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 562, January 27, 2024: Winemaker Paul Warson, Warson Wine Co., Santa Barbara County

Paul Warson of Warson Wine Company

“Winemaker Paul Warson of Warson Wine Co. grew up in Los Angeles, attended UC Davis where he eventually studied Fermentation Science. Before his final year he worked at a sparkling winery in Carneros when he decided he would spend his career doing what he did for his summer vacation. Upon completion of his degree, he was invited back to see, “the other side of things.””

“Feeling he needed a change of perspective, Paul traveled to Australia, where he lived and worked for six months. With the change in varietals, climate, and overall attitude to winemaking, Paul discovered a different approach to the craft he studied and trained in for so long. Desiring to seek outside perspectives to winemaking, when Paul returned to California, he worked at Chateau Potelle, back when it was owned by both Jean-Noel and Marketta Fourmeaux and sat atop Mount Veeder. It was here Paul integrated his schooling, his experience from Australia, along with what he learned from the owners: that with each wine that is created, the winemaker has an intimate commitment to both the wine and the consumer, to craft wines that are distinctive and true to their place.”

“After working an additional nine years in Napa Valley, a conversation with Bill Foley brought Paul to Firestone Vineyard, in the Santa Ynez Valley, where he was winemaker and General Manager for nine years. By this time, estate vineyards had become Paul’s specialty, and he was able to elevate all of the tiers for each winery he worked for.”

Warson Wine Company started as a need Paul felt he had to fulfill. An inner call, to again make wine on his terms, for people to enjoy, but now with the fruit he chooses.” At present Paul is primarily sourcing fruit from familiar, esteemed vineyards in Santa Barbara County.

Paul has a special, limited time offer for listeners of the “SoCal Restaurant Show.” When you go to Warson Wine Co. and order wine when you get to the payment area type in “830AM” in the discount/offer code box for a 15 % discount! Nice…

Paul Warson joins us to uncork all that is Warson Wine Co.

Show 526, May 20, 2023: Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine with Chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne Part One

Suzanne Goin of the LLucques Group

“Now into the eighth year with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue during the 2023 season for the LA Phil. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their legendary first restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings include three restaurants and three marketplaces. Additionally, menus for the Terrace and Garden Boxes, which can be ordered a day in advance, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin. Goin’s vibrant new summer dishes pair beautifully with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, the James Beard Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award recipient. Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.”

“This year Caroline Styne has expanded the retail wine selections in the three marketplaces, broadening the varieties and options for wine lovers visiting the Bowl. In addition to increasing the selection of her popular canned wine offerings, she has also added a number of vegan and organic bottles, as well as a collection of natural wines from producers including Broc Cellars, Johan Vineyards, Lo-fi Wines, Angeleno Wine Company and more. And, returning for the 2023 season are the fan favorites Winemaker Wednesdays and Sunday Market Tastings – a 14-week program of complimentary wine tastings at the Plaza Marketplace with guest winemakers, importers and sommeliers hand-selected by Caroline to give the venue’s visitors an immersive and personal experience with her favorite people in the wine world.”

“Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining options include three sit-down restaurants, street-food kiosks, pre-ordered picnic boxes and a full-service dinner delivered to your box seat. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine provides catering at several locations for groups both large and small.”

Restaurateur Caroline Style and Chef Suzanne Goin join us with what’s on the salivating menu for the LA Phil’s Summer Season at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.

Show 526, May 20, 2023: Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine with Chef Suzanne Goin and Caroline Styne Part Two

Caroline Styne of Lucques Restaurant Group

“Now into the eighth year with award-winning chef Suzanne Goin and restaurateur Caroline Styne, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine promises exceptional dining for visitors to the iconic venue during the 2023 season for the LA Phil. Goin and Styne’s culinary history has defined Los Angeles tastes since 1998 when they opened Lucques, their legendary first restaurant. At the Hollywood Bowl, their California-inspired offerings include three restaurants and three marketplaces. Additionally, menus for the Terrace and Garden Boxes, which can be ordered a day in advance, are created by four-time James Beard Foundation award-winner Suzanne Goin. Goin’s vibrant new summer dishes pair beautifully with the exceptional wine and beer programs curated by Caroline Styne, the James Beard Foundation’s 2018 Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year award recipient. Overseeing the broad range of dining options serving Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s thousands of nightly guests is Executive Chef Jeff Rogers.”

“This year Caroline Styne has expanded the retail wine selections in the three marketplaces, broadening the varieties and options for wine lovers visiting the Bowl. In addition to increasing the selection of her popular canned wine offerings, she has also added a number of vegan and organic bottles, as well as a collection of natural wines from producers including Broc Cellars, Johan Vineyards, Lo-fi Wines, Angeleno Wine Company and more. And, returning for the 2023 season are the fan favorites Winemaker Wednesdays and Sunday Market Tastings – a 14-week program of complimentary wine tastings at the Plaza Marketplace with guest winemakers, importers and sommeliers hand-selected by Caroline to give the venue’s visitors an immersive and personal experience with her favorite people in the wine world.”

“Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine’s many dining options include three sit-down restaurants, street-food kiosks, pre-ordered picnic boxes and a full-service dinner delivered to your box seat. For private events, Hollywood Bowl Food + Wine provides catering at several locations for groups both large and small.”

Restaurateur Caroline Style and Chef Suzanne Goin continue with us with what’s on the expansive menu for the LA Phil’s Summer Season at the iconic Hollywood Bowl.

Show 525, May 13, 2023: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part One

Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines.”

“Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself.”

“tercero wines concentrates on small lot, hand crafted wines using grapes exclusively from leading Santa Barbara County vineyards and works with grapes from nearly every AVA within the county. Though his main concentration is working with Rhone varieties, Larry remains curious and therefore also works with Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and a few other fun and interesting grapes. And therein lies the beauty (and diversity) of Santa Barbara County.”

“Larry’s winemaking philosophy is still evolving, and the more vintages under his belt, the more he understands the variables at play. He also understands that a pragmatic approach is necessary to work with the unique dynamics of each and every vintage.”

“When you become a member of the tercero wines wine club, you ‘join the journey’ that Larry has been undertaking for nearly two decades. He continues to be more curious than ever, and the variety of wines produced and offered is greater than ever as well! Larry values his wine club members and treats them as his ‘best’ customers – because they are!”

Winemaker Larry Schaffer joins us to gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Show 525, May 13, 2023: Larry Schaffer, Winemaker and Proprietor, tercero wines, Los Olivos, CA Part Two

Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines

Larry Schaffer the founder and winemaker of tercero wines went back to school later in life to pursue his passion, taking classes at community colleges with kids who literally could have been his kids, and then received his MS in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis. He moved to the Santa Barbara County wine region, and that is where he has remained since 2005, starting on the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery and then eventually branching off to start and run tercero wines.”

“Larry is especially adept not only at winemaking but at explaining the process in a very user-friendly manner. He’s also a serious and accomplished home bread baker. Visit his tasting room in Los Olivos or follow him on social media to see for yourself.”

“tercero wines concentrates on small lot, hand crafted wines using grapes exclusively from leading Santa Barbara County vineyards and works with grapes from nearly every AVA within the county. Though his main concentration is working with Rhone varieties, Larry remains curious and therefore also works with Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc, and a few other fun and interesting grapes. And therein lies the beauty (and diversity) of Santa Barbara County.”

Winemaker Larry Schaffer continues with us to further gently pull the cork on all that is tercero wines.

Show 517, March 18, 2023: Vega Vineyards & Farm with Winemaker Steve Clifton

Steve Clifton of Vega Vineyard

“Hospitality entrepreneurs, Karen and Jimmy Loizides, launched late last year the family’s newest Santa Ynez Valley venture, Vega Vineyard & Farm. The working winery, farm, and event venue, located on historic land most recently home to Mosby Winery & Vineyards, was renamed “Vega” in honor of the ranch’s initial identity, Rancho La Vega, and its important place in the heart and history of northern Santa Barbara County.”

“Leading Vega Vineyard and Farm’s winemaking operations is esteemed Santa Barbara County winemaker, Steve Clifton, known for his decades-long work with Italian grape varieties. Estate-grown Vega Vineyard and Farm bottlings will begin with vintages from harvest of 2022.”

“Reopened is the now-family-friendly winery tasting room for bottle sales and tasting experiences. Available wines include the winery’s existing library of inventory, as well as bottles under the Vega Vineyard and Farm label, made with grapes sourced from Santa Barbara County vineyards. Wines currently available for sale and tastings include red wines like Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, Dolcetto, Syrah, Barbera, and Pinot Noir, white wines such as Chardonnay, Bianco (a white blend), Albariño, Pinot Grigio, Vermentino, and Viognier, and a Rosato (rosé).”

“Guests may opt for an al fresco wine tasting experience with multiple seating areas overlooking the vineyards, with live music, lawn games, and other entertainment meant for leisurely, outdoor afternoons. Picnic-perfect spots located on the west side of the property welcome families.”

“Steve has worked as a winemaker on projects as far flung as Italy, Argentina and Walla Walla, Washington, but has always known that Santa Barbara County is where his winemaking roots and passion resides.”

Winemaker Steve Clifton is our guest to uncork all that is Vega Vineyard.

Show 498, November 5, 2022: Jason Moore, Winemaker & Founding Partner, Modus Operandi Cellars, St. Helena, Napa Valley Part One

Jason Moore of Modus Operandi Cellars

Jason Moore is the winemaker and founding partner of Modus Operandi Cellars (2004) in the Napa Valley, a limited production boutique winery.

“For Jason wine is one of those things that to many people can incite a tremendous amount of feelings and emotions. Wine is enchanting and mysterious, gives joy, confuses, and inspires. In many cases, these complexities lead to a love which leads to a strong passion for wine. For Jason it lead to founding Modus Operandi Cellars.”

From Jason Moore –“I have to pinch myself almost daily as I am truly living my dream… the dream of being a Winemaker in California. Growing up in Dallas, Winemaker wasn’t exactly the most obvious career path that springs to mind, but at the age of 24 and after working as a waiter in several of the city’s finest restaurants, acquiring a love for all things wine, getting the go-ahead from my bride to be, and selling everything that we owned, we were off to California where, yes, I had the lofty aspiration of becoming a Winemaker.”

“Completely self-taught thru diligent self-study and the utilization of winemaking mentors, I knew that true learning when it comes to such a stylistically artistic, yet mind blowing organic and mystifying thing such as winemaking, can ONLY be accomplished through MAKING WINE. There is absolutely no substitute. I honed my craft in the garage of an elderly vineyard owner in Napa. He grew the grapes, I made the wine, and we split the product on bottling day.”

“In 2004 at the age of 26, I officially started my professional career by launching Modus Operandi Cellars with 200 cases of Napa Cabernet. I am so thankful to God that at such a young age I found my passion and am fortunate enough to be able to enjoy it as a career. I believe that winemaking is an art form that is supported by science, however a solid conceptual understanding of the science is also necessary.”

Three premium Modus Operandi Cellars tasting experiences are available including two St. Helena winery tastings and an interactive, at-home tasting.

Winemaker Jason Moore joins us to pull the cork on all that is Modus Operandi Cellars.

Show 486, August 6, 2022: Steven Kent Mirassou, Steven Kent Winery, Livermore Part One

Steven Kent Mirassou of the Lineage Collection

The Steven Kent Winery was started in 1996 with one mission: to make Cabernet in the Livermore Valley that rivals in quality the greatest red wines made anywhere in the world.”

“By the turn of the last century, Livermore Valley was already far ahead of its Napa Valley neighbor in specializing in the Bordeaux varieties. The goal at Steven Kent is to carry on that tradition.” Steven Kent Mirassou joins us to pull the cork on all that is The Steven Kent Winery.

“Steven Kent Mirassou is the 6th-generation winemaker for The Lineage Collection located in the Livermore Valley. Steven has been making wine for his four separate brands since 1996 and regards his growing area as one of the finest in the world for Bordeaux varieties. Though Steven started out making Cabernet Sauvignon, he fell in love with the Loire Valley version of Cabernet Franc in the early 2000s. He regards this grape to be the sexiest, most alluring, most complex in the world.”

“The fact that the Livermore Valley is one of the finest areas in California to grow this grape makes the marriage between variety and obsession much more likely to succeed at a world-class quality level. L’Autre Côte is a Cabernet Franc brand whose mission is to make single-vineyard wines from great sites that create emotional connections between the winemaker and the wine drinker and that highlight the unequaled elegance and complexity of this grape.”

The best wines are balanced wines that reveal the site, the variety, and the winemaking vision in a way that makes our wines memorable. We create wines that celebrate the lushness of California while maintaining a more acid-driven, tannic style that speaks of the Old World.”

“Steven Kent Winery wines are aged in 100% French oak barrels. The percentage of new oak to once or second-used barrel is dependent upon how much organoleptic contribution they think the wines need from wood. Generally, they use only 50-60% new barrel, believing that the aromas and flavors of fruit are much more delicious than those derived from wood.”

“Steven Kent Winery blends are often elaborate, and they are made as early in the aging process as possible. They have found that the best, most complex and delicious blends are those that have ample time for each individual variety to marry harmoniously with its mates.”