October 10, 2025
“I can’t imagine running a vineyard any other way. Everything we make has a soul. Everything has a why.” Today’s guest is Pete Stolpman, the second-generation force behind Stolpman Vineyards in Ballard Canyon, Santa Barbara County—where stewardship of land... UNFILTERED Archives: Interviews
Rediscovering Argentina’s wine heritage with Matías Riccitelli
October 2, 2025
“It’s our heritage. I’m very passionate about my country and the potential that we have. It’s not only about Malbec for me—it’s about showing everyone our potential.” Cody Stephenson (World Portfolio Manager, Skurnik) and Matías Riccitelli (owner/winemaker, Riccitelli) taste... A conversation with legendary winemaker Pedro Parra
September 23, 2025
“What I’m looking for is very personal. It’s like a sound, like a great musician. The great wines of the planet have a sound.” Cody Stephenson (World Portfolio Manager, Skurnik) and Pedro Parra (saxophone player and owner/winemaker, Pedro Parra... June Tour 2025: The Best of Germany and Austria
July 1, 2025
Eight of the best producers from Germany and Austria joined us at Skurnik HQ on the hottest day of the year to serve up some ice-cold Riesling, Grüner, and more. Last month, we kicked off our annual June Tour in... In Conversation with 3 Tequila Masters
May 5, 2025
Cinco de Mayo is one of those Americanized holidays that claims to celebrate a foreign culture but often ends up reducing it to caricature—piñatas, sombreros, and tequila slammers. As the true significance of the day drifts further from its Mexican... Talking Cap Classique with Pieter Ferreira of Graham Beck
December 3, 2024
Dive into an exclusive interview with Pieter Ferreira, the iconic winemaker behind Graham Beck and one of South Africa’s pioneers in Cap Classique sparkling wines. With a commitment to quality, sustainability, and community, Graham Beck isn’t just about bubbles—it’s about... In Conversation with Craig Wessels of Restless River
October 14, 2024
Driven by equal parts curiosity and ambition, Craig Wessels pioneered an unlikely path from rogue outsider to industry leader in the Hemel-en-Aarde. Like himself, his wines are self-assured outliers that challenge the status quo. We sat down with him and... In Conversation with Alex Starey of Keermont
October 10, 2024
Ahead of our Champagne and South Africa Tour next week, we sat down with Alex Starey of Stellenbosch’s Keermont Vineyards to talk about the estate’s evolution over the last two decades and his personal picks for what he’s most excited... Talking Terroir with Federico Gambetta of Altos Las Hormigas
September 23, 2024
Under the fresh vision of 35-year-old Federico Gambetta, Altos Las Hormigas is pioneering a new era of Malbec for a new generation of drinkers. We sat down with him to taste four wines and discover his modern understanding of terroir.... In Conversation with Kelby James Russell & Julia Rose Hoyle of Apollo’s Praise
July 17, 2024
We sat down with Finger Lakes winemakers Kelby James Russell and Julia Rose Hoyle to talk about their newest endeavor, Apollo’s Praise. Follow along as we taste through three of their inaugural wines and discuss the philosophy that goes into...