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Bumgarner Winery — Where Family and Terroir Tell the Story What happens when a family decides that great wine should do more than taste good—it should tell the story of the land? In this episode of Wine Soundtrack USA, our host Allison Levine sits down with Brian Bumgarner of Bumgarner Winery, a first-generation family winery nestled in California’s remarkable El Dorado AVA. For Brian and Jennifer Bumgarner, wine begins with respect for the land. Their approach combines sustainable farming, artisanal winemaking, and an extraordinary attention to the character of every vineyard, grape, microclimate, and soil. But Bumgarner is about more than terroir. It is about family, tradition, craftsmanship, and bringing people together. Every bottle represents a connection between the people who work the land and the people who eventually gather around the table to enjoy its fruit. Allison Levine explores with Brian what makes El Dorado and Fair Play so distinctive, how a young family winery can build its own identity, and why protecting the land is inseparable from making great wine. Behind the conversation is the vision of Claudio Latagliata, Producer of Wine Soundtrack USA, whose work is dedicated to bringing listeners closer to the personalities and stories behind the American wine world. And if there is one person who seems to keep finding these stories, it is Claudio himself—known within the program as “The Winery Fixer”, the man connecting wineries, winemakers, personalities, and unexpected wine stories from across the United States. Join Allison Levine and Brian Bumgarner for a conversation where wine becomes family, the vineyard becomes heritage, and El Dorado becomes part of every bottle. Wine Soundtrack USA — because behind every great wine, there is a story worth hearing.

Starfield Vineyards — From France to the Stars What happens when a California ranching family discovers that its true calling isn't cattle, crops, or technology—but wine? In this episode of Wine Soundtrack USA, host Allison Levine meets Rob Sinton of Starfield Vineyards, a remarkable family story that stretches from the vineyards of Paso Robles to France, Napa Valley, and ultimately the Sierra Foothills. Rob’s father, Tom Sinton, fell in love with wine as a teenager during a transformative summer in Reims, France. Years later, that passion led him to establish a vineyard, earn a Master's degree in Food Science at UC Davis—and eventually build one of the largest payroll and HR service companies in America. But wine never really left him. In 2011, Tom and Rob returned to winemaking under the Starfield Vineyards name. Their search for the perfect place took them back to France, where countless tastings across Bordeaux, Burgundy, Beaujolais and the Rhône shaped the philosophy behind the wines they make today. Then they discovered a 67-acre property in the El Dorado AVA. For Rob, the journey was already underway. After studying Viticulture and Enology at UC Davis and working in Napa, he became Starfield’s winemaker, bringing experimentation, cofermentation, and an obsession with Rhône varieties to the cellar. But Starfield is about much more than wine. It is also about gardens, photography, astronomy, music, family—and a deep fascination with the natural world. Even the winery’s labels reflect that passion, featuring solargraphs created with pinhole cameras designed by Rob himself. Join Allison Levine and Rob Sinton for a conversation about risk, reinvention, family, France, California, and the pursuit of wines that aim for something truly exceptional. Wine Soundtrack USA goes behind the bottle to meet the people whose passions shape American wine. Produced by Claudio Latagliata — “The Winery Fixer”, bringing together the people, stories, and personalities that make the wine world impossible to ignore. Listen to Starfield Vineyards with Rob Sinton—and discover how a family's journey from ranching to wine eventually reached for the stars.

Four Ponds Estate Winery — A New Legacy Rooted in Family What if the place you are searching for all your life suddenly feels familiar the very first time you stand on its soil? In this episode of Wine Soundtrack USA, host Allison Levine meets Steve Leveque, winemaking consultant and the winemaker behind Four Ponds Estate Winery, to discover the extraordinary story of Suzi Raposa and a vineyard built around family, friendship, nature, and a powerful connection to the land. Suzi never imagined she would own a winery. Arriving in California as a young refugee from Laos with her family, she eventually built a career as a physical therapist. Years later, with her children leaving home, she began asking herself a different question: Where do I want to spend the rest of my life? Then she discovered an 80-acre estate in the Sierra Foothills, with 24 acres of vineyards and four ponds quietly giving life to the land. Something about it felt strangely familiar. The vineyards reminded Suzi of her childhood in Laos, watching her grandfather farm rice with a water buffalo—the smell of the earth, the silence, and the simple rhythm of working the land. Inspired by the cultural importance of water in Lao tradition, Four Ponds Estate Winery became more than a winery. It became Suzi’s second act—and the beginning of a new legacy built around bringing people together. And helping shape that vision is Steve Leveque, a Napa Valley native whose remarkable career includes Robert Mondavi Winery, Chalk Hill Estate, HALL and Opus One, as well as years of consulting with Sierra Foothills producers. Steve brings decades of winemaking and viticulture experience to Four Ponds, while also continuing his work through Steve Leveque Wine Consulting, helping other wineries pursue distinctive, high-quality wines. Join Allison Levine for a conversation about starting over, following instinct, honoring your roots, and discovering that sometimes the most beautiful wine stories begin long before the first grape is harvested. Wine Soundtrack USA goes beyond the bottle to tell the stories of the people, places, and dreams behind American wine. Produced by Claudio Latagliata, the series brings together the voices that make the American wine world so fascinating. Listen to Four Ponds Estate Winery with Steve Leveque—and discover the story of a vineyard where heritage, friendship, and the land come together.

Lava Cap — Where Family, Fire & Wine MeetWhat if the secret to a great California wine was buried deep beneath the vineyard?In this episode of Wine Soundtrack USA, host Allison Levine takes us to the heart of California’s Sierra Foothills and into the story of Lava Cap Winery, a family-owned winery whose roots go back to 1981.Founded by the Jones family in Placerville, Lava Cap was born from a very particular piece of land—and a family of geologists who understood exactly what made it special.The answer was volcanic soil.The unique “lava cap” gives the vineyard its name and provides the foundation for grapes that benefit from warm Sierra sunshine, cool nighttime breezes, and the distinctive character of the foothills.From its first vintage in 1986, Lava Cap has built a reputation for handcrafted wines that have earned gold medals and awards across the country, while remaining deeply connected to the land and the family behind them.Their philosophy is simple but demanding: reveal the elegant and complex character of each grape variety and each vineyard block through careful, artisan winemaking.And the commitment doesn't stop in the cellar. Sustainable vineyard practices and integrated vineyard management help protect the environment while nurturing the quality of the fruit for generations to come.Join Allison Levine as she discovers how geology, family, craftsmanship, and a remarkable sense of place came together to create Lava Cap.Wine Soundtrack USA goes beyond the wine to uncover the stories that make every bottle worth remembering.Produced by Claudio Latagliata, the series brings the voices and personalities behind American wine directly to you.Listen to Lava Cap and discover what happens when a family follows the land—and lets the land tell the story.

WINE SOUNDTRACK USA Tablas Creek — The Rhône Spirit in CaliforniaWhat happens when two legendary wine families in France decide that the soul of the Rhône might have found a second home in California?That question is at the heart of Tablas Creek Vineyard, a pioneering estate in Paso Robles and the world’s first Regenerative Organic Certified® vineyard.In this episode of Wine Soundtrack USA, host Allison Levine meets Erin Mason to explore the remarkable story behind a partnership between the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel and the Haas family of Vineyard Brands—a friendship that began decades before Tablas Creek planted its first vines.From France to California, their vision was bold: bring authentic Rhône grape varieties to a Mediterranean climate where they could thrive.What followed was more than a winery. It became a movement.With authentic French vine material, limestone soils, dry farming, native yeast fermentation, and traditional Rhône blending, Tablas Creek helped establish California as an important home for Rhône varieties. Millions of vines carrying Tablas Creek genetic material have since been planted far beyond the estate.And today, the story has taken another extraordinary turn: a commitment to regenerative organic farming that places the health of the land at the center of the future.Join Allison Levine and Erin Mason for a conversation about friendship, family, innovation, tradition, and the extraordinary journey that transformed a French dream into a California wine legacy.Wine Soundtrack USA goes beyond the bottle to discover the people and stories that make wine unforgettable.Produced by Claudio Latagliata, whose passion for the people behind great wines is woven into every episode.Listen to Tablas Creek with Erin Mason—and discover how the Rhône found a new voice in California.

WINE SOUNDTRACK USA Absolution Cellars — Where Wine Becomes a Portrait of Place What happens when you leave behind a successful career, move across the country with no real plan, and discover that one barrel of wine could change everything? For Dirk Neumann, that unlikely beginning became Absolution Cellars. In this episode of Wine Soundtrack USA, host Allison Levine sits down with Dirk Neumann, owner, winemaker, and self-described J.O.A.T. of Absolution Cellars, to uncover the remarkable story behind a boutique Central Coast winery built on curiosity, craftsmanship, artistic expression, and a willingness to do things differently. Dirk didn’t set out to become a winemaker. He came to California from Florida, initially drawn by the Central Coast itself—the landscapes, the people, the food, the climate, and, naturally, the wine. What was supposed to be a future retirement destination became home. Then, in 2014, a single barrel of wine turned a hobby into an obsession. And eventually, into a winery. Today, Absolution Cellars produces around 1,500 cases a year, creating limited-production wines from carefully selected vineyards throughout California’s Central Coast. More than 20 varieties and wines can emerge from the cellar, each one intended to tell its own story. But this is not simply an episode about wine. It is about place, instinct, reinvention, and the courage to follow something before you know exactly where it will lead. Dirk's philosophy is refreshingly simple: let the grapes, vineyard, and vintage speak. His wines combine an Old World sensibility with the freedom and creativity of California. Hand-sorted grapes, whole-cluster inclusion, open-top fermentation, long aging in neutral barrels, and an uncompromising attention to detail all contribute to wines that are expressive rather than manufactured. And then there is the art. Every bottle carries licensed artwork by artist Aja Trier of Sagittarius Gallery, with Dirk connecting the visual language of each piece to the wine inside. The result is something that feels less like a conventional wine label and more like a meeting point between wine, art, place, and personality. But perhaps the most compelling part of Absolution Cellars is that the story doesn't stop with Dirk. There is a family and a team behind the bottles—from Tania, whose work ranges from managing the tasting room to helping during harvest, to Vie, Dirk and Tania's youngest child, who has returned to San Luis Obispo County to learn winemaking directly from Dirk. It is a story about a business becoming a family legacy. It is also a reminder that some of the most interesting wines aren't born from a master plan. Sometimes they begin with a move, a bottle, a barrel, a conversation—or simply the decision to take a chance. Join Allison Levine for an intimate conversation with Dirk Neumann and discover what happens when a winemaker chooses not to force the wine, but instead gives it the freedom to become itself. Wine Soundtrack USA is where the people behind the bottle take center stage. Produced by Claudio Latagliata, the series looks beyond tasting notes and vineyard statistics to find the human stories, personalities, passions, and unexpected journeys that make American wine worth listening to. Because sometimes, before you taste the wine, you need to hear the story. Listen to Absolution Cellars with Dirk Neumann on Wine Soundtrack USA. AUTHENTIC. BOUTIQUE. ARTISTIC. UNIQUE.

What does it take to build a winery that honors both the land and the people who cultivate it? In this episode, we meet Andy Neja, founder and winemaker of Cairjn Wine Cellars, one of Paso Robles' most exciting boutique wineries. Named after the word "cairn"—a carefully stacked pile of stones that serves as both a landmark and a tribute—Cairjn reflects Andy's family's farming heritage and the limestone-rich soils that define the West Paso landscape. Andy didn't simply become a winemaker—he immersed himself in every aspect of the wine industry, from vineyard work and farming to hospitality, retail, and cellar operations. That hands-on experience shaped a philosophy centered on one simple belief: "Winemaking happens in the vineyard; everything else is secondary."Together, we explore how sustainability, meticulous vineyard practices, and relationships with some of Paso Robles' finest growers allow Cairjn to produce small-lot wines of exceptional character. Andy also shares the challenges and rewards of launching his own label, the importance of honoring vineyard workers, and why authenticity remains the foundation of every bottle.Whether you're passionate about fine wine, terroir, sustainable farming, or entrepreneurial journeys, this conversation offers an inspiring look at the dedication required to transform a dream into one of California's most promising boutique wineries. Pour yourself a glass and discover why Cairjn Wine Cellars is quickly becoming one of Paso Robles' hidden treasures.

What makes a vineyard truly exceptional? Is it the soil, the climate, the people—or the philosophy behind every bottle?In this episode, we take you to the breathtaking hills of Alta Colina Vineyard & Winery, one of Paso Robles' most acclaimed Rhône wine estates, where every wine begins with a simple belief: great wine is grown, not made. Founded by Bob Tillman after a lifelong dream of creating world-class wines, Alta Colina has become a benchmark for Rhône varietals in California. Perched nearly 1,800 feet above sea level in the renowned Adelaida District, the estate combines fractured shale soils, cool Pacific breezes, organic farming, and minimal intervention to produce wines that express the purest character of their vineyard. We explore the fascinating journey from engineer to winery owner, the family's commitment to sustainability, the unique terroir that makes Alta Colina so distinctive, and the meticulous winemaking process that transforms hand-harvested grapes into some of Paso Robles' most celebrated Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, and Rhône blends.This episode is about much more than wine—it's about vision, patience, family, and respecting nature. Whether you're a collector, a Rhône enthusiast, or simply someone who loves discovering the stories behind extraordinary wineries, this conversation will leave you with a deeper appreciation for every glass.Join us as we uncover why Alta Colina has become one of California's hidden gems and why its philosophy continues to inspire winemakers around the world.

What does it take to leave everything behind and follow a dream? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Nancy Ulloa, founder, winemaker, owner, and unapologetic Boss Lady behind Ulloa Cellars, one of Paso Robles' most exciting boutique wineries.Nancy shares the incredible story of how she left the San Francisco Bay Area with nothing more than determination and a passion for wine, arriving in Paso Robles to learn the craft from the ground up.   From producing her very first Grüner Veltliner in 2019 to building a rapidly growing winery known for its distinctive white wines and intentional winemaking philosophy, Nancy proves that courage, perseverance, and authenticity can turn dreams into reality.We explore her unique approach to crafting small-batch wines, her love for lesser-known grape varieties, the influence of sustainable farming, and the positive energy that she pours into every bottle. Nancy also opens up about the challenges of building a brand from scratch, breaking barriers as a Latina entrepreneur, and creating wines that are every bit as expressive as the woman behind them.Whether you're passionate about wine, entrepreneurship, personal growth, or simply love hearing stories of fearless people who followed their calling, this episode is guaranteed to leave you inspired.Pour yourself a glass and discover why Ulloa Cellars is one of the most exciting names shaping the future of California wine.

What happens when a television producer leaves Hollywood to create one of California's most inspiring wineries? In this episode, we discover the remarkable story behind Vinyl Vineyards, where exceptional wines, timeless music, and meaningful moments come together to create an experience unlike any other.Join us as we talk with Jeff Hevert, the winemaker whose life took an extraordinary turn from producing reality television to crafting premium wines on California's Central Coast.   Starting over as a cellar intern at the age of 40, Jeff embraced a completely new path driven by passion, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability.Together, we explore how Vinyl Vineyards was born from the idea of reinvention—drawing inspiration from iconic artists like David Bowie—and why slowing down, sharing a bottle of wine, listening to great music, and reconnecting with the people around us may be life's greatest luxury. Discover the philosophy behind handcrafted wines that express both place and emotion, the importance of regenerative farming, and why every bottle is designed to create memories rather than simply fill a glass.Whether you're passionate about wine, entrepreneurship, music, or stories of personal transformation, this conversation will inspire you to embrace change, savor the present, and celebrate the moments that truly matter.Pour your favorite glass, put on a great record, and join us for an unforgettable conversation with Jeff Hevert and the world of Vinyl Vineyards.

What does it take to become one of California's most respected winegrowers—and the first woman ever named Grape Grower of the Year in San Luis Obispo County? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Hilary Graves, a pioneering winegrower, winemaker, educator, and sustainability advocate whose journey into the wine world was anything but conventional.From an unexpected beginning as a librarian to managing some of California's most prestigious vineyards, Hilary shares how passion, curiosity, and perseverance led her to a career dedicated to producing exceptional grapes while protecting the environment for future generations. We explore her philosophy of letting the vineyard speak for itself, the importance of regenerative organic farming, and how innovative viticulture can play a vital role in fighting climate change. Hilary also takes us behind the scenes of Booker Vineyard's transformation into a Regenerative Organic Certified® estate and explains why healthy soils are the foundation of extraordinary wines.Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a grower, a sustainability champion, or simply love hearing stories of people who have transformed an industry, this conversation is filled with insight, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on the future of wine.Join us for an unforgettable discussion with one of the most influential voices in modern viticulture.

Can Lambrusco become the next luxury sparkling wine? In this episode, we uncover the remarkable story behind Saint Enzo, the premium Lambrusco brand founded by husband-and-wife entrepreneurs Armon and Myisha Moore. More than a wine, Saint Enzo is the result of six years of dedication, craftsmanship, and a deeply personal journey inspired by family, heritage, and a bold vision. Discover how this extraordinary wine is redefining Lambrusco's reputation by embracing its Italian roots while positioning itself alongside the world's finest sparkling wines. Produced in Italy from 100% organic Lambrusco Grasparossa grapes, with no additives and made using traditional methods, Saint Enzo proves that authenticity and luxury can coexist in every bottle. We also explore the inspiration behind its iconic design, the meaning of its name, and why this modern expression of one of the world's oldest wine traditions is captivating a new generation of wine lovers.If you're passionate about fine wine, entrepreneurship, luxury brands, and inspiring founder stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Pour a glass, press play, and discover why Saint Enzo is changing the conversation around Lambrusco forever.

What if the future of wine is cleaner, healthier, and more authentic than ever before?In this episode, we sit down with award-winning winemaker Vivian Valenzuela, founder of WOO GIRL! Cellars, to explore how she's redefining modern winemaking from the heart of Sonoma County. From vegan-friendly wines and regenerative farming to zero residual sugar, minimal sulfites, and single-vineyard expressions, Vivian shares the philosophy behind creating wines that are as honest as the land they come from. Discover why terroir matters, what makes a truly sustainable wine, and how lower-alcohol wines can still deliver extraordinary depth, complexity, and character.Whether you're a wine enthusiast, a sustainability advocate, or simply curious about the next generation of winemaking, this conversation will challenge what you think you know about wine—and leave you eager to pour your next glass.Don't miss this inspiring conversation with one of California's most exciting voices in wine.

Growing up in the central valley of California, we’ve inherited a sense of pride from our Greek parents and have continued to farm vineyards and make wine, incorporating the Mediterranean lifestyle and culture into our everyday lives. We don't make wines that are made to have an instant and powerful impact like tasting room wines; our wines are wines of finesse and elegance, and are made to be enjoyed with friends, family, and food. From the proprietors: We grew up growing winegrapes along with working at our parents' mom & pop grocery store. When we got older, we fell in love with wine and began working on our viticultural practices, and then decided to start our wine project. We are known for our old vine Zinfandel field blend vineyard called "Stampede Vineyard," as well as planting & producing some of the first Assyrtiko in California. We are trialing other Mediterranean varieties going forward as well.

Peltier Winery & Vineyards is a fourth-generation farming family operation where the winery itself was established in 2001 by third-generation farmer Rodney Schatz and his wife Gayla in the heart of California's Lodi Appellation. What began in 1985 with Rodney's purchase of 40 acres of Old Vine Zinfandel has evolved into a 1,000+ acre sustainably certified operation producing over 30,000 cases annually across multiple wine collections. The winery's product innovation spans from rare Italian varietals like Teroldego and Vermentlno to modern offerings like Zante-a carbonated rose designed for today's conscious consumers with less than 1 gram of sugar per serving. Peltier distinguishes itself through complete estate control from vineyard to bottle, pioneering sustainable practices including being among the first to achieve 100% Lodi Rules certification and installing an innovative worm farm water treatment system that reduces energy use by 95%. Looking ahead, the winery continues expanding into new appellations like Clarksburg while maintaining their core phllosophy of minimal intervention winemaking that lets vineyard personality shine. Peltier consistently delivers award-winning quality across price points from $17-$60, earning accolades from Wine Enthusiast, San Francisco Chronicle, and international competitions. Their unique tasting room features a 24-wine WineStation system that eliminates waste while encouraging exploration of their diverse portfolio, embodying their brand promise of being "wine-smart with a wink"-knowledgeable experts who don't take themselves too seriously while delivering exceptional estate-grown wines that reflect four generations of farming heritage with three generations currently working together.