American Vine Adventures

Krysti and Ben explore another Lake Erie portion of Ohio, the Grand River Valley to the northeast part of the state. There they focus on three longtime wineries that range from the more, remote smaller venues to larger multi-faceted ones. As always, historical and environmental components are included.Support the show

Krysti and Ben recap highlights from a recent trip to the Northern Ohio area of the Lake Erie AVA. On this trip they discuss five different wineries they visited that were both on the islands and mainland of an area around the Isle St. George AVA. Many date back to the 1800s but have still stood the test and taste of time while others are new but provide just much of an experience with unique stories and aspects. Support the show

Krysti and Ben highlight some memorable moments from episodes they have covered. This preview provides enough hints to attract new listeners and recharge the potential travel interests of returning ones in the midst of the harvest season.Support the show

Krysti and Ben recall their travels to the Lake Michigan Shore AVA. They review four different wineries they visited and history and aspects of each, and how this southwestern portion of MIchigan, among other features, has beautiful country and shorelines.Support the show

The Lake Erie AVA (American Viticultural Area) extends through three different states so Krysti and Ben begin the journey with a few wineries they visited in northwest Pennsylvania starting with one of the area's oldest wineries Presque Isle Wine Cellars and continuing with the multiple wineries started by the Mazza Family and the 25-year-old Arrowhead Wine Cellars. As always, a brief description of the area's terroir is featured along with a historical summary and some additional places of interest. Support the show

Going back over 150 years ago the Finger Lakes region in central New York tells a storied history in grape cultivation and wine production. Krysti and Ben explore the history dating back to the mid-1800s with the Pleasant Valley Wine Company out of Hammondsport, New York and their international success. Also, generations of the Taylor family put this region on the map leading to other vineyards and innovations. The European touches of Dr. Konstantin Frank and Hermann J. Wiemer brought prosperity in grape varietals from Rielsing to Saperavi. From a recent trip to the Finger Lakes AVA, Krysti and Ben summarize wineries visited, their history and some memorable wine tasted plus some suggested attractions in many of the lake bordering communities. Support the show

Krysti and Ben recall their trip to the Willamette Valley in Oregon. There they visited three sub-AVAs within where they tasted samples of the region's noteable Pinot Noir along with other homegrown varietals and blends. Following an historical background and overview, the episode includes a few of the vineyards they visited paired with a 100-foot waterfall, a late U.S. President's boyhood home, and dinner at a storied Portland restaurant. Support the show

Ben and Krysti review their experience in the American Viticultural Area of Fredericksburg of the Texas Hill Country. Starting out with the history of cultivation in the region, they discuss the expansion of growth and the emergence of wineries in the latter part of the 20th Century paired with some newer vineyards they visited on a recent trip to the Fredericksburg area and some suggested attractions to take in. A rhinoceros, a military museum, and aspects of German heritage are a part of this experience deep in this part of Texas. Support the show

Ben and Krysti outline Virginia's viticultural past including the early Jamestown settlers, the legacy of Thomas Jefferson, the contributions of Dr. Daniel Norborne Norton in the 19th Century, and more recently Gabriele Rausse. Then they summarize some of the wineries and destinations they visited on a recent trip to the Middleburg AVA in Northern Virginia. Support the show

Ben and Krysti talk about the podcast, its purpose and share some of their experiences and inspriations to produce it. Support the show