Barrels & Roots

I just got back from filming my Napa harvest documentary, and after spending time around vineyards, winemakers, harvest crews, and grape varietals I had never even heard of, I realized something pretty quickly: I don’t know a damn thing about wine.So I’m fixing that one bottle at a time.Today I’m trying Cava, the Spanish sparkling wine, and talking about a bigger question: what actually makes wine good?Is it the score? The vintage? The region? The terroir? The tannins? What some wine critic says about it?Or is good wine simply the wine you actually enjoy drinking?I try a Cava Clos XV Brut Nature Premium Cuvée and immediately start getting green apple, sparkling apple cider, high acidity, and a really light, easy-drinking feel. And honestly? I freaking love it.The more wine I taste, the more I’m realizing that wine doesn’t have to be intimidating. You don’t need to know every grape varietal, understand terroir, memorize wine regions, or have the vocabulary of a sommelier to know whether you like what’s in your glass.I’ve had highly rated wines that did absolutely nothing for me, and I’ve had cheap bottles with friends that created memories I still think about years later.For me, that’s what makes wine good.A good bottle makes the moment better.So whether you’re completely new to wine, learning about Cava and sparkling wine, getting into wine tasting, or you already know way more about this stuff than I do, come taste some wine with me.And tell me in the comments: What’s a wine you absolutely love, regardless of the price, score, or what anyone else thinks about it?

Riley Sanchez almost became an Amazon researcher studying leaf-cutter ants before a mentor nudged her toward winemaking, and ten years later she's running secondary fermentations most people don't even know exist. We got into the wild technical side of sparkling wine, the riddling, the disgorging, the yeast cultures kept alive year after year, and why harvest days that start at 1am somehow feel more like camp than chaos. Riley explained why positive attitude matters more than talent when you're 12 hours into a shift, and how patience shapes a career that takes a full decade to actually see its own results reach the market. What's the most surprising thing you learned about how your favorite drink is actually made?

Philippe Bienvenu has spent 35 years in the champagne world and helped create Armand de Brignac, the Ace of Spades, working directly with Jay-Z and Beyoncé to build one of the most recognized bottles on the planet. We get into why "champagne is champagne" is a myth, why non-vintage is actually the smartest place to start, and why the most expensive bottle in the room isn't always the one you'll love the most. Philippe also breaks down why champagne might be the most food-friendly wine in existence, from Indian curry in Singapore to sushi nights gone wrong. If you've ever stood in a wine shop paralyzed by champagne labels, this one's for you. What's the wine you thought you were supposed to love but just didn't?

In this episode of Barrels & Roots, I sit down with wine industry veteran Vicki Tomiser to talk about what makes wine memorable beyond what’s inside the bottle. We dive into terroir, how soil, climate, sunlight, and location can completely change the expression of the same grape, and why learning about wine doesn’t have to feel intimidating.Vicki shares her journey from working with Gallo to sourcing wines for major airlines and eventually helping small, family-owned wineries strengthen their brand stories and direct-to-consumer experiences. We also talk about hospitality, storytelling, scent memory, wine tasting, and why wineries need to stop telling people what they’re “supposed” to taste. For Vicki, every bottle of wine carries the story of the vineyard, winemaker, family, and decisions that brought it to life.Most importantly, we explore a simple idea: wine should be welcoming, personal, and fun.Has the wine industry made wine more complicated than it needs to be?

I sat down with Linsi Luckett, lead agronomist and drone-flying pest advisor at Sunridge Nurseries. We got into rootstock and why almost every vine you've ever tasted is actually two plants grafted into one, a survival trick born from a disaster that nearly wiped out European wine over a century ago. Linsi broke down why cloning grapevines isn't some mad-scientist thing but has been happening for generations, why seeds are basically a genetic lottery ticket, and how an entire hidden ecosystem of fungi and bacteria works underground before a single grape ever forms. What's one thing you had no idea affected the taste of your wine until now?

In this episode of the Barrels and Roots Podcast, I sit down with winemaker Dennis McCarter to talk about what it really takes to leave a familiar career behind, start over, and build a life around wine. Dennis takes me from his early days making small batches in a garage to launching his own winery, navigating stuck fermentations, earning awards, and learning how humbling the winemaking process can be.We get into the side of the wine industry people don’t always see: self-doubt, adversity, feeling like you don’t belong, dealing with difficult customers, and choosing to keep showing up anyway. Dennis also shares how judo shaped his mindset, why he believes you have to attack a new business with intent, and why wine is essentially history and geography captured in a bottle.Of course, we also talk about Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Merlot, Sonoma, wine pairings, underrated grapes, and the bottles Dennis actually loves drinking.If you had to start over in a completely new career tomorrow, what would you be willing to bet on yourself to pursue?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Jennifer Cossey, General Manager of Brooks Wine in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, to talk about what makes Oregon wine so special and why the wine industry needs to become more approachable, inclusive, and fun.Jen has spent nearly 30 years in the wine industry, but what I loved about this conversation is how little it was about memorizing tasting notes or knowing the “right” way to drink wine. We talk about Oregon Pinot Noir and Riesling, the incredible community behind Oregon wineries, and why traditional tasting rooms can sometimes make new wine drinkers feel like they don’t belong.Jen also shares how Brooks Wine is experimenting with experiences like wine and sound, collaborations, outdoor tastings, and more human ways of introducing people to wine. We even dive into the remarkable story of the Oregon winemakers who came together to support Brooks after the sudden passing of founder Jimmy Brooks.What would make the world of wine feel more fun and welcoming to you?

I sat down with Corné van Nijhuis - the world's first "vinosopher" for an episode that started as a casual glass of wine and turned into one of the deepest conversations I've had on this show. Corné spent years in finance before walking away to chase what actually lit him up: wine, metaphysics, and hospice work. We got into it all: the illusion of the ego, why we identify so strongly with our bodies and minds when neither is really "us," and how a single sip of wine can dissolve that illusion for a moment.What's one moment in your life where you felt completely present, ego gone, just fully there? Drop it in the comments, I'd love to hear it.

I sat down with Jeff, winemaker at Round Pond Estate in Napa, right in the middle of one of the earliest and wildest harvests he's ever seen. We talked about how a warm spring pushed bud break three weeks ahead of schedule, how he found himself racing to pick Chardonnay after a five-gallon bucket sample came back at 19.25 bricks, and why the real stress of harvest isn't the grapes, it's the tanker trucks and logistics nobody thinks about. We got into robots scanning vineyards, why AI can tell you data but never flavor, and his philosophy that winemaking is about shepherding what the vine already wants to become rather than forcing it. If you've ever wondered what actually happens behind the label, this conversation pulls back the curtain.What's one moment in your work or life where you had to trust your gut over the plan?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with veteran winemaker Adam Lee to unpack what it really takes to understand wine, make great Pinot Noir, and build a life around the craft. Adam takes me from his early days selling wine in Texas to launching his first vintage with just $24,000 and eventually earning recognition from legendary wine critic Robert Parker.We talk about how beginners can learn to taste wine without getting overwhelmed, why slowing down matters, how price actually relates to wine quality, and which wines everyone should experience at least once. Adam also explains why Pinot Noir is more “demanding” than difficult, what people never see behind the scenes during harvest, and why experience comes from making mistakes, recognizing patterns, and adapting.More than anything, this conversation reminded me that wine isn’t about memorizing rules or impressing people, it’s about curiosity, craftsmanship, patience, and bringing people together.What’s the one wine that completely changed the way you thought about wine?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Molly Bossardt, founder of Bread and Butter Digital Marketing, to talk about why great wine alone is no longer enough to grow a winery.We explore how wine marketing is changing, why consumers care more about experiences and emotion than tasting notes, and why wineries need to understand exactly who they are trying to reach. Molly breaks down the importance of brand positioning, email marketing, social media, websites, advertising, and creating enough touchpoints for consumers to actually remember and trust a winery.We also get into why traditional wine clubs may need to evolve into genuine communities, why the industry’s conservative approach to marketing can hold brands back, and why making wine approachable, creative, and fun could be one of the biggest opportunities ahead.Most importantly, we discuss the changing wine consumer and why Molly believes women will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of the industry.If wineries want to stay relevant, they may need to stop asking how to sell more wine and start asking a different question: what kind of experience do people actually want from wine today?What do you think the wine industry needs to change to connect with the next generation of consumers?

In this episode of the Barrels and Roots Podcast, I sit down with Ben Parodi, assistant winemaker at Vineyard 29, to explore what really happens behind the scenes of Napa Valley winemaking. Ben shares his family’s deep roots in St. Helena, his journey from studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis to working his way through demanding harvest internships, and why even trained winemakers still have to begin by cleaning tanks, pulling hoses, and scrubbing barrels.We talk about why great wine begins in the vineyard, how terroir, weather, soil, and fruit quality shape every bottle, and why Ben believes winemakers should act as caretakers of nature rather than trying to control it. He also explains the intensity of harvest season, the chemistry of fermentation, barrel aging, malolactic fermentation, and the years of patience required before a wine finally reaches the dinner table.This conversation reveals the discipline, science, teamwork, and passion hidden inside every bottle of Napa Valley wine.What part of the winemaking process would you most like to experience for yourself?

I sat down with Brigid Harris, co-owner of Bedarra Vineyards in Sonoma County, to talk about what really makes wine and the businesses behind it memorable. From starting a hobby vineyard with her husband to building a wine brand rooted in their honeymoon, their family, and even the memory of their dog Ellie, Brigid reminded me that great wine is often connected to a much bigger story.We talked about why wine tasting should feel approachable instead of intimidating, how wineries can create experiences that bring people together, and why relationships are one of the most valuable assets a winery can build. Brigid also shared lessons from her experience working with major brands like Gap and Disney, including the importance of balancing hospitality with data, sales, marketing, and strong business systems.What I kept coming back to was simple: wine is meant to be shared. The bottle matters, but the people, places, stories, and memories surrounding it are what make the experience stick.When you remember a great bottle of wine, do you remember the taste or the people and story behind it?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Jeri Hansen, President and CEO of the Napa Chamber of Commerce, to explore the community that exists beyond Napa Valley’s world-famous wine. We talk about the farmers, winemakers, cellar teams, hospitality workers, entrepreneurs, and small-business owners whose hard work has shaped Napa into something far greater than a travel destination.Jeri explains how Napa’s agricultural preserve protected the valley from overdevelopment, why collaboration remains one of the region’s greatest strengths, and how wine and agriculture continue to support tourism, restaurants, wellness, recreation, and local businesses. We also discuss the challenges facing the wine industry, the importance of economic diversification, and the new technology, healthcare, transportation, and entrepreneurial projects creating hope for Napa’s future.This conversation is ultimately about honoring Napa’s roots without freezing the community in time. As Jeri says, evolution is not the enemy of preservation, it may be the only way to protect what makes Napa special.What should Napa preserve at all costs as it enters its next chapter?

In this episode of the Barrels and Roots podcast, I sit down with Martyn Pollock, cofounder and managing director of Nine Oaks Vineyard, a family-run English vineyard in Kent. Martyn shares how he went from serving in the British Army and working in East Africa to selling his home, returning to the United Kingdom during the pandemic, and planting a vineyard with his wife.We talk about the unexpected realities of English wine, including unpredictable weather, frost, vineyard disease, changing consumer habits, and the challenge of building a recognizable wine brand from scratch. Martyn also explains why English sparkling wine is gaining attention, how climate and location influence every vintage, and why the experience surrounding a bottle can completely change how it tastes.This conversation explores traditional-method sparkling wine, Chardonnay, Bacchus, orange wine, vineyard ownership, small wine producers, and the importance of sharing the honest story behind every bottle.Do you think the story and people behind a wine can change how much you enjoy drinking it?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Kim Stare Wallace, president and second generation owner of Dry Creek Vineyard, to explore what it takes to keep a family winery independent for more than five decades. Kim shares how her parents founded the winery in Sonoma County, why she returned after pursuing fashion, and how a temporary role became a 40 year career in wine.We talk about the character of Dry Creek Valley, the influence of fog, soil, and topography, and why the region is known for Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Cabernet, and Bordeaux style blends. Kim also explains why Chenin Blanc has remained central to the winery’s identity, how thoughtful wine labeling builds trust, and why wine should feel welcoming rather than intimidating.This conversation is about legacy, terroir, family business, transparency, and creating memorable moments around the table. Whether you are new to wine or already passionate about it, Kim offers a refreshing reminder that great wine does not need to be complicated or pretentious.What makes a winery or bottle of wine feel truly special to you?

In this episode of the Barrels and Roots Podcast, I sit down with Tiffany Van Gorder, Director of DTC and Membership for La Serena Winery, to talk about what really makes wine memorable. Tiffany shares her journey from PR and marketing into Napa Valley wine, why tasting rooms matter more than ever, and how wine brands can create real relationships instead of just selling bottles. We talk about why wine can feel intimidating, how tasting notes can confuse new drinkers, and why the best winery experiences are built around personal touches, storytelling, hospitality, and making people feel seen. From Heidi Barrett’s first tasting room to the changing role of wine scores, this conversation is about bringing wine back to connection, community, and shared moments.What makes a wine experience unforgettable for you: the bottle, the place, or the people you shared it with?

Owning a winery may look glamorous from the outside, but Carol Collison reveals the financial pressure, relentless sales work, and difficult decisions happening behind every bottle. As an M&A advisor specializing in smaller wine companies and the host of the Small Fortune podcast, Carol has worked with owners who have bought, sold, and closed wineries across one of the most challenging periods the wine industry has faced. In this conversation, I explore why successful wineries require active management, constant adaptation, strong profit margins, and years of investment before a single bottle creates revenue. We also discuss the global decline in wine demand, why some respected brands are disappearing, and how emotional attachment can prevent owners from selling at the right time. Carol explains why winding down a family winery can be even harder than selling one and why knowing when to stop can sometimes save an entrepreneur from a much greater loss. This episode exposes the unfiltered reality of winery ownership and what it truly takes to survive in the wine business. 

In this episode of Barrels & Roots, I sat down with Barron Beltz, commercial strategy lead at Sonoma Bespoke winery in Napa Valley. Barron has this rare ability to strip away all the intimidation and complexity that keeps so many people from ever really falling in love with wine, and what he shares in this episode is genuinely game-changing for anyone just starting their journey. We talk about how to figure out what you actually like before you ever walk into a wine shop, why price means absolutely nothing when it comes to what tastes good to you, and how your personal sense of smell and memory shapes every single sip you take.What's the first wine that ever made you stop and think - “wait, I actually love this?”

I sat down with Isabel Neuhaus, a sommelier and wine educator at a two-Michelin-star restaurant in New York City.Isabel breaks down why wine feels so intimidating to most people and why it absolutely doesn't have to be. We talk about how you don't need to know languages, memorize tasting notes, or spend a fortune to belong in the world of wine, you just need curiosity and the right person to share a bottle with.Isabel walks us through the wines she'd pour for a total beginner, why your local wine shop is the single best investment you can make as a new drinker, and how smell and memory are so deeply connected that a single sip can take you back decades.What's the one wine experience that completely surprised you, and what made it so memorable?

I sat down with Todd Anderson, owner and winemaker behind Anderson's Conn Valley Vineyards and the legendary Ghost Horse Vineyards in Napa Valley, for one of the most grounded conversations I've had on this show. Todd's been farming his own land for over 44 years, and he still drives the tractor himself, prunes every vine himself, and refuses to hand his farming over to vineyard management companies that he says are quietly killing Napa's old vineyards. We got into everything: how his father's love of Bordeaux sparked his obsession, why patience matters more than skill once the wine's in barrel, the almost impossible regulatory weight crushing small wineries right now. Todd also opened up about his father-in-law's deep roots in California wine history, his friendships with legends like Robert Mondavi and Joe Heitz. This one's about legacy, land, and refusing to fake it.What's a bottle that made you feel like you knew the person who made it?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Claire Nesbitt, a former wine critic at JamesSuckling.com who went from studying chemistry at Oxford to tasting hundreds of wines a week. Claire shares how she left consulting to follow her passion for wine, what it was like learning at Le Cordon Bleu, and how she eventually built a career reviewing wines from around the world. What I loved about this conversation is how Claire makes wine feel less intimidating. We talk about what actually makes a great wine, from balance and intensity to length and complexity, but we also get into the human side of it: sharing wine, talking with winemakers, visiting regions like South Africa, and realizing that the best wine experiences are often about the people around the table. This episode is for anyone who wants to understand wine without the snobbery and enjoy the journey more.What’s one wine region you’d love to visit someday?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Peter Yeung, CEO of Wente Vineyards, co-author of Luxury Wine Marketing, and host of the XChateau Wine Business Podcast, for a real conversation about what makes wine so fascinating, confusing, emotional, and powerful. We talk about why the wine industry moves slower than tech, how luxury wine is built through quality, scarcity, brand equity, and story, and why a 100-point score does not always mean a wine is right for your personal taste. Peter breaks down why wine can feel intimidating, from endless grape varieties to unclear labels, and why the future of wine needs more transparency, cultural diversity, and better food pairings beyond the traditional playbook. We also get into Gen Z, wine experiences, Asian food and wine pairings, and why the best way to learn wine is still simple: taste with friends and make it fun.What was the first wine, meal, or tasting experience that made you understand why people love wine?

I sat down with Corné van Nijhuis, the world's first self-described venosopher, and this conversation went places I didn't expect. Corné spent decades in corporate finance before stepping away and doing something remarkable, he stripped away everything that came with the job, the titles, the learned behaviors, the decorations, and found out who he actually was underneath all of it. We talked about why wine brings you back to your senses, how the aftertaste of a wine mirrors the true character of a person, and why the purpose of life - like the purpose of music, was never about reaching the final note. Corné also introduced me to the concept of venosophy, a word he coined blending vinology and philosophy, and it reframed the way I think about what happens when you slow down long enough to actually taste something.What's one moment in your life where slowing down completely changed how you saw something?

I sat down with Lan, a wine marketing specialist based in Vietnam, and this conversation completely shifted how I think about introducing wine to a new generation.Lan has spent the last five to six years working in the wine industry and now helps a Vietnamese wine importer connect younger drinkers to a world they never thought was for them.We talked about why Gen Z in Vietnam is actually drinking more wine than millennials did, how street wine bars in Hanoi are changing the culture, and why the biggest barrier to entry isn't price, it's overthinking. Lan breaks down the three things that shape a wine's flavor, shares unexpected Vietnamese food pairings that actually work, and debunks the "room temperature" myth that means something very different when you're living somewhere that hits 30 degrees Celsius.Whether you're brand new to wine or just looking for a fresh perspective, this episode is your permission slip to stop being intimidated and just enjoy the glass in front of you.What's the first wine that made you fall in love with wine?

I sat down with Bruce Devlin, winemaker and general manager at Ballentine Vineyards in St. Helena, Napa Valley. Bruce has been making wine for over 25 years, and what strikes me most about his story is how deeply rooted it is in curiosity, from home-brewing beer as a teenager, to studying fermentation science at UC Davis, to spending a summer peeling mislabeled bottles in a German winery. He breaks down what winemaking actually looks like from the inside: the 12 touches per vine each season, the gut-wrenching decisions when a heat wave hits at 119 degrees, the harvest days that stretch to 60 tons when rain is coming on Monday. He also shares something I think gets lost in the romance of wine culture: none of it happens without a team, without trust, without people willing to show up at 4 a.m. If that's what the fruit needs. What's one experience, a place, a person, or a single glass  that changed the way you think about wine?

In this episode of Barrels & Roots, I sit down with Megan Koolmees, DTC Director at Bonovia Winery in Sonoma County, to talk about everything that makes wine approachable, memorable, and genuinely exciting, even if you've never set foot in a tasting room before. Megan shares how a semester abroad in France at 19 sparked a lifelong passion, and how her palate evolved from funky old-world natural wines all the way to gracious Pinot Noirs. We talk about what "approachable luxury" really means, why the legs in your glass aren't actually telling you what you think they are, and how the best wine experiences are built as much around community and storytelling as they are around what's in the bottle. What's the wine that made you realize you actually loved wine, and where were you when you had it?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Kristian Harmston, the founder of Alchemy Asia and one of the most experienced beverage industry leaders in Southeast Asia. Kristian shares how he went from working in restaurants and bars to building a major drinks distribution company across multiple markets, representing global brands like The Macallan, Aperol, Cointreau, Cuervo, Remy Martin, Hennessy, and more. He also talks about creating his own gin distillery in Vietnam and how Lady True was born during COVID as a way to capture the flavors, culture, and energy of Vietnam in a bottle.What I loved about this conversation is how much it goes beyond drinks. We talk about branding, distribution, hospitality, cocktail culture, consumer behavior, and why some beverage brands take off while others disappear before people ever notice them. Kristian breaks down what distribution really means, why the right restaurant, hotel, airport, or cocktail bar can matter more than simply being everywhere, and why a brand needs a clear reason to exist if it wants to earn its place on a shelf or behind a bar.We also get into the power of story, taste, authenticity, and occasion. From Vietnamese botanicals and local gin to Jägermeister’s connection with street culture, tequila’s rise in Southeast Asia, beer as a social leveler, and how history shapes what different countries drink, this episode is a deep look at how culture, place, and emotion shape the drinks we love. For anyone interested in wine, spirits, cocktails, hospitality, beverage branding, or the business behind what ends up in your glass, this conversation is full of insight.What do you think matters more when choosing a drink: the taste, the story, or the moment you are drinking it in?

In this episode of Barrels & Roots, I sit down with Chrissie Smith, viticulturist and founder of Intrepidus Wines out of Canberra, Australia, for one of the most honest conversations we've had on the show. Chrissie breaks down the real difference between growing grapes and making wine, why Australian cool-climate varieties like Shiraz and emerging Italian grapes are turning heads worldwide, and how her eight-year-old daughter accidentally gave the most perfect explanation of winemaking I've ever heard. We also get into the oversupply crisis hitting Australian growers hard right now, why wine is losing younger drinkers to beer and spirits, and what the industry needs to do to stay relevant. If you've ever been curious about what it actually takes to grow world-class grapes, this one's for you. What's the wine experience you'll never forget and what made it so special? 

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Shawn Phillip, General Manager and Winemaker at Lykan Estate and Brago Cellars in Anderson Valley to talk about what it really takes to make world-class Pinot Noir in one of California's most underrated wine regions. Shawn shares how he walked away from a career in tech and telecom at AT&T to chase something that actually lit him up, trained in Champagne with an eighth-generation wine family, and came back to California with a completely different understanding of legacy, craft, and constraint. We get into why cool climate growing produces wines with such layered complexity, what wine scores actually mean for the everyday consumer, and how the unglamorous side of harvest, think crashed cooling systems and late-night tank cleaning  is just as much a part of the craft as the romance. What's a moment in your own life where slowing down actually gave you a better result than rushing ever could have?

In this episode of Barrels & Roots, I sit down with Barbara Gross, co-owner of Cooper Mountain Vineyards in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Barbara breaks down what biodynamic farming actually means, why the Willamette Valley became one of the world's most respected wine regions almost by accident, and how the wine industry lost the plot by making people feel like they need a PhD just to enjoy a glass. Barbara's perspective on long-term thinking as a second-generation winemaker, her commitment to purity in winemaking, and her passion for stripping away the pretension are exactly what this industry needs right now.When was the last time you just poured a glass and let yourself enjoy it without overthinking it, and what made that moment special?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Robert Cavanaugh, CEO of Adventure Wine, to talk about how beginners can start enjoying wine without feeling overwhelmed or embarrassed. Robert has spent decades teaching wine, leading staff training, hosting live events, and representing wine regions from around the world, and his approach is refreshingly simple: trust your palate and have fun with it.We talk about why wine can feel intimidating, how regional names and grape names confuse people, and why price, points, and reputation do not matter as much as whether you actually enjoy what is in your glass. Robert shares why wine is meant to be shared, discussed, paired with food, and experienced with other people, not treated like a test you have to pass.From $9 bottles to Grand Cru Champagne, hotel room wine glasses, nachos, martial arts, music, and the joy of trying something new, this conversation is really about making wine more approachable, more personal, and a lot more fun.What is one wine you love that other people might not expect?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Adam Halsey of Halsey Bottling to explore one of the most overlooked but important parts of the wine industry: the bottling process. Adam shares how his family’s mobile bottling business travels around California helping wineries, distilleries, and producers get their wine safely from tank to bottle, while protecting the quality, flavor, and presentation that winemakers worked so hard to create.We talk about what a mobile bottling line actually does, from filling, corking, capping, labeling, and sealing cases, to the intense cleaning, quality control, oxygen management, nitrogen use, and standard operating procedures that keep wine from spoiling. Adam breaks down why bottling is the final step in the winemaking journey and why even small mistakes can lead to premature aging, off flavors, packaging issues, or a wine that simply does not taste the way it should.What I loved about this conversation is how much respect it gave to the behind-the-scenes people who help bring wine to life. We often talk about vineyards, soil, barrels, winemakers, and tasting rooms, but bottling is where everything comes together. Adam also shares what can go wrong on bottling day, why small wineries often rely on mobile bottling, how specialty bottles require creative problem-solving, and what it feels like when the final bottle is finished after a long, stressful, successful day.After hearing what really goes into getting wine safely into the bottle, I’ll never look at a bottle on the shelf the same way again. What part of the wine process do you think most people overlook the most?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Janell Harris, creative director for Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Col Solare, Antinori Napa Valley, and the Marchese Antinori portfolio in the U.S. We talk about how wine became more than just a drink for her and evolved into a passion centered around storytelling, creativity, food, travel, and human connection. Janell shares how she transitioned from television and design into the wine industry, why wine should feel more approachable and less intimidating, and how some of the best wine experiences come from simply sharing a bottle with great people.We also dive into wine and food pairings, Napa harvest season, sparkling wine, Vietnamese and Mexican cuisine, and the artistry behind winemaking itself. From late-night grape picking in Napa to the social experiences that make wine special, this conversation explores why wine is ultimately about people, place, and creating memorable moments together. What is the one wine experience you will never forget?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Felix Egerer, a viticulturist farming vineyards on Vancouver Island for Unsworth Vineyards and Blue Grouse Estate Winery. We talk about how a kid from beer country in Germany ended up building a life in wine, why vineyard work is so much more than growing grapes, and what it really means to listen to the land.Felix breaks down the hidden world beneath every great bottle of wine, from living soil and microbes to regenerative farming, biodiversity, pruning decisions, and the way vines respond when something is out of balance. What I loved most about this conversation is how much it moved beyond wine and into life. We talked about slowing down, paying attention, respecting nature’s cycles, and remembering that harvest is not the only part of the season worth celebrating.This is a conversation about wine, soil, farming, patience, and the deep connection between people, place, and the land. Whether you love wine, care about sustainable agriculture, or just want to understand what really happens before the bottle reaches your table, this episode gives you a whole new appreciation for the vineyard.What do you think we can learn from vineyards about slowing down and paying closer attention to life?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Master Sommelier Tim Gaiser for a conversation about making wine feel less intimidating and more human. We talk about why so many people feel overwhelmed by wine language, restaurant lists, grape varieties, regions, and tasting notes that do not always connect with real life. Tim breaks down wine in a way that makes it easier to understand, comparing it to music, cars, food, memory, and personal experience.We also get into how beginners can start building their palate, why tasting different styles side by side helps you understand what you like, and how simple things like acidity, tannin, alcohol, sweetness, and smell memories shape your wine preferences. Tim shares practical advice for walking into a wine shop with more confidence, choosing approachable wines, pairing wine with food, and learning how to taste with more attention.Beyond the technical side, this conversation is really about why wine still matters. Wine can slow us down, bring people together, connect us to a place and time, and turn a simple meal into a memory. Whether it is a legendary bottle or an affordable everyday wine, the best glass is often the one shared with the right people.What is one wine, meal, or memory that made you slow down and really enjoy the moment?

I sat down with Mike Hansen, founder of the Hansen Vineyard and Winery team under Sotheby's International Realty, and this one pulled back the curtain on a corner of the wine world most people never see. Mike isn't just a broker, he's also a grower farming 14 acres of Chardonnay, and that dual lens changes everything about how he reads a property. We got into what actually makes a vineyard valuable, from soil type and vine age to buyer category and contract structure, and why water is less a price driver and more a deal killer. Mike walked me through the full farming cycle, start to finish, in a way I honestly hadn't heard explained on this show before. We also talked about what institutional buyers want versus what a winery wants, why caves without temperature control are basically just expensive warehouses, and why buying a vineyard with no grape contract right now is one of the riskiest moves you can make. If you've ever romanticized owning land and growing grapes, this episode is a necessary reality check - and an inspiring one.If you could only ever own one acre of vines, what would you plant and where?

In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Ryan and Taylor, the winemakers behind Polemonium Wines, to unpack what’s really happening inside the wine industry and why so many things need to change. We get into their journey from working inside massive legacy brands to breaking out on their own, driven by a belief that wine should be more transparent, more human, and more connected to the people who actually drink it. What stood out to me most was how much the industry has shifted. People don’t just want a label anymore, they want a story, a face, and something real behind the bottle. We talk about why social media and conversation matter more than polished marketing, how smaller producers are navigating distribution challenges, and why “clean” wine and transparency are becoming non-negotiable for the next generation of drinkers. This conversation also dives into how to actually choose a good bottle, what most consumers are missing when they walk into a store, and why wine should still be about connection, not status. It really made me rethink how I look at wine, not as a luxury or a flex, but as a shared experience that brings people together in a way almost nothing else can.So here’s the question I keep thinking about after this one… when you pick up a bottle of wine, are you choosing the label or the story behind it?

I sat down with Clark Smith to explore why wine is not just something you drink, but something that connects people to land, culture, history, and the human soul. We went deep into the evolution of American winemaking, from the early days of trial and error to the explosive growth of thousands of wineries, and how that journey shaped what we drink today. Clark shared why he believes modern winemaking has become overly focused on cleanliness and control, sometimes stripping away the very complexity and character that make wine meaningful. We also unpacked ancient Roman practices, the surprising history behind Champagne, and how advances in science and technology have both elevated and, at times, misguided the craft. From sulfite-free wines to the idea that wine has more in common with music than beverage, this conversation challenged the way I think about taste, authenticity, and what it really means to create something with soul. If the future of wine belongs to those who truly understand it, not just consume it, where do you see yourself—chasing perfection, or chasing something deeper?

In this episode of Barrels & Roots, I sit down with Linsi Luckett, lead horticulturalist, agronomist, licensed pest control advisor, and FAA-certified drone pilot at Sunridge Nurseries - the largest grapevine-producing nursery in North America. Linsi breaks down the side of wine most people never think about: what it actually takes to grow a healthy vine before it ever reaches a vineyard. We get into the science of grafting and rootstock, why Vitis vinifera can't survive in American soil without it, how terroir starts long before harvest, and the real challenges growers face today from water scarcity and climate unpredictability to rising labor and fertilizer costs. Linsi also shares how a career rooted in ecology taught her that patience isn't just good farming - it's a way of life. Her philosophy of respecting the journey over chasing the end result is something every wine drinker, grower, and honestly anyone trying to slow down in a fast world can take something from.Do you think about where your food or wine actually comes from, or is it something you've never really considered until now?

I sat down with David Natali, and what stood out most is that great winemakers aren’t born, they’re built through experience, instinct, and time in the cellar. From starting with no traditional path to becoming a Napa Valley winemaker, he shared how the craft is less about textbooks and more about doing the work, learning from mistakes, and trusting your palate. It made me realize how much mastery in any field comes from showing up and putting in the reps. If success isn’t about talent alone, what skill are you building right now through repetition?

I sat down with Adam Edelman, the mind behind Nisi Wines, and what started as a conversation about winemaking turned into something much deeper. Adam's journey into wine began completely by chance when he moved from Connecticut to Napa Valley for a harvest internship over a decade ago, bringing with him a background in neuroscience and philosophy that most winemakers don't have. His brand name, Nisi, comes from a Latin term meaning "unless," representing the constant conditions and adaptations winemakers face when Mother Nature throws curveballs at even the best-laid plans. What struck me most was how Adam describes his work as neurophilosophy, this beautiful intersection where science meets art, where data meets intuition, and where the human element of decision-making becomes the soul of the wine. We talked about the Enso circle, that Zen Buddhist brushstroke that appears on his label, representing the pursuit of perfection while accepting that every moment is already perfect. Adam makes wine that speaks to his palate while staying open to learning from Burgundy, from Napa Cabernet, even from grocery store bottles, because there's wisdom in every glass if you're willing to listen.What's one moment in your life where following your intuition led you somewhere completely unexpected, and would you make that same leap again?

I sat down with Junio Vargas Ojeda, winemaker at Cali Custom Crush and founder of Santo Diablo Wine Company, to hear how a kid from a farming family ended up making some of the most interesting wines in Paso Robles. Junio didn't grow up drinking wine or even thinking about it as anything more than just another job when his cousin got him a position on a bottling line back in 1999. His family worked strawberry fields and vineyards, but wine itself wasn't part of their culture. What changed everything was meeting his mentor Etienne Turlington, a Navy SEAL turned winemaker who didn't just teach him how to clean tanks and punch down caps, but showed him the why behind every decision in the cellar. We talked about that moment when Etienne had to deploy for eight months mid-harvest, leaving Junio to figure it out on his own, and how that trial by fire built the confidence that would carry him through fifteen years as a cellar master before finally stepping into the winemaker role. This conversation gets into the reality of winemaking, the importance of starting from the bottom and mastering the basics like cleaning before you ever think about blending, and why wine's ability to evolve in the bottle makes it something special that connects us to thousands of years of history.What's the one thing you've been too scared to start, and what would it take for you to finally pull the trigger on it?

In this episode, I sat down with Josh Trowbridge, the general manager of Benovia Winery, for a conversation about wine, storytelling, and what gives something lasting value. From discovering wine in college to building a career across sales, harvest, cooperage, and executive leadership, Josh shared a journey that eventually brought him back to the heart of wine country. We talked about Russian River Valley terroir, the importance of expressing place, and why the real power of wine is not just what is in the bottle but the conversations and memories it creates around the table. This episode also touches on the tension between modern convenience and timeless craft, and why some things still matter more because they take more care. What is one product, place, or experience that feels more meaningful to you because of the story behind it?

I sat down with Molly Bossardt, a boutique wine marketing strategist who traded New York tech startups for Italian wine country, and we got into everything the wine industry doesn't want to admit out loud. Molly runs her agency from Torino, Italy now, helping family-owned wineries modernize their marketing and actually connect with the humans buying their bottles - not just the collectors hoarding them.We talked about why wine has always been tangled up in class and performance, how her own mom got shamed for putting ice in her Merlot, and why that kind of gatekeeping is quietly killing the industry's future. I shared my own moment of discovering that bubbles are genuinely amazing after decades of being a red wine loyalist, and Molly broke down what she'd actually pour someone who's never really explored wine before, starting with a proper sparkling, no Prosecco allowed. We also got into the real tension at the heart of every winery: are you making art for yourself, or a product for your customer? Because you can't quite do both without deciding first. If someone handed you a glass of wine you'd never tried before, would you rather they tell you everything about it first - the region, the vintage, the tasting notes, or would you prefer to just taste it blind and form your own opinion?

In this episode, I sat down with Vicki Tomiser, a wine consultant, hospitality veteran, and self-described "winosaur" whose love affair with wine started not in a cellar but in a buying room full of middle-aged men in gray suits. Vicki takes us deep into the world of terroir - the idea that the soil, sun, fog, and stress a grapevine experiences shapes everything about the wine in your glass, and she explains it in a way that finally made it click for me. We talked about her wild career arc from Gallo Winery to sourcing Burgundy and Champagne for international airlines, and how a global pandemic sent her pivoting toward something more intimate and personal. Vicki breaks down why the wine industry has spent decades making people feel dumb for not knowing what a black currant tastes like, why your scent memory is actually your greatest wine superpower, and why a good Merlot deserves way more respect than Sideways ever gave it. This one is equal parts education, passion, and a genuine reminder that wine is supposed to be fun.If you were a wine, would you be a "juicy, fireplace-vibe" Merlot or a "zingy, rock n' roll" Riesling? Let me know why in the comments!

I sat down with Dennis McCarter, founder of McGregor McCarter's Cellars, and honestly this conversation hit different. Dennis left a 13-year career in insurance after the Tubbs Fire reshaped his world, and instead of starting over in something safe, he leaned all the way into his passion for winemaking. We talked about the Japanese philosophy of Jita Kyoei, mutual benefit and winning together, and how it shows up everywhere from sharing equipment in a custom crush to mentoring interns in the cellar. We got into the unglamorous reality of harvest season, stuck fermentations, heat spikes pushing Brix overnight, and why adapting rather than panicking is the skill no school teaches you. Dennis also gets real about making wine more inclusive and breaking down the myth that it belongs to only one type of person or occasion. This one is for the career-changers, the late bloomers, and anyone who's ever needed a reminder that the best things take time. What's a skill or craft in your life that you had to learn the hard way, and what's the one thing you wish someone had told you sooner?

I sat down with Stephanie Wycoff, the General Manager of Gary Farrell Winery, to pull back the curtain on an industry that often feels too polished to be real. As a video editor and storyteller, I’m always looking for those "faked it till I became it" moments, and Stephanie’s journey from a part-time tasting room gig to leading a premier Russian River Valley brand is exactly that. We dive deep into the Sonoma County wine scene, exploring why Pinot Noir and Chardonnay still dominate the conversation while addressing the massive cultural shift toward RTDs and cannabis. This episode is a masterclass in brand authenticity, moving away from "gatekeeping" and "acronym-heavy" snobbery to focus on what actually matters: community and being present. Whether we’re debating the "gym outfit" analogy of wine marketing or discussing why Anderson Valley is the ultimate getaway, this conversation is about making fine wine fit the occasion rather than forcing it to be the occasion. When you’re reaching for a drink to actually sit down and "unplug" from your phone, are you grabbing a classic bottle of wine or are you reaching for a canned cocktail lately?

I sat down with Mallory McEligot, the force behind Bang Wine Country, to pull back the curtain on why the wine industry feels so inaccessible right now. As a fifth-generation local, Mallory saw the literal roots of the valley before it became the high-end Rodeo Drive of Northern California. We explore her journey from cocktail waitressing at the iconic Balboa Cafe to being trained by a Master of Wine at just 18, and how those connections inspired her to build a massive networking ecosystem that thrives on genuine referrals.The conversation gets real when we dive into the industry downcycle. We challenge the current obsession with prestige bottles that alienate younger drinkers and discuss why the refusal to offer entry-level experiences is basically a business death wish. Whether you are into creative production or finance, there are major parallels here in how businesses must meet people where they actually are. This is about the hustle, the history, and the human connection that keeps an industry alive when the bubbles finally burst.What was your "aha" moment with a specific drink or hobby that made you realize it was a serious passion?

I sat down with Lynn Finkbiner and David Gibson and we ended up going down one of the most unexpected rabbit holes I’ve had on the show, matching celebrities to wines and breaking down why it actually makes sense. From Pedro Pascal as a spicy Chilean red to Beyoncé as a top-tier vintage champagne, the conversation turned into this mix of wine expertise, pop culture, and pure chaos in the best way. What stood out to me is how much personality and storytelling exist in both people and wine, and how the way we describe one can surprisingly reflect the other. Lynn and David brought a ton of knowledge but also made it fun, which made this episode feel less like a lesson and more like a game you don’t want to stop playing.If you had to pick one, what wine do you think best represents your personality?