The Wine Makers on Radio Misfits

When we first sat down with David Ramey in October of 2018 we spent time talking about his start in the wine business and the winemaking techniques that he pioneered of which many winemakers use today. This time we are joined by his children Claire and Alan as David takes a step into the future helping guide his children toward running this family business. We also get some insight into the standards that this winery has build it’s reputation on. [EP192] rameywine.com/ @davidramey @rameywinecellars

While studying chemistry at the University of Colorado at Denver, Danielle sensed that laboratory research was not fulfilling her passion. Throughout her young adult life, Danielle’s father, shared his love of wine, continually encouraged her to move to California and explore winemaking. Finally, in the late summer of 2013, she took his advice and moved to Sonoma. That year Danielle had her first opportunity in the wine industry working as a cellar intern for harvest at the Kamen Estate. Dan, armed with a background in geology and a passion for organic agriculture. Dan moved to California with his soon to be wife, Danielle in early 2014. Phil Coturri gave him his start in wine-growing where he worked with the vineyard crews at Kamen Estate. Over his six years working with Enterprise Vineyards, Dan studied all aspects of organic farming, including biodynamic agriculture and Korean natural farming. While Dan keeps very busy in the vineyards, he is also known to lend a hand in the winery whenever needed. Dan is an integral part of the husband and wife Jambe de Bois Wines team. Jambe de Bois was born out of Danielle’s yearning to study winemaking and develop her own unique style. Every vintage is different not only because of the weather that shapes it, but also the experimental and bold techniques employed to make the wine. “Jambe de Bois is her creative outlet. These small batches of wine are meant to be a discovery of different winemaking processes as I learn more every year. One thing I know about wine, is I will never be done learning.” www.jambedeboiswines.com

Master Sommelier Christophe Tassan has spent his career hanging out in the most rarified air the wine and hospitality business has to offer. He grew up in his family’s Michelin-starred restaurant in Avignon, he worked for super star chef Alain Ducasse, he was the wine director of the legendary Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia, he attained literal heights running the wine program at Aureole in Las Vegas famous for the Wine Angels soaring 50 feet into the air to retrieve the best bottles. A career like his doesn’t lack for hardware either; he was awarded 2nd Best Young French Sommelier in 1988, Best Sommelier “South of France” in 1992 and became a Master Sommelier in 2000. In 2004 he was rewarded with the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France – Sommelier, France’s highest distinction for the trades. Today, his career has taken him to new heights-the top of the Moon Mountain District where Christophe oversees Moon Hollow a new wine label from Michael and Xochi Birch who own The Battery in San Fancisco where Christophe is also the beverage director. Through it all, Christophe remains a humble steward to the grape, to the wine and to the stories they can tell. [EP190] www.moonhollow.com

This week we sit down with Paul Duroussay, former intern to our friend Jeff Cohn. Paul grew up and was educated in Burgundy with friends and family in the wine business. He now imports small production wines that would normally never see American soil. Follow the story from France to California and see what it takes to bring these incredible wines to us. Oh and there’s Champagne too !!! The wines are incredible and the prices are mind blowing for the quality. Viva la France 🇫🇷… pierreclosimports.com

This week we checked in with two of our favorite guests, Blair Guthrie from Guthrie Family Wines and Joel Burt from Las Jaras Wines. We thought it would be fun to have them both on together to double your pleasure. This is a great show, covering a wide variety of topics, and a multitude of wines. Normally we tell you to pour yourself a glass, but this week you might want to crack a couple bottles. Enjoy !!! [EP188] lasjaraswines.com guthriefamilywines.com

Well it’s been a year of Zoom for The Wine Makers during the Covid pandemic so to celebrate Spring, bud break and vaccinations, we did this show in person on the beautiful new deck at the Sixteen600 Tasting House.  We cover a lot of ground today with lots of beautiful new releases from Bart and Dane Cellars plus new ones from Sam. This is an episode you should really enjoy. Cheers! [EP188]

This week we discuss Weed Slayer, no that’s not Sam’s nickname. The maker of Weed Slayer/ Agro Gold WS Herbicide and Fertilizer was hit with a false advertising class action lawsuit related to claims that the product was safe. We are now learning that this product contains glyphosate and diquat, which are both prohibited for use in organic production. What are the consequences and what do we do now? [EP186]

Scott Kirkpatrick moved out to California from Kentucky with $30 in his pocket. He discovered a love for wine, and for a woman named Allison. After working numerous harvests at a crush pad facility, he had an idea. What if we make Petite Sirah and treat it like the aromatic, lively beauty that it could be, instead of continuing to produce the masculine beast that most wine makers typically do ? Mountain Tides was born, with his artistic photographer wife crafting the labels, they started on a voyage of discovery into all things Petite. Now four years later they have attracted the attention of the wine world. Why do they do it ? How do they do it ? Give it a listen and hear for yourselves. mountaintideswine.com @mountaintides

Paul Giusto and Michael Sebastiani met back in the day, working together at Viansa Winery in Sonoma. In 2004, they decided to partner up and go out on their own, taking their vineyard connections, Michael’s wine making experience and Paul’s marketing skills. These guys are true ambassadors of Sonoma County, showcasing fruit from some of the most prized and historic vineyards. Their wines are like them, accessible and approachable. Paul joined the conversation from the back of his truck, parked in the MacLeod Vineyard on Lawndale Rd. in Kenwood. Check it out. [EP184] highway12winery.com

We welcome back Paul Mabray this week and he is joined by Erica Duecy, they are here this week to introduce us to their new company. Pix is a wine discovery platform that helps wine consumers find the right bottle: If you’re  looking for a specific wine, the website will help guide you to it, or to a great alternative. If you’re exploring a region or variety, they will find benchmark bottles in the price range you specify. Pix locates bottles for in person pick-up or delivery. Set to launch in Spring 2021, Pix is a better way to find and buy wine. [EP183] @pixwine @pmabray @ericaduecy