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The eldest son of Nicholson Ranch owner/winemaker Deepak Gulrajani (a multiple-time guest on the podcast), Zander, is now the Assistant Winemaker at the Ranch! He's got great stories of growing up on the property and in Sonoma, how the family name became Nicholson, driving a Rolls Royce to his prom, and also the devastating effect the 2017 wildfires had on he and his family. He also has one of the most infectious laughs you'll ever hear. Oh, and Cooper the winery dog makes a cameo.

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Wines discussed this episode:

2023 Pala "Soprasole" Vermentino di Sardegna

2016 Keenan Cabernet Franc, Spring Mountain District

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Fabiano Ramaci is making Amarone-style wines in Sonoma. Amarone is Mike's favorite Italian wine. Of course he had to have him on the podcast! It's a great conversation about Fabiano's Italian heritage and growing up in San Francisco's North Beach neighborhood, the restaurant business, and the usual chattering about some very tasty wines!

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Wines discussed this episode:

2024 Mora Estate Rosato, Sonoma County

2019 Mora Estate Valpo, Sonoma County

2016 Mora Estate Valporone, Sonoma County

BUY the wines here: Mora Estate Website

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Bay Area native Brian Kulich started working in restaurants as a teen, and eventually worked in, and ran wine programs for Michelin Starred hot spots! Then Covid came and a dream of owning his own wine brand became a reality. Hear about the genesis of Brian David Wines, the state of the business, and find out about "purse wine". It's a fun chat.

You listen to the show, but do you have the "Official" Coasters? Drop Mike an email and he'll send you a set. Be sure to follow along on Instagram for peeks behind the scenes.

Wines discussed this episode:

2021 Vangone Marsanne, Napa Valley

2023 Lish Wines Pinot Noir, Calesa Vineyard, Petaluma Gap, Sonoma

Podcast Recommendation: Pivot Podcast

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A really fun guest from the first year of the podcast returns! Stacy Briscoe is a Sonoma-based journalist who loves exploring the ins and outs of the wine business. She's also a student of wine who's achieved the WSET Diploma Level Certification, and will eventually be a Master Of Wine. She and Mike compare the WSET with the Court of Master Sommeliers, touch on the latest "challenge" that has the whole wine industry talking AND sip a few delicious wines. Check it out!

I'm sure you'd love to see behind the scenes, the cool labels on the wines being sipped, what everyone looks like(!!), and the gear. Check it all out on Mike's Instagram.

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Wines discussed this episode:

2021 Paix Sur Terre Mourvèdre Been Away Too Long Denner Vineyard Paso Robles

2020 Time & Direction Syrah P&S Eritage Walla Walla Valley

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Spencer Christian was the main weatherman on ABC's Good Morning America from the mid 1980s through the 1990s, and he's still at it, working the weather desk at ABC7 in San Francisco now for the past 25 years! Early in his career he developed a serious wine habit (and another habit we talk about). Spencer and Mike share a couple of wines, and delve into a life lived "on TV".

Be sure to follow Mike on Instagram to see behind the scenes! Got a question? Want your very own set of "official" TallMikeWine Podcast coasters? Send Mike an email!

This episode's wines:

2015 Chateau Mongravey, Margaux

2021 Guardian Cellars "Gun Metal", Columbia Valley

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Temecula California! A rather under-sung wine region in Southern California takes the spotlight as Mike chats with Rob Crisell about his book "Temecula Valley Wineries". But that's not all! They also touch on avocados! Greek Tragedy! Kierkegaard, too!!! You better believe it's the wine podcast that NOT "all about wine."

See behind the scenes HERE on Mike's Instagram!

Wines discussed this episode:
2013 Ryme Cellars Aglianico, Luna Matta Vineyard, Paso Robles
2022 Crisell Vinayards "Last Companion", Temecula Valley

The BOOKS!
Temecula Valley Wineries (Amazon Link)
California Avocados: A Delicious History (Amazon Link)

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A swing through a few of Seattle's SODO (South of Downtown) tasting rooms, from Mike's recent Pacific Northwest road-trip!! Mike and his pal Tammy from High School sip and chat and laugh, follow along!

Wineries Visited:
Brown Family Vineyards (website)
EFESTE (website)
Spruce Hill Winery (website)

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Support the show

IMPORTANT!! Please "follow" or "subscribe" to the podcast, so you don't miss an episode. If you listen on Apple Podcasts take a moment to rate (5 stars please!) and write a review. They tell me it helps A LOT!

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On Mike's recent vacation to the Pacific Northwest, he was invited to have a chat with winemaking students and one of their instructors at Chemeketa Community College in Salem, Oregon. If you've ever had "the dream" of planting a vineyard and starting your own winery you'll want to hear this conversation! It's inspiring and informative.

Important Links:
Heather and Kevin's winery heaVin Estate
Chemeketa Community College Wine Studies
Mike's Instagram - Take a Look!
Email Mike
Make a MONTHLY donation to SUPPORT THE PODCAST!

Support the show

IMPORTANT!! Please "follow" or "subscribe" to the podcast, so you don't miss an episode. If you listen on Apple Podcasts take a moment to rate (5 stars please!) and write a review. They tell me it helps A LOT!