Hey everyone, it’s Keith Saarloos, and right now, we're deep in the heart of harvest. For 364 days, we’ve worked for this one moment—to pick the fruit by hand, in the dark, on steep terraces that take courage just to stand on. This is the day we gather what we’ve grown, what we’ve fought for, and turn it into wines that make their way to your table. The 2024 Harvest Allocation is more than wine—it’s our family’s legacy in a bottle. Each wine in this shipment tells a piece of our story, and we’re honored to share it with you. Here’s what’s in this year’s lineup: The Family Tree - https://saarloosandsons.com/available... – A GSM blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre, all grown on our estate. This wine is our roots, our branches, and our family’s soul—six different vines, six personalities, each one like a family member around the table. It’s complex, unique, and completely irreplaceable, representing everything that makes us who we are. Courage - https://saarloosandsons.com/available... – A tribute to my great uncle John Saarloos, who fought on D-Day and helped keep our family together. His courage paved the way for us, and this wine is a testament to that strength. It’s a 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon—our first vintage without my dad at the helm. Courage isn’t always about knowing you’ll succeed; sometimes, it’s just about showing up and letting the courage come after. We make this wine in John’s honor, and I hope it carries his legacy forward for another 80 years. Honor and Prepare - https://saarloosandsons.com/available... – Our family creed: “We live to honor those that came before us and prepare the way for those yet to come.” This is our Petit Syrah, embodying what drives us every day. We’re here because of the work and sacrifices of generations past, and every bottle we make is our way of building something worthy of passing on. Every bottle in this allocation is a celebration of family, grit, and gratitude. We don’t sell in stores, we don’t sell in restaurants, because we choose to sell directly to you. You’ve chosen us, and we don’t take that lightly. So, as you gather around the table with family and friends, open these bottles, and drink to the stories, the strength, and the spirit of the Saarloos family. This is what it’s all about. We live to honor those who came before us and to prepare the way for those yet to come. Cheers to you, from our family to yours.

Summary:
In this episode of An Idiot's Guide to Life, host Keith Saarloos interviews Don Felipe, a legendary figure in the Santa Ynez Valley wine community. They discuss Don Felipe's journey from Mexico to the valley, the early days of grape planting, and the evolution of the local wine industry. The conversation dives into the significance of family legacy, the challenges of farming, and the bright future of wine production in the valley. Don Felipe shares wisdom on sustainable farming practices and the passion that fuels the industry.

Takeaways:

• Don Felipe has played a crucial role in shaping the Santa Ynez Valley wine industry for over 50 years.
• The early days of grape planting were marked by hard work, uncertainty, and persistence.
• Farming is a labor of love, with rewards and challenges.
• The valley has evolved from horse farms to a renowned wine region.
• Patience and dedication are key to successful farming and winemaking.
• Family legacy is central to the industry’s heart and tradition.
• The corporate influence in wine production can undermine quality and passion.
• The unique climate and geography of the valley elevate its wine quality.
• Great wine starts with great grapes.
• The future of the Santa Ynez Valley wine industry remains promising if small producers continue to focus on quality.

Sound Bites:

• "We live to honor those that have come before us."
• "Don Felipe is a big reason why my kids eat."
• "You can make a bad wine from a good grape."

This podcast episode, titled The Night Before Harvest, captures the raw and emotional reflections of Keith Saarloos as he sits in his truck, preparing for the first harvest of the year at Windmill Ranch. Keith’s words are filled with anticipation, nostalgia, and personal growth, blending reflections on his family, the passing of his father, and the legacy they built together. He weaves memories of past harvests with the present moment, drawing parallels between winemaking and life’s journey.

Keith talks about how every vintage represents an entire year of work, effort, and care, emphasizing that wine is not just a beverage but a reflection of time and experience. He also shares the bittersweetness of continuing the family tradition without his father, acknowledging the hole left by his absence but finding strength in moving forward. His thoughts oscillate between excitement for the future and longing for the past, all while remaining deeply grateful for the life he’s chosen.

The episode is a testament to Keith's deep emotional connection to the land, the harvest, and the people who share in the journey, ultimately celebrating the beauty of creating something lasting and meaningful through his family’s legacy of winemaking.

Key moments include:

• Keith’s reflections on 26 years of harvests and the anxieties that accompany the anticipation of each one.
• The vivid memories of working side by side with his father, sharing stories that have become part of the family’s fabric.
• The realization of how his children, Brielle and Cash, are growing into their own lives, marking the passage of time.
• The overwhelming gratitude Keith feels for the journey, the struggles, and the sense of fulfillment that winemaking has brought him.

The episode closes with Keith’s hopeful words as he looks ahead to picking the grapes, knowing that each harvest is a moment of both personal and collective significance.

In this episode, Keith Saarloos shares insights into the winemaking process, particularly focusing on the critical timing of grape harvesting. He discusses the importance of the Bricks test in determining sugar levels in grapes, the balance between scientific measurements and the art of winemaking, and the anticipation that comes with waiting for the perfect moment to harvest. Additionally, he reflects on personal milestones, including his daughter's birthday, and the significance of community in his life and work.

In this episode of An Idiot’s Guide to Life host Keith Saarloos pays tribute to a true legend of the Santa Ynez Valley, Fred Chamberlin. From his humble beginnings on a family ranch to his groundbreaking work in Silicon Valley, Fred's life was one of quiet strength, wisdom, and humor. Keith shares personal stories of Fred’s influence, his unforgettable wit, and the legacy he built for future generations. With tales of dusty ranch days and top-secret government projects, this episode honors Fred's ability to balance two worlds—tech innovation and timeless ranch traditions. The episode concludes with a moving poem that captures the essence of Fred's life and the lasting impact he made on the valley he loved.

Welcome to Episode 2A of An Idiot’s Guide to Wine. I’m Keith Saarloos, and today, we’re diving into something incredibly special—our wine, Dutch, crafted to honor Ronald Reagan and his enduring legacy.

This episode is all about celebrating the man behind the wine, Ronald Reagan, and the profound connection between his ranching spirit and our vineyards. Dutch isn’t just a wine; it’s a tribute to Reagan’s values of strength, resilience, and a deep bond with the land.

Join me as I share the story of how this wine came to be and what it means to carry the official Ronald Reagan Ranch label. From the meticulous crafting process to the personal significance behind the name Dutch, we’ll explore how this wine embodies the principles Reagan stood for.

We’re not just pouring a glass—we’re honoring a legacy, celebrating the ranching life, and upholding the values of integrity and hard work that Reagan championed. So grab a glass, and let’s raise a toast to Ronald Reagan and the spirit of true leadership.

In this episode of An Idiot’s Guide to Wine, I’m taking you on a ride through the art of tasting wine, Saarloos-style. We're not just talking about sipping and swishing here—this is about really getting to know what's in your glass. We’ll kick things off by breaking down the basics: sight, smell, taste—each one a step on your journey to becoming a true wine adventurer. Then, we’ll dive a little deeper, savoring every drop, and I’ll share some tips and tricks to help you avoid those rookie mistakes we’ve all made. By the end, you'll be tasting wine like you were born in a vineyard. So grab a glass, hit play, and let's get tasting.

In this special episode of An Idiot's Guide to Wine, we step away from the vines and into the fields, where life doesn't always follow the script. Today, we lost our young bull—unexpectedly and painfully. It's one of those moments that shakes you, but out here, on the farm, life keeps moving. We talk about the tough realities of living on a working farm and ranch, where the circle of life is a daily reminder of our roots. It's not just about wine; it's about the hard, unglamorous truth of what it means to work the land, and the resilience it demands. Inspired by Paul Harvey's iconic "So God Made a Farmer," we reflect on why we keep going, even when the going gets tough. This is more than just a story—it's a piece of our life, the one behind every bottle we make.