Wine Babblers

Erik and Roger explore the world of wine through a fun and casual blind tasting with guest Moises Lopez, sharing his wine journey from childhood to Bordeaux trips. Discover wine recommendations, learn about new wineries andgreat spots to grab wine in Downtown Sacramento, and find out what’s coming next on the Wine Babblers. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Wine Babblers and Guest Introduction03:23 Battle of the Mountains – Blind Tasting09:52 First Wine: 2022 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon14:34 Second Wine: 2019 Courtney Benham Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon17:41 Third Wine: 2019 Davies Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon24:58 Fourth Wine: 2019 Cresta Velia Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon29:52 Fifth Wine: Predecessor Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc34:26 Sixth Wine: 2022 Seven Apart41:52 Seventh Tasting: 2019 Hess Collection Mount VeederEstate Cabernet Sauvignon46:37 Upcoming Wine Adventures in Bordeaux50:53 Upcoming No Borders, No Regions Tasting01:00:39 Revival Wine01:05:03 Downtown Sacramento Wine Recs01:08:13 Engaging New Wine DrinkersEpisode Mentions: Wines: 2022 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Courtney Benham Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon,2019 Davies Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Cresta Velia Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, Predecessor Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc, 2022 Seven Apart, 2019 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Revival Wine

In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar discuss the rich world of South American wines, focusing on Argentinian and Chilean varieties. Joined by guest Jeff Ball, they explore the history and evolution of Malbec, its significance in Argentina, and the differences between Argentinian and Chilean wines. The conversation delves into personal experiences with wine, the importance of aging, and the cultural aspects of wine appreciation. They also taste and review several wines, sharing their thoughts on flavor profiles and the wine tasting experience. Chapters:00:00 Introduction04:33 The Evolution of Malbec in the U.S.07:07 Personal Malbec Journeys12:29 Wine Preferences and Seasonal Choices18:18 The Journey Into Wine Appreciation26:05 Terrazas de los Andes Malbec29:15 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 202135:16 Sena Aconcagua Valley, Chile 201240:04 Moscato Magnanime Cabernet 201845:35 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino53:52 Luca Old Vine Malbec01:00:05 El Esteco Malbec 202201:05:58 Wine Insight and Advice01:13:51 Breaking Down Wine Barriers for Younger GenerationsEpisode Mentions:Wines: Terrazas de los Andes Malbec, Pascual Toso Malbec, Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Sena Aconcagua Valley, Chile 2012, Moscato Magnanime Cabernet 2018, Catena Zapata Malbec Argentina, Luca Old Vine Malbec, El Esteco Malbec 2022, Achaval Ferrer Malbec

In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar are joined once again by the Ghost Raven (Phil Salazar) as they share their recent summer adventure through Lodi, California — where the Salazar’s were born and raised. Together, they explore the unexpected charm and evolving wine culture of this underrated region. From hidden gem wineries to standout vintages, the trio shares personal stories, tasting notes, and local insights that reveal why Lodi is far more than just a pit stop on Highway 99. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just curious about California’s lesser-known wine country, this episode uncorks the beauty, history, and surprises of Lodi’s vineyards.Chapters00:00 The Evolution of Lodi's Wine Scene09:52 Bokisch Vineyards17:15 Harney Lane Vineyards27:48 Jessie's Grove Winery32:34 Lodi Wine Visitors Center/Wine & RosesEpisode MentionsWineries: Harney Lane, Bokisch Vineyards, Jessie's Grove Winery, Wine & Roses, Papapavlos Bistro & Bar; Lodi Wine Visitors Center

In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar are joined by Ghost Raven as they share their recent wine tasting adventures across California, including visits to Granite Bay, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Paso Robles, and Napa. They discuss the experiences, the quality of wines tasted, and the overall enjoyment of the journey. Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Wine Babblers00:54 Capitol Cellars05:24 Santa Barbara Tastings15:12 Solvang Wine Tastings17:16 Paso Robles Wine Tastings36:46 Napa Wine Tastings01:04:18 What's Next on Wine BabblersEpisode MentionsWines: 2020 Syrah Andrew Murray Vineyards, 2021 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet SauvignonWineries and Tasting Rooms: Capitol Cellars, Andrew Murray Vineyards, L'Aventure Winery, Hope Family Wines, Daou Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Seavey Vineyard, Oakville Wine Merchant, Robert Craig Winery, Rutherford Ranch Winery, Chateau Montelena Winery; Taste of Santa Rita Hills; Los Olivos Wine Merchant & CafeAccommodations: Silverado

In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar explore the world of wines beyond their familiar California haunts. They share their adventures in discovering wines while traveling, from impromptu tastings on the Rubicon Trail to unexpected finds in Michigan. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, this episode offers insights into the joys and surprises of savoring wines away from home. Tune in for stories, laughter, and a toast to the unexpected pleasures of wine exploration. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Wine on Vacation09:02 Wine Tasting on the Rubicon Trail31:54 Encouragement to Try Regional Wines48:20 Upcoming Wine Adventures55:53 The Boldness of Trying New WinesEpisode MentionsRubicon Trail Wine Tasting: Austin Hope 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carter 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Grgich Hills Estate 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Schrader Cellars Double Diamond 2021 Cabernet Sauv, Caymus 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

In this mini episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar have a “sipper, sipper” of some unique wines, from ancient vine Zinfandel to Bordeaux blends. The conversation also touches on the challenges of making wine approachable for everyone, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences. Make sure to listen until the end for a legal tip from Erik.  Chapters:00:25 Cline Family Cellars Ancient Vine Zinfandel 03:25 Château de la Chapelle Bordeaux07:51 Wine PairingsEpisode Mentions: Cline Family Cellars, Château de la Chapelle, Revana Family Vineyard

Hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar take listeners on a journey through their recent “world tour” of winery visits in Napa. They share their experiences at various wineries, including Burgess, Robert Craig, Hall Rutherford, Seven Apart, William Cole, Markham, Revana and Duckhorn. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of each winery, the wines they tasted, and the overall enjoyment of the tasting experiences. The episode also features special guest Phil Salazar, (The Ghost Raven) who adds his insights and experiences to the discussion.Chapters:00:00 The Napa Experience02:30 Burgess Cellars06:56 Robert Craig Winery22:17 Hall Rutherford Winery29:23 Seven Apart Winery34:16 William Cole Vineyards42:24 Markham Vineyards48:57 Revana Family VineyardEpisode Mentions: Wineries: Burgess Cellars, Robert Craig Winery, Hall Rutherford Winery, Seven Apart Winery, William Cole Vineyards, Markham Vineyards, Revana Family Vineyard, Duckhorn VineyardsAccommodations: Silverado ResortWines Tasted: ROBERT CRAIG 2015 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon2015 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon2016 Diamond Mt Cabernet Sauvignon2018 Howell Mt Cabernet Sauvignon2025 Howell Mountain Estate Merlot2016 The Stick Red Wine BlendHALL RUTHERFORD2021 Sacrashe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon2019 Montagna Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon2021 Rainin Vineyard Diamond Mt Cabernet Sauvignon2021 Beller Vineyard Mt Veeder Cabernet SauvignonSEVEN APART2021 Basalt Cabernet Sauvignon2021 Shale Cabernet Sauvignon2021 Summit Cabernet SauvignonWILLIAM COLE2022 Small Lot Stag’s Leap District Cab2017 Predecessor 2015 Cuvee Claire CabMARKHAM2017 Yountville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon2021 Meadowrock Vineyard Cabernet SauvignonREVANA2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon2021 Cold Springs Howell Mountain Cabernet SauvignonDUCKHORN2013 Duck Blind Proprietary Red Blend2021 Patzimaro Cabernet Sauvignon

Hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar delve into the nuances of wine etiquette, exploring the balance between enjoyment and decorum while tasting wines. They discuss the importance of connecting with wine servers, the art of pacing during tastings, the significance of planning ahead for a successful wine tasting experience and their view that “spitters are quitters.”Wines: Duckhorn Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet, Wallis Denali Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Wineries: Caymus-Suisun, Seavey Vineyard Accommodations: Villa Capricho in Suisun Valley

Erik and Roger uncork the Wine Babblers podcast by sharing their journey into wine, tasting experiences, and touch on the social aspects of wine culture. They also review Cabernet Sauvignon from Kathryn Hall, Markham Vineyards, and Faust Wines, and give you a glimpse of what is to come on thepodcast. Future episodes promise to explore various wine regions and tasting adventures, including interviews expert and celebrity interviews. Episode Mentions: Wines: Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Marham Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Wineries: William Cole Vineyards, Seavey Vineyard, Revana Family Vineyard, Markham Vineyards Accommodations: Silverado Resort and Spa, Carneros Resort and Spa, Ranco Caymus Inn

Welcome to the Wine Babblers Podcast, where two regular guys—Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar—invite you to join them on their journey through the world of wine. With just a basic knowledge, but a deep enthusiasm for vino, Erik and Roger aren’t experts—they’re explorers, ready to learn alongside you as they “babble” about all things wine. Born from their long, laughter-filled “Wine Nights” with friends, the podcast blends honest curiosity with lively conversation. From sharing their favorite bottles to spotlighting go-to tasting spots in Napa, Lodi, and the Foothills, they’ll also dream out loud about future visits to Paso Robles, Temecula, and more. Each episode is packed with down-to-earth insights, stories, and a lot of heart. Whether you're wine-savvy or wine-curious, you’ll feel right at home. So pour yourself a glass and join Erik and Roger for a fun, friendly, and flavor-filled ride on Wine Babblers. Subscribe now!