Join us in the final part of our interview with Melanie from Cana Vineyards as we explore five of their best wines. First up, we dive into the 2022 Albarino, a Wine that holds a special place in Melanie's heart due to her decade-long relationship with Greenstone Vineyards. Discover the serendipitous beginnings of this Wine and its rise in the mid-Atlantic region.

Next, we shift to the vibrant world of rosé. Melanie shares her passion for crafting high-quality rosés, starting with the Rosé of Merlot, which began in 2017. Learn about the challenges and triumphs of producing three distinct rosés, including the Rosé of Cabernet Sauvignon, and how these wines have become a cornerstone of Cana Vineyards.

As we wrap up, Melanie reveals that rosé is currently their top seller, with Albarino quickly gaining recognition. Tune in to hear about the competitive nature of winemaking and the importance of time and experience in creating exceptional wines.

Don't miss this episode filled with personal stories, professional insights, and a love for winemaking. For more information, visit Cana Vineyards and follow them on Facebook and Instagram.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

In part 3 of our interview with Melanie, the talented winemaker at Cana Vineyards in Middleburg, Virginia, we delve into the stunning property and the award-winning wines that have put this Vineyard on the map. Melanie shares the serene beauty of the winery, from the original structure built in 2011 to the new pavilion with its retractable sides and cozy fireplace, perfect for year-round enjoyment.

Discover the various tasting experiences offered, whether guided or self-led, and learn why visitors often spend hours, if not the entire day, enjoying the expansive lawn, picnic grounds, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Melanie opens up about the immense satisfaction of winning awards, particularly for her cherished rosé wines. She recounts the excitement and anticipation leading up to her 2019 vintage wines' recognition at the Virginia Governor's Cup, including the prestigious Governor's Cup and a top twelve placement for her red blend, La Mariage. Melanie's heartfelt story of nurturing her estate-grown grapes from Vineyard to bottle is a testament to her dedication and passion for winemaking.

Don't miss this inspiring episode that celebrates the art and hard work behind every bottle of Cana Vineyards Wine.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

Forrest Kelly continues his captivating interview with Melanie, the trailblazing winemaker at Cana Vineyards in Middleburg, Virginia. Tune in as Melanie recounts her exhilarating journey to winning the 2022 Governor's Cup, a prestigious award for Virginia-grown and made wines. Melanie made history as the first woman to win this competition in modern history, a milestone that underscores her disruptive yet inspiring presence in the industry.

Melanie also shares insights into the unique challenges and rewards of running a woman-owned winery. Owned by Lisa Petty, Cana Vineyards prides itself on being a welcoming and accessible place where Wine lovers can feel at home, regardless of their Wine knowledge or attire. Melanie emphasizes that wine should be approachable and enjoyable for everyone, which aligns with her mission to demystify the wine experience.

Discover the picturesque setting of Cana Vineyards, nestled in the heart of horse country, Virginia. Melanie paints a vivid picture of the 43-acre farmland, with seven and a half acres planted under vine on a beautiful south-facing hill. Learn about the Goldilocks climate of Middleburg, described as neither too hot nor too cold, and the humid subtropical conditions that present unique challenges for grape growers in the region.

Join us for an episode filled with passion, perseverance, and a touch of humor as we explore the world of Virginia winemaking through Melanie's eyes.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

In this effervescent episode, we dive into the sparkling world of sparkling wines with our bubbly connoisseur, Sour Grapes. Join us as we embark on a global tour of flavors, exploring the unique profiles of sparkling wines from Germany, Spain, Italy, France, and the United States.

Discover the refreshing lime and tangerine notes of Germany's Sekt, the breakfast-inspired melon and toast flavors of Spain's Cava, and the crisp green apple and honey nuances of Italy's Prosecco. We also savor the elegant peach and strawberry notes of France's Champagne and the delightful almond and cherry hints in American sparkling wines.

Whether you're a fan of dessert-like bubbles or breakfast-inspired fizz, this episode promises to add some sparkle to your Wine knowledge. So grab a glass and join us on this flavorful journey through the world of sparkling wines!

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

Join us in this episode as we travel to Middleburg, Virginia, the nation's horse and hunt capital, and home to Cana Vineyards and Winery. Our guest, Melanie, the winemaker, Vineyard manager, and all-around cellar team, shares her unique journey from being a physical therapist to an accomplished winemaker. Discover the origins of Cana Vineyards, named after Cana of Galilee, and learn about Melanie's transition from healthcare to viticulture.

Melanie recounts her early career in physical therapy, her growing passion for Wine, and the pivotal moments that led her to pursue winemaking full-time. With a production of 2,500 to 3,000 cases a year, Melanie handles almost every aspect of the winemaking process herself, making her story both inspiring and educational for anyone interested in the Wine industry.

Stay tuned for part two, where Melanie delves deeper into the sacrifices and rewards of following her passion, including taking a significant pay cut to achieve her dreams. Don't miss this captivating episode filled with personal anecdotes, professional insights, and a touch of humor.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

We combine the entire Rimessa Roscioli interview into one bonus episode. Enjoy, you helped make them our biggest downloads.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

In this episode, we wrap up our engaging conversation with Lindsay Gabbard, co-founder and sommelier of Rimessa Riscioli, as she shares the obstacles she's faced in the wine industry. From financial challenges to mastering the Italian language, Lindsay opens up about the hurdles she's overcome to build a successful wine club and restaurant in Italy.

Discover how Lindsay's innovative idea of incorporating QR codes on wine bottles during COVID-19 has revolutionized the way customers access detailed information and videos about their wines. Learn about the collaborative dynamics of her team, blending American efficiency with Italian tradition, and the unique strengths each member brings to the table.

Lindsay also introduces a new venture: Wine, Food, Art, and Culture tours in partnership with experts from various regions of Italy. These immersive tours offer a rich experience, combining visits to artisan producers with historical and cultural insights. With tours spanning from Piemonte to Sicily, these curated experiences are a must for any wine enthusiast.

Stay connected with Rimessa Riscioli through their various platforms: Roscioli Wine Club for exclusive wine club details, Rimessa Riscioli for restaurant information, and their YouTube channel for enriching video content with English subtitles.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.

In this episode, we dive into the exciting expansion of Rimessa Roscioli to New York City. Our guest, Lindsay Gabbard, co-founder and sommelier, shares the details of their new location at 43 McDougall Street in Soho, designed to replicate the unique dining and wine pairing experience of their original Rome establishment. Discover the innovative sustainability initiatives that Rimessa Roscioli is pioneering, including the use of commercial sailboats to ship wine club boxes from Europe to Brooklyn, a first in 160 years. Learn about their patented biodegradable popcorn packaging, designed to protect wines during transit while being eco-friendly. Lindsay also discusses their efforts to save old vineyards and create immersive experiences for wine club members, including stays at vineyard properties and hands-on winemaking opportunities.

Your Host: Forrest Kelly is an experienced Radio/TV broadcaster who has interviewed some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities, from Garth Brooks to Kevin Costner. A lover of wine who is fascinated by the science behind it.

Voted One of The Best Travel, Top 5 Minute, and Top Wine Podcasts.