In 1996, our guest this evening purchased a few tons of Zinfandel and with the help of his then-girlfriend (now wife)—and winemaker at Joseph Phelps—Sarah, produced his first vintage of wine. It received wide praise from critics, which was all the encouragement he needed to produce additional varietals. And he joins me live now from Napa, Joel Gott, Owner & Winemaker at Joel Gott Wines!. How are the regions of Santa Barbara and Napa Valley different, and what should we look for when buying these wines? Why did this fifth-generation winemaker start a wildly popular gourmet burger restaurant? What are his […]
Wine Articles
Icon: Flagship Wines from British Columbia’s Best Wineries (Video)
I consider our guest this evening the godfather of Canadian wine writing, such is both the quality and the quantity of his work. Beginning with regular wine columns in the Financial Post and the Vancouver Sun in 1974, he published his first book, The World of Canadian Wines, in 1984 and has since written fourteen books on Canada’s and British Columbia’s wines and wine culture. And he joins me live now from Vancouver: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club John Schreiner! Note: YouTube has the audio and video out of sync. So either close your eyes and listen, or you […]
Niagara’s Visionary Winemaker Klaus Reif (Video)
Our guest this evening is And he joins me live now from his : Welcome Klaus Reif of Reif Estate Winery! Watch previous episodes of the Wednesday Wining Show (WWS) and find out who’s coming up next. . Klaus Reif Alan Cameron · 40:54 Love Klaus’ pick of Paul Newman as a dinner guest, & a Datsun 280Z as his favourite car. Lise Charest Gagne · 35:51 It’s finally nice in northern Ontario!! I’m drinking an off dry Riesling. In my opinion Niagara Riesling lands in the great category with Alsace and Germany! Cathie Retera Millsap · 15:12 Vinea is my new favorite! Natalie MacLean · 17:02 Have you tried it […]
Deeply Rooted in California Wine History: Winemaker Gina Gallo (Video)
Our guest this evening is a third-generation winegrower from one of America’s most historic winemaking families. At just 10 years old, she tended the gardens with her father and grandfather, and spent her high school summers working alongside her brothers and sisters at the Gallo Family Vineyards. After studying winemaking at the University of California at Davis, she became an apprentice winemaker under the careful guidance of her grandfather Julio Gallo. And she joins me live now from her home in Napa Valley: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Gina Gallo! Note: YouTube has the audio and video out of […]
A Detective Story in Search of Wine’s Mysterious Past (Video)
Our guest this evening is a former MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellow and former Associated Press Correspondent. He began investigating one particularly mysterious vineyard and then quickly found himself caught up in a viticultural detective story—complete with false leads, DNA evidence, and rare grapes hidden in remote valleys around the world. And he joins me live now from his home in Florida: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Kevin Begos! Note: YouTube has the audio and video out of sync. So either close your eyes and listen, or you can watch it on Facebook here. What drew you to this […]
A Vine Celebration: The 120th Anniversary of Nino Negri Wines
In October, I traveled to Italy with great excitement to participate in Nino Negri’s 120th Anniversary celebration. As I drove through the historic wine region of Valtellina, I was captivated by its breathtaking beauty and eager to participate in this year’s wine harvest. Valtellina is a serene valley at the foot of the Lombardy Alps, on the Italian-Swiss border. The “vine”, the heart of this difficult mountainous terrain, has found perfect growing conditions here. The vineyards are protected by two high mountain chains, the Retiche Alps and the Orobie Pre-Alps. Exposure to the sun at high altitude, as well as a significant […]
Fancy Farm Girl Sue-Ann Staff Makes Down-to-Earth Wines (Video)
Our guest this evening is a fifth-generation grape grower who grew up on the largest privately-owned vineyard in Canada, the Sue Ann Staff Estate Winery. Today, she is one of Canada’s top winemakers, winning more than 500 national and international wine awards, including being twice recognized by the International Wine and Spirits Awards of London, England as one of the top four “Women in Wine” in the world . And she joins me live now from her winery: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Sue-Ann Staff! What was the exact moment when you realized that you wanted to make wine? […]
The Smart Woman Behind the Wine for Dummies Books (Video): Mary Ewing-Mulligan MW
Our guest this evening is the first woman in America to become a Master of Wine. This title represents the highest level of knowledge and proficiency in the wine trade. Currently, only 380 people worldwide are Masters of Wine, including 51 in the U.S. She is co-author (with her husband, Ed McCarthy) of “Wine For Dummies” and 7 other wine books, with around two million copies sold and translations into 38 languages. It is one of the best-selling wine books ever. She was also wine columnist for The Daily News in New York City for more than ten years, and […]
What are Vegan and Vegetarian Wines?
Our guest this evening has been involved in his family winery since he was five years old. After working in the wine production cellar, he became a published songwriter. But despite his love for music, he felt called back to the vineyard and in 2008 became Chief Operations Officer in 2008 then CEO in 2012. Recently he has become a director of the Canadian Vintners Association and Vice-Chair of the British Columbia Wine Institute. And he joins me live now from his winery: Welcome to the Sunday Sipper Club Ezra Cripes of Summerhill Pyramid Winery! What was the exact moment […]
How Are Family-Run Wineries Different? Henry of Pelham Video
Our guest this evening, Daniel Speck, is one of three brothers who, as children, shovel planted the modern-day vineyards that became Henry of Pelham Family Estate Winery in Niagara’s Short Hills Bench. The Speck brothers founded the winery with their parents, a family venture which began in 1984. After Daniel graduated from philosophy, math and science at St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland, he returned to work on the farm/winery. After fourteen vineyard-years he migrated from the farm to the marketplace and today is Vice President of Sales and Marketing. And he joins me live now from the winery: Welcome […]
