Dracaena Wines Podcast

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Today, I’m thrilled to welcome Greg Allen, owner and winemaker of Cuatro Dias Winery in Paso Robles. Greg’s story is as bold and inspiring as the wines he crafts. Before stepping into the vineyard, Greg spent years serving as a firefighter, dedicating himself to protecting lives and communities. But even in the midst of the firehouse chaos, his passion for winemaking quietly burned. That passion eventually ignited into a full-blown journey, and Cuatro Dias was born—named after the four-day firefighter shifts that shaped his life and gave him time to dream big. Now, Greg pours his heart into every bottle, blending the strength of his past with the creativity and finesse of his present. Today, we’ll explore his transition from the fireline to the vineyard, his philosophy on winemaking, and, of course, the magic behind Cuatro Dias wines.  While you are liste

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Today I am sharing another session from the Old Vine Conference. This webinar explores what Regenerative Viticulture is and how two leading old vine wineries are using the practice on their old vine estates. Fransisca van Zeller of Van Zellers & Co presents details of the experimental soil trials she is leading in the Douro, Portugal. And Domenico Veronese of Villa Bogdano 1880 talks through his Food Forest initiative in the Veneto, Italy.  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for automatic downloads so that new episodes of Exploring the Wine Glass show up in your “next up feed.” The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Welcome back to downtown Paso Robles! Today I am sitting down with Glenna Thompson, the one person band behind Symbiosis Wine. Located on 12th between Spring and Vine Streets. In case the name didn’t give her origin story away, Glenna came from the Science world and decided to pursue her passion in wine. As one of the OG of downtown Paso, she has insight into how the wine industry (and downtown) has changed over the years. Enjoy the conversation and be sure to check her out the next time you are in Paso. While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for automatic downloads so that new episodes of Exploring the Wine Glass show up in your “next up feed.” The next best way to sup

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  I registered for the Old Vine Conference which took place online in mid-October.  The concept of Old Vines is an intriguing one, since in the US there is no legal definition, however, in certain wine regions they are creating categories to distinguish these vines. The conference is a progressive partnership between The Old Vine Conference (OVC) and Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP).  This conference took place over two days and had several sessions that I am excited to be able to share with you. This first one is about The economic sustainability of old vine wines in SOUTH AFRICA While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for automatic downloads so that new episodes

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  The statistics all state the wine consumption is decreasing. According to Statista, wine consumption has dropped 6.75% since 2019 and the International Organization of Vine and Wine says that wine consumption has dropped 2.6% just this last year. In fact, global wine consumption has reached its lowest point since 1996. Enter the world of de-alcoholized wine.  Fact.MR has predicted that non-alcohol wine will increase its  market substantially in the next ten years; from 2.57 billion to 6.94 billion dollars. And in the forefront of this massive trend is Giesen Wines in New Zealand. I had the pleasure to sit down with Duncan Shouler, Director of Innovation to discuss the process and their goals for this line.    While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  The third Thursday of September is International Grenache Day. I attended a webinar in celebration of the day with California wineries who all produce Grenache or as I prefer to call it Garnacha. The panel was moderated by Larry Schaffer of Tercero Wines. I love me some Garnacha and am always happy to learn more about the variety. The most intriguing concept for me during this conversation was the range of expressions the winemakers were able to create with this beautiful variety.   While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for automatic downloads so that new episodes of Exploring the Wine Glass show up in your “next up feed.” The next best way to support Exploring the Win

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  One of my favorite podcasts to listen to is Your Stupid Opinions hosted by two comedians James Pietragallo & Jimmie Whisman. The premise is that there are some pretty hysterical reviews out there and as I listen to the podcast, I really do laugh out loud.  I thought that it would be interesting to see what people have to say about wineries. I figured it could be a series, if you guys all think its funny, and I would do different regions. I’m also looking for a co-host for this series, as I think it would be funnier to hear the response of another wine lover to these reviews. Today’s region is Napa.  I hope you enjoy it! While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for aut

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Today, we are returning to Italy for the final segment of the Wine Scholar Guild’s Abruzzo webinar. Join me as I learn from WSG Italian Program Director, Andrea Eby and two winemakers from Abruzzo. Together they discuss their regions as well as key wine styles. I hope you have enjoyed this series. I absolutely adore Abruzzo wines and hope to return to the region again soon. While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for automatic downloads so that new episodes of Exploring the Wine Glass show up in your “next up feed.” The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Follow me on all

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Today, we are returning to Italy for another segment of the Wine Scholar Guild’s Abruzzo webinar. Join me as I learn from WSG Italian Program Director, Andrea Eby and two winemakers from Abruzzo. Together they discuss their regions as well as key wine styles.  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for automatic downloads so that new episodes of Exploring the Wine Glass show up in your “next up feed.” The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Follow me on all the socials and finally, don’t forget to head to the website, Exploring the Wine Glass.com to read the blog, and sig

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Hello my friends! You Cab Franc lovers out there are going to love this episode!!! Today, I am sitting down with Steven Mirassou of Steven Kent Winery in Livermore Valley. He is the only person I know that is about as insane about Cabernet Franc as I am. He is a great spokesperson for the variety and honestly a great friend. On September 1st, there will be a Cab Franc-A-Palooza pop up event in Paso Robles.. This will be an up close and intimate wine tasting event with six wineries; three from Paso, two from the Finger Lakes and one from Livermore Valley. Tickets are going fast. They are $50, but if you use code DRACAENA, you can save $5. Use the link in the show notes in order to grab your seat!  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  I hope you enjoyed last week’s episode. Today, we continue with the education about the grapes and regions of Abruzzo. Thank you to the Wine Scholar Guild for holding these seminars. It is a wonderful way to dive into specific wine regions and increase our desire to explore more.  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show.  Also, please be sure to check the box for automatic downloads so that new episodes of Exploring the Wine Glass show up in your “next up feed.” The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Follow me on all the socials and finally, don’t forget to head to the website, Exploring the Wine Glass.com to r

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  A couple of years ago, I had the honor of visiting Abruzzo for a press trip. It was an incredible week, filled with amazing views and magnificent wine. I learned so much about the region and fell in love with its wines. I linked my article about the trip in the show notes. Today, I am sharing the audio from a Wine Scholar Guild webinar I attended a while back. It was relatively long and took place over two days, so I am splitting it up into multi-episodes.  I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Follow me on all the socials and fina

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Today, we return the the Paso Robles Downtown Vibe event. The second opportunity people had to taste the wines from downtown wineries was in a food and wine pairing. The event was a huge success. Wines from Indigene', Sea Shell, Serial, Stilson, and Symbiosis were poured alongside Chef Alma's creations. After hearing the descriptions of the food and how they pair with the wines, you will be wiping the drool off your phone. .  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Follow me on all the socials and finally, don’t forget to head to the website, Exploring the Wine Glass.com

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Welcome to Winephabet Street. Today, the letter of the day is S and it stands for San Marco. Have you heard of this grape? This was a brand new variety to me and I was so intrigued to learn more and impressed once I tasted it. In fact, I took a bottle to a wine professional event and it was the hit of the evening! We had the pleasure of interviewing Jim Quarella and Larry Coia from Bellview Winery in New Jersey. These are the guys not only responsible for bringing the vines to the United States, but for naming the variety!  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Follow m

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass! Bubbles Lounge Take 2! After dropping last week’s episode, I listened to it and the sound was not acceptable. I ended up removing it from the system. Some of the wineries’ voices were exceptionally low and trying to alter them made the overall sound distracting. So in this take, I decided to listen and decipher what they said. In some cases, you will hear the actual individual, while in others, I will summarize their answers. The event was part of the Downtown Vibe’s Bubble Lounge. The event brought together eight wineries located downtown who produce sparkling wine.  Please note, it was recorded at a live event, so there is background noise and uneven sound. Enjoy as you listen to how the different wineries produce their sparkling wine. There are quite a variety of options.  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one mi

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  The first week of July is officially International Sparkling Week. I never need a reason to pop a bottle of sparkling, but when it’s a wine holiday, it gives me an extra reason! In honor of the holiday week, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Bryan Widstrand of Steinbeck Vineyards in Paso Robles.  From the first time I tasted Bryan’s bubbles, I was in love. I can honestly say that he makes my favorite bubbles in town. I am always recommending people to head to Steinbeck and ask for Bryan’s bubbles.  I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation. Bryan is such a great wealth of knowledge and his passion shines through.  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  On the last episode of Winephabet Street, we discussed Rkatsiteli. The grape has its origins in the country of Georgia, so I thought it would be interesting to do a follow up episode with a winemaker in Georgia. I had the pleasure to speak with Lado Uzunashvili of Mukado Wines. Even though I destroyed his name today and during the interview, we had a wonderful conversation learning about this amazing variety.  While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Finally, don’t forget to head to the website, Exploring the Wine Glass.com to read the blog, and sign up for the newsletter

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Today we return to Winephabet Street, where the letter of the day is R and it stands for Rkatsiteli. This ancient grape from Georgia has found a home in the Finger Lakes of New York and we had the pleasure of interviewing Meaghan Frank of Dr. Frank Konstantin Winery. Meaghan is the great granddaughter of Konstantin, who emigrated from the Ukraine and landed in New York. He was instrumental in bringing vinifera to the Finger Lakes region. If you’d like to watch the recording, please head to my youtube channel.  While you are listening, it would be so incredible if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too. Finally, don’t forget to hea

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  Happy Memorial Day. Originally known as Decoration Day is a federal holiday here in the United States dedicated to honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. If you are in Paso Robles today, please come by the Dracaena Wines’ tasting room. Active and veteran military will receive two complimentary tastings with a single bottle purchase PLUS 20% off all wine purchases. And if you aren’t in town now, Dracaena Wines always remembers and honors by providing 10% off. Today’s episode is a re-release of my interview with an amazing non-profit called Honor Flight Central Coast, who raise money so they can honor all of America’s veterans by taking them to Washington D.C. on their “Tour of Honor.” It's a wonderful cause, please check them out.  While you are listening, it would be so incredible if you

It’s Monday, Let’s raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It’s time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let’s begin Exploring the Wine Glass!  The Thursday before Memorial Day is known as International (or World) Chardonnay Day. Chardonnay is the base for many white wine blends. In this episode, I sit down with Chris Eberle, winemaker for Eberle Winery in Paso Robles to discuss all things Chardonnay. We cover a lot of topics including the concept that Chardonnay is a “neutral grape,” how many diverse profiles the grape variety offers, the infamous ABC people of the world and of course we sample some Eberle Chardonnay. We sipped through their 2023 every day and Reserve Chardonnay. While you are listening, it would be so incredible if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time but means so much to the show. The next best way to support Exploring the Wine Glass is to tell your friends. If you enjoy the podcast, your wine loving friends will too