Grape Encounters Wine Radio Grape Encounters Radio

You are cordially invited to join us on a profound oenological journey as Grape Encounters Radio delves into the captivating realm of ancient grape varietals. Leading this very special exploration of wine history is the erudite and wildly charismatic Wes Hagen, Brand Ambassador of Native9 Wines, an illustrious name in the annals of West Coast winemaking.



Within the world of viticulture, there exists an intriguing narrative: the tenacity and resilience of grape varietals that have thrived for millennia. Picture this: some of the wines you enjoy today originate from grapes that have not merely survived but thrived through cataclysmic world events—wars, climatic upheavals, cosmic collisions, and even the disco era!



As the custodian of this captivating discussion, Wes Hagen, a history virtuoso and wine sage, is your guide through this vinous odyssey. But why does the tale of ancient grape varietals resonate so profoundly? Enter Native9 Wines, a historic winemaking lineage that finds its origins in 1781, when Josef Ontiveros journeyed from Mexico to Alta California, setting the stage for an enduring legacy. Presently, James Ontiveros, the ninth generation of the Ontiveros family, continues to steward the same valley that has borne witness to generations of winemaking. Their wines encapsulate not just the essence of grapes but also the resilience of truth, the people, and the very earth itself. Crafting wines as intricate as their storied past is their ultimate goal.



In the reprise of an extremely well-received episode that originally aired in late spring, David and Wes plunge deep into the intricacies of grape varietals and their temporal narratives, transcending the typical discourse on cellar aging. Together, they explore the evolution of grape varieties, uncovering the factors that determine a varietal's capacity for longevity.



Wes Hagen's presence guarantees an animated, effervescent, and contemplative dialogue. These longstanding friends and colleagues engage offer up invaluable tips and insights that will enrich the understanding of wine enthusiasts at all levels. Whether you're a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine aficionado eager to expand your horizons, this episode of Grape Encounters promises a feast for the intellect.



Tune in to unveil the enigmatic stories of ancient grape varietals that have endured through the eons. Witness the world of wine through the discerning eyes of a true luminary in the industry, and let Wes Hagen and David nurture your wine knowledge.

Do you want to save big on wine at restaurants and wine bars? Of course, you do, and you can! All you need is an understanding of the secret pricing formulas which may shock you!



This episode of Grape Encounters is going to be a lot like having someone throw stacks of $100 bills at you. We’re here to share sometimes shocking information that will help you understand why you're paying what you're paying, and how you can avoid paying too much for what you really want. It’s incredibly useful information, and the reason most wine enthusiasts are not familiar with what host David Wilson is going to share is that you practically need a Ph.D. to understand wine pricing formulas. For most wine enthusiasts, it’s confusing, if not downright upsetting, and it doesn’t need to be.



What might really surprise you is that, like it or not, for the most part, wine consumed on-premise is actually priced pretty fairly. The challenge is being able to use the same formulas the restaurants use to figure out where the deals are and where you’re likely to get dinged. Once you understand these things, you can begin to save a bunch of money almost immediately.



The fact is, there’s not a lot of talk that goes on about wine pricing behind the scenes, especially where strategies in restaurants are concerned. But if you know how it’s done and why it’s done, then you have a very good opportunity to keep a lot more money in your pocket. In fact, you can probably save enough money to be able to buy yourself a really nice bottle of wine on a regular basis, month in and month out. That’s how big you can save if you know how things are done. By the way, this is in no way an indictment of wine bars or restaurants. After all, David actually ran a successful wine bar for ten years. Even though he opened the wine bar with the intention of not using industry-wide pricing formulas, he quickly came to realize that there just wasn’t an easy way to avoid using some of them!



Today’s edition of Grape Encounters has been brought to you by my all-time personal favorite… Total Wine & More. Absolutely nobody, and I mean nobody, makes great wines, spirits, and beer from around the globe more accessible and affordable than Total Wine & More. And let's not forget accessories and gifts, too! Whether you're an expert, a sommelier in training, or just a wine-loving consumer who could do without all the jargon, Total Wine & More speaks your language. I find new favorites every time I visit and always, always, always at the lowest prices. I’m confident you will, too. Find what you love. Love what you find. Only at Total Wine & More. And, by the way, I'd love to hear about any rock star discoveries that find their way into your wine glass… so write me. And please, be 21!

Looking Back on One of Our Most Unforgettable and Important Conversations



In the latest edition of Grape Encounters Radio and Podcast, host David Wilson takes listeners on a nostalgic journey back to an important chapter of value wines. As the show celebrates its 16th year, it continues to explore the world of wine, food, and travel in an unpretentious and consumer-friendly way, catering to a vast and dedicated audience of wine enthusiasts.



Focus on Value Wines



A key theme in recent episodes has been maximizing enjoyment from affordable wines. Contrary to the focus of many wine journalists on expensive boutique wines, the reality is that most wine sold in America is priced between $8 and $20. This episode highlights the immense value and quality that can be found within this price range.  To that end, David revisits one of his first interviews with Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, the founders of Barefoot Wines. Barefoot Wines is an iconic brand and unrivaled success story in the wine industry, renowned for its remarkable journey from an effort to help a friend  to a best-selling phenomenon and unparalleled leader and influence in the value wine catagory.



The Origins of Barefoot Wines



The story of Barefoot Wines began with Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey, who initially knew nothing about wine or winemaking. Their entry into the wine business was driven by an unconventional motive; helping a friend of theirs settle a significant debt owed to him. The friend was unable to get a third-party debtor to pay their bill.  And while the debtor had no cash, he did have a substantial amount of grape juice ready for fermentation. This serendipitous start led to the birth of Barefoot Wines.



Achieving Success Through Worthy Cause Marketing



Though Michael and Bonnie had virtually no winemaking experience, they did have  highly innovative marketing talent.  More specifically, they were well-versed in something called “worthy cause marketing,” partnering with various charitable causes to promote their brand. This approach not only built a loyal customer base but also propelled Barefoot Wines to #1 in American wine sales.



The Remarkable Journey



From their humble beginnings to selling Barefoot Wines to E. & J. Gallo for an undisclosed but undoubtedly substantial amount, Michael and Bonnie’s journey is a testament to entrepreneurial spirit and unconventional success. Their story is all the more inspiring, considering they started without knowledge of the wine industry and yet created a brand that continues to wow the wine world.



Hear It from the Founders



As remarkable as Barefoot Wines' history is, it’s even more captivating when heard directly from Michael Houlihan and Bonnie Harvey. Their firsthand account of overcoming challenges, employing innovative marketing strategies, and achieving extraordinary success offers invaluable insights and inspiration for anyone with entrepreneurial aspirations.  This episode of Grape Encounters is a must-listen for anyone interested in wine, success stories, or entrepreneurial journeys. David Wilson’s interview with the founders of Barefoot Wines is not just a recounting of their unparalleled success story, but a lesson in persistence, innovation, and the power of believing in one’s vision.

It’s hard to imagine any European city with more iconic food, wine, art, and cultural attractions per capita than Bologna, Italy.  Home of the world’s first university, Bologna is a place of higher learning in almost any discipline you can imagine.  Behind every door and around every corner, the old world is displayed in vibrant living colors.  Present-day Bologna is as important culturally as it was hundreds of years ago.  It is an incubator of fine art, architecture, culinary innovation, the performing arts, and so much more.



On today’s show, you’ll meet a Bologna native, arguably one of the most engaged and insightful Renaissance men or women we have ever featured.  He is Robert Condello, a restauranteur, hotelier, and fine art dealer of the world’s most iconic masters, from Botticelli to Picasso.  He’s also remarkably humble, pouring as much passion into iconic Bolognese dishes as he does finding the most suitable collectors to provide unparalleled care for priceless canvases,



Today’s show was recorded at the Porta San Mamolo Hotel, which Roberto has managed and owned in partnership with family members for many years. This hotel is the perfect kind of place to stay when visiting Bologna. It's what we love on Grape Encounter. The hotel is just on the edge of the city's most important areas--in a wonderfully tranquil residential area--but it is a stone's throw from anything you could ever need or want. And if you want to hear the birds chirping, you can spend your entire day at this little garden paradise. And if you're hungry for the best food in Bologna, you can walk across the street to Roberto's restaurant, Antica Osteria Le Mura. This place is where Roberto has combined his passion for great food, wine, and incredible artwork.  best of all, you can enjoy everything at a very comfortable price. 

Once German Military HQ

Roberto has managed the hotel for 23 years and details the hotel’s strange history in this interview.  Originally a church, it became an important German military headquarters during the war. In the  1960s, it became a hostel for families with children in the nearby hospital.  In 2000, Roberto and his family acquired the property, added several rooms, making it one of the most charming hotels in the heart of the city.  Today, he and his brother-in-law own this remarkably tranquil oasis and continue to make improvements that set it apart from conventional hotels.  As you will hear, Roberto Condello is quite a preservationist who does all he can to ensure that Bologna remains one of Europe’s most extraordinary destinations.



David adds this footnote: "I spent nearly a week enveloped by the splendor of this lovely property.  Every morning, I would head down to the Orangerie, where I would savor my breakfast on the beautiful garden patio.  There is a lovely woman who has worked for the hotel for many years who would literally have the most thoughtfully prepared cappuccino ready for me before I could even get settled in.  By the second day, she had memorized everything I love at breakfast time. I want to be clear: I came as a normal pacing customer... not a comp.  Every guest received equally remarkable care.  She and the entire staff are a rarity in these times and I will return to this place as often as possible, to enjoy the care and conversations that set it apart from 99% of the places I have stayed on my journeys."

This week on Grape Encounters, we delve into the delightful harmony between two of life's finest pleasures: wine and coffee. If your day starts with the essential cup of Joe and ends with Chardonnay or Merlot, this episode is brewed just for you! Discover why aficionados of one are often enthusiasts of the other, as we explore how both wine and coffee are similarly savored and scrutinized for their complex flavors and aromas.



Join us as we venture into the intriguing world of pairing—not just wine with food, but wine with coffee. Imagine sipping on a robust espresso alongside a velvety Pinot. We’ll also whisk you away to Italy where you practically need an instruction manual when drinking café.  We'll also turn you on to some revered Italian coffee concoctions that blend wine directly into the brew, showcasing the innovative spirit of Italian café culture.



Italy is also the birthplace of the Moka pot, an Italian invention that revolutionized home coffee brewing since its creation in 1933. Adored across Italy and Europe for its ability to extract coffee with rich, full-bodied flavor, the Moka pot has become a symbol of Italian design and ingenuity in kitchens worldwide. In contrast, we’ll also explore the modern convenience of pod coffee makers which go far beyond the original Keurig pots, and now include some very nifty European devices that feature a variety of pod styles and sizes, such as Nespresso and Nescafé formats, which have transformed coffee consumption with their simplicity and variety, offering everything from classic espresso to intricate flavored blends at the touch of a button.  Even coffee purists are loving these convenient gems!  Joining Host David Wilson on this caffeine-spiked adventure is his delightful Italian assistant Marika, who helps him us to better understand why coffee may actually be more revered than wine in her native land.



This episode is packed with laughter and lively stories, including the 21st birthday experience that triggered David's long love-affair with coffee in the south of France—a memory steeped in the unforgettable taste of local espresso and cappuccino, served by a genuine French maid in an otherwise forgettable hotel. It's a tale of how great coffee can make any moment memorable.



Tune in to Grape Encounters for an episode that promises not just insight but a good dose of humor and heart. Whether you're a wine lover, coffee fanatic, or both, this is one gathering you won't want to miss!  This episode of Grape Encounters is brought to you by Total Wine and More.  Find what you love and love what you find and Total Wine and More!

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 spacecrafts 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 Year by Wine Enthusiast...