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Fresh from the DTC Conference and Unified Symposium, the guys sit down with two out-of-state winemakers who are making waves in their regions.
Todd Bostock – Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Sonoita, Arizona
Since 1995, Dos Cabezas WineWorks has been growing grapes and crafting wines in Southern Arizona. The winery and its 80 acres of vineyard were pioneered by the late visionary Al Buhl. Todd joined the team as winemaker in 2002, and by the end of 2006, the Bostock family took over operations. Dos Cabezas sources high-quality fruit from its two estate vineyards: Pronghorn Vineyard in Sonoita and Cimarron Vineyard in the Kansas Settlement. Curious about what grapes thrive in Arizona’s unique climate? Todd shares his insight on growing and making wine in the desert.
Dos Cabezas WineWorks - Website - Instagram
Kent Foulker – Cedar Ridge Winery, Swisher, Iowa
The Quint family has a long history of farming and distilling spirits, and in 2005, Jeff Quint founded Cedar Ridge with a mission to put Iowa bourbon on the map. As the first licensed distillery in Iowa since Prohibition, Cedar Ridge released its first batch of whiskey in 2010 and quickly became a leader in craft spirits. But Iowa isn’t just about corn. Kent Foulker dives into what it takes to grow grapes and produce wine in the heart of the Midwest, and how Cedar Ridge balances both wine and whiskey under one roof.
Cedar Ridge Winery - Website - Instagram
Tap your play button for a fascinating conversation about winemaking in unexpected places, the challenges and rewards of working in non-traditional wine regions, and how passion drives these winemakers to create something truly unique. [Ep 359] -
The Marathon – Winemakers, Industry Leaders & The Reason for the Season, Steve Gross
In our final dispatch from the 2025 DTC Wine Symposium, we sat down with industry leaders, keynote speakers, and winemakers from across the country to explore the biggest conversations happening in the wine world.
The highlight, as always, was Steve Gross from the Wine Institute, the foremost expert on wine shipping regulations. If you’re a winemaker who relies on direct-to-consumer sales or a wine lover who enjoys having bottles shipped straight to your door, you have Steve to thank—and y’all better go to Free the Grapes and sign up now!
This episode is packed with countless insights, deep discussions, and incredible guests. Dust off a bottle (or two), settle in, and get ready—this one is an epic.
The Guest Rundown:
Rishad Tobaccowala – AI expert, futurist, thought leader, and author focusing on marketing and the future of work—now a bona fide friend of the pod.
Substack
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Book: Rethinking Work
Susan Kostrzewa – Acclaimed wine writer and editor with extensive industry experience.
Website
LinkedIn
Instagram
Jason Haas – Our longtime inspiration and friend. Partner and General Manager of Tablas Creek Vineyard, advocate for organic farming.
Website
Instagram
Blog
Steve Gross – The great and powerful Vice President of State Relations at the Wine Institute, focusing on industry policies.
Website
Jessah Diaz – Director of Direct-to-Consumer Sales at Cakebread Cellars.
Website
Instagram
Susan DeMatei – Founder of WineGlass Marketing, specializing in digital and DTC wine sales.
Website
Instagram
Kasey Helt – Director of Hospitality at Center of Effort Wines.
Website
Instagram
Anne Zwink – Winemaker at Soldier Creek Winery in Iowa. She heard last year’s show and came to the conference this year. It’s working!
Website
Instagram
Anne Robie – Writer, speaker, and leadership expert focusing on workplace culture.
Website
Stephanie Wycoff – General Manager of Gary Farrell Winery in Sonoma.
Website
Instagram
An essential listen for winemakers, industry insiders, and anyone passionate about the future of direct-to-consumer wine sales. -
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The DTC Wine Symposium Podcast Extravaganza – Part 2: The Wines and the People of Monterey County
Okay, we admit it—we’re Sonoma homers. Occasionally, we branch out and interview someone from Napa (gasp!). But despite our regional prejudices, the growers and winemakers of Monterey County welcomed the podcast crew—not to mention 700+ DTC Wine Symposium attendees—with open arms!
Jokes aside, the Monterey County wine community were fantastic hosts all week long. We were lucky enough to sit down with friend of the pod, Adam Lee—a longtime proponent of Monterey fruit—and let him guide us through a fascinating conversation with some luminaries of the Monterey wine scene.
Adam introduced us to legendary grower Gary Franscioni, owner of ROAR Wines, who helped develop and farm the vineyards that put the Santa Lucia Highlands on the winemaking map. We also met Sabrine Rodems, winemaker at the acclaimed Wrath Wines and owner/winemaker of Scratch Wines—an awesome lineup of wines that scratched an itch for the acid-driven, racy wine lovers among us. And we spoke with Rhonda Motil, VP of Marketing at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, a family-owned winery with deep roots in the region. Jerry Lohr was one of the first to believe in Monterey’s potential back in the early ‘70s, and today, J. Lohr continues to produce intricate, terroir-driven wines from over 4,000 planted acres.
Of course, this was just a fraction of Monterey County’s wine story. Steeped in agricultural history, the Salinas River Valley and surrounding hillsides make up one of the most important farming regions in the country—possibly the world. We learned about the power of the Monterey Canyon, the vast and deep submarine trench off the coast that plays a defining role in the region’s climate. We also explored the rapid shifts in temperature, soil composition, and terroir that unfold as you travel north-south and east-west across this fertile wonderland.
All in all, we hope we didn’t make total fools of ourselves—because the wines were beautiful, the vineyards were stunning, and the people were fantastic. Here’s hoping they invite us back!
Monterey Vintners
Rhonda Motil
VP of Marketing – J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Website | Instagram
Adam Lee
Clarice Wine Company | Journalist, North Bay Business Journal
Website | Clarice Wine Company
Instagram | Instagram
Gary Franscioni
Owner – ROAR Wines
Website | Instagram
Sabrine Rodems
Owner & Winemaker – Scratch Wines | Winemaker – Wrath Wines
Scratch Wines | Instagram
Wrath Wines | Instagram -
We kicked off our annual pilgrimage to the DTC Wine Symposium with one of the biggest names in wine: Karen MacNeil. Yes, the Karen MacNeil—winner of nearly every major wine writing award, founder of the Culinary Institute of America’s Professional Wine Program, Stanford University wine educator, and global authority on all things wine.
You know her from WineSpeed in your inbox, from PBS and Netflix in your living room, and from Come Over October, a movement championing wine’s place in culture. And, of course, she’s the author of The Wine Bible—Volumes 1 through 3, with Volume 4 in the works.
But behind the accolades is an incredible story: a determined high school runaway who discovered wine through an $0.89 Bulgarian jug red, bootstrapped her way through college working in restaurants, launched her food and wine writing career at just 19, and bulldozed her way to the top of New York’s wine world.
It was fascinating, inspiring, and educational—the perfect way to start our epic week in Monterey.
KarenMacNeil.com
@KarenMacNeilCo
ComeOverOctober.com
@ComeOverOctober -
Professor Phil wrapped up teaching a master class in regenerative organic agriculture to a group of Harvard and MIT grad students at Liquid Sky Vineyard in Sonoma's Moon Mountain AVA.
After experiencing firsthand the vineyards and tasting the wine they helped study, John sat down with the students to discuss how they plan to take the principles of regenerative organic farming into the world through their future careers.
This episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the minds of some of the brightest and most innovative thinkers in agriculture today.
Tune in and enjoy! -
This week, we had the pleasure of sitting down with winemaker Isabel Gassier and viticulturist Phil Coturri to discuss their collaborative project, À Deux Têtes, which began in 2017 with the late, renowned French winemaker Philippe Cambie. Isabel has been crafting wine simultaneously at her family’s Domaine Gassier in France and Sonoma's Winery Sixteen600, where all the grapes are organically farmed under Phil’s care.
Together, Phil and Isabel share insights into their approach and decisions for the challenging 2022 vintage. They discuss the new releases of Oakville and Rossi Ranch Grenache, as well as the 2023 Rosé of Grenache, offering a rare glimpse into the collaboration between grower and winemaker.
It’s an engaging conversation about their shared philosophy, their passion for organic farming, and the exciting results of their partnership. [Ep 354]
Follow their work:
@domainegassier
@enterprisevineyards
@isabelgassierwine
@winerysixteen600 -
Adam Frisch, a Los Angeles-based cinematographer, took an unconventional path to winemaking, diving in with no formal training to produce wines from historic varieties like Flame Tokay and Mission.
Adam’s approach to winemaking is as bold as it is thoughtful. “I tend to go for more restrained oak usage for the best expression, but I’m not opposed to oak if the wine demands it (and some do). My wines are typically bone dry, naturally fermented, with no added chemicals, and low in sulfites. I try not to filter or fine.”
We love passionate and adventurous winemakers like Adam, who defy trends and follow their dreams with reckless abandon. His portfolio is diverse, fascinating, and utterly delicious.
Adam joined us for this episode after being evacuated due to the fires in Southern California—proof of his dedication to his craft. You can find his wines through his website or follow his journey on social media. [Ep353]
Check them out:
Sabelli-Frisch.com
Instagram: @sabellifrisch -
This week, we spoke with Martha Stoumen, a winemaker crafting unique wines from the warmer regions of Northern California. For the past decade, she has been building her own label and gaining attention with her eye-catching designs and surprising grape varietals. Her commitment to sustainable farming has set her apart, appealing to wine lovers who value quality and ethics. With a focus on natural acidity, her wines remain fresh, vibrant, and incredibly drinkable.
Martha spent eight years apprenticing around the world before launching her own journey as a winemaker. Starting as a self-funded, first-generation vintner, her goal was to answer a simple question: “What does California taste like?” She believes Mediterranean grapes thrive in Northern California’s warm climate, allowing her to create joyful, balanced wines. Her unexpected varietals and fresh takes on California classics offer something truly unique.
“We do things the right way,” Martha says, “even if it’s not the easiest or coolest way.”
Every year, Martha produces nearly two dozen wines. The blends and flavors may change, but her dedication to natural winemaking stays the same. Her wines are a celebration of the simple pleasures of drinking something authentic and thoughtfully made.
This conversation offers a fascinating look at Martha’s vision and her quest to showcase the best of California winemaking. If you’re passionate about wine, don’t miss it! [Ep 352]
marthastoumen.com
@marthastoumen
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When we last checked in on Gloria Ferrer, the winery was undergoing a significant transition. With a new general manager in place, they were moving toward organic farming across their 300 acres, while also preparing for the retirement of their original winemaker and vineyard manager. Enter viticulturist Brad Kurtz, who not only spearheaded the shift to organic farming but also took a deep dive into re-evaluating every block of their estate vineyards—matching clones and rootstocks to specific soils for optimal results.
In early 2024, Kyle Altomare joined as Director of Winemaking. With experience at Raventos Codorniu and as Associate Winemaker for Artesa Vineyards, Kyle is now instrumental in crafting Gloria Ferrer’s sparkling wines and elevating the style and prestige of their estate. The goal: to refine and develop a signature house style defined by the purity of estate-grown fruit.
As this is the final show of the year, we encourage you to open a bottle of bubbles—preferably one made right here in California—and raise a glass to the bright future of California wine.
Thank you all for your amazing support of the podcast. Here’s to a sparkling 2024. Happy New Year [Ep 351]
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Brooke Delmas Robertson is one of our favorite people, and for good reason. Her Delmas SJR Vineyard Syrah was just named #10 on Jeb Dunnuck’s Top 100 Wines of 2024, and shortly after, her Viognier earned a spot in Decanter's Top 50. Her family has been raising the bar in the Rocks District of Walla Walla for years, producing only about 1000 cases annually—flying under the radar, but with outstanding quality.
Brooke’s commitment to sustainability and family legacy shines through in her approach: “We want our vines to outlive us and be sustainable and strong for generations to come. That expectation requires daily oversight and a commitment to sustainability and healthy plants,” she says. “The driving vision to create a small, family-estate operation has been a family dream since my brother and I were kids. My work on behalf of the estate will continue to be a tribute to my late brother, whom the vineyard is named after. To life!”
In addition to her winemaking, Brooke serves on the Board of Directors of the Oregon Winegrower Association, representing Eastern Oregon. She’s a Level One Mentor with Bâtonnage (Women in Wine) and founded the Vineyard Technical Group for the Walla Walla Valley, partnering with Oregon State University and the Rocks District Winegrowers to provide ongoing education for wine growers in the region.
We highly recommend getting your hands on these wines, especially the Viognier and SJR Vineyard Syrah. Better yet, plan a trip to Walla Walla, Washington, and see firsthand the incredible work being done there. [Ep350]
www.delmaswines.com
@delmas_sjrvineyard -
Stuart Spencer began his career with the Lodi Winegrape Commission in 1999 as the Program Manager where he was instrumental in conceptualizing and guiding many of the region’s successful marketing, research and education, and sustainable viticulture programs, including LODI RULES.
His passion for Historic Vineyards runs deep and his knowledge of the local history in Lodi is impressive. Stuart wrote an article in March of this year that highlighted the growing concerns over foreign bulk wines flooding the California wine industry that is truly shocking.
www.lodigrowers.com/imported-foreign-bulk-wine-the-dirty-secret-no-one-in-california-wine-is-talking-about
Stuart also is the winemaker for St. Amant Wine, his family winery that first planted grapes in Amador County back in the eighties, then went on to make wines in Lodi. We had the opportunity to try some of his wines and they were “off the charts” amazing. Enjoy the show and pick up some of his wines.
www.stamantwine.com
@st.amant_wine -
After first dipping his toes in the wine industry in the Shenandoah Valley of western Virginia, Matt Crutchfield’s passion for wine truly blossomed in Charleston, South Carolina. Working in wine bars and retail shops allowed him to dive deep into the seemingly endless rabbit hole of wine knowledge. Initially, he planned to work a single harvest in Sonoma County to gain firsthand experience in winemaking before returning to hospitality in Charleston.
But after four harvests in Sonoma and another in New Zealand, it became clear that winemaking had completely captivated him. Instead of heading back to Charleston, Matt fully embraced the craft. Now the Assistant Winemaker at Ryme Cellars, he has been encouraged by owners Ryan and Megan to create some of his own wines. Inspired by Ryme’s skin-fermented styles, Matt has produced two chenin blancs—one fermented on the skins and one without—showcasing his unique approach to the varietal.
Enjoy our conversation with Matt and be sure to check out his wines! [Ep348]
https://www.mattcrutchfieldwines.com/
@mattcrutchfieldwines
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We were joined by the lovely Patrizia and Romano Chiari of Tenuta l’Impostino in Tuscany. Crafting organic Sangiovese blends using biodynamic principles for over 20 years, their wines are a testimony to the tradition and innovation of a lesser-known corner of Tuscan viticulture, Montecucco.
tenutaimpostino.it
@tenutaimpostinowinery -
This week on the podcast we have Ray Isle the Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine and the Wine & Spirits Editor of Travel + Leisure. His articles about wine, beer, food and spirits have appeared in a wide range of national publications. He speaks regularly on wine at events around the country and is a frequent guest on national media, appearing on programs such as NBC's Today, CBS Mornings, CNBC’s Squawk Box and many others. With those qualifications you might ask, what's he doing on The WineMakers Podcast...We were able to catch him while he was in Sonoma County while he was promoting his recent book The World in a Wineglass. Enjoy this great conversation that we had with Ray covering all sorts of current topics in the wine business. [Ep346]
Follow his wine exploits on Instagram @rayisle
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Aaron Pott is a true legend in wine country. Starting his career at newton Vineyards in Napa, he left the U.S. for a position as winemaker at Château Troplong-Mondot, a Premier Grand Cru Classé in Saint-Émilion, France. Aaron then moved to Château Troplong- Mondont after a year to become director at Château La Tour Figeac, a Grand Cru Classé located in Saint-Emilion. He spent five years there and, in the process, earned a degree in Viticulture from the Université de Bourgogne in Dijon, France.
Aaron eventually returned to Napa and accepted the position of head winemaker in charge of international brands for Beringer before taking over as general manager and winemaker at Quintessa in 2004. After buying a piece of property on Mt. Veeder, Aaron and his wife Claire started Pott Wines, making Zinfandel, Syrah, Cabernet Franc and Grenache. He continues to consult for numerous wineries, when he’s not surfing or watching soccer. All the wines are stellar, but that Zinfandel and Cabernet Franc are still on my mind. [Ep345]
pottwine.com
@aaron_pott -
This week on the podcast we welcome The River Club, a collaborative wine tasting space brought to you by two family-owned wineries, Belong Wine Co. and Paper Planes Wine Co. Just south of downtown Napa off the beaten path along the river in Napa's Tannery District this hidden gem offers epic river views and a refreshingly modern tasting experience.
Sourcing from vineyard sites from the Sonoma Coast to the Sierra Foothills, they met in Napa where they became friends in 2017 and soon began making their wines at the same winery. Realizing their shared passion, they were determined to open a space where they could share their wines that exemplify their spirit of exploration and sense of community.
A great conversation about not only these two distinct wine companies but also about opening a tasting room with a modern look and feeling. Check out this episode and make a reservation to go tasting at The River Club soon. [Ep344]
https://www.exploretock.com/riverclubnapa
https://www.paperplaneswine.com/
https://belongwines.com/ -
Isabel Gassier is in Sonoma this week for one of her semi-annual visits to taste and blend the Sixteen 600 and À Deux Têtes wines. Naturally, we had to ask her—how are the vineyards looking in France? Isabel is joined by Jack Sporer of Fres.co wines and our very own Phil Coturri. Together, they opened some old wines and some brand-new ones, letting the conversation flow. There's plenty of harvest wrap-up, vineyard talk, and fascinating blending discussion. Plus, we tease an exciting new collaboration wine between Fres.co and Sixteen 600. And most importantly... GO VOTE! [Ep 343]
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Peter Mathis, an old friend of the podcast and an extraordinary winemaker, stopped by the Sixteen 600 Tasting House this week to update us on his new releases and share stories from his life working alongside Joel Peterson to build the Ravenswood brand, as well as his experiences in Sonoma County Wine.
Enjoy as we hear Peter's fascinating stories and taste a bottle of his 2010 Grenache and his 2020 UberBlend. Sit back, pour a glass, and enjoy! [Ep342]
mathiswine.com -
Harvest is in full swing here in Sonoma, the guys take a moment to discuss how things are going, what to expect, and how the wines are tasting so far. The weather has been almost perfect, but a heat spike in the last few days may have affected some of the fruit, Sam has been out there every morning and weighs in on the issues. A compacted growing season has wine makers jockeying for tank space and press time, let's see what the guys have to say. [Ep341]
danecellars.com
winerysixteen600.com -
Paul Grieco has a storied career in wine and hospitality, beginning in his family’s Italian restaurant in Toronto and working his way to the heights of Manhattan dining rooms. He worked with the famed Danny Meyer and the-now celebrity chef Tom Colicchio when they opened the fabled Gramercy Tavern where Paul began as a server and eventually became beverage director. Despite all the accolades that come with hallowed halls of fine dining, Paul is most revered acclaimed and revolutionary wine bar Terroir and its now legendary Summer of Riesling. The guys had a chance to sit down with Paul and Tanner Walle of Valley Bar and Bottle when the Summer of Riesling hit Sonoma. We discuss the state of wine and hospitality in wide ranging and appropriately non-linear conversation.
In short, the Summer of Riesling collided with International Grenache Day as we approached the Autumnal Equinox on the back porch of the tasting house…and the results are spectacular. [Ep340] - Mehr anzeigen