Episodes

Feb. 9, 2023

Jean Hoefliger on the Future of Texas Wine

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 …

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Dec. 15, 2022

The Year in Review with John Rivenburgh

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 …

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Dec. 1, 2022

Adrienne Ballou's Texas Wine (and Beer) Journey

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 …

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Nov. 17, 2022

Glena Yates, President of the Texas Wine & Grape Growers Association

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 …

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Nov. 3, 2022

Lynne Majek: Making Big Waves in a Small Market

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 …

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Oct. 20, 2022

Sergio Cuadra: 10 Years of Making Wine at Fall Creek Vineyards

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 …

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Oct. 6, 2022

Musings on Mason (TX) with Don Pullum

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 …

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Sept. 22, 2022

Tips for Visiting Texas Winery Tasting Rooms with Victoria Calais and…

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 …

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Sept. 8, 2022

Texas Wine in 10 Minutes (2022 edition)

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!

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Aug. 25, 2022

Advocating for Texas Wine and Grape Growers

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 …

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July 21, 2022

Texas Wine Country Personalities: Clint Thomas of Cellar Rat Wine Tou…

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 …

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May 26, 2022

Establishing Alta Marfa in the Texas Davis Mountains

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! …

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May 12, 2022

Modern Agriculture in the Texas Hill Country with Adega Vinho's Micha…

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 …

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April 28, 2022

Re:Rooted 210's Jen Beckmann is Planting Roots in San Antonio

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. …

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April 14, 2022

A Peek Behind the Scenes with Regan Meador at Southold Farm + Cellars

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, …

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March 31, 2022

Haak Winery: History in the Making

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 …

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March 17, 2022

MINI EPISODE: Shelly Interviews Michael Hardy, Author of the Texas Mo…

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.

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March 10, 2022

Class Is In Session with Dr. Justin Scheiner of Texas A&M

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 …

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Feb. 24, 2022

Chris Hornbaker: Pursuing Perfection at Eden Hill Winery

Chris Hornbaker from Eden Hill Winery joins me for this episode. I’ve enjoyed getting to write about Eden Hill Winery and have enjoyed Eden Hill wines for a few years now. It was fun to sit down with Chris to …

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Feb. 10, 2022

On the Wine Road with Vinovium's Daniel Kelada

My guest is Daniel Kelada, a sommelier and managing partner at Vinovium Partners. Vinovium is a unique spot along the wine road in Johnson City. And as always, there is Texas wine news including the inaugural Texas Wine Auction, wineries …

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Jan. 27, 2022

20 Years of Texas Wine with Bénédicte Rhyne

Bénédicte Rhyne is my guest on this episode. If you don’t already know Benedicte, you’re in for a treat. In my interview with her, we talk about how Texas reminds her of her native Provence, how she strives for balance …

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Jan. 13, 2022

Winemaker Jason Centanni of Llano Estacado Winery

Happy New Year! Winemaker Jason Centanni of Llano Estacado Winery is my guest on this episode. We take a trip through Llano Estacado Winery history, talk about Jason's winemaking philosophy, and get geeky on winemaking. Plus catch up on all …

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Dec. 16, 2021

Texas is Mad for Mourvèdre

In the last episode of 2021, I'm taking a closer look at one of the most popular red grapes grown in Texas, Mourvèdre. It's one of my favorites. I’ll also share a recap of the most important Texas wine stories …

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Dec. 2, 2021

Comparing Notes with Interpreting Wine Podcast's Lawrence Francis

My guest in this episode is London-based Lawrence Francis, host of Interpreting Wine Podcast. He’s sharing great insights into how wineries can effectively communicate their stories and engage with customers. Plus, I’ll share Texas wine news including national press recognition …

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