Wine for Normal People

Barossa is one of the most historic, fascinating places in the new world. Winemaking started with German immigrants in 1840 and there have been ups and downs in the industry since. What hasn’t changed: there has always been a small cadre of winemakers here that have made outstanding fascinating Shiraz and Riesling. We dig into the history of the region, talk about its wines and give you another region in Australia to seek out.

We finally cover Oregon State in the United States -- home of much Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris and lots of other great emerging varietals. The state has some challenges, but it's a fascinating place and an essential part of the American wine landscape.

Serge Doré has been importing high quality, outstanding value wines from small French family wineries for decades. His passion, discerning palate, ethics, and intelligence make him a model for how importing should be done. He shares his story with us!!

Petite Sirah, a red grape that’s a cross of the Rhône varieties Peloursin and Syrah is a plummy, powerful and tannic grape that provides the vital support function of a blending grape in many wines, especially Zinfandel. This week we discuss the grape as an important blender ad what it does as a standalone variety (spoiler alert: it’s not always great!).

Located between Burgundy and Switzerland, this tiny wine region has been gathering major attention from wine dorks. From offbeat whites to nice, light reds, we give you the scoop on this obscure region with growing clout!

Will Henry, co-proprietor at Lumen Wines in the cool climate AVAs of Santa Barbara, talks about his life in surfing, environmental activism, photography, and wine. He educates us on Santa Barbara and helps us understand why the region is world class.

It's the time of year when we're having people over last minute, meeting clients or friends for a drink, or connecting with old friends who have popped into town. We need wine gifts on hand, in our house! We discuss what to have in a "wine stash"(in all price ranges) so you can grab a bottle and go without going to the shop a million times! One trip to the shop should save you a ton of stress. 

This week: a live experiment with Jamie and Emily Peterson of Peterson Winery in Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma, in which we drill down into the effect screw cap and cork have on wine in the long term. We discuss all kinds of bottle closures-- a must listen!

What happens to wine when it ages? What causes the changes in wine? What can you expect? We use our experience and some dorky science to explain the what and why of aged wine!

It's the annual Thanksgiving/Friendsgiving/Holiday meal that involves turkey and lots of butter episode! This year we cover the basics, as usual, but come up with one cool idea and offer an etiquette tip on something that users keep bringing up! 

My job isn't just to tell you about wines you already know and love, but to put new ones you may not know on your radar. Very few are as worthy as the wines of Savoie, France. Nestled in the Alps, this place makes whites & reds that are improving every year! Will you have to look for these and maybe special order them? YES. But the payoff will be worth it!

After making wine for 48 years in Napa Valley, Stu Smith has lots to share about how wine was and is made in this famed American valley. Take a listen, as we discuss the history, terroir, and politics of Napa.

Kieran Robinson of Kieran Robinson Wine was on the podcast about 18 months ago but much has happened since then. Kieran Robinson and Kristie Sheppard Robinson share the latest -- some sad and some innovative and amazing! They have been through tough times but it sped up an idea that may just be a new model for U.S. winemakers who love both the west and east coast.

The United States Supreme Court has agreed to take on the question of whether or not citizens can receive shipments of wine from retailers anywhere in the US. Guest Tom Wark, Executive Director of the National Association of Wine Retailers (www.winefreedom.org), tells us the how, why, & the implications for everyone from importers to drinkers. THIS IS NOT a partisan, political podcast. We only talk about the ramifications for consumers and retailers, we do not discuss red v. blue. 

Your mind will be blown by some of the new things that are going on in Champagne to challenge climate change, especially. From changes in grape varieties, to innovations to promote sustainability, this is one of the most interesting conversations I've had the pleasure of having in a while.