The Wine Makers on Radio Misfits
The Wine Makers
A laid-back journey into the heart of wine culture Every week, hosts Sam Coturri, Bart Hansen, and Brian Casey pull the cork on real conversations with winemakers, growers, sommeliers, and industry trailblazers from Sonoma and beyond. The Wine Makers blends deep knowledge with a relaxed, no-snobbery approach to everything from biodynamic farming to rebellious cider makers and sake artisans. These are not dry lectures or polished promos—just passionate people talking shop over a glass (or three). The hosts’ decades of hands-on experience in vineyards, cellars, and tasting rooms fuel lively discussions about sustainability, storytelling, and the changing world of wine. Whether you’re just starting to explore wine or already know your skin-contact from your carbonic maceration, this show delivers honest insight, practical advice, and plenty of personality. Pour a glass and press play.
Episodes
Mentioned books
May 18, 2018 • 1h 10min
The Wine Makers – Todd Jolly, “Sonoma’s Best” source for wine
Todd is a certified specialist of wine, sake professional, and currently runs one of the the coolest little wine clubs in Sonoma. Head out of town on Napa St. and drive eight blocks.On your left is a building with a deli and a wine shop. Ask for Todd.
Listen to this episode and you will see why. Enjoy
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/sonomasbest/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sonomasbest/
May 11, 2018 • 1h 1min
The Wine Makers – A Perfect Pairing
Chef Ari Weiswasser cut his chops at some of New Yorks best restaurants, including Daniel, Corton and Picholine. After a couple years at the French Laundry in Yountville, the young chef decided to open up his own spot, Glen Ellen Star, with his wife Erinn Benziger.
We talk about food, family and balance.
Enjoy
May 4, 2018 • 47min
The Wine Makers – Room 232, “A Family Affair”
This episode was recorded from our hotel room at the Hospice du Rhone event in Paso Robles. We were joined by Isabel Gassier who left her family winery in France to come work with Bedrock Wine Company and Enterprise Vineyards in Sonoma.
Phil Coturri stops by to talk about Saxum Vineyards and drinking wines way too young. The conversation gets heated when Ian Blessing from the French Laundry and Tasio Baserga of the San Luis Obispo Country Club discuss screw caps versus corks.
Hold on to your glass, this episode may ruffle some feathers in the wine world.
Gassier wines – http://www.michelgassier.com/en/wines/
Tasio Baserga – fbdirector@slocc.net
Ian Blessing – Instagram @ianjamesblessing
Apr 27, 2018 • 1h 21min
The Wine Makers – It’s the Cheese
Sheana Davis is an American cheesemaker, chef, culinary educator and owner of the Epicurean Connection in Sonoma. In 2009, Sheana proudly released her own cheese, Delice de la Vallee, which in 2010 won an ACS 1st Place. She talks about wine pairing, the history of cheese in Sonoma, and the current wave of young cheesemakers on the rise.
We are also joined by her husband Ben Sessions, formerly of Hanzell Winery, and Kyle Reynolds, cheese expert from the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn.
Pour yourself a glass and cut off a wedge of your favorite cheese for this episode.
Contact Sheana:
http://www.theepicureanconnection.com/
Instagram @EpicureanSonoma
Twitter @EpicureanSonoma
The Epicurean Connection
PO Box 1916
Sonoma, CA 95476
Apr 20, 2018 • 39min
The Wine Makers – 1970 Margaux
This week we welcome Ian Blessing from the French Laundry and open up some 1970 Margaux and some old non-vintage Champagne. Sam and Bart discuss the recent rain storms and how they’ll affect the vineyards.
Recorded at Bart Hansen’s house on Sonoma Mountain over-looking some of the most historic vineyards in the County.
Apr 13, 2018 • 1h 25min
The Wine Makers – Jeff Bundschu
This week we welcome Jeff Bundschu from the historic Gundlach-Bundschu Winery. This Sonoma landmark planted vines in 1858 and has been harvesting grapes ever since. Jeff shares his deep passion of music and wine, and their relationship to each other in his own life. We learn about his family hi-jacking a train and kidnapping Richard Branson. His story of last years fire is truly terrifying.
Ian Blessing, from the team at the French Laundry joins the show to discuss the new breed of sommelier. We open up a bottle of 1982 Gundlach-Bundschu Kleinberger, these vines have since been ripped out and no longer exist in California.
Apr 6, 2018 • 1h 23min
The Wine Makers – Innovation and Heritage
From the World-Famous Rhone Room in Sonoma, CA a conversation with two of Sonoma’s most innovative vintners ever, Morgan Twain Peterson and Chris Cottrell.
Discussing their ideas for an extensive new line of wines, saving Heritage Vineyards and what the ‘wine life’ is really all about. Drop by the General Hooker House when you’re in Sonoma to taste all of the incredible Bedrock Wines.
Mar 30, 2018 • 46min
The Wine Makers – Well Blended
Catchin’ up on everything wine and fun, the guys blend their own wines with new fruit from Dane Cellars. Direct from the barrel, we all blended our own mixture. I was a bit heavy on the Syrah according to the instructor, Bart Hansen. Penalty Laps for Myers.
Mar 23, 2018 • 1h 2min
The Wine Makers – Caught between Rose’ & Grenache
The Wine Maker’s guest today is the man who helped put Zin in every store in the country, Peter Mathis. Peter grows his fruit (now mostly Grenache) and makes his wine here in Sonoma. Peter’s Grenache and Rose’ are beautiful and the conversation is great.
Mar 9, 2018 • 57min
The Wine Makers – The Art
Land, Weather, Fruit and the art of winemaking. Bart, Brian and Sam discuss all of these and more on this week’s episode.
