Dracaena Wines Podcast

TITLE: Service is Left out, shipping snafus and where “No” is the only wine poured 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!  Before we dive into today’s episode, let me set the scene: imagine misty green hills rolling into rugged cliffs, tiny terraces clinging to mountain slopes, and ancient grapes whispering stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Today, we’re heading to Asturias—a corner of Spain where cider reigns, wine whispers, and folklore practically drips from the rain-soaked slate. So pour yourself something fresh—maybe even a tart sidra if you’re feeling adventurous—and let’s explore why this quiet, soulful region deserves a big spot on your wine map. Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.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!  Today, we’re continuing our virtual visit to Santa Barbara and pouring over more one star reviews from Vega, and then moving on to Babcock Winery. From alleged closures without notice and frustratingly slow service to outright refusal of service for seemingly arbitrary reasons, it seems some of these wineries are serving up more than just wine. Join us as we uncork the truth and try to understand what makes a winery experience truly delightful, or downright dismal.  Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what else I have been up to. And most of all, please tell your friends about the podcast!   Slainte!    Music: W

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 the podcast, everyone! Sometimes the stars truly align. Last week, we took a journey through the stunning region of Galicia in Northwest Spain, exploring its unique culture, cuisine, and of course, its incredible wines. Well, as fate would have it, right on the heels of that episode, I had the pleasure of attending a fantastic webinar that was a deep dive into Galicia's most famous white grape: Albariño. If you missed that episode, I’ll have it in the shownotes.  The webinar was co-hosted by Rick Fisher, the Spanish Program Director for the Wine Guild, and Patrick Mata, co-founder of the Ole & Obrigado. Their insights were invaluable, covering everything from Albariño's history and viticulture to its diverse expressions and food-pairing versatility. Let the fun begin!  Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exp

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!  If you think Spain is all sun-soaked reds and flamenco flair, Galicia is here to blow your wine-loving mind (gently, with a coastal breeze). Nestled in the misty northwest corner of the country, this rain-drenched region is where Albariño thrives, octopus is practically a love language, and vineyards cling to cliffs like they’re auditioning for an action movie. In this episode of Exploring the Wine Glass, we’re diving into the green heart of Spain’s Atlantic coast—Galicia—where the wines are fresh, the food is legendary, and even the bagpipes are welcome at the table. Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what els

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 another episode of "One Star Winery Reviews," where we explore the quirks, complaints, and candid feedback from wine enthusiasts. Today, we journey to the Santa Barbara Wine Region, a coastal paradise known for its stunning vineyards and diverse varietals. However, not everyone is impressed—one visitor felt unneeded after hearing about the winery's 3,000 members, another prioritized jogging around a pond over preserving its natural habitat, and while barking dogs are shown the door, screaming kids seem to get a pass. Let’s dive into the drama behind the wine.   Please take a moment of your time to subscribe, rate and review Exploring the Wine Glass. It’s completely free and is a great way to let other wine lovers know about the podcast. Be sure to head over to the website, Exploringthewineglass.com, to read my award winning blog and to see what

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 heading to one of the most fascinating and picturesque corners of the wine world: Alto Adige. Nestled in the northernmost province of Italy and flanked by the dramatic Dolomites, this region is a true meeting place of contrasts—Italian charm with Austrian roots, loamy soils supporting both classic and lesser-known varieties, and a DOC that's currently 65% white wine, despite a much different past. I recently had the pleasure of attending a webinar with Susannah Gold and Mathias Messner of Cantina Bolzen, and let me tell you, Alto Adige is more than just breathtaking views. We’ll explore what makes this region so unique, from its multi-lingual culture to its high-altitude vineyards, and of course, we’ll chat about some standout wines—think Kerner, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, and a beautifully crisp Pinot Blanc. So pour yourself a glass, and let

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. 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 could take one minute to subscribe, rate and review. It takes only a few seconds of your time b

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 this episode, we’re heading back to Missouri for another round of one-star winery reviews—and let’s just say, the hits keep on coming. From tree-free tasting rooms and questionable political rallies (or whatever that was), to overdressed salads, under-chickened pizzas, and the mysterious case of the selectively used fans, we’re diving into the quirks and chaos that make these reviews absolute gold. Oh, and yes—we got scolded for using the S word. Buckle up, it’s going to be a wild sip! 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 t

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 today’s episode, I’m joined by the brilliant mind behind Wine Folly, Madeline Puckette—a graphic designer turned wine educator who’s made wine approachable, visual, and dare I say... fun. We talk about her unexpected journey into the wine world, her collaboration with Paso Robles, and what she sees on the horizon for wine education. And because no good podcast is complete without a little oversharing, Madeline blesses us with a moment of “wait... did I just say that out loud?” that had us both in stitches. You won’t want to miss this one—it’s educational, inspirational, and just the right amount of TMI. Let’s dive in. 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 automa

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, wine friends, to Part Two of our deep dive into the fascinating world of Beaujolais and its terroir-driven treasures. If you thought Part One was geeky, buckle up—because we’re heading into the final hour of the seminar, where things really start to click. We continue exploring how over 300 soil types shape the personality of this region, and taste through the remaining wines that bring those soils to life in the glass. It’s the conclusion of an eye-opening, palate-pleasing journey through granite, and beyond—and I promise, it’ll leave you seeing Gamay in a whole new light. 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!  Today’s episode is taking us deep into the heart of France, to a region that’s often misunderstood, occasionally underestimated, but absolutely unforgettable—yep, we're diving into Beaujolais!

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 One Star Winery Reviews—the podcast where we dive into the most dramatic, over-the-top, and downright ridiculous one-star reviews the wine world has to offer. Today, we’re heading to a place that totally caught me off guard as America’s very first AVA—Augusta, Missouri. Who knew?! This charming little slice of wine history apparently comes with very strong opinions about bus parking, pandemic protocols, and pet policies. One reviewer was shocked—shocked!—to learn a winery closed after their visit during COVID. Another gave one star because their dog wasn’t allowed in—even though, you know, it clearly said no pets. And my personal favorite? Someone handed out a one-star… without even going. Yep, just felt like it. So grab a glass, maybe don’t bring your dog, and definitely double-check your bus parking situation—because we’re uncorking the

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