Through The Grapevine | Wine & Hospitality

TTG Podcast couldn’t be more excited than to continue the conversation with Livermore Valley’s own, Heather McGrail. Heather is a self taught winemaker (she won’t admit to this - but she did a great job on her own) /winery owner who has turned her family’s small, hillside vineyard and winery into one of Livermore Valley’s most bustling tasting rooms and respected producers of Cabernet Sauvignon. Heather has assembled a team of very talented people who have created a hospitality Mecca here in our region as well as really fine tuned the winemaking program. Heather tells us her story as she transitioned from doing it all to focusing on business development and some of the successes and tough times she has encountered after over a decade in the game.

We couldn’t be more thrilled than to continue the conversation with with local talent Matt Greco, Executive Chef and Owner of Salt Craft restaurant in downtown Pleasanton. Matt like a lot of successful chefs knew his calling at a very young age. He put in hard work in many jobs that had little glamour before taking an opportunity to work with the Wente family in Livermore Valley. He has since moved on to pursue his passion. Our region is the winner as Matt is making pretty much everything you eat from scratch. From the bread to the pasta, and soon his own cured meats, Matt is focused on delivering great quality at a price point that doesn’t hurt the wallet. He has a very talented team to support this effort.

We couldn’t be more excited than to sit down with Niki Wente, Sr. Viticulturist and 5th Generation winegrower for the Wente family. Niki is the point person for folks looking to buy fruit from Wente and also works extensively with her winemaking and vit team in both Livermore Valley and Arroyo Seco to ensure quality fruit is grown each year. We have a great conversation about the issues at hand in our region, the future of the Valley, and what Niki thinks we can do as a region to market ourselves in the world of wine. One of our favorite interviews to date! Follow Niki and the wente folks on IG at @wente @niki_wente @wenteexperiences

Two weeks ago the TTG crew had the opportunity to invade Napa for one of the most prestigious tastings of the year. This event is put on once a year by Joyce Stavert, Executive Director of the Oakville Growers Association. This tasting is a grand reminder that it is important to take advantage of both the perks, but more importantly the community that our industry commands. This event reminded us how important it is to not only keep tasting and trying new things, but to approach travel the same way. Be it Brooklyn, NY or our neighbors over in Napa. The hospitality industry thrives on history, culture, passion and much more. Without seeing it through the lens of others we would not be bringing to our listeners what we promised...perspective! We bump elbows with the likes of Heidi Barrett (Winemaker), Andrea Robinson (MS), Nick Gislason (Screaming Eagle), and more. We also were privileged with sitting in on the Masterclass led by Oakville legends where we taste through 4 vertical flights ranging from Groth to Paradigm. Needless to say this event was magical and has really lit a fire under our asses to continue to push for greatness as it is well within reach. We have all of the necessary pieces to make world class wines of this caliber. Tune in and let us know if you would come to a Livermore Valley Grand Tasting in the caves at Wente Vineyards? 

We apologize listeners that this episode was behind. We experienced a bit of technical difficulties with the platform.  Nevertheless, we are happy to introduce Alex Wolfe of Nottingham Cellars. Since coming to the west coast Alex has climbed the ranks very quickly becoming a pivotal contributor to the future of our valley. Like Craig Ploof he is originally from the East Coast, but got a taste of the California sun and never looked back. He spends time as an assistant winemaker at NC. Since Craig‘s arrival though he has more time to focus on the Marketing & Branding elements that are so very important to any successful and forward thinking business. He also throws us a curve ball and brings in a couple very unique and delicious ciders, a trend that has come on strong to the market. Join us as we dive into a few of the elements that it takes to manage a brand image.  And be sure to tune in on Wednesday for a special mid-week release, Recapping TTG’s recent visit to Napa. Where we were able to be apart of the Grand Oakville Tasting held at Robert Mondavi Winery.

We couldn’t be more excited to bring in Nottingham Cellars Director of Winemaking, Craig Ploof. We created this show to highlight the many talented people in the Livermore Valley, but we didn’t want it all about NC. The show wouldn’t be complete if we didn’t give Craig a listen. Craig cut his teeth in the LV wine industry as a part time tasting room associate at Steven Kent Winery. This is where he gained his passion and sparked what would ultimately become a complete career change.  Craig’s hunger for knowledge and experience eventually got him some time helping Steven Mirrasou and Tom Stutz in blending and production. After a few years helping on the side, he quit his job to become Assistant Winemaker for SK and La Rochelle. After a few years he went over to Nottingham Cellars to continue his growth in the industry.  Craig is a talented winemaker and is passionate about seeing the region get the credit it deserves. His efforts at NC have helped them achieve new heights in quality and the best is yet to come!

This episode has been a long time coming. Over the past couple of months we have talked about many of the people, wines, and food that inspire us to thrive in this amazing industry. Without this man the Livermore Valley would not be what it is today...fact. Julio Covarrubias is a second generation Mexican immigrant who's family name has a long history of hard-work here in the Bay Area and have earned everything they gained. Join us as we dive in to what inspires a man who has worked for the same family for over 40+  years. From humble beginnings to a prosperous life full of pride, and happiness if you are looking for inspiration, look no further.  Julio started his journey here in the states managing Real Estate properties, investing in homes and renovating them to be resold on the market. Needless to say he was quite the shark, had he stayed in the business who knows where he would be now. But what you will learn about Julio in this episode is his loyalty and genuine passion for his craft and family. We were honored to have him on the podcast to share his perspective on what makes this region great for far more than just farming vineyards. The Covarrubias name goes just about as far back here in the Livermore Valley as the Wente name itself. His father worked as a farmer here in the valley long before Julio knew what he would become for this region. He has now worked with the past 4 generations of Wente.  You can find his immaculate 20 acre estate just before Greenville Rd. off Tesla in the heart of the valley. We follow Collin as moderator on this episode as he guides us through his partnership with both Julio and the Casa de Vinas Vineyard. We also dive into 3 legendary bottles taken straight from the treasure trove that lies beneath the Casa de Vinas Estate.  This episode speaks to a much bigger message than what the three of us, on our young journeys, have been able to capture. This episode speaks to the American Dream, an idea that may seem nostalgic to some these days. Julio Covarrubias not only thrived in this era, he helped define what this tagline has come to mean today. We probably should have named this episode as 'shut up and listen' because it is rare that we get the chance to engage with such wisdom.  Through The GrapeVine is honored to present Julio Covarrubias.  Follow us on Spotify - Apple Podcast - Anchor - GoogleCast and anywhere that you may listen to noise. Instagram - @ttg_podcast Send us your thoughts on this episode and we will be sure to respond with our.  Lastly, we cannot thank you enough for being the fuel to what keeps us pressing forward to bring you amazing guests like this. 

We are back in the restaurant game, this time with none other than Alexis Posada, aka Lexo, aka Sexy Lexi.  Alexis and his family pursued their passion in food and dropped everything to launch Posada - a restaurant here in the Livermore Valley featuring a unique play on South Western cuisine.  We hate to use the word 'fusion' because it so often gets overplayed.  But when the creativity reaches the level of the cuisine at Posada it is hard to find other words.   Alexis is one of four Posada's you might see on the floor or in the kitchen at the restaurant. Eduardo and his wife Blanca are the patriarch and matriarch of the show, with Eduardo as head chef and culinary genius.  Soon after the place opened, Alexis's sister Dominique came to help keep books and bring a new dynamic to the hospitality program. The four of them are hard working, passionate people that have turned a small family restaurant to a Livermore Valley staple.  It is always fun to watch people succeed in such a challenging environment, but it truly could not have happened to better people.   We get to know a little about Alexis, where he came from, his journey from wine novice to geek, his passion for food and wine, and a glimpse into the future of the restaurant and the new food truck, Posada on Wheels. Run, don't walk, to Posada to get yourself a great meal, a great hug, and some amazing company from one of Livermore Valley's most loved families. FOLLOW: IG: @posadarestaurant, @posadaonwheels, @lexo1883

TTG is back featuring Livermore Valley winery owner Denise McKahn of McKahn Family Cellars.  Denise has been in the industry since 1992 when she took a job in the accounting department at Wente Vineyards in the Livermore Valley.  She held a few roles at Wente before taking time off to be a mother.  She returned to the Livermore Valley to work in hospitality at some of the Valley's small wineries before eventually ending up at Concannon.  Recently she left her post as Operations Manager for the hospitality department to focus full time on Mckahn Family Cellars. Denise and her family launched the brand in 2014 producing a range of varieties from well regarded vineyards and AVA's in the north coast before eventually making a hard pivot to produce exclusively Calfornia grown Rhone varieties.   Denise serves as CEO and oversees tasting room operations at their location in the Livermore Valley alongside her husband, (and bad ass dude) Kevin.  Her son, Chuck, serves as winemaker and is the visionary behind the brand and the wines.   With Chuck's wife helping in the marketing department it truly is a family affair at Mckahn.   Chuck is one of the most accomplished young winemakers in the game.  After graduating from the SLO Vit program, he landed an internship working with Philip Titus at Chappelet on Pritchard Hill.  He was able to parlay this into a full time Enologist position, and eventually was promoted to Assistant Winemaker.  He is now serving as Winemaker at William Harrison in Rutherford where he makes the wine for both brands, among others.  Chuck is actually coming on in a future episode, so we will get to know more of his story then. Denise tells us her story from her time entering the industry to launching her brand, the folks that created her foundation to grow and set the course for her and the family ultimately to launch their own family label.  We here about the good times, the bad times, the hard work involved in making her winery a success.  Denise is passionate about the game, and dedicated to seeing her lifelong dream come true.   Visit Mckahn at their tasting room and you will be sure to enjoy some amazing wines with great people.  As they say, "come in as friends, leave as family." 2245A South Vasco Rd Livermore, CA 94550 http://mckahnfamilycellars.com/  IG: @mckahnfamilycellars FB:@mckahnfamilycellars TW: @mckahnfamily

Jeremy, Jason and Collin are back in studio, this time with 1/3 of the 3 Steve's, Steve Burman. Jeremy leads the charge getting down to the gritty details of what makes 3 Steve's a success. Steve Burman, like a lot of folks here in LV, started with a successful career in tech, but was intrigued by the regions growth and camaraderie among local winemakers.  This led him to plant a small vineyard in his yard, which became his reprieve from the stressful life in Silicon Valley.  That curiosity continued to grow to the point where he was helping winemakers at harvest to help him make a better small batch at home.  From here, Steve was hooked and like the other two Steve's, invested in a small winery.  When things weren't going as planned, he along with his soon-to-be partners Steve Milander and Steve Ziganti created 3 Steve's Winery to pursue their passion on their own.  Burman tells the story of how the three started the winery to where they are now, and his vision of Livermore Valley's future. Working alongside Steve in the winemaking process, we know him to be a very meticulous and detail oriented winemaker. He is one of the few winemakers really continuing to push to improve quality both in his winery and Valley wide and maintains his role as a student of the game. SPOILER ALERT: The TTG Anthem (you have heard snippets on the show) may or may not get dropped during the episode... Lets just say the squad has BARS!!! Check out 3 Steve's Winery on Greenville Rd in the heart of Crane Ridge for a fun, low key tasting experience with great wines grown in the Livermore Valley and beyond. www.3steveswinery.com IG: 3steveswinery FB: 3 Steves Winery

TTG is back with episode 5.  Now that we have laid down the foundation of the show, shared our perspectives on the region and what our goals are as individuals, its time we here from the people. Francis Hogan is the Executive Chef and Partner at Sabio on Main in Downtown Pleasanton.  When Sabio opened in 2015 it was ahead of its time, bringing cuisine, service and style not yet known to the Tri-Valley scene.  Sabio has become a beacon in our area in less than four years, and has brought in many talented people to the Livermore Valley food and wine world, including two of the shows hosts..  While Sabio boasts one of the best cocktail bars and wine lists in town and the service model is absolutely dialed, Francis's "ingredient focused" cuisine is what makes the place so special. Francis shares his journey from a curious young man in the Philly burbs who pursued a culinary career based on sheer passion.  His work and education have given Francis the opportunity to work and learn in Europe and several major US Cities.  We are lucky to have Francis here in the Livermore Valley working hard everyday to see our region hit its potential. Hear it all here on TTG. If you are in the area, be sure to visit Sabio on Main, details below. 501 Main St, Pleasanton, CA 94566 sabiopleasanton.com, (925) 800-3090  Sabio Instagram: sabiopleasanton Chef Instagram: chef_fxhogan

Jeremy takes the reins on this episode and helps us explore the way we continuously push the boundaries of the Livermore Valley wine and hospitality scene. Not only do we discuss how we utilize technology in our respective fields, but how we stay motivated and work together to encourage progressive thinking as a catalyst to the renaissance of the new generation. We briefly discuss the local ideology that Livermore Valley is “as good as” Napa Valley and how we can veer away from that notion towards the “different from” Napa Valley perspective. Just when you thought you were safe, we take a random turn into the past and private lives of the hosts and find some juicy secrets you don’t want to miss! We love all of our listeners and are incredibly thankful for the support. If you would be so kind, please give us a 5-Star review on iTunes if you enjoy the content and follow us on Instagram at @ttg_podcast for news and updates!

Jason takes the lead in episode 3 and gets right to a phone call with local wine shop owner, Jim Denham.  Jim is the man behind The Wine Steward in downtown Pleasanton, CA.  Jim is a Livermore Valley advocate who believes the region is starting to hit a stride, but just scratching the surface on its potential.  He provides his perspective of what can grow well here and have a home in the market place.  His shop is essentially a local winemaker's library to explore the world of wine without leaving the Valley and a place for us to get honest feedback about wines we may be working on.  From here, the conversation naturally turns to Livermore Valley vineyards.  We start the discussion talking about Julio Covarrubias.  Julio owns Casa De Viñas vineyard and works in management on Wente's viticulture team.  Julio's life story to acquire his 20 acre parcel in the Livermore Valley is an inspiration to all of us.  We tell his story (we can't do it justice, hope we can get him on the show down the road) and our personal "how we met Julio" stories.  Next week we pick up where we left off to discuss some other notable vineyards that consistently put out great wines from various producers throughout the region.   Be sure the check out The Wine Steward in downtown Pleasanton.  Jim has assembled an equally impressive staff to match his wine list.  The Mezzanine is a holy ground for the true wine geeks who can't get enough and Jim also stocks plenty of the crowd-pleasing wines we all know and love that keep "the people happy".  

Join Jeremy, Jason and Collin for the second installment of the Through the Grapevine.  We get a little tease of the show's new theme song (more to come on that!) before the guys get right to it. The People.  That's what drives any movement, region, business, whatever.  We are extremely fortunate to have a Valley full of hard working, dedicated, but most importantly TALENTED people driving the businesses that ultimately shape the regions culture.  We breakdown who is doing what in the area, who we draw inspiration from, and give you all insight into some of the behind the scenes things that take place in the food/wine world in Livermore Valley and beyond! SELFISH PLUG - LV INDUSTRY NIGHT AT SIDEWINDER MARCH 19 HOSTED BY THE ONE AND ONLY JEREMY TROUPE-MASI - IF YOU DON'T KNOW, NOW YOU KNOW

Collin Cranor, Jeremy Troupe-Masi and Jason Montero all work in different sectors of the wine and hospitality industry in the Livermore Valley wine country.  We created this podcast to discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly and how we feel obligated to grow our presence. The Livermore Valley is one of California's oldest, most historic wine growing regions and the conditions to grow exceptional fruit for winemaking is legit.  It is our goal to see the region flourish like we know it is capable of.  We hope to shed light on the current state of affairs and also what the future of the region could be with a clear vision and lots of hard work. In episode one, we make our introductions and missions clear and set the tone for future discussion.  Get to know us as people before we get to the nitty gritty. DISCLAIMER: At time of production we were still searching for a name and still feeling out how the show will go.  Future episodes have a little more production quality (every great show needs a great intro!). We hope you enjoy - Episode 2 is around the corner!