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Grape Encounters Wine Radio

By: David Wilson
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  • Summary

  • Join us for a completely different, irreverent and refreshing perspective on wine.
    ©2022 Grape Encounters
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Episodes
  • Episode #780 – A Winemaker’s Triumph of Perfection, Thousands of Years in the Making!

    Episode #780 – A Winemaker’s Triumph of Perfection, Thousands of Years in the Making!
    Jul 9 2024
    It is impossible to imagine any more extraordinary feat in the wine industry than the one we will discuss today. Our guest is among the most humble, soft-spoken, unassuming, and unpretentious winemakers you will ever meet. But don't let his low-profile demeanor fool you. He has accomplished something that no mortal winemaker would ever dare to dream. Early in his career, his pursuit of perfection led to an accomplishment nearly every winemaker dreams of happening once in a lifetime. However, in the years to come, he would defy all odds not once or twice but a mind-numbing 22 more times, shattering records and raising the bar so high that reaching his career mark would be akin to climbing Mount Everest three or four times in a single day. OK, well maybe we are being a touch hyperbolic where metaphors are concerned. Nonetheless, what our guest has accomplished is the kind of thing that would make any documentarian salivate uncontrollably. In this very rare interview with winemaker Mark Carter, founder of Carter Cellars, you will hear a story of unrivaled greatness so profound that it will leave you speechless, which is why the only way to do this story justice was to ask Mark to share his story in his own words. Receiving a perfect 100-point score for one of your wines is the single highest honor that any winemaker can receive, and it is particularly extraordinary when the wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon from the legendary Napa Valley in California, where there is no fiercer competition. When Mark Carter received his first perfect 100 points score, it wasn't from just any wine critic. It was bestowed upon Mark by the most respected and revered wine critic in the world, none other than Robert Parker, the man responsible for creating the very same scoring system that skyrocketed Mark to superstardom. But that first honor would wind up being just a warm-up for a string of 22 more 100-point scores. David says that every time he reconnects with Mark, it's just pure madness; that's because the pace at which Mark continues to earn perfect scores is unrelenting. David says, "He just makes it look so easy! And the hundred-point wins are just part of the story. Mark's Herculean accomplishments in winemaking eventually became the driving force behind his decision to take on the whiskey industry, which is absolutely on fire right now, with some producers now selling extraordinary products for literally thousands of dollars a bottle. In just a few short years, Mark has become one of America's elite whiskey producers. It seems like there's just nothing Mark can't do." Maybe the most exciting thing about Mark Carter's story is that he is proving to the world that, in terms of quality, there is a lot more upside than most of us realize. Ultimately, Mark proves that no matter how good we think wines and whiskey are today, we can count on them being significantly better in the coming days. And though you might say this is all good, who can afford hundred-point wines? Well, that question may be best answered by visiting Mark's website, where you'll discover that Mark sells wines considered perfect for just a fraction of what you would expect to pay for hundred-point wines. For this and so many other reasons, you absolutely must listen to this edition of Grape Encounters radio. You will never think of wine or whiskey the same way again. This is perhaps the most significant episode of Grape Encounters we have ever presented. Be sure to share it with your friends! This episode of Grape Encounters Radio is brought to you by Total Wine & More. Find what you love and love what you find at TotalWine.com!
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    43 mins
  • Episode #779 – FLASHBACK! The Station the Brought Wine Radio to North Carolina

    Episode #779 – FLASHBACK! The Station the Brought Wine Radio to North Carolina
    Jul 1 2024
    In this nostalgic episode of Grape Encounters Radio, host David Wilson reconnects with Scott Neisler, owner of WGNC radio station in Gastonia, North Carolina. Scott's station was one of the first to broadcast Grape Encounters around 16 years ago, playing a crucial role in the show's early success. Together, David and Scott reminisce about their shared journey and discuss the vibrant and diverse wine scene in North Carolina, exploring everything from unique wine varieties to the challenges of the wine industry. Scott, who became a radio station owner about the time that Grape Encounters was being introduced to America, shares his love for radio and wine, highlighting how Grape Encounters has opened up new worlds for its listeners. He recalls unique episodes of the show and discusses the concept that anything fermentable can be turned into wine. The conversation shifts to Scott's transition from textiles to radio, starting with sports broadcasting and eventually acquiring WGNC. Despite economic challenges, WGNC has thrived, reflecting Scott's resilience and David's journey with Grape Encounters, which has grown over 16 years despite initial skepticism. David praises North Carolina's wine industry, noting its rich history and growth. Once devastated by Prohibition, North Carolina now has nearly 200 wineries. Scott highlights top producers like Duplin Winery, Childress Vineyards, and the historic Biltmore Estate. They discuss the challenges of wine distribution due to restrictive laws but remain optimistic about the future. Scott mentions the NC Wine app, which helps explore North Carolina's wineries. David and Scott appreciate the charm of North Carolina wineries, which offer a less pretentious experience compared to more famous regions. Scott enjoys the combination of wineries and cideries, noting excellent ciders from Appalachian Ridge in Hendersonville. As the episode closes, David shares his dream of eventually owning a second home in North Carolina, inspired by the state's wine industry. Scott encourages him to visit and experience the unique charm and hospitality, and thanks David for bringing wine to people who might not have experienced it otherwise. This episode of Grape Encounters Radio blends personal stories, wine insights, and a celebration of friendship and perseverance. Scott Neisler's journey from textiles to radio and his support for Grape Encounters showcase the power of passion and community in creating lasting success. Wine enthusiasts and casual listeners alike will find this episode both informative and heartwarming.
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    43 mins
  • Episode #778 – A JOURNEY OF WINE AND SELF DISCOVERY: The Wines, They Are a Changin’

    Episode #778 – A JOURNEY OF WINE AND SELF DISCOVERY: The Wines, They Are a Changin’
    Jun 18 2024
    Are you a casual wine enthusiast who thinks the wine world remains largely unchanged year after year? Think again! While your favorite Cabernet, the one you've cherished for decades, still offers that familiar, delightful taste, the wine industry has undergone extraordinary transformation2. That's why Host David Wilson is inviting you on an exhilarating journey through this evolution on Grape Encounters Radio and Podcast Episode #778. Imagine a time when wine choices were limited to just a few favorites. Today, stepping into a wine store with thousands of options is a thrilling reality. The landscape of wine has changed dramatically, with innovations that are nothing short of mind-blowing. Premium quality boxed wines, convenient screw cap tops, and an incredible variety of delicious wine blends are just the tip of the iceberg. The past fifty years have brought changes that we now take for granted, but these changes are nothing short of revolutionary. Yep, the wines, they are a changing. One of the most remarkable advancements is in the quality of wine itself. David Wilson, who once criticized the poor quality of organic wines, now celebrates the industry's triumph in creating extraordinary wines and using natural methods to combat pests. Sustainability has also become a cornerstone of modern winemaking, a remarkable feat achieved in just a few decades. It's a captivating story we've followed closely on this show, highlighting the industry's dedication to innovation and excellence. In this episode, David delves into the daring spirit of today's wine consumers, reflecting on his own profound life changes. What began as a follow-up interview with an Italian winemaker at the end of the Covid crisisquickly transformed into the journey of a lifetime. David's story is one of transformation and bold decisions, as he embraced Italian residency and set his sights on dual citizenship. The challenges of the Covid era prompted many of us to reevaluate our lives, to consider our own mortality, and to ask, "Am I living the life I imagined?" For David, this introspection led to a grand adventure, taking Grape Encounters on the road and exploring his ancestral roots. But David's experience is not unique. Millions of Americans are reconnecting with their heritage and embarking on similar journeys around the world. There's a growing restlessness and a desire to discover what we're missing; especially among foodies and wine lovers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to explore the incredible wine regions of Europe and beyond. You'll find yourself immersed in a story that offers a refreshing reality check and leaves you with a renewed belief that if you can imagine it, you can achieve it. This edition of Grape Encounters Radio is brought to you by Total Wine & More, where you'll find thousands of wines, beers, and spirits representing countries all over the world. Spend some quality time at your local Total Wine & More, and let their extraordinary inventory ignite your dreams and bring them to life. Join us for Episode #778, where wine, adventure, and inspiration converge in an unforgettable exploration of possibilities.
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    42 mins
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