California’s Most Unforgettable Wine Experiences

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Josh Meyers explores three of California’s most unique wine tasting experiences. 

First, Meyers heads to Bouchaine Vineyard in Napa Valley’s Carneros region, spending time with president and winemaker Chris Kajani and master falconer Rebecca Rosen of Authentic Abatement to learn how hawks, falcons, and owls protect the vineyard’s grapes. 

Rosen explains how Bouchaine’s falconry program works, including the history of falconry, its use today, and showcasing free flying to help people understand the sport. Rosen then shows Meyers how to interact with the birds.

Next, Meyers tastes wine with Bouchaine winemaker Kajani, who explains why Napa Valley’s Carneros area produces such incredible wines. “Our vineyards look right over the bay to San Francisco, and the cool climate varieties like Pinot Noir are thin-skinned and need this breeze, and this fog, and this maritime influence to thrive,” says Kajani. “And the cool climate is what allows that acidity in the wine, and that’s why this little section of Carneros is so special.”

Meyers then heads to Sonoma for an all-terrain tour of The Donum Estates’ world-class art collection with CEO Angelica de Vere Mabray. Meyers then gets to experience a live harvest with Tony Chapman, the estate’s head of wine-growing. The two also discuss how regenerative farming creates incredible wines. 

Last, Meyers stops by Buena Vista Winery, California’s first premium winery, for an immersive tasting experience in the Cave of Curiosity. He kicks things off by sharing a sparkling wine toast with Jean-Charles Boisset, Buena Vista's proprietor. Together, they enjoy a sabred bottle of sparkling wine, engage all five senses in a historic cave, and taste wine straight from the barrel. 

GUESTS

Rebecca Rosen, expert falconer and owner of Authentic Abatement
Chris Kajani, head winemaker and general manager at Bouchaine Vineyards 
Angelica de Vere Mabray, CEO of The Donum Estate
Tony Chapman, head of wine-growing at The Donum Estate
Jean-Charles Boisset, proprietor of Buena Vista Winery 

RESOURCES

Petaluma-based Rebecca Rosen runs Authentic Abatement, which offers falconry demonstrations and experiences, plus bird control services.  Chris Kajani is a proud Napa native who joined Bouchaine as head winemaker and general manager in 2015. 

Bouchaine Vineyards 
Napa
Napa Valley Wines & Wineries
Carneros Wine Region
Scala Osteria 
Osha Thai Restaurant 
Charlie’s 
Beyond the Tasting Room: Unique California Wineries

Angelica de Vere Mabray is the CEO of The Donum Estate in Carneros, nestled between Napa and Sonoma counties. Tony Chapman heads winegrowing at The Donum Estate. 

The Donum Estate
Art at The Donum Estate
Tours at The Donum Estate

Jean-Charles Boisset grew up in France in a winemaking family and became part of California wine history when Buena Vista Winery joined the Boisset Collection.

Buena Vista Winery 
Sonoma
Sonoma County 

ABOUT THE HOST

Josh Meyers is a comedian, actor, and new host of the California Now Podcast. He also co-hosts the podcast Family Trips with the Meyers Brothers.

OUR TEAM

Host and Executive Producer, Josh Meyers
Editorial Director, Jené Shaw
Producer, Kate Eplboim
Video Editor, Dan Hook 
Videographer, Steve Godwin
Videographer, Peter Santa Maria
Theme music, Staffan Carlén