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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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Fraser Mackenzie is the Group General Manager at Artisans of the Barossa, a collective of artisan producers dedicated to showcasing the unique diversity and heritage of Australia’s Barossa Valley. The Artisans’ mission is to dispel myths and redefine perceptions by highlighting the region's remarkable range—from ancient vines and rich soils to the innovative techniques of the families and winemakers who craft its wines.

Originally from Auckland, New Zealand, Fraser has a dynamic background in marketing and selling wine across the globe, from New Zealand to the USA and even the Middle East. His journey eventually led him to Australia, where he guided Montalto through the challenges of the COVID era. Joining Artisans of the Barossa in late 2022, Fraser has since been steering the group’s vision and message, with a focus on celebrating the exceptional character of the Barossa Valley.

In this episode, Fraser shares his insights on navigating market challenges, the nuances of wine marketing, and the deep joy he and his team derive from sharing the Barossa’s beauty with the world. A heartfelt thanks to Fraser for joining me for this conversation

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What is blind tasting? Why do it? Who benefits from it? To explore these questions, I sat down with two exceptional guests: industry veteran and Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, and dynamic wine student Cokie Ponikvar. Bobby brings seasoned wisdom to the table, while Cokie offers her trademark passion and fresh insights that make her a standout voice in the industry.

In this episode, we dive into the world of blind tasting—demystifying a practice that some might see as needlessly complex, yet one that Bobby and Cokie champion as a powerful tool for honing wine knowledge, curating wine lists, and deepening one’s appreciation for wine. My heartfelt thanks to Bobby and Cokie for sharing their perspectives on this invaluable aspect of wine education

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