Willamette Valley Wows with Grochau Cellars
Interview with a Winemaker: John Grochau, owner & winemaker, Grochau Cellars Racing through France’s most revered wine regions – Champagne, Burgundy and the Loire Valley – John Grochau didn’t have wine on his mind but rather getting to the...
Read morePioneering the great new frontier of the Idaho wine industry
Interview with a Winemaker: Tim Harless, Hat Ranch Winery Welcome back to Carpe Travel’s Interview with a Winemaker series. It’s been awhile since I last shared an interview, but as I’m focusing more on travel within wine regions in...
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For the Love of Wine…
When the winemakers fell head-over heels in love…with wine. Over the past few years I have had the privilege to interview several amazing winemakers for Carpe Travel’s Interview with a Winemaker’s series. I’ve shared most of these interviews already...
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Women are defining the Idaho wine country
Wine is often times described with feminine qualities – sexy finish, voluptuous layers, delicate aromas – yet the job of a winemaker has traditionally been male. Take California, the leading wine producing sate in the United States, only 10...
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From Climbing the Corporate Ladder to Planting Cabernet
Interview with a Winemaker: Earl Sullivan, Telaya Wine Last month I had the chance to spend a few days exploring the Snake River Valley AVA with the Idaho Wine Commission. My private Idaho wine tour opened my eyes to...
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It was love at first sip…
Interview with a Winemaker: Robin Akhurst Clos Pegase Winery When Clos Pegase Winery opened in Calistoga in 1987, it captured the attention of the international wine world with a masterpiece design by renowned architect Michael Graves. The winery was...
Read moreIt is all about balance, balance, balance…
Of course it’s about the balance, we’re talking wine with Jessica Munnell, the winemaker at Mercer Estates in Washington. I have yet to spend time exploring the Washington wine region – outside of my local wine shop the Argonaut...
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The tale of a European sommelier turned California winemaker
Interview with a Winemaker: Leo Hansen, Stuhlmuller Vineyards (and Leo Steen Wines) I’m a huge fan of Cabernet Sauvignon, which Alexander Valley in Sonoma County is known for, yet I’ve never spent time sipping my way through the valley....
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Respect the fruit and great wine will follow…
Interview with Jeff Freeland, the Winemaker at Oso Libre Winery in Paso Robles “Respect the fruit.” That’s one of the keys to great winemaking at Oso Libre Winery, according to Jeff Freeland, the winery’s winemaker. And, it shows. “Oso...
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So many varietals, so little time!
Interview with a Winemaker: Michelle Cleveland, Creekside Cellars My first visit to the Colorado wine region aka Grand Junction and the Palisades is not one I will soon, if ever forget. Albeit, I wouldn’t mind if I did. It...
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Interview with a Winemaker, Jay Christianson with Canyon Wind Cellars
Interview with a Winemaker, Jay Christianson with Canyon Wind Cellars Earlier this summer I was invited to a small, private, wine tasting for writers here in Colorado. The gathering was specifically put together to preview wines that had won...
Read moreInterview with a Winemaker: Janet Myers, Director of Winemaking at Franciscan Estate in Napa Valley
Do you have “go-to wines”, bottles of wine you know will pair well with nearly anything you’re serving? Wines you know will always be reliable? Wines you have simply come to trust and purchase each and every time you...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Paul V Bonarrigo, Messina Hof
Thirty years ago no one considered Texas to be a viable wine region, but like wine, time changes everything. Now with more than 300 wineries, Texas is the fifth largest producer of wine in the United States. It boasts...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Greg La Follette
In a rather surprised and unusual tone The Husband said, “Oh my God”. He had just opened a bottle of La Follette Pinot Noir 2012 and taken a sip. At that moment I wasn’t sure just how this review...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Theresa Heredia, Gary Farrell Winery
How does a chemistry teacher working on cancer-related peptide research at Cal Poly shift gears and become a winemaker? Just ask Theresa Heredia, the lead winemaker at Gary Farrell Winery in the Russian River Valley wine region. Theresa went...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Renée Ary, Duckhorn Vineyards
What do the intersection of science, art and winemaking have in common? In two words, Renée Ary, a chemistry and art graduate who became a winemaker. To be exact, the fourth winemaker in Duckhorn Vineyards long winemaking history. One of the first...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Sergio Germano of Ettore Germano in Piedmont
Touring vineyards is one of my favorite things to do when I travel. To learn about the local grapes, the terrior (a fancy word for the soil composition) and the people/ families who have not only made the wine,...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Ryan O’Connell, NakedWines
Have you heard the story about the family from the United States who moved to France, bought a vineyard and started making wine? And did I mention they didn’t have any winemaking experience? One might think that story ends...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Scheid Vineyards
The smell of wine in the air and the blast of air-conditioning welcomed me into Scheid Vineyards tasting room. Along with what seemed like 50 people packed like sardines in the small room. Should we turn and leave or...
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Interview with a Winemaker: Caraccioli Cellars
Last month I had the opportunity to visit Caraccioli Cellars in Monterey County when I did the Carmel Wine Walk. Think 15 wineries within four blocks – a wine lovers paradise! Caraccioli Cellars was one of the more unique...
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