
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
Podcast Focus
Publishing Consistency
Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
Most discussed topics
Brands & references
Est. Listeners
Insufficient chart data. Estimates will improve as the show charts.
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
N/A🎙 ~2x weekly·96 episodes·Last published yesterday - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
N/A - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
N/A
Market Insights
Platform Distribution
Reach across major podcast platforms, updated hourly
Total Followers
—
Total Plays
—
Total Reviews
—
* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 13 epsHost
Recent guests
Recent episodes
100: 100 Episodes In: What's In, What's Out, and What's Next for the Vineyard Industry
Jun 23, 2026
Unknown duration
099: Compatibility Test – How Do Biologicals Fit Into Your Spray Program with Katie Gold & Dave Combs
Jun 9, 2026
1h 05m 57s
098: 3 Overlooked Vineyard Management Tasks that Pay Big Dividends
May 26, 2026
32m 26s
097: Fritz Reviews Reddit Viticulture Advice
May 12, 2026
40m 20s
096: Do Plant Growth Regulators Have a Place in Winegrapes with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus
Apr 28, 2026
51m 00s
Social Links & Contact
Official channels & resources
Official Website
Login
RSS Feed
Login
Resolving iTunes ID\u2026 if this persists, the podcast may not be indexed on Apple Podcasts.
| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6/23/26 | ![]() 100: 100 Episodes In: What's In, What's Out, and What's Next for the Vineyard Industry | We mark a major milestone with our 100th episode by stepping back to look at where the vineyard industry has been and where it's headed next. Fritz walks us through what's in, what's out, and what's coming for growers who want to stay profitable and resilient. We start with the changing economics of grape growing. Planting Cab, Merlot, or Syrah on speculation no longer pencils out in an oversupplied market. Instead, we focus on matching varieties to region, climate (including future climate), water availability, disease pressure, and a clearly defined sales channel. From there, we connect vineyard design to labor and equipment realities. We move away from high‑input, labor‑intensive layouts and toward simpler, mechanization‑friendly systems that can eventually support autonomous tools. We then turn to the vineyard floor, moving from bare soil and blanket herbicide programs to living systems built around cover crops, reduced tillage, and grazing with sheep. By the end, we have a clear picture of the practices that are fading, the ones gaining momentum, and the directions we can embrace to stay ahead in the next decade of grape growing. We look forward to the next 100 episodes! In this episode, you will hear: Planting on speculation is out; committed buyers and clear sales channels are in Variety selection must fit climate, water, disease pressure, and market identity High-input, labor-intensive designs are giving way to mechanization‑friendly trellis systems and layouts Soil and irrigation should be managed as one integrated system Living vineyard floors are key to long‑term soil health Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Come grow with Fritz at https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store and HydroGeo Environmental. Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today's episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% on in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com. Thank you to HydroGeo Environmental for sponsoring today's episode. For over 20 years, Bubba Beasley and his team have helped vineyard growers with site assessments, mapping, soil and groundwater evaluations, and optimal vineyard layouts. Using the latest technology and industry expertise, HydroGeo brings clarity to even the most complex landscapes. Visit HydroGeoEnvironmental.com and mention the Vineyard Underground podcast for a special discount on your service. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 6/9/26 | ![]() 099: Compatibility Test – How Do Biologicals Fit Into Your Spray Program with Katie Gold & Dave Combs✨ | biological fungicidesspray program+3 | Dr. Katie GoldDave Combs | Cornell University | — | biologicalsfungicides+6 | — | 1h 05m 57s | |
| 5/26/26 | ![]() 098: 3 Overlooked Vineyard Management Tasks that Pay Big Dividends✨ | vineyard managementshoot thinning+4 | — | — | — | vineyard managementshoot thinning+5 | — | 32m 26s | |
| 5/12/26 | ![]() 097: Fritz Reviews Reddit Viticulture Advice✨ | viticulture advicevineyard management+5 | — | PIWI grape varietiesReddit | UKNorthern Europe+1 | viticulturevineyard+8 | — | 40m 20s | |
| 4/28/26 | ![]() 096: Do Plant Growth Regulators Have a Place in Winegrapes with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus✨ | plant growth regulatorsvine performance+5 | Dr. Matthew W. Fidelibus | gibberellic acidabscisic acid+2 | — | plant growth regulatorsvine performance+7 | — | 51m 00s | |
| 4/14/26 | ![]() 095: Transitioning from Conventional to Organic Grape Farming with Rob Warren✨ | organic grape farmingsustainable agriculture+4 | Rob Warren | Desert Willow VineyardWarren Farms | Seminole, Texas | organic productiongrape growing+5 | — | 59m 47s | |
| 3/31/26 | ![]() 094: Vineyard Nutrition Essentials - Magnesium Fundamentals with Dr. Jaclyn Fiola✨ | vineyard healthmagnesium+4 | Dr. Jaclyn Fiola | Delaware Valley University | — | magnesiumvineyard nutrition+5 | — | 45m 35s | |
| 3/17/26 | ![]() 093: Vineyard Nutrition Essentials - Phosphorus Fundamentals with Dr. Terry Bates✨ | vine nutritionphosphorus+4 | Dr. Terry Bates | Cornell UniversityCornell AgriTech+1 | — | phosphorusvine physiology+5 | — | 59m 29s | |
| 3/3/26 | ![]() 092: Vineyard Nutrition Essentials - Nitrogen Fundamentals with Dr. Markus Keller✨ | vineyard nutritionnitrogen+4 | Dr. Markus Keller | Vineyard Underground | — | nitrogenvineyard nutrition+5 | — | 1h 09m 03s | |
| 2/17/26 | ![]() 091: Rare Grape Varieties & Their Wines with Jolie-Laide Wines✨ | rare grape varietiesminimal intervention winemaking+4 | Jenny SchultzScott Schultz | Jolie-Laide WinesMelon de Bourgogne+3 | Sonoma | rare grapesJolie-Laide Wines+5 | — | 56m 35s | |
Want analysis for the episodes below?Free for Pro Submit a request, we'll have your selected episodes analyzed within an hour. Free, at no cost to you, for Pro users. | |||||||||
| 2/3/26 | ![]() 090: Old Vines and Argentina's Ungrafted Massale Selection with Dr. Laura Catena✨ | old vinesungrafted vines+4 | Dr. Laura Catena | Catena Institute of Wine | Argentina | phylloxeravine physiology+4 | — | 1h 06m 18s | |
| 1/20/26 | ![]() 089: Red Flags for Planting a Vineyard with Dr. Mark Greenspan✨ | vineyard plantingviticulture+4 | Dr. Mark Greenspan | Vineyard Underground | — | vineyard investmentplanting decisions+3 | — | 39m 36s | |
| 1/6/26 | ![]() 088: Pruning Q&A with Fritz Westover✨ | pruningvineyard management+4 | — | — | — | pruningvineyard+8 | — | 32m 06s | |
| 12/23/25 | ![]() 087: Mothballing a Vineyard - What Growers Need to Know with Dr. Christopher Chen✨ | mothballing vineyardsvineyard management+4 | Dr. Christopher Chen | University of California Cooperative Extension | — | mothballingvineyard+6 | — | 57m 22s | |
| 12/9/25 | ![]() 086: Viticulturists vs AI with Dr. Justin Scheiner | Growers are turning to AI for vineyard advice — but what happens when the algorithms get it wrong? In this episode, Fritz sits down with Texas A&M Extension Viticulture Specialist Dr. Justin Scheiner to put artificial intelligence to the test and reveal where it helps…and where it falls flat. Fritz and Justin walk through real vineyard questions — on pruning cuts, choosing between cane and spur pruning, designing an effective spray program, and diagnosing puzzling leaf symptoms — then grade the answers provided by AI tools like ChatGPT and Copilot. Justin explains why, despite its convenience, AI can't replace Extension or experienced viticulture support. He breaks down how human experts interpret nuance, adapt recommendations to site-specific realities, and help growers navigate complex issues like fungicide resistance and disease pressure — areas where AI often oversimplifies to a fault. Listeners will come away with a grounded perspective on how to responsibly use AI in vineyard decision-making: as a tool for learning, not a blueprint for management. Justin also shares updates on forward-facing research at Texas A&M, including irrigation strategies powered by sensors and machine learning, and new work aimed at improving winery efficiency. In this episode, you will hear: AI can provide helpful general information — but often misses context critical for vineyard decisions. Pruning advice from AI may be incomplete or incorrect; human expertise is still essential. Spray program recommendations from AI can be risky without resistance management and site-specific strategy. Leaf symptom diagnosis requires more than a photo — pattern, vine history, and testing matter. Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences, on January 15th at 5 PM Central, and make sure you and your crew are ready for a successful 2026 pruning season. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Dr. Justin Scheiner is an assistant professor and Extension viticulture specialist in the Department of Horticultural Sciences for Texas A&M University. Connect with Justin: https://hortsciences.tamu.edu/people/scheiner-justin/ Watch Justin's presentation on The Role of Extension in the Age of AI: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_eljEkapndI Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Vintner's Vault and Bahco Tools. Thank you to Vintner's Vault for sponsoring today's episode! Vintner's Vault is the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you. Thank you to Bahco for sponsoring today's episode. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bacho ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 11/25/25 | ![]() 085: Development of the Monterey County Wine Industry with Larry Bettiga | Fritz welcomes longtime colleague and respected viticulture authority Larry Bettiga in this episode for an in-depth look at the evolution of Monterey County's wine industry. With more than four decades of experience, Larry offers a rare, firsthand perspective on how the region transformed from scattered early vineyards into one of the country's most significant cool-climate grape-growing areas. Larry explains how Monterey's dramatic coastal influence, daily wind patterns, and diverse soils shaped both the opportunities and challenges for growers. He and Fritz unpack the early years of vineyard expansion, including the misalignment of some varieties with climate conditions and how improved temperature modeling and clone selection later steered the region toward better outcomes. The conversation also explores Larry's extensive research on rootstocks, irrigation, canopy management, and disease control. His comparison of dormant vines, green potted vines, and tall-format grafted vines provides growers with valuable, practical guidance on establishing healthy, high-performing vineyards. This episode delivers a blend of regional history, applied science, and grounded, grower-focused lessons, capped with Larry's reflections on the future of extension work and its continued importance in California viticulture. In this episode, you will hear: How Monterey County became a major coastal winegrowing region Why early plantings struggled, and how growers adapted with better temperature and clone data A practical comparison of dormant, green, and tall-format grafted vines Lessons from decades of research on rootstocks, canopy management, and disease control The future outlook for UC Cooperative Extension in California viticulture Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Register for Fritz's FREE live virtual pruning event, Cut with Confidence, Not Consequences, on January 15th at 5 PM Central, and make sure you and your crew are ready for a successful 2026 pruning season. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Larry Bettiga is a Viticulture Farm Advisor and the Acting Monterey County Director at the University of California Cooperative Extension. Connect with Larry and view his research - https://my.ucanr.edu/sites/ucanr-2019/about/directorySearch/index.cfm?facultyid=166 Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Bahco Tools. As innovators for more than 165 years, Bahco has introduced the most advanced tools in the world, and Bahco products are manufactured in factories across Europe. I exclusively prune with the Bahco ERGO™ Bypass Secateurs with Elastomer Coated Fixed Handle (size medium). Visit www.bahco.com/int_en to find a dealer near you to get the best pruning tools on the market, along with loppers, hedging tools, cutting blades, files, and more. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 11/11/25 | ![]() 084: Damage Control - Voles & Other Vertebrate Pests with Kelly Mulville & Newt Wimer | Voles, gophers, and ground squirrels are more than a nuisance — they can devastate vineyards if left unchecked. In this episode, host Fritz Westover sits down with Kelly Mulville of Paicines Ranch and Newt Wimer, an agricultural innovator, to discuss practical, sustainable ways to manage these vertebrate pests. Kelly shares his firsthand experience with a sudden vole outbreak at Paicines Ranch — one of the worst he's ever seen — and explains how quickly the damage escalated. He walks through the telltale signs of vole damage, how girdling kills vines, and why population cycles and rainfall patterns play a role in outbreaks. Newt provides insight into developing an organic-approved, non-poisonous control technology that uses liquid CO₂ to safely and efficiently manage underground pests without harming predators or soil ecology. Together, they emphasize that pest management must balance ecological health, economics, and innovation. Listeners will learn how combining predator support (owls, weasels), physical barriers, and new technologies can help reduce damage sustainably. The conversation also highlights ongoing efforts at Paicines Ranch to create regenerative systems that share successes and failures openly, helping the vineyard community at large. In this episode, you will hear: Voles, gophers, and ground squirrels can cause extensive vineyard damage, especially through girdling and root feeding. Outbreaks are cyclical and may correspond with wetter years that promote vole breeding. Physical barriers like vole tubes and underground fencing can protect vines—but must be properly installed and buried. Encouraging natural predators such as owls and weasels significantly supports organic pest control. New cryogenic CO₂ technology offers a fast, organic-approved, and cost-effective solution for underground pest management. Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Come grow with Fritz through https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Have a vineyard question? Go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Listen to Kelly Mulville's previous episode – Episode 17: Using Sheep in Regenerative Agriculture with Kelly Mulville. Today's Guests: Kelly Mulville is a global agricultural consultant and the Vineyard Director at Paicines Ranch in San Benito County, California. Connect with Kelly at Paicinesranch.com Follow Paicines Ranch: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paicinesranch/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PaicinesRanch/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXgoknCxuI2Y-w0CpjmOdug Newt Wimer specializes in product development for agriculture and developed the first organic-approved squirrel and gopher control device. Connect with Newt – Email Episode Sponsor: Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 10/28/25 | ![]() 083: Plan My Vineyard with Callil Capuozzo | In this episode, Fritz sits down with Callil Capuozzo, the founder and owner of Overhead Vineyards in coastal Rhode Island. Callil shares his unique journey from industrial designer to vineyard owner and walks through the challenges of starting a vineyard on existing farmland. The conversation explores the critical early decisions in vineyard development — from soil sampling and drainage considerations to choosing trellis systems that suit humid, fog-prone climates. Callil's experiment with a pergola-style trellis, inspired by traditional Albarino vineyards in Rías Baixas, Spain, sparks a deeper discussion on airflow, spray coverage, disease pressure, and long-term scalability. Fritz offers practical guidance on establishing vineyard infrastructure, exploring options like high cordon or Watson systems, managing pests such as Japanese beetles and downy mildew, and the importance of fencing for deer and bird pressure. The episode also dives into variety selection, weighing the benefits of hybrids like Traminette, Baco Noir, and Itasca against the disease challenges of vinifera varieties. Listeners will learn how to match site-specific factors with smart vineyard design decisions and how to plan gradual expansion while keeping labor and management sustainable. It's an inspiring and technical roadmap for anyone looking to scale from first planting to a working vineyard. In this episode, you will hear: Site evaluation is essential — good drainage and slope can make or break vineyard success Trellis systems should balance airflow, sun exposure, and ease of labor Pergola trellises offer unique benefits, but can become challenging at scale Hybrids are smart choices for humid regions with high disease pressure Start small, expand gradually, and adapt systems as you learn Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: If you're interested in Fritz's help with getting your vineyard planned and planted, learn more about his Vineyard Establishment Package at VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/GetEstablished. And use the code GetEstablished to save $499 off your purchase of this package as a thank you for being a podcast listener. Learn more about the Watson Training System. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Callil Capuozzo is the founder and owner of Overhead Vineyards in coastal Rhode Island. Connect with Callil or learn more about Overhead Vineyards. Website – https://overheadvineyard.com/ Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/overheadvineyard Episode Sponsor: Thank you to SensorInsight for sponsoring today's episode. SensorInsight is a leader in vineyard soil moisture and weather monitoring. SensorInsight designs state-of-the-art, remote satellite monitoring of soil moisture and weather, bringing actionable information for your vineyard operations straight to your phone, with real-time data so you can best decide when to turn on your irrigation, how long to run the system, and learn how the dynamics of soil moisture can change over a given season. Visit them today at https://sensorinsight.io. And don't forget to mention the code Underground to receive a discount on your SensorInsight solution. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 10/14/25 | ![]() 082: How Vines are Made with Dustin Hooper | In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Dustin Hooper, Vice President of Sales at Sunridge Nurseries, to take listeners behind the scenes of how grapevines are made. While growers see the final product when vines arrive at their vineyard, there's a fascinating process that begins long before planting — starting with certified mother vines and continuing through propagation, grafting, greenhouse production, and certification. Dustin shares his personal journey into the nursery business and offers an insider's perspective on the complexities of producing clean, reliable vines for commercial vineyards. Together, Fritz and Dustin explore the differences between own-rooted versus grafted vines, the pros and cons of dormant bare-root versus greenhouse formats, and innovations such as tall and medium-trained vines. They also cover critical topics like soil and water testing, rootstock selection, and how clones are chosen to fine-tune vineyard performance and wine style. A key part of the discussion is the rigorous certification process overseen by UC Davis Foundation Plant Services and state agencies to ensure vines are tested and free from major viruses before they ever reach a vineyard. Dustin emphasizes that selecting the right vine format, rootstock, and clone isn't just about availability — it's about long-term success, sustainability, and profitability. Listeners will come away with a deeper understanding of the nursery side of viticulture and gain practical insights into how to make informed decisions when ordering vines for their vineyard. In this episode, you will hear: The difference between own-rooted and grafted vines, and when each is appropriate Pros and cons of dormant bare-root vs. greenhouse-grown vines How tall and medium-trained vines can help in specific planting scenarios Why rootstock and clone selection are critical to vineyard success The rigorous certification and testing process that protects growers from viruses Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Access Fritz's Young Vineyard Management resources to protect your investment, grow your vineyard, and Be a Better Grape Grower in your first three years of vineyard establishment. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Dustin Hooper is the Vice President of Sales at Sunridge Nurseries Inc., and a leading expert in the grapevine nursery industry. Connect with Dustin - https://www.sunridgenurseries.com Episode Sponsor: Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today's episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order. Thank you to Shellt Grow Tubes for sponsoring today's episode. Shellt makes the ultimate grow tubes for grape vines and orchard trees. Their grow tubes are reusable, recyclable, and designed to grow with your vineyard by clicking together for taller or wider coverage. I exclusively recommend Shellt Grow Tubes to the growers I work with. Visit https://www.shellt.us/ and order with the code UNDERGROUND to save 15% off all online orders, plus free shipping within the continental United States. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 9/30/25 | ![]() 081: Transitioning from Grape Grower to Winemaker with Jim Duane – Part 2 | In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz continues his conversation with winemaker and Inside Winemaking podcast host Jim Duane on what it takes for grape growers to successfully step into winemaking. Following part one, which covered equipment, compliance, and basic chemistry, part two dives deeper into the realities of balancing vineyard management with winery responsibilities. Fritz and Jim explore how harvest decisions shift when you're making wine from your own fruit, weighing risks like weather and pests against the pursuit of higher quality. Jim shares how winemakers must rethink priorities, and they also break down which lab analyses should be done in-house versus outsourced. The discussion covers the intense workload during harvest, how to plan labor needs, and the value of building a team to avoid burnout. Jim stresses the importance of advance planning to manage the overlapping demands of the vineyard and the winery. He also highlights common mistakes growers face when starting out, including mismanaging SO2 additions, misinterpreting acidity, and relying on incomplete fermentation data. The episode closes with practical advice and resources for aspiring winemakers, from small-scale home fermentations to structured courses and workshops. Fritz and Jim encourage growers to start experimenting, make manageable mistakes, and seek mentorship to build both confidence and competence before fully scaling their operations. In this episode, you will hear: How harvest decisions shift when growers begin making their own wine Why budgeting for laboratory analyses is non-negotiable in commercial winemaking Common mistakes with SO2, acidity adjustments, and fermentation management The importance of advance planning to balance vineyard and winery demands Practical resources and training opportunities for new winemakers Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Watch Jim's video on how to measure Titratable Acidity in Juice or Wine. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Today's Guest: Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast. Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com or follow him on Instagram: https://instagram.com/insidewinemaking or YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyzZ0EiFJEzFdiG6UTnyqMA. Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Vintner's Vault. Vintner's Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set-up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order, or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages, and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 9/16/25 | ![]() 080: Transitioning from Grape Grower to Winemaker with Jim Duane - Part 1 | Many vineyard owners eventually consider moving beyond grape growing into winemaking, whether to create a new revenue stream, take control of their fruit, or explore a more creative outlet. In this episode, we welcome winemaker and podcaster Jim Duane of Seavey Vineyard and the Inside Winemaking podcast for the first part of a two-part discussion on how growers can make this transition successfully. The conversation discusses the mindset, skills, and resources needed to move from vineyard to cellar. Jim shares why a formal chemistry degree isn't required to produce quality wine, how growers can build confidence in their palate, and which common flaws are most important to recognize early. He also outlines three stages of winemaking where growers need to focus their attention: harvest chemistry, fermentation management, and post-fermentation protection. Listeners will also gain insight into the required equipment for red and white winemaking, the importance of temperature control at each stage, and why barrels can be a turning point for quality. Fritz and Jim round out the discussion with advice on navigating licensing, compliance, and regulatory hurdles, plus a look at custom crush facilities as an option for growers who want to test the waters without a full winery investment. This episode delivers practical, confidence-building advice for any grower curious about making wine and lays the foundation for part two, where the focus shifts to how vineyard practices change once you're also the winemaker. In this episode, you will hear: Why a chemistry degree isn't necessary to make quality wine Three key stages of winemaking where growers must focus their attention The most common wine flaws every new winemaker should learn to detect Equipment essentials for red and white winemaking at a small scale How custom crush operations can help growers test the waters before fully committing Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. Today's Guest: Jim Duane is the head winemaker at Seavey Vineyard in Napa Valley and the host of the Inside Winemaking podcast. Connect with Jim, learn about upcoming winemaking courses and classes, and listen to the podcast at InsideWinemaking.com. Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Vintner's Vault. Vintner's Vault was started and is operated by winemakers, so they have the knowledge and experience to help you make an educated decision on the equipment purchases and winery set up and layouts that are best for you. They are the #1 winery equipment company that I recommend to my growers, who are also winemakers. Visit TheVintnerVault.com and use the code UNDERGROUND5 (all caps) to save 5% off of your online order or mention that you heard about them on the Vineyard Underground podcast when contacting them for a larger piece of equipment, consulting services, or turn-key packages and they will provide a podcast listener discount for you. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 9/2/25 | ![]() 079: Plan My Vineyard with Matthieu Wheeler | In this episode, Fritz walks through the full planning process for a brand-new vineyard alongside guest Matthieu Wheeler. Matthieu, the winemaker at Cassidy Hill Vineyard in Connecticut and founder of Wheeler Winery, is preparing to establish his own vineyard on a newly purchased property. With Fritz's guidance, listeners get a behind-the-scenes look at what goes into selecting vineyard sites, designing blocks, and preparing the land for long-term success. Fritz and Matthieu cover vineyard economics, including the realistic costs of establishing and maintaining vines, equipment investments, and the role of sweat equity. They also explore soil testing, nutrient management, and the importance of addressing amendments before planting. The conversation digs into key topics such as vineyard orientation, trellis design, row spacing, mechanization potential, and wildlife management. Fritz also emphasizes strategies to minimize risks from frost events, disease pressure, and poor site preparation. Whether you're a prospective grower or expanding your existing operation, this episode provides guidance and a real-world example of how thoughtful planning lays the groundwork for decades of vineyard success. In this episode, you will hear: The importance of soil testing and incorporating amendments before planting Budgeting realistically for vineyard establishment and equipment needs Balancing wine program goals with varieties suited to local conditions Considering labor, mechanization, and long-term management in vineyard design Why starting small and scaling over time helps new growers avoid costly mistakes Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: If you're interested in Fritz's help with getting your vineyard planned and planted, learn more about his Vineyard Establishment Package at https://www.VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/GetEstablished and use the code GetEstablished to save $499 off your purchase of this package as a thank you for being a podcast listener. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Matthieu Wheeler is the winemaker at Cassidy Hill Vineyard and the founder and owner of Wheeler Winery. Connect with Matthieu or learn more about Cassidy Hill Vineyard and Wheeler Winery. Cassidy Hill Vineyard Website - https://cassidyhillvineyard.com/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057098184176# Wheeler Winery Website - wheelerwinery.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wheelerwinery/ Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Vigneron Toy Store. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code Underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 8/19/25 | ![]() 078: Beyond Organic Wine with Adam Huss | In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes Adam Huss — host of the Beyond Organic Wine podcast, winemaker at Centralas Wine, and creator of the Crenshaw Cru Wine Garden in South Los Angeles. Adam shares his unconventional path into winemaking, beginning with a career in the nonprofit sector before launching a winery focused on ecological and community-driven practices. The conversation explores Adam's philosophy of going "beyond organic" to embrace an ecological approach to winegrowing — one that avoids getting boxed into industry buzzwords and instead focuses on the interconnectedness of soil, plants, people, and place. He discusses his work with regenerative agriculture pioneer Kelly Mulville at Paicines Ranch, his shift toward sourcing local fruit (including prickly pears and other native plants), and his experimentation with vitiforestry — a centuries-old practice of integrating grapevines with trees to create resilient, biodiverse systems. Adam also explains how transparency in winemaking, creative use of wild or locally abundant ingredients, and community involvement shape his vision for wine that is both place-specific and environmentally sound. Listeners will hear stories from his LA-based wine garden, lessons from crop failures, and his plans for a vitiforestry project in New York that could produce wines unlike anything on the market. Whether you grow grapes conventionally, organically, or somewhere in between, Adam's journey offers a fresh perspective on how to balance environmental stewardship, economic sustainability, and community engagement in vineyard operations. In this episode, you will hear: How "beyond organic" focuses on ecological connections rather than labels Lessons from Paicines Ranch on listening to the land before planting The concept and practice of vitiforestry, from hedgerows to "married vines" Creative use of local and wild ingredients in winemaking The role of community in sustainable agriculture and wine culture Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST. Register for FREE - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons. Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of August 25th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call. Come grow with Fritz through VirtualViticultureAcademy.com/Join! Save $75 off your first year of membership with the code Underground at checkout. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Adam Huss is the podcast host of the Beyond Organic Wine podcast, the owner and winemaker for Centralas Wine in LA, and the creator of Crenshaw Cru Winegarden in South LA. Connect with Adam: Beyond Organic Wine Podcast Website - https://www.organicwinepodcast.com/ Instagram - @OrganicWinePodcast Crenshaw Cru - Perennial Winegarden & Centralas Winery Website - https://www.centralaswine.com/ Instagram @centralaswine and @CrenshawCru Blog - https://www.centralaswine.com/blog Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 8/5/25 | ![]() 077: Transitioning Vineyards to Regenerative Organic Certification with Hilary Graves | In this episode, we welcome Hilary Graves, Vineyard and Grower Relations Manager at Booker Wines, to discuss how she successfully transitioned an Organic vineyard to regenerative organic certification. With over 20 years of field experience on California's Central Coast, Hilary brings practical strategies and candid stories about what it really takes to move beyond standard organic practices. Hilary explains the core pillars of regenerative organic certification — soil health, social fairness, and animal welfare — and why she and the team at Booker Wines chose to pursue this path. She walks listeners through how integrating multi-species cover crops, implementing low-till and no-till practices, and bringing in grazing livestock have helped improve soil structure, increase water retention, and reduce reliance on inputs. Fritz and Hilary also dig into the challenges of vineyard mechanization on steep terrain, minimizing tractor passes, and creative pest control strategies, including releasing predatory lacewings by drone to combat leafhoppers. Whether you're already farming organically or just exploring what's next, this episode offers tangible examples of how even small changes can drive long-term benefits for your soil, your business, and the environment. In this episode, you will hear: The difference between organic and regenerative organic certification How to build a diverse cover crop blend (and why 15 species might be better than five) Using a Yeomans plow to increase water infiltration without disturbing soil structure Grazing sheep for cover crop termination in a mutually beneficial partnership Why releasing beneficial insects by drone can outpace traditional sprays for pest control Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Schedule your 15-minute FREE vineyard help call with Fritz for the week of August 25th at www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/call. Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST. Register for FREE - www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons. If you're starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz's online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Hilary Graves is a winegrower, winemaker, and viticulture educator with more than 20 years of field experience on California's Central Coast. She currently works as the Vineyard & Grower Relations Manager for Booker Wines in Paso Robles, CA. Connect with Hilary and learn more about Booker Wines - https://www.bookerwines.com or follow her at https://www.instagram.com/hilarysgraves/ or https://www.instagram.com/bookervineyard/ Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Clemens Technologies. Clemens Technologies is the market leader in machinery for all elements of vineyard management. Visit https://www.clemens-online.com/us/ and provide the code UNDERGROUND to receive 5% off your order of in-stock machinery. Or reach out to Thomas Clemens directly at thomas@clemens-america.com with any questions. Episode Credits: If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
| 7/22/25 | ![]() 076: Growing Grapes Around the World – England with Dr. Belinda Kemp | In this episode of Vineyard Underground, we welcome Dr. Belinda Kemp, viticulture and enology researcher at NIAB in East Malling, England, to explore the evolving wine industry in the UK. With a background in theatrical arts and a PhD in Pinot Noir, Dr. Kemp brings a dynamic perspective to the scientific and practical aspects of cool climate viticulture. The conversation covers England's emerging reputation for sparkling wine, the impact of climate variability on grape production, and the country's increasing focus on sustainability and innovation. Dr. Kemp discusses the shift from traditional varieties like Chardonnay and Pinot Noir toward disease-resistant hybrid grapes, including the introduction of PiWi varieties. She shares the challenges of managing common diseases like downy and powdery mildew and emerging threats like black rot. Listeners also get a glimpse into the latest research projects at NIAB, including the effects of pruning methods on yield, the role of calcium in sparkling wine stability, and the use of companion plants to improve vineyard biodiversity. Dr. Kemp explains how NIAB integrates technology and sustainability — from acoustic soil monitoring to underground rhizolabs — to support growers and improve wine quality. Whether you grow grapes in England or a similar cool, wet climate like the eastern U.S. or Canada, this episode offers applicable knowledge for tackling vineyard challenges and embracing innovation. In this episode, you will hear: England's wine industry is expanding rapidly, with a strong focus on sparkling wines New disease-resistant grape varieties are being trialed to meet climate and production demands Variability in spring weather creates challenges for cover crops, planting, and pest pressure Calcium stability is becoming an issue in sparkling wine production — NIAB is studying causes and solutions Companion planting and acoustic soil monitoring are part of a systems approach to regenerative viticulture Follow and Review: If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to follow the podcast and leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts! Your support helps us reach more listeners. 💜 Click the '+' in the top right corner of Apple Podcasts to follow now. Resources: Join Fritz live to learn about What Our Grapevine Leaves Are Telling Us – Diagnosing & Treating Symptoms on August 26, 2025 | 5:00-6:30 PM CST. Register for FREE - https://www.virtualviticultureacademy.com/symptons. If you're starting a vineyard or thinking about starting a vineyard, visit VirtualViticulureAcademy.com/growsmart to get Fritz's online Prospective Winegrape Grower Course to help you get your vineyard planned and planted correctly from the start. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to save $89.00 as a thank you for being a podcast listener. If you have questions about today's episode or ideas for future episodes, go to VineyardUndergroundPodcast.com and click the Ask Fritz button. Today's Guest: Dr. Belinda Kemp is a Group Leader for Viticulture and Oenology Research at the new Wine Innovation Centre in East Malling, Kent, UK. Her current research encompasses vineyard to final sparkling wine research that includes regenerative viticulture practices, Net Zero grape growing, sparkling wine flavor, and cool climate still winemaking. Connect with Belinda and view her research - https://www.niab.com/about/people/dr-belinda-kemp. Episode Sponsor: Today's episode was brought to you by Sunridge Nurseries Thank you to Sunridge Nurseries for sponsoring today's episode. Sunridge Nurseries is the exclusive nursery sponsor of the Vineyard Underground podcast. They have been a family-owned company for over 45 years, and their dedicated focus on quality and consistency has grown them into the largest supplier of grapevines in both North and South America and the industry leader in nursery standards. Visit them today at SunridgeNurseries.com and mention the code Underground to receive a podcast listener discount on your vine order. Episode Credits If you like this podcast and are thinking of creating your own, consider talking to my producer, Emerald City Productions. They helped me grow and produce the podcast you are listening to right now. Find out more at https://emeraldcitypro.com. Let them know we sent you. | — | ||||||
Showing 25 of 101
Sponsor Intelligence
Sign in to see which brands sponsor this podcast, their ad offers, and promo codes.

























