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  • Episode # 795 – World-Class Culinary Education, From Behind Bars
    2024/10/28
    Today's Topic: Chefs in Prison. It's one of the most endearing cliches of all time... men and/or woman doing hard time in prison, spending all of their waking hours fashioning car license plates from sheets of steel. It may be that we will never know who came up with that imagery, but the truth is, incarcerated persons, which number about 2 million people, now have the opportunity in many prison facilities to learn new skill that will pave the way to a job with income that almost anyone would be proud to take home. All over America, prisoners are enrolled in very serious training courses that cover all aspects of the food and wine industries, and, best of all, inmates who enroll in these courses are very unlikely to return to a life of crime after they have served their term. It truly is a remarkable partnership, rich with rewards for both the inmates and those who administer the programs. That being said, join us as we share some of these remarkable programs with you.
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    40 分
  • Episode #790 – Celebrate Most Awesome Ever California Wine Month’s Events, Festivals, and Sustainable Wine Adventures
    2024/09/12
    Episode 790 of Grape Encounters Radio is the celebration of a true milestone; our 20th Wine Month Celebration Episode. On this episode, Host David Wilson is joined by one of the most beloved and influential guests in Grape Encounters history, Allison Jordan, Vice President of Environmental Affairs for the Wine Institute and Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. In this episode, David and Allison take a deep dive into California Wine Month, a spectacular, month-long celebration held every September that shines a light on the state’s remarkable wine regions. From vineyard tours to grape stomps, wine festivals, and culinary events, California Wine Month offers more than 70 activities throughout the state, making it a dream come true for wine lovers of all kinds. Allison Jordan brings her extensive knowledge and passion for California wines to the conversation, offering listeners a detailed look into the growth of this celebration over the past 20 years. The discussion highlights how wineries across the state have evolved into dynamic, family-friendly destinations that offer much more than wine tasting. From vineyard hikes and bocce to grape juice tastings for kids and wine-centric concerts, California wineries provide an immersive experience that blends culture, outdoor activities, and of course, world-class wine. David and Allison discuss the significant role sustainability plays in California’s wine industry, with a staggering 90% of the state’s wine now produced in certified sustainable wineries. You’ll learn how California’s leadership in sustainable winemaking has influenced agriculture globally and how visiting these sustainable wineries during Wine Month provides a unique opportunity to see these practices in action. The show also delves into some of the most exciting events happening during Wine Month, including: • Wine festivals in the Sierra Foothills, Santa Clara Valley, and Mendocino Coast, offering a chance to explore a wide variety of wines and enjoy live music, local food, and more. • Family-friendly activities like vineyard walks, grape stomps, and bocce tournaments. • A spotlight on lesser-known wine regions such as Temecula, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills, encouraging listeners to explore these hidden gems. • Sustainability in action, with examples of wineries offering unique harvest experiences and eco-friendly practices, including falconry demonstrations and vineyard tours. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about the world of wine, this episode is packed with valuable insights, fun stories, and a comprehensive guide to making the most of California Wine Month. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to plan your next wine adventure—listen now or download the episode for future enjoyment! Take a deep dive into California's ultimate wine event, all September long with show host David Wilson and the Wine Institute's renowned adventure seeker, Allison Jordan!
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    43 分
  • Episode #782 – She is to E-Commerce What Peanut Butter is to Jelly! Why the Wine World Adores Jessica Kogan!
    2024/07/18
    Trust us when we tell you that Jessica Kogan is the queen of wine e-commerce. Although most people might not give it a second thought, there can be no doubt that we are living in an era of human exceptionalism unparalleled in history. In nearly every field imaginable—science, technology, the arts, business, medicine, you name it—humans are achieving what was once thought inconceivable. Consider space exploration: Nearly every month, new spacecraft are launched on potentially decades-long missions with little or no fear of failure. Rocket launches have become so routine that they seldom make headlines. Yet, the satellites these rockets deploy are crucial to our global connectivity, enabling us to interact with the world in previously unimaginable ways. This connectivity means that when a political figure or celebrity posts a cryptic message at 8 PM, it can go viral by 8:05 PM and become the lead story on the 11 PM news. And this simply wouldn’t be possible without the determination of the people behind these projects. Determined people like Taylor Swift, a seemingly ordinary girl-next-door, who breaks down boundaries and sets new records practically every week. It’s not magic, but it is certainly the result of making a determined effort to understand the full potential of how new tools and technology might be used in ways that even their developers hadn’t fully considered. As a result, Taylor has been able to conceptualize and execute a concert tour that significantly boosts the economy of every city she visits. At barely 30 years old, Swift marries her song and dance talents with technology to generate billions in economic impact. Her ability to connect with audiences in more vastly intimate ways is surprisingly similar to what is occurring in the world of space exploration, where the celestially curious can literally climb aboard any number of spacecraft on deep space exploration missions and enjoy a front-row experience that is nothing short of life-changing. Of course, while we love discussing space exploration and Taylor Swift, this is, after all, a wine show. So, you might be wondering, "What does all this have to do with wine?" Well, you're about to see the connection, as we introduce someone we believe could be called "The Taylor Swift of Wine." She made an unforgettable impression on us as a guest last year. In fact, host David Wilson described it as one of the most enlightening and enjoyable episodes of all time. We've often discussed the disconnect among wine producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers on this show. Wine is incredibly complex, with an overwhelming array of flavors produced worldwide. Unlike the limited selections available to previous generations, there are now tens of thousands of wines in the US alone, which can be frustrating for consumers trying to navigate this abundance. Enter Jessica Kogan, one of the most acclaimed brand builders globally, known for her extraordinary ability to connect consumers with products. Jessica Kogan has been a formidable presence for decades, shaping major brands like Donna Karan, Hill+Knowlton, Razorfish, Elizabeth Arden, Urban Decay, and Giorgio Armani. In 2004, she co-founded Cameron Hughes Wine, which quickly gained critical acclaim. Following the acquisition of Cameron Hughes by Vintage Wine Estates in 2017, Cogan joined as Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, where she tripled direct-to-consumer sales from $30 million to over $90 million. Her innovative strategies have expanded the Vintage brand beyond traditional retail, embracing direct-to-consumer and e-grocery platforms, alongside initiating digital programs like refer-a-friend, shareholder passports, virtual wine tastings, and digitally enhanced estate tasting rooms. Not only a master of digital transformation, Jessica Kogan also leads the way for women in the traditionally male-dominated wine industry, earning nominations and accolades such as Innovator of the Yea...
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    43 分
  • Episode #781 – Norman Greenbaum’s Legendary Spirit in the Sky’s Deep Wine Country Roots, Life-Changing for Millions of Fans
    2024/07/14
    The connection between wine and music is nothing short of amazing. Moreover,nothing has the power to reconnect us to the most memorable and vivid memories of our lives more than music. And this week’s deeply nostalgic installment of Grape Encounters Radio is prove positive of this contention. Episode #781 of Grape Encounters Radio takes listeners on a captivating and unforgettable journey back to the late 1960s in the idyllic Sonoma Valley of California. At the time, this stunningly beautiful agricultural region was virtually unknown, especially in the world of wine. Nestled just a short drive from the vibrant musical hubs of San Francisco, Berkeley, and Monterey, Sonoma was on the verge of becoming one of the world’s premier winemaking destinations. This episode explores the intriguing intersection of the burgeoning wine industry and the explosive rock and roll scene of the era. Host David Wilson dives into the fascinating story of Norman Greenbaum, the legendary singer-songwriter responsible for the iconic song “Spirit in the Sky.” Often described as the ultimate one-hit wonder, “Spirit in the Sky” remains one of the most beloved rock ‘n’ roll hits of all time. In fact, this beloved anthem is actually more popular today than it was 50 years ago. Greenbaum’s journey is particularly special for this week’s show as it intertwines with the story of Sonoma Valley wines. Norman arrived in Sonoma while working on his legendary song and, unlike many others who left Northern California after making their mark, he never left. He has remained a resident of Sonoma for over 50 years, witnessing firsthand the region’s transformation from a sleepy agricultural area to a world-renowned winemaking powerhouse. Grape Encounters Host David Wilson recounts the serendipitous event that led to an instant and significant friendship with Norman. It was just about two years ago when David made a return trip to California to take care of unfinished business after recently making a monumental move to Eastern Italy. Part of his return visit included a week-long stay in the Sonoma Valley, one of David’s favorite places on Earth. While in the area, David connected with Radio Icon and mentor Michael O’Shea, co-owner of several leading radio stations in the area, including news and talk powerhouse KSRO, based in Santa Rosa. On one particular day, Michael mentioned that he couldn’t meet with David because he had to deliver tickets to his friend Norman. Intrigued, David asked who this Norman was, only to discover it was Norman Greenbaum who, quite remarkably, David had dreamt about the night before. David swears this is the absolute truth! David’s excitement was palpable. He insisted on accompanying Michael to Norman’s house, where they spent hours in lively conversation and shared experiences. The connection was immediate and profound, leading to an instant friendship. David fondly recalls spending an entire day at Norman’s house, drinking wine and forging a bond that he expects to last a lifetime. This installment of Grape Encounters Radio is now their second interview together, focusing on Norman’s long-term residency in Sonoma Valley and his unique perspective on the region’s transformation over the past five decades. Norman reflects on his early days in Los Angeles, his move to Sonoma in 1968, and his career’s pivotal moments. He shares vivid memories of the vibrant music scene in Northern California, where legends like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Doors were just starting to make waves. Norman recounts how he met Eric Jacobson, a prominent wine producer who had worked with The Lovin’ Spoonful. Jacobson introduced Norman to the beauty and potential of the Sonoma Valley. Despite knowing little about wine at the time, Norman was captivated by the region and decided to make it his home. He recalls recording “Spirit in the Sky” in San Francisco while staying with Jacobson in Marin County, just south of Sonoma.
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    42 分
  • Episode #780 – A Winemaker’s Triumph of Perfection, Thousands of Years in the Making!
    2024/07/09
    It is impossible to imagine any more extraordinary feat in the wine industry than the one we will discuss today. Our guest is among the most humble, soft-spoken, unassuming, and unpretentious winemakers you will ever meet. But don't let his low-profile demeanor fool you. He has accomplished something that no mortal winemaker would ever dare to dream. Early in his career, his pursuit of perfection led to an accomplishment nearly every winemaker dreams of happening once in a lifetime. However, in the years to come, he would defy all odds not once or twice but a mind-numbing 22 more times, shattering records and raising the bar so high that reaching his career mark would be akin to climbing Mount Everest three or four times in a single day. OK, well maybe we are being a touch hyperbolic where metaphors are concerned. Nonetheless, what our guest has accomplished is the kind of thing that would make any documentarian salivate uncontrollably. In this very rare interview with winemaker Mark Carter, founder of Carter Cellars, you will hear a story of unrivaled greatness so profound that it will leave you speechless, which is why the only way to do this story justice was to ask Mark to share his story in his own words. Receiving a perfect 100-point score for one of your wines is the single highest honor that any winemaker can receive, and it is particularly extraordinary when the wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon from the legendary Napa Valley in California, where there is no fiercer competition. When Mark Carter received his first perfect 100 points score, it wasn't from just any wine critic. It was bestowed upon Mark by the most respected and revered wine critic in the world, none other than Robert Parker, the man responsible for creating the very same scoring system that skyrocketed Mark to superstardom. But that first honor would wind up being just a warm-up for a string of 22 more 100-point scores. David says that every time he reconnects with Mark, it's just pure madness; that's because the pace at which Mark continues to earn perfect scores is unrelenting. David says, "He just makes it look so easy! And the hundred-point wins are just part of the story. Mark's Herculean accomplishments in winemaking eventually became the driving force behind his decision to take on the whiskey industry, which is absolutely on fire right now, with some producers now selling extraordinary products for literally thousands of dollars a bottle. In just a few short years, Mark has become one of America's elite whiskey producers. It seems like there's just nothing Mark can't do." Maybe the most exciting thing about Mark Carter's story is that he is proving to the world that, in terms of quality, there is a lot more upside than most of us realize. Ultimately, Mark proves that no matter how good we think wines and whiskey are today, we can count on them being significantly better in the coming days. And though you might say this is all good, who can afford hundred-point wines? Well, that question may be best answered by visiting Mark's website, where you'll discover that Mark sells wines considered perfect for just a fraction of what you would expect to pay for hundred-point wines. For this and so many other reasons, you absolutely must listen to this edition of Grape Encounters radio. You will never think of wine or whiskey the same way again. This is perhaps the most significant episode of Grape Encounters we have ever presented. Be sure to share it with your friends! This episode of Grape Encounters Radio is brought to you by Total Wine & More. Find what you love and love what you find at TotalWine.com!
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    43 分
  • Episode #779 – FLASHBACK! The Station the Brought Wine Radio to North Carolina
    2024/07/01
    In this nostalgic episode of Grape Encounters Radio, host David Wilson reconnects with Scott Neisler, owner of WGNC radio station in Gastonia, North Carolina. Scott's station was one of the first to broadcast Grape Encounters around 16 years ago, playing a crucial role in the show's early success. Together, David and Scott reminisce about their shared journey and discuss the vibrant and diverse wine scene in North Carolina, exploring everything from unique wine varieties to the challenges of the wine industry. Scott, who became a radio station owner about the time that Grape Encounters was being introduced to America, shares his love for radio and wine, highlighting how Grape Encounters has opened up new worlds for its listeners. He recalls unique episodes of the show and discusses the concept that anything fermentable can be turned into wine. The conversation shifts to Scott's transition from textiles to radio, starting with sports broadcasting and eventually acquiring WGNC. Despite economic challenges, WGNC has thrived, reflecting Scott's resilience and David's journey with Grape Encounters, which has grown over 16 years despite initial skepticism. David praises North Carolina's wine industry, noting its rich history and growth. Once devastated by Prohibition, North Carolina now has nearly 200 wineries. Scott highlights top producers like Duplin Winery, Childress Vineyards, and the historic Biltmore Estate. They discuss the challenges of wine distribution due to restrictive laws but remain optimistic about the future. Scott mentions the NC Wine app, which helps explore North Carolina's wineries. David and Scott appreciate the charm of North Carolina wineries, which offer a less pretentious experience compared to more famous regions. Scott enjoys the combination of wineries and cideries, noting excellent ciders from Appalachian Ridge in Hendersonville. As the episode closes, David shares his dream of eventually owning a second home in North Carolina, inspired by the state's wine industry. Scott encourages him to visit and experience the unique charm and hospitality, and thanks David for bringing wine to people who might not have experienced it otherwise. This episode of Grape Encounters Radio blends personal stories, wine insights, and a celebration of friendship and perseverance. Scott Neisler's journey from textiles to radio and his support for Grape Encounters showcase the power of passion and community in creating lasting success. Wine enthusiasts and casual listeners alike will find this episode both informative and heartwarming.
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    43 分
  • Episode #778 – A JOURNEY OF WINE AND SELF DISCOVERY: The Wines, They Are a Changin’
    2024/06/18
    Are you a casual wine enthusiast who thinks the wine world remains largely unchanged year after year? Think again! While your favorite Cabernet, the one you've cherished for decades, still offers that familiar, delightful taste, the wine industry has undergone extraordinary transformation2. That's why Host David Wilson is inviting you on an exhilarating journey through this evolution on Grape Encounters Radio and Podcast Episode #778. Imagine a time when wine choices were limited to just a few favorites. Today, stepping into a wine store with thousands of options is a thrilling reality. The landscape of wine has changed dramatically, with innovations that are nothing short of mind-blowing. Premium quality boxed wines, convenient screw cap tops, and an incredible variety of delicious wine blends are just the tip of the iceberg. The past fifty years have brought changes that we now take for granted, but these changes are nothing short of revolutionary. Yep, the wines, they are a changing. One of the most remarkable advancements is in the quality of wine itself. David Wilson, who once criticized the poor quality of organic wines, now celebrates the industry's triumph in creating extraordinary wines and using natural methods to combat pests. Sustainability has also become a cornerstone of modern winemaking, a remarkable feat achieved in just a few decades. It's a captivating story we've followed closely on this show, highlighting the industry's dedication to innovation and excellence. In this episode, David delves into the daring spirit of today's wine consumers, reflecting on his own profound life changes. What began as a follow-up interview with an Italian winemaker at the end of the Covid crisisquickly transformed into the journey of a lifetime. David's story is one of transformation and bold decisions, as he embraced Italian residency and set his sights on dual citizenship. The challenges of the Covid era prompted many of us to reevaluate our lives, to consider our own mortality, and to ask, "Am I living the life I imagined?" For David, this introspection led to a grand adventure, taking Grape Encounters on the road and exploring his ancestral roots. But David's experience is not unique. Millions of Americans are reconnecting with their heritage and embarking on similar journeys around the world. There's a growing restlessness and a desire to discover what we're missing; especially among foodies and wine lovers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to explore the incredible wine regions of Europe and beyond. You'll find yourself immersed in a story that offers a refreshing reality check and leaves you with a renewed belief that if you can imagine it, you can achieve it. This edition of Grape Encounters Radio is brought to you by Total Wine & More, where you'll find thousands of wines, beers, and spirits representing countries all over the world. Spend some quality time at your local Total Wine & More, and let their extraordinary inventory ignite your dreams and bring them to life. Join us for Episode #778, where wine, adventure, and inspiration converge in an unforgettable exploration of possibilities.
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    42 分
  • Episode #777 – The Never Ending Story of Grape Varietals We’ve Been Enjoying for Thousand of Years!
    2024/06/07
    You are cordially invited to join us on a profound oenological journey as Grape Encounters Radio delves into the captivating realm of ancient grape varietals. Leading this very special exploration of wine history is the erudite and wildly charismatic Wes Hagen, Brand Ambassador of Native9 Wines, an illustrious name in the annals of West Coast winemaking. Within the world of viticulture, there exists an intriguing narrative: the tenacity and resilience of grape varietals that have thrived for millennia. Picture this: some of the wines you enjoy today originate from grapes that have not merely survived but thrived through cataclysmic world events—wars, climatic upheavals, cosmic collisions, and even the disco era! As the custodian of this captivating discussion, Wes Hagen, a history virtuoso and wine sage, is your guide through this vinous odyssey. But why does the tale of ancient grape varietals resonate so profoundly? Enter Native9 Wines, a historic winemaking lineage that finds its origins in 1781, when Josef Ontiveros journeyed from Mexico to Alta California, setting the stage for an enduring legacy. Presently, James Ontiveros, the ninth generation of the Ontiveros family, continues to steward the same valley that has borne witness to generations of winemaking. Their wines encapsulate not just the essence of grapes but also the resilience of truth, the people, and the very earth itself. Crafting wines as intricate as their storied past is their ultimate goal. In the reprise of an extremely well-received episode that originally aired in late spring, David and Wes plunge deep into the intricacies of grape varietals and their temporal narratives, transcending the typical discourse on cellar aging. Together, they explore the evolution of grape varieties, uncovering the factors that determine a varietal's capacity for longevity. Wes Hagen's presence guarantees an animated, effervescent, and contemplative dialogue. These longstanding friends and colleagues engage offer up invaluable tips and insights that will enrich the understanding of wine enthusiasts at all levels. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine aficionado eager to expand your horizons, this episode of Grape Encounters promises a feast for the intellect. Tune in to unveil the enigmatic stories of ancient grape varietals that have endured through the eons. Witness the world of wine through the discerning eyes of a true luminary in the industry, and let Wes Hagen and David nurture your wine knowledge.
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    46 分