TTG #3 'Jim Denham' / 'LV Vineyards Pt.1'

Summary: <p>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. </p> <p><br></p> <p>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. </p> <p><br></p> <p>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.  </p> <p><br></p> <p>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".  </p>