A Carol Shelton Interview – 30 Years of Innovation and Excellence (video)

Carol Shelton was one of the first women to graduate from the UC Davis Viticulture and Enology Program in the 1970’s. She’s contributed to Super Food, The Aroma Wheel, Yeast Nutrition and is one of the founding wine makers of the Rockpile AVA. Her depth of knowledge is what made this interview a true gift.

Australian Pinot Noir is a Big Deal, Even In Tasmania (video)

The cool currents from Antarctica create the perfect climate for growing pinot noir in Tasmania, as well as the Victorian regions of the Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula and Geelong. Since the 1990’s Australian winemakers have studied in Burgundy and have planted Dijon clones in these regions.

Their efforts are now paying off with world class pinot.

How the Portuguese Wine Industry Has Transformed into a Leader of Modern Technology: A Talk with Esporão’s Chief Winemaker David Baverstock (videos)

For a country that helped discover the New World, Portugal spent much of the 20th century in isolation- that is, until joining the European Union in 1986.

In this post we explore how Portugal’s history shaped its wine industry, talk with Esporão Chief Winemaker David Baverstock and learn about the Alentejo Region.

The Brezza Boys- Barolo Through the Eyes of 3rd and 4th Generation Producers (video)

It’s fascinating what you learn by being there. You can study all you want in books, but seeing a wine region in person unlocks a reality that takes you to a new understanding. You experience the smells, the color, the people, the vineyards and it finally lifts off the pages of your wine books and becomes tangible.

This post touches on that reality.

How a Stellenbosch Wine School will Transform the South African Wine Industry- An Interview with ISAW Founder Stephen Satterfield (videos)

Fresh from the effects of apartheid, which ended in 1994, South Africa boasts just two African families who own wineries in that country. This interview with ISAW Founder Stephen Satterfield will demonstrate how people are using wine to move humanity in a positive direction.

Finding the Love for the Freisa- New Oak Need Not Apply (video)

Winemaker Domenico Capello runs La Montagnetta winery in the town of Asti with the help of his family and concentrates primarily on a red grape variety called Freisa.

In this post we explore Freisa’s relationship to Nebbiolo, La Montagnetta’s modern vinification techniques, and the use of oak in the Piedmont region. Country line dancing is also involved…

Exploring Sicily’s Mt. Etna with the Vivera Family (video)

With several new wineries opening on Mt. Etna in recent years, it’s considered one of the most exciting viticultural regions in Italy today. In this post we learn about the region through the eyes of the young Vivera winery.

How Organic and Biodynamic Viticulture Will Change the Way You Think: An Interview with Frog’s Leap Owner and Winemaker John Williams

John Williams, Owner and Winemaker of Frog’s Leap Winery has led the adoption of organic viticulture since the 1980’s in Napa Valley, and has been certified organic for the past 22 years. We spoke recently about his use of organic and biodynamic viticulture and how these techniques benefit the earth and the wines he produces.

Pioneering Arizona’s Launch into the Fine Wine Scene- a Talk with Eric Glomski (video)

Eric Glomski is an ecologist who has been planting in a rather undiscovered region of Arizona, near Sedona, and has an in-depth understanding of the region’s micro-climates and soil types.

In this interview you will learn about the diversity of Arizona’s terroir, the experimentation currently going on with different grape varieties, and the role that Maynard Keenan from Tool is playing in pioneering Arizona’s wine industry.

Insights into Clonal Selection, Syrah and Washington State Innovation- a Talk with MW Bob Betz (video)

MW Bob Betz shares his insight on Syrah, old vine vs. new vine, clonal selection and Washington State’s current innovations in viticulture and viniculture.