July 13, 2026
This week’s guest is Tegan Passalacqua, the legendary winemaker for Turley Wine Cellars and founder of Sandlands. As a leading historian on old-vine California viticulture, Tegan discusses his mission to protect centuries-old vineyards from being lost to modern industrial... UNFILTERED Archives: Interviews
Justin Willett breaks down the Santa Ynez Valley
July 6, 2026
When people talk about wines from Santa Barbara, they’re probably talking about the Santa Ynez Valley. But the range of varieties and microclimates found here makes the valley perhaps the most densely diversified wine region in the world, so... Matt and Sara Licklider of LIOCO
June 28, 2026
Twenty years ago, LIOCO was founded to disrupt the California wine status quo of high-alcohol, oak-heavy bottles, proving instead that California soils could produce wines with the same energy, acidity, and restraint as Europe’s classical regions. This week,... Tom Jackson of Supergay Spirits
June 22, 2026
June is Pride Month, but Tom Jackson likes to say he’s Supergay for 365 days a year. After an advertising career and founding the iconic GAYLETTER magazine, Tom launched Supergay Spirits with a flagship vodka. It was a natural... Nicola Libelli of Dr. Bürklin-Wolf
June 15, 2026
Nicola Libelli feels at home in the Pfalz. Though he was born and raised in Northern Italy, a taste of 1992 Merkelbach Kinheimer Rosenberg Riesling Spätlese completely changed the course of his life, compelling him to move to Germany... Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse of Birdhorse
June 8, 2026
The standard California playbook of Chardonnay and Cabernet often overshadows a rich history of alternative varieties perfectly suited for the modern climate. This week’s episode features two guests: Corinne Rich and Katie Rouse, the partners and winemakers behind Birdhorse.... Alex Clark of Fort Hamilton Distillery
May 31, 2026
The Battle of Brooklyn began over stolen fruit in a neighborhood watermelon patch, a piece of borough history that now inspires one of New York’s most distinctive spirits. In this week’s episode, Whiskey Specialist James Pellingra talks with Alex Clark,... Bonus Episode: What to expect from Skurnik at BCB
May 25, 2026
The biggest spirits event of the year is right around the corner. Bar Convent Brooklyn is an annual 2-day festival of tastings and seminars from the best in the spirits business. In preparation for Skurnik’s third appearance at BCB, we’re... Noah Dorrance of Reeve Wines and BloodRoot
May 18, 2026
Noah Dorrance’s philosophy is clear and consistent: wine is connection. Paying close attention to the weather and the rhythms of the seasons connects him to the health of the planet. Donating a portion of his revenue to local nonprofits... Shane Fraser of Tenmile Distillery
May 10, 2026
Tenmile Distillery in Wassaic, NY is making the closest thing to Scotch outside of Scotland, thanks to their secret weapon, the acclaimed master distiller Shane Fraser from Aberdeen. Tenmile’s focus is on American Single Malt Whisky, a relatively unheard-of and...