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, we return to the most absurd, outrageous, and downright hilarious bad reviews the wine world has to offer!  Ever been scolded for holding your glass “incorrectly”? Denied a sip of water like you're stranded in the desert? Or maybe you’ve been put in your place by a winery that says your work emergency isn’t their responsibility? Well, you’re not alone! Today, we’re uncorking a selection of one-star reviews featuring dirty driveways, questionable customer service, and a masterclass in how not to use a thesaurus. So, pour yourself a glass (however you want to hold it), and get ready to laugh, cringe, and maybe even shake your head in secondhand embarrassment. Let’s get into 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

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're diving deep into the world of Cabernet Franc. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Neeta Mittal, the powerhouse behind the Cab Franc Masters in Paso Robles. If you're a fellow Francophile, this is an episode you won’t want to miss! We talk about our shared love for this incredible grape, how it thrives in Paso’s diverse terroir, and the upcoming two-day event in March that’s an absolute dream for any Cab Franc lover. So, grab a glass of your favorite Cab Franc, get comfy, and let’s talk about why this variety deserves a spotlight of its own! 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 sh

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 the next episode of Winephabet Street, where we take you on a fun and educational journey through the world of wine—one grape at a time! Today, we’re diving into the letter ‘V’ with a rare and intriguing Rhône variety: Vaccarèse! Joining me is a true Rhône Ranger, Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Winery—one of the pioneers of bringing Rhône varieties to California. Tablas Creek is the only winery in the U.S. cultivating and bottling Vaccarèse as a single varietal, so who better to guide us through its history, characteristics, and potential in the glass? We’ll explore how this grape fits into the Rhône family, its role in blending, and why it’s such an exciting discovery for wine lovers. So, grab a glass, get comfy, and let’s talk Vaccarèse! While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one minute to subscribe, rate and 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!  Today, we’re diving into the wonderfully absurd world of one-star winery reviews—because nothing says “refined palate” like comparing a wine region to Chile with zero context. We kicked off our adventure in Temecula, where one review had us wondering if we missed the memo about a new wine-tasting trend… in a parking lot. We also stumbled upon what might just be the best owner response ever—pure gold. Then, we headed up to Livermore Valley, where a $30 bottle of wine was deemed highway robbery, and another review had us questioning if we were drinking wine or licking a burning Goodyear tire. Get ready for some laughs, some head-scratching moments, and maybe even a little sympathy for the wineries on the receiving end of these reviews. Grab a glass (hopefully not of rubber tire wine), and let’s get into it!  While you are listening, it would be greatly appr

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 and we’re diving into the letter “U” with Usakhelauri, a rare and fascinating grape from the country of Georgia. Known for its semi-sweet charm and limited production, Usakhelauri is truly a hidden gem of the wine world. Joining me as our special guest is Lado Kublashvili, an expert winemaker from Winery Khareba. He’ll guide us through the history, cultivation, and magic of this native Georgian grape, while shedding light on Georgia’s ancient winemaking traditions—home to the cradle of viticulture! So grab a glass, get cozy, and let’s explore the unique story of Usakhelauri together.  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 autom

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 join my co-hosts, Martha McBride and Nikki Corbett, as we dive deep into the wacky, weird, and downright ridiculous one-star reviews left for wineries in Temecula. From octopi having legs to toilet revenge schemes and accusations of DWI conspiracies with the cops, we're here to unpack these head-scratching rants with humor, sarcasm, and a little wine knowledge on the side. So, grab a glass, buckle up, and prepare to laugh your way through the twisted world of grape-fueled grievances. This is the podcast where every cork-popping catastrophe deserves its moment in the spotlight. Cheers to the chaos!  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

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 a very special guest: Natalie MacLean. Natalie is not only a wine educator and critic but also the author of three fantastic books about wine. Her latest, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much, is a deeply personal and powerful memoir about resilience, reinvention, and the courage to speak your truth in the world of wine and beyond. In this episode, we’ll dive into Natalie’s journey, the themes of her book, and the challenges of navigating a competitive industry while staying true to yourself. Plus, we’ll talk about how her experiences have shaped her perspective on wine, life, and everything in between. 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 muc

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’re diving into a story as rich as the wines it produces. From the halls of hospitals to the vineyard rows, my guest has traded her stethoscope for pruning shears and embarked on a journey of blending passion, family, and the art of winemaking. Joining me is Serena Friedman of Four Sisters Winery, nestled in the east side of Paso Robles. Serena and her family’s inspiring leap from the medical field to the wine industry is a tale of passion, creativity, and connection. We'll discuss what it takes to navigate this career shift, how they’re making their mark in Paso’s vibrant wine scene, and, of course, the incredible wines they craft. 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 che

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 Winephabet Street, where we explore the wonderful world of wine, one letter at a time!  Today, we’re traveling to the beautiful Hudson Valley in New York to uncork the magic of T is for Traminette! This hybrid grape might be a mouthful, but it’s also bursting with personality. Known for its floral aromatics and vibrant flavors, it’s the star of tonight’s episode. We’re thrilled to have Michael Migliore, owner and winemaker at Whitecliff Vineyard, joining us to dive into what makes Traminette such a hidden gem. With decades of experience in sustainable winemaking, Michael will share his expertise and passion for crafting wines that celebrate the terroir of New York. So grab a glass, settle in, and get ready for another delicious adventure on Winephabet Street!   While you are listening, it would be greatly appreciated if you could take one

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!  In celebration of Cabernet Franc Day, I had the pleasure of sitting down with four incredible winemakers who share a deep passion for this remarkable grape. In this special episode, we dive into the heart of Cabernet Franc—exploring its unique qualities, the ups and downs of growing it in the vineyard, and the challenges and joys of turning it into the beautiful wines we enjoy. Whether you're already a Cab Franc fan or curious to learn more, this conversation is packed with insights and enthusiasm that will leave you reaching for a glass. So grab a seat, pour yourself some Cabernet Franc, and join us for this inspiring celebration of one of the most versatile and captivating varietals in the world of wine. 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 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!  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