Uncork Your Mind

What would make a Napa winemaker leave Cabernet country and head almost to the Canadian border to work with grapes like La Crescent, Marquette and Petite Pearl? For Kyle Mizuno, Director of Winemaking and Head Winemaker at Rolling Hills Estate Winery, it was the opportunity to help write a wine story that is still very much in its beginning. In this episode of Uncork Your Mind, Kyle joins me from Westport, New York, to talk about his journey from studying biochemistry at UC Davis to entering the Napa wine industry—and ultimately trading an established wine region for the possibilities of New York's Champlain Valley. Kyle describes Napa as a place where the picture has largely been painted. You can make the blues deeper, the reds brighter and the greens bolder, but consumers often know what they expect the finished picture to look like. The Champlain Valley gave him something different: A brand-new palette and a blank canvas. We talk about the challenges of growing grapes this far north, the moderating influence of Lake Champlain, dramatically higher acidity, short harvest windows and what happens when a California winemaker discovers that October really does mean the end of harvest. We also get into some grapes you may—or may not—know: La Crescent, Marquette, Petite Pearl, Frontenac and Frontenac Gris. Kyle shares why La Crescent reminds him of "sunshine in a bottle," what he sees in Marquette and Petite Pearl, and why his goal isn't to make hybrid grapes imitate Cabernet Sauvignon or Chardonnay. Instead, he's applying the attention to detail he learned making high-end Napa wines to discovering what these cold-climate grapes can become when allowed to express their own personalities. Perhaps most exciting is the bigger picture. Rolling Hills Estate Winery has planted 20 acres in a region that is still developing its wine identity, and Kyle sees an opportunity not just to build a winery, but to help build a wine community. Could today's Champlain Valley be experiencing its own pioneering wine moment? Pour yourself a glass and join us for a fascinating conversation about taking risks, rediscovering winemaking and helping write the next chapter of New York wine. Because sometimes the most interesting wines aren't the ones whose stories have already been told. They're the ones whose stories are just beginning.

In this episode of Uncork Your Mind, Debbie Gioquindo, the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess, travels virtually to Italy's Friuli Venezia Giulia region to speak with Francesca Mecchia of Vigna Petrussa Winery. Together, we dive into the story of Schioppettino, one of Italy's most fascinating indigenous red grapes known for its black pepper spice, elegance, freshness, and incredible food pairing versatility. Francesca shares the history of her family's all-female winery, how Schioppettino was brought back from near extinction, and why preserving indigenous grapes is so important for the future of wine. The conversation also explores: • Friuli's unique terroir and Ponca soil • Traditional and modern winemaking practices • Climate change in the vineyard • The rise of quality-focused wine consumers • Why wines with a sense of place matter more than ever If you enjoy discovering hidden wine gems and hearing the stories behind the bottle, pour yourself a glass and join us for this fascinating conversation from northeastern Italy. Learn more about Vigna Petrussa at: https://www.vignapetrussa.it/ Uncork Your Mind is a podcast for curious wine lovers — the stories, the people, and the grapes worth knowing.

What do wine appreciation and parenting have in common? More than you might think. In this episode of Uncork Your Mind Conversations, Debbie Gioquindo, the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess, sits down with Danielle Frank, author of A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting: The Fine Art of Wine & Whine Management. Danielle shares the inspiration behind her book and explains the surprising parallels between raising children and appreciating wine — from patience and perspective to learning how to embrace life's unpredictable moments. This conversation blends wine, humor, and real-life parenting, offering a refreshing reminder that sometimes the best parenting advice comes with a sense of humor… and possibly a glass of wine. What You'll Learn in This Episode The inspiration behind A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting How wine appreciation can mirror the parenting journey Why patience is essential for both wine lovers and parents Danielle's humorous take on balancing family life and wine culture How humor and perspective can help parents navigate everyday challenges Episode Timestamps (Adjust if needed once you review the interview) 00:00 – Welcome to Uncork Your Mind Conversations 01:10 – Meet author Danielle Frank 03:30 – The inspiration behind A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting 07:15 – Wine wisdom and parenting lessons 11:45 – Finding humor in the chaos of parenting 16:20 – Why wine culture and parenting share common ground 20:10 – Danielle's advice for parents who love wine 23:00 – Final thoughts and where to find the book About the Guest Danielle Frank is the author of A Wine Lover's Guide to Parenting: The Fine Art of Wine & Whine Management, a witty and relatable book that explores the similarities between wine appreciation and raising children. Through humor and storytelling, Danielle offers parents a refreshing perspective on family life and the role wine culture can play in bringing people together. About Your Host Debbie Gioquindo, known as the Hudson Valley Wine Goddess, is a wine educator, writer, and Certified Specialist of Wine. Debbie is passionate about making wine fun, approachable, and accessible while sharing the stories behind the people and regions that shape the wine world. Subscribe & Follow 🍷 Subscribe to Hudson Valley Wine Goddess for more wine stories and conversations. Website https://hudsonvalleywinegoddess.com Substack Hudson Valley Wine Goddess Follow on social media for more wine discoveries, interviews, and wine education.

In this episode of Uncork Your Mind, I chat with David Sheldon, owner of Hampton Roads Winery in Surry County, Virginia, and author of You Can Wine Too, about how he and his wife Diane transformed retirement into a life of winemaking, farming, and creativity. We talk about: 🍇 Lessons from starting a winery from scratch 🏠 Turning a Victorian mansion into a tasting room 🐐 Building the world's tallest Goat Tower 🐄 Raising cattle and saving a calf named Nicholas 💡 The passion that keeps them pouring 🎧 Listen & read more → https://hudsonvalleywinegoddess.com/ 📘 Buy You Can Wine Too on Amazon or Barnes & Noble 🍷 Visit hamptonroadswinery.com #DreamBuildPour #WinePodcast #UncorkYourMind #VirginiaWine #YouCanWineToo #HudsonValleyWineGoddess

Welcome to another episode of Winephabet Street, where we explore the world of wine one letter at a time! This episode features the elusive and extraordinary Usakhelauri – a rare Georgian grape known for its deep color, natural sweetness, and limited production. Join us as we dive into: ✅ The history and origins of Usakhelauri 🍇 ✅ What makes it so rare and highly sought after  ✅ Tasting notes and food pairings 🍷🍽 ✅ How it represents the rich winemaking traditions of Georgia 🇬🇪 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exciting wine explorations! Have you ever tried Usakhelauri? Let us know your thoughts in the comments! 📌 Follow Winephabet Street: 📍 Website: https://winephabetstreet.com/ 

If you missed the live episode of Winephabet Street's this month we talked all about Traminette, Our guest was Michael Migliore, owner and winemaker of Whitecliff Vineyard & Winery. Michael brought 45 years of winemaking expertise to the table, providing invaluable insights into this fascinating grape known for its floral, fruity, and spicy characteristics What is Traminette? Traminette is a hybrid grape, a cross between Gewürztraminer and a French-American hybrid. It boasts the aromatic intensity of Gewürztraminer while offering the hardiness and disease resistance of hybrids. Traminette thrives in regions with cooler climates, making it a popular choice in New York's Hudson Valley and the Midwest. Key Highlights from the Webinar The History and Development of Traminette Michael shared the grape's unique origin story, developed as a resilient and flavorful alternative to traditional European varieties. Introduced in the 1990s, Traminette has gained a foothold in vineyards across the Northeast and Midwest due to its cold tolerance and disease resistance. Vineyard and Soil Preferences Traminette thrives in sandy loam soils and prefers slightly sloped sites for optimal drainage and sun exposure. Michael emphasized the importance of early leaf pulling to allow sunlight to develop the grape's flavor precursors, ensuring a rich and complex wine profile. Winemaking Techniques Michael detailed his winemaking process, highlighting the importance of cold fermentation and short skin contact to retain Traminette's signature floral and fruity notes. He also touched on experimenting with non-intervention wines, using natural yeasts to create unique flavor profiles. Tasting Notes Traminette's bouquet is a sensory delight, featuring aromas of rose petals, orange blossom, and jasmine. On the palate, expect notes of guava, lychee, Honeycrisp apple, and a medley of spices like ginger and cloves. Michael's description painted a vivid picture of a wine that's both elegant and versatile. Food Pairings One of the standout moments was the discussion on food pairings. Michael recommended pairing Traminette with: • Spicy Asian Cuisine: Think Thai green curry or dumplings with chili oil. • Seafood: Oysters and other light, briny dishes. • Cheese: Gruyere is a perfect match for Traminette's nuanced flavors. For sweeter versions, desserts like cheesecake or roasted meats complement the wine beautifully. Why Traminette Matters Traminette is more than just a hybrid grape; it represents the innovation and resilience of modern viticulture. Its ability to thrive in colder climates while offering a sophisticated flavor profile makes it a valuable addition to any wine enthusiast's repertoire. What's your experience with Traminette? Share your thoughts in the comments!

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Kopke 1638 Port House with winemaker Carla Tiago. Carla discusses the 400-year history of Kopke, from its German roots to becoming a staple of Portugal's port wine legacy. She explains the various port styles, including the unique Colheitas, aged solely in barrels and bottled only upon request, preserving their distinct vintages for decades. Carla also shares how Kopke is bringing port into the modern era, with innovative projects like their limited library collection of century-old vermouth and quinine-infused ports. With insights on pairing port with food, modern cocktails, and upcoming projects, Carla paints a vivid picture of the dedication and tradition that make Kopke a standout in the world of port wines.

In this episode of Uncork Your Mind, I chat with Shawn Pearce from Familia Vicente Pearce, a winery with roots in both Buffalo, New York, and Mendoza, Argentina. Shawn shares his fascinating journey from studying wine in college to creating a family-run vineyard with his wife, Celia, in Argentina's renowned wine region. We explore their sustainable vineyard practices, the artistry behind their wine labels, and their delicious range of wines, including a rare Gamay Rosé and a bold Cabernet Sauvignon. Tune in to hear more about how passion for wine shaped Shawn's path and what makes Familia Vicente Pearce so special! Subscribe and hit the bell for more wine interviews and insights. 🍷

In this episode of 'Winephabet Street,' co-hosts Lori and Deb welcome guests Jim Quarrella and Larry Coia from Bellview Winery in New Jersey. The discussion revolves around the San Marco grape, a unique variety being cultivated by Bellview Winery in the United States. Jim and Larry share the grape's history, how they imported it from Italy, and its resilience and characteristics that make it promising for New Jersey's climate. The conversation touches on the grape's disease resistance, vibrant acidity, and fruit structure, drawing parallels to well-known varieties like Syrah. As they taste different vintages of the San Marco wine, they discuss its flavors and potential food pairings, emphasizing its versatility. Additionally, they delve into the challenges of grape farming and winemaking during varying seasons and the importance of lesser-known Italian varieties in American vineyards. Throughout, the passion for innovation and collaboration in wine production is evident, as Bellview Winery emerges as a pioneer for this new grape variety in the U.S.

So excited about this episode of Winephabet Street. We are exploring the letter 'R' with one of the wine world's hidden gems, the Rkatsiteli grape. This ancient varietal, which hails from the storied vineyards of Georgia, offers a captivating blend of history and unique flavors that few other wines can boast. Joining us is a very special guest, Meaghan Frank from Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery located in the Finger Lakes region of New York. Meaghan represents the fourth generation of her family's winemaking legacy, bringing both a deep respect for tradition and a fresh perspective to the craft. The Journey of Rkatsiteli The Rkatsiteli grape is considered one of the oldest known to viticulture, with origins that trace back over 3,000 years in the Republic of Georgia. This grape has survived and thrived through millennia, making it a testament to the resilience and enduring appeal of indigenous varietals. At Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, the journey of Rkatsiteli is intertwined with the personal history of the Frank family. Dr. Konstantin Frank, a visionary viticulturist and Meaghan's great-grandfather, first introduced Rkatsiteli to the Finger Lakes, recognizing the region's potential to nurture this robust and versatile grape. Tasting Notes and Pairings Rkatsiteli produces a wine that is vibrant and aromatic, with a crisp acidity that makes it incredibly food-friendly. It exhibits flavors ranging from ripe apple and pear to herbal and floral notes, making it versatile for pairing with a wide array of cuisines. The wine's high acidity cuts through the richness of fatty foods and complements spicy and aromatic dishes, making it an excellent match for everything from Indian curries to traditional Georgian recipes. We were spoiled and got to taste 3 types of Rkatsiteli Dr. Frank produces. 2021 Amber Rkatsiteli - Spent 2 weks on skins. Fresh floral with orange blossom and chamomile 2022 Rkatsiteli - Bright acidity, notes of pear and nice salinity on the finish 2021 Rkatsiteli Extra Brut - it has a touch of dosage and spent 3 years aging. Nice floral notes and fresh and exciting. Sustainability and Innovation at Dr. Frank Winery Under Meaghan's stewardship, the winery continues to focus on sustainable viticulture practices, including the use of solar energy and participation in New York State's Sustainable Winegrowing program. This commitment ensures that the legacy of Dr. Konstantin Frank not only preserves the environment but also continues to innovate and lead in the American wine industry. Experience and Education Meaghan's approach to winemaking is deeply rooted in both tradition and science. With a background in wine business and enology, she blends practical experience with academic knowledge, enriching the winery's offerings with both classic and innovative wines. Her involvement in teaching local WSET courses further reflects her commitment to educating others about wine, ensuring that the passion for viticulture is passed on to the next generation. Visiting Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery For those intrigued by the story of Rkatsiteli and the rich history of Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, a visit to the Finger Lakes offers a picturesque setting to experience these exceptional wines. The winery provides a range of tasting experiences that showcase the diversity of their wine portfolio, from their traditional method sparkling wines to their exquisite Rkatsiteli. Rkatsiteli is not just about a grape, but about the enduring legacy of a family that changed the American wine landscape. Meaghan Frank continues this legacy with a dedication to quality, sustainability, and education, ensuring that the history of Rkatsiteli will continue to be enjoyed for generations to come. We hope you enjoyed this exploration of Rkatsiteli on Winephabet Street. Join us next time as we uncover another exciting chapter in the world of wine. Cheers!