Napa Valley Wine Radio

NVWR® 76 - Sparkling Wine 101

David — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 08:00:03 +0000

With New Year’s Eve rapidly approaching, what better time for a crash course in how sparkling wine is made? We looked into the history of Champagne in episode 31, so we know that sparkling wine, like table wine, was discovered by accident.

Now, we recommend that you get yourself a glass of bubbly and settle into a comfortable chair as Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, takes us through the nuts and bolts of capturing those bubbles in the bottle.

All of us at Goosecross wish you a very happy and healthy 2009.

Cheers!

NVWR® 75 - Make wine at home with WinePod

David — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 08:00:10 +0000

Have you ever thought about making your own wine? There are many ways to go about it. In this episode Greg Snell, of Provina, tells Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, about this very sophisticated and interesting new system called the WinePod.

NVWR® 74 - 2008 Harvest Recap

David — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 08:00:28 +0000

2008 has been a great reminder that every year isn’t the same here in Napa Valley. Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, is here to tell you all about this very interesting and challenging vintage.

NVWR® 73 - Tasting Room Etiquette

David — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 08:00:10 +0000

For those of you considering a visit to Napa Valley in the near future, especially you first-time visitors, get yourself a glass of wine and relax as our tasting room staff offers some great tips on planning, what to expect, and how to get the most out of your visit.

Valuable resources: goosecross.com, napavalley.com

Napa Visitor’s Center: 707.226.7459

Listen to this episode:

NVWR® 72 - Do Old Vines Make Better Wine?

David — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 08:00:52 +0000

Do old vines make better wine? When you see “old vine” on the label, do you assume that the quality will be higher or the flavor more intense? I thought it would be interesting to explore the subject with Winemakers Geoff Gorsuch, Bob Pepi, and Jeff Booth. Enjoy!

Winemakers: Jeff Booth, Geoff Gorsuch, Bob Pepi

NVWR® 71 - To Oak or Not to Oak

David — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:00:35 +0000

You might be surprised to know that using oak barrels for the sake of oak flavor is a rather recent development in the history of wine. In this episode, Nancy Hawks Miller, our Director of Education, takes a look at the role of oak barrels in wine history and how and why we use them today.

NVWR® 70 - Bringing Italy Home

David — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 08:00:33 +0000

If you’re like me, and postponed that yearned for trip to Italy because of the weak dollar, this episode is for you!

Our great friend and expert on all things Italian, Diane De Filipi of Let’s Go Cook Italian, has some great ideas about how to bring the authentic flavors of Italy home.

Get yourself a glass of Barolo, relax and enjoy!

Cin cin!

NVWR® 69 - Bottle Shock

David — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 08:00:43 +0000

In this episode actor Hal B. Klein tells us about the upcoming movie release called Bottle Shock. If you’ve been curious about the French vs. California wine competition called the Judgment of Paris, he’ll fill us in and also tell us about some of his experiences while filming here in Napa Valley.

NVWR® 68 - Wine Lingo - What The Heck Does It Mean?

David — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 08:00:26 +0000

Every industry has its lingo and, being immersed in wine every day, we sometimes forget that our jargon isn’t second nature to everyone else. In this episode, we try to clarify the meaning for some of the lingo that turns up in print, at social gatherings that include food and wine, in restaurants, or you’ll hear as tasting room banter.

NVWR® 67 - Winery Ownership Transitions, Part 2 of 2

David — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:04:22 +0000

We were fascinated by a recent report stating that 50% of family-owned wineries on the west coast will change hands by 2017. The findings of the survey and report were released by Rob McMillan of Silicon Valley Bank, and Deborah Steinthal of Scion Advisors.

David Topper and I were fortunate enough to have the opportunity to meet with Rob and Deborah and discuss what they learned.

In this second and final segment we’ll talk about the factors influencing owners to sell or pass the business along to the next generation and how greatly the industry has changed in recent decades.

Note: We know that these are two unusually long episodes but we think they will prove to be worth every minute to those truly interested in what makes the wine business tick.

NVWR® 66 - Winery Ownership Transitions, Part 1 of 2

David — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 08:06:26 +0000

A recent study forecast that 50% of family-owned wineries on the west coast will change hands by 2017.

The findings of the survey and report were released by Rob McMillan, of Silicon Valley Bank, and Deborah Steinthal, of Scion Advisors. Goosecross proprietor, David Topper, and Nancy Hawks Miller, Director of Education, talk with Rob and Deborah about what they’ve learned and the implications for the industry. This is the first segment of a two-part interview.

Note: We know that these are two unusually long episodes but we think they will prove to be worth every minute to those truly interested in what makes the wine business tick.

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.

George Taber, To Cork or Not To Cork: Tradition, Romance, Science, and the Battle for the Wine Bottle , Scribner 2007, $17.16, (Hardcover).

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 it’s often called Pineau del la Loire, it’s a variety that’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 it’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 it’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 it’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. It’s an early ripener, relative to Cabernet, so it’s less likely to be damaged by rain, plus it tends to produce greater yields. It’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.