In this episode of Grape Encounters, we invite you to step into a world where wine enthusiasts embark on a quest to elevate their wine experience… where big, bold reds that once fell short are transformed into vibrant, unforgettable delights. It’s a story of courage and alchemy, where a mere teaspoon of our friend Jutta Turners’s remarkable port-style wine became the catalyst for an explosion of flavor. In this episode, we’ll unveil the secrets to why wine drinkers should never fear tinkering with their wine, why satisfaction is just a teaspoon away, and how a few drops of the right elixir can be a game changer for any wine lover in search of greater satisfaction. Join us as we explore the art of wine transformation, revealing how a little port-style magic can bring couples with different tastes together for an extraordinary wine journey.
Our story begins in the picturesque wine country of Paso Robles, where vineyards sprawl beneath the California sun, and the Grape Encounters wine bar stood as a beacon of experimentation and creativity. It was about 12 years ago that a serendipitous discovery unfolded, changing the course of Show host and wine bar operator David Wilson’s thinking about how to give wine enthusiasts greater satisfaction.
One day, David found himself in the company of a customer named Gypsy, a colorful, choosy, and delightful lady, always dressed in red, whose palate longed for the bold flavors of wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, but they had to be fruit forward, or they would be deemed unacceptable. A challenge easier said than done. Her preferences posed a sometimes frustrating challenge for David, but he was determined to make her happy. And then, it happened – the happy accident that gave birth to a new approach to customer satisfaction.
One challenging evening, while failing to please Gypsy, pour after pour, David’s gaze fell upon a bottle of Two Horse port-style wine crafted by MM Organics in the heart of Paso Robles. In an act of pure inspiration and desperation, he added a splash of Two Horse to Gypsy’s Cabernet, magically creating a symphony of flavors that instantly ignited her senses. Two Horse had worked its magic, and a customer who was previously tough to please had become a delighted wine enthusiast.
It turns out that Two Horse was more than just a wine; it was an elixir of transfor- mation. Even a teaspoon of Two Horse could turn an ordinary bottle into an extraordinary experience when blended with other wines. It was like witnessing a garden suddenly burst into bloom after a hearty dose of Miracle-Gro. The chemistry at play was nothing short of magic.
Jutta Turner: Bringing Old World to Paso Robles
The heart and soul behind MM Organics, Jutta Turner, played a pivotal role in this enchanting story. Hailing from Germany, Jutta may be small in stature, but her spirit and determination are boundless. She tends her land with two mighty workhorses, embodying a deep respect for the earth and an unwavering commitment to organic practices and sustainability.
But Two Horse isn’t the only treasure that Jutta nurtures. Beyond the vineyards, she is also the steward of a precious walnut orchard, originally planted by Paso Robles’ winemaking pioneer, Dr. Stan Hoffman. This orchard, planted during the region’s early days, had fallen into disrepair. Yet, with Jutta’s unyielding dedication, it came back to life like a forgotten symphony resuming its sweet melodies.
Today, MM Organics produces a symphony of walnut products, ranging from delectable walnut oils to rich, irresistible chocolate-covered walnuts, sprouted walnuts, and more. These products, alongside their wines, are available on their website, MMOrganics.com, inviting you to savor the fruits of Jutta’s labor and the bounty of Paso Robles.
Transforming Lives Beyond the Vineyards
But Jutta Turner is more than the guardian of vineyards and orchards; she’s a beacon of hope and transformation in her local community. Her nonprofit, “Life Coaching with Horses,” is a testament to her enduring commitment to giving back. With a background as a certified Life Coach, Equus Coach, Grief Coach, and Counselor, Jutta has found her calling in partnering with her equine friends to make a difference.
Life Coaching with Horses, located at lifecoachingwithhorses.org, operates out of a friend’s ranch, offering a safe haven where 12 to 20 majestic horses are ever-present facilitators in the journey of healing and personal growth. Their noble presence instills a sense of security, creating an ideal environment for self-discovery.
As Jutta gently guides her clients, she reads their words and the silent language of horses. Horses become mirrors reflecting the deepest emotions, needs, and desires of those who seek guidance. While you might be tempted to call her a “horse whisperer,” Jutta prefers the term “Equus coach” or “life coaching with horses,” as she believes the term “whisperer” has been somewhat overused.
Jutta and her partner have opened their hearts to local nonprofit organizations, offering them the opportunity to spend a day or two amidst the gentle giants. They work closely with hospices and organizations that support survivors of sexual abuse, spreading hope and healing through the profound connection between humans and horses. It’s a mission that not only fills Jutta with immense joy but also fills countless lives with newfound strength and hope.
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