It is hard to imagine that any luxury wine brand has had more written about it than Silver Oak. Since its founding nearly 50 years ago by Justin and Bonny Meyer, it has symbolized everything that is magnificent about Napa and the world-renowned Cabernet Sauvignons made there. Few wines enjoy the unbridled devotion of Silver Oak fans. For those with the resources to keep an abundant supply on hand, it is a necessity. For wine ...
LISTEN, DOWNLOAD, READ MORE

Episode 579 of Grape Encounters Radio represents the first significant road trip that Host David Wilson has taken after 6 months of chomping at the bit in solitary confinement, to visit Silver Oak Winery Co-Founder Bonny Meyer. Wanting to squeeze as much as he possibly could in this trek up to Napa and Sonoma, David visited several mentors and friends along the way. It was a notably surreal journey to say the least and who ...
LISTEN, DOWNLOAD, READ MORE

Episode 578 of Grape Encounters features Michael Houlihan, co-founder of Barefoot Wine, America’s most successful wine brand. Everything about the Barefoot Wine story seems totally unimaginable. When a debt back in 1986 was paid in grape juice to folks who barely even drank wine, one could only imagine things turning out very badly. Instead, the colorful, quirky and incredibly clever Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey let their imagination and instincts take them on a journey ...
LISTEN, DOWNLOAD, READ MORE

Peake Ranch in the Santa Rita Hills of California’s Central Coast has quite a story to tell. In just a few short years, owners John and Gillian Wagner have not only built an extraordinary winery on property made legendary by the cult classic wine flick Sideways; they also have managed to build a reputation that is practically unthinkable! Producing world-class Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah, Peake Ranch is earning scores that are simply off the charts… which ...
LISTEN, DOWNLOAD, READ MORE

Anyone that thinks winemaking isn’t an art form is not drinking very good wine! Actually, it’s not uncommon for winemakers to also be involved in a host of creative pursuits. Heck, Leonardo DaVinci had a terrific vineyard in his backyard. David has even tasted wine from his property in Vinci, Italy. Apparently Leo isn’t involved in the winemaking biz anymore. He’s got a bit of age on him. There is, however, a fellow who reminds ...
LISTEN, DOWNLOAD, READ MORE

It’s a veritable potpourri of pontification on this week’s edition of Grape Encounters.  As you probably know, sometimes our show’s host has so many things on his mind that he foregoes having guests on so that he can cover as much turf as possible.  This week, he’s all over the board! First, David is backpedaling a bit when it comes to virtual wine tastings. In past weeks, he’s been a little sour on the idea, simply ...
LISTEN, DOWNLOAD, READ MORE

Cancelled. Cancelled. Cancelled! Whether you’re into sports, travel or wine, there’s a good chance that your favorite events and activities are on indefinite hold. We are all pretty bummed for sure. But it’s even sadder when events that are an essential part of making our lives better also fall victim to our current plight. Well, the good news is, some very important wine and food events that raise millions of dollars for critical needs are not taking no for an answer. That ...
LISTEN, DOWNLOAD, READ MORE