December 2, 2025
Over the past year, we’ve invited dozens of winemakers, distillers, and other folks from the industry to sit down with us for interviews at HQ. You’ve probably seen teasers on our Instagram and a few full-length interviews here on the... UNFILTERED Archives: Interviews
The Woman Who Pioneered Frappato: Gaetana Jacono of Valle dell’Acate
October 22, 2025
“Frappato represents, for me, a link between the past and the future.” Today’s guest is Gaetana Jacono, the woman who pioneered a new style of Sicilian wine in the province of Ragusa. Before she conquered the market with her... Quentin Paillard on the Golden Age of Grower Champagne
October 20, 2025
“We decided to produce less and make better wine — wine that has a stronger identity.” History Champagne Pierre Paillard traces its roots to the early 18th century, when the family settled in Bouzy. The Paillards’ story in wine began when... Making Wine with Pride, Care, and Fairness | Pete Stolpman
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... 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...