Wine Babblers

Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar
  • 5.0 (9)
  • LEISURE
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Welcome to Wine Babblers! Join Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar, two regular guys, as they embark on a journey through the world of wine. Tune in bi-weekly for lively conversations, insightful experiences, and valuable learnings that will enhance your appreciation and knowledge of wine. Subscribe and connect with us on Instagram and X (@Winebabblers) and Facebook (@WineBabblersPodcast).

Episodes

  1. MAR 20

    Battle of the Mountains

    Erik and Roger explore the world of wine through a fun and casual blind tasting with guest Moises Lopez, sharing his wine journey from childhood to Bordeaux trips. Discover wine recommendations, learn about new wineries andgreat spots to grab wine in Downtown Sacramento, and find out what’s coming next on the Wine Babblers. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Wine Babblers and Guest Introduction 03:23 Battle of the Mountains – Blind Tasting 09:52 First Wine: 2022 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 14:34 Second Wine: 2019 Courtney Benham Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 17:41 Third Wine: 2019 Davies Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 24:58 Fourth Wine: 2019 Cresta Velia Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 29:52 Fifth Wine: Predecessor Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc 34:26 Sixth Wine: 2022 Seven Apart 41:52 Seventh Tasting: 2019 Hess Collection Mount VeederEstate Cabernet Sauvignon 46:37 Upcoming Wine Adventures in Bordeaux 50:53 Upcoming No Borders, No Regions Tasting 01:00:39 Revival Wine 01:05:03 Downtown Sacramento Wine Recs 01:08:13 Engaging New Wine Drinkers Episode Mentions: Wines: 2022 Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Courtney Benham Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon,2019 Davies Vineyards Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, 2019 Cresta Velia Mt. Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon, Predecessor Howell Mountain Cabernet Franc, 2022 Seven Apart, 2019 Hess Collection Mount Veeder Estate Cabernet Sauvignon, Revival Wine

    1h 12m

  2. 10/20/2025

    "Don't Cry for Me Argentina"

    In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar discuss the rich world of South American wines, focusing on Argentinian and Chilean varieties. Joined by guest Jeff Ball, they explore the history and evolution of Malbec, its significance in Argentina, and the differences between Argentinian and Chilean wines. The conversation delves into personal experiences with wine, the importance of aging, and the cultural aspects of wine appreciation. They also taste and review several wines, sharing their thoughts on flavor profiles and the wine tasting experience.  Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 04:33 The Evolution of Malbec in the U.S. 07:07 Personal Malbec Journeys 12:29 Wine Preferences and Seasonal Choices 18:18 The Journey Into Wine Appreciation 26:05 Terrazas de los Andes Malbec 29:15 Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 35:16 Sena Aconcagua Valley, Chile 2012 40:04 Moscato Magnanime Cabernet 2018 45:35 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 53:52 Luca Old Vine Malbec 01:00:05 El Esteco Malbec 2022 01:05:58 Wine Insight and Advice 01:13:51 Breaking Down Wine Barriers for Younger Generations Episode Mentions: Wines: Terrazas de los Andes Malbec, Pascual Toso Malbec, Don Melchor Cabernet Sauvignon 2021, Sena Aconcagua Valley, Chile 2012, Moscato Magnanime Cabernet 2018, Catena Zapata Malbec Argentina, Luca Old Vine Malbec, El Esteco Malbec 2022, Achaval Ferrer Malbec

    1h 24m

  3. 09/18/2025

    Stuck in Lodi

    In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar are joined once again by the Ghost Raven (Phil Salazar) as they share their recent summer adventure through Lodi, California — where the Salazar’s were born and raised. Together, they explore the unexpected charm and evolving wine culture of this underrated region. From hidden gem wineries to standout vintages, the trio shares personal stories, tasting notes, and local insights that reveal why Lodi is far more than just a pit stop on Highway 99. Whether you're a seasoned wine lover or just curious about California’s lesser-known wine country, this episode uncorks the beauty, history, and surprises of Lodi’s vineyards. Chapters 00:00 The Evolution of Lodi's Wine Scene 09:52 Bokisch Vineyards 17:15 Harney Lane Vineyards 27:48 Jessie's Grove Winery 32:34 Lodi Wine Visitors Center/Wine & Roses Episode Mentions Wineries: Harney Lane, Bokisch Vineyards, Jessie's Grove Winery, Wine & Roses, Papapavlos Bistro & Bar; Lodi Wine Visitors Center

    48 min

  4. 09/04/2025

    Central Coast to Granite Bay: Sipping Through the State

    In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar are joined by Ghost Raven as they share their recent wine tasting adventures across California, including visits to Granite Bay, Santa Barbara, Solvang, Paso Robles, and Napa. They discuss the experiences, the quality of wines tasted, and the overall enjoyment of the journey.  Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Wine Babblers 00:54 Capitol Cellars 05:24 Santa Barbara Tastings 15:12 Solvang Wine Tastings 17:16 Paso Robles Wine Tastings 36:46 Napa Wine Tastings 01:04:18 What's Next on Wine Babblers Episode Mentions Wines: 2020 Syrah Andrew Murray Vineyards, 2021 Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon Wineries and Tasting Rooms: Capitol Cellars, Andrew Murray Vineyards, L'Aventure Winery, Hope Family Wines, Daou Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Seavey Vineyard, Oakville Wine Merchant, Robert Craig Winery, Rutherford Ranch Winery, Chateau Montelena Winery; Taste of Santa Rita Hills; Los Olivos Wine Merchant & Cafe Accommodations: Silverado

    1h 6m

  5. 07/25/2025

    Road Trippin’

    In this episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar explore the world of wines beyond their familiar California haunts. They share their adventures in discovering wines while traveling, from impromptu tastings on the Rubicon Trail to unexpected finds in Michigan. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious traveler, this episode offers insights into the joys and surprises of savoring wines away from home. Tune in for stories, laughter, and a toast to the unexpected pleasures of wine exploration.  Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Wine on Vacation 09:02 Wine Tasting on the Rubicon Trail 31:54 Encouragement to Try Regional Wines 48:20 Upcoming Wine Adventures 55:53 The Boldness of Trying New Wines Episode MentionsRubicon Trail Wine Tasting: Austin Hope 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon, Carter 1999 Cabernet Sauvignon, Grgich Hills Estate 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, Schrader Cellars Double Diamond 2021 Cabernet Sauv, Caymus 50th Anniversary Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

    1 hr

  6. 07/13/2025

    Just a Sip: A Mini Wine Tasting Experience

    In this mini episode, hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar have a “sipper, sipper” of some unique wines, from ancient vine Zinfandel to Bordeaux blends. The conversation also touches on the challenges of making wine approachable for everyone, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from their experiences. Make sure to listen until the end for a legal tip from Erik.   Chapters: 00:25 Cline Family Cellars Ancient Vine Zinfandel 03:25 Château de la Chapelle Bordeaux 07:51 Wine Pairings Episode Mentions:  Cline Family Cellars, Château de la Chapelle, Revana Family Vineyard

    12 min

  7. 06/27/2025

    The Napa Experience (aka Babblers World Tour!)

    Hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar take listeners on a journey through their recent “world tour” of winery visits in Napa. They share their experiences at various wineries, including Burgess, Robert Craig, Hall Rutherford, Seven Apart, William Cole, Markham, Revana and Duckhorn. The conversation highlights the unique aspects of each winery, the wines they tasted, and the overall enjoyment of the tasting experiences. The episode also features special guest Phil Salazar, (The Ghost Raven) who adds his insights and experiences to the discussion. Chapters: 00:00 The Napa Experience 02:30 Burgess Cellars 06:56 Robert Craig Winery 22:17 Hall Rutherford Winery 29:23 Seven Apart Winery 34:16 William Cole Vineyards 42:24 Markham Vineyards 48:57 Revana Family Vineyard Episode Mentions:  Wineries: Burgess Cellars, Robert Craig Winery, Hall Rutherford Winery, Seven Apart Winery, William Cole Vineyards, Markham Vineyards, Revana Family Vineyard, Duckhorn Vineyards Accommodations: Silverado Resort Wines Tasted:  ROBERT CRAIG  2015 Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2015 Spring Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon 2016 Diamond Mt Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Howell Mt Cabernet Sauvignon 2025 Howell Mountain Estate Merlot 2016 The Stick Red Wine Blend HALL RUTHERFORD 2021 Sacrashe Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 Montagna Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Rainin Vineyard Diamond Mt Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Beller Vineyard Mt Veeder Cabernet Sauvignon SEVEN APART 2021 Basalt Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Shale Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Summit Cabernet Sauvignon WILLIAM COLE 2022 Small Lot Stag’s Leap District Cab 2017 Predecessor  2015 Cuvee Claire Cab MARKHAM 2017 Yountville Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Meadowrock Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon REVANA 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 Cold Springs Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon DUCKHORN 2013 Duck Blind Proprietary Red Blend 2021 Patzimaro Cabernet Sauvignon

    1h 2m

  8. 06/12/2025

    Spitters are Quitters: Erik and Roger Guide You Through Wine Etiquette

    Hosts Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar delve into the nuances of wine etiquette, exploring the balance between enjoyment and decorum while tasting wines. They discuss the importance of connecting with wine servers, the art of pacing during tastings, the significance of planning ahead for a successful wine tasting experience and their view that “spitters are quitters.” Wines: Duckhorn Oakville Napa Valley Cabernet, Wallis Denali Estate Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon Wineries: Caymus-Suisun, Seavey Vineyard Accommodations: Villa Capricho in Suisun Valley

    45 min

  9. 06/08/2025

    Wine Babblers Uncorked

    Erik and Roger uncork the Wine Babblers podcast by sharing their journey into wine, tasting experiences, and touch on the social aspects of wine culture. They also review Cabernet Sauvignon from Kathryn Hall, Markham Vineyards, and Faust Wines, and give you a glimpse of what is to come on thepodcast. Future episodes promise to explore various wine regions and tasting adventures, including interviews expert and celebrity interviews. Episode Mentions: Wines: Kathryn Hall Cabernet Sauvignon 2019, Marham Cabernet Sauvignon 2020, Faust Cabernet Sauvignon 2021  Wineries: William Cole Vineyards, Seavey Vineyard, Revana Family Vineyard, Markham Vineyards Accommodations: Silverado Resort and Spa, Carneros Resort and Spa, Ranco Caymus Inn

    41 min

  10. TRAILER

    Wine Babblers Trailer

    Welcome to the Wine Babblers Podcast, where two regular guys—Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar—invite you to join them on their journey through the world of wine. With just a basic knowledge, but a deep enthusiasm for vino, Erik and Roger aren’t experts—they’re explorers, ready to learn alongside you as they “babble” about all things wine. Born from their long, laughter-filled “Wine Nights” with friends, the podcast blends honest curiosity with lively conversation. From sharing their favorite bottles to spotlighting go-to tasting spots in Napa, Lodi, and the Foothills, they’ll also dream out loud about future visits to Paso Robles, Temecula, and more. Each episode is packed with down-to-earth insights, stories, and a lot of heart. Whether you're wine-savvy or wine-curious, you’ll feel right at home. So pour yourself a glass and join Erik and Roger for a fun, friendly, and flavor-filled ride on Wine Babblers. Subscribe now!

    2 min

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

Welcome to Wine Babblers! Join Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar, two regular guys, as they embark on a journey through the world of wine. Tune in bi-weekly for lively conversations, insightful experiences, and valuable learnings that will enhance your appreciation and knowledge of wine. Subscribe and connect with us on Instagram and X (@Winebabblers) and Facebook (@WineBabblersPodcast).

Information

  • Creator
    Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    10
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Erik Ellner and Roger Salazar
  • Show Website
    Wine Babblers