Episode #18 – Brian Takes the Wheel: Mega Focus Vintages, Wine Trends & Photography

In Episode #18 of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra, Paul Frankel is away — and Brian Kusko steps in as host, joined by Patrick Patton and Donna Wolfe for a fun, informative, and wide-ranging episode.This show centers on the 2023 and 2022 “Mega Focus” vintages, wines that will be featured in the upcoming February shipment. Brian, Donna, and Patrick explore what makes these vintages special, how they’re shaping up in the cellar, and what to expect when they’re released.The episode opens with updates from the vineyard and winery, including winter pruning, barrel organization ahead of bottling, and the teamwork it takes to keep everything running smoothly while Paul is away. From there, the conversation turns personal, with Patrick and Donna answering questions about wine, photography, creativity, and their roles at Sculpterra.In The World of Wine, the group dives into 2026 wine trends, including a lively discussion around non-alcoholic wine — how it’s made, why it’s gaining traction, and whether it’s a trend worth embracing.The crew then nerds out on wine and vineyard photography, tracing the history of photography and how visual storytelling plays a role in wine, art, and brand identity. The episode also includes Sculpterra’s upcoming event calendar, a lighthearted TMI segment poking fun at Paul’s quirks, and an educational spotlight on California mountain lions as part of the Animals in the Vineyard series.The show wraps with a tasting of three wines — including a surprise non-alcoholic option — and a twist introduced by Brian that you’ll want to see for yourself. Don’t skip the ending.#VinoFrankel #Sculpterra #PasoRoblesWine #WinePodcast #WineEducation#Winemaking #WinePhotography #CentralCoastWine #WineCulture #MegaFocusProduced by EZF Media, LLCOfficial producer of Vino Frankel: A Taste of Sculpterra