The Wine Makers – Todd Alexander, Force Majeure Vineyards
May 17, 2024
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Former winemaker from Napa, Todd Alexander, now at Force Majeure Vineyards in Washington discusses the shift due to climate change. Covers his journey, the wine lineup, challenges in grape farming, and exploring new vineyard locations in Washington with exciting collaborations.
Napa and Sonoma facing climate challenges, prompting winemaker Todd Alexander to move to Washington.
Exploration of winemaking in Red Mountain region, highlighting unique soil composition and farming challenges.
Deep dives
The Excitement of Hospice in Walla Walla
The podcast episode discusses the vibrant atmosphere at Hospice in Walla Walla, emphasizing the unique experience and the significant impact it has had on the local community. The hosts share insights about the event being a big moment for Walla Walla, attracting many visitors to the town for the first time. Despite the cloudy and rainy weather, the hosts express excitement and anticipation for future events and continued growth in Walla Walla's wine community.
Exploring New Wine Territory in Red Mountain
The podcast delves into the exploration of winemaking in the Red Mountain region, known for its warm climate and unique soil composition. The hosts detail the distinctive characteristics of Red Mountain, including its red-hued soil and volcanic basalt makeup. Discussions highlight the challenges of winemaking in the area, such as coping with extreme weather conditions and frost risks, providing insights into the innovative farming practices required to cultivate grapes successfully.
Collaborative Winemaking and Innovative Approaches
The episode features a conversation on collaborative winemaking ventures, focusing on partnerships between different winemakers and vineyards. The hosts share experiences of working together on projects like Chautamento wines and Dunavant-Calde wines. The discussions underline the importance of communication, experimentation, and adaptability in creating unique and high-quality wine offerings, reflecting a shared commitment to advancing winemaking practices.
Personal Wine Journey and Passion for Winemaking
The podcast episode delves into one host's personal journey into the world of winemaking, tracing back to family influences and a newfound passion for exploring and creating wines. Detailed stories reveal the host's initial encounters with wine regions like Napa and Bordeaux, sparking an interest in the art and history of winemaking. The conversation highlights the transformative power of wine culture in connecting individuals and fostering a deep appreciation for the rich heritage and creativity found within the industry.
Todd Alexander has started a new life in Washington. Former winemaker at Grace Family in Napa, he looked at NASA weather models through 2050 and noticed Napa and Sonoma were all in “the red”. He jumped at an opportunity to move north and is now the wine maker at Force Majeure and some other side projects that we discuss on the show. BeatsVinesAndLife Podcast host M.J. Towler joins us on the show, recorded in Walla Walla, and do his hilarious impression of Christophe Baron. [Ep321]
@forcemajeurevineyards
@beatsvinesandlife
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