Show 566, February 24, 2024: Vincent Vineyards, Los Olivos, with Winemaker Zach Perron Part One

Zach Perron of Vincent Vineyards and Winery

“Situated in the Los Olivos District of the Santa Ynez Valley, Vincent Vineyards is an estate vineyard and winery dedicated to making limited production Bordeaux varietal wines. The Family-owned winery is the only producer in the region growing and making wine from all five of the noble red grapes of Bordeaux – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot in addition to Bordeaux’s prominent white grape, Sauvignon Blanc. Vincent also grows Syrah, a red wine grape that originated in the Rhone Valley of France.” The youthful winemaker is Zach Perron and he joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is Vincent Vineyards.

“Established in 2007, Vincent Vineyards is the realized dream of founders Tony and Tanya Vincent, who purchased the 25-acre property with the intent to grow Cabernet and the other Bordeaux varieties they adored. The aesthetic was inspired by the legendary French estate of Chateau Haut Brion- located in Bordeaux. Cuttings for the Bordeaux varietals planted in their vineyard originated there. After much hard work and dedication, the Vincents bottled their first vintage in 2010, and five years later, debuted their stately Vincent Vineyards tasting room amidst 13.5 acres of estate wines.”

“Their wine is 100 per cent estate grown and produced meaning they only use grapes grown right there on the property. All production occurs on the estate, too. Vincent Vineyards produces approximately 2,500 cases annually which qualifies them as a limited production winery.”

The Estate Tasting Room is open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Show 566, February 24, 2024: Vincent Vineyards, Los Olivos, with Winemaker Zach Perron Part Two

Zach Perron of Vincent Vineyards and Winery

“Situated in the Los Olivos District of the Santa Ynez Valley, Vincent Vineyards is an estate vineyard and winery dedicated to making limited production Bordeaux varietal wines. The Family-owned winery is the only producer in the region growing and making wine from all five of the noble red grapes of Bordeaux – Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Verdot in addition to Bordeaux’s prominent white grape, Sauvignon Blanc. Vincent also grows Syrah, a red wine grape that originated in the Rhone Valley of France.” The youthful winemaker is Zach Perron and he continues with us gently pulling the cork on all that is Vincent Vineyards.

“Established in 2007, Vincent Vineyards is the realized dream of founders Tony and Tanya Vincent, who purchased the 25-acre property with the intent to grow Cabernet and the other Bordeaux varieties they adored. The aesthetic was inspired by the legendary French estate of Chateau Haut Brion- located in Bordeaux. Cuttings for the Bordeaux varietals planted in their vineyard originated there. After much hard work and dedication, the Vincents bottled their first vintage in 2010, and five years later, debuted their stately Vincent Vineyards tasting room amidst 13.5 acres of estate wines.”

“Their wine is 100 per cent estate grown and produced meaning they only use grapes grown right there on the property. All production occurs on the estate, too. Vincent Vineyards produces approximately 2,500 cases annually which qualifies them as a limited production winery.”

The Estate Tasting Room is open 7 days a week from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Show 553, November 25, 2023: Switchback Ridge Winery, Calistoga, with Sommelier Pierson Ryan Part One

Ryan Pierson of Switchback Ridge

Switchback Ridge winery produces handcrafted estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley.” In recent years they have added a non-estate Sauvignon Blanc (with meticulously sourced premium fruit) to broaden the line.

“In 1914, Eliza and Mads Peterson purchased a 100-acre property located on the floor of the Napa Valley at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. Both Eliza and Mads had immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s–Eliza from Ireland and Mads from Denmark–and headed westward as so many did at that time, seeking a place to call home.”

“The property, located just off the Silverado Trail between St. Helena and Calistoga, hosted a small Zinfandel vineyard. With the onset of Prohibition in 1920, prunes quickly became the cash crop in Napa Valley, and the Petersons planted a plum orchard to help provide for their large family. Caring for the orchard, as well as a large vegetable garden and numerous farm animals, was a full-time job for the whole family, including the six boys and three girls.”

“When the time came to pass the property on, the daughters, and not the sons, took the responsibility. Vera, Carrie, and Mae worked to preserve the family legacy, maintaining the buildings, plum orchard, vegetable garden and livestock. Vera worked the land, Carrie managed the books and Mae returned each summer to help the harvest. Vera’s son, John Peterson, grew up working the farm and, in turn, taught his children, Trish, Kelly and Johnny, the reward of hard work. The inspiration sparked by Mads’s dream, set a true legacy in motion.”

“Slowly the plum orchards transitioned to vineyards, and by the 1990s grape vines were thriving on the property that once hosted plums. The soils with plenty of drainage and a warm, sunny climate made the area perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. There are currently 21 acres under vine, which includes a sixty-plus year-old block of dry farmed Petite Sirah that John Peterson helped plant as a young child.”

“The inspiration to embark upon a family wine project first came to Kelly (representing the 4th generation of Peterson Family ownership) in 1995 with the death of her great aunt, Carrie. Auntie, as she was affectionately called, emphatically insisted that her old vine block of Petite Sirah, or “Pets” as she called them, “not be touched” when the property was replanted in 1990. At the time there was little respect or interest in Petite Sirah and total acreage in California was down to an all-time low of only 1,700 acres. After her death, there was a renewed interest in the variety and Kelly vowed to make a Petite Sirah varietal wine in her honor. That dream became a reality in 1999, with the help of family friend and winemaker Bob Foley, when Switchback Ridge produced its first vintage.”

“Switchback Ridge is named for the winding trails in the hills above the vineyard that John explored as a child. Today Kelly Peterson continues the legacy that began with her great-grandfather, Mads, over a hundred years ago.”

Certified Sommelier Pierson Ryan who is the National Sales Director for Switchback Ridge joins us to pull the cork on all that is Switchback Ridge.

Show 553, November 25, 2023: Switchback Ridge Winery, Calistoga, with Sommelier Pierson Ryan Part Two

Ryan Pierson of Switchback Ridge

Switchback Ridge winery produces handcrafted estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah sourced exclusively from the Peterson Family Vineyard in Calistoga, Napa Valley.” In recent years they have added a non-estate Sauvignon Blanc (with meticulously sourced fruit) to broaden the line.

“In 1914, Eliza and Mads Peterson purchased a 100-acre property located on the floor of the Napa Valley at the mouth of Dutch Henry Canyon. Both Eliza and Mads had immigrated to the United States in the late 1800s–Eliza from Ireland and Mads from Denmark–and headed westward as so many did at that time, seeking a place to call home.”

“When the time came to pass the property on, the daughters, and not the sons, took the responsibility. Vera, Carrie, and Mae worked to preserve the family legacy, maintaining the buildings, plum orchard, vegetable garden and livestock. Vera worked the land, Carrie managed the books and Mae returned each summer to help the harvest. Vera’s son, John Peterson, grew up working the farm and, in turn, taught his children, Trish, Kelly and Johnny, the reward of hard work. The inspiration sparked by Mads’s dream, set a true legacy in motion.”

“Slowly the plum orchards transitioned to vineyards, and by the 1990s grape vines were thriving on the property that once hosted plums. The soils with plenty of drainage and a warm, sunny climate made the area perfect for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Petite Sirah. There are currently 21 acres under vine, which includes a sixty-plus year-old block of dry farmed Petite Sirah that John Peterson helped plant as a young child.”

“The inspiration to embark upon a family wine project first came to Kelly (representing the 4th generation of Peterson Family ownership) in 1995 with the death of her great aunt, Carrie. Auntie, as she was affectionately called, emphatically insisted that her old vine block of Petite Sirah, or “Pets” as she called them, “not be touched” when the property was replanted in 1990. At the time there was little respect or interest in Petite Sirah and total acreage in California was down to an all-time low of only 1,700 acres. After her death, there was a renewed interest in the variety and Kelly vowed to make a Petite Sirah varietal wine in her honor. That dream became a reality in 1999, with the help of family friend and winemaker Bob Foley, when Switchback Ridge produced its first vintage.”

“Switchback Ridge is named for the winding trails in the hills above the vineyard that John explored as a child. Today Kelly Peterson continues the legacy that began with her great-grandfather, Mads, over a hundred years ago.”

Certified Sommelier Pierson Ryan who is the National Sales Director for Switchback Ridge stays with us pulling the cork on all that is Switchback Ridge.

Show 448, October 23, 2021: Dennis Murphy, Winemaker & Proprietor, Caprio Cellars, Walla Walla, Washington Part One

Dennis Murphy of Caprio Cellars

Caprio Cellars is a small producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc located in the heart of Walla Walla Valley, WA., one of the premier wine-growing regions in the world.”

“Winemaker/Owner Dennis Murphy purchased the land where Caprio Cellars stands in 2003. Previously wheat fields, Dennis set out to make it the site of his first vineyard. This dream came to fruition in 2005 when the first plantings went in. Dennis named this vineyard “Eleanor” in homage to his late grandmother Eleanor Caprio. The first harvest took place in 2008, and once the first wines were bottled, the operation was given the name Caprio Cellars. Inspired by Dennis’ Italian ancestors’ connection to wine as an essential part of daily life, Caprio Cellars aims to carry on the tradition of establishing a culture of wine like that of Dennis’ Italian heritage while also contributing to the emerging tradition of Walla Walla winemaking.”

“The team at Caprio Cellars believes in the transformative power of hospitality and a shared spirit of generosity. Their aim is to cultivate a wine culture that brings together fellowship, the senses, and discernment – creating a space for the social experience of sharing wine and learning how to appreciate it over time while always serving great food and wines in the European tradition.”

Proprietor Dennis Murphy joins us to uncork all that is Caprio Cellars.

Show 448, October 23, 2021: Dennis Murphy, Winemaker & Proprietor, Caprio Cellars, Walla Walla, Washington Part Two

Dennis Murphy of Caprio Cellars

Caprio Cellars is a small producer of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Sauvignon Blanc located in the heart of Walla Walla Valley, WA., one of the premier wine-growing regions in the world.”

“Winemaker/Owner Dennis Murphy purchased the land where Caprio Cellars stands in 2003. Previously wheat fields, Dennis set out to make it the site of his first vineyard. This dream came to fruition in 2005 when the first plantings went in. Dennis named this vineyard “Eleanor” in homage to his late grandmother Eleanor Caprio. The first harvest took place in 2008, and once the first wines were bottled, the operation was given the name Caprio Cellars. Inspired by Dennis’ Italian ancestors’ connection to wine as an essential part of daily life, Caprio Cellars aims to carry on the tradition of establishing a culture of wine like that of Dennis’ Italian heritage while also contributing to the emerging tradition of Walla Walla winemaking.”

“Few Walla Walla wineries own estate vineyards. Caprio Cellars is one of them. The Caprio Estate is comprised of three sites: Eleanor’s, Octave and Sanitella. These sites are in the heart of the Walla Walla Valley and enjoy ideal sun exposure and vine-loving soil, yielding grapes of the highest quality and complexity for their estate wines. The Eleanor site consists of two acres of Cabernet Sauvignon and one of Merlot. Octave’s 22-acre hillside vineyard was planted in 2007 and consists of 16 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon, two acres of Merlot, two acres of Cabernet Franc, and one acre of Malbec. The newest, high elevation vineyard, Sanitella, in the SeVein, has Cabernet Sauvignon, Cab Franc and Sauvignon Blanc.”

“Caprio Cellars is known in the Walla Walla Valley for their state-of-the-art tasting room and unparalleled hospitality. The entire Caprio team has a background in hospitality, and their ongoing commitment to the relational aspect of their business only adds to the experience of Caprio Cellars wines.”

“In addition to an always complimentary tasting fee, the Caprio Cellars Kitchen offers seasonally inspired plates to accompany every wine tasting. Executive Chef and Walla Walla local Ian Williams strives to source local, organic, and sustainable ingredients for every delicious plate. The Caprio Cellars Tasting Room is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. by reservation only. Caprio Cellars also hosts special events and regular winemaker dinners.”

Proprietor Dennis Murphy continues with us while enjoying a glass of his 2018 Eleanor Estate Red Blend.

Show 267, March 31, 2018: Winemaker Stuart Spencer, Program Manager, Lodi Winegrape Commission

Stuart SpencerNestled between the San Francisco Bay and the Sierra Nevada Mountains lies Lodi Wine Country, a region fast becoming one of California’s true wine stars. Lodi Wine Country offers a rural atmosphere and relaxed pace for you to enjoy its beautiful vineyards and premium wines.

Lodi is predominately a red winegrowing region, with approximately two-thirds of the acreage dedicated to red varieties. Lodi is home to all of California’s leading varieties, and has long been the leading producer and California’s best kept secret for Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc and Zinfandel. However, with over 100 varieties now in production, Lodi offers a vast portfolio of diverse and interesting wines.

“The most obvious distinction that sets Lodi apart is our treasure trove of own-rooted old vineyards. There are literally hundreds of these old blocks throughout the region that, in many cases, have yet to be discovered or had the opportunity to truly express their real character.” –Stuart Spencer

Lodi is the self-proclaimed Zinfandel Capital of the World producing over 40 percent of California’s premium Zinfandel. Journalists and wine enthusiasts alike have long recognized Lodi as the home of highly acclaimed Old Vine Zinfandels, with some plantings dating back to 1888. These vines, many of which are still planted on their own roots, are naturally low-yielding due to their age and consistently produce high quality fruit. Although expensive to maintain, Lodi winegrowers are committed to continuing this California heritage.

Winemaker Stuart Spencer of Lodi’s St. Amant Winery and also the Program Manager for the Lodi Winegrape Commission pulls the cork for us.

Show 150, December 12, 2015: Ray Magnussen, Lechuza Winery, Guadalupe Valley, Baja

Ray Magnussen One of the promising, up-and-coming wineries in the Guadalupe Valley in Northern Baja is Lechuza, founded in 2005. It’s owned by Ray Magnussen (with his wife, Patty) who is also the hands-on winemaker. They are Americans.

“Lechuza” is Spanish for “burrowing ground owl.” This bird frequents the Lechuza vineyard property. The modest vineyard estate is adjacent to Laja, one of the most well-reviewed restaurants in Baja, California.

Lechuza currently offers Lechuza Amantes (Blend), Lechuza Cabernet Sauvignon, Lechuza Nebbiolo, Lerchuza Merlot, Lechuza Tempranillo and Lechuza Grenache Rose. The Amantes is also affectionately known at the winery as “The Wedding Blend.” When the Magnussen’s daughter was married she chose the Amanates to serve at the reception.

The winery and tasting room at Lechuza is open to visitors by appointment. The Magnussen’s particularly look forward to welcoming American guests.

Other restaurants in the Valley that the Magnussen’s recommend are Deckman’s En El Mogor, Finca Altozano and Hacienda Guadalupe.

Their wines are conveniently available on-line via their San Diego-based distributor LMAwines.com

We’ll meet Ray.

Show 140, October 3, 2015: Quady North (Winery) and Herb Quady

Herb QuadyAndrew Quady of Quady Winery in Madera is well-known for premium dessert wines and Vermouth. Not as well known to Southern Californians is that Andrew’s son, Herb, has a growing, and respected, winery of his own in Southern Oregon.

Quady North is the name of Herb’s Applegate Valley wine venture. While the senior Quady is a producer renowned for sweet and aperitif wines, Quady North is known for big, bold Bordeaux and Rhone varietals.

After working as assistant winemaker at the California Central Coast Bonny Doon Vineyard, Quady came to Oregon to found his own brand, convinced that the truly-compelling wines were made from grapes grown in cooler areas. In 2005 the family selected 100 acres of south-facing hillside in the Applegate Valley and planted their first 15 acres of Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Viognier.

Today there are eight vineyards, with two in the Rogue Valley, and the list of varietals has expanded to include Grenache, Marsanne, Rousanne, and Merlot.

Quady North is committed to producing small lot, minimally-handled wines sourced primarily from the estate. The focus remains premium Viognier, Cabernet Franc and Syrah, what Herb Quady calls his “love triangle.”

Having grown up in Central California, Herb appreciates the cult status of our own, California grown, In–N-Out Burger. The first Oregon location opened in Medford a couple of weeks also and the response was thunderous. It’s remains the talk of the town. There are still lines of cars around the drive-through.

We asked Herb Quady what the perfect Quady North wine pairing would be with a Double-Double with cheese. Without hesitation he enthusiastically suggested their 2011 Syrah, Mae’s Vineyard.

Show 111, February 21, 2015: Artisan Uprising winery, Paso Robles

David and William Vondrasek Specializing in very limited production, ultra premium wines grown in Paso Robles, California, Artisan Uprising was created by brothers David and William Vondrasek after years of making wines solely for their family.

“Originally inspired to try out what we had learned from our grandfather and our (Italian) heritage of making wine each year, we found ourselves making more than the family could drink. Now that we make enough to share, we have held true to our process and mindset of how our wine should be made.”

“This is handcrafted wine two people can make. Unfiltered and un-stripped, our wines present some sediment in the bottle that we believe enhances the overall texture and ability for the wines to develop and age for years to come. Our wines are unique, they are what we like, and while quality of this scale has a broad appeal, it cannot be mass-produced, It is a true Artisan product.”

Current releases (very limited) are a Rose of Merlot, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Sirah. The wines are on the list at the glowingly-reviewed Cliff’s Edge in Silver Lake.

Artisan Uprising wines (current releases) were sampled recently at a special luncheon event of the L.A. Wine Writers at Hotel Angeleno in Brentwood. Their hands-on, executive chef, Laura Scollan (West) created the inspired food pairings. For example the 2014 Rose of Merlot was matched with a Cider-Glazed Scallop with rainbow cauliflower and truffled parsnip puree.

Current releases (very limited) are a Rose of Merlot, Merlot, Malbec and Petit Sirah.

We are joined by the Vondrasek Brothers.