98 episodes

The love of wine has never been so lighthearted and fun! Grape Encounters is a bold departure from conventional wine education and enjoyment. Not long ago, wine tasting was regarded as something done by people with specially trained palates, sophisticated sensibilities and lots and lots of disposable income. Today, wine is being consumed by hundreds of millions of people who drink it simply because it is what they like. Grape Encounters is about the colorful people, the places, the ambiance and the passion that makes wine drinking one of the world's most popular pastimes. Grape Encounters is lighthearted, interactive and a very good time -- taking listeners out of the studio and into places you won't see on a winery tour. Behind every great wine is a winemaker who loves what he or she does and probably has a terrific sense of humor. No matter how much you love wine, you'll love it so much more when you tune in to Grape Encounters!

Grape Encounters Wine Radio Grape Encounters Radio

    • Arts
    • 4.9 • 28 Ratings

The love of wine has never been so lighthearted and fun! Grape Encounters is a bold departure from conventional wine education and enjoyment. Not long ago, wine tasting was regarded as something done by people with specially trained palates, sophisticated sensibilities and lots and lots of disposable income. Today, wine is being consumed by hundreds of millions of people who drink it simply because it is what they like. Grape Encounters is about the colorful people, the places, the ambiance and the passion that makes wine drinking one of the world's most popular pastimes. Grape Encounters is lighthearted, interactive and a very good time -- taking listeners out of the studio and into places you won't see on a winery tour. Behind every great wine is a winemaker who loves what he or she does and probably has a terrific sense of humor. No matter how much you love wine, you'll love it so much more when you tune in to Grape Encounters!

    Episode #764 – SEIZE CONTROL: If the Taste Ain’t Great, MANIPULATE!

    Episode #764 – SEIZE CONTROL: If the Taste Ain’t Great, MANIPULATE!

    Gather ‘round wine enthusiasts, adventurous gastronomes, and curious wanderers for this week's edition of Grape Encounters Radio. For 15 years, we've been your trusted companion on a never-ending journey off the beaten path into uncharted regions of the world of wine. As America’s leading nationally syndicated wine radio broadcast and podcast, our specialty of the house is serving up a truly unique blend of stories, insights, and adventures, all revolving around one unifying element - wine.



    At Grape Encounters, we dive into the backstory, the thrilling escapades, and the fascinating individuals whose narratives extend beyond mere winemaking. Every episode is an encounter, a rendezvous made possible by the remarkable power of wine to connect people and spark extraordinary experiences.



    In this week's edition, your host, David Wilson, invites you on an intriguing journey into the realm of taste. Have you ever wondered why one person can be utterly enamored with a particular wine or dish while another finds it utterly distasteful? The answer is much simpler than you might think, and by the end of this episode, you'll no longer feel guilty for relishing something that others may find less appealing, if not nauseating.



    But what if you could tweak what's on your plate or in your glass to significantly enhance the pleasure derived from both your food and your wine? Adjusting your palate, it turns out, is as straightforward as tweaking the settings on your television. In this thought-provoking episode, David shares some important revelations about the five components of taste and how they can be subtly manipulated to amplify your gastronomic experience. The magic lies not in some remote vineyard or exotic kitchen but right in front of you, perhaps even in your pantry.



    For optimal pleasure, all you need is a little unconventional reasoning from someone who's spent a lifetime challenging conventions. Episode #764 of Grape Encounters empowers you to explore and experiment;  End food and wine frustration with taste manipulation. 



    This edition of Grape Encounters has been brought to you by Total Wine & More. Absolutely nobody makes great wines, spirits, and beer from around the globe more accessible and affordable than Total Wine & More. Whether you're an expert, a sommelier in training, or just a wine-loving consumer that could do without all the jargon, Total Wine & More speaks your language. Find what you love. Love what you find at Total Wine & More, or visit Total Wine.com. And please, be 21!

    • 42 min
    Episode #763 – Yet Another Wine Tasting That Could Dramatically Impact America’s Future

    Episode #763 – Yet Another Wine Tasting That Could Dramatically Impact America’s Future

    Is it conceivable that a seemingly innocuous wine tasting event could significantly alter the trajectory of America's future? While this proposition might initially appear far-fetched, the latest episode of Grape Encounters Radio presents compelling arguments that are likely to change your perspective.



    Wine aficionados are no strangers to wine tastings, but a recent event in Napa Valley has unexpectedly garnered significant attention due to its potential implications for the Georgia election interference trial. This wine tasting, attended by key individuals involved in the legal proceedings in Georgia, has thrust itself into the spotlight, raising questions about its impact on the trial. The details remain uncertain, but the event is poised to make historical headlines.



    Coinciding with these developments, the esteemed singer Billy Joel released his first single in three decades, titled "Turn the Lights Back On." The song nostalgically reflects on a yearning for simpler, less complex times, and has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from fans. It has sparked widespread discussions about the ease with which we become estranged from the people and experiences that once brought us joy. This release prompted David Wilson, the host of Grape Encounters, to reminisce about another of Joel's hits, "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant," released in 1977—a time when the wine selection was scant, and the culture of wine appreciation as we know it today was non-existent. The song begins with our choices in those days, "A bottle of white, a bottle of red.  Perhaps a bottle of rose instead?"  This song's release followed closely on the heels of the Judgment of Paris in 1976, a landmark event that catapulted California wines from obscurity to global prominence, arguably setting the stage for California's future successes across various industries.



    The episode speculates on the potential outcomes had the Judgment of Paris spotlighted a different wine region, such as Argentina, New Zealand, or Chile, instead of California. It explores how different our world might be, especially for California, if its wine industry had not achieved such significance. The discussion underscores not to underestimate the impact of simple acts, such as sharing a glass of wine with friends, family, or acquaintances, on shaping our world. The recent news stories offer a rich tapestry of events that invite reflection. Enjoy the thought-provoking content in this edition of Grape Encounters Radio.

    • 42 min
    Episode #761 – Experiencing Bologna Like a True Native, Thanks to Renaissance Man Roberto Condello

    Episode #761 – Experiencing Bologna Like a True Native, Thanks to Renaissance Man Roberto Condello

    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 paying 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."

    • 35 min
    Episode #760 – Our Farewell to Spain, Garnacha and New Friends, but First Two Rockstar Producers!

    Episode #760 – Our Farewell to Spain, Garnacha and New Friends, but First Two Rockstar Producers!

    Well, it been one heck of a month here at Grape Encounters Radio, where we came, we saw and we were conquered... by the magic of Garnacha, during our very special 4-part series devoted entirely to what is arguably the world's most beloved wine varietal.  We say "most beloved" with some reservations, mostly because Garnacha is enjoyed under a number of different names and in some of the most delicious blends to every coat the tongue with pure ecstasy!  Anyway, we've had the privilege to introduce you to some truly amazing people and places throughout Northern Spain, where Garnacha was born and continues to thrive relentlessly, but despite this being one of the few occasions in Grape Encounters history that we have devoted four straight weeks to a single subject, we can't help but conclude that we barely scratched the surface.  Nonethelessless, our final installment this week concludes at two truly remarkable winemaking operations that can be called cutting edge for several good reasons.  And Grape Encounters Host David Wilson wastes no time in explaining why Garnacha deserves such dedicated attention, highlighting its versatility and importance in the wine world, despite often flying under the radar as a standalone varietal.







    A key highlight of this exploration is the role of Spanish cooperatives in producing exceptional Garnacha wines at remarkably affordable prices. During this final series episode, David showcases the winemaking team and remarkable culinary program at Bodegas San Alejandro, then wraps things up at Bodegas San Valero in the Cariñena region, where excellence and innovation are literally being redefined under the leadership of Inácio Pastor.  Pastor's determination to produce some of Spain's most exceptional wines at extraordinarily affordable prices is no doubt causing other producers to seriously rethink their business model.



    Bodegas San Alejandro is a renowned winery, located at what feels like a million miles from nowhere.  But once you get there, you instantly know you've arrived at someplace truly special. From the warm hospitality to the dedication to winemaking excellence, David is captivated by the simplicity and tranquility of the winery's many intimate spaces, even the tank room, where millions of gallons of wine are meticulously crafted below ground.



    But it's not just about wine at Bodegas San Alejandro. David is equally impressed by the winery's commitment to education and community engagement, including a unique hospitality program for local high school students, led by a truly gifted chef and educator named Jesus, who along with his small army of rising culinary stars, treated David and his entourage to a meal that will never be forgotten.



    During this very special visit, David was given a true VIP tour of the facility by Virginia Perez and Jorge Temprado, who provided a deep dive into the intricacies of the winery's design and philosophy. David is captivated by the magical ambiance of the winery, likening it to Willy Wonka's chocolate factory (but for adults).  Virginia Perez oversees the winery's commercial department and offered great insight into the commercial aspects of the company. On the flip side, Jorge Temprado is an extraordinary winemaker, enology professor, and pruning instructor, who was able to shares important insights into the facility's winemaking process and the importance of aesthetics in crafting exceptional wines.



    From Bodegas San Alejandro, we headed to our final destination; Bodegas San Valero in the Cariñena  region, where David is greeted by Inácio Pastor, the charismatic and intellectually engaging manager of the winery. As they discuss the unique wine offerings and cooperative structure of Bodegas San Valero, a camaraderie rooted in mutual respect and admiration for winemaking shines through.



    In a tasting session led by Inácio,

    • 36 min
    Episode #759 – Spain’s Garnacha is Spellbinding! Could it be That Nearby Village of Witches?

    Episode #759 – Spain’s Garnacha is Spellbinding! Could it be That Nearby Village of Witches?

    Welcome to the second week of an exhilarating journey through the captivating world of Garnacha wines in Northern Spain! This multi-week exploration has been meticulously crafted to delve deep into the heart of Garnacha, a wine varietal that remains unjustly overlooked despite consistently ranking among the world's top wine producers. How can something so prolific remain shrouded in mystery and underappreciated, you may wonder? The answer lies in Garnacha, or Grenache, as it is more globally recognized, being a key player in the art of wine blending, harmonizing effortlessly with varietals like Syrah and Mourvèdre, and conjuring magic with each partnership.



    For those acquainted with French wines, Châteauneuf-du-Pape springs to mind—a paragon of class and elegance in wine blends, primarily composed of Garnacha, along with a select assortment of grapes, including the aforementioned Syrah and Mourvèdre.



    Host David Wilson is given the key to the beloved underground wine museum.



    Meanwhile, in Spain, an exciting transformation is occurring within the wine realm. A new generation of winemakers has turned its spotlight on Garnacha as a solo act, garnering attention like never before. In Spain, massive co-operatives have evolved since the 1940s, with countless growers adhering to rigorous standards to cultivate some of the world's finest grapes. At the heart of these co-operatives, you'll find exceptional winemaking facilities producing an array of truly remarkable wines from this collective effort. This is the epitome of communal dedication. While Garnacha has a storied history spanning centuries, recent endeavors to raise awareness are finally bearing fruit, ushering in Garnacha's finest hour.



    An organization deeply committed to elevating Garnacha to its rightful prominence is Asociación Origen Garnacha. Under the leadership of Carolina de Funes, Grape Encounters embarked on an unforgettable journey to the heart of what is affectionately known as "Garnacha Land," providing a ringside seat and a bird's-eye view into the creation of one of Spain's most cherished wines.



    This expedition pushed the limits of Grape Encounters Radio, taking them on a challenging adventure. While the exact kilometers covered were not tallied, it's safe to say that the efficiency of Italian cars was a blessing!



    Their day commenced at Bodegas Aragonesas, where they were warmly received by remarkable individuals like David Jimeno and Ana Chueca, the export managers of the company. Bodegas Aragonesas proudly represents wines from two cooperatives. Remarkably, in a town with a population of merely 750, 400 residents are grape growers. The day kicked off with hands-on vine pruning, followed by an enlightening deep dive into the often misunderstood world of cooperative winemaking. Understanding this model reveals the secret behind enjoying some of the world's finest wines at a fraction of the cost of American and other international wines. And, where business meetings occur, you can bet on an extensive, delectable lunch that stretches into a leisurely 2-3 hour affair.



    Their journey then led them to the eerie and enchanting witches' village of Trasmoz. This stop was a peculiar one for David Wilson, as he harbors an aversion to all things spooky, from things that go bump in the night to witchcraft, monsters, and even Halloween trick-or-treaters. To add to the intrigue, Trasmoz is a town excommunicated by the Spanish government. However, fear not, for David had garlic tucked away in his pocket!



    Arriving in Trasmoz, the setting was nothing short of cinematic—dark, gloomy, and an ideal backdrop for a Stephen King novel or film. Their hosts, Oscar and Caroline, seemed straight out of central casting for a movie set in an excommunicated witch's village in the eerie Spanish hinterlands. Perched atop a hill,

    • 37 min
    Episode #758 – We’ve Got Spain on the Brain as We Reveal the Magic Behind Today’s Garnachas!

    Episode #758 – We’ve Got Spain on the Brain as We Reveal the Magic Behind Today’s Garnachas!

    For the next 30 days, we’ve got Spain on the brain as we bring you the most comprehensive look at the regions and varietals responsible for some of the most beloved wines in the world today and for many centuries in the past.  At the invitation of the Asociación Garnacha Spain, we took our microphones and unrelenting curiosity to the northeastern part of the country where Garnacha wines were not only born in a remote Priorat monastery but continue to thrive.  It often comes as quite a surprise to wine enthusiasts to learn that Garnacha, aka Grenache, holds the distinction of being one of the most widely planted and revered varietals in the world.

    Long heralded as the ultimate blending grape, today, Garnacha has taken on a whole new identity as a single-variety wine that can hold its own against the most epic wines on the planet, like Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Around the globe, people are rediscovering Garnacha. Thanks in large part to the power and influence of Spanish wine co-ops that go to great lengths to assure exceptional quality fruit and provide a means for thousands of fiercely dedicated growers to see their grapes transformed into some of the most desirable wines on the planet, there’s no doubt that Garnacha is the wine to watch.

    For the next three weeks, you’ll meet some of the most influential individuals and organizations that are managing Garnacha’s swiftly growing rebirth and popularity. Now, to be clear, this is a grape that has always been wildly popular; however, thanks to organizations like Asociación Garnacha Spain, these exceptional wines are finding fantastic favor with audiences that are not overly familiar with the wine's historic roots and versatility, In the final analysis, Garnacha’s distinct and delicious characteristics make it the perfect choice for those seeking something different than their standby favorites.

    On today’s show, we will begin our journey by visiting Scala Dei, which was a fully functional monastery until 1835.  For seven centuries, the monks there pioneered and taught farming techniques that were largely responsible for the fame earned by the wines of the Priorat.

    From the monastery, Grape Encounters Host David Wilson and his guide for the day, Victor Huguet, Export Area Manager for Cellers Unió, one of the region’s leading wine co-ops, will wind their way through the breathtaking, rocky landscape, to the producer’s discrete but formidable winemaking facility.  That’s where the magic happens at the hands of winemaking Guru Jordi Puxeu, whose ruggedly dashing, mysterious demeanor and bottomless barrel of winemaking lore will ensure that you never see wine, especially Garnacha, the same way again.  More importantly, you’ll most assuredly be seeing a lot more Garnacha on your table in the days to come!

    We’re packing a lot into the next three episodes of Grape Encounters because we believe with great confidence that once you discover today’s Garnacha, as well as some of the other remarkable varietals of northern Spain, you’ll want to join this exciting revolution in the world of wine. For millions of wine enthusiasts, today’s generation of Garnacha wines may seem like something new, but make no mistake; their historical roots run very deep indeed!

    • 36 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
28 Ratings

28 Ratings

Alexstrath1 ,

Great Grape Encounters

David has some of the most lively guests who share awesome inspiration and guidance beyond just wine. I love his episode with Jean-Charles

wlsonb ,

Good variety

Entertaining, informative, and a nice variety of topics.

Jim Newc ,

Fun and Entertaining

David has an unpretentious approach to wine, that is fun and entertaining. He guides his guests and listeners through his whimsical world of wine.

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