Grape Encounters Episode Archives -

2020 • 2019 • 2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015 • 2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011 • 2010 • 2009

May 23rd : Episode #566 – A Huge Step Forward in Sonoma and a Huge Step Back in Italy! (by David Wilson)
May 16th : Episode #565 – Cooking, Vacation Planning and Experiencing the Napa Valley Virtually… From Home! (by David Wilson)
May 9th : Episode #564 – The Mondavi Light Shines Bright at the Napa Valley’s Oldest Winery (by David Wilson)
May 2nd : Episode #563 – How COVID-19 is forcing Boutique Winemakers to Sink or Swim (by David Wilson)
April 25th : Episode #562 – What Happens When Winery Weddings and Wine Tastings Get Walloped by the Corona Conundrum? (by David Wilson)
April 18th : Episode #561 – What Hops, Quacks and Pairs Perfectly With Fermented Grapes? (by David Wilson)
April 11th : Episode #560 – Why Lament Together When We Can Ferment Together? The National Honey Wine Project! (by David Wilson)
April 4th : Episode #559 – A Renowned Chef. A Beloved Winemaker. Two Stories About Innovating Beyond the Quarantine’s Confines (by David Wilson)
March 28th : Episode #558 – Creative Wine Enjoyment While Sheltering in Place (by David Wilson)
March 21st : Episode #557 – The Economics of Wine, Sustainability in Place, Plus a Honey of a Surprise! (by David Wilson)
March 7th : Episode #555 – HOME SWEET HOME! Grape Encounters Returns to its Roots! (by David Wilson)
February 29th : Episode #554 – Jancis Robinson: The Reigning Queen of Wine Meets the Often-Irreverent Wine Maverick! (by David Wilson)
February 24th : Episode 553 – Meet the Renaissance Man of Wine, Music and Art! (by David Wilson)
The last time David had Spencer on Grape Encounters, the conversation was largely about a new project he is overseeing as COO of Wines That Rock, a very unique New York based company that creates very special wines that pay tribute to music, film and pop culture. The company’s latest project includes Star Trek themed wines that are being released in conjunction to the latest Star Trek installment that centers around Captain Picard in the days after his retirement from Star Fleet. But as interesting as that story is, Spencer career also includes sculpture, music production and performance as a world-class pianist.
February 18th : Episode #552 – Wine and Food Pairing is for Real People, Not Just an Elite Class! (by David Wilson)
All over the world, there are literally countless wine and food pairing events going on every single day. More often than not, it’s the best of the best wines paired with culinary creations that few of us will actually get to enjoy more than perhaps once or twice a year, if that. It’s been a long-standing belief of host David Wilson that pairing food and wine can be a beautiful thing, but it need not be reserved for fancy occasions and people with fat wallets. Pairing a delicious (and affordable) wine with a great slice of pizza or messy burger can be just as big a thrill as a carefully choreographed 5-course meal that can burn through a week’s wages of average Americans. This week, long time Grape Encounter regular, Wes Hagen weighs in with David on how to get perhaps just as much pleasure from a yummy yet inexpensive wine and your favorite Italian-inspired pie… pizza pie that is. One thing is for certain, when Wes Hagen, Ambassador of Miller Family Wines and Winemaker of their J. Wilkes brand is in the house, you can count on one or two very odd and wonderful treats. This week, Wes explains the connection between wine and the great scientific achievements of modern man. Are we kidding? Nope. Wes is dead serious and in just about 5 minutes flat he can lay out his case with plenty of names, fact and figures to make you a believer! This week’s edition of Grape Encounters Radio is brought to you buy your ultimate wine retail resource; Total Wine & More. Total Wine has been David’s hands-down favorite brick and mortar wine shopping experience for more than a dozen years, but they also have plenty for those of you who love to shop, learn and explore from your computer or personal device. See what is so very special at TotalWine.com!
February 10th : Episode #551 – Where Will All That Grape Juice Go? Are We Facing a Glut? (by David Wilson)
It really can be very difficult, if not impossible to predict just how bountiful a particular vintage is likely to be this early in the year, but Host David Wilson likes to think he has his finger on the pulse and is looking at a few subtle clues to help him make a long-shot prediction for the 2020 vintage. One thing is certain; the past decade has produced more than its fair share of bumper crops, and while that might seem like an awesome thing, it does make it hard for grape growers because too much juice can lower both prices and demand. For most wine consumers, where all that wine juice winds up may be something of a mystery… and that is completely understandable given the fact that the grapes harvested off of a single vineyard could end up in several different wines of significantly varying quality and price. That’s a very good reason to listen to this week’s edition of Grape Encounters Radio. That’s what you’ll hear in the first half of the show. In the second half, David will share an increasingly popular way to ferment and age wine that isn’t on most people’s radar: amphoras and concrete tanks. In a way, it’s a case of high tech getting low tech, and the result is some pretty awesome wines where the grapes express themselves in new and exciting ways. The show concludes with a news item related to the wine cult film classic Sideways. Well, actually, it’s not really about the film but rather a full-emersion Off-Broadway stage play being produced by Rex Pickett, the author of the book that led to the film. There’s just one peculiar thing about this food, wine and entertainment event that has David scratching his head. Odds are, so will you! This week’s edition of Grape Encounters Radio is brought to you buy your ultimate wine retail resource; Total Wine & More. Total Wine has been David’s hands-down favorite brick and mortar wine shopping experience for more than a dozen years, but they also have plenty for those of you who love to shop, learn and explore from your computer or personal device. See what is so very special at TotalWine.com!
February 1st : Episode #550 – If Your Dream is Owning a Winery or Vineyard, You’re in Good Company! (by David Wilson)
January 25th : Episode #549 – A Georgetown Rendezvous With the Best of Bordeaux! (by David Wilson)
January 18th : Episode #548 – Is Social Media Causing Pretentiousness to Skyrocket? (by David Wilson)
January 11th : Episode #547 – 100% Tariffs on French Wine Could Pummel the World Wine Industry like a Meteorite (by David Wilson)
January 4th : Episode #546 – The Many Routes to Becoming a Sommelier (by David Wilson)
She was the 5th woman to earn the title Master Sommelier and she has earned a lot more titles, honors and certifications than that in her extensive wine career. Catherine is the proprietor of Planet Grape, LLC, a wine consulting firm providing content, reviews, corporate & private tastings, restaurant wine program development, and speaking services. She created her alter-ego, Grape Goddess, to help bring wine down to earth for consumers as well as those entering the wine industry. She is one of a handful of female professional sabreurs in the world, opening a bottle of Champagne with a sword in a dazzling theatrical performance. Catherine was recently inducted into Les Dames d’Escoffier and is a Board Member of The American Institute of Wine & Food. Her diverse wine background as a salesperson, sommelier, distributor, and supplier helped Catherine become the well-rounded and thorough expert she is today. She understands all facets of the wine business, and is a frequent speaker, event host, educator, and consultant for corporations, consumers and the wine trade. She is a highly sought after wine expert and spokesperson for the wine industry. On today’s episode of Grape Encounters, Catherine tackles a couple of very important topics. First, for those who desire to become a certified wine expert, there are many routes that can be taken. Catherine helps listeners sort out the differences and offers expert advise on which direction to go. Next on to today’s main subject. As the seasons change, so do our desires for different wines. In the same way that we change our wardrobe throughout the year, we also pay closer attention to wines that suit the season. David and Catherine take a deep dive into this subject and much more!

December 28th : Episode #545 – An Encore With Our French Connection, Jean-Charles Boisset (by David Wilson)
December 21st : Episode #544 – Best Gifts for Wine Lovers (by David Wilson)
December 14th : Episode #543 – Wine Resources That Will Keep You From Making Big Mistakes (by David Wilson)
December 11th : Episode #542 – (Wine) Cocktails Anyone? Cool Concoctions From the Wine Institute! (by David Wilson)
This is a time when we are all absolutely immersed in the holiday season. We have a little bit of it behind us and a whole lot more in front of us. This is probably the biggest time when it comes to wine and wine sales because everybody's out buying wine for gifts. They're buying wine for parties and family celebrations, but sometimes you just want to mix it up a little bit and when we say mix it up, that even includes mixing our fruit of the vine with something else. So, speaking of something else, one of David's favorite guests who comes on from time to time, not nearly enough, is Nancy Light. She's the VP at the Wine Institute, which is an incredibly powerful and effective organization--really an advocacy group--for the California wine industry, but they do so much good for wine all over the world. On this episode of Grape Encounters, Nancy joins us to lighten up things with wine cocktails. When David saw a new publication from the Wine Institute, he says he freaked out! "The minute I saw this, like I just freaked out. I was so crazy because it is so up my alley and anybody that's been listening to Grape Encounters for any length of time knows that I love to tinker with wine. And there are a lot of people that think wine is sacred and you can't mess with it and you just gotta drink it the way the winemaker made it and that's it. But you guys come along with a wine cocktail ebook for the holidays."
November 30th : Episode #541 – Wes Hagen on Enjoying Wine (by David Wilson)
Join David and winemaker/wine historian Wes Hagen talking about the science and experience of tasting wine... when wine hits your tongue, all five flavor components – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, umomi/savory – one of the few beverages that delivers all of them. Trends in food and wine pairing take all these into account, and why wine is the perfect accompaniment to food. In this episode, David and Wes, who is renowned in the wine business and also the winemaker for J. Wilkes in the Santa Ynez Valley of California’s Central Coast, address some of the major trends taking hold in the wine industry. Chances are, you’ll welcome the trends that are transforming the industry. This is an eye-opening episode that you won’t want to miss. One of the trends that David and Wes address include the shattering of rules related to wine pairing. Even some of the world’s most renowned Somms are questioning conventional wisdom. Also, there’s a growing affection toward Riesling that is really taking hold. When was the last time that you had one? Another major trend is the migration of wine drinkers toward rosé wines. If you think they’re strictly sweet wines, you’ve been hanging around White Zinfandel too long. Other topics include Orange Wine, Cabernet Franc and much more! This edition of Grape Encounters is brought to you by Total Wine and More.
November 23rd : Episode #540 – Winemaker Adam LaZarre on Thanksgiving Wines (by David Wilson)
November 16th : Episode #539 – Perfect Turkey? Don’t Mess Up the Wine! (by David Wilson)
We can spend an eternity making sure everything on the table is picture perfect and absolutely delicious. But way too often, families across this great land of ours overlook one of the most important details... the wine! You just spent hundreds of dollars collectively putting an awesome once-a-year meal together, but then cheap Uncle Carl who was charged with bringing the wine stopped at a 24-hour convenience store a few block away to pick up anything even remotely resembling wine. Don't worry, he asked for advise from the fellow with the safety pin in his nose that was looking after the gas pumps and vast assortment of chips and candy bars. By the way, Carl doesn't even drink wine so who assigned this task to him anyway? Okay, that might be a bit of an over exaggeration, but it isn't far from the truth in many households. If there was ever a meal that deserved a decent bottle of wine or two on the table, it's Thanksgiving. And, by the way, decent doesn't necessarily mean expensive. It means, "thoughtfully selected to best compliment Grandma Flossie's world-famous stuffing."
November 12th : Episode #538 – The Intersection of Wine, Art and Music (by David Wilson)
The last time David had Spencer on Grape Encounters, the conversation was largely about a new project he is overseeing as COO of Wines That Rock, a very unique New York based company that creates very special wines that pay tribute to music, film and pop culture. The company’s latest project includes Star Trek themed wines that are being released in conjunction to the latest Star Trek installment that centers around Captain Picard in the days after his retirement from Star Fleet. But as interesting as that story is, Spencer career also includes sculpture, music production and performance as a world-class pianist.
November 5th : Episode #537 – The Good News and Bad News From Wine Country This Fall (by David Wilson)
Whenever Host David Wilson wants information about absolutely anything having to do with wine, the wine industry or wine country, there are about four or five people he turns to. One of his absolute favorites is the Sommelier to the Stars, Christopher Sawyer. Almost every conversation with Christopher is a riot. There are some exceptions, including the first part of this discussion which centers on the horrifying fire that recently tore it’s way through Sonoma County… the place that Christopher calls home. If there’s any silver lining, it’s the fact that, despite this fire’s enormous footprint, there was no loss of life and far fewer structural losses than the massive number of homes and buildings leveled by the haunting fire that devastated the same region just two years ago. There is additional good news with regard to crops damaged by smoke taint.
October 28th : Episode #536 – Wine Country Communities Face Inferno With Courage and Conviction (by David Wilson)
Sonoma County Wine Country residents are now confronting another inferno of epic proportions. Though seemingly insurmountable, citizens of this wine region have no shortage of resolve and courage, and there conviction is on full display as they do everything they must to save their historic communities, homes, businesses and, most importantly, lives.
October 21st : Episode #535 – Happy Hallo-Wine! Macabre Wines and Wine Stories (by David Wilson)
October 10th : Episode #534 – Biodynamic and Built From Hemp in the South of France (by David Wilson)
Chateau Maris in the South of France really has a story to tell... and who better to tell it than co-owner Robert Eden. Most wine enthusiasts are probably familiar with biodynamic grape growing and wine making. However, Chateau Maris definitely takes this art to a higher level. There is probably no one who does a better job of explaining biodynamics than Robert Eden, and he takes this very remarkable wine producing art to heights you might not ever imagine. But that's just a small part of the story. Consider this... Robert was so determined to build a facility that was one with the land that he constructed what he calls a "vegetable winery." Believe it or not, Chateau Maris is built entirely of bricks made from hemp. Hear the whole amazing story on this installment of Grape Encounters. Also on this episode, we delve a little further into the growing commonalities between wine and whiskey making. More than ever before, there are some common denominators that might really surprise you. It's a lot to absorb, and just in time for Total Wine and More's Whiskey on the Rocks event in Las Vegas. Learn a thing or two about the collaboration between whiskey and wine makers on this episode of Grape Encounters Radio!
October 5th : Episode #533 – Pinots and Plaid with the Wine Fashionista, Emily Martin (by David Wilson)
September 28th : Episode #532 – Changing Into Your Fall Wine Wardrobe With Master Somm Catherine Fallis (by David Wilson)
She was the 5th woman to earn the title Master Sommelier and she has earned a lot more titles, honors and certifications than that in her extensive wine career. Catherine is the proprietor of Planet Grape, LLC, a wine consulting firm providing content, reviews, corporate & private tastings, restaurant wine program development, and speaking services. She created her alter-ego, Grape Goddess, to help bring wine down to earth for consumers as well as those entering the wine industry. She is one of a handful of female professional sabreurs in the world, opening a bottle of Champagne with a sword in a dazzling theatrical performance. Catherine was recently inducted into Les Dames d’Escoffier and is a Board Member of The American Institute of Wine & Food. Her diverse wine background as a salesperson, sommelier, distributor, and supplier helped Catherine become the well-rounded and thorough expert she is today. She understands all facets of the wine business, and is a frequent speaker, event host, educator, and consultant for corporations, consumers and the wine trade. She is a highly sought after wine expert and spokesperson for the wine industry. On today’s episode of Grape Encounters, Catherine tackles a couple of very important topics. First, for those who desire to become a certified wine expert, there are many routes that can be taken. Catherine helps listeners sort out the differences and offers expert advise on which direction to go. Next on to today’s main subject. As the seasons change, so do our desires for different wines. In the same way that we change our wardrobe throughout the year, we also pay closer attention to wines that suit the season. David and Catherine take a deep dive into this subject and much more!
September 21st : Episode #531 – Will the Crazy 2019 Harvest Yield Crazy Good Wines, or is that a Crazy Thought? (by David Wilson)
September 14th : Episode #530 – The Unabridged Wine World According to Jean-Charles Boisset! (by David Wilson)
September 7th : Episode #529 – The Ultimate Oregon Wine Experience Explained (by David Wilson)
August 31st : Episode #528 – California Wine Month (by David Wilson)
August 24th : Episode #527 – Why do Wines Cost What they Cost? (by David Wilson)
August 17th : Episode #526 – Helping Your Wine Keep Its Cool! (by David Wilson)
August 10th : Episode #525 – Summer Wine News (by David Wilson)
August 3rd : Episode #524 – Star Trek, Captain Picard and Wine: A New Enterprise (by David Wilson)
July 27th : Episode #523 – Wine Mistakes Every Wine Lover Should Avoid (by David Wilson)
July 22nd : Total Wine Sponsors Grape Encounters (by Grape Encounters)
July 20th : Episode #522 – Canned Wine and Turning Wine, Oh My! (by David Wilson)
July 13th : Episode #521 – Tom Rodrigues: Meet the Ultimate Wine Renaissance Man (by David Wilson)
July 6th : Episode #520 – Wine Regions That are Off Your Radar: Lodi and Clarksburg, CA (by David Wilson)
June 29th : Episode #519 – A Landmark Wine Decision in the Supreme Court (by David Wilson)
June 22nd : Episode #518 – Canned Wine and Packaging Trends (by David Wilson)
June 15th : Episode #517 – What to do if Wine Doesn’t Like You! (by David Wilson)
June 8th : Episode #516 – Krug Sunset Cinema (by David Wilson)
June 1st : Episode #515 – Latest Wine News (by David Wilson)
May 25th : Episode #514 – Breaking Wine Rules (by David Wilson)
May 18th : Episode #513 – Family-friendly Wineries (by David Wilson)
May 11th : Episode #512 – Wine Trends with Wes Hagen (by David Wilson)
May 4th : Episode #511 – Stop the Wine Pretentiousness! (by David Wilson)
April 27th : Episode #510 – Keith Roberts of the Young Dubliners and Hakone Gardens (by David Wilson)
April 20th : Episode #509 – The Sacramento Wine & Food Scene (by David Wilson)
April 13th : Episode #508 – The New Book: Wine Country Table (by David Wilson)
April 6th : Episode #507 – Horseback Riding at Cooper-Gerrod Estate Vineyards (by David Wilson)
March 30th : Episode #506 – Best of Oregon: Carter House Inns and Devitt Winery (by David Wilson)
March 23rd : Episode #505 – The Oregon Wine Experience, Dancin and Cameron Hughes (by David Wilson)
March 16th : Episode #504 – Brent Keast (by David Wilson)
March 9th : Episode #503 – Wes Hagen (by David Wilson)
March 2nd : Episode #502 – Tom Rodrigues: Pinot, Prizes, Pigs and Packaging (by David Wilson)
February 23rd : Episode #501 – Tim Hanni, Master of Wine (by David Wilson)
February 16th : Episode #500 – Anniversary Show with Keith Saarloos and Dave Van Dyke (by David Wilson)
February 9th : Episode #499 – Michael Mondavi (by David Wilson)
February 2nd : Episode #498 – Brittany Hahn of Houssels Hahn (by David Wilson)
January 26th : Episode #497 – The Oregon Wine Experience, Abacela Winery and Dancin Vineyards (by David Wilson)
January 19th : Episode #496 – Winemaker Adam LaZarre (by David Wilson)
January 12th : Episode #495 – Catena Zapata and Kathleen Bershad, Author (by David Wilson)
January 5th : Episode #494 – Quality Wine Barrels (by David Wilson)