Roadside Terroir

Climate change is threatening the world's great vineyards and the beautiful wines they produce. But can farming vines and drinking wine actually reverse these effects? Regenerative farming is a ray of hope for the agricultural industry that promises a way to feed the masses without bringing down the house in the process. And the key to saving the world is right beneath our feet: soil. Our final episode of Season 3: Farming for Terroir peels back the layers of regenerative farming, soil health, and the future of our planet as we know it. No big deal. We're joined in this discussion by some of the greatest minds in the business, including the team at the first ever certified Regenerative Organic vineyard in the world, Tablas Creek, sommelier and friend Raj Vaidya, farming super-fan Paul Wasserman, and some of the most inspirational producers we know including Cyril Courvoisier, Chiara Pepe, and Chisa Bize. Expect a healthy dose of soil science – and lots of baby lambs! Brenna also announces the start of her new wine club: The Single Vineyard Collective – a collaboration with the incomparable NYC retailer, Leon & Son. It's the most earth-focused wine club on earth. Go HERE to join! Thank you so much for joining us on this incredible journey of farming and terroir this season. We are so happy to have you along for the ride. Cheers! Sponsors This episode is brought to you by the incredibly thoughtful team at Becky Wasserman and Company, the inspirational farmers at Tablas Creek Vineyard, and the education-obsessed importers at Lone Wolf Imports. Thank you to our guests: Cyril Courvoisier, Paul Wasserman, Raj Vaidya, Jason Haas, Erin Mason, Chiara Pepe, Chisa Bize, and Austin Collins. Thank you, as always, to our grand cru patrons Steven and Amy Lipin. If you liked this episode, please share it and give us a review–it really does make a difference! This season wouldn't be possible without the support from all of you! Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about this season, this epiosde, and HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW by staying in touch, donating, sponsoring, or becoming a Roadside Insider or substack subscriber. Insiders get access to extended interviews, maps, photos, and more–including invitations to events and travel opportunities to explore terroirs around the world with us. Credits Roadside Terroir is hosted and produced by Brenna Quigley Sound engineering, original music and sound design by Jeff Alvarez Research, writing, and hosting support by Paul Knittel With special thanks to Clare Shaheen and Esa Eslami. Resources and Recommendations Books Jamie Goode (2023): The New Viticulture. The Science of Growing Grapes for Wine. Jeff Lowenfels & Wayne Lewis (2010): Teaming with Microbes. The Organic Gardener's Guide to the Soil Food Web. Toby Hemenway (2001): Gaia's Garden. A Guide to Homescale Permaculture. Robin Wall Kimmerer (2013): Braiding Sweetgrass Audio We recommend listening to literally anything the great Mimi Casteel has to say, here are some of our favorites: The Intellectual Agrarian Ungrafted I'll Drink To That Online Resources The Regenerative Organic Alliance The Regenerative Viticulture Foundation Napa Green – Carbon Farm Plan: Viader Vineyard Citations and (even further) reading Agroforestry systems may play vital role in mitigating climate change Regenerative agriculture should anchor EU green, farming and economic policies, says EESC Regenerative Agriculture and Related Food Product Labeling and Marketing Claims Soil Carbon Sequestration: Myths, Realities, and the Biden Administration's Proposals Why Regenerative Organic? Site characteristics determine the effectiveness of tillage and cover crops on the net ecosystem carbon balance in California vineyard agroecosystems Conservation Tillage of Cover Crops in Vineyard Soils to Improve Carbon Sequestration and Diminish Greenhouse Gas Emissions Carbon footprint assessment on a mature vineyard Definition of regenerative agriculture in a research briefing for the UK parliament, June 2025 Overview of the 5 main types of agroforestry systems by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Definition of agroforestry by the EURAF (European Agroforestry Federation)

Cow horns filled with crystals buried under a full moon. Potions brewed of chamomile, stinging nettle and fermented cow dung. Energizing vortexes and humans developing the characteristics of the animals that fertilize their foods. Are these instructions from a magical book of spells, or a practical guide to viticulture? Happy Halloween and welcome back to Roadside Terroir - Season 3 - Farming for Terroir. This episode explores the witchy world of biodynamics in order to discover whether this mystical method has a real influence on the vines and the wines themselves, or if it's all just a hoax. We begin by peering into the spiritual side with Andreas Schumann of the famed biodynamic farm at Odinstal. We break down the detailes of the cosmic cycles, spooky preparations, and greater philosophies of biodynamics. We then take a look at the practical side with a review of the scientific research that has been done to try to understand how this hocus pocus might really work before discussing why biodynamics might be the most terroir-focused farming practice that we can find with experts Paul Wasserman and Rodrigo Soto. Thank you for Listening to Roadside Terroir! The episode is sponsored by the wonderful team at Becky Wasserman and Company. Thank you to our guests: Rodrigo Soto, Andreas Schumann, Paul Wasserman, and Frédéric and Clothilde Lafarge. Thank you, as always, to our grand cru patrons Steven and Amy Lipin. If you liked this episode, please share it and give us a review–it really does make a difference! And don't forget to hit subscribe. This season wouldn't be possible without the support from all of you–Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about THIS SEASON, and HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW by staying in touch, donating, sponsoring, or becoming a Roadside Insider. Insiders get access to extended interviews, maps, photos, and more–including invitations to events and travel opportunities to explore terroirs around the world with us. Credits: Roadside Terroir is hosted and produced by Brenna Quigley Sound engineering, original music and sound design by Jeff Alvarez Research, writing, and hosting support by Paul Knittel With special thanks to Clare Shaheen and Esa Eslami. Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about THIS SEASON and HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW . UPDATE LINKS Resources: Goode, Jamie. The New Viticulture: The science of growing grapes for wine. Flavour Press, 2023. Brown, Elaine Chukan. The Wines of California. Academie du Vin Library Ltd, 2025. Reganold, J. P. "Effects of Biodynamic and Conventional Farming on Soil Quality in New Zealand." Department of Crop and Soil Sciences Washington State University Pullman, Washington, USA (1993). Meissner, Georg, et al. "Conversion to organic and biodynamic viticultural practices: impact on soil, grapevine development and grape quality." OENO one 53.4 (2019). Michael Olbrich-Majer (2017): Über das Geistige in der Möhre: Einführende Betrachtungen zur biodynamischen Landwirtschaft. Romana Echensperger (2020): Von der Freiheit, den richtigen Wein zu machen: Biodynamisches Winzerhandwerk im Portrait. Aaron Ayscough: The World of Natural Wine: What It Is, Who Makes It, and Why It Matters. Artisan, 2022.

Many of us consider organic farming to be just the starting point in the search for responsibly farmed wines. But what does it take to farm a vineyard organically, and how common are organically certified grapes? Is it easier to be organic in some terroirs than in others? And where did this whole organic movement come from in the first place? Today we'll take a look at organic practices by tracing the history of farming back to its roots. Join us as we take a tour of the 100 year old vines of Domaine Pierre Gonon with the beloved Jean Gonon himself as he illustrates just how much hard work goes into farming the vines that produce his moving wines. While we're there, we will explore the history of organic farming, and the rise of conventional farming that preceded it. We will break down what it takes to get a certification and how geology determines how difficult it will be to farm fully organically – with additional commentary from lots of our friends and mentors along the way. The episode is sponsored by the wonderful team at Becky Wasserman and Company. Thank you to our guests: Jean Gonon and Paul Wasserman, and for the additional commentary from Michele Chapel, Rodrigo Soto, Abe Schoener, Eduard Vocoret, and Camille Thiriet. We're so excited to have you along for the ride! Don't forget to hit subscribe below and check out our new YouTube channel where you can find photos, maps, and transcripts to go along with each episode. And don't forget to join our special group of Roadside Insiders so you can join along on our next Roadside adventure! Credits: Roadside Terroir is hosted and produced by Brenna Quigley Sound engineering, original music and sound design by Jeff Alvarez Research and writing support by Paul Knittel With special thanks to Hautes Cotes, Clare Shaheen, Esa Eslami, Michel Joly, Thibault Bevilacqua, and our Grand Cru Patrons Steven and Amy Lipin. Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about THIS SEASON and HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW. Santé! References: Books: Elaine Chukan Brown (2025): The Wines of California. Jamie Goode (2023): The New Viticulture. Aaron Ayscough (2022): The World of Natural Wine. Jancis Robinson (2015 [4th Edition]): The Oxford Companion to Wine. Jamie Goode (2014): Wine Science. Jeff Lowenfels & Wayne Lewis (2010): Teaming with Microbes. R. Brunet (1910): Le matériel viticole. Frederic T. Bioletti (1907): Oidium or powdery mildew of the vine. Freiherr von Babo (1842): Der Weinbau. Dargestellt in der Reihenfolge der vorkommenden Arbeiten. B. A. Lenoir (1828): Traité de la culture de la vigne et de la vinification. Essays & articles: FiBL (Forschungsinstitut für Biologischen Landbau): The World of Organic Agriculture Report 2025. Fabien Knittel (2025): Fertilisers in France in the nineteenth century. Simon Nordestgaard (2022): History and recent developments in under-vine weeding equipment. Kat Eschner (2017): How One Mycologist Saved France's Wine (Among Other Things) Leonard Gianessi and Ashley Williams (2011): Fungicides Have Protected European Wine Grapes for 150 Years. Paul Brassley (2006): British farming between the wars. Hilary P. M. Winchester (1986): Agricultural Change and Population Movements in France 1892-1929. Websites: Encyclopedia Britannica on herbicides, fungicides and insecticides: https://www.britannica.com IFOAM (International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements): https://www.ifoam.bio USDA (United States Department of Agriculture): https://www.usda.gov EU Commission: https://agriculture.ec.europa.eu/farming/organic-farming/organic-logo_de

Are farming methods practical choices, or philosophical ideals? And which is more important when you're choosing a bottle of wine for your Tuesday night dinner table? In Episode 3: Farming Philosophies - Part 1, we get to the heart of what producers and professionals care about most when it comes to farming-- certifications, or intentions? The episode starts out with a deep philosophical inquiry with Abe Schoener of the Scholium Project and the Los Angeles River Wine Company, before digging into the reality of these concepts with the lovable and brilliant Chiara Pepe of Emidio Pepe--all with the added context and commentary by everybody's favorite exporter, Paul Wasserman of Becky Wasserman and Company. We're so excited to have you along for the ride! Don't forget to hit subscribe below and check out our new YouTube channel where you can find photos, maps, and transcripts to go along with each episode. Roadside Terroir is hosted and produced by Brenna Quigley Sound engineering, original music and sound design by Jeff Alvarez With special thanks to Paul Knittel, Clare Shaheen, Esa Eslami, and Michel Joly. Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about THIS SEASON and HOW TO SUPPORT THE SHOW . Cheers!

What does geology have to do with farming? Could historic farming practices be the key to tackling modern climate challenges? How does a place shape the way vines are cared for—and how much does any of this actually matter in the glass? Season 3 of Roadside Terroir: Farming for Terroir is here! We're diving into all these questions (& more) in our brand-new season, exploring what it means to truly farm for terroir. In Episode 1: Why Farming Matters we: * Meet Cyril Courvoisier, a rising star of Cornas, regeneratively farming its steep slopes against all odds * Learn how tradition and climate change collide with the fearless Michelle Smith-Chapel in Beaujolais * And hear from Rodrigo Soto of Far Mountain in Sonoma on whether great farming really changes how wine tastes From France to California, we're driving deep into the dirt with some of the most visionary vignerons we know. Credits: Produced & hosted by Brenna Quigley Sound & music by Jeff Alvarez Research & writing assist by Paul Knittel With special thanks to Clare Shaheen, Esa Eslami, and Michel Joly. And an extra special thanks to our Grand Cru Patrons Steven and Amy Lipin! More Info and How to Support the Show: We're so excited to have you along for the ride! Don't forget to hit subscribe below and check out our new YouTube channel for photos, maps, and transcripts to go along with each episode. This season wouldn't be possible without your support!–Check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn more about this Season, this episode, and how to help support this season by donating, sponsoring, or becoming a Roadside Insider – where you get access to exclusive bonus material, gifts, and more! This August, 10% of all Roadside Insider memberships will go towards supporting farmworkers and immigrants in CA. If you want to support them directly check out the California Farmworkers Foundation at californiafarmworkers.org and Napa Valley Together at napavalleytogether.org. Resources: Health effects of herbicides and its current removal strategies. Bioengineered 2023, Sep 25. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10761135/#s0004 Pesticide Atlas. Heinrich-Böll-Foundation, 2022. https://eu.boell.org/sites/default/files/2023-04/pesticideatlas2022_ii_web_20230331.pdf Chemins de Mémoire. Ministère des armées France. https://www.cheminsdememoire.gouv.fr/en/revue/reconstruction The common agricultural policy (CAP) and the Treaty. Fact Sheet. European Parliament. https://www.europarl.europa.eu/factsheets/en/sheet/103/the-common-agricultural-policy-cap-and-the-treaty Cheers! Brenna and the Roadside Team

A sneak peek at the upcoming third season of Roadside Terroir. New Episodes Coming soon. TRANSCRIPT: New Episodes of Roadside Terroir – coming soon! Can't wait for more? Check out our new YouTube channel and revisit past episodes paired with carefully curated images, detailed maps, and videos! – out now! And check out our website roadsideterroir.com to learn how to support the show and become a Roadside Insider. See you soon.

Our penultimate episode of Season 2 takes us from the powerful Grand Crus of Gevrey Chambertin all the way to the urban sprawl of Dijon and the northern edge of the Côte d'Or. We visit with grand producers amongst the most prestigious vines in Gevrey, and then continue to Fixin and Marsannay with some newer vignerons determined to pull their lesser-known appellations out of obscurity. While exploring the classic rocks of the Côte de Nuits, we consider how world wars and human industry have shaped the landscape and the reputations of these unique villages. Thank you to our guests: Jean-Marie Fourrier, Bruno, Arthur, and Eduard Clair, Amélie Berthaut, and Sylvain Pataille. And to Paul Wasserman and Helen Johannesen for their commentary and guidance. This episode was created by Brenna Quigley, Nick Canepa, and Jeff Alvarez. With support from Esa Eslami, Ali Massie, and our Grand Cru Patrons Steven and Amy Lipin. This episode is sponsored by Lone Wolf Imports–our fabulous friends in Portland, OR, dedicated to bringing exceptional Burgundies to the Pacific Northwest. Thank you to our season 2 partners for making this season possible: Becky Wasserman & Co, La Paulee, and Acker Wines Check out our website roadsideterroir.com for more details and a full transcript of this episode, plus information about our team and how to support this season. Thank you for listening--don't forget to hit subscribe!

This episode of Roadside Terroir explores the human connection to the mythical vineyards of Vosne-Romanée. We test the boundaries of this world-renowned village – physically and politically, and explore how human actions have impacted the geology of the slope, and the character of the wines. We uncover the mythology of the village, and hear from legendary voices. In the vineyards, we shift our perspective to consider the individual vines, working together as a living, changing entity before tasting some of the most precious wines on the planet. This exploration opened our minds to a deeper meaning of terroir and the magic that can be found in a bottle of wine. Thank you to our guests: Marie-Andrée Mugneret, Pascal Mugneret, Charles Lachaux, and Aubert de Villaine. And to Rajat Parr, Paul Wasserman, Daniel Johnnes, Jasper Morris, and Françoise Vannier for your commentary and expertise. This episode was created by Brenna Quigley, Nick Canepa, and Jeff Alvarez. With support from Esa Eslami, Ali Massie, and our Grand Cru Patron Steven Lipin. Thank you to our season 2 partners for making this season possible: Becky Wasserman & Co, La Paulee, and Acker Wines We want to extend a special thank you to our Premier partner, Acker wines – the oldest wine shop in America, and the largest fine and rare wine auction house in the world. You can now get 15% off of your first order of $350 or more by entering the code ROADSIDE at check out. Check out their website, ackerwines.com for details. Check out our website roadsideterroir.com for more details and a full transcript of this episode, plus information about our team and how to support this season. Thank you for listening--don't forget to hit subscribe!

What makes the difference between good and life-changing chardonnay? This episode dives into all things white Burgundy, and continues our extended road trip through the Côte d'Or by highlighting special moments with the people who live and breath what many consider to be the greatest expression of chardonnay in the world. In Meursault we peek into a geological study of Blagny with Benjamin Leroux, then explore the minerality of the Chassagne limestone with Anne Morey, and taste through premier crus with Dominique Lafon. We are guided through the vines of Puligny-Montrachet and Chassagne-Montrachet by Guillaume Lavollée of Domaine Genot-Boulanger, before hiking through the hallowed ground of Montrachet with fellow geologist, Françoise Vannier. Finally–we explore how different styles and philosophies of farming influence the expression of terroir with Olivier Lamy of Domaine Hubert Lamy and Jonathan Purcell of Vin Noë in Saint Aubin. This episode was created by Brenna Quigley, Nick Canepa, and Jeff Alvarez. With support from Esa Eslami, Ali Massie, and our Grand Cru Patron Steven Lipin. Thank you to our season 2 partners for making this season possible: Becky Wasserman & Co, La Paulee, and Acker Wines We want to extend a special thank you to our Premier partner, Acker wines – the oldest wine shop in America, and the largest fine and rare wine auction house in the world. You can now get 15% off of your first order of $350 or more by entering the code ROADSIDE at check out. Check out their website, ackerwines.com for details, and go snag some delicious white Burgundy while you can! Check out our website roadsideterroir.com for more details and a full transcript of this episode, plus information about our team and how to support this season. Thank you for listening--don't forget to hit subscribe!

Episode 3 continues our exploration of pinot noir in the Côte de Beaune by diving into one of the biggest rivalries of the Côte d'Or: Pommard and Volnay. We scour the vineyards, the rocks, and the history books in order to understand why these two neighbors produce such drastically different wines. After an intense discussion of some of our favorite sites, we veer off the beaten path of the Routes des Grands Crus, back into the western hills, making our way through Monthelie and Auxey Duresses as we head to St. Romain to consider Burgundian terroir from a different angle: through people who have made this place their home, in coffee, through barrels, and within music. Thank you to our guests: Thomas Bouley, Guillaume D'Angerville, Frédéric and Clothilde Lafarge, Françoise Vannier, Matt McClune of St. Romain Coffee, Max Gigandet of François Frères, to Paul Wasserman, Daniel Johnnes, and Jasper Morris for their commentary, and the Auxey Morons for the tunes and the pizza. Thank you to our season 2 partners for making this season possible: Becky Wasserman & Co, La Paulee, and Acker Wines Check out our website roadsideterroir.com for more details and a full transcript of this episode, plus information about our team and how to support this season. Thank you for listening--don't forget to hit subscribe!

Established in 2005, Domaine des Croix organically farms 7.75 hectares /19.15 acres in the Côte de Beaune. We first introduced David in Part II of Episode 1 where he memorably told us about almost dying on his tractor on the steep, tilted slopes of Beaune Bressandes. In this bonus episode, we continue back to the cellar with David and taste through his Beaune wines. He describes the wines and terroirs we have just seen and discusses the winemaking philosophies behind each site. For access to all extended interviews and other bonus content sign up to be a Roadside Terroir Insider at roadsideterroir.com - Interviews for S1 are available now, and S2 coming soon! Thank you to our Season 2 partners for making this season possible: Becky Wasserman & Co , La Paulée, and Acker Wines.

Season 2: Burgundy's Côte d'Or starts out on the train from Paris to Beaune. On our ride, we describe the formation of the Paris Basin and the rocks that make up the slopes of Burgundy as we cruise through the French countryside. We dive into the history of the region, from Roman times to the Dukes of Burgundy to the French Revolution in order to understand where the reputation of Burgundy's wines originated. Once we arrive in Beaune, we tour the city, and stop for lunch at a favorite local spot before walking the ancient underground cellars beneath the city... This season of Roadside Terroir is sponsored by Becky Wasserman & Co, La Paulée, and Acker Wines. Check out our website roadsideterroir.com for more details and a full transcript of this episode, plus information about our team and how to support this season. Thank you for listening--don't forget to hit subscribe!

Our final episode of Season 1 contemplates the future of this emerging region as we explore the eastern edges of Santa Barbara County, specifically the Los Olivos District and Happy Canyon American Viticultural Areas. The episode concludes with our final thoughts on the region, and a small reunion of the guests from throughout the season. This episode is sponsored by Sei Querce Wines and listeners link you! Visit our website roadsideterroir.com to explore bonus content and learn how to support the show. Don't forget to hit subscribe!