Grape Encounters Wine Radio

By: David Wilson
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  • Join us for a completely different, irreverent and refreshing perspective on wine.
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Episodes
  • Episode #790 – Celebrate Most Awesome Ever California Wine Month’s Events, Festivals, and Sustainable Wine Adventures

    Episode #790 – Celebrate Most Awesome Ever California Wine Month’s Events, Festivals, and Sustainable Wine Adventures
    Sep 12 2024
    Episode 790 of Grape Encounters Radio is the celebration of a true milestone; our 20th Wine Month Celebration Episode. On this episode, Host David Wilson is joined by one of the most beloved and influential guests in Grape Encounters history, Allison Jordan, Vice President of Environmental Affairs for the Wine Institute and Executive Director of the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance. In this episode, David and Allison take a deep dive into California Wine Month, a spectacular, month-long celebration held every September that shines a light on the state’s remarkable wine regions. From vineyard tours to grape stomps, wine festivals, and culinary events, California Wine Month offers more than 70 activities throughout the state, making it a dream come true for wine lovers of all kinds. Allison Jordan brings her extensive knowledge and passion for California wines to the conversation, offering listeners a detailed look into the growth of this celebration over the past 20 years. The discussion highlights how wineries across the state have evolved into dynamic, family-friendly destinations that offer much more than wine tasting. From vineyard hikes and bocce to grape juice tastings for kids and wine-centric concerts, California wineries provide an immersive experience that blends culture, outdoor activities, and of course, world-class wine. David and Allison discuss the significant role sustainability plays in California’s wine industry, with a staggering 90% of the state’s wine now produced in certified sustainable wineries. You’ll learn how California’s leadership in sustainable winemaking has influenced agriculture globally and how visiting these sustainable wineries during Wine Month provides a unique opportunity to see these practices in action. The show also delves into some of the most exciting events happening during Wine Month, including: • Wine festivals in the Sierra Foothills, Santa Clara Valley, and Mendocino Coast, offering a chance to explore a wide variety of wines and enjoy live music, local food, and more. • Family-friendly activities like vineyard walks, grape stomps, and bocce tournaments. • A spotlight on lesser-known wine regions such as Temecula, Lodi, and the Sierra Foothills, encouraging listeners to explore these hidden gems. • Sustainability in action, with examples of wineries offering unique harvest experiences and eco-friendly practices, including falconry demonstrations and vineyard tours. Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or just curious about the world of wine, this episode is packed with valuable insights, fun stories, and a comprehensive guide to making the most of California Wine Month. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to plan your next wine adventure—listen now or download the episode for future enjoyment! Take a deep dive into California's ultimate wine event, all September long with show host David Wilson and the Wine Institute's renowned adventure seeker, Allison Jordan!
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    43 mins
  • Episode #782 – She is to E-Commerce What Peanut Butter is to Jelly! Why the Wine World Adores Jessica Kogan!

    Episode #782 – She is to E-Commerce What Peanut Butter is to Jelly! Why the Wine World Adores Jessica Kogan!
    Jul 18 2024
    Trust us when we tell you that Jessica Kogan is the queen of wine e-commerce. Although most people might not give it a second thought, there can be no doubt that we are living in an era of human exceptionalism unparalleled in history. In nearly every field imaginable—science, technology, the arts, business, medicine, you name it—humans are achieving what was once thought inconceivable. Consider space exploration: Nearly every month, new spacecraft are launched on potentially decades-long missions with little or no fear of failure. Rocket launches have become so routine that they seldom make headlines. Yet, the satellites these rockets deploy are crucial to our global connectivity, enabling us to interact with the world in previously unimaginable ways. This connectivity means that when a political figure or celebrity posts a cryptic message at 8 PM, it can go viral by 8:05 PM and become the lead story on the 11 PM news. And this simply wouldn’t be possible without the determination of the people behind these projects. Determined people like Taylor Swift, a seemingly ordinary girl-next-door, who breaks down boundaries and sets new records practically every week. It’s not magic, but it is certainly the result of making a determined effort to understand the full potential of how new tools and technology might be used in ways that even their developers hadn’t fully considered. As a result, Taylor has been able to conceptualize and execute a concert tour that significantly boosts the economy of every city she visits. At barely 30 years old, Swift marries her song and dance talents with technology to generate billions in economic impact. Her ability to connect with audiences in more vastly intimate ways is surprisingly similar to what is occurring in the world of space exploration, where the celestially curious can literally climb aboard any number of spacecraft on deep space exploration missions and enjoy a front-row experience that is nothing short of life-changing. Of course, while we love discussing space exploration and Taylor Swift, this is, after all, a wine show. So, you might be wondering, "What does all this have to do with wine?" Well, you're about to see the connection, as we introduce someone we believe could be called "The Taylor Swift of Wine." She made an unforgettable impression on us as a guest last year. In fact, host David Wilson described it as one of the most enlightening and enjoyable episodes of all time. We've often discussed the disconnect among wine producers, distributors, retailers, and consumers on this show. Wine is incredibly complex, with an overwhelming array of flavors produced worldwide. Unlike the limited selections available to previous generations, there are now tens of thousands of wines in the US alone, which can be frustrating for consumers trying to navigate this abundance. Enter Jessica Kogan, one of the most acclaimed brand builders globally, known for her extraordinary ability to connect consumers with products. Jessica Kogan has been a formidable presence for decades, shaping major brands like Donna Karan, Hill+Knowlton, Razorfish, Elizabeth Arden, Urban Decay, and Giorgio Armani. In 2004, she co-founded Cameron Hughes Wine, which quickly gained critical acclaim. Following the acquisition of Cameron Hughes by Vintage Wine Estates in 2017, Cogan joined as Chief Digital Officer and Chief Marketing Officer, where she tripled direct-to-consumer sales from $30 million to over $90 million. Her innovative strategies have expanded the Vintage brand beyond traditional retail, embracing direct-to-consumer and e-grocery platforms, alongside initiating digital programs like refer-a-friend, shareholder passports, virtual wine tastings, and digitally enhanced estate tasting rooms. Not only a master of digital transformation, Jessica Kogan also leads the way for women in the traditionally male-dominated wine industry, earning nominations and accolades such as Innovator of the Yea...
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    43 mins
  • Episode #781 – Norman Greenbaum’s Legendary Spirit in the Sky’s Deep Wine Country Roots, Life-Changing for Millions of Fans

    Episode #781 – Norman Greenbaum’s Legendary Spirit in the Sky’s Deep Wine Country Roots, Life-Changing for Millions of Fans
    Jul 14 2024
    The connection between wine and music is nothing short of amazing. Moreover,nothing has the power to reconnect us to the most memorable and vivid memories of our lives more than music. And this week’s deeply nostalgic installment of Grape Encounters Radio is prove positive of this contention. Episode #781 of Grape Encounters Radio takes listeners on a captivating and unforgettable journey back to the late 1960s in the idyllic Sonoma Valley of California. At the time, this stunningly beautiful agricultural region was virtually unknown, especially in the world of wine. Nestled just a short drive from the vibrant musical hubs of San Francisco, Berkeley, and Monterey, Sonoma was on the verge of becoming one of the world’s premier winemaking destinations. This episode explores the intriguing intersection of the burgeoning wine industry and the explosive rock and roll scene of the era. Host David Wilson dives into the fascinating story of Norman Greenbaum, the legendary singer-songwriter responsible for the iconic song “Spirit in the Sky.” Often described as the ultimate one-hit wonder, “Spirit in the Sky” remains one of the most beloved rock ‘n’ roll hits of all time. In fact, this beloved anthem is actually more popular today than it was 50 years ago. Greenbaum’s journey is particularly special for this week’s show as it intertwines with the story of Sonoma Valley wines. Norman arrived in Sonoma while working on his legendary song and, unlike many others who left Northern California after making their mark, he never left. He has remained a resident of Sonoma for over 50 years, witnessing firsthand the region’s transformation from a sleepy agricultural area to a world-renowned winemaking powerhouse. Grape Encounters Host David Wilson recounts the serendipitous event that led to an instant and significant friendship with Norman. It was just about two years ago when David made a return trip to California to take care of unfinished business after recently making a monumental move to Eastern Italy. Part of his return visit included a week-long stay in the Sonoma Valley, one of David’s favorite places on Earth. While in the area, David connected with Radio Icon and mentor Michael O’Shea, co-owner of several leading radio stations in the area, including news and talk powerhouse KSRO, based in Santa Rosa. On one particular day, Michael mentioned that he couldn’t meet with David because he had to deliver tickets to his friend Norman. Intrigued, David asked who this Norman was, only to discover it was Norman Greenbaum who, quite remarkably, David had dreamt about the night before. David swears this is the absolute truth! David’s excitement was palpable. He insisted on accompanying Michael to Norman’s house, where they spent hours in lively conversation and shared experiences. The connection was immediate and profound, leading to an instant friendship. David fondly recalls spending an entire day at Norman’s house, drinking wine and forging a bond that he expects to last a lifetime. This installment of Grape Encounters Radio is now their second interview together, focusing on Norman’s long-term residency in Sonoma Valley and his unique perspective on the region’s transformation over the past five decades. Norman reflects on his early days in Los Angeles, his move to Sonoma in 1968, and his career’s pivotal moments. He shares vivid memories of the vibrant music scene in Northern California, where legends like Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, and The Doors were just starting to make waves. Norman recounts how he met Eric Jacobson, a prominent wine producer who had worked with The Lovin’ Spoonful. Jacobson introduced Norman to the beauty and potential of the Sonoma Valley. Despite knowing little about wine at the time, Norman was captivated by the region and decided to make it his home. He recalls recording “Spirit in the Sky” in San Francisco while staying with Jacobson in Marin County, just south of Sonoma.
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    42 mins

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