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What happens when passion meets purpose in the wine world — and a little Disney magic? George Miliotes, legendary Master Sommelier and the visionary behind Wine Bar George at Disney Springs, shares a journey as rich and layered as a vintage Bordeaux. From crafting wine blends for Olive Garden to building one of the most dynamic wine destinations in the country, George brings hospitality, humor, and high standards to everything he touches. 🎢 Bonus: We challenge George to pair wines with iconic Disney rides — think Guardians of the Galaxy, Tower of Terror, and Expedition Everest. His answers? As bold as a Napa Cab. 📍 What You’ll Learn: George Miliotes is a trailblazer in the wine world and creator of Wine Bar GeorgeHow growing up in hospitality shaped his love of wineThe surprising stories behind his wine collaborations (yes, Olive Garden!)Why Coravin changed the game for by-the-glass programsHis inclusive, no-snobbery approach to wine education and serviceWhy mentorship is key to cultivating great wine professionalsHow Wine Bar George is redefining wine culture — one pour at a timeWhether you're a sommelier-in-training or just here for the vibes (and the vino), this episode brings out the soul behind the service — and a few unexpected twists along the way. 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com Conscious Strong has an April retreat to Italy - mention Wine Centric for a $250 0ff click the link! We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and 

Cristie Norman brings bold energy, heart, and a wealth of experience to this powerful episode of The Wine Centric Show. As Lead Sommelier at Delilah at the Wynn Las Vegas, Cristie opens up about her evolution from aspiring opera singer to nationally recognized wine educator, and how her path through hospitality has shaped her passion for leadership, mentorship, and impact. Cristie shares the personal journey that led her to wine, including a life-shifting Zen retreat that changed how she sees achievement, and why she ultimately chose not to pursue her Advanced Sommelier certification. “No one’s ever asked me that before,” she admits, as she reflects on redefining success in a high-pressure industry. 📍 What You’ll Learn: Why First Growth Bordeaux is trending at Delilah at Wynn Las VegasCristie’s personal go-to styles of ChablisHow tariffs affect the wine industry and her wine listThe business side of wine: building programs, mentoring teams, and being unapologetically honestHer work with United Sommeliers Foundation, which has distributed nearly $2 million in aidThe pairing she’ll never forget: Oysters + Fino Sherry at SommCon Cristie is more than a sommelier, she’s a leader, educator, and visionary helping shape the future of wine. Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Kristi Norman and Delilah 02:47 Exploring Wine Choices and Trends 05:48 The Role of a Sommelier in Las Vegas 08:35 The Art of Wine Inventory Management 11:27 From Opera to Wine: Kristi's Journey 14:10 The Business of Wine and Personal Philosophy 16:49 The United Sommelier Foundation and Its Impact 19:51 Future Aspirations and Industry Challenges 22:43 Closing Thoughts and Memorable Pairings 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners: ▪️Fearrington House: https://fearrington.com/ ▪️Heather Donovan Real Estate: https://heatherdhomes.com/ ▪️Conscious Strong: https://consciousstrong.com/

How is wine culture  changing, and what still holds true? Eric Asimov, the long-standing chief wine critic for The New York Times, joins us for a candid conversation to answer these questions. With his signature clarity and cultural insight, Eric brings a rare, unpretentious perspective to the complexities of wine criticism, the industry’s growing pains, and the surprising role of wellness and celebrity in shaping what ends up in our glasses. We explore the quiet transformation happening in California wine, the tension between wine as a personal experience and a consumer product, and why wine education needs to feel more like an invitation than an exam. Eric unpacks the way media, tech, and generational values are shifting the center of gravity in wine, not always for better, but not always for worse either. His reflections are rooted in decades of experience, yet they remain open, questioning, and refreshingly grounded. This isn’t about scores or hype. It’s about culture, connection, and the enduring pleasure of a shared bottle. #EricAsimov #WineCentricShow #WineCulture #WineCriticism #CaliforniaWine #MindfulDrinking #WineAndWellness #WineEducation #WineMedia #WineCommunity 📍 What You’ll Learn: Eric Asimov sees himself as an observer of the wine industry, not a part of it.Wine criticism can influence sales but is not driven by financial gain.The wine industry is a complex network of small businesses.California wines are evolving towards more diverse styles.Technology has democratized wine discussions and education.Celebrity endorsements can spark interest in wine among new audiences.Wine should be enjoyed in moderation and as part of a balanced lifestyle.Cultural events can enhance the wine experience beyond just tasting.Wine education should be accessible and engaging, not elitist.Personal connections and shared experiences are at the heart of wine enjoyment.Chapters:00:00 Introduction to Eric Asimov and His Role in Wine Criticism02:39 The Distinction Between Wine Critic and Industry05:04 Criticism and Confrontation in Wine Writing07:46 The Evolution of Wine Styles and Criticism10:29 Influential Voices in Wine Criticism12:47 California Wine: A Shift in Focus15:24 The Impact of the Internet on Wine Culture18:12 The Power of Wine Criticism and Its Effects20:27 Allocation and Accessibility in the Wine Market29:08 The Economics of Wine Allocation31:27 Martial Arts and Wine: A Unique Comparison34:49 Athletes and Celebrity Wines38:27 The Impact of Celebrity Culture on Wine42:13 Wine, Hip Hop, and Cultural Crossover48:37 The Emotional Connection of Wine Experiences 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners: ▪️Fearrington House: https://fearrington.com/ ▪️Heather Donovan Real Estate: https://heatherdhomes.com/ Backend Tags: Eric Asimov, wine podcast, wine culture, wine criticism, California wine, celebrity wine brands, wine education, wine and wellness, mindful drinking, wine industry, sommelier podcast, wine journalism, The New York Times wine, wine lifestyle, wine commentary, wine trends, wine media, wine storytelling, modern wine culture, wine influencers

Champagne maker Jérôme Dehours brings a rare blend of tradition and rebellion, redefining what Champagne can be through a lens of integrity, terroir, and deep-rooted family legacy. After the early loss of his father and the forced sale of the Dehours estate, Jérôme and his sisters reclaimed their family’s land in 1996. From that moment, he began reshaping the estate’s identity, challenging Champagne’s prestige-driven norms and choosing authenticity over convention. Influenced by Burgundy’s philosophy of place, Jérôme creates “wines that happen to sparkle,” guided not by lab metrics but by instinct, observation, and the expressive character of each vineyard. His commitment to Pinot Meunier, a grape often overshadowed, and his early decision to list lieux-dits on his labels positioned him as a revolutionary voice within Champagne. Joined by Troy Revell, Wine Director at Fearrington House, this episode also features a rare on-camera tasting, offering a front-row view into how a top sommelier experiences these unapologetically terroir-driven wines. Jérôme’s approach is both minimalist and intentional: a Coquard basket press, natural fermentation, and malolactic in bottle all contribute to wines that speak clearly of origin, season, and soil. 📍 What You’ll Learn: Jerome's journey into winemaking began after his father's passing.The Vallée de la Marne is known for its unique terroir.Pinot Meunier is often underestimated but has great potential.Transitioning from grape grower to winemaker was a significant challenge.Single vineyard labeling was a bold move in Champagne.Understanding yields is crucial for quality production.Traditional pressing techniques impact the final wine quality.Aging in large wooden vats adds complexity to the wine.The influence of terroir is evident in the wine's character.Jerome emphasizes the importance of natural winemaking practices.🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate.  Backend Tags: jerome dehours, champagne dehours, grower champagne, pinot meunier champagne, vallée de la marne champagne, lieux dits champagne, natural winemaking, terroir driven wines, burgundian style champagne, champagne wine podcast, wine centric show, artisan champagne, champagne terroir, french wine documentary, independent winemaker, champagne tasting, sommelier interview, wine podcast 2025, champagne with troy revell, champagne philosophy

How does Chateau Musar create a wine so instantly recognizable—vibrant, soulful, unmistakably Musar? In this episode, Marc Hochar takes us inside the family’s collaborative blending process, revealing how each member’s unique palate shapes the final wine. From generational taste differences to the guiding hand of Gaston, the Musar blend is crafted through shared vision, spirited debate, and a reverence for the winery’s heritage. Unlike wines polished to perfection, Musar embraces vibrancy, quirk, and character—the very traits that define its identity. The result is a blend that reflects continuity, lineage, and the soulful imperfections that make Musar one of Lebanon’s most iconic wineries. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at how the Hochar family maintains consistency while honoring individuality, ensuring every vintage carries forward Musar’s legacy. 📍 What You’ll Learn Why Gaston has the final say in the blending processHow each family member’s palate contributes to the final wineHow Musar achieves continuity without sacrificing characterWhy vibrancy and quirk are essential to Musar’s styleHow family opinions and collaboration drive blend decisionsWhy “too perfect” is not Musar🔑 Keywords Chateau Musar, wine blending, signature style, family tradition, wine tasting, Lebanese wine, Marc Hochar 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into global wine culture 🎧 Listen on YouTube + all podcast platforms 🔗 Full episode + show notes: winecentricshow.com 🙏 Episode Partners ▪️ Fearrington House – https://fearrington.com/ ▪️ Heather Donovan Real Estate – https://heatherdhomes.com/ ▪️ Conscious Strong – https://go.consciousstrong.com/

LA Dodgers’ Manager, Dave Roberts, a three-time World Series champion and co-owner of Red Stitch Wine, shares how the intensity of a playoff run mirrors the precision of winemaking. From his first unforgettable glass of Jordan Cabernet to launching a boutique label with fellow athletes, Dave opens up about the journey from the dugout to the vineyard. This candid conversation explores the parallels between baseball and wine, from the art of timing to the value of patience, and touches on evolving wine trends, the influence of his sommelier wife, and why younger generations are key to the future of wine culture. Red Stitch Wine isn’t just a brand; it’s a reflection of friendship, family, and a love for the craft. 📍 What You’ll Learn: Clever parallels between ballplayers and wine styles, from bold Cabs to elegant Pinots.How wine became part of Dave’s personal and family life.The story behind Red Stitch Wine and its roots in friendship and shared passions.Why timing matters, whether chasing a playoff berth or picking grapes at peak ripeness.The influence of Dave’s wife, a trained sommelier, on their wine journey.A shift toward more balanced, lower-alcohol wines with nuance.Insights on how the wine world can better connect with younger audiences.Chapters:00:00 Dave Roberts and His Journey04:24 The Intersection of Baseball and Wine09:10 First Wine Experiences and Discoveries13:46 The Birth of Red Stitch Wine18:20 Involvement in Wine Production and Marketing23:33 The Young Pitcher and Wine Pairing25:34 Shohei Ohtani: The Two-Way Player27:40 Wine Culture in the NBA28:48 Dave Roberts: The Wine Guy of MLB31:32 Red Stitch Winery: A Shift in Wine Philosophy36:15 Connecting Baseball and Wine for Younger Generations37:50 Quickfire Questions and Future Aspirations   🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House, Heather Donovan Real Estate, and Conscious Strong. 

Portugal’s Douro Valley isn’t just beautiful, it’s alive with history, resilience, and over 300 grape varieties that define the essence of Portuguese wine. At the heart of this landscape, Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges, the visionaries behind Wine & Soul, are preserving and celebrating vineyards that date back generations. Their story is one of devotion, to the land, to grape diversity, and to the complex identity born from old vines. With more than 90 distinct grape types thriving in their vineyards, the wines crafted here reflect a rare harmony of nature, heritage, and human touch. Sandra Tavares da Silva and Jorge Serôdio Borges are more than just acclaimed winemakers — they’re stewards of the Douro’s soul. Founders of Wine & Soul, their mission is to protect and express the raw beauty of ancient vineyards. Both named Winemakers of the Year by Portugal’s leading wine publications, Sandra was also recognized as one of the Top 24 Women Winemakers Worldwide by Jancis Robinson in the Financial Times. More about their wines and philosophy: www.wineandsoul.com 📍 What You’ll Learn: Why the diversity of grape varieties in the Douro is unmatched anywhere else in the world.How the Douro went from fortified to fresh winesHow old vineyards survive and thrive through resilience — and what that means for wine lovers.The critical role of plot identity in shaping the character of each bottle.How climate and terroir work together to support this extraordinary grape ecosystem.Why the Douro’s complex blend of grapes results in wines that are layered, expressive, and unforgettable. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House, Heather Donovan Real Estate, and Conscious Strong. 

Champagne isn’t just a beverage, it’s a cultural symbol, a product of place, and increasingly, a lens into the shifting climate of our time. Peter Liem, one of the world’s most respected voices on Champagne, brings rare insight into the region’s transformation over the past two decades. A James Beard Award–winning author and founder of ChampagneGuide.net, Liem has dedicated his career to chronicling the nuance and evolution of the region. From demystifying the myth of Dom Pérignon to tracing Champagne’s evolution amidst climate change, this conversation is a masterclass in nuance. Liem explores why terroir has taken center stage, how grower Champagne reshaped the market, and what the future holds for this iconic wine, including the role of dosage, the rise of still wines, and the region’s ongoing identity shift. Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned wine lover, this episode deepens your understanding of Champagne as both a tradition and an ever-evolving craft. 📍 What You’ll Learn: Dom Pérignon was not the inventor of sparkling wine.Champagne has arguably the longest history of traditional method sparkling wine.The perception of Champagne has evolved significantly in the last 20 years.Climate change is affecting harvest times and wine styles in Champagne.Producers are adapting to climate change by exploring new viticultural practices.The concept of terroir has become much more important in Champagne winemaking.Dosage in Champagne is crucial for enhancing expression, not just balancing acidity.The rise of grower Champagne has changed the landscape of the market.Champagne is now producing more still wines, but sparkling remains dominant.The future of Champagne may involve experimenting with different grape varieties.   🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate.  Backend Tags: Peter Liem, Champagne podcast, ChampagneGuide.net, Dom Pérignon myth, grower Champagne, Champagne terroir, sparkling wine history, James Beard Award wine, climate change and wine, Champagne dosage, still Champagne wines, Champagne evolution, Champagne education, wine podcast episode, Champagne wine regions, wine expert interview, traditional method sparkling, Champagne wine trends, viticulture in Champagne

What does it take to earn the Master Sommelier pin? Max Kast pulls back the curtain on the intense journey, from the pressures of blind tasting to the emotional highs and lows of fine wine service. He reflects on the 2018 Court of Master Sommeliers scandal, how it reshaped the industry, and why integrity remains his guiding principle. In this episode of Wine Centric, Max shares the path that led him from a childhood as one of nine children of German immigrants to becoming Director of BOND Winery in Napa Valley. It’s a conversation about mastery, humility, and a lifelong respect for the vine. Listeners will love Max’s reflections on: The mindset behind becoming a Master SommelierDoes Max have a wine Kryptonite?The philosophy and precision behind BOND Winery’s vineyard expressionThe two people (dead or alive) he’d love to share a bottle with and the wine he’d pourThis is more than a conversation about wine: it’s a masterclass in passion, perseverance, and purpose. Chapters: 00:00 The Journey to Master Sommelier 10:15 The Scandal and Its Aftermath 20:31 The Mindset of a Sommelier 32:25 Evolving Perspectives on Wine Tasting 35:23 The Evolution of Wine in California 38:08 Personal Journey: From Detroit to Missoula 41:17 The Path to Becoming a Wine Director 44:30 Building a Wine Program: Challenges and Triumphs 49:58 Transitioning to Wine Imports 52:54 Current Role at Bond Winery: A New Chapter 🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate. 

Travel to Germany’s legendary Mosel Valley with Johannes Selbach — the heart and mind behind Selbach-Oster and J. & H. Selbach wines. With roots tracing back to the 1600s, Johannes opens up about what it means to carry a family legacy while staying true to nature and terroir. From the dramatic steep vineyards blanketed in slate to spontaneous fermentations and aging in traditional Fuder barrels, we explore the elements that shape Mosel’s unmistakable Riesling profile. Johannes breaks down the nuances of dry versus sweet styles, why site expression matters, and how history and humility guide his craft.From preserving heritage to empowering the next generation, Johannes offers insight into how great wines are born from great places — and a deep respect for them. Key Points The Selbach family’s 400+ years of history in the Mosel ValleyHow Johannes balances tradition with modern winemaking practicesThe unique terroir of the Mosel: slate soils, steep vineyards, river influenceSelbach-Oster’s philosophy: minimal intervention, vineyard-driven winesUnderstanding Riesling styles — from bone-dry to lusciously sweetWhy Riesling is misunderstood and how it pairs with foodClimate change and its impact on recent Mosel vintagesThe evolution of the U.S. market and Selbach-Oster’s strong American tiesMemorable stories from standout vintages and family vineyardsJohannes’s perspective on the future of German wine and Riesling’s global role 🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate. 

Matthew Weiss hosts a once-in-a-generation conversation with two of American wine’s most influential voices: Tim Mondavi, owner of Continuum Estate, architect of Napa Valley’s modern era, and his son Carlo Mondavi, co-owner of RAEN Winery, a visionary championing sustainable farming and fine wine’s future. This unfiltered interview spans four generations of winemaking. Tim recounts his pivotal role as head winemaker at Robert Mondavi Winery, shaping Napa’s appellation system and elevating California wines globally. He shares how the founding of Continuum Estate became a deeply personal expression of family, land, and legacy. Carlo, co-founder of RAEN Winery, brings a dynamic perspective from Sonoma’s rugged coastline. He delves into Pinot Noir terroir, biodiversity beyond organics, and his work with Monarch Tractor to lead winegrowing into the climate-conscious age. Together, they speak candidly about the family rift that changed the Mondavi legacy, the power of harvest season, and what’s next for California wines. 🍷 North Carolina Listeners — Don’t miss the exclusive RAEN & Continuum wine dinner at Fearrington House on September 25, 2025. Experience their wines paired with a seasonal tasting menu in an unforgettable evening of story and flavor. Reserve your seat now → [https://fearrington.com/events/raen-continuum-wine-dinner-september-25-2025/] 📍 Key Moments: The definitive Mondavi conversation: four generations of wineThe family rift: what divided them—and what still bindsNapa’s transformation through Tim’s winemaking lensWhy Carlo farms beyond organic and believes in biodiversityCabernet Franc’s rising influence in Napa blendsThe purpose behind Continuum and RAENWine as storytelling, legacy, and a way of life Chapters:00:00 – Opening Reflections on the Mondavi Legacy02:52 – Harvest Realities: Timing, Tension & Triumph05:14 – Family Rift: What Divided, and What Endures07:53 – Napa’s Transformation Through the Mondavi Lens10:08 – Appellations as a Benchmark for Excellence12:22 – What's Next for California Wines15:03 – Continuum and RAEN: Legacy Meets Innovation17:49 – The Role of Cabernet Franc20:26 – Tradition, Storytelling, and Wine Culture23:17 – Harvest Meals That Became Memories25:49 – The Next Generation: Chiara Mondavi Steps Forward28:22 – Reflections and Future Visions 🔔 Subscribe for more deep dives into wine culture.🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners: ▪️Fearrington House: https://fearrington.com/ ▪️Heather Donovan Real Estate: https://heatherdhomes.com/ #WineCentricShow #MondaviLegacy #NapaValleyWines #WineCulture #CabernetFranc #ContinuumEstate #RAENWines #CaliforniaWine #WinePodcast #WineHistory #monarchtractor

What makes Chile one of the most captivating, and underestimated, places to make wine? Andrea Leon, Technical Director at Lapostolle and Clos Apalta, brings 20+ years of winemaking experience to the mic to answer that question and more. In this episode, Andrea shares her remarkable journey from studying oenology and economics in Santiago to leading two of South America's most iconic wineries. She unpacks the raw beauty and extremes of Chilean terroir, the international odyssey of Carmenere, and what it really takes to craft a 100-point wine. Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply wine-curious, this episode offers a deeply personal look into the soul of Chilean wine. 📍 What You’ll Learn: The historic roots and modern rise of Chilean wineWhy Carmenere is Chile’s misunderstood signature grapeHow Andrea helped position Lapostolle as a global leaderThe patient art and science behind winemakingWhat makes the Colchagua Valley so distinctiveHow Chilean Sauvignon Blanc holds its own next to New Zealand 🎙️ Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just getting started, this episode invites you to discover wine as a story of place, people, and passion. 🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate.  #AndreaLeon #Lapostolle #ClosApalta #ChileanWine #Carmenere #WinePodcast #WineCentricShow #ColchaguaValley #Terroir #SauvignonBlanc

Step into Alsace with Mélanie Pfister — an eighth-generation winemaker redefining what it means to honor tradition while forging a modern path. From the cellar to the vineyard, Mélanie shares how she blends precision, sustainability, and vision at her family domaine. We explore everything from dry Riesling and Alsace Pinot Noir to sustainability, climate adaptation, and the rising influence of women in wine. This episode is a deep dive into terroir-driven winemaking and the personal evolution behind the label. 📌 In This Episode: Why Alsace Riesling isn’t sweet — myth, bustedHow Mélanie Pfister crafted her first orange wineAlsace Pinot Noir’s rise in a warming climateFrom family legacy to biodynamics: her sustainability journeyWomen winemakers changing the face of wine 🎧 Listen now on YouTube + all podcast platforms🔗 Full episode and show notes at winecentricshow.com We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate.  #AlsaceWine #WomenInWine #DryRiesling #WinePodcast #SustainableWine #NaturalWine #PinotNoir #WineCentricShowMelanie Pfister, Domaine Mélanie Pfister, Alsace wine, French wine, Winemaker interview, Women in wine, Organic winemaking, Biodynamic wine, Sustainable viticulture, Natural wine, Dry Riesling, Orange wine, Pinot Noir Alsace, Climate change wine, Terroir driven wine, Wine podcast, Wine Centric Show, Wine YouTube channel, Wine education, Matt Weiss

What does it take to lead one of Napa Valley’s most iconic wineries into the future? In this episode of The Wine Centric Show, Maya Dalla Valle — second-generation winemaker at Dalla Valle Vineyards — shares her journey from growing up among Napa legends to shaping the next chapter of her family’s legacy. We cover it all: the impact of climate change on vineyard practices, the role of Cabernet Franc in the world-class blends, and a peek into life with her husband, a Master Sommelier. If you love Napa Cabernet Souvignon, Cabernet Franc, or stories about wine, legacy, and innovation, this conversation is for you. We’re grateful for the support of our episode partners, including Fearrington House and Heather Donovan Real Estate.    #MayaDallaValle #NapaValley #DallaValleVineyards #CabernetFranc #Winemaking #NapaWine #WineIndustry #ClimateChangeWine #FamilyLegacyWine #WineBusiness #NapaCabernetFranc #2020VintageWine #WinePodcast #WineInterview #NapaValleyWinemaker #OrganicFarmingWine #WineStewardship #NapaWinemaking 

What makes Ridge Vineyards one of the most respected wineries in America? In this episode, Wine Centric sits down with Ridge’s Head of Winemaking & COO, John Olney, and SVP of Global Sales, Michael Torino. Together, they reveal how Ridge built a global reputation while staying deeply rooted in craft, place, and principle. We get into: What “non-interventional” winemaking really meansThe role of corporate ownership—without losing authenticityWhy vineyard practices matter more than any techHow Ridge builds community through the Sommelier SymposiumLessons from decades of aging and legacy vintagesFor decades, Ridge has defined what great American wine should be. Their consistency, integrity, and deep-rooted commitment to place helped put California on the global wine map. Whether you're a sommelier, winemaker, or just a fan of iconic American wine, this episode offers an inside look at one of the most respected names in the industry 00:00 Jumping Right In: Tough Questions for Wine Experts 00:20 Introducing the Titans of Ridge Vineyards 01:43 Debating America's Top Wineries 04:37 The Legacy and Philosophy of Ridge Vineyards 05:24 Challenges and Variations in Winemaking 08:17 Sales and Production: A Harmonious Relationship 13:22 Corporate Ownership and Quality Commitment 16:58 Exploring Ridge's Signature Wines 24:10 The Influence of French Winemaking on Ridge 27:23 Exploring Natural Winemaking 27:54 Challenges and Techniques in Fermentation 29:06 Ridge's Unique Approach to Winemaking 33:33 The Santa Cruz Mountains Project 36:41 Malolactic Fermentation Explained 38:13 The Role of American Oak in Ridge Wines 41:33 Ridge's Tasting Trials and Team Dynamics 42:47 Building Relationships with Sommeliers 51:25 Memorable Moments with Paul Draper 54:20 Conclusion and Final Thoughts