094: The Wine Tasting That Put California on the Map with Kevin Ferguson, Part 2.

In Part 2 of this conversation,  Damian Bacich talks with wine historian Kevin Ferguson, descendant of the Gemello Winery family, about the dramatic rise of California wine, the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris, and the family stories that connect Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, and Italian immigrant winemakers. They also explore how Prohibition, entrepreneurship, and even Bank of America played unexpected roles in California's wine history. Whether you're interested in California history, wine, or remarkable family stories, this episode offers a fascinating look behind one of the state's greatest success stories.Kevin's Substack: https://gemello.substack.com/Chapters00:00 – A French judge mistakes Napa wine for French00:49 – California wine's low point in the 1960s03:41 – From 350 wineries to nearly 4,80004:11 – The Gemello family's survival and real estate strategy08:11 – California wines before the Judgment of Paris10:04 – How the Judgment of Paris came together14:44 – The shocking tasting results that changed history15:46 – How the victory inspired a new generation of winemakers22:26 – Steven Spurrier's remarkable wine shop story26:06 – Why the Judgment of Paris became California's great underdog story27:52 – Italian immigrants, Bank of America, and California agriculture31:46 – Final reflections and Kevin Ferguson's upcoming bookSend a Comment.Support the showGive a one-time donationLearn more about the California Frontier Project:WebsiteYouTubeInstagramFacebookContact:[email protected]