Vint Wine Podcast

In this episode of the Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with acclaimed wine writer and researcher Elaine Chukan Brown to discuss their new book, The Wines of California—a sweeping and deeply informed look at the Golden State’s wine landscape, past and present. With rare access, firsthand research, and a unique perspective shaped by years of work across regions and with producers, Elaine shares a compelling narrative tracing the evolution of California wine: from indigenous cultivation and early Spanish mission plantings to Prohibition-era struggles, the rise of Napa and Sonoma, and today’s cutting-edge, climate-driven viticulture. Elaine shares: 🍇 Insights into how her Alaskan roots and early encounters with Pinot Noir sparked a lifelong passion for wine. 📚 Her journey from academic philosopher to celebrated wine writer contributing to The Oxford Companion to Wine, The World Atlas of Wine, and Decanter. 🌄 A panoramic tour of California’s wine regions—Napa, Sonoma, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Lodi, Monterey, and beyond—highlighting key producers shaping the state today. 🌿 Reflections on the essential, often-overlooked role of farmworkers, indigenous histories, and immigrant labor in building California’s wine identity. 🌍 Perspectives on how climate change, sustainability, and shifting consumer tastes are transforming California’s vineyards and varietal choices for the next generation. 🔍 A behind-the-scenes look at how she selected the influential and innovative producers profiled in her book. Whether you’re a collector, sommelier, or enthusiast, this episode offers a fascinating deep dive into the centuries-long journey of California wine and the forces shaping its future. 🎧 Listen now to explore the stories, landscapes, and people behind California’s most iconic and emerging wines. 🛒 Shop California’s top producers now at vintmarketplace.com The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at brady@vint.co, or Billy Galanko at Billy@vintmarketplace.com. Cheers!

In this episode of The Vint Wine Podcast, we sit down with Julien Howsepian, lead winemaker at Kosta Browne, one of California’s most acclaimed producers of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Julien shares how his path led from UC Davis to becoming a key figure in American fine wine and explains what makes the Kosta Browne portfolio so distinct—from Russian River to Santa Rita Hills, and even Burgundy. 🍇 Julien’s journey from economics major to head winemaker—and how a brewery in Pennsylvania helped shape his approach to winery logistics and efficiency. 🌍 The regional diversity of Kosta Browne’s portfolio, including Russian River, Sonoma Coast, Anderson Valley, Santa Lucia Highlands, Santa Rita Hills, Oregon’s Willamette Valley, and Burgundy. 🍷 What makes wines from Treehouse, Gaps Crown, Keefer Ranch, Shea, and Cerise vineyards stand out—and how Kosta Browne brings out their unique voices. 🛠️ The role of fermentation vessels—stainless steel, oak, and concrete—in shaping texture, aromatic lift, and style across the range. 🔬 Why Kosta Browne focuses on purity, place, and structure, and how Julien uses small-lot fermentation and non-interventionist winemaking to highlight terroir. A must-listen for fans of Pinot Noir, site-driven winemaking, and the evolution of modern California wine & beyond. 🎧 Listen now and explore the Kosta Browne wines at vintmarketplace.com [https://vintmarketplace.com/] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast 00:37 Winemaker Interviews and News 01:34 Entrepreneur News and Wine Releases 04:41 Champagne Masters and Non-Vintage Favorites 11:37 Interview with Julian Halian of Costa Brown 22:41 The Challenge of Logistics in the Wine Business 23:15 Learning Efficiency from Samuel Adams Brewery 25:40 Implementing Efficient Processes at the Winery 26:17 Specific Examples of Efficiency in Winemaking 27:22 The Importance of Organization During Harvest 29:42 Exploring the Wines of Costa Brown 31:53 The Evolution of Costa Brown's Wine Portfolio 39:01 Unique Characteristics of Different Vineyards 42:44 Comparing Pinot Noir from Different Regions 49:37 Impact of Different Fermentation Vessels 51:59 Conclusion and Final Thoughts The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at brady@vint.co, or Billy Galanko at Billy@vintmarketplace.com. Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions with a Winemaker, presented by the Vint Marketplace, we sit down with Julien Howsepian, Head Winemaker at Kosta Browne, one of California’s most celebrated names in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Known for their single-vineyard expressions and dedication to regional identity, Kosta Browne has become a benchmark producer for American cool-climate wines. Julien shares: 🌎 Their wine portfolio spans wines made from vineyards across the globe including California (Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Santa Lucia Highlands, Sta. Rita Hills, Anderson Valley), Burgundy, and Oregon’s Willamette Valley, focusing exclusively on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 🔍 A relentless pursuit of quality and authenticity, crafting wines that reflect place and connect emotionally with wine lovers at every stage of their journey. 🍇 His personal inspiration from quality wines across the globe, and how curiosity and discovery shape both his winemaking and the experience Kosta Browne offers to collectors. 📆 Reflections on standout vintages—2021 for its purity and ageability, and 2020 for the adversity of wildfires and the pride of staying true to their identity through it all. 🔭 His vision for the future of Kosta Browne: continuing to refine and elevate within their current portfolio, building on domestic success to reach more wine lovers around the world A must-listen for fans of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, this episode captures the craftsmanship and clarity behind one of America’s most admired wineries. 🎧 Stay tuned for the full-length episode with Julien Howsepian coming soon. The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at brady@vint.co, or Billy Galanko at Billy@vintmarketplace.com. Cheers!

In this episode of The Vint Podcast, host Billy Galanko sits down with Stephen and Prue Henschke of Henschke —one of the most iconic family-run wineries in the world. This in-depth conversation covers the legacy of the Hill of Grace vineyard, the role of old vines in shaping wine texture and complexity, and the unique terroir of Eden Valley. Prue shares her insights as viticulturist, including the nuances of managing vines over 150 years old, the effects of soil and canopy management, and the importance of preserving vine genetics. Stephen discusses their restrained and precise winemaking approach, including the use of submerged cap fermentation and minimal oak influence to highlight site expression. Topics explored include: * The history of Henschke and the sixth-generation legacy * The significance of old vines and the Barossa Old Vine Charter * How Eden Valley’s altitude and soils shape their Riesling and Shiraz * A technical breakdown of Mount Edelstone, Hill of Grace, and Wheelwright vineyards * Reflections on sustainability, native cover crops, and dry farming * The story behind experimental bottlings like Hill of Roses, Nebbiolo, and Tempranillo * Perspectives on global brand prestige and Australian wine’s evolving reputation Whether you're a collector, sommelier, or student of wine, this episode offers a rare window into one of Australia’s most revered producers and their uncompromising commitment to place, tradition, and innovation. 🛒 Find Henschke wines and more at vintmarketplace.com [https://vintmarketplace.com/] The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at brady@vint.co, or Billy Galanko at Billy@vintmarketplace.com. Cheers!

In this episode of Five Questions with a Winemaker, presented by the Vint Marketplace, we sit down with Stephen and Prue Henschke, sixth-generation vintners of Henschke Wines—one of Australia’s most revered estates. From Eden Valley Riesling to the legendary Hill of Grace Shiraz, the Henschkes have helped define fine wine in Australia. Stephen and Prue share: * 🌿 The vineyards they manage across Eden Valley, including Hill of Grace (planted in the 1850s), Mount Edelstone, and Lenswood in the Adelaide Hills, growing Riesling, Shiraz, Semillon, Cabernet, Grenache, Grüner Veltliner, and more. * 🏞️ Their focus on authenticity and site expression, making wines from one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges with a cool, continental climate—ideal for Riesling and Shiraz. * 🍷 Their role in establishing the Barossa Old Vine Charter, classifying vines over 35 years as “Old Vines” and those over 125 years as “Ancestor Vines”—a meaningful way to honor vine age and preservation. * 📆 A look at their most memorable vintages, including the great 1959, the benchmark 1986 and 2002, and the exceptional 2021, along with challenging years like 2011 and the unexpectedly compressed 2025 vintage. * 🔭 Exciting developments ahead, including new co-ferments of Grenache and Rhône varieties, expanded plantings of Grüner Veltliner, and a growing focus on Lenswood’s Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. 🍷 A must-listen for collectors and enthusiasts of Australian wine, this conversation blends heritage, innovation, and deep respect for the land. 🎧 Stay tuned for the full-length episode with the Henschkes due for release on 4/23 🛒 Shop Henschke wines now on Vint Marketplace: https://vintmarketplace.com/shop/filters/producer/henschke/ [https://vintmarketplace.com/shop] Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:05 Vineyard Locations and Varieties 01:57 Henke Wines Overview 02:48 The Old Vine Charter Explained 05:17 Memorable Vintages 07:48 Future Plans for Heskey Wines The Vint Wine Podcast is a production of the Vint Marketplace [https://www.vintmarketplace.com/], your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. To learn more about Vint and the Vint Marketplace, visit us at Vintmarketplace.com or email Brady Weller at brady@vint.co, or Billy Galanko at Billy@vintmarketplace.com. Cheers!