Sip Sip Hooray Podcast

“My dying wish is to see Paso Robles be a household name.” - Austin Hope What does it take to help build a wine region? Austin Hope knows. His family moved to Paso Robles in 1978, when the area was still dominated by grain fields and cattle. Decades later, Hope Family Wines is making wine for consumers around the world—and Austin is still pushing Paso Robles forward. The Marys chat with Austin about the family’s journey from farming to winemaking, the evolution of Paso Robles wine and its 11 sub-AVAs, and why he believes the region’s diversity is one of its greatest strengths. We also dig into regenerative farming, soil health, biodiversity, the One Block Challenge, baby doll sheep, alpacas, bees and the family’s new provisions project that includes growing truffles. Plus, Austin tells the story behind his childhood nickname— and how Troublemaker eventually became a wine brand. And then there’s Hope on Park, the family’s downtown Paso Robles newest tasting experience, where wine is meant to be fun, approachable and experiential. Don’t miss the gorgeous sidewalk tasting bar and infinite Instagram worthy backdrops. As Austin says, “It’s about bringing people together and sharing stories, laughs, cries, love.”

What do guitar strings, ambient music, and one of Italy’s most exciting white wine regions have in common? Meet Luca Formentini of Podere Selva Capuzza , the fourth-generation winemaker helping preserve the identity of Lugana DOC on the shores of Lake Garda in northern Italy. In this episode, Luca shares how music influences his winemaking, why sustainability became central to his philosophy, and what makes Turbiana one of Italy’s most captivating white grapes.

White Wine, Regenerative Farming, and Reinventing Yourself at 50 What does it mean to acquiesce to wine? For Lodi winemaker Susan Tipton it means surrendering to the grapes, making wine that represents what the grapes give her. Meet Susan Tipton, founder of Acquiesce Winery and Vineyards in Lodi, California. In a region famous for Zinfandel and other red wines, Sue took a different path, building a winery devoted entirely to Rhône-inspired white wines. What began as a passion project after she fell in love with a white Châteauneuf-du-Pape eventually became one of Lodi’s most acclaimed wineries. Sue shares how she and her husband Rodney arrived in Lodi after years of moving around the world for corporate assignments, and how a song called “Acquiesce” by KD Lang inspired both the winery’s name and philosophy. Today, Acquiesce is known for wines that as they say, surrender to the grapes, focusing on expressing the vineyard rather than manipulating the wine. She also explains why Lodi’s warm days, cool Delta breezes, and sandy soils make Lodi an ideal place to grow Rhône white varieties such as Grenache Blanc, Viognier, Roussanne, Picpoul Blanc, and Bourboulenc. Our conversation explores Sue’s career change in her 50s, the challenges of launching a winery focused exclusively on white wines, and the recognition that followed. From selling out her first vintages to being named Woman Winemaker of the Year by the International Women’s Wine Competition, Sue’s story is a testament to following curiosity and conviction. We also discuss Acquiesce’s food-and-wine pairing program, regenerative farming practices, and the Lodi Appellation Inclusion Collective, an initiative co-founded by Rodney Tipton to help create pathways into the wine industry for people of color. So grab a glas and join us for this inspiring conversation about wine, hospitality, sustainability, and the rewards.

“We’re about as high as you can get in the Sierra Foothills and still grow grapes.” — Derek Delfino El Dorado County in the Sierra Foothills wine country is one of California’s best kept secrets, but it shouldn’t be. When gold was discovered here in the mid 1800s, the Italians who came to the region to strike it rich brought with them their grapevines and winemaking traditions. The folks with Edio Vineyards at Delfino Farms in the Camino district came from this heritage. In homage to patriarch Edio Delfino - who created the family’s fruit orchards, the third generation planted vineyards at what many might think is an impossible elevation - up to 3,000 feet - where wintry snows are not uncommon. Today, you’ll meet brothers Derek and Peter Delfino, who bring their wine growing and winemaking talents as third generation vintners to the family’s endeavor, and along with other family members, created what today is one of the most exciting wineries in El Dorado County. Edio is named for their grandfather, Edio Delfino, a lifelong farmer and visionary who helped establish Apple Hill as a premiere apple growing region in the Sierra Foothills. With Derek managing the vineyards, Peter making Edio wines, together they are balancing family tradition with innovation and a through line of love for the land and a deep respect for where they come from. The Marys were fortunate enough to visit Edio in 2023 and we enjoyed the beautiful views from the new tasting room. We sipped the fabulous wines that are full of distinct characteristics of the region - the zesty acidity, the aromatic notes and minerality really blew us away. So we’re so happy to have Derek and Peter with us to share their story.

We’re continuing our celebration of the 50th anniversary of the legendary Judgment of Paris Tasting, that 1976 blind showdown where California wines stunned the French establishment and changed wine history forever. We’re revisiting an interview Mary Orlin did with the late Warren Winiarski, the visionary winemaker behind the 1973 Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon that shocked the judges when it was ranked above some of the most revered Bordeaux in the world. We’ll talk about how the wine came to be, what the victory meant in the moment and how it helped reshape the future of the Napa Valley and the global wine conversation. You’ll hear Warren’s own words on tape from an interview 10 years ago on the occasion of the Paris Tasting’s 40th anniversary.

What does it take to lead one of Napa Valley’s most iconic wineries into the future—especially in a milestone year? In this episode, Matt Crafton, winemaker and president of Napa Valley’s Chateau Montelena , reflects on guiding the winery during the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris—the moment their 1973 Chardonnay stunned the world by beating top white Burgundies from France. While that historic win put Montelena on the global map, Matt emphasizes that the real responsibility today isn’t reliving the past—it’s honoring it through innovation and consistency. He shares how the winery continues to focus on long-term decisions, resisting industry trends in favor of site-driven wines that prioritize balance, ageability, and a true sense of place. While Chateau Montelena is celebrating that feat this year there’s barely any of the 1973 Chardonnay left. You can find an unopened bottle on display at the winery and one in the Smithsonian. It makes us wonder how relevant is the judgment of Paris today? Is the legacy strong or fading? And will it be celebrated in 10, 20, even another 50 years from now? We’re happy that Matt Crafton is here to discuss this and to bring us up to date on how Chateau Montelena has evolved - and continues to evolve - since that fateful tasting.

We’re popping the cork on a milestone moment, the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, the legendary blind tasting that shocked the wine world and put California wine on the global map in a big way. To help us unpack what it all meant then and what it means now, we’re joined by wine journalist Esther Mobley, formerly of the San Francisco Chronicle. We’ll chat about how that legendary showdown reshaped the wine scene, what’s changed over the last five decades in California and where things are headed next. Plus we’ll get to know Esther, her path into wine, what’s next for her since departing the Chronicle. During Esther’s tenure at the Chron, extreme wildfires raged through Napa,Sonoma, the Santa Cruz Mountains and more. Then came the pandemic when people stocked up on wine and booze to drink at home. Yet post pandemic America’s thirst for wine is drying up. We also saw Napa Valley becoming increasingly and some say too expensive to visit. As Esther leaves the Chronicle for a new chapter, she comments on the state of the California wine industry, bright spots amid all the gloom and doom and what she thinks will happen in the next decade in wine.

Raise a glass of California sparkling wine! Fifty years ago, when America was celebrating its Bicentennial, and the famous Judgement of Paris put California wine on the world map, Barry and Audrey Sterling founded Iron Horse Vineyards . At the time, the Green Valley of the Russian River Valley AVA was unknown. But the Sterlings saw potential there, and created a sparkling wine house that would go on to earn worldwide acclaim. CEO and second generation vintner Joy Sterling is back for an encore appearance on the pod. She shares how a winery stays relevant for half a century and what it means to keep the Iron Horse spirit galloping into the future. As Joy says, Iron Horse’s 50th anniversary is a toast for the history books. It also coincides with the Chinese lunar year of the horse, Joy’s mother’s Audrey Sterling’s 95th birthday, winemaker David Munksgard’s 30th vintage and America’s 250th anniversary. Iron Horse has played a role in that, with its sparkling being served in seven presidential administrations at America’s table. While looking back is a fitting tribute, Joy says it’s important to look and move forward to the next 50 years.

Two friends are crafting a European tradition with a California vibe. We’re stepping into that delicious moment before dinner, when the day loosens its tie. We take a breath and we ease into the evening. It’s the perfect time for an apéritif. Can America have an apéritif or aperitivo culture just as the French and Italians do? Rue de Rêve Apéritifs founders Jennifer Kimpe and Jeanne-Marie Hebert say, pourquoi pas, perché no or why not? You can sip the classic drinks - bitters like Aperol or Campari, bubbles and botanicals, Vermouth, et cetera - but there’s room for a new style of apéritifs, created by our guests today. Jennifer and Jeanne-Marie always say that apéritif isn’t something you drink, it’s something you do. After three years of research and recipe development, these friends are on their way to realizing their dream of a modern apéritif culture in the U.S.

If you’ve read the wine headlines lately, you’d think wine is over. Younger generations don’t drink it. Wellness concerns have people cutting back. Baby boomers are aging out of the market. But according to Dr. Liz Thach , President of the Wine Market Council and one of the world’s most respected wine researchers, that story is incomplete. Turns out younger generations ARE drinking wine On this week’s Sip Sip Hooray podcast, Liz joined us to share brand-new research from the Wine Market Council — and the picture she paints is far more nuanced, and far more hopeful. Liz is a Master of Wine, an educator, author, and longtime professor who lives at the crossroads of wine, business, and culture. She asks the big questions about how wine is made, sold, and enjoyed, and she has a gift for connecting what’s happening in the vineyards and boardrooms to what ends up in our glasses. Recent Wine Market Council research finds Millennials are now the largest wine-drinking generation in the U.S., surpassing Boomers faster than expected. Gen X remains steady. And Gen Z? They do like wine — they just drink it differently. Liz gives us an insight into her organization’s forward-looking research on the U.S. wine consumer buying habits, attitudes, and trends for 2026.

"Wine is the way we connect. It makes the world smaller in many ways." - Laura Maneic On the podcast today, a woman who’s been wowing the wine world since she started work as a sommelier at the ripe old age of 21. Today, she owns one of the buzziest wine concepts around. Corkbuzz is part wine bar, restaurant and education center. Laura Maniec is a Master Sommelier and a master of bringing people together to learn about wine, enjoy good food and wine and spirited conversation. Laura’s been educating folks on wine even before she opened the doors to her first Corkbuzz Restaurant & Wine Bar in New York City. A sommelier prep course at New York’s former Windows on the World led Laura on a path to roles at various restaurants in New York and Las Vegas, where she was encouraged to pursue the Master Sommelier certification. She became a mentor for others on that path and continues to educate a new generation of wine lovers and professionals alike. Corkbuzz is just as buzzy as it was when it opened in 2011. Laura also takes us inside her role as U.S. Ambassador for Vinho Verde, Portugal’s vibrant wine region. She celebrates the freshness, affordability, and versatility of Portuguese wines — and encourages us to explore beyond the usual bottles. Laura’s mission is clear: make wine approachable, joyful, and endlessly fascinating.

Want to know the best winery to visit in the US? The Dr. Konstantin Frank winery was named the best winery tour in America for the third year in a row in 2024 by the USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards. What’s the secret sauce? On today’s show, we’re headed to New York’s Finger Lakes region, where winemaking dates back to the 1800s. Meaghan Frank is the great granddaughter of Dr. Konstantin Frank, a Ukrainian immigrant credited with pioneering modern wine making in the Finger Lakes. He is known as the father of vitis vinifera in the East because he taught American vintners how to grow European varietals in the cold climate of the Finger Lakes. Dr Frank developed and mastered cold weatherproofing farming techniques in Ukraine and he brought that innovation to America and his namesake winery, D ⁠r. Frank Konstantin.⁠ Meaghan Frank inherited quite a legacy, but she’s also brought her own experience and knowledge to the family winery, where she is now in charge of the day-to-day operations. Meaghan’s family has many milestones to celebrate, including 40 years of making sparkling wine and women playing major roles in the winery’s success and evolution. Riesling wines are a big part of the story. In fact, Dr. Frank’s Riesling Vineyard, planted in 1958, is the oldest Riesling planting in the Eastern United States. Riesling is one of the most aromatic and versatile white varieties in the world, made in many styles, from bone dry to dessert wine sweet, in both still and sparkling versions. After listening to today’s episode, we hope you’ll be inspired to seek out Riesling in all its styles.

It’s officially the season of festive dinners, Friendsgiving gatherings, holiday parties, and “What wine should I bring?” moments. On this year’s Sip Sip Hooray Holiday Wine episode, the Two Marys share their top picks for the 2025 season—plus expert recommendations from winemakers across California and beyond. On the show today we've enlisted help from some friends of the pod to suggest the best wines for festive times. No doubt you've seen many holiday wine guides about what to drink with Thanksgiving and other holiday meals, or what to give friends and family. But we've got our own take on this and we hope to help you sort out what will make that magical pairing, that magical gift this holiday season. Check out our recommendations for sparkling wine, white wine, red wine, non-alcoholic wine, what to bring for Friendsgiving and wine related gifts to give.

“I wanted to connect people, my brand, to Colombia and to really just bring a more beautiful part of Colombia than what everybody knows Colombia for.” - Bibiana Gonzáles Rave, ⁠ Cattleya Wines ⁠ New Sip Sip Hooray pod ep! The Marys chat with Bibiana González Rave , a force of nature in the world of wine. Bibiana’s first sip of wine at age 11 led to a life in wine. At age 14 she declared she would be a winemaker. Even though wine was not grown or made in her native Colombia, she was determined to pursue her teenage dream of becoming a winemaker. A detour to studying chemical engineering didn’t deter her. Bibiana followed a calling that led her across continents. She talked her way into a French enology school after 11 rejection letters, and built a career spanning nearly 30 harvests across France, South Africa, and California. Her wines pay homage to her Colombian roots while reflecting the soul of the California vineyards she works with. Bibiana is also a member of one of the most beloved wine families, the Pisonis, who produced coveted wines from California’s Santa Lucia Highlands. In fact, when she first met Gary Pisoni, her father-in-law to be, he read her astrological chart and made a bold prediction. We’ll get the behind-the-scenes story on all that. But Bibiana has her own voice behind her Cattleya label, and we’re thrilled she’s here to share her story today.

"I tell people I haven't made my best wine yet" - Tom Malone The Marys are on location in Amador County in California’s Sierra Foothills! On the podcast today, plein air is a French term for painting outside in a natural environment. Well, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more picturesque spot to paint than our location today. We are at PleinAir Vineyards , one of Amador County’s newest wineries. This is a small, intimate winery started by husband and wife team Tom and Sarah Malone, with an eye for design and a taste for good wine. We’re excited to have Tom and his consulting winemaker Steve Leveque (whose pedigree includes Mondavi, Opus One, and Hall Wines) here to paint the picture of PleinAir for us. Tom and Sarah were in the home remodeling business, renovating houses with a French country flair. They bring that design aesthetic to their winery, filled with items Sarah finds combing through French markets, and the winery’s motto- Casual, Rustic, Elegant - reflects this. At PleinAir there’s a certain je ne sais quoi vibe here, inviting you to slow down and soak up the wine country lifestyle in chic style. So pop a cork, pour a glass and dream of enjoying wine plein air.

A game changer for enjoying wine one glass at a time. “I wanted the freedom to drink whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted.” – Coravin inventor Greg Lambrecht. How do you open a bottle of wine without committing to finishing it before it goes bad? That question led Greg Lambrecht, a medical device entrepreneur, to invent Coravin - a groundbreaking system that lets you pour a glass without pulling the cork. Greg combined medical technology with a passion for wine to change the way we drink. From the original idea, developed in his kitchen, to the latest innovations like Coravin Sparkling, Greg shares his story of perseverance, problem-solving, and a mission to give wine lovers freedom by the glass. With nearly two million units sold to date since debuting in 2011, Coravin is so popular that the company says a glass of wine preserved with Coravin is poured every second of every day. That’s impressive. Coravin has even become a verb and an adjective. For example, you might say, “I’ll Coravin this wine,” or “That bottle’s Coravined." This wine technology company continues to innovate, developing tools for Coravinning screw cap wines, or even easier to use systems, like the Pivot+ that works with any type of bottle closure. We’re excited to hear Greg’s stories behind the scenes of these groundbreaking products and to find out what’s on the horizon.

If you're a fan of the podcast you know that we're all about simplifying and demystifying the world of wine to make it more accessible and appealing for all of us. That’s also the goal of Wine Folly, a multi-platform blend of information for wine education, entertainment, and enjoyment. Our guest today is Madeline Puckette, the co-founder and chief design officer of Wine Folly . She made a career of guiding people through the maze of wine appellations, varietals, tasting notes, and price points. And she does it all with panache and an ultra relatable appeal. Madeline's an author, a sommelier, an educator, and a wine expert. With Wine Folly, she gives wine lovers at every level more confidence to enjoy what they drink. Wine shouldn't be precious, and we agree. And that's why Madeline is the perfect guest for our pod. We'll hear her perspective on the wine world and what trends you can expect to see. We're delighted she’s joining us to share her story of building a blog, a website, and a wine venture that is folly in name only.

For this episode, the Marys are on location with Rob Sinton, winemaker at El Dorado County’s Starfield Vineyards . This is where the grapes meet the sky, as they say, thanks to high altitude vineyards reaching upwards of 2400 to 3000 feet in elevation. Here at Starfield Vineyards, you gaze at the vineyard views surrounded by evergreens in every direction. This mountain terroir gives El Dorado wines their distinct herbal and spicy flavor, or Sierra spice, as it's called in these parts, a flavor profile that makes them stand out among other California wines. We're so excited to be speaking with Rob Sinton at this gorgeous property set with lakes and miles of walking trails, where you can soak up the wine country experience and enjoy some darn good wines. Starfield is also the dream of Rob and his father Tom, whose love of wine led them on a quest to find the best place to grow Rhone and Italian varietals. Their search sent them into the Sierra Foothills and El Dorado County. Today Rob is not only making wine, he’s reinventing wine labels using solargraphy, championing forgotten grapes, and even creating his own vermouths. We’re sure that once you hear Rob’s story, you’ll want to plan a visit to this and other wineries in the mountainous El Dorado wine country.

We love a good wine comeback story where the little guy wins! On today's show, a story that stopped the wine world in its tracks and made seemingly everyone cheer. It's a "Let's Hear It For The Little Guy" tale, a David versus Goliath story with a dreams do come true plot. We're talking with James Hall, founding winemaker of the illustrious Patz & Hall Winery California’s Sonoma County. He's the guy who pulled off the unimaginable when he bought back his winery from one of wine's biggest conglomerates. James is here today to share his story and his wines with us, and to catch us up on how things are going since the buyback more than a year ago.

We’re on location in California’s Amador County in the Sierra Foothills. Meet Scott Harvey, one of the pioneers in this wine region. Scott has been making wine in the Amador County AVA at his namesake winery Scott Harvey Wines since the late 1970s, making a name for himself with celebrated Zinfandels and Barberas. We're excited to be with Scott at his namesake winery in the Shenandoah Valley, and we can't wait to share his story with you. We're sitting here with Scott overlooking beautiful vineyards on gently rolling hills. Now Scott is known for Barbera and Zinfandel but he will always have a specific German variety in his lineup and we'll get the inside scoop on why and the story behind the label of his vineyard 1869 Zinfandel. Yes, you heard it right, 1869. Scott takes us on a journey from his German winemaking roots and family heritage to his hands-on, terroir-driven approach in the Shenandoah Valley AVA. Plus, we’ll learn the role his wife Janaplays - she even has her own label - and why Amador County is one of California’s best-kept wine secrets.