Fun Facts About This Episode:
1. Los Angeles County was a major agricultural area for vines with almost 200,000 acres planted in 1893, and it was even featured on the city seal.
2. Moraga Vineyard in Bel Air has a unique terroir with various elevations and exposures, with maritime influence from Santa Monica Bay.
3. The winery at Moraga focuses on producing just one white and one red wine, modeled after a French house's approach to winemaking.
4. Despite being in the heart of LA, Moraga Vineyard hosts tastings by appointment, surprising many visitors who are unaware of its existence.
Summary:
In this episode of Wine Talks, Paul K welcomes guest Paul Warson for an insightful discussion on the winemaking journey and the Moraga Vineyard's unique offerings. They explore the rich history of winemaking in Los Angeles, noting the prevalence of vineyards in the past and how the city's agricultural roots contribute to the unique terroir found at Moraga. The vineyard, situated in Bel Air, enjoys a variety of elevations and a beneficial maritime influence, which aids in creating their signature one white and one red wine.
Paul Warson shares his personal path to winemaking, his shift from Napa to Santa Barbara, and eventually to managing vineyards in LA. His work with Rupert Murdoch at Moraga Vineyard is highlighted, along with their commitment to quality and sustainable farming practices. The episode emphasizes the difference in winemaking approaches between regions like Lodi and Temecula, and details Paul Warson's background with winemakers like Scott Rich and Tony Soter.
The podcast concludes with a conversation on the future of Moraga Vineyards, the impact of COVID-19 on wine club releases, and the importance of direct-to-consumer sales. It is a fascinating exploration of LA's winemaking scene and the dedication to preserving land for agricultural use within the city's bustling environment.
