Vint Wine Podcast

In this episode of Five Questions with a Winemaker, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller sit down with Nancy Irelan, Winemaker and Owner of Red Tail Ridge Winery in New York’s Finger Lakes. Renowned for her cool-climate varietals and sparkling wines, Nancy has made Red Tail Ridge a Finger Lakes standout.Nancy shares:🌎 A snapshot of her 54-acre vineyard featuring Riesling, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Blaufränkisch, Dornfelder, and Cabernet Franc, all reflecting the Finger Lakes’ unique character.🍾 Red Tail Ridge’s passion for sparkling wines, focusing on traditional methods and site expression.🍷 Inspirations from Champagne, Austrian Blaufränkisch, Pinot Noir from Baden, and emerging regions like Baja, Mexico, inspire Red Tail Ridge's style.📆 Key takeaways from challenging vintages like 2009, 2013, 2018, and 2021, and how they’ve shaped her resilient winemaking philosophy.🔭 Her vision for the region: positioning the Finger Lakes as America’s parallel to Crémant d’Alsace with expanded sparkling production and year-round tourism.A must-listen for fans of cool-climate wines and those curious about the future of U.S. wine regions.🎧 Listen to the full episode with Nancy Irelan, available now.The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace, your source for fine wines and rare spirits. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com.Cheers!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!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed wine writer and researcher Elaine Chukan Brown to discuss their new book, The Wines of California is a sweeping and deeply informed look at the Golden State’s wine landscape, past and present.With rare access, firsthand research, and a unique perspective shaped by years of work across regions and with producers, Elaine shares a compelling narrative tracing the evolution of California wine: from indigenous cultivation and early Spanish mission plantings to Prohibition-era struggles, the rise of Napa and Sonoma, and today’s cutting-edge, climate-driven viticulture.Elaine shares:🍇 Insights into how her Alaskan roots and early encounters with Pinot Noir sparked a lifelong passion for wine.📚 Her journey from academic philosopher to celebrated wine writer contributing to The Oxford Companion to Wine, The World Atlas of Wine, and Decanter.🌄 A panoramic tour of California’s wine regions—Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Lodi, Monterey, and beyond—highlighting key producers shaping the state today.🌿 Reflections on the essential, often-overlooked role of farmworkers, indigenous histories, and immigrant labor in building California’s wine identity.🌍 Perspectives on how climate change, sustainability, and shifting consumer tastes are transforming California’s vineyards and varietal choices for the next generation.🔍 A behind-the-scenes look at how she selected the influential and innovative producers profiled in her book.Whether you’re a collector, sommelier, or enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the centuries-long journey of California wine and the forces shaping its future.🎧 Listen now to explore the stories, landscapes, and people behind California’s most iconic and emerging wines.🛒 Shop California’s top producers now at vintmarketplace.comThe 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!

In this episode of The Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Julien Howsepian, lead winemaker at Kosta Browne, one of California’s most acclaimed producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Julien shares how his path led from UC Davis to becoming a key figure in American fine wine and explains what makes the Kosta Browne portfolio so distinct—from Russian River to Santa Rita Hills, and even Burgundy.🍇 Julien’s journey from economics major to head winemaker—and how a brewery in Pennsylvania helped shape his approach to winery logistics and efficiency.🌍 The regional diversity of Kosta Browne’s portfolio, including Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Rita Hills, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and Burgundy.🍷 What makes wines from Treehouse, Gaps Crown, Keefer Ranch, Shea, and Cerise vineyards stand out—and how Kosta Browne brings out their unique voices.🛠️ The role of fermentation vessels—stainless steel, oak, and concrete—in shaping texture, aromatic lift, and style across the range.🔬 Why Kosta Browne focuses on purity, place, and structure, and how Julien uses small-lot fermentation and non-interventionist winemaking to highlight terroir.A must-listen for fans of Pinot Noir, site-driven winemaking, and the evolution of modern California wine & beyond.🎧 Listen now and explore the Kosta Browne wines at vintmarketplace.comChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast00:37 Winemaker Interviews and News01:34 Entrepreneur News and Wine Releases04:41 Champagne Masters and Non-Vintage Favorites11:37 Interview with Julian Halian of Costa Brown22:41 The Challenge of Logistics in the Wine Business23:15 Learning Efficiency from Samuel Adams Brewery25:40 Implementing Efficient Processes at the Winery26:17 Specific Examples of Efficiency in Winemaking27:22 The Importance of Organization During Harvest29:42 Exploring the Wines of Costa Brown31:53 The Evolution of Costa Brown's Wine Portfolio39:01 Unique Characteristics of Different Vineyards42:44 Comparing Pinot Noir from Different Regions49:37 Impact of Different Fermentation Vessels51:59 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsThe 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!

In this episode of Five Questions with a Winemaker, presented by the Vint Marketplace, we sit down with Julien Howsepian, Head Winemaker at Kosta Browne, one of California’s most celebrated names in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for their single-vineyard expressions and dedication to regional identity, Kosta Browne has become a benchmark producer for American cool-climate wines.Julien shares:🌎 Their wine portfolio spans wines made from vineyards across the globe including California (Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands, Sta. Rita Hills, Anderson Valley), Burgundy, and Oregon’s Willamette Valley, focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.🔍 A relentless pursuit of quality and authenticity, crafting wines that reflect place and connect emotionally with wine lovers at every stage of their journey.🍇 His personal inspiration from quality wines across the globe, and how curiosity and discovery shape both his winemaking and the experience Kosta Browne offers to collectors.📆 Reflections on standout vintages—2021 for its purity and ageability, and 2020 for the adversity of wildfires and the pride of staying true to their identity through it all.🔭 His vision for the future of Kosta Browne: continuing to refine and elevate within their current portfolio, building on domestic success to reach more wine lovers around the worldA must-listen for fans of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this episode captures the craftsmanship and clarity behind one of America’s most admired wineries.🎧 Stay tuned for the full-length episode with Julien Howsepian coming soon.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!

In this episode of The Vint Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Stephen and Prue Henschke of Henschke —one of the most iconic family-run wineries in the world.This in-depth conversation covers the legacy of the Hill of Grace vineyard, the role of old vines in shaping wine texture and complexity, and the unique terroir of Eden Valley. Prue shares her insights as viticulturist, including the nuances of managing vines over 150 years old, the effects of soil and canopy management, and the importance of preserving vine genetics. Stephen discusses their restrained and precise winemaking approach, including the use of submerged cap fermentation and minimal oak influence to highlight site expression.Topics explored include:The history of Henschke and the sixth-generation legacyThe significance of old vines and the Barossa Old Vine CharterHow Eden Valley’s altitude and soils shape their Riesling and ShirazA technical breakdown of Mount Edelstone, Hill of Grace, and Wheelwright vineyardsReflections on sustainability, native cover crops, and dry farmingThe story behind experimental bottlings like Hill of Roses, Nebbiolo, and TempranilloPerspectives on global brand prestige and Australian wine’s evolving reputationWhether you're a collector, sommelier, or student of wine, this episode offers a rare window into one of Australia’s most revered producers and their uncompromising commitment to place, tradition, and innovation.🛒 Find Henschke wines and more at vintmarketplace.comThe 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!

In this episode of Five Questions with a Winemaker, presented by the Vint Marketplace, we sit down with Stephen and Prue Henschke, sixth-generation vintners of Henschke Wines—one of Australia’s most revered estates. From Eden Valley Riesling to the legendary Hill of Grace Shiraz, the Henschkes have helped define fine wine in Australia.Stephen and Prue share:🌿 The vineyards they manage across Eden Valley, including Hill of Grace (planted in the 1850s), Mount Edelstone, and Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills, growing Riesling, Shiraz, Semillon, Cabernet, Grenache, Grüner Veltliner, and more.🏞️ Their focus on authenticity and site expression, making wines from one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges with a cool, continental climate—ideal for Riesling and Shiraz.🍷 Their role in establishing the Barossa Old Vine Charter, classifying vines over 35 years as “Old Vines” and those over 125 years as “Ancestor Vines”—a meaningful way to honor vine age and preservation.📆 A look at their most memorable vintages, including the great 1959, the benchmark 1986 and 2002, and the exceptional 2021, along with challenging years like 2011 and the unexpectedly compressed 2025 vintage.🔭 Exciting developments ahead, including new co-ferments of Grenache and Rhône varieties, expanded plantings of Grüner Veltliner, and a growing focus on Lenswood’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.🍷 A must-listen for collectors and enthusiasts of Australian wine, this conversation blends heritage, innovation, and deep respect for the land.🎧 Stay tuned for the full-length episode with the Henschkes due for release on 4/23🛒 Shop Henschke wines now on Vint Marketplace:https://vintmarketplace.com/shop/filters/producer/henschke/Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:05 Vineyard Locations and Varieties01:57 Henke Wines Overview02:48 The Old Vine Charter Explained05:17 Memorable Vintages07:48 Future Plans for Heskey WinesThe 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!

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Jean-Frédéric Hugel, 13th-generation vintner at Famille Hugel in Alsace, to explore one of France’s most historic wine families and regions. Founded in 1639, Famille Hugel is a benchmark producer known for its Rieslings, Gewürztraminer, and age-worthy late-harvest wines.Jean-Frédéric discusses his family’s centuries-long legacy in Alsace, the evolution of Hugel’s winemaking, and the unique terroir and culture that define the region. He also shares what it means to represent Alsace in the Primum Familiae Vini (PFV), a group of 12 leading family-owned wine estates from across Europe.Key topics include:The distinct profile of Alsace Riesling compared to German or Austrian stylesThe role of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, and Muscat in Hugel’s aromatic dry whitesHow Hugel produces some of the world’s longest-lived Vendange Tardive and Sélection de Grains Nobles(botrytized sweet wines)The philosophy behind Hugel’s Classic, Estate, and Grossi Laüe tiersHugel’s new project: their first-ever Crémant d’Alsace sparkling wineWhy Hugel doesn’t use oak and how their neutral winemaking showcases terroir👉 Be sure to check out our companion episode: Five Questions with a Winemaker featuring Jean-Frédéric Hugel, for a rapid-fire introduction to Hugel’s wines and what’s next for the estate.🛒 Explore Alsace wines and other benchmark producers at Vint Marketplace🎧 Listen to more episodes: Vint Podcast ArchiveThe 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!

In this episode of Five Questions with a Winemaker, we sit down with Jean Frédéric Hugel, the 13th generation of the legendary Famille Hugel in Alsace, France. Jean shares the story behind one of the region’s most historic producers, known for its benchmark dry Rieslings and long-lived sweet wines.We cover:📍 Where the Hugel vineyards are located and the iconic white varieties they champion🍇 The dry, gastronomic style of Hugel's wines and the tiers of their bottlings📖 A vintage-by-vintage walkthrough of the most memorable harvests—from 2021 all the way back to 1865🌱 The estate’s move to certified organic production and their first-ever orange wine🏗️ Major upcoming projects, including a new facility and operational shiftThis episode is presented by vintmarketplace.com, where you can explore wines from iconic producers like Famille Hugel.Subscribe and stay tuned for the full-length interview with Jean Frédéric, where we go deeper into Alsace, cellar aging, and Hugel’s vision for the future.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Vent Wine Podcast00:45 Meet the Winemaker: Jean Fredic Hug00:54 Exploring Alsace Vineyards and Varieties02:33 Wine Styles and Specialties05:14 Memorable Vintages07:46 Future Innovations and ProjectsThe 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!

🎙️ In this episode of the Vint Podcast, we sit down with Mike D. Etzel, President of Beaux Frères Vineyards in Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA, to explore the legacy of one of America’s most iconic Pinot Noir estates.Mikey shares the story of his family's founding of Beaux Frères, how the wines and farming have evolved, and what’s ahead—including a major winery expansion and a new estate Chardonnay program. We talk vineyard management, winemaking techniques, amphora experimentation, and why Ribbon Ridge terroir stands apart.Whether you’re a Pinot Noir lover, collector, or vineyard geek, this is a deep and thoughtful conversation with one of Oregon’s leading winemakers.👉 Plus: Don’t miss our companion mini-episode, “ Five Questions with a Winemaker: Mike D. Etzel, CEO of Beaux Frères”, for a quick-fire intro to Mikey and the Beaux Frères story.🔗 Listen to more episodes: Vint Podcast Archive🍷 Shop Beaux Frères wines: Browse on Vint MarketplaceChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast00:37 Weekend Wine Adventures02:10 Exploring Australian Wines03:06 Champagne Trends and Insights06:33 Interview with Mikey Etzel of Beau Frere11:46 The History of Beau Frere21:20 Vineyard Practices and Innovations27:02 Rootstock Selection and Challenges30:04 Pruning Techniques and Vineyard Management33:02 Biodynamic Farming and Its Evolution37:12 Adapting to Climate Change38:27 Winemaking Techniques and Innovations47:27 Exploring Alternative Vessels49:57 Future of Chardonnay at the VineyardThe 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!

Welcome to a new mini-series from the Vint Podcast: Five Questions with a Winemaker. In each bite-sized episode, we sit down with a leading voice in the world of wine and ask five questions that reveal their personal story, winemaking style, and what makes their wines unique. These short episodes are designed to offer quick insights into the minds behind the bottles—perfect for both casual wine lovers and serious collectors alike.In this inaugural episode, we feature Mikey Etzel, President of the iconic Beaux Frères Vineyards, located in the Ribbon Ridge AVA of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Beaux Frères is widely regarded as one of the premier producers of Pinot Noir in the U.S., and under Mikey’s leadership, the winery is entering an exciting new era of innovation and estate-focused winemaking.In this episode, Mikey shares:🍇 The spirit and terroir of Ribbon Ridge and Willamette ValleyMikey describes the Willamette Valley as a wild, green, and energetic place—its coastal influence and forested terrain provide natural buffers in a changing climate, which adds freshness and vitality to the wines.🍷 Why Pinot Noir leads—and Chardonnay is risingPinot Noir remains central to Beaux Frères, but Chardonnay is gaining momentum, now comprising 10% of production. Mikey shares excitement about its future on their estate.🌍 Burgundy’s lasting influenceBeaux Frères draws deep inspiration from Burgundy’s heritage, with Mikey crediting its cultural and generational wisdom for shaping their terroir-focused winemaking in Oregon.🍾 Standout vintages over timeFrom the bold 1994 vintage to cooler, underappreciated years like 2007 and 2010, Mikey reflects on the emotional and aging journey of Beaux Frères wines.🔨 What’s ahead for Beaux FrèresBig changes include a new fermentation facility, restoration of the original pig barn for hospitality, a shift to 100% estate fruit, and a new estate Chardonnay project—marking the next chapter for the winery.💡 Stay tuned: This episode is just the beginning. We’ll be releasing a full-length interview with Mikey Etzel very soon, where we explore the Etzel family legacy, Mikey’s personal journey into wine, and the bold next chapter for Beaux Frères. Expect more stories, insights, and inspiration from one of the most exciting producers in Oregon wine today.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to the 5 Questions with a Winemaker Segment00:22 Introducing Mike D Etzel00:54 Location and Varieties of Beaux Freres Vineyards01:37 The Unique Qualities of Willamette Valley02:54 Inspirations and Memorable Vintages04:39 Future Plans for Boer VineyardsThe 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!