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Just over a month ago, a captivating debate bubbled up among the wine lovers of California's Central Coast and quickly spilled over into the digital vineyards of social media, engaging a broad audience in a conversation that was anything but pedestrian. Grape Encounters Radio was thoroughly delighted to fire the starting pistol as the discussion began to unfold. But it was very clear that a lot of people would weigh in on this conversation, so we reserved some airtime 30 days down the road, hoping to bring you some significant insights once more people had had a chance to put in their two cents worth. And did they ever! So, in this episode, we are checking back in with you to share in admittedly unscientific terms what we've observed, but do we ever have a special surprise to add to this week's conversation? More on that in the moment.
One thing is absolutely certain, as you're about to hear: If you compare the attitudes of consumers and industry professionals today versus, say, a decade ago, priorities have definitely changed with an undeniable shift in the wine world's collective consciousness. What truly matters most? Is it science, technique, expertise, and terroir that deserve the standing ovation, or are the primal moans of pleasure the only true indicators of a job well done? Could the wisdom of years and the challenges of recent times be softening our resolve on rigid wine dogmas, inviting us to sip through a lens of newfound freedom and joy?
This episode is steeped in the essence of rediscovery, prompted by the insatiable curiosity of winemaker Larry Schaeffer of Tercero Wines, who had a hunch that this might be a good time to revisit our priorities. Perhaps it would be a pointless undertaking, given the fact that for decades now, we've largely been content to agree to disagree. But even in the deeply polarized world of wine, there seems to be a fresh scent in the air... perhaps a willingness to embrace wine without the encumbrances of tradition
In a world momentarily brought to a standstill by the global pandemic. As we navigate the complexities of climate change, political upheaval, and personal trials, this episode reflects our collective yearning for life's uncomplicated pleasures. It's a call to relive the joy of discovering a great film, the excitement of exploring new music, and the unadulterated pleasure of savoring a glass of wine that tastes 'darn good'—unburdened by the weight of connoisseurship.
Central to this episode is a treasured interview that has spent the past four years under lock and key in the maximum security Grape Encounters archives. It's a heartwarming interview that David did just a few days before the Covid lockdown with Jancis Robinson, the preeminent wine journalist and educator whose insights have shaped the wine world. Conducted in the ephemeral tranquility before the world was commanded to shelter in place, this conversation stands as a testament to the episode's theme. Robinson's wisdom underscores the importance of embracing wine with levity and joy, focusing on the aspects of wine education that resonate on a personal level, rather than adhering strictly to conventional wisdom. The conversation clearly makes the point that, even before Covid caused us all to live every day like it could be our last, the world was already reassessing its all-work, no-play state of affairs.
As we revisit this dialogue, Grape Encounters Radio Episode 768 invites you on a vinous voyage that celebrates the individuality of wine enjoyment. Featuring a diverse cast from casual enthusiasts to seasoned vintners, this episode is a tribute to the spirit of wine itself—ever-evolving, deeply personal, and universally binding.
