Show notes
Welcome back to The Black Wine Guy Experience! I'm your host, MJ Towler, and today we're pouring a full-bodied episode with an extraordinary guest, Vailia From, a trailblazing winemaker who has carved her own path in the wine industry with Desparada Wines.Join us as we uncork Vailia's remarkable journey—from her early days working in steakhouses in La Jolla to that fateful moment circling wine job ads with a roommate and diving into the art of telephone sales at Gerhardt Wines. Vailia shares her struggles and triumphs, including work in Canada's tightly controlled wine market, her transformative backpacking adventure in Central America, and the start of her very own wine business alongside her husband, known for Herman Story Wines.We get personal as Vailia recalls childhood luxury experiences that shaped her, the powerhouse influence of her grandmother, and her commitment to embracing both the glamor and grit of winemaking. Taste the passion as she discusses her Bordeaux-style wines, the process of creating her provocative labels, and the importance of mentorship within the wine community.We'll also be toasting to the diversity of her craft, from the highly anticipated Cab Franc-based wine to her tantalizing new venture into sparkling wine with the brand scarab. With candid discussions about the industry, environmental consciousness, and her global inspirations, this is an episode where every sip tells a story.So pour yourself a glass and settle in for a flight of stories and insights with one of the most dynamic figures in the Paso Robles wine scene. It's time to experience the synergy of life, legacy, and the love of wine with Vailia From, right here on The Black Wine Guy Experience. Cheers!A Massive THANK YOU to VAILIA FROMI!!!This episode’s wines: 2021 I Block Chardonnay 2022 Vela Sauvignon Blanc Chelle Mountain Vineyard 2021 Axis Petit Verdot 2019 Chelle Mountain BDXTo learn more about Desparada Wine, click the link!Follow Desparada on IG!Fostering: A Memoir of Courage and Hope Book____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Subscribe and give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show, sign up at Blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguyThank you to our sponsor, GrenacheFest. The Second Annual Grenache Festival in Walla Walla, Washington, will be held on November 8th, 2024. It will feature a seated comparative seminar, followed by live music, food, plenty of Grenache wines, and tons of fun.For more information, go to GrenacheFestFollow GrenacheFest on IG GrenacheFest Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.