(2019) When he first arrived on the scene, Woodinville was home to a handful of wineries, and there were about 100 total in Washington.
Over the past three decades, his presence in the industry has grown right alongside the industry itself. On this episode, we meet the winemaker and learn more of the story behind Patterson Cellars. We also catch-up with a winemaker who's balaning his love for making wine, with his passion for opening a bed and breakfast. There are good things ahead for Fivash Cellars. Then, we head out to the Kitsap Penninsula and check out the cider production happening at Finn River Farms and Cidery.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) How many hats do you wear? As we've come to know, winemakers wear several hats. And at this place, they take their wine...and their hats...seriously.
On this episode, we learn the story behind Nine Hats Wines of Seattle. This is a family operation, but the story is more like the Prodigal Son who goes away, only to eventually find his way back. We also visit the Newberg area of Oregon to learn the story behind Utopia Vineyard, a certified sustainable operation run by a guy who's first career was in the Silicon Valley.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) Make sure you're ready to celebrate all things Irish as you listen to this week's show, but don't worry, we've already kissed the Blarney Stone for you!
On a recent trip to Ireland, host Brian Calvert and "Director Drew" met the crew from Killarney Brewing Company and learned more about the craft beer scene overseas. We saved this story to share on Saint Patrick's Day, as you'll love the Irish accents telling this story! We'll also meet the local winemakers making a go of things in Duvall, Washington, where they're currently the only winery in town. You'll love meeting the couple behind Cherry Valley Wines.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) Southern Oregon is booming when it comes to vineyards. There's so much activity, it's spreading towards the coast...which is where we find this week's guests.
On this episode, we take you to where the Umpqua River Valley meets the Oregon Coastal Range for the story behind Brandborg Vineyards & Winery. It's the tale of a winemaker who's blazed quite a trail through this country, finally landing in Elkton where he's built a renowned facility. Then, we're off to Newberg to the home of Nicolas-Jay wines for the story of how a lady and two gentlemen have staked their own claim in the Willamette Valley.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) Every now and then we take you some place unexpected for a real treat, and this week's show is definitely in this category.
Last month, we visited the Hawaiian Island of Kauai for the first time, and got a chance to meet a local producer who makes something a little different. What do you know about mead? On this episode, we meet the islanders behind Nani Moon Meadery, where we learn mead isn't as sweet as you might expect.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) What do you get when you take a couple of lawyers and give them some wine grapes?
No joke: A historic operation.
On this episode, we take you deep inside Barrister Winery in Spokane, and share the story of how two local attorneys channeled their love for wine into this unique operation inside a historic location. We also catch-up with families behind Pearl and Stone Wine Company of North Bend, then we go out for a beer in Bend and learn the history of Cascade Lakes Brewing.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) What happens when you buy a wine operation with a stellar reputation and set your sights on the future?
Then what happens when you buy a SECOND winery?
We get a chance to meet the new owners of some long time wine operations, and hear the story of what's next for these two Woodinville stalwarts under the new Tinte Cellars label. Then, we head out to the Snoqualmie Valley to find out more about the region's newest group of wineries, and how they're marketing a unique experience. The episode ends with a visit to central Oregon, where a cider favorite has been forced to change its name from Atlas to Avid Cider.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) In some parts of the Pacific Northwest, its just not very easy to grow wine grapes. Specifically, western Washington just isn't the place you find a lot of vineyards.
Until you look very closely.
This week, we feature to story of Skagit Crest Vineyard & Winery of La Conner, Washington. We find out how a couple found a way to live and make wine close to home! Then we travel to the most eastern part of Washington to meet some brewers who have really gone to the dogs. There's plenty of evidence when you hear the names of some of the beers at English Setter Brewery in Spokane Valley.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) Their plan was to plant a region-renowned vineyard, and make a life together producing wine.
Then life changed.
This week, we feature to story of Triple Oak Vineyard of Oakland, Oregon, and the circumstances that left a widow to fulfill the dreams of her late husband. It's an inspiring story that has an ending you'll raise a glass to! Then, we're off Walla Walla, where we meet the rock star behind Eternal Wines and the Drink Washington State label. Just the stories behind the names are fascinating. Wait until you hear how and why he makes the wine!
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) Did you have any idea there was a matchmaking service for wine grapes? We met one on today's show!
The mother-daughter team at Kendall Farms used to grow wine grapes and make wine. They still do today, but the focus on the business is to make sure no Northwest grape goes to waste. Then we head to Oregon's Willamette Valley to meet the man behind William Rose Wines. You'll love his accent, and his quest to help other budding winemakers through something called Oregon Wine Lab.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) One of Oregon's prized valleys for wine has a new AVA...because the grapes are definitely different there.
The man who began Rivers Edge Winery in Elkton stops by to share his winery's story, as well as what made his region of wine country deserve it's own distinction. Then we're off to central Oregon to meet a bartender who had tasted plenty of good spirits, then decided to make his own. It's really fun learning about Oregon Spirits Distillery in Bend, and their line-up of unique products.
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.
(2019) We begin the new year by taking a trip to a local island to discover some really delicious wine!
The people behind Fletcher Bay Winery on Bainbridge Island stop by to talk about how they do what they do...as well as the others now making wine on the popular Washington island. Then we head south to Oregon's Willamette Valley to learn the story behind Wildcraft Cider Works. This popular operation in Eugene does some really interesting things with fruit!
Join host Brian Calvert for all this, plus Master of Wine Bob Betz of Betz Family Winery stops by to answer our wine questions, Justin Stiefel of Heritage Distilling Company mixes-up our "Drink of the Week," and the "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation.