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Northwest Wine Radio

Wine Should be Fun! Northwest Wine Radio is a weekly, hour-long show broadcast on radio stations across the Pacific Northwest. Not your typical wine show, Northwest Wine Radio features interviews with the winemakers, brewers, distillers, and cider makers to get the fun stories behind the bottle. No technical talking here; we're sharing real stories about the real people in the industry. Grab a glass of your favorite and tune in for fun stories, food pairing suggestions, news about upcoming events...all without the attitude! Host Brian Calvert and his team present a different kind of wine show: Light, fun, informal, yet informative and relevant to anyone who drinks local and supports local producers. Again, this show celebrates an entire industry of producers who make fantastic products right here in our own backyard. More information: NorthwestWineRadio.com
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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 17, 2018

(2018)  Sometimes, the person in charge of writing "titles" for the show gets a little too creative.  However, it IS true this episode features both cephalopods and train stations.

First, we sit down with one of Washington's female winemakers to get the story behind her two labels:  Cote Bonneville and Train Station.  Both are based in the Yakima Valley.  Then, we're back to Seattle for the fascinating story behind Mollusk Brewing.  They do things a little differently there!  We finally round things out in Idaho to meet the family that runs Fujitsun Cellars.

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.

Dec 10, 2018

(2018)  Who are we kidding?  There's no place like Bend, Oregon. But as you're about to find out, just because the name says "Bend" doesn't mean that's the entire story.

This becomes much more clear as we sit down with the people behind Bend Distillery and learn more about their line of fine spirits AND that it wasn't named after the city.  Before we take you down this snowy road, we'll learn the story of Milbrandt Vineyards in Washington's Yakima Valley.  They have something special in the middle of all those Yakima hops!

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.

Dec 3, 2018

(2018)  Maybe you're reading the title of this week's show and thinking "what?"  Well, we were just trying to be clever with the names of our guests.

First, we sit down with the people behind Eugene's Noble Estate Vineyard & Winery, and learn how this operation out in the country has become a major player in Willamette Valley wine.  Next, we head east over the Cascades to Bend to hear the story of Monkless Belgian Ales.  The guy behind this operation had made beer for friends for years.  One day, someone challenged him to "go pro," and he hasn't looked back since!

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.

Nov 19, 2018

(2018)  Every fall presents a challenge for our show.  It's harvest time, which means the people who are normally guests, are busy in the vineyards.  Since we taped this show during harvest, we thought it might be fun to do something a little different.

For the first time ever on Northwest Wine Radio, we're going back to school.  We're spending the entire show with the people behind NW Wine Academy, which is headquartered at South Seattle College.  We take an in-depth look into their program, and even get a chance to meet students working towards their certificate.

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.

Nov 12, 2018

(2018)  This week's show is a "trifecta" in the adult beverage world, featuring stories of wine, beer, and spirits. 

Not every brewer strikes gold in the first year.  Then again, the guys behind Yakima's Single Hill Brewing aren't just any brewers.  You'll definitely enjoy the story of their beer, as well as their "good vibes" philosophy.  Speaking of first time victories, we meet the winemaker behind Oregon's King Estate, and find out it's his first job as a winemaker.  It's amazing when you consider the accolades he's won! 

Then, we get a chance to sit down with the man behind Pacific Distillery of Woodinville, and learn a little about absinthe...and the correct way to sip it!

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.

Nov 5, 2018

(2018)  It's just about that time of year when the gray skies and the rain make Hawaii sounds really tempting.  Well, one of our guests this week brings the magic of the islands to his wine.  We meet up with the people behind Freed Estate Winery in Winston, and find out how Hawaii influences every bottle they fill

But first, we sit down with the ladies from Adrice Wines of Woodinville.  They both come from different backgrounds, but found some common ground in good wine.  Then, if you're hoping for a "winery wedding," we have the chance to sit down with the people behind central Oregon's Faith Hope & Charity Vineyards and talk about what it takes for a truly memorable event.

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.

Oct 29, 2018

(2018)  Visiting a tasting room in the heart of wine country is definitely a unique experience, but more and more, tasting rooms are finding homes in the middle of Northwest cities.

Seattle's Elsom Cellars is one of hese success stories.  Their winemaker shares what they're bringing to the city, as well as the challenge's she's overcome to put some great wine in a bottle.  Next, we get a chance to visit with Sound Spirits.  If the name sounds familiar, not only is it the first legal distillery in Seattle, but they were also among the guests on the very first episode of this show!  We check in with their head distiller and find out how they've grown these past 5 years.

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.

Oct 22, 2018

(2018)  It's the story that's been making the rounds in wine circles across the country.

In a Northwest Wine Radio exclusive interview, we sit down with the Virginia winemaker who discovered someone had stolen two tons of grapes, and the Washington winemaker who came to his rescue.  You'll definitely enjoy the story of how the folks at Alexandria Nicole Cellars in Paterson saved the day.

Then, we're off to Oakland...not California, but Oregon...for the story behind a fictional mountain, and how it provided the inspiration for Spire Mountain Cellars.  And, how much do you really know about craft beer?  We get the chance to sit down with a cicerone (think sommelier, but for beer) and pick his brain about brewing, as well as the story behind Bend's Worth 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.

Oct 15, 2018

(2018)  This week on the show, we give you an unforgettable tongue twister...and some really good beer!  We meet the guys behind Belfair brewing behemoth Bent Bine Brew Company (say that fast three times).

Then, we're off to Walla Walla for a tale of a doctor and his wine.  While most of his colleagues are retiring and putting their life savings into wineries, this young doc is just starting his medical AND his wine career.  Marco de Santis stops by to share the triumphs and struggles of Radix Winery.

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.

Oct 8, 2018

(2018)  Many winemakers, for lack of a better term, "get around."  We mean that innocently enough, as often times you learn in one winery, grow in another, and blossom in yet another.  So goes the story of Caleb Foster, the young winemaker at J. Bookwalter Winery in Richland. 

Next, we take you to southern Oregon, to the oldest Pinot Noir in the state.  Dyson Demara stops by to share the story of Hillcrest Vineyards, as well as the tale behind his newest project that began as a run-down car dealership.

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.

Oct 1, 2018

(2018)  If the early predictions hold, the Northwest is in for another great wine grape harvest!  We check in with those keeping an eye on things in both Washington and Oregon and get their grape forecasts.  And then for those who enjoy craft beer, we have a hop prediction as well!

Next, we meet the family operation known as Calcagno Cellars Winery in Troutdale, and find our more about this unique operation along the Columbia River.  Then, it's off to find our "inner-Scotsman" with the guys from Cadee' Distillery on Whidbey Island.  Or as they like to say, "The Isle of Whidbey."

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.

 

Sep 24, 2018

(2018)  This week on Northwest Wine Radio, we explore how a really good wine created?  Well, when a mommy wine and a daddy wine love each other very much, of course!  Actually, there's a better story about the family behind Armstrong Family Winery in Walla Walla, and you'll certainly enjoy it.

Next, we introduce you to a really good cook.  We mean, REALLY good.  This guy has become very popular in the Eugene-area for his southern cuisine...and his beer.  We meet the chef-turned-brewer behind Elk Horn Brewing, and promise you'll likely be very hungry after hearing this story!

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.

 

Sep 17, 2018

(2018)  Our first stop this week on Northwest Wine Radio is Washington's Puget Sound region, home to EFESTE' Wines of Woodinville.  We learn the story behind the name, as well as the story of it's winemaker....who actually began his adult life on the PGA tour!

Then we're headed to central Oregon to explore one of the hottest beverages today in the Northwest, yet it's been around for centuries.  Ever wondered what exactly is kombucha?  We learn the story behind Humm Kombucha of Bend, and figure out how this drink fits into the Northwest's craft beverage scene.

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.

Sep 10, 2018

(2018 - Season 5 Premiere)  We begin our 5th year on the radio with some good wine, and maybe a teeny-tiny bit of scandal.  After all, we're going to reveal the true story of how Sweet Cheeks Winery in Eugene got it's name.  We have some great laughs with the family that started this unique southern Willamette Valley operation.

Ever heard of Schilling Spices?  From the same family that brought you cinnamon and nutmeg for decades comes Seattle-based Schilling Cider.  We'll hear their story, and find out what's behind some of their unique flavor combinations.

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.

Jun 25, 2018

(2018)  The Snake River Valley is producing some really fine grapes, and this week on the show, we meet one of the families turning those grapes into fine wine!  We're on location in Idaho to visit with the crew from Cinder Wines of Garden City.

Then, we meet the "bros" from Central Washington who have turned theor town upside down with some really good craft brewing.  You'll enjoy the story of how Iron Horse Brewery has grown so much, putting Ellensburg on the brewery map!

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."  The "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation, and Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

Jun 18, 2018

(2018)  Nothing beats good, locally made beer and a great story!  This week, you get both as we share the history and art that inspired the beer AND the name of Wingman Brewers in Tacoma.

We also meet the wine maker behind the Alder Ridge Cellars label.  His work in Prosser includes work on another label, so we ask about what it takes to ensure each one of his wines gets enough attention.

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."  The "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation, and Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

Jun 11, 2018

(2018) This week, we take a trip to Idaho to visit with the winemaker behind one of that state's most well-known wineries.  You'll really enjoy getting to know more about Ste. Chapelle Winery, and the story of it's second label!

We also get to know a couple of moms who have come up with a new product called "Wine Block," designed to spare you the purple teeth of a night of wine.  And, we learn the story behind Washington's Sumerian Brewing, and find out their brewer actually has a wine making background!

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."  The "Wine Moms" will have a wine recommendation, and Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

Jun 4, 2018

(2018) There are matches made in heaven, and then there are matches made in a wine barrel.

Such is the case with the couple behind Washington's Barrage Cellars. They share their story of balance life, love, and grapes as we get a taste of the bold fruits of their labor.  Then, we visit with the brothers who are bottling over at Sun Liquor Distillery.  Their passion for making spirits is clear!

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." The "Wine Moms" make a recommendation, and Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

May 21, 2018

(2018) Maybe you're interested in brewing your own beer, but don't have the resources or desire to do it all yourself?  Boy, do we have a flying bike for you!

They guys behind Flying Bike Coop Brewery stop by to share their story of helping everyone make good beer.  You can be as involved as you want at this brewery, where your ideas are welcome, and the most popular beers end up on tap.   We also get a chance to visit with the winemaker behind Oregon's Dion Vineyard, and a sneak peak at a summer wine event you wont want to miss in Sherwood!

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."  The "Wine Moms" will make a recommendation, and Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

May 14, 2018

(2018) Talk about a booming industry!  Sure, we're adding more wineries and breweries by the year, but at the core of all this growth is cider!  We have a conversation with the Northwest Cider Association about how it's members are keeping up with increased demand.

This week, we also meet the women of Orlison Brewery, and get a little more insight into the changing of the guard at Betz Family 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 Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

May 7, 2018

(2018) Down by the station, early in the morning, see the little wine bottles all in a row!  This week, we share the story of Cote Bonneville and Train Station Wines, an operation in the Yakima Valley that's housed in a beautifully refurbished train station.

Then, we head down the road to Richland and meet the winemaker at Pacific Rim Wine, where this Frenchman celebrates Riesling...and ends up converting several people into Riesling lovers! 

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 Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

Apr 30, 2018

(2018) You're on an island, in the middle of Puget Sound.  Besides living at a different pace, we meet the family WORKING at a different pace.  We share the story behind Seattle Distilling Company, putting Vashon Island on the spirits map.

Then we're off to Newberg, Oregon to meet half of the namesake behind Nicolas Jay Wines.  It's a winery built on a friendship between a member of the music industry, and a winemaker from Burgundy.

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 Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

Apr 16, 2018

(2018) He hails from a family of winemakers; Dad made wine in France, Mom made wine in Argentina.  We meet the winemaker behind Oregon's Sylvan Ridge Winery and Elizabeth Chambers Cellars, and learn how the family tree is influencing his Willamette Family creations.

In our Brewers Corner, we meet the women of Stoup Brewing, and learn their influence not only over the beer, but of the atmosphere of their unique taproom.

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 Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

Apr 9, 2018

(2018)  This week we get "all up in your business" with a little heat!  It's not everyday we come across a winemaker infusing jalapenos into their bottles.  There's a really fascinating story behind Potter Wines of Garden City, including where this idea came from!

We also meet a wine operation where they take the extra from other winemakers, and create something unique!  You'll enjoy the story behind Eye of The Needle Winery of Woodinville, and why Brian referred to them as the Grocery Outlet of wineries...in a very good way.

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 Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

Apr 2, 2018

(2018)  We mark the 200th episode of the show by inviting some old friends to join us!  Our partner in Northwest Wine Radio is doing something no Northwest distiller has done before:  Offer you a chance to become part owner.  This week, we learn more about the private offering at Heritage Distilling Company.

Then we welcome back the winemaker at Convergence Zone Cellars, who joined us for the very first show we did.  A lot has changed for this operation!  In our Brewers Corner,  we get to know the family behind Foggy Noggin Brewing, an operation that literally is headquartered in the family's garage.

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 Idaho Wine presents "Bites and Bottles," a fun food pairing with wine, craft beer, and spirits featuring Chef Kathy Casey.

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