Your V.I.P. ticket to Napa Valley’s biggest party of the year is served up with this and next week’s editions of Grape Encounters Radio. Host David Wilson takes you to the campus of Raymond Vineyards for the 2014 Napa Gras shindig hosted by the man whom many winemakers and aficionados call the industry’s ‘Emperor,’ Jean-Charles Boisset.

Grape Encounters contributor and wine editor for Sunset Magazine, Sara Schneider, was surprisingly not in attendance. But, she starts off this week’s program with David Wilson talking about “J.C.” and his extraordinary and unique flare for business and wine making. It sounds like there’s a tinge of regret in her voice for not being at Napa Gras, too!

Then, David will introduce you to Barbara Snyder. She is Jean-Charles’ Costume Designer. As you’ll find out, this is a very important job in creating the perfect environment for work and for play in the JCB empire.


Napa Gras is famous for performance art. There was no disappointing attendees with the “Chocolate Girls.” Your host gets up close and personal with the white and dark chocolate covered sweet, sexy and sassy Chelsea Elise and Lilyann Page.
Jean-Charles Boisset is no stranger to the Grape Encounters microphones. But, this week, he is in his finest element surrounded by 700 friends. Hear from the “Emperor” himself as he discusses the event and his approach to business and the best things in life. It’s a rare, candid conversation with the man who is bridging American and French winemaking.

The trade media are also in attendance, including the editor-in-chief for Drink Me Magazine. Cornelius Geary. He joins David for a discussion about the publication, and about the explosive growth in the wine, spirits and beer industry.
And, our gadget guru Matt Dubow has the perfect solutions for safely and securely transporting sealed or open bottles of wine, whether you’re driving down the road or packing for an airplane ride. EpicStyle.com has just the products to keep your vino in-transit without incident.
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