Inside the Bunghole...A Journey through Wine

Send us Fan MailIn this episode of Inside the Bunghole, the hosts welcome Remi Cohen, CEO of Domaine Carneros, for a lively conversation about sparkling wine, leadership, and the evolving California wine industry. Remi shares her path from New Jersey to California, studying at UC Berkeley and UC Davis before building a career in Napa Valley viticulture, winemaking, and winery management.The discussion explores the unique terroir of the Carneros region, the legacy of legendary founding winemaker Eileen Crane, and the challenges of taking over as CEO during the height of the pandemic. Remi offers fascinating insights into traditional-method sparkling wine production, the influence of Champagne, and why California sparkling wines have earned a place alongside the world’s most respected bottles.Along the way, the conversation mixes wine education with plenty of humor, touching on everything from food pairings and vineyard sustainability to industry trends and consumer tastes. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or simply someone who enjoys a great glass of bubbly, this episode provides an engaging look at the passion, craftsmanship, and optimism driving one of Napa Valley’s most iconic sparkling wine producers.Cheers!  Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us!  We LOVE to hear your comments!  Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at [email protected]

Send us Fan MailIn this lively episode of Inside the Bunghole, the crew welcomes Natalie Bath of Rudd Estate, a Napa Valley native who traded LSAT prep for harvest season and never looked back. Natalie shares her unconventional path into winemaking—from pouring wine at a local French restaurant to chasing harvests across the globe—ultimately finding her calling in the cellar. Along the way, the gang uncorks plenty of laughs, including the usual cheeky banter and a few well-placed bunghole jokes. Natalie dives into the realities of harvest life—long days, nonstop cleaning, and the kind of teamwork that turns coworkers into family. She breaks down what it really means to work your way up in the wine world, from “cellar rat” duties to becoming head winemaker at Rudd. The conversation also explores the advantages of estate-grown fruit, the art (and occasional chaos) of vineyard management, and how hands-on control can elevate wine from good to exceptional. Things get especially interesting when the discussion turns to biodynamics, where science meets a little bit of “hippy dippy” philosophy. Natalie explains how lunar cycles, natural composting, and ecosystem balance influence the final product—while the hosts keep things grounded with humor and curiosity. The episode wraps with a look at Rudd’s wine portfolio, innovative projects, and the evolving future of Napa winemaking, all served with a generous pour of insight and irreverence.Cheers!  Please like, follow, subscribe and rate us!  We LOVE to hear your comments!  Reach out to us on our social media: Facebook and Instagram @insidethebungholeTwitter @bungholepodcastOur webpage is insidethebunghole.buzzsprout.comOR email us at [email protected]