Category: interview

VanWineFest 2025: people in International Festival Tasting Room

VanWineFest 2025: That’s a Wrap. All My Articles For You to View

 mywinepal  April 2, 2025

We had another successful year at the Vancouver International Wine Festival for 2025.  There was some controversy with western USA states being the theme region this year, but I appreciated that these western states, California, Oregon, and Washington, supplied BC Okanagan wineries that asked with grapes so that they could produce wines for the 2024 harvest.  It is good to…

Taylor Butterfield from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates

VanWineFest 2025: A Video Interview with Taylor Butterfield from Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, WA State

 mywinepal  March 25, 2025

Ste. Michelle Wine Estates, one of Washington State’s most influential wineries, has played a leading role in showcasing the region’s world-class wines. With deep roots dating back to the 1930s, the winery has helped put Washington on the global wine map, crafting elegant and expressive wines that highlight the state’s diverse terroir. Their Cabernet Sauvignon is bold and structured, with…

Samantha Taylor from Hope Family Wines

VanWineFest 2025: A Video Interview with Samantha Taylor from Hope Family Wines, California

 mywinepal  March 22, 2025

Hope Family Wines, based in Paso Robles, California, is a renowned family-owned winery known for producing bold, expressive wines that capture the essence of the region’s warm climate and rich soils. Hope Family Wines consists of six individual brands: Liberty School, Treana, Quest, Austin Hope, Troublemaker, and Austin.  Led by winemaker and owner Austin Hope, the winery has built a…

Rafael Ceballos Alcoba from Groupo Marques del Atrio

VanWineFest 2025: A Video Interview with Rafael Ceballos Alcoba from Groupo Marques del Atrio, Spain

 mywinepal  March 19, 2025

Grupo Marqués del Atrio, a respected name in Spanish winemaking, combines tradition and innovation to craft high-quality wines from some of Spain’s most renowned regions. With deep roots in Rioja, the winery produces elegant, terroir-driven Tempranillo-based wines that showcase rich fruit, balanced oak, and refined structure. Expanding beyond Rioja, Marqués del Atrio also works with vineyards in Navarra, Utiel-Requena, and…

Scott Shirley from Justin Vineyards and Winery

VanWineFest 2025: An In-depth Video Interview with Scott Shirley from Justin Vineyards and Winery

 mywinepal  March 15, 2025

Justin Vineyards & Winery, a benchmark producer in Paso Robles, California is renowned for crafting bold, Bordeaux-style wines that showcase the region’s rich soils and warm climate. Led by winemaker Scott Shirley, Justin focuses on producing structured, expressive wines with depth and elegance. Their flagship Isosceles blend—crafted from Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc—delivers layers of dark fruit, spice, and…

Joseph Lange from LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards

VanWineFest 2025: A Video Interview with Joseph Lange of LangeTwins Family Winery

 mywinepal  March 12, 2025

LangeTwins Family Winery and Vineyards, located in the heart of Lodi, California, is a family-owned winery dedicated to crafting sustainably grown, estate-driven wines that capture the essence of the region. With a deep commitment to land stewardship, the Lange family has been farming in Lodi for five generations, producing exceptional wines that reflect their rich heritage. Zinfandel, Lodi’s flagship grape,…

Howard Rossbach from Citation Wine at VanWineFest 2025

VanWineFest 2025: Video Interview With Howard Rossbach of Citation Wine, Oregon

 mywinepal  March 9, 2025

Citation Winery, based in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, is dedicated to crafting age-worthy, small-production wines that reflect the region’s cool-climate elegance. With a focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery’s approach emphasizes patience, often releasing wines with extended aging to showcase their full potential. Earthy, red-fruited Pinot Noirs and balanced, mineral-driven Chardonnays define its style, making Citation a hidden gem…

Dennis Koelewijn from Bodegas Salentein

VanWineFest 2025: A Video Interview with Dennis Koelewijn from Bodegas Salentein, Argentina

 mywinepal  March 4, 2025

Bodegas Salentein, located in Argentina’s renowned Uco Valley, is a winery that seamlessly blends tradition with innovation to produce world-class wines. Situated at the foothills of the Andes, its high-altitude vineyards benefit from intense sunlight, cool nights, and well-drained soils, creating ideal conditions for expressive, terroir-driven wines. Malbec takes center stage, showcasing rich dark fruit, floral notes, and refined tannins,…

Billy Grant from McPrice Myers

VanWineFest 2025: Video Interview With Billy Grant from California’s McPrice Myers

 mywinepal  March 3, 2025

McPrice Myers Winery, nestled in California’s Paso Robles region, is a standout producer known for crafting expressive Rhône-style and Bordeaux-inspired wines. Founded by McPrice “Mac” Myers, the winery focuses on small-lot, terroir-driven bottlings that highlight the richness and complexity of the Central Coast. Sourcing fruit from top vineyards, including its own estate in the Adelaida District, McPrice Myers produces wines…

Ontario Wineries Interviewed for 2024 Harvest

Ontario Winemaker’s Harvest 2024 Interview

 mywinepal  December 7, 2024  1 Comment on Ontario Winemaker’s Harvest 2024 Interview

This is my seventh year interviewing winemakers or winery principals in Ontario about their latest grape harvest and wine production.  Now that it is early December and the wines are all in tanks or barrels, how did the Ontario grape growing season and harvest fare?  I interviewed three winemakers/winery principals this year: Chris Thompson, Winemaker at Lighthall Vineyards in Prince Edward…