Napa Valley Insider Podcast

Cuvée
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Napa Valley Insider Podcast

Napa Valley Insider Podcast - A look into the life and businesses of wine and hospitality tastemakers. The Napa Valley Insider Podcast is presented by Cuvée, the Napa Valley Winery Guide.

  1. Morgaen Hoxsey Pickett & Ghost Block Estate Wines

    3D AGO

    Morgaen Hoxsey Pickett & Ghost Block Estate Wines

    In episode thirty-six of the Napa Valley Insider podcast, Andrew sits down with Morgaen Hoxsey, fifth-generation proprietor and Sales & Marketing Director for Ghost Block Estate Wines. Morgaen shares her family's impressive Napa Valley heritage, dating back to her great-great-grandfather Joseph Pelissa's arrival from Italy in 1903, and their journey from grape growers to successful vintners. She explores how her family business evolved, including their pioneering move into custom crush operations with Napa Wine Company, and the challenges and innovations that continue to shape their brands today. Episode Highlights: Generations of Grape Growing: Discover how the Pelissa family's farming roots began over 120 years ago in Calistoga, eventually growing into a 1,000-acre estate between Yountville and Oakville.From Growers to Vintners: The strategic decision in the 1990s that shifted the family's focus from solely grape growing to launching their own wine brands, including Ghost Block, Oakville Winery, and Elizabeth Rose.Napa Wine Company's Legacy: Morgaen discusses how their facility became an incubator for emerging Napa Valley winemakers and played a significant role in the valley's evolving wine landscape.Innovating Wine Hospitality: How Ghost Block Estate Wines transformed their Oakville tasting room experience to meet the changing expectations of Napa Valley visitors, emphasizing luxury and intimacy.Looking Ahead: Morgaen shares insights on industry trends, particularly the importance of packaging sustainability, maintaining approachable price points, and strategically evolving their wine portfolio for the future.This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, the go-to app for planning your Napa Valley experience. Follow @NapaValleyInsiderPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

    32 min
  2. Charlie Wagner & Caymus-Suisun

    MAR 4

    Charlie Wagner & Caymus-Suisun

    In episode thirty-five of the Napa Valley Insider podcast, Andrew sits down with Charlie Wagner, fifth-generation Napa Valley vintner and a driving force behind the evolution of Caymus Vineyards. Charlie shares the Wagner family's rich history, from their early days homesteading in St. Helena to becoming one of the most recognized names in American wine. He discusses his role in expanding the family's winemaking legacy, his perspective on the evolving Napa Valley landscape, and how he's carrying the torch into the future. Episode Highlights: The Wagner Family Story: How Charlie’s ancestors shaped the Napa Valley wine industry over five generations, from humble beginnings to a globally recognized brand.Building on a Legacy: The evolution of Caymus Vineyards and how Charlie and his sister are expanding beyond Napa to explore new varietals across California.Caymus-Suisun and Innovation: Why the Wagners saw opportunity in Suisun Valley and how they built a hospitality experience designed for modern wine lovers.The Changing Wine Industry: Charlie’s thoughts on Napa’s rising costs, consumer trends, and how wineries must adapt to keep engaging younger generations.A Different Approach to Hospitality: How Caymus’s tasting rooms blend accessibility, hospitality, and innovation—including offering coffee to guests.This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, the go-to app for planning your Napa Valley experience. Follow @NapaValleyInsiderPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

    34 min
  3. Chef Darryl Bell & Stateline Road Smokehouse

    FEB 25

    Chef Darryl Bell & Stateline Road Smokehouse

    In episode thirty-four of the Industry Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Darryl Bell, chef and owner of Stateline Road Smokehouse, Napa’s first Black-owned restaurant since the 1800s. Darryl shares his journey from growing up in Kansas City, learning to cook for his family at a young age, to honing his culinary skills in France and working under Thomas Keller before launching his own BBQ venture in Napa. He dives into his passion for elevating barbecue with fine dining techniques, his commitment to philanthropy, and how he's building a sustainable, community-focused business. Episode Highlights: From Kansas City to Napa: How Darryl’s early experiences cooking lentils for his family ignited a lifelong passion for food.Training Under Culinary Giants: Darryl’s journey through the rigorous kitchens of Thomas Keller’s restaurant group and how it shaped his approach to perfection and discipline.Reimagining Barbecue: Why Darryl decided to bring Kansas City-style BBQ to Napa—with a refined, Michelin-influenced twist.Building a Legacy: The challenges and triumphs of opening Napa’s first Black-owned restaurant in over a century, and how Darryl is using his platform to give back.Philanthropy at the Core: How Darryl’s long-standing commitment to giving—through partnerships with Rafiki Foundation and No Kid Hungry—remains central to his business.Darryl’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, passion, and staying true to your roots while forging a path forward. Whether you're a food lover, entrepreneur, or just curious about the intersection of fine dining and barbecue, this episode is packed with inspiration. This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, the go-to app for planning your Napa Valley experience. Follow @NapaValleyInsiderPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

    41 min
  4. Chris Hoel & Harper's Club

    FEB 18

    Chris Hoel & Harper's Club

    In episode thirty-three of the Industry Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Chris Hoel, CEO and founder of Harper’s Club, a premier concierge wine advisory firm. Chris shares his journey from catching the wine bug in a Midwest poker game to working at The French Laundry and ultimately curating world-class wine collections for Hollywood elites and top-tier collectors. He offers a behind-the-scenes look at the high-stakes world of rare wines, the evolving wine industry, and what it takes to build a successful advisory business in Napa Valley. Episode Highlights: From Poker to Premier Wine Curation: How a single sip of wine changed Chris’s life and set him on a path from finance to fine wine.The French Laundry Years: Inside stories from working at one of the most prestigious restaurants in the world and how attention to detail got him the job.Building Harper’s Club: How Chris carved out a niche advising A-list clients like Mark Wahlberg and Jimmy Butler on their personal wine collections.The Future of Wine Collecting: The challenges facing the wine industry today, from shifting consumer trends to the impact of global markets.Mastering the Art of Curation: Why Harper’s Club is more than a wine retailer—it’s a gateway to exclusive experiences, rare bottles, and bespoke service.Chris’s story is a masterclass in perseverance, expertise, and navigating the intersection of luxury and hospitality. Whether you're a wine enthusiast, collector, or just curious about the hidden world of elite wine advisory, this episode is packed with fascinating insights. This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, the go-to app for planning your Napa Valley experience. Follow @IndustryInsiderPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

    34 min
  5. Kara Haspel Lind & Kara's Cupcakes

    FEB 11

    Kara Haspel Lind & Kara's Cupcakes

    In episode thirty-two of the Napa Valley Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Kara Haspel Lind, founder of Kara’s Cupcakes and Bar Lucia, two beloved staples in Napa. Kara shares her journey from the world of magazine publishing to becoming a celebrated entrepreneur in the food and wine industry. She dives into the challenges and triumphs of growing a business, navigating economic shifts, and creating spaces that bring people together. Episode Highlights: From Publishing to Pastry: How Kara transitioned from a career in advertising to launching one of the Bay Area’s most well-known dessert brands.Building a Business: The early days of Kara’s Cupcakes, securing prime locations, and scaling from one bakery to multiple successful locations.Pivoting Through Change: How Kara adapted during the pandemic, from downsizing to launching new concepts like Bar Lucia.The Oxbow Connection: Why Napa’s Oxbow Market became her favorite location and how the space fosters a community of like-minded entrepreneurs.Celebratory Moments: The philosophy behind Kara’s brands and her mission to bring joy through food, wine, and hospitality.From cupcakes to wine bars, Kara’s story is a masterclass in entrepreneurship, resilience, and creativity. Whether you're a business owner or just love a good success story, this episode is packed with valuable insights. This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, the go-to app for planning your Napa Valley experience. Follow @NapaValleyInsiderPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

    27 min
  6. Pam Dillon & Preferabli

    FEB 4

    Pam Dillon & Preferabli

    In episode thirty-one of the Napa Valley Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Pam Dillon, CEO and co-founder of Preferabli, to discuss a groundbreaking moment—Preferabli's acquisition of Cuvée. Pam shares her journey from Wall Street to the wine and spirits industry, how AI is transforming hospitality, and what this acquisition means for the future of personalized recommendations. Episode Highlights: From Finance to Wine Tech: Pam’s path from banking at Goldman Sachs to building an AI-driven platform for the alcohol industry.AI and Personalization: Why proprietary data is the key to AI-driven consumer experiences and how Preferabli is shaping the future of wine and spirits.The Cuvée Acquisition: Why Preferabli chose to acquire Cuvée and how the team’s expertise in consumer engagement will drive innovation.Industry Trends: The merging of hospitality and retail, the power of AI-driven search, and what every business should know about adapting to digital transformation.Building for the Future: How marketplaces, AI, and data accuracy will define the next wave of hospitality and consumer experiences.This episode marks a major milestone as Cuvée joins the Preferabli family, with Andrew stepping into his new role as Chief Growth Officer. Follow along as we continue to push boundaries in hospitality, AI, and digital innovation. This episode is brought to you by Preferabli, the AI-driven platform for wine, spirits, and food personalization. Follow @NapaValleyInsiderPodcast for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

    33 min
  7. Erick Hernández & Napa County Fire Department

    JAN 28

    Erick Hernández & Napa County Fire Department

    In episode thirty of the Napa Valley Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Erick Hernandez, Deputy Fire Marshal for Napa County Fire Department. Erick shares his inspiring journey to Napa Valley, his passion for public safety, and the evolving strategies to protect the community from devastating wildfires. Episode Highlights: A Firefighter’s Journey: Learn how Erick’s life experiences and mentorship shaped his path to becoming a leader in Napa County’s fire prevention efforts.Preparedness Matters: Discover the essential steps Napa County residents can take to safeguard their homes and families, from creating defensible space to building a go-bag.Wildfire Science: Erick explains why today’s wildfires burn hotter, faster, and longer, and the critical importance of fuel reduction projects in mitigating fire risks.Mutual Aid in Action: Hear about Napa’s role in supporting Southern California during recent fires and how collaboration is key in combating state-wide emergencies.Community First: Erick discusses outreach programs to educate and assist at-risk populations, ensuring everyone can better prepare for wildfire season.Support Napa County Fire Department’s efforts and learn more about fire safety by visiting their Instagram or contacting Erick Hernandez directly. This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, your go-to for Napa Valley experiences. Follow Napa Valley Insider Podcast and Cuvée on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from the people shaping Napa Valley’s future!

    34 min
  8. Chuck McMinn & Vineyard 29

    JAN 21

    Chuck McMinn & Vineyard 29

    In episode twenty-nine of the Napa Valley Insider Podcast, Andrew sits down with Chuck McMinn, owner of Vineyard 29 and a passionate advocate for community development in Napa Valley. Chuck shares insights from his Silicon Valley journey to becoming a key figure in three impactful nonprofits: the Napa Valley Vine Trail, the Rail Arts District, and the St. Helena Hospital Foundation. Episode Highlights: From Tech to Terroir: Discover how Chuck transitioned from a groundbreaking Silicon Valley career to owning Vineyard 29 and fostering Napa’s wine culture.Building Napa’s Connectivity: Learn how the Vine Trail is connecting communities with its ambitious 47-mile walking and biking path, plus the challenges and successes along the way.World-Class Public Art: Explore the Rail Arts District’s transformation into a vibrant corridor of creativity with over 40 art installations.Giving Back to Healthcare: Hear about Chuck’s work with the St. Helena Hospital Foundation, supporting state-of-the-art medical care in the region.The Future of Napa: Chuck discusses the importance of affordable housing, attracting diverse industries, and empowering the next generation of community leaders.Support Chuck’s initiatives by donating at VineTrail.org or the Rail Arts District’s website. Every contribution strengthens Napa Valley’s future. This episode is brought to you by Cuvée, your go-to for Napa Valley experiences. Follow Napa Valley Insider Podcast and Cuvée on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content. Don’t forget to subscribe for more inspiring stories from the people shaping Napa Valley’s future!

    28 min
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About

Napa Valley Insider Podcast - A look into the life and businesses of wine and hospitality tastemakers. The Napa Valley Insider Podcast is presented by Cuvée, the Napa Valley Winery Guide.

Information

  • Creator
    Cuvée
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Libation Labs, 2024 dba Cuvée
  • Show Website
    Napa Valley Insider Podcast

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