Through The Grapevine | Wine & Hospitality

Did you know that from about 1800-1900 the Livermore Valley was known across the nation as a must-stop town for settlers heading west? Or that the historic Ravenswood used to be the Livermore Valley's very own Gatsby Estate? Where spectacular and luxurious parties were thrown inviting folks from all over the region to stop here in our neck of the woods. Well, you won't want to miss Paul Halvorsen's dive into the rabbit hole of rich history here in the valley. We take a moment to try out some holiday coffee, Paul shares a few of his 2020 bests, and ultimately sends away with exactly what we could all stand to hear as the holiday rolls in. Tune in now for an insider's look on everything Livermore, Story coffee, and those waffles!!!! 

Yo!!!! TTG could not be more excited to offer this episode with CEO & 4th Generation Winegrower Carolyn Wente. With over 130 years of history here in the Livermore Valley, we are humbled at the opportunity to chat with this amazing woman. Talking all things wine and food! Carolyn shares her passion for food while taking us through a few things you might not have known about this valley. In the quest to find a regional identity who better to talk to than Carolyn. You won't want to miss what she has to say about the future of the region. It is Thanksgiving week and we hope you are enjoying responsibly together with your loved ones. Keep pushing for greatness and keep pushing us to be the greatest we can be. TTG Nation stand up!!!

We are always happy to sit down with Mr. Flywheel himself, Brandon Cardwell. Born and raised here in the Livermore Valley he has become one of the region's most influential ambassadors. Working alongside the city to ensure the future of a region and it's community. JTM and Collin introduce a new nickname, will it stick?? And Brandon introduces the Isabel Neighborhood Specific Plan that was recently adopted by our city council. Collin is back!! And shares a harvest recap along with some big NC news. You won't want to miss this week's episode. 

November 3rd - Election Day 2020 Collin and JTM wanted to go into the vault a pull out an episode that we think everyone might want to hear. The man the myth the legend Julio Covarrubias of Casa de Vinas Vineyard here in the Livermore Valley. Regional maturity is a topic we bring up often on this show, and without people like Julio, it would not be a conversation we could have. While there may never be a statue built of him here in the Livermore Valley. We wanted to make sure we do our part as ambassadors to the region in highlighting the wonderful people that make the needle move. You may even recognize an old voice in this episode, could it be? Jason 'Jmon Green' Montero. That's right we are getting the gang back together in this episode. Tune in and learn a little something from this guy Julio, we sure did! AND VOTE DAMMNIT!!!

Yo, we have Trent Thompson in the house! Most recently he and a handful of Bay Area artists made the Only Up Mural Festival a reality. Bringing color and vibrancy to our city like never before. Originally from Rochester, NY he has made tremendous strides in his first few years here in the Tri-Valley. It was great to sit down with him and reflect on a few of these accomplishments. We cover a few of his favorite places to eat and drink here locally as well as what collaborations you can look forward to.  Tune in now!!!!

Today we are joined by a couple of Livermore locals, Aimee & Bryan Wingen of Wingen Bakery. In this episode, we talk about the families' amazing journey in 2020. Their daughter Waylynn Betty Wingen was born with a very rare disease that challenged both of them like they could not imagine. Join us as they take us through their journey and the courage it has taken to keep pushing in a year that has thrown everything at them. It has been truly a joy to watch our local Livermore Valley community come alive for this amazing couple. And it has reaffirmed for so many of us that this is more than a world-class region, but that it is a world-class community of people. Range Life Alums Aimee & Bryan operate the bakery out of their home here in the Livermore Valley. Making Levain style bread, bagels, and loaves - their cookies could set a room on fire they are that good! We look forward to having them both on again to continue sharing their journey. But for now, you can find them on Instagram and at WingenBakery.com to place your order and join our community. 

In this episode of TTG, we sit down with the President of the Association of African American Vintners & Winemaker at Longevity Wines Phil Long. Continuing conversations on social equity in the world of wine. Phil shares how you can get involved and the many partnerships that have stemmed from this year! He also takes us through an accident in the cellar early in his career that nearly took his life. All in all this episode speaks to his perseverance and passion to make the best wine possible. Next time you swing by Nottingham Cellars be sure to take a look just 3 doors down and check out Longevity Wines.

Part 2 of this epic episode of Tasters Extravaganza!! Tune in and enjoy the Blind Tasting. 

Join JTM on our very first two-part episode of Taster's Extravaganza! Jeremy is joined by a couple of industry street soldiers in Savannah Vento-Chun, her husband Nakoah Chun, and Sabio bartender Eian Cathcart a.k.a. TrapLucifer!! We taste everything from Carignan to Mezcal and even  Baijiu Chinese spirit with loads of character. It was a treat to sit down with these young professionals and learn about what kind of leaders inspire them and what types of leaders they strive to be. We have not had a chance to dive into spirits all that much yet, but Eian breaks us off with some knowledge. And Savannah crushes a 'Cata a Seigas'.   This episode has a part 2 that includes a LIVE blind tasting, so be sure to keep the energy rolling and tune into both these Taster Extravaganza sessions now!!!

This episode with Alisha Sommer Marketing Director at Ruby Hill and all-around creative and hospitality consultant was one of our bests yet! JTM comes hard with a new intro as we dive into some of the most transparent and important conversations we have had yet. Alisha speaks to her many talents and how you can take an active stance in promoting an industry of inclusion. In a nation so divided could hospitality be the savior? Find out in this episode, tune in now and subscribe!

We are back! For this episode, we welcomed back to the show John Ernst creative director at Altamont Beer Works. Join us as this week as we chat with John about the importance of getting digital. Meanwhile, Collin gives pointers on how to navigate a very volatile hospitality marketplace with strategic money management. We shed some light on a rapidly growing cannabis industry and together we work towards bringing clarity to an ever-evolving market that may never look the same. Jeremy has a bit of fun with the music today and has a special announcement about some seasonal changes over at Story Coffee in the Livermore Valley Wine Country.  

2020 is proving to be among the most historical years in decades and there is so much to talk about. It has been over 3 months since Collin & Jeremy sat down last and they are itching to get back at it. Our hearts are heavy at the horrific death of George Floyd. All while dealing with the most destructive pandemic in centuries. We decided to go 'unscripted' and really talk about some topics needing to be addressed in this episode. Bear with us as we do our best to dissect some tough topics and do our best to represent our industry, and region that have been relatively silent. The hospitality industry has long thrived on diversity in race, religion, creed, and sexual orientation for decades. We must be proactive and start considering what can be done #beyondthehashtag. Don't miss Collin's pledge to #endsupremacy. We hope you enjoy what the two of us have to say. Take care of one another and together let's demand better. #makeamericagreatFORONCE

This is an episode we have long-awaited. TTG is happy to bring Limor Finkel Western Region Portfolio Specialist at Winebow to the show. We first met Limor as a sales rep for Chambers & Chambers. While at Chambers she managed Contra Costa County and the Livermore Valley and we were all drawn in by her expertise and passion for what she represented. Still young in the game she has climbed the ladder, rather effectively, since her beginnings at Dashe Cellars in Oakland less than 10 years ago. Limor shares with us how Cabernet Franc, as a significant piece to our regional re-brand, could be widely excepted in the market. Collin takes us through 2019 barrel samples of Cabernet Sauvignon from Atlas Peak, Casa De Vinas, GIII Beckstoffer, and Smith Ranch. With all that is amidst us right now with Covid-19 rampant, this was a tremendously refreshing episode to produce. So pull a cork and pour up a glass, this is an episode best paired with vino. Cheers.  

This week we welcome to the podcast Robin Fahr Marketing Director at VTV. These are some trying times as the world is braising itself with Covid-19 running rampant. Whether you are at home with loved ones or on the road still getting the job done, be sure to give yourself a break and try to maintain some semblance of your routine. Meaning it is time to tune in to another fantastic episode. Former broadcaster and news anchor Robin fires on all cylinders with us this week. She walks us through her typical Tri-Valley day, we further discuss Cabernet Franc, she shares with us the real value of tourism, and we stumble upon some fresh items VTV is working on concerning the Mt. Diablo Highlands. Tune and for info on how to support your local businesses through these trying times.

We are back with part two of Karl Wente's episode and excited for you all to hear it. We dive straight into measure p and have some more fun along the way as we break into our third bottle. We also spend some time thanking folks for their continued support as we are communally ecstatic about YES ON MEASURE P. Be sure to hang in there towards the end of this episode as we went ahead and re-aired something that many might not have heard just yet. Let the Renaissance begin.