly ten years in the wine business, Craig has immersed himself in all the aspects of the winery business. On the winemaking front, he has served as unofficial assistant winemaker, planted our estate vineyard (Home Ranch Vineyard), and managed grower relationships at a total of 14 vineyards in 2009. Craig’s main responsibility, however, has been to lead Sojourn’s sales and operations, and his success in these areas has enabled Sojourn’s production to grow to 5000 cases.

After growing up in San Marino, California, Craig attended Humboldt State University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. He began his 16-year sales and sales management career in computer software with Ashton-Tate and left it in 2001 after working at Micromuse. Sojourn produced its first Cabernet Sauvignon in 2001 and Craig planted the Home Ranch Vineyard in 2002.

Craig lives in Sonoma with his wife Ellen and their four-year-old daughter Natalie.

10/3-Michael Horn talks to Jon Phillips & David Vicini

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:00:04 PDT

Jon Phillips- Inspiration Winery

Can you believe that we have been actively producing wines since the turn of the century?

Slight exaggeration, but actually true. Although it has only been since 1999 that Barbara and I started producing wine for friends and family, our fascination with wine goes back a long way. In fact, wine is what brought us together. We met while I was working at Mirassou Winery's tasting room in San Jose, California. It may also be possible that my interest in wine is in my blood. My great-grandparents owned vineyards in San Martin, California in the early 1900s (see photo below).

After leaving Mirassou, my knowledge and interest in wine continued to grow. I began independently teaching wine appreciation classes on the San Francisco Peninsula. Subsequently, I took classes through UC Davis Extension in Enology and Viticulture. Then in 1999, Barbara and I produced our first wine, one barrel of Contra Costa Zinfandel using grapes purchased from Rosenblum Cellars.

As production expanded and the medals started validating our efforts, we became more and more aware that steps needed to be taken to move our home winery operations into a larger facility that could be bonded and licensed to produce a commercial product. So in 2001 our dreams came true and we bought a beautiful 6 acre property in Sonoma County, complete with 4.5 acres of vineyards.

In 2002, while waiting for our permits, we contracted with another winery facility where we could produce our first commercial wines. In June of 2003, we announced our first release, and by fall our official winery operation began on-site, with the production of approximately 500 cases.

By 2009 our production had grown to approximately 2000 cases and it was time to look for a larger space to produce and sell our wines. In September 2010, we moved our winemaking operations and opened a tasting room in the Pinecreek Business Park where alongside several other well known wineries, we are now open daily for tours and wine tasting.

These are exciting times for our winery! Thank you for visiting us today. Please check back often for new developments and information about our current and future wine releases.

David Vicini - Trecini Winery
David is our all around guy. Pretty much anything we think of or have to do, he does. Good times. All in all, he's just happy to be here. From web design, tastings, shows, managing sales, etc.. etc... he is involved with it all. If you see him don't be afraid and say hello, its his job to be nice to everyone and engage in all forms of communication. He may even offer you a glass of one of the award winning wines from Trecini Cellars.

9/26-Mike Horn visits with Gary Pisoni & Randy Ullom

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 12:00:04 PDT

Gary Pisoni - Pisoni Vineyards

Winemaker Gary Pisoni is not normally a reserved man; ask anyone in the wine business and they will tell you that he's a larger than life character, with his cascading ringlets of hair and his booming voice.

Gary Pisoni comes from a long time California farming family; his parents started farming vegetables in the Salinas Valley, near Gonzales, back in 1946. With profits from a bumper celery crop in 1979, they made a down payment on a property high in the Santa Lucia HIghlands that would eventually become Pisoni Vineyards. Gary Pisoni started planting the vineyard in 1982 and, after a couple years, was selling grapes to other wineries. In 1998, he began producing and bottling wines under his own Pisoni label.

Randy Ullom - Winemaster Kendall Jackson

Personal Philosophy on Winemaking: Make wine that can be enjoyed by all, enjoyed without a PhD, wines that have a lot of forward fruit, are easy and enjoyable to drink, with long enticing finishes...that linger, beckon and entice for another sip.
Favorite Part of the Process: Walking the vineyards, tasting the grapes, then the excitement, anticipation and chaotic rush of the harvest! I love the family feeling and team effort of our winemaking group. And finally, watching a smile appear on someone's face as they sample and enjoy the wines we have made.

If you were snowed in on a mountain-top villa...what two wines would you want?
I'd have to go with our Highland Estates Camelot Highlands Chardonnay and Stature.
Favorite wine descriptor? "Lush." "Rich" and "Velvet" are close seconds.

Randy's Creative Path: A native of Ann Arbor, Michigan, Randy became interested in wine during a three-year stay in Chile, while on sabbatical from college in the early 1970s. His stay inspired a cross-country trek through Chile's vast wine-growing regions. On his return to the United States, he entered Ohio State University to study crop production with a specialty in Viticulture and Enology and received his degree in 1975.

After six years as a vineyard manager and Winemaker in Ohio and upstate New York, Randy moved to California to become associate Winemaker at De Loach Vineyards in Sonoma County. He was promoted to Winemaker and Vice President in 1991. The wines produced during his tenure were consistent gold medal winners at wine competitions.

Hired by Jess Jackson in 1993 as Winemaker for some of our smaller and international vineyards, Randy was handed his most prestigious assignment in 1997 - Winemaster for Kendall-Jackson Winery.

"I look at all of the vineyards we own, and all of the individual lots of wines that we make, and the thousands of barrels we have sitting in our cellar and sometimes I think, you gotta be kidding me! After I've sufficiently recovered from my daily panic attack, I take off my coat, dig in my heels and take it one barrel at a time. It's a rewarding job that I love."

9/19-Michael Horn talks to Marie Gewirtz & Nicole Bacigalupi

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 12:00:01 PDT

Marie Gewirtz - 2011 President, Sonoma County Harvest Fair

Sonoma County Harvest Fair is a celebration of harvest featuring three full days of wine tasting with 150+ wineries, wine sales, marketplace, chef demonstrations, farm and harvest agricultural activities for children and adults, the World Championship Grape Stomp, continuous live jazz, an art show and sale, crafters pavilion, farm animals to meet, and much more.

September 30th - October 2nd

Nicole Bacigalupi - John Tyler Wines

Nicole, just like her twin sister Katey started her love for the wine industry at an early age. Growing up on the ranch and watching her father and grandfather develop their property from barren land with a few prune trees to what it is today, has been an inspiration for her to continue the family legacy. After high school she attended San Diego State receiving a Business degree with an emphasis in marketing. She gained real world experience by heading out on the road and building accounts with retail outlets and restaurants all over California. As in most family business Nicole and Katey take a hand in every daily winery and vineyard activity. In December of 2006, Nicole met and feel in love with Jarrod Dericco, also a Healdsburg native. Jarrod has also lent a hand in the vineyards; this harvest will be his third with the family. The two are scheduled to marry in June of 2010.

Nicole has now teamed up with her sister Katey to develop new marketing strategies aimed at their own demographics.

“Most of my friends and people I meet that are in our age range (24-30) drink wine, and lots of it. We have a huge advantage in that, Katey and I are part of this population we know how they think, act and buy their wine and mostly importantly what they want out of their wine tasting and buying experience. We want to show the industry that you can up hold your traditional values and family heritage but also be on the edge and take risks in our marketing efforts.”

In 2006 with Nicole heading the project the family began the endeavor of building their own tasting room on Westside Rd to showcase John Tyler Wines to the public. The end result will be a place where customers can experience the history of the early days of the wine industry, including all that the Bacigalupi and Heck families have contributed over the years.

9/12-Michael Horn visits with Nicole Bacigalupi & Cathleen Newman

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 19:10:22 PDT

Nicole Bacigalupi - John Tyler Wines

Nicole has now teamed up with her sister Katey to develop new marketing strategies aimed at their own demographics.

“Most of my friends and people I meet that are in our age range (24-30) drink wine, and lots of it. We have a huge advantage in that, Katey and I are part of this population we know how they think, act and buy their wine and mostly importantly what they want out of their wine tasting and buying experience. We want to show the industry that you can up hold your traditional values and family heritage but also be on the edge and take risks in our marketing efforts.”

Cathleen Newman’s Passion for Your Palate at The Parlour

Nestled in the quaint enclave of downtown Glendora, lives a restaurant reminiscent of boutique epicurean hot spots in New York City, Los Angeles and Paris. The Parlour wine bar and bistro on Glendora Ave is the creation of Cathleen Newman. Cathleen entered the food and beverage industry with likeminded wine and food lovers to give the San Gabriel Valley and surrounding communities a food and wine experience like no other.

Cathleen’s love of food and wine came after years of working in the field of medicine. She graduated from APU with a nursing degree and worked in hospice care for 15 years and owning her own hospice care facility for 7 years.

The Parlour features nearly 400 wines by the bottle and 35 wines by the glass, artisan beers and sakes to be enjoyed in an atmosphere of casual sophistication. Guests often comment that they feel comfortable dining dressed up or even after the gym.

When you enter The Parlour, you feel transported. There is simply no other place in the area like it. The food is inspired by wanting all the guests who dine here, to leave with a favorite item they can’t live without. A few of the most requested favorites are chef Ed’s Wontons and the fried mac-n-cheese sliders. Chef Ed Mac is the executive chef who used his creative culinary talents to enchant his dining guests with unique yet comforting familiarity on traditional dishes as well as the exotic. Collaborating with some of the finest professionals in the industry, Mac and his team create The Parlour’s dining experience.

Cathleen’s wine list has recently earned the Wine Spectator award of excellence. Superbly reviewed on sites such as Yelp and Open Table, The Parlour successfully gained a solid following of fans/guests. It’s no surprise given Cathleen’s passion for perfection for all her guests. The Parlour is open Monday through Saturday for dinner. It’s also available for special events and monthly unique wine dinners on Sundays. The wine dinners are an exquisite treat and usually sell out quickly. A variety of soups, small plates and entrée specials change weekly so visit the Parlour often. Reservations are highly recommended.

Cathleen Newman
Owner
Cathleen has over 6 years experience in business ownership and management. As a Glendora resident for nearly 20 years, she understands the needs and trends of the community. A love for food and wine is the driving behind The Parlour. "I am so excited to introduce The Parlour to the community, the food menu and wine menu are something Glendora hasn't seen before in this area, now everyone won't have to drive out of the city to get this quality of food and wine, I'm bringing it to you"

Our mission is to be the best location in Glendora and the surrounding cities to buy wine and dine on extraordinary culinary delights in a welcoming, comfortable setting. The wine list is hand selected, focused on high quality wines at fair market prices, eclectic and boutique wines, standards and a guarantee that there is something you love on the shelf and on the by the glass list. Our food menu will change with the seasons and our produce is grown locally by organic famers. Chef Sharon pays much attention to the ingredients she blends to create a recipe that you will return for over and over again. The style of food pairs perfectly with the wine on our by the glass menu. We will have bi-weekly tasting events: Wednesday will be our “economy” night, wine tasting flights priced around $8 for 3 2oz pours. Friday nights will be our higher end flights. Guests are always welcome to taste anything on our by the glass menu prior to ordering. The goal here is to love what you are eating and drinking, it is an environment to share precious time with friends, to learn about wine and to taste amazing food.

9/05-Encore Presentation Michael Horn visits with Louis Lucas & Clay Mauritson

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 16:00:04 PDT

Encore Broadcast. Happy Labor Day!

Louis Lucas - Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

Originally from the Central Valley of California, Louis Lucas is one of California's premier grape growers. He literally grew up in the business. His father, son of Croatian immigrants, was a leading table grape grower in California for decades. Louis is described best as part innovator and part magician, utilizing a variety growing practices and techniques. His vast knowledge and viticulture expertise span over 30 years, making him a

sought after speaker, consultant, and advisor. Louis has sold wine grapes to many wineries over the years including: Sebastiani, Korbel, Chateau Montelena, ZD, Wente Brothers, Ridge, Callaway, Bargetto, Kendall-Jackson, Robert Mondavi, Steele, Rusack, Fess Parker, Sunstone, Dan Gehrs, Austin Cellars, Foxen, Sanford, Viansa, Fiddlehead, McKeon-Phillips, Rideau and Bonny Doon.

In 1963, Louis graduated from Notre Dame University with a degree in Finance & Business Economics. Aside from his studies, Louis excelled in track and made his best attempt at Irish football. After four cold Indiana winters, Louis headed back to California to join the family's table grape, wine grape, and almond business. Several years later, he embarked on a new venture, one that would mark him as a pioneer in the California Central Coast's wine industry. In 1970, he formed Tepusquet Vineyards with his brother George and partner Alfred Gagnon to become one of the first commercial wine grape growers in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties.

In the early 1970’s, he worked with Jack Niven to form Edna Valley Vineyards and expanded Tepusquet to the Shandon region of Paso Robles. It was during these years where Louis tested all of the growing theories of the past and created some of his own. He spent several summers touring the finest wine regions of France, Italy, Spain and Germany studying their methods and systems. His conclusion was simple, as he states, " The best decision I ever made in the early 70’s was going against conventional wisdom by planting more vines per acre, adapting trellis systems to fit specific varieties, and instituting suckering, hedging, thinning and leaf removal programs. I had learned this from growing table grapes with my Father, and my travels in Europe confirmed these techniques were essential to growing quality wine grapes."

As the 1980's approached, a shift began to take place in the wine industry as a whole. Johannisburg Riesling had been the primary white, but Chardonnay was well on it's was to replacing it. Louis adjusted to this shift and converted most of his vineyards from Cabernet, Merlot, and Gamay Beaujolais to Chardonnay (only keeping the Pinot Noir). He also planted another vineyard in the Los Alamos Valley of Santa Barbara County. There he instituted the 'Geneva Double Curtain' trellis system for his Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, and Sauvignon Blanc. “This system [Geneva Double Curtain] produces a stronger more massive vine, elevating it off the ground with a large open canopy promoting greater production, quality, and health of the vine in general."

Louis’ current venture, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards (L&L), has once again placed him at the top of his class. In 1996, he joined forces with retired Judge Royce Lewellen, with two of his existing vineyards, and together, they acquired several premium wine producing properties. These vineyards are located in the three principal wine grape growing regions of Santa Barbara County: the Santa Maria Valley, the Los Alamos Valley, and the Santa Ynez Valley, allowing them to utilize the 3 different climate zones that are unique to Santa Barbara's County's coastal climate. L&L vineyards experience warm days and cool nights with long, gentle growing seasons for their over 400 acres and 24 varieties of grapes. L&L is now in the process of planning a winery and tasting room facility in the Los Alamos Valley. In Louis’s own words: "Growing great wine grapes requires a great deal of work. It is a true labor of caring to find a balance between the soil, the vine and the climate. All of these things must occur at the right time and are critical for vine maturity, resulting in real quality yields."

Never too far away from his vines, Louis, his wife Jill and their two daughters live in Solvang, California overlooking one of their beautiful vineyards.

Clay Mauritson - Owner & Winemaker Mauritson Wines

Winemaking may have been the logical evolution in our family’s long history of farming in the Dry Creek Valley, however, it took an absence from the valley and attention to those inner voices that led Clay Mauritson back to these same vineyards that he spent planting, tending and picking as a teen. What he came to realize was that he already had a lifetime of understanding about the subtleties and strengths of each micro-climate within the Dry Creek, Rockpile and Alexander Valleys. The only thing left was to DREAM BIG!

Clay will be talking about Project Zin on October 29th.

Chef Charlie Palmer and Winemaker Clay Mauritson invite you to the First Annual Project Zin event, Saturday, October 29, 2011 at Hotel Healdsburg located in the heart of Sonoma wine country. This preeminent wine event will gather some of the most sought after Zinfandels paired with decadent bites from Chef Palmer and other local Sonoma County chefs. All proceeds will benefit the Sonoma County Down Syndrome Support Group, (SCDSS).

8/29-Michael Horn talks with Louis Lucas & Clay Mauritson

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 15:35:00 PDT

Louis Lucas - Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards

Never too far away from his vines, Louis, his wife Jill and their two daughters live in Solvang, California overlooking one of their beautiful vineyards.

Clay Mauritson - Owner & Winemaker Mauritson Wines

Clay will be talking about Project Zin on October 29th.

8/22-Michael Horn talks with Kent Humphrey & Sharon Harris

noreply@blogger.com (artmartinez91) — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:00:02 PDT

Kent Humphrey Winemaker & Owner of Eric Kent Wine Cellars

The label says Eric Kent but there is no Eric Kent. “Eric” is owner Kent Humphrey’s middle name and “Kent” is his first name. Being on the humble side, Kent just could not bear to be blatantly eponymous. He also could not imagine people in a toney restaurant asking the sommelier for a bottle of “Humphrey” Pinot Noir. So, he inverted his first and middle names and his “nom de vin” came to be. In addition, designing a logo with

two nice, short words seemed a good way to go.

Kent grew up in California around a family table that enjoyed wine. His college path, however, was not initially wine, but rather the PhD program at University of California Berkeley in French (happily with a full ride as a Regent’s Fellow). He soon opted out of academia and pursued a job in advertising. He started his own agency and the company grew to more than fifty people. That experience gave him an in-depth look at big companies - their politics, creative accounting, and inherent failure to put people first. Kent’s youthful idealism was decimated in the end and the work nearly “sucked the joy out of life.” During these ten years of real-life experiences, he sampled, savor

ed, collected and delighted in wine. When he finally decided to leave the advertising world, his friends and family encouraged him to seek a career in wine.

Initially he considered attending University of California Davis for winemaking training, but realized that many of the wines he most admired were made by people who had no formal training in wine. So he sought some hands-on experience and worked at two different winery facilities. A couple of years later, he was offered the chance to obtain some really classy fruit from top-notch vineyards. While a year earlier than he had planned, he couldn’t pass up the opportunity and Eric Kent Wine Cellars was born. Kent chose to make Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah since these were the varietals that gave him the most personal pleasure. He produced 375 cases in the inaugural 2003 vintage. He has since reached nearly 2,000 cases a year. Given his run-in with big business, he still plans to stay small with growth stopping between 3,000 and 4,000 cases. The plan for that buildup is sensibly paced and he is content to take whatever time is necessary to do it well.

Kent and his wife, Colleen, an accomplished artist, decided one day over a dinner of burgers and Zinfandel to showcase artists on their bottles. The two work in harmony, she assisting him in making blending decisions and he helping her in choosing the individual art works that grace the bottles of Eric Kent wines. Kent and Colleen freelance as an art director/copywriter team to help pay for their winemaking project.

The works of art that are part of the front label of every Eric Kent wine are quite striking. The art is from deserving, but as yet undiscovered talent. Each artist brings a unique vision that compliments the spirit behind the wines. With every vintage, a portion of the wine sales is donated to help support the work of struggling artists. As Paul Root so aptly put it, “The wines speak for themselves and the labels add another dimension to the wine by creating a built-in discussion with every cork pulled.”

Sharon Harris - Rarecat Wines

I FELL IN LOVE WITH WINE IN BORDEAUX WHEN I WAS 20 YEARS OLD, A TIME WHEN I WAS OBSESSED WITH SPEAKING FRENCH AND LIVING ABROAD. BORDEAUX WAS NOT WHERE I WANTED TO STUDY BUT FATE INTERVENED AND THAT'S WHERE I WENT.

Although there to study French, I learned everything important in life through my experiences in Bordeaux: an appreciation of fine food and wine, and a joie de vivre one gets from sharing those things with friends.

Most people have long lists of accolades that define their life’s successes. For me, it is quite the opposite, my successes have been a result of fortuitous introductions, the ability to make ideas happen, and a willingness to try new things. My love of food and wine directly stem from naive gumption, charm, and a desire to learn, all of which led me to my first wine experience at Haut Brion, then to living with France’s most famed cheese making family, and to a cooking internship under the wings of Amat, a famous 2 star chef in Bordeaux, my first fine culinary experience.

I have had the desire to be in the wine industry for decades, but getting to Napa Valley has been like taking windy back roads more than efficient toll roads. I spent many years working in executive positions in publishing, advertising, and technology, luckily very successfully, before earning the ability to trade computers for vineyards.

Recently, the hardest thing I have accomplished is graduating with honors from the Universite de Bordeaux’s famed D.U.A.D. program, a technical oenology diploma taught in French. I now live in Napa Valley, married with two great kids. My passion is building connections between the women of Napa Valley and Bordeaux and the rest of the world. Our family co-owns Amici Cellars. Rarecat is my first rare beauty.