Stories From the Cellar Vine Street Imports

This episode with Vine Street Imports founder and CEO Ronnie Sanders delves into the evolution of Australian wine over the last 25 years. It explores the shift from the '90s highly manipulated, high alcohol content wines appreciated by critics like Robert Parker, to a modern appreciation for natural, lower alcohol content wines. Ronnie contrasts the older, bigger, and bolder styles with the fresher, more minimalist approach influenced by the natural wine movement. Highlighting both a historical perspective and current trends, Ronnie acknowledges the shifting spectrum of winemaking philosophies in Australia. Amidst these shifts, the episode also touches on his personal stories and connections in the wine industry, emphasizing how the personalities of Australian winemakers are reflected in their wines. The discussion brings out the diversity of Australian wine, underlining its global uniqueness and the value it offers across various styles.

01:08 Reflecting on Australian Wine: A 25-Year Journey
05:34 The Rise and Impact of Parkerization
06:21 Championing Traditional Winemaking Amidst Trends
08:22 The Shift Towards Lower Alcohol Content
12:16 Exploring the Natural Wine Movement in Australia
18:10 Generational Shifts and Future Trends
20:25 Personalities Behind Australian Wines
 
Hosted by Charlotte Alsaadi.
Special thanks to SNACKTIME for the music! 
Vine Street Imports Instagram  |  Website 

This episode with Vine Street Imports' founder and CEO, Ronnie Sanders, discusses the dynamics affecting Australian wine prices. Beginning with an overview of how market demand, rather than production cost, determines pricing, the discussion tracks the shift from the era of 'cheap and cheerful' Australian wines to today's landscape of premiumization. Key factors include the global financial downturn in 2008, supply chain challenges, rising costs of labor, expensive land and grapes, alongside environmental issues like bushfires and drought exacerbated by climate change. Ronnie reflects on the early days of Australian wine importation and the evolution of the market, emphasizing the significant increase in labor costs and other economic pressures. He advocates for strategic pricing to build and sustain wine brands, concluding with the potential of Australian wines to offer value within the global market despite higher price points. The episode argues for a reevaluation of New World biases, presenting Australian wines as competitive in quality and value against global benchmarks.

00:37 The Evolution of Australian Wine Prices
01:17 The Golden Age of Affordable Australian Wines
04:47 The Shift in Australian Wine Economics
05:13 The Rising Costs of Labor in Australia
07:20 Navigating the Complexities of Wine Pricing
10:59 Advice for Wine Producers on Pricing Strategies
12:15 Finding Value in Australian Wines Amidst Global Pricing
13:34 Concluding Thoughts on the Value of Australian Wine
 
Hosted by Charlotte Alsaadi.
Special thanks to SNACKTIME for the music! 
Vine Street Imports Instagram  |  Website 

This episode of Stories from the Cellar gets into Western Australia's wine region, with a special focus on Margaret River. With insights from Ronnie Sanders, founder and CEO of Vine Street Imports and an expert in Australian wines, the podcast uncovers the geographical isolation, diverse climates, and cultural uniqueness that make Western Australia's wine regions so special. Highlighting Margaret River for its Chardonnay and Cabernet productions, the episode explores the region's history, climate influences, and its blend of Bordeaux and California characteristics, alongside a culture that combines luxury with a casual surf atmosphere. The discussion also touches on other important wine hubs in Western Australia like Pemberton, Denmark, and Franklin River, emphasizing the variety of wines produced due to the area's vast size and varied climates.
00:29 Welcome to Stories from the Cellar: The Western Australia Wine Episode
01:23 The Geographical and Viticultural Diversity of Western Australia
03:25 Spotlight on Margaret River: A Premier Wine Region
04:34 Margaret River's Unique Climate and Culture
06:12 The Surf-Inspired Lifestyle of Margaret River
07:28 Wrapping Up: Insights and Invitations
 
Hosted by Charlotte Alsaadi.
Special thanks to SNACKTIME for the music! 
Vine Street Imports Instagram  |  Website 

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of Victorian wines, featuring Vine Street Imports founder and CEO, Ronnie Sanders. The episode highlights Victoria's distinct climate, geography, and the exceptional wine producers within the region. Ronnie shares his passion for presenting Victoria's cool climate wines, such as Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah, which challenge the common perceptions of Australian wines. The discussion traverses through various Victorian wine regions, showcasing their unique soil types, wine styles, and standout wineries. Key areas like the Macedon Ranges, Yarra Valley, Rutherglen, and the Pyrenees are spotlighted for their innovative and diverse wine offerings. 
 
 
00:29 Exploring the Unique Wines of Victoria, Australia
02:24 The Diverse Wine Regions Surrounding Melbourne
04:33 Highlighting Exceptional Australian Winemakers
04:58 Personal Anecdotes and the Impact of Victoria's Wines
 
Hosted by Charlotte Alsaadi.
Special thanks to SNACKTIME for the music! 
Vine Street Imports Instagram  |  Website 

This episode featuring Ronnie Sanders, the founder and CEO of Vine Street Imports, focuses on wines from South Australia. Ronnie shares his extensive knowledge on the subject, discussing the history, key regions like McLaren Vale and Barossa, notable grape varieties, the influence of climate and soils, and the pioneering of the natural wine movement in the Adelaide Hills. He also emphasizes the importance of old vine material, the diverse winemaking talent fostered by the University of Adelaide, and touches on personal relationships and stories intertwined with South Australia's wine industry. The podcast aims to provide educational insights into the complexities and distinctions of South Australian wines, celebrating its significance in the global wine landscape.

00:47 The Genesis of Vine Street Imports
01:07 Exploring Australian Wine: A Series Overview
01:33 Deep Dive into South Australia's Wine Scene
02:28 The Significance of McLaren Vale and Barossa
03:13 The Rich Diversity of South Australian Wines
08:09 Understanding the Impact of Soil on Wine
09:42 The Role of Education in South Australia's Wine Industry
10:42 Personal Connections and Closing Thoughts
 
Hosted by Charlotte Alsaadi.
Special thanks to SNACKTIME for the music! 
Vine Street Imports Instagram  |  Website 

This episode is the second half of our conversation with Johan Meyer (also known as Stompie) from Mother Rock and J.H. Meyer Signature Wines based in the Swartland, South Africa. Here, we dive into his wines and why the Cape needs to diversify beyond old vine Chenin Blanc. We also talk about the new wine of origin appellation called Picket-bo-berg that he’s created at his home estate on top of the Piketberg Mountain. Plus, we end with the story of why Stompie is called Stompie. We’ll pick up our conversation where we left off, talking about how Chenin Blanc allows him a little bit more creativity than Chardonnay, and why this desire to make something outside the box led him to become South Africa’s first producer to receive the special invite to the ‘Brutal!’ club of winemakers, a label that is very much a part of the global natural wine movement today. 
 
Hosted by Charlotte Alsaadi.
Special thanks to SNACKTIME for the music! 
Vine Street Imports Instagram  |  Website