Wine for Normal People

Kathy Drogemuller of Paracombe Wines in Adelaide Hills in South Australia tells us her story, what is special about the high-altitude vineyards of Adelaide Hills, and then she gives us great perspective on the large-scale fires that destroyed much of her beautiful region. She shares what has happened, why it has happened, and the importance of knowing that there are many, many people who are open for business.

To kick off 2020, we have the original wine grape, the one from which so many were derived: MUSCAT! In the show we discuss the three main types of Muscat and the wines and regions that you need to seek out to get a taste of this ancient, delicious, complex grape. 

Alessio Planeta has spent his life dedicated to the study of Sicily and figuring out how to make it a significant force in world wine. With his family, Alessio now has six wineries around Sicily, and they have almost single-handedly put Sicily on the map as a quality player. They continue their mission to show what Sicily can do and what its forgotten varietals can bring to the world of wine. They are one of the big reasons we have access to excellent Sicilian wine today.

This week, one of the most famous wine producers in the world joins us -- Gaia Gaja from Gaja in Barbaresco in Piedmont, Italy. We discuss the history of her famed family, why their wines are like liquid velvet, and how climate change is forcing new ways of thinking. Her philosophy, outlook, and class show why Gaja has earned its place at the top of the wine world.

Tim and Kelly Hightower have been making beautiful wine in Washington State (in the northwest of the US) specifically Red Mountain, for about 2.5 decades. They tell us about the evolution of Washington State wine, their path, and then we discuss some of the reasons Washington wine can and should be so much more popular. This is a real insightful look into the challenges and opportunities of Washington State wine! 

We have much to be grateful for this year – Patrons, the release of the Wine for Normal People book, and all of you listeners! This is our yearly TG episode. This time we take the traditional pairings and offer some alternatives. You can stick with what you know based on our recommendations or go out on a limb. Either way, we are truly grateful for you, for your tolerance of our Beastie Boys and Hobbit references and for your continued support! Thank you!

Long Island has 3,000 acres planted with grapes and at least 60 wineries. Lieb Cellars has been around for nearly 30 years and this week Russell Hearn, winemaker for Lieb Cellars and Bridge Lane wines (who has been there since the start), and Ami Opisso, General Manager and Long Island native, tell us about why Long Island is special, why Lieb is different, and how Bridge Lane is the king of quality wine in alternative packaging (yes, we cover this in detail!).

Sheldrake Point Winery in the Finger Lakes began in 1997. For most of that time, Dave Wieman, vineyard manager, and Dave Breeden, winemaker, have been with the winery. They dish on what it's really like it is to make wine in this ever-changing, awesome region.

As we always do when we hit a milestone, for episode 300 we reflect on three things we each have learned in the last 8 years. We talk about the process of planning, writing, and publishing the book and possible future trends in wine that are coming. We thank you for all your support over the years and sign off. 

Texas is one of the oldest winegrowing states in the US, with vines predating California by 100+ years. The first vineyard in North America was by Franciscan priests circa 1660 in Texas and the industry grew throughout the 1800s. After Prohibtion decimated the industry, Texas jump started it's wine industry in the 1970s and today it's roaring back. Texas has 400 producers and it is growing and growing.The future is bright for the Lone Star state's wine industry.

Loudoun County, Virginia is in close proximity to Washington, D.C. -- the farthest vineyards are just over an hour's drive away. The area is known more for big, beautiful event spaces & mediocre wine than as a premier region of Virginia. But about 7 years ago Aimee and Todd Henkle of Lost Creek decided to be part of the movement to change that. We learn how hey are doing so with elegant wines, one vintage at a time!

Anthony Road Wine Company is a legend in the Finger Lakes Region of New York. It’s one of the pioneering wineries of the area, and it makes wines that reflect the soils and climate of the Finger Lakes. Their wines are made from grapes grown in vineyards owned or managed by the Martini Family and carefully selected by Peter Becraft, the head winemaker. This week Peter tells us the story of Anthony Road, his path to becoming the winemaker and the things that make the wines so unique.

Boundary Breaks is located in the Finger Lakes in Central New York. It's the consummate cool weather growing region, where Riesling and aromatic whites reign supreme. Bruce Murray, the founder and creative force behind Boundary Breaks, tells us how he went from newspaper man, to working with Elon Musk, to running a winery so focused on terroir, they don't even have a winemaker (they have 3).

Sleight of Hand Cellars is the fulfillment of two dreams. Jerry Solomon was a real estate attorney in San Diego who longed for a small town life and wanted wine to be part of it. Trey Busch was a Walla Walla winemaker who had insane talent but needed a partner to make his dream winery a reality. The two created Sleight of Hand 12 years ago to create exceptional, terroir driven wines that reflect Washington's unique beauty.

Eric McKibben is a partner at Amavi Cellars and Pepper Bridge Winery in Walla Walla, Washington -- one of the most underrated yet distinctive winemaking regions in the United States. He shares what makes his hometown so special and why Walla Walla Estate wines of Cabernet and Syrah, especially, are such terroir-driven standouts in the wine world.