October 2016 - On The Wine Road

Marc Mondavi, the Divine Water Witch

On this podcast we’re going to challenge your belief in mystical talent. Marc Mondavi is not only a long time winemaker from the iconic Mondavi family, he is also experienced in the fine craft of dowsing, divining, yes they even call it water witching. Go ahead, scoff if you will, but Marc is paid handsomely for this talent and he wouldn’t have been for decades if he wasn’t successful. It’s no wonder his other wine project, aside from the family’s Charles Krug winery, is called The Divining Rod Wine. You’ll walk with me as he demonstrates his talent and as he talks about his other craft, fine wine. Ex Aqua Vinum.

Beer & Cider

Craft Beer Pioneer Don Barkley of Napa Smith Brewery

It’s time to veer off the Wine Road a bit and chat with a brewer. After all, the modern era of the craft beer industry began here in the heart of Northern California Wine Country. Don is an icon among brewers beginning with New Albion Brewery, kick-starting Mendocino Brewing Company, and now calling Napa Smith home. He’s been working on his craft as long as some of the winemakers I’ve interviewed. Hear about his past, present and likely future.

Dry Creek Valley, Wineries

Harvest #2 at Amista Vineyards

This is the second of three harvest I’ll be participating in this season. This time I join winemaker Ashley Herzberg of Amista Vineyards as they pick Syrah for sparkling wine in Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County. You’ll learn how picking for sparkling differs from still wine. After harvest we head to the crush facility for the second segment where you’ll hear how the juice gets it’s red color. It’s a specifically timed process. Tag along with me, won’t you?