The Fizz

The Fizz #94: Patrick Cappiello is supporting Lodi farmers, making affordable California wines that buck the trends.

Patrick Cappiello of Monte Rio Cellars speaks about keeping his wines affordable in a difficult wine economy, and supporting American farmers along the…

Jun 29 • Margot Mazur

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April 2026

The Fizz #93: Chin-Wu Chen is bringing organically farmed California wines to Taiwan

Chin-Wu Chen speaks about his history as a seismologist, pivoting to wine, and staying connected with Taiwan through sharing California wines.

Apr 27 • Margot Mazur

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March 2026

The Fizz #92: Matt Niess is embracing California's heritage through wild and hybrid grapes

Matt Niess of North American Press speaks to the differences between hybrids and vinifera, and why California should get over the stigma and start…

Mar 9 • Margot Mazur

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The Fizz #91: Justin Trabue of Ward Four Wines makes wines with joy and no fuss

Winemaker Justin Trabue and I speak about fundraising through grants, her winemaking practices, and the importance of community for BIPOC makers.

Mar 1 • Margot Mazur

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February 2026

Notes from Embracing Hybrid Grapes

Reflections from a wine conference devoted to the “why” of hybrid grapes in California

Feb 1 • Margot Mazur

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November 2025

The Fizz #90: Shelby Perkins farms a vineyard the lava left behind

Winemaker and grape farmer Shelby Perkins and I dive into the geologic history of Eola-Amity Hills, her farming and fermenting practices, and the…

Nov 25, 2025 • Margot Mazur

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August 2025

The Fizz #89: Maya Hood White of Early Mountain Vineyards champions the right variety for the right site

Winemaker and viticulturalist Maya Hood White and I get into the details of growing sustainably in Virginia, the importance of pairing variety to site…

Aug 12, 2025 • Margot Mazur

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May 2025

The Fizz #88: Châteauneuf-du-Fargosonini is saving would-be wasted fruit, and making exciting wines in the process

Winemaker Alejandro Fargosonini and I speak about saving fruit from America's farms, re-wilding, and getting the grant money necessary to keep his…

May 3, 2025 • Margot Mazur

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April 2025

The Fizz: Maine Wild Wine Fest is here! (And a look into Niccolo Coturri's Moon Bloom)

A peek into the fourth annual Maine Wild Wine Fest, and for paid subscribers, a journey into Niccolo Coturri's Madeleine Angevine, Moon Bloom.

Apr 20, 2025 • Margot Mazur

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The Fizz #87: Alisha Blackwell-Calvert is championing a new way of writing an accessible wine list

Sommelier and wine judge Alisha Blackwell-Calvert and I speak about her innovative wine list at Madrina, her journey to the Master Sommelier exam, and…

Apr 18, 2025 • Margot Mazur

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March 2025

The Fizz #86: Elaine Chukan Brown brings a historic perspective to The Wines of California

Wine educator and author Elaine Chukan Brown and I speak about their new book, The Wines of California, and how the history of California impacts our…

Mar 24, 2025 • Margot Mazur

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February 2025

The Fizz #85: Claire Hill is planning for the future of West Coast winemaking

Winemaker Claire Hill and I speak to her experience at Texier and Mount Eden, working with old vines, and why she left California to make wine in…

Feb 21, 2025 • Margot Mazur

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