California Wine Month

There’s never a bad time to go wine tasting in California, but given the perfect weather, abundant activities, and jaw-dropping scenic beauty in September, you may want to consider a visit during California Wine Month. In celebration of harvest season, also known as “the crush,” this episode of California Now Podcast is dedicated to vintages and vineyards. Host Soterios Johnson learns the best way to swirl, sip, and savor from Anna McPeck, co-founder of the tour operator West Coast Wine Country. McPeck shares essential tips on making the most of a wine country excursion, and highlights some of her favorite stops in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Anderson Valley, and beyond.

Johnson is next joined by Katie Hayward, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours and expert in all things Paso Robles. Hayward delivers Johnson a customized itinerary for this buzzy Central Coast city, offering tips on what to see, where to stay, and how to get around town. Learn why Paso Robles is quickly becoming an internationally known destination for travelers seeking hoppy brews, smoked tri-tip, and, of course, exceptional wines. As Johnson points out at the end of the episode, listeners looking for more info on great wine experiences should check out the California Wine Month hub.

Guests

• Anna McPeck, co-founder and Managing Partner of West Coast Wine Country
• Katie Hayward, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours

Resources

Anna McPeck provides essential tasting tips and recommends some of her favorite wineries across the state.

• California Wine Month
• American Viticultural Areas
• Napa Valley
• Grgich Hills Grape Stomp
• Sonoma County
• Anderson Valley
• Lompoc
• Los Olivos
• Schramsberg Vineyards
• Theorem Vineyards
• Diamond Mountain
• Calistoga
• Thomas Rivers Brown
• Howard Backen
• Napa Valley Wine Train
• RH Yountville
• Yountville
• Dry Creek Valley
• Alexander Valley
• Iron Horse Vineyards
• Comstock Wines
• Ryme Cellars
• Forestville
• Mendocino County
• Central Coast
• Monterey
• Carmel-by-the-Sea
• Carmel Valley
• Santa Cruz Mountains
• Ian Brand
• Caraccioli Cellars
• Thomas Fogarty Wines
• Ridge Vineyards
• Monte Bello Estate

Katie Hayward, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours, takes listeners on a wine-fueled adventure through Paso Robles.

• Uncorked Wine Tours
• Paso Robles
• Paso Robles Wine Country
• Eberle Winery
• J Dusi Wines
• DAOU Vineyards & Winery
• Firestone Walker Brewing Company
• BarrelHouse Brewing Co.
• Paso Robles olive oil
• Alex Villicana
• Paso Robles distilleries
• Downtown Paso Robles
• Buona Tavola
• Fish Gaucho
• The Naked Fish
• Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ
• Hotel Cheval
• Paso Robles Inn
• San Simeon
• Hearst Castle
• Tin City
• Tin City Cider Co.
• Wine Shine

About the Host

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis, Calif., in 2016 and is just getting to know his surroundings. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson will use the California Now platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.