E63 - Kenwood Vineyards, Sonoma, California, USA

For Episode 63 of Read Between the Wines, we journey to the heart of Sonoma County, California, to meet Mark Beaman, head winemaker at Kenwood Vineyards. Known for its heritage and deep connection to the land, Kenwood is celebrated for crafting wines that reflect the unique terroir of Sonoma, including its exclusive use of fruit from the iconic Jack London Ranch. In this episode, Mark delves into the rich history of Kenwood Vineyards, established in 1970, and its commitment to sustainability and tradition. He explores how Sonoma’s diverse terroir and the cooling influence of the Pacific Ocean shape the character of its wines, with a particular focus on the estate’s renowned Cabernet Sauvignons. Listeners will hear about Mark’s fascinating career journey, from his upbringing on a farm in the Pacific Northwest to his time in the Peace Corps in Tanzania and his early winemaking days in Washington’s Columbia Valley. This episode offers a blend of storytelling, winemaking expertise, and a deep dive into the art of crafting wines that evolve with time. Join us for an inspiring conversation with a winemaker who is as passionate about the land as he is about the wines he creates.  We offer BONUS materials for this episode including a Master Class from Mark Beaman of wine barrels. The bonus material is exclusively available on our website:  https://www.readbetweenthewinespodcast.com/episode/kenwood/ For more information about our Podcast, visit us on the web:  https://readbetweenthewinespodcast.com  Follow us on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/betweenthewinesmedia  Connect with us on LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/company/read-between-the-wines       

Om Podcasten

Read Between the Wines Podcast is not really a podcast, it’s a repository of stories from the wine world. It is focused on the narratives behind the winemakers rather than wine scoring. Founded and hosted by Vino-enthusiast Pierre Ferland, it offers a different and refreshing concept in wine exploration. Each episode offers a unique perspective on vineyard’s tales, much like each vintage brings its own profile and personality to a blend. Some conversations will delve into winemaking techniques, while others will explore initiatives to preserve biodiversity and find solutions to combat climate change. From a consumer perspective, we are intrigued by how wine scoring has dominated the industry, leaving many enthusiasts perplexed by its intricacies yet still relying on a solitary number for their selections. We understand and respect the fact that a generous score can help move a few bottles and we won’t hold it against any wineries, but from a vintner and a winemaker perspective, we pose a pivotal question: what legacy do you wish to imprint upon your clientele? A numerical rating, or the compelling tale of your craft? Think about it. What score would you give to the “Mona Lisa” or “The Starry Night” from Van Gogh? About “Composition 8” from Kandinsky or “The Creation of Adam” by Michelangelo. It’s very subjective indeed and so is Pinot Noir from Burgundy, Cabernet Sauvignon from Australia and Riesling from Germany.