Episodes

Today you’ll hear from Phil Lopez of Silver Spur Winery in Hico. He’s a Texan who got into wine while living in California. Phil is most at home in the vineyard, and you'll love what Phil has to say about Texas wine. After 62 episodes, finally someone wore a cowboy hat to the interview.But firs…

Today my guest is Jon Leahy, the winemaker at Becker Vineyards, one of the first, and one of the largest wineries in Texas. We take a look back at some of the most memorable wines he’s made, his extensive travels, and what’s next for Becker Vineyards.I’ve got a last minute ticket giveaway for T…

Dan Gatlin joins me to talk about his almost 50 years in the wine industry. We cover a lot of ground including including the development of the wine industry in Napa Valley, the lessons learned in the early years of the Texas wine industry, Dan's unconventional ideas about terroir, and why he wishe…

Today's guests are Nikhila Narra Davis and Greg Davis of Kalasi Cellars. They’ve got a major presence as both High Plains grape growers and as winery owners in Fredericksburg. You’ll hear from Nikhila, who handles wines and vines, and Greg, who handles the rest. In the news, you’ll find out who…

My guest Bryan Chagoly co-owns Sandy Road Vineyards in Johnson City. We discuss how Sandy Road Vineyards started and their plans for the future. We also talk about Bryan’s latest project, Top Texas Wines. You'll hear more about this effort to promote the Texas wines that win the most gold medals in…

James Tidwell is a Master Sommelier, writer, speaker and educator. James was an early adopter of Texas wines and shares tips for wineries that are seeking restaurant placement. We also talk about what varieties and wine styles have impressed him and his high hopes for the Texas wine industry.

My guest is international consulting winemaker Jean Hoefliger who now works with clients in Texas. Jean was a keynote speaker at the recent Texas Hill Country Wine Symposium. In our interview, you’ll hear his enthusiasm for Texas wine and the future of the industry. In Texas wine news, I review the…

It’s the end of 2022, and it’s time to take stock of the big stories in Texas wine industry this year. Today I’m going to talk through it all with John Rivenburgh of Kerrville Hills Winery. We talk about the Texas wine stories that made the news, those that didn’t but should have, our personal …

You may know Adrienne Ballou from her time at a couple different Hill Country wineries, most recently Southold, or from her own label, Lightsome Wines or from Nice n Easy, the bar she co-owns in Johnson City. She's got an interesting background and a lot to say about Texas wine, In Texas wine n…

Glena Yates, president of the Texas Wine and Grape Growers Association, joins me to share some history of the organization, information on recent challenges and staffing changes, and what TWGGA hopes to accomplish in the next legislative session.In Texas wine news, I’ve got the scoop on a big C…

My guest today is Lynne Majek, CEO of Majek Vineyard & Winery outside of Schulenburg. Majek is a smaller winery in a small community, but she’s made a big impression on everyone that visits.In Texas wine news, I’ll share information about how to purchase a mixed-case of Blue Ribbon Texas wines, g…

Sergio Cuadra, director of winemaking at Fall Creek Vineyards is celebrating his 10th harvest in Texas, but he’s been working in wine for even longer in Chile. Hear what he thinks about the unique opportunities that growing grapes and making wine in Texas presents.In Texas wine news, we’ve got se…

Don Pullum is a proud resident and ardent supporter of Mason, Texas. In this episode, tells me about why he chose Mason to plant a vineyard back in the 90s, and what makes it special today. There’s also BIG news about how big the Texas wine industry is, how many acres are planted, and much more.C…

My guests are two of the best hospitality biz professionals in Texas. Victoria Calais and Donna Rene Johnston join me to share some tips for visiting Texas winery tasting rooms whether you're visiting Fredericksburg, Johnson City, North Texas, Texas High Plains, or anywhere else across the state. …

Today we’re talking about the 2022 harvest across the state of Texas. Plus, a new and improved 10-minute overview of Texas wine. Finally, news on the Texas Wine Garden wine list at the State Fair of Texas!Cheers, y'all!

Kyle Frazier is the legislative advocate for the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association (TWGGA). He joins me to discuss how TWGGA develops legislative priorities and working on behalf of its members. We discuss hot button topics from the last legislative session as well as what's to come in 2023.…

Clint Thomas is the owner of Cellar Rat Wine Tours in the Texas Hill Country. Few people get as much face time with visitors to the Hill Country as Clint. He’s got some great tips for visitors and also shares his own interesting story in winemaking.Plus there's news about recent wine competitions…

Today I’m pleased to share my recent conversation with Ricky Taylor of Alta Marfa in the Texas Davis Mountains. I’m excited to give some airtime to this AVA. It's so unique and filled with possibilities. Surrounded by desert! Volcanic soils! Launching Alta Marfa has required incredible tenacity, an…

Michael Bilger of Adega Vinho joins me for a talk about the viticulture and enology practices he employs at Adega Vinho in Stonewall, Texas. We get specific about the terroir in the Texas Hill Country, efforts to add sub-AVAs to the Texas Hill Country appellation, and the modern agricultural practi…

Jen Beckmann's Re:Rooted 201 is helping define the Texas wine scene in San Antonio. You may know Jen from one of the Hill Country wineries where she worked before opening her own tasting spot in downtown San Antonio’s Hemisfair Park. Now a modern urban winery is the perfect setting for her to conti…

In this episode you’ll hear what’s important to Southold Farm + Cellar's Regan Meador. We discuss his thoughts on growth, distribution, winemaking and vineyard practices. And in Texas wine news, find out about The Vind app, camping at 4R Ranch, wine recommendations for crawfish, and the Wine & Food…

Today you’ll hear my interview with Kyle Johnston and Tiffany Farrell of Haak Winery in Santa Fe TX. We discuss not only Haak’s rich history, but also what’s new since a new ownership team purchased Haak last year.Texas wine news includes another new consulting winemaker working in Texas, big tim…

TexasMonthly.com recently published a major story about Dicamba damage in the Texas High Plains. In this mini podcast episode, host Shelly Wilfong interviews the story's author, Michael Hardy.

My guest today is Dr. Justin Scheiner from the Viticulture & Enology Department at Texas A&M University. We cover a lot of ground including drifting herbicides, pest management, organic grape growing, and resources available at TAMU for wine makers and grape growers. Plus, what you need to ask befo…