The Wine Makers on Radio Misfits

Legendary California wine maker Randall Graham and globe-trotting wine writer Elaine Chukan Brown discuss Randall's legacy project Popelouchum, exploring its nature and pronunciation. They also delve into topics such as the process of self-crossing in wine grape selection, reintroduction of excluded varietals in Bordeaux wines, and the characteristics of serene and surah grapes.

The 300th episode of The Wine Makers!!! Okay; IT WAS A PARTY and we ran up against the technology curve for the first 15 minutes, but it’s all great after that! Listener calls, Sonoma luminaries and past guests, even a call from MJ Towler in Italy.  It’s all there and we hope you enjoy the show as much as we did.  And a huge thanks to our awesome listeners at home and around the world because we couldn’t have done it without each and everyone of you.  Enjoy! [EP300]

Tim Zahner, Executive Director of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, joins the hosts to discuss the history of Sonoma Valley, vineyards, wine, cannabis tours, and the local music and art scene.

Sam, Brian, Bart and John try to make sense of the crazy late harvest that as of Oct. 13th, is still only about 20% in. They talk all areas of California grape growing and even Arden Kramer gets in the act covering the Olive harvest for The Wine Makers. Lots of funwas had and the guys share their plans for a Listener Input 300th show! Wow, 300.It’s been 5 years of fun and work just for you, our incredible listeners and friends. Enjoy!. [EP298]

Cris Cherry, icon of the Paso Robles rhone scene, talks about Villa Creek Cellars and the MAHA Estate specializing in Grenache and blends. They discuss the high demand for an upcoming event, the significance of the name 'Maha', trends in wine varieties, differences in soil and grape planting preferences, the Maha brand, the challenges of the wine business, and their preferences for red and white wine blends. They also mention their weekend plans and random thoughts.

This week we welcome Richard Bruno from Vinum Cellars. Richard pursued his interest in wine by going into the restaurant business in 1985. Working with Master Sommelier Larry Stone at Rubicon Restaurant in San Francisco as a waiter and bartender gave him the opportunity to taste rare and exciting wines from around the world; he also learned a lot about making the right decisions. It almost seems that Richard and Brian lived parallel lives for a while and most likely at least drank in the same places. But with plans to become a winemaker, Richard then UC Davis to learn Viticulture & Enology in 1994. While at Davis Richard met Chris Condos, where they bonded over their love of Chenin Blanc and other obscure grape varietals. They wanted to do things differently so in 1997 they started Vinum Cellars on credit cards and the help of friends & family. Richard also worked for various wineries from Bonny Doon Vineyard in Santa Cruz to Rosenblum in Alameda, Alexander Valley  Vineyards in Sonoma and Folie a Deux in the Napa Valley. [EP296] www.instagram.com/vinumcellars.napavalley www.vinumcellars.com

This week Brian, John and Sam go through Bart’s new releases. As always there are some other distractions and discussions about the current state of affairs in the wine industry. Bart’s new releases include a new source for Chein Blanc, yes it’s true, Dane Cellars makes Chenin Blanc. Second up the guys taste the 2019 Valeria Rossi Ranch Grenache/Mourvedre Blend that was aged in amphora alongside the lot that was aged in a 500 liter French puncheon barrel. Last up is the first release of Malbec from the Lazy Dog Vineyard, let’s just say the intense color along with the concentration of flavors made a lasting impression on their teeth and glasses. [Ep295] www.danecellars.com @dane__cellars

Legendary concert promoter Bill Graham once said of the Grateful Dead “They’re not the best at what they do they’re the only ones that do what they do.” Tony Coturri, a pioneering figure in natural winemaking, joins the hosts to discuss the history of Coturri family, the current state of Natural Wine, and the evolution of winemaking. They also delve into the history of grape growing in Sonoma County, the decline of the wine business in Sonoma Valley, and reminisce about family and Catholic beliefs. A deep dive into Sonoma history and Sam's family story.

It’s a Sixteen 600 Phil Sent Me release party, AKA 4 guys and 8 bottles… This show includes breaking news, classic Wine Makers Podcast rambles and tasting through the wines of the Fall 2023 Phil Sent Me shipment. The latest release spans 8 varieties, 5 vintages, 4 vineyards, and two Valleys. Brand new wines are lined up with forgotten classics. There’s Grenache, there’s syrah, there’s splash of Clairette Blanche and Cab Franc. There’s pretty much something for everyone, there’s even a little Chenin Blanc talk. Enjoy! [EP293]

A series of haiku inspired by United States Poet Laureate Ada Limón sitting down with the Wine Makers Podcast crew plus guest host Phil Coturri- [Ep292] A poet visits Terroir flows from every word Podcast Laureate The native daughter Converses with nature, water, wine Aromas of life Inspiration moves From roots to fruits and back down Must trust the process Valley of the Moon Launching poetic rockets Europa or bust Veraison eludes Sweetly seeking truest form Will patience abound? Truly an honor To demystify poems And wine with Ada