Chris Cottrell of Bedrock Wine Co. on Old Vines, Regenerative Farming, & Historic Field Blends

In this special 200th episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, host Billy Galanko is joined by Chris Cottrell, co-winemaker and partner at Bedrock Wine Co., to explore one of California’s most revered and dynamic producers. From Old Vine Zinfandel to heritage field blends and terroir-driven sparkling wines, Bedrock is preserving the state's viticultural legacy with thoughtful, low-intervention farming and winemaking.

Chris shares his journey from wine shop stockboy in Manhattan to becoming business partners with Morgan Twain-Peterson MW. Together, they’ve built Bedrock into a standard-bearer for regenerative viticulture and old vine preservation, crafting wines from vineyards dating back to the 1880s.

This episode also marks the end of an era: Brady Weller, longtime co-host and original producer of the Vint Wine Podcast, signs off for the final time. Brady reflects on his start with the show in 2021, its growth over 200 episodes, and why Bedrock is the perfect winery to feature in his final episode.

🎧 In this episode:

• Chris Cottrell’s story and how Bedrock was born
• The origins of Under the Wire, Bedrock’s sparkling wine project
• What “heritage wines” really mean—and why they matter
• Why Bedrock is pursuing regenerative organic certification
• The diversity of Bedrock’s vineyard sites, from Sonoma to Contra Costa and Lodi
• A breakdown of core wines like Old Vine Zinfandel, Bedrock Heritage, Evangel, and more
• The future of California wine through the lens of farming, climate resilience, and legacy
• Brady’s reflections on co-hosting the podcast for nearly four years

🍇 Wines & Vineyards Discussed:

• Bedrock Vineyard Heritage Wine (Sonoma Valley, planted 1888)
• Evangel Vineyard (Contra Costa, 1890s own-rooted vines)
• Katushas’ Vineyard (Lodi, planted 1915)
• Old Hill Ranch, Nervo Ranch, Eschew Vineyard
• Under the Wire sparkling wines from Brosseau and Alder Springs
• Zinfandel, Carignan, Mourvèdre, and field blends of up to 29 varieties

📍 Visit Bedrock Wine Co.:
Taste the wines at the historic General Joseph Hooker House just off the Sonoma Plaza. Built in 1848 and tied to the origins of Bedrock Vineyard, it’s one of the most unique tasting rooms in California.

🍷 Final Toast:
We raise a glass again to Brady and his incredible contribution to the podcast over 200 episodes, thanks!

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!