The Grapes of Risk with David Duncan

David Duncan, CEO of Silver Oak Cellars, joins Sandra and Sandy on the podcast today to discuss the art, science, and risks of winemaking. Their conversation covers topics such as the difficulties associated with winemaking, the risks involved, and the sustainable practices and technological advancements that are shaping the industry. David shares his family's entrepreneurial background, recounts how he was drawn to the farming aspect of winemaking, and describes the process of making wine, from planting vines to releasing a new vintage. The episode also explores the attraction of risk-taking and adrenaline, as David, a successful winemaker, stage musician, and philanthropist, shares his thoughts on how he manages risk-taking in both his personal and professional life. He and our hosts then touch on the duality of risk-takers - their ability to focus on risk-taking while also being able to detach themselves from it -  as well as the importance of building resilience and adapting to change. In addition to providing a fascinating exploration into the world of winemaking, today’s episode offers a unique perspective on risk-taking, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in thriving, as David does, at the intersection of tradition and innovation.The Finer Details of this Episode: The challenges of owning and operating a winery The risks associated with winemaking Silver Oak Winery The process of making wine David’s background and how he got involved in the family business Silver Oak’s commitment to sustainability David's love for music and being in the band Forms of risk-taking The duality of people who intensely focus on risk-taking  David's album "Bacon, Butter & Salt" The philanthropic work of risk-takers Building resilience Wine as a bridge between tradition and innovation The elevating impact of  the addition of fine wine to any meal Quotes:"Making high quality wine is a difficult business that combines both art and science.""The farming part of the wine business is what attracted me.""I'm more of a business person, and I've gotten a lot of experience now.""We think today that we use about 30% of the water that we did ten or 15 years ago." "We welcome rain all the time.""You have a little bit of an attraction to adrenaline and risk-taking in general as well.""Well, risk-taking comes in many forms, and getting up in front of a huge crowd of people as a musician is certainly one of them.""They've got this sort of juxtaposition of intense focus on the risk, but at the same time detaching from it.""And I think people who deal with risk on a basis all the time, their ability to roll with the punches and not let it take you down gets refined, and they get to be experts at that, whether you're a bull rider or a mountain skier or mountain climber.""So you're not only a successful winemaker and a musician... But one of the great things, David, I like about you is that you believe in philanthropy and you do a lot of philanthropic work...""Silver Oak in particular has become a family tradition... that's been really gratifying to see.""Good wine will go good on cornflakes, too, right?"Links:The Adrenaline Zone HomepageThe Adrenaline Zone on InstagramThe Adrenaline Zone on TwitterThe Adrenaline Zone on TikTokSilver Oak Homepage