Bedrock Wine Conversations

Pax Mahle has been shaping California wine for more than 25 years. In Part One of this two-part conversation, Chris sits down with Pax to hear about growing up in Florida with two hippie parents, finding his way into the wine world through restaurants and retail, and ultimately building his namesake winery — losing it, then fighting to get it back. They also dive into the Wind Gap years, a project that helped define the fresher, more balanced "New California" style. Pax's journey is full of remarkable achievements, good times, and hard-earned lessons, all while producing wines in a wide variety of styles, working with vineyards across the state, and spending time with some of the most influential winemakers from around the world. This is a candid, fun, deep-dive conversation, packed with insight and stories from a true 21st-century California wine pioneer who is also a dear friend.

Morgan and Chris breakdown the wines in the 2025 Winter Release. Mailing list offer goes live 10/28 and the first time buyers offer drops 11/5. Cheers!     2024 Bedrock Vineyard Heritage Wine - 00:14:45   2023 Alta Vista Old Vine Gewurtztraminer - 00:22:52   2024 Judge Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc - 00:28:40   2024 Belloni Zinfandel - 00:38:27   2024 Monte Rosso Zinfandel - 00:43:35   2024 Rossi Ranch Zinfandel - 00:48:30   2024 Nervo Ranch Heritage Wines - 00:55:31   2024 Oakville Farmhouse - 01:02:21   2023 Under The Mountain Heritage Wine - 01:07:30   2024 Evangelho Vineyard Carignan - 01:15:00   2024 Bien Nacido Syrah - 01:19:42   2024 California Syrah - 01:25:20 

Chris and Morgan discuss the 2024 California vintage, regenerative organic farming, and even take another pass at barbecue, all while breaking down the wines of the Bedrock 2025 Fall Release. 00:24 — 2023 Teldeschi Ranch Heritage Wine, Dry Creek Valley 13:52 — 2024 Dolinsek Ranch Heritage Wine, Russian River Valley 18:16 — 2024 Carlisle Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 31:06 — 2024 Old Hill Ranch Heritage, Sonoma Valley 40:02 — 2024 Bedrock Vineyard Carignan, Sonoma Valley 47:57 — 2024 Shake Ridge Barbera, Amador County 58:26 — 2023 Tres Bonné Red Wine, 51% Sonoma Valley/49% Oakville 1:06:55 — 2020 Calico Syrah, California

Chris and Morgan discuss the 2024 California vintage, regenerative organic farming, and even take another pass at barbecue, all while breaking down the wines of the Bedrock 2025 Fall Release. 22:56 — 2023 Bien Nacido Chardonnay, Santa Maria Valley 33:00 — 2024 Compagni Portis Heritage Wine, Sonoma Valley 42:02 — 2024 Cuvee Karatas, Sonoma Valley 50:03 — 2024 Old Vine Zinfandel, California 1:05:15 — 2024 Katushas' Zinfandel, Mokelumne River 1:11:10 — 2024 Evangelho Heritage Wine, Contra Costa County

In this episode Chris, Morgan and Director of Viticulture Jake Neustadt break the exciting news that Bedrock Vineyard is now Regenerative Organic Certified!  This makes it one of 19 vineyards in the country and one of 24 in the world.  They talk about the importance of the certification and dive into the pillars of regenerative viticulture- context, minimal disturbance, diversity, keeping the ground covered, and animal animal integration and how, fundamentally, regenerative farming is about letting nature heal itself while also growing a grape crop.  The team also reflects on the wine quality improvements that have come with the integration of these practices and how vines having a greater conversation with the soil make for wines that speak more strongly of place.

On this episode, Chris sits down with Doug Polaner of Polaner Selections in New York—one of the most influential importers and distributors of wine in the U.S. over the past 25 years. Doug has helped shape the tastes of the New York market, played a pivotal role in launching some of the world's most iconic wineries, and even influenced what winemakers produce and how they make it. The world of wine distribution and importing is rarely in the spotlight—except recently, with all the talk about tariffs and the effects they could have on the wine business. Yet this often-overlooked part of the industry is essential to the success of wineries, restaurants, and retailers alike. Doug offers a rare and insightful look behind the warehouse and cellar door. He's also been a key part of Bedrock's journey from the early days and remains one of our most trusted partners—and a dear friend. If you find yourself in a wine store or are a buyer in New York or New Jersey, seek out wines they distribute. You will never be disappointed by a wine they represent. 

In this episode, Chris and Morgan take a sparkling tour across California as they dive into the wines featured in the upcoming Under The Wire release, going live Tuesday, May 20th. 7:40 - 2021 Solomon Hills vineyard Sparkling Pinot Noir    15:50 - 2021 Brosseau Vineyard Sparkling Chardonnay    28:38 - 2021 Bedrock Vineyard Sparkling Old Vine Zinfandel    35:20 - 2020 Alder Springs Vineyard Sparkling Chardonnay    50:43 - 2020 Alder Springs Vineyard Sparkling Pinot Noir    52:48 - 2021 Alder Springs Vineyard Sparkling Pinot Meunier

In the first ever cross-over episode between Bedrock Wine Conversations and The Wine Makers Podcast, Chris and Morgan along with Katie Bundschu (Gundlach Bundschu/Abbot's Passage) join Sam Coturri and the Wine Makers crew to discuss the first S.O.R.B.E.T..  Standing for Sonoma Organic Regenerative Biodynamic Educational Tasting the August 17th event at Fort Mason is San Fransisco will showcase wines from the 2500+ acres of responsibly farmed vineyards within the Sonoma Valley appellation. At around 20% organic, Sonoma Valley has been a historic leader in pushing forward the conversation about progressive farming practices (California agriculture in total is 4-5%) dating back to the 60s and 70s. Morgan, Katie and Sam, all multi-generational winegrowers (Katie is 6th!) explain the motivations for the tasting- chatting about the importance of farming for the next generation to putting a spotlight on the highly historic appellation of Sonoma Valley that is often confused with the greater Sonoma County. Vineyard participants will include Bedrock Vineyard, Montecillo Vineyard and Rossi Ranch while other wineries and wines will be featured from Bucklin, Donum, Hanzell, Hamel, Kamen, Guthrie Family Wines, Stewart Cellars, Repris, Fresc., Marioni, Korbin Kameron, Laurel Glen, Kivelstadt, Once&Future, Under the Wire and more.  

In this two-part episode, Morgan and Chris talk about the upcoming special release of Bedrock's first vintage of Detert Vineyard Cabernet Franc on Tuesday, 4/8. They discuss the legendary, historically important site, the gravitas of working with the fruit, and how the wine came together. In part two, Morgan and Chris interview vineyard owner Tom Garrett, discussing his family's long history in Napa, his journey into wine—including founding his own wineries—the origins of the vineyard, and what makes Detert Vineyard the most historic and greatest site for Cabernet Franc in California and one of the finest in the world.

Chris and Morgan break down the Spring 2025 release!  8:05 2024 Ode to Lulu Rosé, California 16:49  2024 Sonoma Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley 19:31 2023 Judge Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Bennett Valley 26:17 2023 Evangelho Carignan, Contra Costa 33:48 2023 Evangelho Aerio e Vento e Amor, Ode to Frank, Contra Costa  45:20  2023 Bedrock Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley  54:50 2023 Belloni Ranch Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley 1:03:14  2023 Esola Ranch Zinfandel, Amador County 1:11:31  2023 Buffalo Zinfandel, Sonoma County 1:21:27 2023 Carneros Syrah, Three Way, Napa Carneros. - 3 pack.  1:31:40 2023 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County 1:43:35 2023 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon, Moon Mountain District

Chris and Morgan break down their second direct to consumer bag in box release of Ode to Lulu Rose. They discuss the environmental impacts of wine packaging, the many advantages of bag in box formats, and how in just one year the demand for quality wine in a box has exploded. Release goes live Tuesday, 1/14/2025.

Morgan and Chris break down the wines in the Winter Release from the "vaquita" 2023 vintage. To find these wines and to sign up for future releases go to www.bedrockwineco.com. 11:48 - 2023 Cuvée Karatas Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc 21:09  -  2023 Bien Nacido Roussanne  26:10 - 2023 Wirz Vineyard Old Vine Riesling 32:29 - 2023 Evangelho Old Vine Zinfandel 39:02 - 2023 Bedrock Vineyard Old Vine Carignane  46:26 - 2023 Sky Zinfandel 53:05 - 2023 Papera Ranch Heritage Wine  1:00 :55 - 2023 Old Hill Ranch Heritage Wine  1:10:06 - 2023 Oakville Farmhouse  1:16:08 - 2023 California Syrah 1:24:00 - 2023 Ode To Lucie Bedrock Vineyard Mourvedre  1:29:25 - 2023 Montecillo Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon

Today Chris chats with MJ Towler of the Beats, Vines and Life Podcast, formerly the Black Wine Guy Experience. MJ talks about his journey from a Jersey kid to discovering wine to starting one of the most popular wine podcasts in the world.  Chris was interviewed by MJ in November 2023 and in three to four weeks Morgan's episode will be released.. MJ has interviewed many incredible people – so subscribed to his podcast as well! 

In part two of the fall release podcast Morgan, Chris, and Casey continue to discuss the once-in-a-lifetime 2023 vintage and talk through the rest of the wines: 8:22 2023 Banfield Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 17:24 2023 Dolinsek Ranch Heritage Wine, Russian River Valley 21:41 2023 Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 26:54 2023 Beeson Ranch Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 36:36 2023 Monte Rosso Zinfandel, Moon Mountain  42:55 2023 Shake Ridge Barbera, Amador County 51:50 2022 Bien Nacido Syrah, Santa Maria Valley 

In part one of the fall release podcast Morgan, Chris and Casey discuss what made 2023 a once-in-a-lifetime vintage and break down the first half of the wines: 23:10 2023 Compagni Portis Heritage Wine, Sonoma Valley  30:35 2023 Bedrock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley 37:25 2023 2023 Old Vine Zinfandel, California  50:34 2023 Bedrock Vineyard Heritage Wine - Sonoma Valley 1:06 2023 Evangelho Heritage Wine, Contra Costa 1:16 2023 Katushas' Vineyard Zinfandel, Mokelumne River 

Morgan and Chris check in with Bedrock Director of Viticulture Jake Neustadt and Viticulturist Casey Barton then take some questions from listeners. Topics include the '24 growing season so far, soil health, frost and rain, wild animal encounters, whether or not the moon effects plant growth, most and least problematic vineyards, and, of course, the best Taco Bell menu items. 

On Part Two of our interview with Stu Bewley of Alder Springs vineyard, we learn how Stu was inspired to carve Alder Springs vineyard out of northern Mendocino wilderness after passing on a vineyard known as To Kalon (yes, THAT To Kalon). He shares what it is like to farm grapes in the wilds of Mendocino bear country with zero infrastructure and with environmental conservation in mind. Much like the Under The Wire project itself, Stu's undertaking on the ridges west of Laytonville has no domestic historic precedent and has been filled with learnings, challenges and, happily, some great successes  

Part 1  On this week's episode we talked to Stu Bewley of Alder Springs vineyard. In Part One, we talk about Stu's journey, from combining fruit juice, carbonation and wine in a garage with his high school friend to create a "wine cooler," to selling his California Coolers brand for $200 million by the time he was 30. It's the legacy of his California Coolers that has, for better or worse, helped create today's growing craze for alcoholic seltzers.  

Morgan and Chris talk about the wines for the Under The Wire release coming up on Tuesday June 18.  6:51 2018 Alder Springs Sparkling Chardonnay 18:00: 2019 Alder Springs Pinot Noir 25:37 Sangiacomo Chardonnay 31:08  2020 Brouseau Vineyard Sparkling Chardonnay 41:04 2020 bedrock Old Vine Sparkling Zinfandel

Chris and Morgan sit down with Steve Edmunds, owner/winemaker of Edmunds St. John Wines.