On The Wine Road Podcast

Jasmine Hirsch of the Incomparable Hirsch Vineyards

Imagine owning a vineyard that is considered one of the very best in the U.S. How would you feel if it were chosen as one of the Top 30 vineyards in the world!? Within the last year, that remarkable honor was bestowed upon Hirsch Vineyards. Perched high above the Sonoma Coast, Hirsch is defined by extremes - high elevations, steep hillsides, nearly 80 inches of rain each year, intense sunshine, and wind-driven storms. The nearby San Andreas fault has fractured the land into a composite of rock, sand, and soil, producing wines of extraordinary character. More than 60 individually farmed blocks of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir each tell their own story, and range from wines that are powerful to delicately elegant. Winemaker Jasmine Hirsch, the daughter of founder David Hirsch, has grown up on the property and has a lifelong understanding of its land and potential. On this podcast, she shares details about what makes this property so distinctive. Discover more at HirschVineyards.com  On The Wine Road Podcast theme music was composed by Marscott. Additional music was sourced from APM Music.

Korbel Champagne Cellars - Classic

This interview at Korbel Champagne Cellars dates back to September of 2021. We were just easing out of the pandemic, so to play it safe, I had the pleasure of joining owner, president, and chairman Gary Heck poolside. Yes, there is a swimming pool off the guest house at the winery. It was a beautiful fall morning, and to have a Korbel mimosa in hand was a bonus! Korbel Champagne Cellars has a multi-layered history full of drama and perseverance. We touch upon Gary's life on the property and how the Korbel brothers eventually created California "champagne" in 1882. Interestingly, the Hecks are only the second family to run the business, and as a result of their decades of determination, the brand can be found across the U.S. and internationally. Click here to visit Korbel Champagne Cellars. The podcast opening and closing themes were composed by Marscott

Phillip Titus on His Napa Legacy and Crafting Acumen Wine

Phillip Titus is a likeable winemaker whose exuberance is youthful, yet he has been in the business for a long time. As you'll hear, he's had a stellar career and recently added Acumen Napa Valley to his list of respected wineries. He helped plant his father's vineyard as a young teenager, entered the acclaimed wine and viticulture program at UC Davis at age 18, and has been making some of Napa's most sought-after wines since graduating.  You'd likely expect him to have a swelling ego, but no, he's one of the most pleasant, easy-going guys you'd want to meet. He delves into his storied career and shares details of the iconic vineyards from which he makes wine for Acumen. The podcast opening and closing themes were composed by Marscott, and additional tunes are sourced from APM Music. On The Wine Road Podcast is sponsored by Sonoma Clean Power.  

Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden, Southern Oregon

Why take the 6 hour and 40 minute drive to the Applegate Region in Southern Oregon? I had to see what 29 year old Mini Byers has acquired. Cowhorn Bioynamic Vineyard and Garden is a Petal-certified Building under the Living Building Challenge 2.1 by the International Living Future Institute.  The tasting room is LEED-certified, and there is a beautiful, modern guest home on the property overlooking the vineyard. Naturally, I accepted the offer to stay there for two days. While there, I spent a morning with Mini's winemaker, Vince Vadrine. We talk about his background, the vineyard, and the Rhone wine varietals he crafts. A trip to the area is well worth it. There's so much to see and experience, of which we took full advantage! On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power. Music was sourced APM Music, and the theme was composed by Marscott.  

Jordan Vineyard and Winery - Classic

I am reaching back to 2019 for this podcast. In case you missed it, you may want to hear this story as Jordan Vineyard and Winery is one of Sonoma County's most stunning wineries, fashioned after a French chateau. It stands boldly yet gracefully among the sweeping lawn, beautifully manicured trees, and vineyards. Since the first vintage in 1976, Jordan wine has lived up to the elegance of the Chateau in which it is produced. Needless to say, it was a pleasure to spend time there interviewing CEO, General Manager, and family member John Jordan and winemaker Rob Davis. For you Napa wine history fans, you'll love the stories Rob shares about "the Dean of California Winemakers," André Tchelistcheff. As you listen, you'll understand the reasoning behind Wine Enthusiast Magazine choosing Jordan Vineyard and Winery as American Winery of the Year in 2014.  On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power. Music was sourced from FirstCom/Universal Music and Marscott.