Napa Valley Wine Radio®

You might be surprised to know that using oak barrels for the sake of oak flavor is a rather recent development in the history of wine. In this episode, Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, takes a look at the role of oak barrels in wine history and how and why we use them today.

Between the current general economic situation, and the weak dollar, a lot of people have decided to postpone that yearned-for trip to France, Italy or other favorite destinations. So, for those of us who choose to live vicariously for now, our good friend at Let's Go Cook Italian, Diane De Filipi, shares some great ideas about how to bring Italy home with Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education.

In this episode actor Hal B. Klein tells us about the upcoming movie release called Bottle Shock. If you've been curious about the French vs. California wine competition called the "Judgment of Paris", he'll fill us in and also tell us about some of his experiences while filming here in Napa Valley.

Every industry has its lingo and, being immersed in wine every day, we sometimes forget that our jargon isn't second nature to everyone else. In this episode, we try to clarify the meaning for some of the lingo that turns up in print, at social gatherings that include food and wine, in restaurants, or you'll hear as tasting room banter.

We were fascinated by a recent report stating that 50% of family-owned wineries on the west coast will change hands by 2017. The findings of the survey and report were released by Rob McMillan of Silicon Valley Bank, and Deborah Steinthal of Scion Advisors. David Topper and I (Nancy Hawks Miller) were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet with Rob and Deborah and discuss what they learned.

A recent study forecast that 50% of family-owned wineries on the west coast will change hands by 2017. The findings of the survey and report were released by Rob McMillan, of Silicon Valley Bank, and Deborah Steinthal, of Scion Advisors. Goosecross proprietor, David Topper, and Nancy Hawks Miller, Director of Education, talk with Rob and Deborah about what they've learned and the implications for the industry. This is the first segment of a two-part interview.

In this episode our guest Christina Stewart, an MBA student and budding wine enthusiast talks with Colleen Topper, Goosecross Proprietor, and Nancy Hawks Miller, Director of Education, about the tours and classes we have planned for the upcoming summer and fall months.

In this episode, Peter Marks, will tell us about what he does, how he attained the title "Master of Wine" and what kinds of career opportunities exist for those who pursue this very demanding course of study.

Did you know that Napa Valley produces just 4% of California's wine? And yet, in such a small area, we enjoy an amazing diversity of soils and a climate that allows us to produce a number of different varieties of outstanding quality. Sit back and enjoy a glass of Napa Valley wine while Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, tells you a little about it. Cheers!

Prepare yourself for the fascinating story of how Steve Sando, proprietor of Rancho Gordo here in the Napa Valley, specializes in tracking down heirloom and rare varieties of beans, grains, herbs and more. Discover why these culinary essentials make your every-day meals even more delicious as he chats with our good friend, Sherry Page of Culinary Getaways.

Over the years Nancy spent a lot of time in the cellar with visitors and it seems that the most common questions are about the chronology of winemaking and clearing up some of the terminology. So, if you can't make it to Goosecross for a tour, let Nancy bring it to you as a brief description of winemaking from harvesting the grapes right through bottling. Cheers!

In this episode, Goosecross owners Geoff Gorsuch and David and Colleen Topper chat with Nancy Hawks Miller, Director of Education, about how Goosecross got started and a few brief thoughts about where its future lies.

Happy New Year from all of us at Goosecross and thanks for listening! As we move into the new year David Topper, owner of Goosecross and host of Napa Valley Wine Radio, announces a schedule change for our podcast episode releases that we hope you'll find more convenient. Cheers!

Enjoy some background on the tradition of toasting each other from Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, and prepare for a sumptuous New Year's Eve celebration with a very special menu from Colleen Topper, our proprietor and in-house chef. Search for these and other delicious recipes, paired with wine, in Colleen's Kitchen at goosecross.com: * Endive with Creamy Goat Cheese and Smoked Salmon paired with Goosecross Sauvignon Blanc * Mixed Green Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette paired with Goosecross Chardonnay * Sea Scallops and Leeks with Chive Noodles paired with Goosecross Viognier * Blackberry Cocoa Crisp paired with Goosecross Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon

In this episode Nancy Hawks Miller, 25-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, takes on the top-5 most frequently asked questions in our online feature, "Ask our Educator".