"Michael and Roland Micu, Master Sommelier continue their celebration of California Wine month by exploring the Santa Cruz Mountain wine appellation. Their guest Mr. Al Dwerke, the owner of Roudon-Smith Winery. Al shares his 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon."

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Michael and Roland Micu, Master Sommelier celebrate California Wine month Download the Show

Roland talks about the trend of aging of wine in the wine industry. Roughly 95% of the wine produced each year in the world is intended to be drunk in the current year. Roland discusses how the Robert Parker changes the wine world in 1982 and compares the old and new world attitudes about wine making. Michael mentions the diversity of experiences of the Santa Cruz Mountain Wineries. Roudon-Smith features their small lot 2007 Cabernet Sauvignon from Paso Robles. Al Dwerke talks about his passion for wine. Al Dwerke seeks to make wines that appeal to a wide variety of wine lovers. Al also share a wine tasting room event that shaped his philosophy of hospitality. Al believes in making wine tasting and exploration a fun and enjoyable experience for all. Roland recommends some hearty beef stew to pair with this Cabernet Sauvignon. Come and Visit Roudon-Smith every Saturday at their tasting room located at 18 Hangar Way Suite C in Watsonville, CA. 95070 from 12 pm to 5 pm or by appointment.

"Michael Introduces his new co-host, Mr. Roland Micu. Roland Micu is only one of (197) Master Sommeliers in the world."

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Michael Introduces his new co-host, Mr. Roland Micu Download the Show

It is a full studio as Michael and Roland host Fogarty Winery owner, Tommy Fogarty and Michelin Star chef, Michael Miller.  Drinking some of the world's best California wines and pairing them with some food pairing suggestions with Michael Miller.

Michael and Roland start their exploration of the Santa Cruz Mountain wine appellation. Tommy Fogarty shares his wonderful single vineyard Chardonnay from his Portola Springs vineyard with Michael, Roland and Michelin Star chef, Michael Miller. Roland offers his deductive tasting method as only a Master Sommelier can.  Learn how to better describe what wine you taste. Tommy Fogarty shares his winery's story. Enjoy Tommy's passion about his winery and the Santa Cruz Mountains wine appellation.  Plan a visit to the Fogarty Winery located at 19501 Skyline Blvd. Woodside, CA 94062. Michael Miller discusses his culinary beginnings.

"Michael and Jerry enjoy some great Livermore Valley wines while talking with the Livermore Valley wine growers association executive director, Ms. Chris Chandler."

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Let's Get Ready for the Livermore Valley Harvest Celebration! Download the Show

Michael and Jerry Starr finish up their visit to their month long exploration of the Livermore Valley wine country. First, they discover and discuss a delicious Malbec produced by Cuda Ridge Winery. This is a "must have wine" according to Michael. Michael and Jerry interview Chris Chandler the executive director of the Livermore Valley Wine growers association. Listen as Chris shares her stories of the Livermore Valley wine country. The "Livermore Valley" it is closer than you think! Closing the show Michael and Jerry pay homage to Concannon's Petite Syrah. Michael discovers a new wine term, "the punt."

"Michael and Jerry visit Wente Family Estates and talk with Wente's 5th generation winemaker, Karl Wente."

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I went Wente Download the Show

The show talks about Wente's prominent role in bringing Chardonnay into California. Prior to the Wente family's involvement there were only 70 acres of chardonnay under vine in California. Now, there are over 100,000 acres! 80% of all Chardonnay vines in California owe their beginning to the Wente family clones. Wente family Estates was named American Winery of the year 2011-2012 by Wine Enthusiast magazine, a prestigious accomplishment.

Both Michael and Jerry were impressed with the passion and respect for the land and our California heritage that Karl Wente conveyed during their talk. Michael was so impressed with Karl that he wished Karl Wente was running for President. Listen to Wine Chat Radio every Saturday at noon on KLIV 1590 am. "Your taste buds will thank you!"