Steve Edmunds, owner/winemaker of Edmunds St. John Wines, recounts his early adventures, including leaving school on a whim and a spontaneous cross-country trip. He shares his foray into the wine industry, tasting unique grape varieties, and encounters with renowned figures. The podcast dives into winemaking anecdotes, reflections on early days, and discussions on rare grape varieties like Gamae. Special focus on El Helleo wines, musical influences, and humorous banter about recording for posterity.
Early life struggles with parents' alcoholism influenced winemaking journey.
Spontaneous cross-country road trip shaped personal growth and connections.
Emphasis on blending grape varieties and vineyard exploration for unique wines.
Deep dives
Discovering a Love for Wine Early On
Steve Edmonds talks about his early experiences with wine, including the impact of his parents' alcoholism on his life. He shares memories of his first experiences with school, childhood adventures, and pivotal moments that shaped his upbringing.
Embarking on a Cross-Country Journey
Steve recounts a spontaneous road trip from California to New York, driving a brand new Volkswagen Beetle. He shares his experiences hitchhiking, exploring different cities, and meeting influential individuals along the way.
Venturing into the Wine Business
Steve delves into his entry into the wine industry, starting with a job at a wine shop and eventually transitioning to buying and making wine. He discusses the challenges faced in winemaking, including microbial issues and the impact on wine quality.
Navigating the Wine Industry and Recognitions
Steve reflects on his journey through the wine industry, navigating challenges and maintaining his commitment to authenticity and quality. He discusses interactions with prominent figures like Robert Parker and the evolving landscape of wine appreciation over the years.
Innovative Blending Approaches and Vineyard Exploration
The podcast delves into the winemaking process, highlighting the art of blending and exploring various vineyards. The speaker discusses blending different grape varieties to achieve harmony and uniqueness in wines. By blending based on grape varieties' distinct characteristics and origins, the speaker creates wines like the New World Red, emphasizing the importance of looking for specific qualities in each grape type. Additionally, the speaker shares insights into vineyard exploration, working with high elevation vineyards, like Shake Ridge at 3,400 feet, for their moderating influence on heat and ability to enhance wine freshness.
Evolution of Winemaking Career and Musical Influence
The podcast reflects on the speaker's winemaking journey, from early experiences with prostate cancer influencing production to the decision to pause winemaking post-COVID-19. The speaker, a musician, draws parallels between songwriting and winemaking, emphasizing the role of intuition and paying attention to subtle details. Moreover, the discussion touches on the speaker's musical album, 'Singing to the Ghost,' showcasing a blend of music and winemaking artistry in a creative legacy left for future generations.
