The Grape Nation

Born in LA, David Choi grew up in DC and eventually set roots again, literally, in California. David is proprietor at Magna Carta Cellars and Angel Falls Wines. He came through the ranks in wine retail, import and distribution before making wines. Savvy in social media, David found his way onto TikTok and has now become one of the early wine sensations on the platform with “Wine with David”. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New Yorker Daniel Eddy jumped into the food scene in 2004. He bolted NYC after 4 years, and hooked up with Daniel Rose at critically acclaimed Spring Restaurant in Paris. He eventually headed back to the States to become the opening Chef at wine-centric Rebelle on the Bowery, where he earned a Michelin star; Walnut St Café in Philly followed. This baguette obsessed Brooklynite opened his own restaurant, Winner, in Park Slope about a week before the Pandemic; yes, he’s still going strong and has also opened wine bar Runner Up. Photo Courtesy of Clay Williams.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter Liem is an award-winning author, wine critic, educator and truly one of the world’s great Champagne experts. Peter is the author of “Champagne: The Essential Guide to the Wines, Producers, and Terroirs of the Iconic Region.” Peter oversees Champagneguide.net, an online comprehensive guide to the wines and producers of Champagne. He is the co-founder of La Fete du Champagne and is a prolific deep-sea diver. Peter has brought himself closer to the region he loves and lives in Champagne and the United States. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

I caught up with Raj Parr at his Phelan Farm in Cambria, CA., where he has devoted his time to preserving and expressing the farm's unique natural slate and growing his favorite varietals. Next we speak with Tom and Peter Stolpman from Stolpman Vineyards in Los Olivos, dedicated to preserving the natural environment via conscious farming and sustainable employment. Finally we talk with Mike Roth and Craig Winchester from Lo-Fi Wines in Santa Maria, embracing the nothing added, nothing taken away philosophy with their wide range of varietals.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Josh Greene is the Editor and Publisher of Wine and Spirits Magazine since 1986; the magazine was founded in 1982, and Josh eventually purchased it in 1989. Josh also serves as wine critic at Wine and Spirits for Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne, Portugal, Italy, and Napa Valley to name a few. You can find Josh’s commentary and long form stories in every issue. Josh and his staff taste over 15,000 bottles annually, and Wine and Spirits Magazine is the only recipient of five James Beard awards for excellence in wine writing. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Christophe Baron’s family dates back to the mid 17th Century in Charly sur Marne in Champagne. He studied viticulture in Champagne and Burgundy. After meeting an American in Burgundy, Christophe was convinced to head west to Oregon and Washington and discovered their stony vineyards. He bought his first vineyard, Cayuse in 1997, now farming biodynamically. Christophe has unstoppable energy, ambition, curiosity, and a respect for the land. His Bionic Wine’s portfolio is mind-boggling including Champagne Christophe Baron, Cayuse, Hors Categorie, Horsepower, and No Girls. Christophe’s wines have reached cult status along with critical acclaim. The question to Christophe— is all that enough and what’s next?Photo Courtesy of Christophe Baron.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-s

Gary Vaynerchuk is the Chairman and CEO of Vayner X, overseeing companies including VaynerMedia, VaynerSports, VaynerNFT, Tracer, Gallery Media Group, to name a few. He is a prolific angel investor with ties to Facebook, Twitter, Uber and Snapchat among others. He is co-founder of Resy, Empathy Wines, VCR Group, and his latest passion VeeFriends. A true entrepreneur at heart, Gary can’t pass a garage sale without stopping and picking up a 15-year-old-Furby. Gary is a five-time NY Times best-selling author, his sixth book “12 and a Half: Leveraging the Emotional Ingredients Necessary for Business Success”, is coming out this month. GaryVee is a dear friend and truly the sharpest dude I know. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Matthew Conway headed east to NYC in 2003. After three years with Chef Grey Kunz, Matthew hooked up with Marc Forgione, at his eponymous restaurant for over a dozen years as Beverage Director and GM, creating a unique wine program with a nod to the Northern Rhone. Matthew also helped Marc Forgione re-open neighborhood fav Peasant. The Pandemic reunited Matthew with family in Charleston, SC. After too much fishing and helping some friends, Matthew fulfilled a dream and recently opened Tippling House, a Charleston wine bar. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

St. Louis born William Carroll headed east and grew up in Irvington, NY. William literally went from bus boy to Burgundy expert and everything in-between. He did fine wine sales, studied at Le Cordon Bleu, worked at Restaurant Lasserre in Paris, and headed back to NY for a lengthy stint at Dan Barber’s Blue Hill at Stone Barns as Beverage Director. William recently left North Fork Table to become the Beverage Director and Asst. GM at Danny Meyer’s legendary Gramercy Tavern.  Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Vermont born Cerise Zelenetz headed to Paris after High School to study at the Parsons School of Design, stayed in Paris for a while and also did a residency in Spain. Cerise makes jewelry, clothing, and is a prolific illustrator. Her work has appeared in the New Yorker, Paris Review, Nylon Magazine to name a few. She has also designed menus and wine labels for numerous clients. Cerise recently published her first book “The Sound of Scrambled Eggs”. So, the question is, with all this going on, why did she open a natural wine bar in Bushwick called Cherry on Top? We’ll find out!Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jersey Boy Raj Vaidya has been grinding in the wine business for over 20 years at some of the best restaurants in the country. His longest tenure was with legendary chef Daniel Boulud in NYC where he served as beverage director. Like many Somms, Raj left the floor to join Daniel Johnnes as Director of Operations of Gracie Events, the people behind La Paulee, La Fete du Champagne, La Tablee, and Pressoir wine. Raj is also a fine wine consultant.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Straight out of DC, Rachel Signer attended college in Virginia, headed to New York to get her Master's at the New School and an intensive writing program at CUNY. She settled into freelance writing gigs, while waitressing at various outlets including Vice, Vogue, Eater, The Guardian, and Wine and Spirits before starting her own wine publication, Terre, eventually becoming Pipette. Pipette is on its 9th issue and is an ode to natural wine. Rachel just published “You Had Me at Pet Nat: A Natural Wine-Soaked Memoir." So, the question begs to asked how did a nice Jewish girl from DC wind up in Australia with a guy named Anton von Klopper, a baby girl, and her own natural wine label?Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New York born Audrey Frick headed west to pursue music and become a Buff at the Univ. of Colorado. She got the hospitality and wine bug in Boulder at Bobby Stuckey’s Frasca, working her way to the opening team at Tavernetta in Denver. She has worked harvests around the world, found a love for Italian wines, and has an advanced certification from the CMS. The real question is, how do go from playing French Horn to slinging wine? Audrey writes extensively about Italian wines and is now the Wine Director and part of the opening team at Dustin Wilson and Austin Johnson’s buzzy One White St. in Tribeca. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jersey boy James O’Brien attended the Institute of Culinary Education after college, and worked his way through Danny Meyers Union Sq. Hospitality Group at Tabla and Maiolino where he met his eventual partner, Chris McDade. How do two guys with Irish sounding last names open one of the most admired Italian restaurants in New York? James O’Brien is the Co-Founder/Owner and GM of Popina in Brooklyn. Popina, along with great food serves up a wine list of unique depth and value.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

New York’s own Annie Shi attended private school, Yale University, and moved to London to work in Finance at JP Morgan. So, the question is, and I am sure her parents asked many times, what the hell are you doing in the restaurant business? Annie is a partner, the GM, and Beverage Director at Soho restaurant King. King is run and staffed by all women, critically acclaimed, and has achieved near cult status. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Born in Taipei, Taiwan, Eliza Christen and family made their way to the United States. Eliza attended the Univ. of Illinois and found her love for hospitality and wine in culinary mecca Champaign Urbana. She traveled the world to work harvests in Italy, Australia, and Oregon and is studying for her wine certifications. Eliza has worked at the Meadowood Resort and Momofuku Ko before meeting Sean Feeney of Grovehouse. Eliza Christen is now the Beverage Director of Chef Missy Robbin’s and Sean Feeney’s Lilia and Misi in Williamsburg.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Tiffany Britton is the proprietor and winemaker at Brainstorm Cellars in West Richland in Washington state. She started Brainstorm with her partner Eric Williams in 2020. Their goal is to do wine differently, making it fun, easy, and delicious. Tiffany is also the President of the Alliance of Women in Washington Wine, an organization dedicated to advocating for women in the Washington wine industry.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Poet turned sommelier turned poet, Amanda Smeltz left Pennsylvania to study at Marquette in Milwaukee. She stayed in Milwaukee, one of the world’s great food and wine capitols to learn hospitality before returning to New York. A longtime Brooklynite, Amanda worked at groundbreaking Roberta’s in Bushwick, Daniel Boulud’s Bar Boulud and Boulud Sud, and eventually Estela and Café Altro Paradiso with Iggy Mattos. Amanda is a published writer and poet and just packed everything in, we’ll explain.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Camille Riviere was raised in Paris and the Loire Valley. She fell in love with wine at an early age, so like any good mom, she enrolled Camille in wine classes. She interned, worked, and studied her way through France. Camille made her way to the United States working at Morrell and Frederick Wildman learning the business side. Her realization and gravitation towards natural wines convinced her to start her own wine Import business, Camille Riviere Selections in Brooklyn. Camille travels back and forth to France dedicated to translating the narrative and mission of each of her producers. Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After growing up around a restaurant family and finishing college in Maryland, Jaimee headed west to pursue the arts. Jobs at Locanda and RN74 in SF changed her course, where she found her love for wine. Jaimee traveled to intern in Europe, went on to assist Pax Mahle, started her eponymous wine label, and was made winemaker of storied Stony Hill Vyd in 2020. Jaime makes serious but drinkable wine avoiding chasing any trends.Heritage Radio Network is a listener supported nonprofit podcast network. Support The Grape Nation by becoming a member!The Grape Nation is Powered by Simplecast.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.