Growing Up Kistler: A Journey Back to Occidental – Straight Talk Episode 28

In the premiere episode of Season 3 of Wine Spectator’s Straight Talk podcast, winemaker Catherine Kistler shares her inspiring journey from growing up alongside her father, California Chardonnay icon Steve Kistler, to making her mark with exceptional Pinot Noir in Occidental, California. Since returning to her roots in 2017, Catherine’s efforts have led the father-daughter duo to achieve remarkable success, featuring their wine as No. 2 on Wine Spectator’s 2023 Top 10 Wines of the Year.

Catherine expresses her excitement about working with 25-year-old vines, noting the changes and maturation taking place in their vineyard. She discusses the nuances and transformations that come with time, showcasing the evolution of their winemaking process.

Alongside her conversation, the episode features Mitch Frank, a senior editor for news, who joins to discuss the latest trends in wine and health, along with the implications of proposed tariffs on wine and their effects on consumers.

Straight Talk is now available on major podcast platforms such as Apple, Google, and Spotify, as well as at WineSpectator.com/podcast. Since its launch in October 2022, the podcast has hosted various influential figures in the wine industry, providing insightful conversations that highlight the personal narratives of winemakers, chefs, and other prominent personalities.

Listeners can engage with the podcast by sending questions or comments to StraightTalk@WineSpectator.com.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!