Ep 235 – California’s Hidden Wine Gems: Lodi, Murphys & Amador with Paige Comrie (Wine With Paige)

episode

EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A Wine Podcast Exploring Wine Regions, Grapes & Education not yet transcribed

▲ 0

Transcript

This episode hasn't been transcribed yet Upvotes decide what gets transcribed next — 0 so far. Sign in to upvote

More from EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A Wine Podcast Exploring Wine Regions, Grapes & Education

Ep 275 - Spanish Wine Beyond Rioja: Vino de Pago, New Jerez, Bobal & More with Sarah Jane Evans MW 1h 5m · 17 Aug 2026

Ep 274 - What Does It Take to Become a Top Sommelier? Inside the UK Sommelier of the Year Competition with Emma Denney, 2026 Winner 1h 2m · 10 Aug 2026

Ep 273 – Oregon Wine Beyond Pinot Noir: The Regions, Grapes & Wines You Need to Know with Samantha Cole-Johnson 58 min · 03 Aug 2026

Ep 272 - Counterfeit Wine & Wine Fraud: Could Your Wine Be Fake? With Maureen Downey 53 min · 27 Jul 2026

Ep 271 - Washington State Wine: The Ultimate Wine Road Trip Through America's Hidden Gem 1h 3m · 20 Jul 2026

Ep 270 - Bordeaux Beyond the First Growths: How to Find Great Value in Fine Wine with Michael Saunders 58 min · 13 Jul 2026

All episodes from EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT: A Wine Podcast Exploring Wine Regions, Grapes & Education →

Report any issue

Source

Recorded20 Oct 2025

Publisherfeed.podbean.com ↗

Handlerec:10165022

Show notes

In this sun-soaked Californian adventure, Janina welcomes Paige Comrie, creator behind Wine With Paige — a storyteller, wine communicator, and fellow IWSC Emerging Talent nominee. Together, they explore California’s hidden treasures: Lodi, Murphy’s, and Amador County — regions that rarely steal Napa’s spotlight but hold some of the most soulful vineyards and fascinating history in American wine. From rolling down hills at Opus One to uncovering the gold-rush roots of California’s old vines, this episode celebrates authenticity, creativity, and the deep sense of place that defines these lesser-known wine regions. Expect laughter, discovery, and plenty of Zinfandel talk along the way. Shownotes [03:59] How Paige went from business school in Michigan to discovering wine through Wine for Dummies and Wine Folly. [05:27] The 18 noble grape varieties as a framework for understanding global wine styles. [06:55] Tasting across those grapes as an education in structure, aroma, and texture — from crisp whites to full-bodied reds. [07:58] Generational shifts in wine habits and how younger drinkers embrace experimentation and design. [10:21] Rolling down a hill at Opus One and the reminder that wine should always stay fun. [12:51] Overview of Lodi, Murphy’s, and Amador — three off-the-beaten-path regions defined by old vines and history. [17:28] Lodi’s scale, production diversity, and role as a powerhouse for California wine. [18:27] Murphy’s as a Gold Rush town turned boutique wine destination full of charm and local flavor. [19:51] Key contrasts between Murphy’s and Lodi in landscape, culture, and experience. [20:28] European and Italian immigrant roots that shaped Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and the region’s identity. [21:51] California’s oldest documented Zinfandel vineyard from 1869 and how volcanic and sandy soils preserved it. [23:30] Distinct terrains — Lodi’s flat vineyards versus the rolling, oak-covered hills of Murphy’s and Amador. [24:29] The dramatic beauty of Amador with Sierra Nevada peaks and Tahoe in the distance. [25:16] Zinfandel defined: bold fruit, warm spice, richness, and soft tannins. [27:59] The accidental invention of White Zinfandel at Sutter Home and Napa’s last free tasting rooms. [29:15] Wine tasting costs in Napa versus the approachable, grassroots experiences in Lodi and Murphy’s. [30:26] Dining highlight: Taste in Amador, a women-led fine dining spot with local flair. [31:10] Must-visit wineries including Ironstone, Andis, Casino Mine, Bokisch, and Michael David. [32:13] Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend featuring creative pairings like chocolate-covered grasshoppers. [33:58] SaveTheOld.com and the movement to protect California’s 100-year-old vineyards. [37:35] The connection between California Zinfandel and Italy’s Primitivo. [38:17] Red wine dominance across the regions with a few standout whites. [39:22] A memorable tasting at Memento Mori in Napa and the philosophy behind “remember we must die.” [42:02] Choosing Chardonnay as the one grape to drink for life. [42:24] Dream dinner guest: Jared Way of My Chemical Romance. [43:06] The most underrated U.S. wine region: Walla Walla, Washington. [44:11] Closing thoughts — pour yourself an old vine Zinfandel and start planning your next California wine trip. 📩 Questions or feedback? Email: [email protected] 📸 Follow on Instagram: @eatsleep_winerepeat 🎥 YouTube Channel: Eat Sleep Wine Repeat 🌐 More content: www.eatsleepwinerepeat.co.uk Until next time – cheers to you! 🥂 THE EAT SLEEP WINE REPEAT PODCAST has been featured in Decanter Magazine, Radio Times, and named by Feedspot as one of the Top UK Wine Podcasts. RECOGNITION: – Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025) – Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025) – Ranked #18 in 2024 and #22 in 2025 on Drinks Retailing’s Most Influential People in Drinks list

Ask this episode

“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.