Grown in Napa Valley

Napa Valley Grapegrowers

This local podcast will discuss wine grape growing in Napa Valley. Through short, candid interviews and discussions, listeners will gain timely insights into vineyard activities and trends growers are seeing, encouraging, and creating an open platform for sharing and inspiring action for the grower community.

  1. May 28

    Trellis Talks: Understanding Napa’s Unusual Growing Season with Daniel Swain

    In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, Executive Director Caleb Mosley sits down with climate scientist Daniel Swain to discuss the unusual 2026 growing season and what Napa Valley growers should be paying attention to. Swain explains the record-breaking heat experienced in March and April, the complex relationship between climate change and extreme weather events, and why growers are increasingly dealing with both ends of the spectrum: severe drought conditions and periods of excessive rainfall. The conversation also explores topics such as offshore winds, fog, vapor pressure deficit, wildfire risk, and how a warming climate is changing the challenges facing agriculture across California.  The discussion then turns to the developing El Niño, which Swain believes is highly likely to strengthen through the summer and could become one of the more significant El Niño events on record. He outlines the potential implications for California, including an increased likelihood of a wet winter, possible early-season rainfall events, and greater weather variability throughout the remainder of the year. Swain emphasizes that while climate change presents real risks, it also creates opportunities for California agriculture to rethink water management through groundwater recharge, floodplain restoration, and capturing excess winter runoff. The episode highlights the importance of adaptation, preparedness, and long-term planning as growers navigate an increasingly dynamic and unpredictable climate future.  Support the show

    48 min

  2. May 10

    Episode 26: From Vineyard Rows to Rock Shows with Faith Ventrello & Glass with a Grower, Justin Dragoo

    In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, host Caleb Mosley explores the intersection of music, wine, and Napa Valley culture through conversations with Faith Ventrello and Justin Dragoo. Faith shares her journey from a career in the music industry at major labels like Capitol, Elektra, and Virgin Records to building a wine-focused life in Napa Valley. She discusses co-founding Folklore, a downtown Napa wine bar and record store that has become a community gathering space blending live music, vinyl culture, food, and wine. The conversation highlights how music and wine naturally complement one another and how Napa’s evolving cultural scene has embraced both.  Later in the episode, Justin reflects on his transition from the tech world in New York City back to Napa Valley, where he joined Gargiulo Vineyards and helped grow the family winery business rooted in Oakville farming traditions. He also shares the story behind the evolution of BottleRock Napa Valley and explains how the festival successfully combines world-class music, wine, and culinary experiences to attract a new generation of Napa Valley visitors. Justin emphasizes the strong parallels between the wine and music industries, from storytelling and authenticity to creating immersive experiences that connect people to place, culture, and community.  Support the show

    1h 6m

  3. Apr 10

    Episode 25: Statewide Advocacy, the Napa Perspective with Natalie Collins and John Chandler & Glass with a Grower, Lise Asimont

    In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, NVG Executive Director Caleb Mosley speaks with Natalie Collins and John Chandler about the role of the California Association of Winegrape Growers in advocating for growers across the state. They discuss how regional and statewide grower organizations collaborate to address major industry challenges, including market pressures, labor policy, and regulatory issues. The conversation highlights current legislative priorities such as improving wine labeling transparency, expanding opportunities for wineries at farmers markets, and pursuing an agricultural overtime tax credit to help offset labor costs for growers. Despite limited resources, CAWG continues to push proactive policies and unite diverse wine regions to strengthen the future of California winegrape farming.  In the episode’s Glass with a Grower segment, Caleb sits down with Lise Asimont of Foley Family Farms to share stories from her career in California agriculture and the wine industry. The conversation offers a candid look at the people behind the vineyards, blending humor, insight, and a fresh perspective on wine culture. Asimont emphasizes that wine should remain approachable and joyful, reminding listeners that the best experiences with wine come from sharing it with others.  Support the show

    1h 5m

  4. Mar 10

    Episode 24: Pathways to the Vineyard with Enoch Shully & Glass with a Grower, John McCarthy

    This episode of Grown in Napa Valley features two conversations highlighting the people and perspectives shaping the future of Napa Valley’s wine industry. In the first segment, Caleb Mosley speaks with Enoch Shully of Napa Valley College about his unconventional path from electrical engineering and hospitality to leading wine education programs in Napa. Shully shares how his career in restaurants and wine eventually brought him to California and inspired a passion for creating pathways into the wine industry. At the college, he focuses on expanding education, mentorship, and accessibility, helping prepare students from diverse backgrounds with the technical, hospitality, and marketing skills needed to succeed in the wine world.  In the second segment, Caleb sits down with John McCarthy, Vineyard Director for the Far Niente family of wineries, for the podcast’s “Glass with a Grower” discussion. McCarthy reflects on his journey from growing up in Lake County vineyards to leading vineyard operations in Napa Valley, emphasizing the importance of long-term vineyard stewardship and thoughtful farming practices. The conversation explores the realities of modern grape growing, including market challenges, vineyard development, and the role growers play in connecting consumers to the land. Together, the two discussions highlight how education, collaboration, and sustainable vineyard management will shape the next chapter of Napa Valley agriculture. Support the show

    1h 3m

  5. Feb 10

    Episode 23: Why Wine Still Matters with Felicity Carter & Glass with a Grower, Philippa Ward and Tim Colla

    This episode of Grown in Napa Valley brings together two timely conversations that reflect the cultural, generational, and economic shifts shaping today’s wine industry. In the first segment, host Caleb Mosley speaks with journalist and podcaster Felicity Carter at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium about changing attitudes toward alcohol, health, and moderation. Their discussion explores the rise of wellness culture, generational risk aversion, and how wine is increasingly framed within broader public health narratives. Carter offers perspective on how growers and producers can engage more confidently in these conversations by grounding them in science, history, and wine’s longstanding social role, encouraging pride, visibility, and thoughtful storytelling as tools to navigate uncertainty.  The episode then shifts to Carneros for a Glass with a Grower conversation with Philippa Ward and Tim Colla of Saintsbury, recorded amid the energy of the tasting room. Together, they reflect on Saintsbury’s founding vision, Carneros’ role in shaping California Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and the winery’s evolution across generations. The conversation highlights the importance of curiosity, collaboration between growers and wineries, and a willingness to innovate while honoring legacy. From vineyard partnerships to new winemaking explorations, the segment underscores how adaptability, stewardship, and shared purpose continue to define resilient brands and communities in Napa Valley. Support the show

    57 min

  6. Jan 10

    Episode 22: Cross Country Craft: A 2026 Kickoff with Mark Carter & Glass with a Grower, Dan Petroski

    Caleb opens the 2026 season of Grown in Napa Valley from Louisville, Kentucky, where he sits down with vintner-turned-whiskey-maker Mark Carter. Their conversation traces Carter’s journey from Eureka hospitality to Napa winemaking and ultimately to Kentucky bourbon, highlighting the shared craftsmanship between wine and spirits, barrels, blending, farming roots, and the growing consumer interest in how raw materials are cultivated. Carter reflects on decades of working with iconic Napa vineyards and the parallels he now sees in the rising “grain-to-glass” movement, as distillers embrace terroir and agricultural storytelling much like grape growers do. Their tasting together underscores how both wines and whiskies reflect the land, the season, and the maker’s hand.  The episode then returns to Napa for Glass with a Grower featuring winemaker and NVG Board Member Dan Petroski. Dan speaks to his passion for Mediterranean-style white wines, the evolving needs of Napa’s wine market, and the importance of growers becoming more visible partners in consumer storytelling. He discusses the challenges of the 2025 season, the opportunities ahead in 2026, the need for deeper collaboration between growers and wineries, and the promise of AB 720 in connecting visitors directly with vineyards. Looking forward, Dan stresses community resilience, thoughtful adaptation, and a renewed focus on helping growers navigate shifting markets while continuing to champion the quality and diversity of Napa Valley agriculture.  Support the show

    1h 5m

  7. 12/10/2025

    Episode 21: Half a Century in the Vines: Stories of Stewardship and Renewal with Ashley Anderson & Glass with a Grower, Tom Davies

    In Episode 21 of Grown in Napa Valley, the podcast celebrates the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' 50th anniversary by spotlighting two stories of resilience and reinvention. Ashley Anderson of Cain Vineyard shares her personal and professional journey farming organically on Spring Mountain, detailing the challenges of managing steep, terraced vineyards and navigating the aftermath of the devastating 2020 Glass Fire. Her commitment to protecting the land, nurturing the soil, and honoring the vineyard’s legacy shines through as she recounts the thoughtful replanting efforts and her team’s emotional connection to vines that survived against the odds. Ashley also reflects on the joy and collaboration of planning the Organic Winegrowing Conference, emphasizing the value of community in sustainable farming. The episode then shifts to V. Sattui Winery, where Tom Davies reflects on the winery’s own 50-year legacy. In a warm, lively conversation, Tom shares stories of his serendipitous entry into the wine world and how he and founder Dario Sattui built a business rooted in Italian hospitality and direct-to-consumer connection. He highlights the recent transformation of their tasting room into the Mercado del Gusto, designed to foster community and accessibility in contrast to the trend of exclusivity in Napa Valley. From launching natural and non-alcoholic wines to keeping tastings affordable and open to all, Tom’s vision is to keep wine—and the joy it brings—at the heart of Napa Valley life. Both segments underscore a shared commitment to stewardship, innovation, and heartfelt connection to land and people. Support the show

    55 min

  8. 11/10/2025

    Episode 20: 2025 Harvest Highlights: Quality Through Adaptation

    In this episode of Grown in Napa Valley, guest host Jonathan Cristaldi presents highlights from the 2025 Napa Valley Harvest Press Conference, presented by the Napa Valley Grapegrowers and Napa Valley Vintners,  joined by growers and winemakers Ashton Leutner, Mayan Koschitzky, Nate Weis, and Megan Gunderson. They unpack a cooler, steady 2025 growing season shaped by early rains, slow canopy development, minimal heat spikes, and strong fruit set. With phenolic ripeness outpacing sugar accumulation, the panel notes vibrant color, natural acidity, and balanced alcohol across the vintage. They discuss the year’s key challenges — elevated mildew pressure and a stop-and-start harvest caused by intermittent rain — and share how tight spray intervals, sport-trap monitoring, and thoughtful canopy work helped maintain fruit quality. Market shifts also left some fruit unharvested, creating an opening for growers to redevelop vineyards, adjust crop loads, and focus on long-term soil and plant health. The conversation turns to the Pickett Fire, which produced highly localized smoke impacts. Thanks to improved air-quality tools and advanced ETS smoke-taint testing, growers were able to assess risk with far more precision than in past fire years. Early takeaways from the panel point to a distinctive, expressive 2025 vintage — wines with strong color, refined tannins, and clear AVA character — underscoring a maturing Napa Valley rooted in adaptation, stewardship, and continuous learning. Support the show

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

This local podcast will discuss wine grape growing in Napa Valley. Through short, candid interviews and discussions, listeners will gain timely insights into vineyard activities and trends growers are seeing, encouraging, and creating an open platform for sharing and inspiring action for the grower community.

Information

  • Creator
    Napa Valley Grapegrowers
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Grown in Napa Valley
  • Show Website
    Grown in Napa Valley

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