The Maverick of Moon Mountain: Phil Coturri Reflects on a Life of Complexity

Sep 9, 2025

Phil Coturri, known as The Godfather of organic mountain grape viticulture, shares vivid stories from his life in Sonoma Valley. He reflects on his San Francisco roots, the cultural revolutions of the '60s, and the rich experience of winemaking. Phil discusses the connection between music, art, and viticulture, revealing how family and community have shaped his journey. He also dives into the evolution of organic farming and the impact of alternative lifestyles on his craft. Expect a delightful blend of nostalgia, wisdom, and culinary heritage!

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ANECDOTE

Early Family Wine Roots

Phil grew up third-generation in San Francisco with strong Italian/Portuguese roots and early exposure to homemade wine and cellar barrels.
He started making wine at age 10 using grapes gifted by a family connection to Italian Swiss Colony.

ADVICE

Design Vineyards To Preserve Terraces

Lay out vineyards to preserve the environment and minimize disturbance when planting on slopes.
Plant terraces and let the vine and terrace grow together instead of forcing unnatural layouts.

ADVICE

Protect Soil With Cover Crops

Use cover crops and soil conservation to prevent erosion on vineyard slopes before heavy rain seasons.
Sow oats or other covers before winter rains to protect soil and reduce wash into creeks.

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Get ready for a journey through time, culture, and the lush hills of Sonoma Valley on this episode of Beats Vines & Life. Host MJ Towler sits down with the legendary Phil Coturri, a man known as The Godfather of organic mountain grape viticulture and the force behind Enterprise Vineyard Management and Winery 16600.

In this colorful conversation, Phil opens up about his roots as a third-generation San Franciscan, growing up during the revolutionary 60s and soaking up the vibrancy of the Beat movement, the Summer of Love, and the rise of Bay Area music. Together, MJ and Phil weave stories that link the evolution of California winemaking with cultural milestones—from early experiments in natural, additive-free wines to wild times with the Grateful Dead, Rolling Stone magazine, and the cosmic transformation that came with psychedelics and free-thinking art.

Expect tales about family, food, the joy (and chaos) of farming, the influence of complex microclimates on great wine, and how the rhythms of music and poetry are forever entwined with the creative process of living—and winemaking. Whether you’re here for the music, the lifestyle, or the deep dives into organic viticulture, this is an episode brimming with wisdom, wit, and a few legendary California rabbit holes.

Pour yourself a glass and tune in; this is Beats Vines & Life with Phil C.!

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Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers!

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