California’s Most Unforgettable Wine Experiences

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores three of California’s most unique wine tasting experiences. 

First, Meyers heads to Bouchaine Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Carneros region, spending time with president and winemaker Chris Kajani and master falconer Rebecca Rosen of Authentic Abatement to learn how hawks, falcons, and owls protect the vineyard’s grapes. 

Rosen explains how Bouchaine’s falconry program works, including the history of falconry, its use today, and showcasing free flying to help people understand the sport. Rosen then shows Meyers how to interact with the birds.

Next, Meyers tastes wine with Bouchaine winemaker Kajani, who explains why Napa Valley’s Carneros area produces such incredible wines. “Our vineyards look right over the bay to San Francisco, and the cool climate varieties like Pinot Noir are thin-skinned and need this breeze, and this fog, and this maritime influence to thrive,” says Kajani. “And the cool climate is what allows that acidity in the wine, and that’s why this little section of Carneros is so special.”

Meyers then heads to Sonoma for an all-terrain tour of The Donum Estates’ world-class art collection with CEO Angelica de Vere Mabray. Meyers then gets to experience a live harvest with Tony Chapman, the estate’s head of wine-growing. The two also discuss how regenerative farming creates incredible wines. 

Last, Meyers stops by Buena Vista Winery, California’s first premium winery, for an immersive tasting experience in the Cave of Curiosity. He kicks things off by sharing a sparkling wine toast with Jean-Charles Boisset, Buena Vista's proprietor. Together, they enjoy a sabred bottle of sparkling wine, engage all five senses in a historic cave, and taste wine straight from the barrel.