#32 Randy Caparoso: Old Vines, New Rules...the Wine World’s Secret

In today's talk, Randy pulls back the curtain on the truth about old vines, why perception in the wine world lags decades behind reality, and how a little-known sustainability program from Lodi is reshaping vineyards worldwide. He shares insider stories from decades in the restaurant industry, reveals why terroir is making a comeback, and explains how younger wine drinkers are forcing the industry to evolve.If you’ve ever wondered what truly makes a wine great, or why some of the best grapes in the world come from regions you’ve never heard of, you’ll want to listen all the way through. This episode will change the way you look at every glass you drink.For decades, the wine world has been driven by reputation and perception. Napa meant prestige. Burgundy meant excellence. Lodi? Cheap grapes for grocery store wine. But Randy Caparoso has spent over a decade proving that story wrong.From his early days as a pioneering sommelier to opening restaurants across the U.S., Randy has always chased flavor, balance, and authenticity. In this episode, he explains why old vines often produce better wine, how Lodi’s Mediterranean climate rivals Europe’s finest, and how the Lodi Rules sustainability program became a model for the industry. We also explore the cultural shift in wine: from formulaic “bigger is better” bottles to a renewed respect for place, purpose, and character.Expect to Learn:Why Lodi could be America’s most underrated wine regionThe real reason old vines make better wine (and when they don’t)How sustainability standards are changing viticulture worldwideThe industry’s shift from bold, heavy wines to terroir-driven stylesWhy younger wine drinkers are reshaping the future of wineInsider stories from 28 years in top restaurantsLinks:Lodi bookRandy’s Photography SubstackRandy’s Wine Substack (Wine Clarion)Randy’s Culinary Approach to Wine Substack Service starts now.Follow the show:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠I talk mostly to people in and around the service industry space. I'm looking to hear from the people I wish I could have talked to when I was coming up in restaurants. Said another way: I am trying to make sense of this wild, beautiful mess of a life, and help others that are feeling similarly confused and/or lost. You can find more of my work at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠my blog⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and all my social links are at the bottom of that page.Classic Episodes You May Like:-#10:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Nat Harry, cocktail expert!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-#14:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Dr. Shalini Bahl, mindful marketing⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-#22:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Doug Frost MW MS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-#23:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Jeffrey Morgenthaler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠-#31:ET: Entrepreneur (and creator of Surfer on Acid)As always, I’m just here taking notes, trying to figure out what it all means.Cheers