We have some exciting news: Season Two of Bonterra’s Soil to Soul podcast has officially launched! Both seasons are hosted by Jess Baum, Bonterra’s Senior Director of Regenerative Impact. Jess is an idealist with a gift for channeling passion into measurable, transformative action, and at Bonterra she leads a broad scope of sustainability initiatives.
In this new season, we talk to our industry’s top writers about the dynamic shifts occurring within the wine industry—a pivotal moment driven by the overarching force of climate change. As the industry faces unprecedented challenges, we uncover tales of adaptation and opportunity amidst the cautionary narratives.
Season Two launched on Tuesday, April 9, with an incredible interview with legendary wine writer Elin McCoy. Elin is the wine critic for Bloomberg News, the U.S. columnist for The Wine Conversation podcast, and frequent contributor to publications such as The World of Fine Wine, Decanter, and Elite Traveler. This episode includes a fascinating walk down memory lane as Elin recalls visiting Fetzer Vineyards, now Bonterra Organic Estates, back in the 1970s, and talks about what California wine tasting was like then. Elin also breaks down the rise of the 100-point scoring system and the evolving way we talk about wine.
Episode two dropped today. It’s an interview with Ray Isle, Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine and the Wine & Spirits Editor of Travel + Leisure. Ray’s book The World in a Wineglass: The Insider’s Guide to Artisanal, Sustainable, Extraordinary Wines to Drink Now is available in paperback this month. Ray and Jess discuss what wine drinkers care about today, the poetry of the balance of sustainable, regenerative agriculture and the importance of big producers shifting in that direction, and how writing his book helped Ray see why the future of wine is not doom and gloom.
The remaining six episodes will come out every Tuesday. Here is the full season lineup:
- April 9: Elin McCoy: wine critic for Bloomberg News; U.S. columnist for The Wine Conversation podcast; contributor to The World of Fine Wine, Decanter, and Elite Traveler; author of The Emperor of Wine
- April 16: Ray Isle: Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine; Wine & Spirits Editor of Travel + Leisure; author of The World in a Wineglass
- April 23: Meridith May: Owner of The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel
- April 30: Betsy Andrews: Contributing editor for Food & Wine, Eating Well, and SevenFifty Daily; author of three poetry books, New Jersey, The Bottom, and Crowded
- May 7: Kathleen Willcox: Writer for Wine Searcher, Wine Enthusiast, Modern Farmer, The Drinks Business, and Wine Industry Advisor; coauthor of Hudson Valley Wine: A History of Taste & Terroir
- May 14: Brian Freedman: Columnist for Food & Wine and Forbes; author of Crushed: How A Changing Climate Is Altering the Way We Drink
- May 21: Wanda Mann: Founder, Wine With Wanda; East Coast Editor of The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel
- May 28: Sophie Menin: Writer for The New York Times, Barron’s, Wine Spectator, Edible Communities, and Saveur; author of A Year in the Vineyard
Throughout our conversations, one resounding truth emerges: wineries must adapt or risk obsolescence. Those rooted in sustainable practices find themselves with a significant advantage in navigating this evolving landscape.
“Speaking with these eight incredible wine writers, one thing became abundantly clear: the stakes are higher than ever,” says host Jess. “Wine faces existential challenges, and must transform to prioritize climate action, inclusion, and regenerative agriculture.”
Despite the tumultuous changes, wine culture remains an anchor, intertwining the narratives of the past and present. It serves as a bridge connecting individuals to the rich tapestry of history, geography, and tradition.
As society grapples with rapid transformations, wine culture reflects these shifts in both its composition and consumption. It mirrors not only the changing climate but also the evolving palates and accessibility initiatives shaping our world. Yet, amidst the flux, one constant persists—the unwavering passion for wine. Our conversations with industry experts reveal a deep-seated love for the craft and a commitment to sharing knowledge with enthusiasts worldwide.
Join us as we uncork the stories behind each glass, celebrating the enduring spirit of wine in Season Two of Soil to Soul. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts – simply search “Bonterra Soil to Soil.” Or, click here!
