Best Isaac Wenzel Podcasts (2025)

1
073: Soil Nutrient Interactions and the Role of Potassium in Eastern Vineyards with Dr. Jaclyn Fiola 56:44

2h ago56:44

56:44

In this episode of Vineyard Underground, Fritz welcomes soil scientist Dr. Jaclyn Fiola for an in-depth discussion on one of viticulture’s most misunderstood nutrients — potassium. Drawing from her recent research and extensive fieldwork across the Mid-Atlantic region, Jaclyn breaks down how potassium behaves differently from other macronutrients, …

1
072: How Research Influences Our Spray Program Decisions with Dr. Katie Gold 1:01:36

7d ago1:01:36

1:01:36

In this episode of Vineyard Underground, host Fritz Westover welcomes Dr. Katie Gold, Assistant Professor of Grape Pathology at Cornell University, for a deep dive into how research drives informed spray program decisions in the vineyard. Dr. Gold brings her extensive expertise in grape disease management to the conversation, shedding light on how …

1
071: Demystifying Spray Adjuvants with Paul Crout 1:04:49

22d ago1:04:49

1:04:49

In this episode, we are joined by a friend and repeat guest, Paul Crout. Paul is a leading pest control advisor, certified crop control advisor, and one of the foremost experts on wine grape nutrition, spray adjuvants, and more in the ag and viticulture realm. He currently works as a leading agronomist with Helena Agra Enterprises in California, an…

1
070: Alternative Canopy Management Practices 29:32

1M ago29:32

29:32

There are three alternative canopy management practices that generate a lot of questions and sometimes confusion from growers. So, in today’s solo episode I will cover these three canopy management practices - extreme leaf removal, shoot tipping, and palissage. I’ll go over each of these practices and discuss when they should be used to benefit you…

1
069: When Are Insects Actually a Problem with Dr. Rufus Isaacs 56:56

2M ago56:56

56:56

Growers need to know which insects they need to treat and which they can ignore. While some insects pose a threat to grapevines, others can actually benefit them. In this episode, we have a discussion with the Distinguished Professor and Berry Crops Entomology Extension Specialist for Michigan State University, Dr. Rufus Isaacs, on this topic. Unde…

1
068: The Evolution of Vineyard Floor Management with Alice Wise 58:20

2M ago58:20

58:20

In this episode, we are joined by Alice Wise from Cornell University to talk about vineyard floor management and how concepts and best practices for vineyard floor management have evolved in recent years. Alice has been following trends and successes for grape growers in Long Island, New York, and across the Mid-Atlantic in general with her extensi…

1
067: Growing for Sparkling Wines in Alternative Regions with Mark Wenzel & Kaibab Sauvage 48:13

3M ago48:13

48:13

In this episode, we explore the world of sparkling wine production in unconventional regions with Mark Wenzel from Illinois Sparkling Wine Company and August Hill Winery, and Kaibab Sauvage from Sauvage Spectrum Winery in Colorado. These winemakers discuss their process of adapting viticulture to thrive in challenging climates, turning high-acid gr…

1
066: Q&A – Fritz Answers Early Season Grower Questions 41:39

3M ago41:39

41:39

We are back with another one of our favorite types of episodes - a Q&A, where Fritz answers questions from growers like you, from all over the country. In today’s episode, we focus on questions pertaining to early season growing. This includes knowing when to prune and how much and knowing what to do about retraining trunks or working around tricky…

1
065: Mechanizing Your Vineyard from the Start with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus & Alan Thibault 57:45

4M ago57:45

57:45

Mechanizing a vineyard can lead to significant efficiency gains and cost savings, but it's important to start planning for mechanization early in the vineyard design process. Many new growers overlook this step, which can impact their adaptability for mechanization in the future. In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Matthew Fidelibus fr…

1
064: Growing Grapes Around a World – Mexico with Alexandro Eguiarte & Francisco Verastegui 48:59

4M ago48:59

48:59

From the sun-drenched fields of Jalisco to the high-altitude terrains of Coahuila, Mexican winemakers like Alexandro Eguiarte of Viñedo Evangelista and Francisco Verastegui of Vinicola Refran Winery & Vineyard are leveraging the diverse conditions to produce distinctive wines that reflect the country's rich terroir. As the industry expands, it brin…

1
063: Pruning Wound Disease Myth Busting 1:20:26

5M ago1:20:26

1:20:26

When you grow up in the country with the most acreage of grapes, it only makes sense that you grow up to be a plant pathologist and research scientist in the world of viticulture. That was the case for Dr. José Ramón Úrbez-Torres. His studies took him from Spain to France, to California, and to Canada, where he studied under the best and gained val…

1
062: The Timing of Vineyard Management Tasks is Everything With Matt Doyle 56:23

5M ago56:23

56:23

Do you know what to prioritize in each stage of the growing season? In this episode, we broke down the priorities with vineyard management expert Matt Doyle based on the three main phases: bud burst through bloom, fruit set through veraison, and veraison through harvest. Listen in for a detailed overview of what growers should pay attention to duri…

1
061: In the Vines since 1999 59:29

6M ago59:29

59:29

Since we are nearing the end of 2024, this episode is a light-hearted conversation between four viticulture friends. As some of you may know, I started my career in viticulture in 1999. Three of my friends also began their grape growing journey that same year: Erin Amaral, Paul Crout, and Randy Heinzen. In this episode, I’m joined by Erin, Paul, an…

1
060: Expectations from a Custom Crush with Ryan Horn and Greg Stokes 40:54

6M ago40:54

40:54

Custom crush facilities are becoming a popular choice for grape growers who want to make wine without the hefty investment of building a full-scale winery. In this episode, industry experts Ryan Horn from Vintner's Vault and Greg Stokes from Ursa Vineyards and Bending Branch Winery share insights on this topic. Listen in for an overview of what a c…

1
059: Late Season Vineyard Management Considerations 33:33

7M ago33:33

33:33

Late season vineyard management is important for preparing your vineyard between harvest and dormancy, or whenever the ground freezes, depending on your location. In this episode, we cover each of the three main areas this period focuses on: compost application, vineyard floor management, and dormant season spraying. Listen in for late season viney…

1
058: Top 5 Misheard Grape Growing Concepts 25:09

7M ago25:09

25:09

Ever wonder if removing leaves from young vines speeds up their growth? Spoiler alert: it doesn’t. In this episode, we put five grape growing myths to bed and give you the clarity you need to nurture a thriving vineyard. Listen in to learn what the top five misheard grape growing concepts are – and find out if you are guilty of any of them. Whether…

1
057: Modern Powdery Mildew Management with Dr. Michelle Moyer 1:04:55

7M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

In this episode, we have a conversation on modern powdery mildew management with an expert on the subject, Dr. Michelle Moyer. A plant pathologist by training, Dr. Moyer is a professor and viticulture extension specialist at Washington State University. She has worked on the East Coast and the West Coast, helping people understand disease and pest …

1
056: The Emergence & Success of the Virginia Wine Industry with Dr. Tony Wolf 51:06

8M ago51:06

51:06

The Virginia wine industry has experienced a phenomenal transformation over the past three decades, largely attributed to the efforts of dedicated individuals like Dr. Tony Wolf. From a mere six wineries in 1980, Virginia now boasts a $1.5 billion industry with over 300 wineries. In this episode, Dr. Wolf discusses what it was like when the wine in…

1
055: Managing Cold Climate Vineyards & Dealing with Cold Damaged Vines with Kevin Ker – Part 2 34:39

8M ago34:39

34:39

This episode is part two of our conversation with Kevin Ker of Brock University’s Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. We continue discussing cold climate vineyard management and how to help cold damaged vines thrive for years. Dr. Ker shares strategies for site establishment, seasonal management practices, and methods for assessing and…

1
054: Managing Cold Climate Vineyards & Dealing with Cold Damaged Vines with Kevin Ker – Part 1 55:59

9M ago55:59

55:59

Growing grapes in a cold climate presents unique challenges that are often more about dealing with winter injury than the growing season itself. According to Dr. Kevin Ker from Brock University’s Cool Climate Enology and Viticulture Institute, the temperatures outside the growing season are what set cold climate viticulture apart. Ensuring vines li…

1
053: A Picture of Vineyard Sustainability with Niner Wine Estates 54:16

9M ago54:16

54:16

In this episode, we sit down with Andy Niner, President of Niner Wine Estates, and Craig Macmillan, their Critical Resource Manager, to discuss sustainable vineyard management. The episode covers innovative water and soil management techniques, including rainwater capture, advanced monitoring tools, composting, and mechanical weed management. We al…

1
052: Harvest Time Q&A 42:44

10M ago42:44

42:44

We are back with everyone’s favorite kind of episode – a Q&A! This time, we are answering questions about harvest time. Questions came in from all over, including North Carolina, Oregon, Texas, and even Portugal. Listen in to learn about irrigation post-harvest, late-season strategies, issues with high titratable acidity, and more. As harvest seaso…

1
051: Learning from Vineyards and Wineries in the Emerging Arizona Wine Region 1:01:33

10M ago1:01:33

1:01:33

In this episode, we dive into Arizona's unique wine scene with a panel of guests: Todd Bostock of Dos Cabezas WineWorks, Kent Callaghan of Callaghan Vineyards, and Pavle Milic of Los Milics Vineyards. Arizona's vineyards face a unique set of challenges, including extreme shifts in weather, from scorching heat to freezing temperatures, alongside hai…

1
050: The Challenges and Successes of Growing Italian Cultivars Outside of Italy with Luca Paschina 1:05:23

11M ago1:05:23

1:05:23

In this episode, we have a conversation with Luca Paschina, the estate director and winemaker for Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia. A third-generation winemaker from Alba, Italy, Luca has worked in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Napa, and the Finger Lakes before settling in Virginia, where he expanded Barboursville Vineyards from 38 to 180 acres. In…

1
049: Midsummer Mismanagement in the Vineyard 32:53

11M ago32:53

32:53

In the cycle of vineyard management, every season brings its unique set of challenges and opportunities. As we navigate past fruit set but not quite at veraison, our focus should pivot to protecting and enhancing the quality of the fruit that is already on the vines. This period demands precise interventions to ensure the health and quality of our …

1
048: Advances in Vineyard Nutrition Monitoring with Dr. Markus Keller 1:03:58

12M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

In this episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Markus Keller of Washington State University on the advances in vineyard nutrition monitoring. Dr. Keller shares his extensive knowledge of the importance of nutrient management in viticulture, drawing from his rich background and current research. We discuss strategies for regulated deficit nutritio…

1
047: Crop Regulation & Fruit Thinning Strategies with Dr. Mark Krasnow 50:18

12M ago50:18

50:18

Join us in this episode with Dr. Mark Krasnow, an acclaimed plant physiologist and the founder of Thoughtful Viticulture. From the landscapes of New Zealand, Dr. Krasnow takes us on a journey from budding winemaker to viticulture expert. Although we could discuss many topics with him, this discussion focuses on crop regulation and fruit thinning st…

1
046: Listener Questions Answered with Jim Duane #2 1:10:00

1y ago1:10:00

1:10:00

In this episode, we are back with another Q&A with my friend Jim Duane of Inside Winemaking. Back in episode 42, we answered some great listener questions about preparing your property, getting started in grape growing, managing pests, etc. We had so many questions pour in that we needed to make this a two-part series. To learn more about Jim and h…

1
045: Vineyard Floor Management - Herbicide Alternatives with Dr. Marcelo Moretti 59:42

1y ago59:42

59:42

In this episode, I have a conversation with Dr. Marcelo Moretti on some best practices for vineyard floor management. We discuss integrated weed management strategies, the use of organic herbicides, and the implementation of cover crops to promote vine health and combat weeds. Dr. Moretti also shares the challenges and advantages of various non-tra…

1
044: 3 Months Post Planting - Actions for New Vineyards with Mark Chien 1:00:59

1y ago1:00:59

1:00:59

The first few months as a new grower can be the most nerve-wracking time of vineyard management. Everything is brand new and a little intimidating. Even a bug on a plant can be enough to raise an alarm because you simply don’t know if it’s going to ravage your vineyard or not. Viticulture consultant, Mark Chien joins me today to talk about survivin…

1
043: Vine Planting & Site Prep with Randy Heinzen 1:05:27

1y ago1:05:27

1:05:27

In this episode, our guest Randy Heinzen, a vine management and vineyard business expert, discusses vine planting and site preparation for new vineyards or for existing growers looking to add new vineyard blocks. Randy, the owner and president of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS) in Paso Robles, CA, is a leading global expert in vineyard managem…

1
042: Listener Questions Answered with Jim Duane 1:05:36

1y ago1:05:36

1:05:36

In this episode, I have the pleasure of having a Q&A session with Jim Duane from Inside Winemaking. Jim has always been interested in winemaking and has been working in Napa Valley for over 20 years. Together, we are answering top questions submitted by listeners. We answer questions pertaining to replacing dead vines, digging in hardpan, natural p…

1
041: Mastering Irrigation Distribution Uniformity with Dr. Franklin Gaudi 54:19

1y ago54:19

54:19

Is your vineyard irrigated? If so, then this episode is for you! Dr. Franklin Gaudi, executive vice president of design for Laurel Ag & Water, is on the show to discuss the often-overlooked topic of irrigation distribution uniformity (DU). Distribution uniformity measures how evenly water gets applied to the field, and it’s a topic that’s not taken…

1
040: Understanding Biological Products with Dr. Pam Marrone 32:25

1+ y ago32:25

32:25

The future of viticulture is evolving as the focus on sustainable agriculture improves and the search for environmentally friendly solutions becomes a priority. One of the most exciting areas in this sustainable revolution is the use of agricultural biologicals. Biologics are not new to the agricultural scene, but their potential is now being more …

1
039: Effective Vineyard Spraying with Dr. Andrew Landers 49:54

1+ y ago49:54

49:54

A common conversation in vineyard management is knowing how to spray your vineyard effectively. On today's episode, we have a conversation with Dr. Andrew Landers, who wrote the book on vineyard spraying. He brings more than 30 years of research and development on vineyard and orchard spraying technologies and techniques to share with us. In this e…

1
038: Understanding Pruning Wounds & Protection Options with Dr. Akif Eskalen 1:01:32

1+ y ago1:01:32

1:01:32

Do you understand pruning wounds, infections of pruning wounds, and how to protect your vines? Grapevine pruning is an essential vineyard management practice that helps maintain plant health and fruit quality. However, this practice also exposes vines to various fungal diseases that can be detrimental to vineyard health. It’s important to know how …

1
037: Unique or Alternative Pruning Methods with John Thull and Marco Tessari 1:00:14

1+ y ago1:00:14

1:00:14

In today's episode, we are talking about unique or alternative pruning scenarios and methods with guests John Thull and Marco Tessari. We discuss viticulture for cold climates, unique pruning techniques from around the globe, and more. John has a degree in biology with a plant focus and spent time in Germany doing an apprenticeship. He now lives in…

1
036: Pruning & Training Vinifera for Harsh Winter Survival with Joe Juniper 48:42

1+ y ago48:42

48:42

Happy New Year! In this episode, we welcome Joe Juniper of Vermillion Valley Vineyards, the second-largest vineyard in Ohio. In close proximity to Lake Erie, Joe is with us to discuss what it is like to grow vinifera in an area with very harsh winters. Joe has become an expert in managing extreme temperatures and precipitation variances, including …

1
035: Grower Questions Answered #3 30:02

1+ y ago30:02

30:02

We are closing out the year with a grower Q&A episode! In this episode, Fritz is answering questions from growers all across the country on topics ranging from pre-pruning to disease prevention for 2024 and all things in between. Listen in, as you may have had some of these same questions in your vineyard, and stay tuned for more grower Q&A episode…

1
034: Why Sustainability Certification Programs for Vineyards Matter – with Beth Vukmanic 25:25

1+ y ago25:25

25:25

Have you considered having your grape growing operation sustainably certified? In this episode, I have a conversation with Beth Vukmanic from the Vineyard Team on the impact and importance of sustainability certification programs for vineyards. Beth spent 12 years overseeing the Vineyard Team's Sustainability in Practice (SIP) certification program…

1
033: 6 Essential Factors for Starting & Growing a Successful Vineyard - Part 2 43:26

1+ y ago43:26

43:26

We are back today for part two of our series “Six Essential Factors for Starting and Growing a Successful Vineyard.” Refer back to episode 32 for part one of the series if you haven’t listened to it yet. Just make sure you listen to both episodes to hear all six factors new growers need to understand and consider before planting a vineyard. In this…

1
032: 6 Essential Factors for Starting & Growing a Successful Vineyard - Part 1 28:33

1+ y ago28:33

28:33

Today, we're starting a two-part series on the six essential things you must understand and evaluate to start and grow a successful vineyard. Starting and running a vineyard is expensive – $20,000 to $25,000 per acre – not including fencing, equipment, and irrigation. It’s important you do your research and learn all that you can about the site you…

1
031: Rootstock Trials with Dr. Gill Giese 42:32

1+ y ago42:32

42:32

What are rootstock trials, and why are they important for your grape-growing operation? Listen in as I have a discussion with Dr. Gill Giese from the College of Agriculture at Arkansas State University on the latest findings in rootstock trials and what they mean for vineyards today and in the future. In this episode, Gill and I talk about the resu…

1
030: 2023 Vineyard Successes & Failures 28:09

1+ y ago28:09

28:09

We are nearing the end of the year already, which means it’s time to discuss our 2023 vineyard season-end review. This is a solo episode where I’m going into a lot of detail on the past year from a viticulturist's perspective. During this review, I discuss trends I’ve seen across North America, including the common things that worked and ones that …

1
029: The Science of Soil Mapping with Bubba Beasley 39:53

1+ y ago39:53

39:53

In this episode, we are literally going underground. We're having a conversation with my pal Bubba Beasley about the science of soil mapping and why soil mapping is important for vineyards, even if your vineyard is already established. Bubba is a geologist and founder of HydroGeo Environmental. He is an expert in every sense of the word when it com…

1
028: Top 4 Post Harvest Vineyard Priorities 47:35

1+ y ago47:35

47:35

It is post harvest time for many of our northern listeners. You made it through the peak season, and you are now surviving through the fall and preparing your vineyard for leaf drop. In this solo episode, we are diving into the top four post harvest vineyard priorities for healthy, happy grape vines going into winter dormancy. We dig into late seas…

1
027: Why Grape Growers Should Care About YAN with Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield 31:19

2y ago31:19

31:19

As a wine-grape grower, yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) is an important factor to measure in your grapes and wine. On today’s episode, Professor and Enologist Dr. Anna Katharine Mansfield joins us to share her expertise on the role of yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) and nitrogen in wine quality and fermentation. Her work and focus on sensory scie…

1
026: Preventing & Combating Sour Rot with Dr. Megan Hall and Dr. Mizuho Nita 55:09

2y ago55:09

55:09

Listen in as we engage in a riveting conversation with two remarkable experts, Dr. Megan Hall and Dr. Mizuho Nita, about sour rot, a challenging disease that can significantly impact winegrapes. Through this discussion, we gain a deeper understanding of sour rot, exploring how to identify it, why and how it occurs, and the various organisms and ins…

1
025: A Winemaker’s Take on Harvest with Denise Gardner 35:25

2y ago35:25

35:25

Join us on the Vineyard Underground podcast as we welcome Denise Gardner, a renowned winemaking consultant and wine grape educator. Our exciting conversation begins with an exploration of how pre-harvest and harvest actions in the vineyard can greatly influence the quality of wine. Listen in as Denise shares her unique journey to becoming an acclai…

1
024: Innovations for Scheduling Irrigation with Mark Greenspan 54:21

2y ago54:21

54:21

Tune in as we have an enlightening discussion with Dr. Mark Greenspan, founder of Advanced Viticulture, about the latest innovations in irrigation scheduling and how it influences wine quality. We take a closer look into the intricacies of irrigation scheduling and its influence on wine quality. For over 30 years, Mark has been working with growers…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Isaac Wenzel Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen