In Episode 152 of the Mr. Wine Guy Podcast I had the privilege of sitting down with Michael Cruse, Owner and Winemaker of Ultramarine Wines and Cruse Wine Co. out of Petaluma, CA.

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Having Michael on the podcast was amazing because I was able to learn about what it’s like to make Cali Sparkling and Petnats vs. traditional still white and red varietals that a majority of winemaker’s produce.

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It was actually thanks to a Reel that I noticed on my IG page with MS Dustin Wilson tasting through Michael’s “Cruse” lineup that got me intrigued which I’m grateful I stumbled across.

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In this episode Michael talks about his life growing up and in particular his time at University of Cal Berkley and how his Instructor Terry Leighton had a lot to do with inspiring a love and a passion for wine in him through the correlation of his Bio-chemistry degree.

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Michael talks about his personal brand Ultramarine Wines, what it means for that brand to be recognized as California's first Sparkling cult wine, and the thought process for Michael and his business partners while creating Ultramarine in the early 2000's.

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Michael goes on to talk about his other project Cruse Wine Co., what makes it different from Ultramarine in terms of Sparkling, and his Pét-Nat portfolio with Cruse and why these wines are so unique and appropriate for California's growing region.

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Michael also shares what it meant to be name San Francisco Chronicles Winemaker of the Year and how that recognition has been an encouragement to him throughout the course of his career.

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Cheers 🍷

To watch on YouTube:

https://bit.ly/4aL2I3C

To follow Michael on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/crusewine/

https://www.instagram.com/crusewineco/

https://www.instagram.com/ultramarinewine/

To sign up for Michael's mailing list, receive allocation opportunities, or to purchase wines:

https://www.crusewineco.com/shop/

https://www.crusewineco.com/signup/

https://www.ultramarinewines.com/

To follow Michael Gallagher on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Linkedin:

https://www.tiktok.com/@themrwineguy?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc

https://www.instagram.com/themrwineguy/

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQs2ckU2tCtHUuPL7fzV6eA

https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gallagher-70637b70/