A half century ago only a handful of people knew how special Oregon's Willamette Valley was for grape growing. Cal Knudsen was among them, and as word got out, Brian Croser made the journey from Australia to see, and taste, for himself. With his expectations confirmed, Croser teamed up with sparkling wine guru Rollin Soles to start Argyle, with Knu…

We've all heard the saying "it all starts in the vineyard". It's a cliche because it's true! When the legends of the Oregon wine industry needed an expert hand on their vineyards, they called Allen Holstein. In this episode, Brian invites Page Knudsen Cowles to co-host another episode as we celebrate Knudsen Vineyards 50th Anniversary with the man …

The Burgundian influence on the Oregon Wine Industry, particularly the Willamette Valley, is inescapable. The Drouhin Family, led by Veronique, planted the French flag in the Dundee Hills in the 1980's and in doing so, legitimized the Oregon industry and fostered a partnership and friendship between the two regions. In this episode, Veronique joins…

1971 was a landmark year in Willamette Valley Wine Country- they just didn't know it at the time! Both Knudsen Vineyards and the Sokol Blosser Winery were founded in '71, and a half century later, they're both celebrating their 50th Anniversary. The parallels don't end there- both operations are now run by each family's second generation. In this e…

You've probably heard of Argyle Wines thanks to Rollin Soles, who put the winery, and Oregon sparkling wine, on the map. There's a Knudsen connection in the DNA of Argyle, as Cal Knudsen teamed up with Brian Croser to found the Dundee Wine Company, giving birth to Argyle. To this day, Argyle is still sourcing the Knudsen Vineyards fruit for its awa…

There are many iconic names associated with the Oregon wine industry, but perhaps none as widely recognized as Dick Erath, who partnered with Cal Knudsen in 1971 to form the iconic Knudsen-Erath label. In this episode, Brian welcomes Page Knudsen Cowles and Dick Erath to revisit the roots of the Willamette Valley and the rolling Dundee Hills, refle…

The Island Lifestyle, and the drinks that go with it, can now be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. A decade in the making, Tommy Bahama brings us the finest craft spirits from it's Coral Cay Distilling. Rum is obviously a prerequisite here, but Coral Cay is also delivering hand crafted bourbon, gin and vodkas. For those on the go, "Tommy Trave…

You never know what Mother Nature has planned for harvest in the Willamette Valley. This year, a cool spring and early summer impacted the vineyards. Then, just when it appeared fall was ready to arrive, a heatwave hit forcing vintners & vineyard managers to scramble. In this episode, Brian welcomes Winemaker Katie Santora and Vineyard Manager Jaso…

We return to one of our favorite destinations, the Applegate Valley and Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden. Brian reconnects with Bill Steele, who co-founded the winery with his wife Barbara. They revisit the backstory of this iconic winery and what prompted Bill & Barbara to become the industry leaders in biodynamics. Ultimately, it's all about the Rhone v…

How many times have you dreamed you were at your favorite winery or vineyard? Probably often these days... Unfortunately, your favorite winery or vineyard is hours away, requires a reservation or must limit capacity due to the virus. What if you could experience it pre-COVID? No masks, no crowds, in virtual reality? That's what Stoller Family Estat…

In this interactive, virtual episode Brian welcomes Stoller Family Wine Group VP of Winemaking Melissa Burr and Chehalem Winemaker Katie Santora to share the story of Chemistry, a collaboration between the teams at Stoller & Chehalem. Follow along with us at www.chemistrywine.com to browse the lineup from Chemistry, and have these amazing wines at …

10 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the past two weeks, the majority of them in the hospitality industry, as the coronavirus sweeps across the nation and brings the economy to its knees. In this time of need, Oregon's Stoller Wine Group is partnering with popular local restaurant The Botanist House and Meals on Wheels to feed restau…

This year's Destin Charity Wine Auction moves from its familiar spot on the calendar in late-April to August 21-22. In times like this, it just gives us more to look forward to! Nothing can stop us from counting down to one of America's top wine events, one that many would argue is the most fun. Destin showcases the finest wines, but this event, li…

We open our virtual tasting room with a trip to Anacortes to visit with Doug Charles at Compass Wines. Over the past 20 years, Compass Wines has gained a well-deserved reputation as THE expert on Washington State wines and as a worldwide wine sleuth, finding incredible wines and values around the globe. Doug shares his story in the Washington resta…

Legendary winemaker and Master of Wine Bob Betz founded this iconic winery in 1997 and sold to South African business partners Steve & Bridgit Griessel in 2011. Bob has remained as consulting winemaker, forging a close friendship with the Griessel's. Their goal was not to not only continue Bob's high standards, but to take this already prestigious …

Founded in 1983 as the third winery in the Walla Walla Valley, L'Ecole No. 41 enters its fifth decade as an American favorite and an international player. As Sara Schneider wrote in Robb Report "L'Ecole... has turned into a world ambassador with Ferguson." Those accolades, the result of claiming Best Bordeaux Blend in the World with the 2011 Estate…

We can't think of a better way to pop the cork on our 2020 episodes than to do it on Valentines Day at the American epicenter of Grower Champagne, Fat Cork in Seattle. In this episode, Brian reconnects with Brian Maletis, who along with wife Abby founded Fat Cork a decade ago. Together, they bring the best of the best to America to share with the r…

Dr. Madaiah Revana found the perfect piece of property in St. Helena and began a journey that led him to establish vineyards & wineries in Oregon and Argentina. In this exclusive interview, Brian travels to Napa to sit down with the Houston cardiologist and learn how his passion for wine produced this trifecta of respected wineries in two hemispher…

A Who's Who of Washington's top vintners calls the Walla Walla Valley home. And with the wineries and tasting rooms within a short drive, it makes this region one of the most enjoyable to visit. Just north of the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, Mike & Lauri Corliss welcome you to experience one of the most magnificent wineries & tasting rooms in Ame…

The second generation of Oregon winemakers is now well established. In the Willamette Valley, where their parents migrated 30+ years ago, this group has set a new standard for the industry, raised expectations, perfected a Burgundian-style Chardonnay, and they are now turning their attention to sparkling wines. Jesse Lange is the winemaker, and an …

Rollin Soles traveled the world as a young man and chose to make his mark in Oregon. He founded Argyle and proceeded to not only put sparkling wine on the map, he re-wrote the boundaries for bubbles worldwide. Now, Rollin & wife Corby have teamed up at ROCO, where Rollin's showcasing his Pinot Noir, including the "Private Stash". Brian heads to the…

There is vodka. And then there is Glass Vodka. Artisan craftsman Ian MacNeil has transformed this homogenous, artificially-flavored and mass-produced liquor into a connoisseur spirit that is like nothing you've ever experienced. From the exquisite glass packaging, to the extraordinary, velvet smooth vodka inside it, Ian MacNeil's Glass Vodka is an …

Seattle native Larry Stone grew up with wine in his blood, scientific curiosity, and the warm and approachable personality it takes to entertain guests at America's top restaurants. The 9th Master Sommelier in America and first American to win the prestigious Best International in French Wines Competition in Paris, Larry has returned to his Northwe…

One thing's for sure. Our friends in Destin do it right! The main event in April, the Destin Charity Wine Auction, celebrates its 15th year in 2020. Meantime, the Harvest Wine & Food Festival has quickly grown into a world class event on its own. This three-day event has a different vibe, but its still first class. While the wine dinners are alread…

After a decade together building Avennia into one of Washington's most respected wineries, Marty Taucher and Winemaker Chris Peterson were looking for a new challenge. They literally got in the car one day and went for a drive through Eastern Washington. High atop Red Mountain, they found what they were looking for. Brian revisits Avennia to reflec…

One of the most respected families in Napa Valley continues to produce spectacular wines. But it's their work through wine, charitable giving, and a commitment to change how mental health issues are perceived, diagnosed and managed that have put the Staglin's center stage for a major announcement. Brian travels to their Rutherford estate to share t…

Our first stop in Napa Valley is one of the favorite wine destinations in California. Brian heads north on the Silverado Trail to the eastern slopes of the valley to enjoy Rutherford Hill Winery's flagship Merlot and other elegant wines with GM Bryan Parker.By Brian Bushlach

Earl & Hilda Jones moved cross-country and chose the rolling hills of Southern Oregon to plant their favorite Spanish varietal Tempranillo. The name Abacela originates from the Latin word Abacelar, which means "to plant a grape vine". In doing so, Earl & Hilda put Tempranillo and Southern Oregon on the map for American wine consumers. In this episo…

Southern Oregon showcases everything the state has to offer, and nobody's doing it better than DANCIN Vineyards. The husband & wife team of Dan & Cindy Marca are not only producing award-winning wines, but providing an experience for their guests on the rolling, north facing hillside just outside historic Jacksonville.…

Maryhill Winery continues to expand its influence on Northwest wine with the opening of it's latest tasting room on the waterfront in Vancouver USA. In this episode, Maryhill's Craig Leuthold also makes a major announcement about a tasting room in the Seattle-area. And while Maryhill covers all major Washington markets, winemaker Richard Batchelor …

The stunning scenery of the Columbia River Gorge provides the backdrop for a visit to the only AVA in American shared by two states, Oregon & Washington. On the southern side of the mighty river, the fertile, rolling hills of Hood River are home to Cathedral Ridge, as Brian revisits the winery that's helped put this region on the map.…

The indigenous peoples of this Oregon region called it "Chahelim", or "Valley of Flowers". Today, it's a valley of vineyards, where Harry Pederson-Nedry first planted Pinot Noir in the 1980's. He opened Chehalem Winery in 1990, and grew it into one of Oregon's most popular brands. Business partner Bill Stoller bought Harry out last year, and now it…

Voted “Best Tasting Room in America” by USA Today, Stoller Family Estate produces award-winning wines in a spectacular setting on the western edge and south facing slopes of the Dundee Hills. Brian’s trip to the estate continues as he revisits this popular property and spends time with Associate Winemaker Kate Payne-Brown.…

Oregon Wine Month continues throughout May, and Brian returns to the Willamette Valley to learn more about the collaboration between vintners in the Stoller Wine Group. The new label is called, appropriately, "Chemistry", as winemakers from Chehalem & Stoller Family Estate combine forces to produce value wines that bring the best of both to the mar…

The weekend festivities continue at the Destin Charity Wine Auction, and this popular springtime gathering is more than just a wine event. Brian sits down with legendary distiller Bill Samuels, Junior from Maker's Mark, Jacksonville's award-winning Chef Scotty Schwartz, and event organizers who are expecting another record-setting year.…

A record-breaking weekend in Destin winds down, but not before Brian visits with "the spy" who fell in love with Napa, Jean Noel Fourmeaux. Chef Cindy Hutson returns to the Destin Charity Wine Auction again this year, sharing her story of food, fishing, and fundraising, and in between events, Brian can be found relaxing at the nearby Tommy Bahama R…

On location for the live auction in Destin, Brian reconnects with Eugenia Keegan, Oregon GM for Jackson Family Wines, who is thrilled with the response for Oregon wine on the Gulf Coast. Dr. Madaiah Revana shares his wines from Napa, Oregon and Mendoza, and Shirley Roy brings her rare and highly regarded reds to the party.…

Another record year at the Destin Charity Wine Auction, with $3 million raised benefiting children in need on Florida's Emerald Coast. In the first of a four volume set, Brian visits with Greg & Stacy Lill of Chateau Lill and Cashmere, Joe Aschbacher of Chateau Ste. Michelle and Col Solare, and Stag's Leap VP & GM Russ Joy.…

In Volume 2 on location in Georgia's Lake Country, we shift the focus from wine to food at Reynolds Lake Oconee. Certified Master Chef Derin Moore and GM Mike Scully join Brian to share their friendship back to the days at Medina Country Club, to their current roles at this spectacular resort. Chef Derin gives us a taste of his cuisine, and how he'…

Reynolds Lake Oconee is the epicenter of food, wine and recreation in the Southeastern US. In this episode, Brian revisits the sprawling resort to spend time with Jason Plazola, Director of Food & Beverage, and learn why Georgia's Lake Country is at the crossroads of American wine & dining.By Brian Bushlach

Trisaetum, led by artist & winemaker James Frey, continues to produce award winning wines. But in the heart of Oregon wine country, the focus here isn't on Pinot Noir, but on Riesling. That said, James and his team produce beautiful wines across the board, including a sparkling that rivals the grower champagnes from France. Brian revisits the Ribbo…

With respect to all of the Oregon wine pioneers, I refer to the Ponzi's as the "First Family" of the Oregon Wine Industry. They arrived from Northern California in the late-1960's and put their small family to work on a farm outside Portland. Along the way, Dick & Nancy Ponzi founded Ponzi Vineyards, Bridgeport Brewing, and the Dundee Bistro. They …

We've featured Winderlea on our popular radio program over the years, and this time we revisit the Dundee Hills to learn about what's going on behind the scenes. Winderlea is certified biodynamic and B-Corp, and co-owner Bill Sweat tells us why he & Donna Morris have chosen to make a statement about how they farm their historic vineyards.…

One of Oregon's largest producers by volume, Duck Pond Cellars retains the feel of a small family operation. Founded by the Fries Family in the early-1990's and purchased by Integrated Beverage Group in September 2018, Duck Pond Cellars is undergoing a rebirth. IBG is making a major investment, renovating the tasting room and bringing in A level ta…

The California wine industry is America's leader, and the next generation of vintners are literally taking it to the streets of cities across the state. In Carlsbad, Carruth Cellars sources the best grapes from across the west- not only California, but Oregon, to produce a stunning selection of quality wines. In this episode, Brian spends an evenin…

In Volume 2 from the Naples Winter Wine Festival, Brian sits down with Salvatore Ferragamo to learn more about Il Borro in the heart of Tuscany. Veronique Drouhin shares her passion for Pinot Noir, both in Burgundy and Oregon, and Olivier Krug pops the cork on his Grand Cuvee.By Brian Bushlach

There are wine auctions, and then there's the Naples Winter Wine Festival. This year, America's #1 wine auction raised almost $16 million for underprivileged children in Collier County, FL. In Volume 1 of our podcast, Brian visits with Barbara Banke from Kendall-Jackson, The Mondavi Family, Master Sommelier Larry Stone, and James Beard Award Winnin…

Maryhill Winery Co-Founders Craig & Vicki Leuthold built the best destination winery in the Pacific Northwest, then opened a hip, urban tasting room in their hometown of Spokane. Now, they have their sights set on Vancouver USA, with a spectacular waterfront tasting room on the Columbia River. Brian revisits his friends to learn about their latest …

Greg & Stacy Lill are more than winery owners, they're ambassadors for the Washington industry and friends with vintners around the world. Greg founded DeLille Cellars 27 years ago and with Stacy, they built DeLille into one of America's most respected brands. They recently completed the sale of the winery, but that's not the end of this story. It'…