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In Season 3, Episode 9, I sat down with Doug Neal to cover the basics of oak in winemaking—a conversation that became a fan favorite. Doug's deep passion for oak is contagious; as a former history teacher turned wine maker and expert, he brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective on the subject. So, naturally, I couldn’t resist inviting him back for a deeper dive.

In this episode, we get into the finer details: the specific forests oak comes from, how it’s prepared for barrel making, its nuanced impact on different wine styles, and even the current state of the oak market. Doug's insights and stories are pure gold for any wine enthusiast, and he didn’t hold back.

Grab your notepad, because you’ll want to jot down Doug’s tips and tidbits. I hope you enjoy this fascinating exploration of oak with the ever-knowledgeable "Dougmeister" himself!

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They don’t come much cooler than Chris Morisoli. He flies UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters, he’s completed deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan as a MEDEVAC polite rescuing wounded soldiers out of firefights and flying them to safety, he has served more or less his entire life as a volunteer fire fighter and – oh yes – he is the latest generation of the Morisoli family who are custodians of some of the most magical vineyards in the Rutherford Bench, and the entire Napa Valley for that matter. One might say the Morisoli story is the story of Rutherford. It spans the Italian migration to the United States, prohibition and the rise of the Napa Valley. Chris was born in 1984 and has Rutherford Dust in his veins. He grew up running in and out of the vines and you might be forgiven for seeing his return to the vines post deployment as inevitable.

Chris’s story and the Morisoli story is one of the most genuine and remarkable stories one will find. And yes – like most special things – you have to find it – tucked away in the shadows of the Mayacamas Mountain range, just off Highway 29, down Niebaum Lane, here lies a historic charming little house surrounded by historic vineyards that whisper memories and stories. This is Chris’s home and the home of the Morisoli legacy. Like most who are part of small family businesses, Chris spends most of his time on the tools, in the vineyard, in the winery or in the car, so cornering him for a chat is no small thing. Hence my elation when we finally settled on a time. This was a truly special conversation to have. My sincerest thanks to Chris for joining me.

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I’ve been living in the USA since April, with April through July immersed in the vibrant Santa Barbara Wine Country alongside Wes Hagen and his wife, Chanda. Longtime listeners will know Wes as a foundational figure in this region, notably for his work in establishing many of Santa Barbara’s AVAs. But next to Wes stands Chanda, his steadfast partner and inspiration, whom he met at a Grateful Dead cover band gig—how Californian! Together, they welcomed me into the heart of Santa Barbara, offering an insider’s view of its history, personality, and the essence of its young and dynamic wine industry. After my deep dive into Santa Barbara, Wes had a unique idea: flip the script and put me in the hot seat. Though it took some persuasion, I finally agreed to let Wes give me a taste of my own medicine. We share a passion for wine, history, and the bigger questions of meaning, which fueled hours of effortless conversation. In this episode, we focused on our shared love of wine and the color it channels. I owe a big thank you to Wes for hosting this lively conversation and to both Wes and Chanda for their generous hospitality. Enjoy this special episode!

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