From Wine Bars to World-Class Rhône Wines | Doug Margerum of Margerum Wine Co. | Decanted

About this episode

Doug Margerum shares his journey from a teenage wine enthusiast to a respected winemaker in Santa Barbara.

How do you turn a teenage love for wine into a lifelong legacy? What does it take to build one of Santa Barbara’s most respected wineries while staying true to your craft? Join host Rick Craig and special guest Doug Margerum — Owner and Director of Winemaking at Margerum Wine Company and Barden — for an inspiring conversation about passion, perseverance, and the evolution of California wine. From opening one of Santa Barbara’s first wine bars to producing Rhône varietals that rival the Old World, Doug shares the stories, lessons, and vision that shaped his journey. Packed with insider history, entrepreneurial grit, and the artistry behind great wine, this episode is a masterclass for wine lovers, hospitality professionals, and anyone chasing a dream built on flavor and authenticity. What you'll discover: – How a trip to France at 14 sparked Doug’s lifelong passion for wine – The story behind Santa Barbara’s Wine Cask and its ripple effect on the industry – Why Rhône varietals (Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre) became his calling – The evolution from wine-by-the-glass pioneer to acclaimed winemaker – Barden Wines: Burgundian focus from the Sta. Rita Hills – Sustainable growth…

People in this episode

Host: Rick Craig

Guest: Doug Margerum

Topics covered

• wine
• winemaking
• Rhône varietals
• Santa Barbara
• entrepreneurship

Keywords

• California wine
• Wine Cask
• Barden Wines
• sustainable growth
• mentorship

Mentioned in this episode

Products: Margerum, Barden, Margerum Wine Co., Barden Wines

Books & works: Decanted

Places: Santa Barbara’s, California, the Old World, France, the Sta. Rita Hills, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Barbara

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