Napa Valley Wine Radio

NVWR® 65 - Wine Basics Class

David — Tue, 13 May 2008 08:00:46 +0000

We’re moving into my favorite time of year - with the weather warming up it’s time to start tours and classes at Goosecross again!

Wine Basics Class©
Goosecross is pleased to announce the 14th season of our free Wine Basics Class! Please join us at Goosecross Cellars for a morning of fun, informative, and down to earth education as you explore tasting techniques, serving hints, wine storage suggestions and more!

In this episode, we feature a special guest, Christina Stewart, an MBA student and budding wine enthusiast. Christina wanted to know more about the wine education we have to offer so, Colleen Topper our Proprietor and I tell her all about it.

We sincerely hope that after listening to this episode, you’ll visit too!

The Wine Basics Class is held at Goosecross Cellars out by the vineyard - and it’s Free but you’ll need to schedule a reservation in advance: June through October

Learn what else Goosecross has to offer during your visit.

Cheers!

NVWR® 64 - Peter Marks, Master of Wine

David — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 08:00:41 +0000

In this episode, Peter Marks, will tell us about what he does, how he attained the title “Master of Wine” and what kinds of career opportunities exist for those who pursue this very demanding course of study.

NVWR® 63 - The Napa Valley AVA

David — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 08:00:06 +0000

Did you know that Napa Valley produces just 4% of California’s wine? And yet, in such a small area, we enjoy an amazing diversity of soils and a climate that allows us to produce a number of different varieties of outstanding quality.

Sit back and enjoy a glass of Napa Valley wine while Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, tells you a little about it. Cheers!

2008 American Wine Blog Awards - A Time to Vote!

Nancy — Sat, 22 Mar 2008 20:32:09 +0000

We’re very pleased and proud to announce that Napa Valley Wine Radio was a finalist in the 2008 American Wine Blog awards! To anyone and everyone who nominated us, you have our heartfelt thanks for listening and for the nomination.

The American Wine Blog awards were instigated by a fellow blogger, Tom Wark at Fermentation, and this has done a great deal to bring attention, and also credibility, to the wine blogosphere. Tom and his fellow judges take a very professional approach to the process and we are honored to be in the company of our fellow finalists.

Cheers!

NVWR® 62 - Sherry Page Visits Rancho Gordo

David — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 08:00:29 +0000

Prepare yourself for the fascinating story of how Steve Sando, proprietor of Rancho Gordo here in the Napa Valley, specializes in tracking down heirloom and rare varieties of beans, grains, herbs and more. Discover why these culinary essentials make your every-day meals even more delicious as he chats with our good friend, Sherry Page of Culinary Getaways.

NVWR® 61 - Winemaking 101

David — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:00:47 +0000

Over the years Nancy spent a lot of time in the cellar with visitors and it seems that the most common questions are about the chronology of winemaking and clearing up some of the terminology.

So - if you can’t make it to Goosecross for a tour, let Nancy bring it to you as a brief description of winemaking from harvesting the grapes right through bottling. Cheers!

NVWR® 60 - The History of Goosecross

David — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 08:00:03 +0000

In this episode, Goosecross owners Geoff Gorsuch and David and Colleen Topper chat with Nancy Hawks Miller, Director of Education, about how Goosecross got started and a few brief thoughts about where its future lies.

NVWR® 59 - Change of episode release schedule

David — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 08:00:11 +0000

Happy New Year from all of us at Goosecross and thanks for listening! As we move into the new year, David Topper, owner of Goosecross and host of Napa Valley Wine Radio, announces a schedule change for our podcast episode releases that we hope you’ll find more convenient. Cheers!

Cheers!

NVWR® 58 - Why Do We Toast?

David — Tue, 25 Dec 2007 08:00:40 +0000

Here’s a background on the tradition of toasting each other from Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, and prepare for a sumptuous New Year’s Eve celebration with a very special menu from Colleen Topper, our proprietor and in-house chef.

Search for these and other delicious recipes, paired with wine, in Colleen’s Kitchen at wineryrecipes.com:

* Endive with Creamy Goat Cheese & Smoked Salmon: Goosecross Sauvignon Blanc
* Mixed Green Salad with Sherry Vinaigrette: Goosecross Chardonnay
* Sea Scallops and Leeks with Chive Noodles: Goosecross Viognier
* Blackberry Cocoa Crisp: Goosecross Howell Mountain Cabernet

NVWR® 57 - Top 5 questions for “Ask our Educator”

David — Tue, 11 Dec 2007 08:00:32 +0000

In this episode Nancy Hawks Miller, 25-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, takes on the top-5 most frequently asked questions in our online feature, “Ask our Educator”.

NVWR® 56 - California Wine History

David — Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:00:22 +0000

You might be surprised to know that the epicenter of the California wine industry was in southern California for almost half of our over 200-year history and only shifted north with the gold rush.

How did we get here and how did so many regions in California grow to be recognized and admired as producers of some of the best wines in the world? Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, tells you a little bit about it.

Please listen through this episode to learn about a limited time, very special promotion. If you’re a member of our Wine Club, you’ll hear one of the most significant promotions we’ve ever offered.

These special discount offers are only available until December 7, 2007.

Cheers!

NVWR® 55 - To Cork or Not To Cork

David — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 08:00:37 +0000

In this episode George Taber, a journalist whose career has spanned over 40 years, tells Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, all about his new book To Cork or Not To Cork: Tradition, Romance, Science and the Battle for the Wine Bottle.

NVWR® 54 - Harvest 2007 Recap

David — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 08:00:03 +0000

Sit back and enjoy a glass of wine while Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, takes a look back at the 2007 growing season and harvest.

Especially for our listeners, we are pleased to offer a 20% discount on all Goosecross wines (with free shipping for case purchases). Please visit our online store and enter coupon code NVWR20 or call us toll-free at (800) 276-9210 and mention this coupon code.

If you’re a member of our Wine Club, please use NVWR25 as your code and your discount is increased to 25%.

These special discount offers are only available until December 7, 2007.

Extra Value Text: Harvest Recap

NVWR® 53 - Are These Wine Gadgets Worth It?

David — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 08:00:43 +0000

In this episode we take a look at some of the gadgets you can get if you look through the Wine Enthusiast catalogue or search online. There are lots of options, some with modest claims and others quite bold. Enjoy a glass of wine as David Topper, Goosecross Proprietor, Jeff Booth of Pepi-Booth Consulting, Tim Elliot, the host of Winecast.net and Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education share their opinions.

Especially for our listeners, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all Goosecross wines (with free shipping for case purchases). Please call us toll-free at (800) 276-9210 and mention code: PC53 (that’s Papa, Charlie 53).

NVWR® 52 - What’s The Story With Biodynamics?

David — Tue, 02 Oct 2007 08:00:22 +0000

It seems hardly a day goes by without a reference to the green movement. And for those of us who follow agricultural news, there’s a story on biodynamic farming nearly every week. What’s it all about? Is it voodoo farming with its special preparations and practices or is it a sound approach to sustainable farming? There’s a lot we don’t know yet, but Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education will tell you a little bit about the whys and hows of biodynamic viticulture.

NVWR® 51 - What Does It Take To Start A Vineyard Or Winery?

David — Tue, 18 Sep 2007 08:00:38 +0000

Over the years, so many people have asked “How do I start a vineyard or a winery? Is it something that’s attainable for the average person?” It’s a big question, but we’re going to try to answer it, at least in part, by talking it over with Mark Freund, our Account Manager at Silicon Valley Bank.

In this episode David Topper, owner of Goosecross, joins forces with Tim Elliott, the host of Winecast.net, and Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education.

NVWR® 50 - Phylloxera and Pierce’s Disease

David — Tue, 04 Sep 2007 08:00:31 +0000

So often when we talk about wine you hear casual references to Phylloxera and Pierce’s disease and their impact on the industry. If you’ve wondered what they’re all about, Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, will tell you a little about each and what they mean to us as growers.

NVWR® 49 - Darrell Corti Discusses Olive Oil

David — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 08:00:27 +0000

In episode 41 we had a chance to learn a little about how fine olive oil is made. Now, we’re following up by getting some great information on how to select it and enjoy it in every day life from an expert on the subject. Sit back and enjoy and glass of wine and some Caprese salad with lots of good olive oil as Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, chats on the phone with Darrell Corti of Corti Brothers Fine Wine and Gourmet Foods.

PS: As always, especially for our listeners, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all Goosecross wines (with free shipping for case purchases). Please call us toll-free at (800) 276-9210 and mention code: PC49. Cheers!

NVWR® 48 - Why do Clones Matter?

David — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 08:00:25 +0000

What do we mean when we talk about grape clones or selections? Are they chosen for their performance in the vineyard or does it have more to do with the overall character of the wine?

In this episode, Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, will tell you a little about how they’re identified and what kind of influence they have on the finished wine.

As always, especially for our listeners, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all Goosecross wines (with free shipping for case purchases). Please call us toll-free at (800) 276-9210 and mention code: PC48. Cheers!

NVWR® 47 - Sherry Page Visits Marshall’s Farm

David — Tue, 24 Jul 2007 08:00:38 +0000

This episode features a fascinating interview with bee-keepers Spencer and Helene Marshall, who produce Marshall’s Farm honey here in the Napa Valley.

Our friend, Sherry Page of Culinary Getaways, spends a little time talking with them about how honey gets from the flower to the jar, and they also offer some great tips on cooking with honey and how to select and store it. It’s such a pleasure to listen to people who are so knowledgeable and passionate about what they do. Enjoy!

NVWR® 46 - Zinfandel: California’s Historic Wine

David — Tue, 10 Jul 2007 08:00:04 +0000

Zinfandel has been called the “California grape” and was very nearly named California’s state historic wine. Relax and enjoy a glass of Zin as Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, talks about why it deserves that title and tells you a little about its history and lineage.

NVWR® 45 - How Does A Small Winery Make All Those Varieties?

David — Tue, 26 Jun 2007 08:00:07 +0000

In this episode Geoff Gorsuch, our Winemaker and winery co-owner, and Jeff Booth of Pepi-Booth consulting chat with Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, about what it takes to produce a number of varieties so well under one very small roof.

Chenin Blanc

David — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 15:30:20 +0000

Honeyed fruit and flowers, with a hint of hay, Chenin Blanc leads a double life. Is it a bland work-horse blender? Is it a fragrant and ethereal treat? Through no fault of its own, there really is very little predictability for this wonderful variety.

In its home in the Loire Valley of France, where itâ€™s often called Pineau del la Loire, itâ€™s a variety thatâ€™s cherished for those delicate aromatics and flavors and also for its remarkable versatility. It makes everything from a delicate dry white, to slightly sweet, to sparkling wine and even exquisite late-harvest wines.

Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, covers Chenin Blanc in her continuing series on the major wine grape varieties.

Merlot

David — Sun, 24 Jun 2007 15:30:30 +0000

So fruity, so supple, so elegant when itâ€™s at its best. Our poor friend Merlot has taken a beating recently because of the movie Sideways, but you might be surprised to know that itâ€™s the most widely planted variety in Bordeaux. And Chateau Petrus, the most expensive wine of the Bordeaux region is, you guessed it, Merlot.

I know that when you think Bordeaux you think Cabernet, and itâ€™s a major player, but Merlot trumps it in volume for a couple of reasons. One is its velvety deliciousness, and the other is more practical. Itâ€™s an early ripener, relative to Cabernet, so itâ€™s less likely to be damaged by rain, plus it tends to produce greater yields. Itâ€™s kind of like hiring a reliable employee. You know it will be there for you!

Join Goosecross Director of Education, Nancy Hawks Miller, as she continues her series on the major wine varietals.

Viognier

David — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 15:30:02 +0000

Well, itâ€™s hard to pronounce, but worth it! Exotically fragrant, heady, tropical and lush.

Viognier is a very ancient variety going back to at least Roman times and comes to us from the Rhone Valley in southern France. It makes some of the most distinctively aromatic wines in the world. The peach, honey and floral aromas might lead you to expect a delicate wine, but itâ€™s also famous for being rather voluptuous on the palate and generous in alcohol.

Join our Director of Education, Nancy Hawks Miller, as she talks about the queen of Rhone whites: Viognier.

Syrah

David — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 15:30:36 +0000

Deep, dark fruit with a little earth, smoke and a meaty quality. Sounds pretty good, doesnâ€™t it?

Syrah comes to us from the Rhone Valley of southern France. Itâ€™s one of the oldest varieties we know. Just think, Julius Caesar may well have enjoyed a glass of Syrah just as much as we do today.

Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, continues her podcast series on the major wine grape varietals with Syrah.

Sauvignon Blanc

David — Thu, 21 Jun 2007 15:30:43 +0000

Fresh, zingy, herbaceous and citrusy. Makes me want to throw some fish on the grill.

Sauvignon Blanc gained its fame in the Loire valley of France from the beautiful Blanc Fume, Pouilly Fume and Sancerre, but it was probably born in the Bordeaux region where it plays second fiddle to Semillon as the most planted white.

In this episode, Director of Education Nancy Hawks Miller focuses on Sauvignon Blanc.

Cabernet Sauvignon

David — Wed, 20 Jun 2007 15:30:17 +0000

We all know that Cabernet Sauvignon is the undisputed King of grapes. A serious collectorâ€™s cellar will always include great Cabernets, whether theyâ€™re from the Medoc, Napa Valley or Coonawara. And itâ€™s probably because it is capable of making a wine of tremendous power, structure and complexity, but it somehow manages to carry this off in a very elegant way. What a wine! Youâ€™ll find plenty of examples of 100% Cabernet, but more often itâ€™s blended.

Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, continues her podcast series of the major wine varietals with Boudreaux’s–and Napa Valley’s–signature red grape.

Chardonnay

David — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:30:28 +0000

Fresh apple, pear and citrus–crisp with maybe some minerality? Or big, round, buttery and oaky? What goes on here? What is Chardonnayâ€™s true identity? It seems to be all of the above. Itâ€™s quite a malleable variety that some say has little varietal distinction to call its own, yet itâ€™s a beautiful showcase for terroir and also for the winemakerâ€™s bag of tricks.

Join Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, for the first in a series of podcasts covering the major wine varietals.

NVWRÂ® 44 - Debunking a Few Wine Myths

David — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 08:00:38 +0000

Is it important to smell the cork? Are the “legs” a sign of quality? Is older wine always better? Relax and enjoy a glass of wine as Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, takes on the top 10 wine myths and sets the record straight.

NVWRÂ® 43 - An Inside Look at the Barrel Business

David — Tue, 29 May 2007 00:12:09 +0000

Learn about the latest innovations and trends in the barrel industry from Julie Guffy of Demptos Cooperage as she talks with Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education.

NVWRÂ® 42 - Wine By-Products

David — Tue, 15 May 2007 08:00:27 +0000

Have you ever wondered what happens to all the skins and seeds when we’re finished making the wine? The pomace, as it’s called, has a remarkable number of uses and Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, will tell you all about it.

NVWRÂ® 41 - Sherry Page Visits Round Pond In Napa Valley

David — Tue, 01 May 2007 08:00:31 +0000

In this episode Sherry Page of Culinary Getaways visits Round Pond, a producer of olive oil, vinegar and wine here in Napa Valley. Today, she focuses on how olive oil is grown and produced at Round Pond as she chats with Bill Chambers, the Estate Hospitality Manager.

NVWR® 40 - Why Is Hang-Time Such An Issue?

David — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 08:00:26 +0000

In this episode Nancy Hawks Miller, a 20-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education, explores the much-discussed topic of extended hang-time, its ramifications for grape growers and how it influences the balance of the finished wine.

NVWRÂ® 39 - Barrie Lynn, The Cheese Impresario

David — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 08:00:13 +0000

Barrie Lynn, The Cheese Impresario, a cheese expert who stages events all over the country, offers a little cheese education and shares her ideas about how to pair wine and cheese with Nancy Hawks Miller, a twenty-year veteran of the wine industry and our Director of Education.

These are the cheeses recommended by Barrie Lynn, “The Cheese Impresario” during the interview:

Roth KÃ¤se â€“ Monroe, Wisconsin
Vintage Van Gogh
A true masterpiece, Vintage Van Gogh is artfully crafted in limited quantities from fresh, full cream milk. Aged for a minimum of six months, this outstanding cheese has a rich, golden body and a nuanced flavor with pronounced caramel notes. This stunning cheese won 1st Place at the 2004 Wisconsin State Fair.

Crave Brothers Farmstead Cheese
Les FrÃ¨res
(pronounced lay frair) This European style cheese was developed with care to reflect the Crave Brothersâ€™ Irish-French heritage. It is a rich rind washed cheese with an earthy, fruity flavor.

Montchevre - Wisconsin
Goat Cheeses
Montchevre makes a slew of amazing goat cheeses. Known for their clean and tangy flavor. Their Fresh Goat Cheese Logs come in a variety of flavors. Fresh Plain and even with Peppadewâ€™s…red peppers from South Africa.

A Perfect Pear from Napa Valley
Pear Fig Jam

Mustaphaâ€™s Fine Foods of Morocco
Argan oil is a deep golden oil, often with a reddish tinge that is produced from the seeds of the Argan tree, which only grows in Morocco.

Carr Valley Cheese Company â€“ La Valle, Wisconsin
Carr Valley Cheese is one of America’s finest specialty cheese plants. They produce a variety of traditional classics like expertly aged Cheddar to award-winning American Originals like Cocoa Cardona and Gran Canaria. Owner Sid Cook is one of a small handful of certified Master Cheesemakers in the United States.

And now, especially for our listeners, we are pleased to offer a 10% discount on all GoosecrossÂ® wines (with free shipping for case purchases). Please call us toll-free at (800) 276-9210 and mention code: PC 39 (that’s Papa, Charlie 39).

Extra Value Text: Goosecross Short Class - Cheese & Wine