Allison Levine 🥂Aug 28, 2025

Pruett Farms is a historic property in Livermore which was established as a farmstead in 1879, and the first grapes were planted in 1880. The house and winery building were built in 1881. Owned by the Wente family for more than 80 years, the property is now owned by Bob and Deb Pruett, who have restored the house. Meet Bob Pruett, listen to his story, and get to know him in 30?s on the Wine Soundtrack USA podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/pruett-farms#podcast-66945323

#meetthewinemaker #30questions #livermorevalley

Pruett Farms | Wine Soundtrack

Pruett Farms is a historic property in Livermore which was established as a farmstead in 1879, and the first grapes were planted in 1880. The house and winery building were built in 1881. The farm residents include horses, punker chickens, alpaca and the obligatory farm cats. The current winery was founded in 2021, and we opened the tasting room in 2023 as well as a family friendly picnic area. The barn was remodeled in the style of a moody speak easy. Our estate vineyard is planted to Chardonnay, and we purchase fruit for other wines from select vineyards in Northern California. Our red wines include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, Merlot and multiple Rhône varietals. We have two rosés plus we are about to release a unique Chillable Red named "Heretic." We make Chardonnay as it should be without catering to styles that distort this beautiful fruit of Burgundy. This includes 5 styles ranging from austere to opulent Northern California.

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Allison Levine 🥂Jul 31, 2025

The Bartlett family has lived in the Livermore Valley for four decades. Charles R Vineyards began as a wine storage cellar in 2002 and then they started making wine. Meet Bonnie Bartlett, who purchased the property decades ago with her husband, listen to her story, and get to know her in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack USA podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/charles-r-vineyards#podcast-66944171

#meetthewinemaker #30questions #winetime #winelife #livermorevalley

Charles R Vineyards | Wine Soundtrack

Nestled in the picturesque Livermore Valley, Charles R Vineyards offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. For over four decades, the Bartlett family has called this enchanting valley home. Their journey into the world of wine began in 2002 as a humble wine storage cellar, eventually blossoming into a full-fledged winery. This deep-rooted connection to the land imbues every visit with the warmth and familiarity of seeing an old friend. Our tasting room is a hidden treasure, nestled between the rolling hills at the end of Greenville Road. It’s a place where the road less traveled leads to unforgettable experiences. The winery exudes a relaxed country charm, inviting you to unwind and savor the moment. Picture yourself sitting on our beautiful garden patio, a glass of our hand-crafted, award-winning wine in hand, as you soak in the tranquil surroundings. At Charles R Vineyards, we take pride in showcasing the Livermore Valley’s rich terroir. Our grapes are sourced from this very land, allowing us to offer a range of classic varietals alongside some lesser-known gems. Each bottle is a testament to the valley's unique climate and soil, crafted with passion and precision to ensure the highest quality. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newcomer, our winery offers a welcoming atmosphere for all. We invite you to explore our selection, each sip revealing the dedication and love that goes into every bottle. Come, sit a spell, and let us share our passion for wine with you at Charles R Vineyards—where every visit feels like coming home.

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Allison Levine 🥂Jul 17, 2025

Arroyo Cellars was started in 2018 by a group of 10 friends who met 25 years ago. An arroyo is a habitat that evolves over time and provides relief from the elements, food and drink for its inhabitants, and a place to relax, mingle, and co-exist with other species. Meet one of the owners, and winemaker, John Chiprich, listen to his story, and get to know him in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack USA podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/arroyo-cellars#podcast-66942500

 #meetthewinemaker #30questions #winetime #winelife

Arroyo Cellars | Wine Soundtrack

Livermore provides a phenomenal opportunity to experience wine. Ron, Janice, Marie, Tim, Chrysanne, John, Nancy, Doug, Tracey and Andrea met in Livermore over 25 years ago and started Arroyo Cellars in 2018. We welcome you to come by and experience our stellar wines in an urban setting along Livermore’s Vasco Row. An arroyo is a habitat that evolves over time and provides relief from the elements, food and drink for its inhabitants, and a place to relax, mingle, and co-exist with other species.  So too is Arroyo Cellars.  It has evolved over twenty years of friendship.  It provides us relief from our everyday jobs, food and wine (the necessities of life), and a place for family and friends to enjoy each other’s company.

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Allison Levine 🥂Jan 23, 2025

Meet Niki Wente of Wente Vineyards, listen to her story, and get to know her in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack USA podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/wente-vineyards#podcast-62767009

#podcastlife
#meetthewinemaker #30questions #winetime #winelife #livermorevalley

Wente Vineyards | Wine Soundtrack

C.H. Wente came who to America in the late 1800s from Hamburg Germany, learned to make wine from a German by the name of Charles Krug in the Napa Valley, and in 1883 established his first 47-acre Estate and Winery. He chose the Livermore Valley as it was famed for its excellent soils and climate. In 1908, C.H. planted the first Chardonnay vines in the Livermore Valley. In 1912, second generation and a UC Davis student, Ernest Wente, persuaded his father and founder, C.H. Wente, to import Chardonnay cuttings from a well-known vine nursery, F. Richter Nursery in Montpellier, France, to the Livermore Valley.Ernest hand-picked vines that showed the best health and pronounced flavors, grafted the two together, and propagated those characteristics forward. Ultimately creating what is known as the ‘Wente Clone.’  Today, over 75% of all California Chardonnay stems from the Wente Clone and the Wente Family property. Wente produced sacramental wines throughout prohibition to keep the winery and vineyards in production. After the repeal of the National Prohibition Act (Volstead Act) in 1933, Ernest and his brother Herman Wente released the nation’s first varietally-labeled Chardonnay, a 1936 vintage.Ernest and his son Karl L. Wente pioneered new vineyard plantings in 1964 in the Arroyo Seco region of Monterey County. Here they plant Pinot Noir, Riesling, and Chardonnay. In 1966, Wente Vineyards Tasting Room opens in Livermore Valley, and is one of the first tasting rooms in California. Throughout the late 1970s and till today, the fourth generation Winegrowers Eric, Philip, and Carolyn Wente head operations of the winery, continuing expanding vineyards, winery, and related visitor facilities. In 1986, The Restaurant at Wente Vineyards opened California’s third winery restaurant. In addition, the Wente Vineyards annual series launched the Concerts, attracting top entertainers and thousands of guests annually. In 1998, The Course at Wente Vineyards, an 18-hole championship golf course designed by Greg Norman, was opened, enhancing the wine country lifestyle of the Livermore Valley. At the same time, Wente Vineyards has become one of California’s most extensive wine exporters to over 75 countries. In 2010, Wente Vineyards received one of the first certifications for a California Certified Vineyard and Winery, and The Course at Wente Vineyards received Certified Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary statusToday, fifth generation winegrowers Karl, Christine, Jordan, Aly, and Niki Wente are actively working in various roles in the winery from operations, viticulture, and marketing. Their legacy is yet to be determined, but they are very passionate about continuing the family tradition of sustainable farming and producing the best-quality wines. 

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Allison Levine 🥂Feb 24, 2023

Established in 2000, Wilson Creek Winery has won Temecula Valley’s “Business of the Year” four times. Wilson Creek prides itself on offering a multi-dimensional wine experience. They welcome those new to wine and take them through a wine journey as they develop and expand their palate. They also focus on wine education and are the only winery in the Temecula Valley that offers training to guests in all aspects of winemaking through their Wine Academies. If you have been to Temecula Valley, you know Wilson Creek Winery. But now it is time to get to know winemaker Gus Vizgirda, listen to his story, and get to know him in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/wilson-creek#podcast-https://www.spreaker.com/episode/52767725

#podcast #winepodcast #podcastlife #meetthewinemaker #30questions #winetime #winelife #temeculavalley #temeculawine

Wilson Creek | Wine Soundtrack

“We’ve come a long way since our opening in 2000,” says Bill Wilson, founder and co-owner of Wilson Creek Winery. “And, while much has changed here at the winery and in the valley, our focus, our mission is exactly the same as when we first started.” That focus has paid off with Wilson Creek Wines winning prestigious awards. Wilson Creek’s Petite Sarah won “Best Red in the Valley,” at the annual Temecula Valley Winegrowers’ Association Awards. Wilson Creek is one of only a few wineries in Southern California to receive a 90-plus ratings for its wines from Wine Enthusiast Magazine. Fairly new to Wilson Creek, our Library room offers a guided sit down wine tasting of these library wines that are not offered to the general public. Wilson Creek prides itself on offering a multi-dimensional wine experience. We welcome those new to wine and take them through a wine journey as they develop and expand their palate. We also focus on wine education. Wilson Creek is the only winery in the Temecula Valley that offers training to guests in all aspects of wine making through our Wine Academies. Our Winemaker and Vineyard Manager are professors at two area colleges. Wilson Creek Winery has also been active in the community since its inception. The winery has won Temecula Valley’s “Business of the Year” four times. The winery is involved with numerous charitable events each year raising thousands of dollars for charities One thing that won’t change at Wilson Creek it the commitment to family. Almost the entire Wilson family has been involved with the winery since the beginning. On any given day, you will find Matriarch Rosie Wilson with her dog perusing the grounds, or any number of Wilsons at work behind the scenes. “We started the business as a family project, and everyone pitched in from day one,” says Wilson. “Through the years it has become a tradition to treat our guests as our extended family and make family a big part of the Wilson Creek experience.” Like the fine wines it serves, Wilson Creek Winery keeps getting better with age.

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Allison Levine 🥂Feb 20, 2023

The passion that exists within every bottle of Doffo wine originates from their Italian ancestors who immigrated to Argentina in the early 1900s. Marcelo Doffo immigrated to the United States where he started making wine in his basement. In 1997 he purchased an old cattle ranch in Temecula, California, and painstakingly prepared the soil and installed trellises and irrigation lines by hand. He then planted his first vines of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with a small percentage of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Four years later, Marcelo was proud to introduce his first wine, calling it “Mistura.” Marcelo’s philosophy has always been that good winemaking begins in the vineyard. Today Marcelo’s son Damian manages the vineyard and winemaking for Doffo Winery. Meet winemaker Damian Doffo. Listen to his story and get to know him in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/doffo-winery#podcast-52767354

#winepodcast #meetthewinemaker #30questions #winelife #temeculavalley #temeculawine

Doffo Winery | Wine Soundtrack

The passion that exists within every bottle of Doffo wine originates from their Italian ancestors who immigrated to Argentina in the early 1900s. Marcelo’s grandfather, Bernandino, settled in Pampas, Argentina where he grew soybeans and corn and raised cattle. Marcelo grew up on that land, and it was there that his love and dedication to the art of cultivation began.  As a young man, Marcelo immigrated to the United States and began a new life journey. In 1994 he visited the old country in the northern region of Turin, Italy and discovered that like every good Italian, his great uncle still made wine the old fashioned way in his basement. Marcelo returned home anxious to try his hand at winemaking, creating his first batches in his garage. By 1997 he had expanded his knowledge and developed his skills as a winemaker, and was awarded the silver medal from the Orange County Wine Society.This experience and honor sealed his fate. That same year he purchased an old cattle ranch in Temecula, California, complete with an historic one-room schoolhouse. The schoolhouse reminded him of a similar place he attended as a small child in Argentina. Starting with bare property, Marcelo painstakingly prepared the soil and installed trellises and irrigation lines by hand. He then planted his first vines of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah with a small percentage of Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. Four years later, Marcelo was proud to introduce his first wine, calling it “Mistura.” Marcelo’s philosophy has always been that good wine making begins in the vineyard. From hand-planting each vine to the meticulous daily attention, Marcelo, his son Damian, and their crew take great care to produce intensely rich fruit that truly expresses their commitment to making world class wine. Doffo Winery produces small batches of wine in comparison to many other wineries in Temecula Valley, and the attention to detail that this affords results in bold, complex wines.

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Allison Levine 🥂Dec 15, 2022

An original Rhone Ranger, Bob Lindquist has been making wine on the Central Coast since 1982. His focus has been on Rhone varieties and Chardonnay from some of the best cool climate vineyards in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties. Bob Lindquist is a pioneer in the Central Coast. He made the first Syrah in Santa Barbara County in 1982; he made the first Marsanne made in California and the first cool climate Bien Nacido Syrah in 1987; he made the first Red Rhone blend in Santa Barbara in 1988; He made the first Viognier in Santa Barbara in 1989. After selling Qupé Winery in 2018, Bob created Lindquist Family Wines. Meet Bob Lindquist, listen to his story, and get to know him in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack USA podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/lindquist-family-wines#podcast-52047094

#wst #wstusa #wstfriends #wstpodcast #podcast #winepodcast #podcastlife #meetthewinemaker #30questions #winetime #winelife #rhonerangers #santabarbaracounty #sanluisobispo #centralcoastwine #slocoast

Lindquist Family Wines | Wine Soundtrack

Focusing on Rhone varietals from the best cool climate vineyards on the Central Coast of California.  Also producing small amounts of Chardonnay from Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley and Christy & Wise Vineyard in the Sta. Rita Hills.

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Allison Levine 🥂Dec 7, 2022

Brothers John and Steve Dragonette and close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis founded Dragonette Cellars in 2005 after having worked together at a renowned wine shop in Los Angeles. Their shared passion for great wine brought them to wild, windy, and remote northern Santa Barbara County where they spent the next several years seeking out extraordinary, cool-climate vineyards and dedicating themselves to careful, patient, minimalist winemaking. As vignerons, they have committed themselves, above all else, to the mindful farming of precise blocks in exceptional vineyards for low yields and high quality and to the shepherding of these grapes into wines of purity, complexity and balance. Meet Brandon Sparks-Gillis, listen to his story, and get to know him in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/dragonette#podcast-%2052046917

#wstusa #wstfriends #wstpodcast #podcast #winepodcast #podcastlife #meetthewinemaker #30questions #santaynez #sbwinecountry #santabarbarawinecountry #santabarbarawine

Dragonette | Wine Soundtrack

Brothers John and Steve Dragonette and close friend Brandon Sparks-Gillis founded Dragonette Cellars in 2005 after having worked together at a renowned wine shop in Los Angeles. Their shared passion for great wine brought them to wild, windy and remote northern Santa Barbara County where they spent the next several years seeking out extraordinary, cool-climate vineyards and dedicating themselves to careful, patient, minimalist winemaking. As vignerons, they have committed themselves, above all else, to the mindful farming of precise blocks in exceptional vineyards for low yields and high quality and to the shepherding of these grapes into wines of purity, complexity and balance. Given the remarkable climatic and soil diversity in Santa Barbara County, Dragonette Cellars produces small lots of Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Syrah of interest and distinction.

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Allison Levine 🥂Dec 1, 2022

The Brander Vineyard, in the Los Olivos District AVA of Santa Barbara County, focuses on Bordeaux varieties. Planted in 1975, the first wine was produced in 1977. It was Sauvignon Blanc and today, they release approximately 6/8 different Sauvignon Blanc offering in any given vintage which is why founder Fred Brander is known as the “King” of Sauvignon Blanc. After studying electrical engineering, Fabian Bravo was working in aerospace. But with a growing interest in winemaking, he switched courses. He worked his first harvest for Brander in 2007 and has been there ever since. As the winemaker at Brander, Fabian continues the tradition of Bordeaux varieties, with a focus on Sauvignon Blanc. Meet Fabian Bravo, listen to his story, and get to know him in 30 questions on the Wine Soundtrack USA podcast.

https://www.winesoundtrack.com/us/wineries/brander-vineyard#podcast-52046559

#wstusa #wstfriends #wstpodcast #podcast #winepodcast #podcastlife #meetthewinemaker #30questions #winetime #winelife #santabarbarawinecountry #losolivosdistrict

The Brander Vineyard | Wine Soundtrack

The Brander Vineyard, in the Los Olivos District AVA of Santa Barbara County, focuses on Bordeaux varieties. It was planted in 1975. The first wine was produced in 1977 and it was Sauvignon Blanc. Today, Brander releases approximately 6/8 different Sauvignon Blanc offerings in any given vintage. Brander Sauvignon Blancs are known to age well given their high acidity, balanced alcohol, and quality fruit. Brander also produces other Bordeaux varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Gris, and Semillon. Fabian and his wife also have their own small label, Casita de Bravo, currently producing around 350 cases.

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