Go With Your Palate by Joe Wagner | Biz and Tech Podcasts

November 3, 2026Episode 1061 hr 14 min

E106 Annual Harvest Update 2026 PT 2 | Joe Wagner

An early harvest, a couple of mystery nicknames, and a surprise guest who just wouldn't leave. 😂🍇 Winemakers John "JLO" Lopez and Nick Reinell return to join Joe Wagner and Fat Mario for our annual Harvest Update, sharing the inside story of the 2026 vintage, the people behind every bottle, and why the future of wine might be a little less traditional—and a lot more fun. Real winemakers. Real harvest stories. Zero wine snobbery. 🍷🔥 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Harvest 2026 | Crush Pad Confessions, Wine Culture & a Few Familiar Faces Harvest season is in full swing, and we're bringing the winemaking family back together! 🍇🍷 Our favorite returning winemakers, John "JLO" Lopez and Nick Reinell , join Joe Wagner and Fat Mario for our annual Harvest Update —a behind-the-scenes look at the beautiful chaos, hard work, and excitement of bringing the 2026 vintage to life. And since nicknames are practically a tradition in this wine family, it's only fitting that we finally uncover a couple of names Nick's been keeping under wraps. 😂 From an unusually early harvest and the curveballs Mother Nature threw our way to the promising fruit making its way through the crush pad, we get a firsthand look at what makes this vintage so unique—and the decisions that could shape the wines we'll be drinking years from now. We also get into the future of wine culture and why making wine more approachable matters more than ever. Think less intimidation, more exploration—from affordable bottles and wine cocktails to a little something called blooje . Curious? So were we. Because great wine shouldn't come with a rulebook. Along the way, we celebrate the family roots, lifelong friendships, and tireless work ethic behind Napa Valley winemaking, uncover a few winemaker confessions, and welcome a surprise guest who apparently had no intention of leaving the party once he arrived. 👀 It's harvest stories, honest conversations, friendly roasting, and a reminder that behind every great bottle are real people who pour their hearts into what they do. Come for the wine. Stay for the family, the laughs, and a little harvest madness. 🍷🍇🎙️

October 26, 2026Episode 1061 hr 9 min

E106 Annual Harvest Update 2026 | Joe Wagner

An early harvest, a couple of mystery nicknames, and a surprise guest who just wouldn't leave. 😂🍇 Winemakers John "JLO" Lopez and Nick Reinell return to join Joe Wagner and Fat Mario for our annual Harvest Update, sharing the inside story of the 2026 vintage, the people behind every bottle, and why the future of wine might be a little less traditional—and a lot more fun. Real winemakers. Real harvest stories. Zero wine snobbery. 🍷🔥 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Harvest 2026 | Crush Pad Confessions, Wine Culture & a Few Familiar Faces Harvest season is in full swing, and we're bringing the winemaking family back together! 🍇🍷 Our favorite returning winemakers, John "JLO" Lopez and Nick Reinell , join Joe Wagner and Fat Mario for our annual Harvest Update —a behind-the-scenes look at the beautiful chaos, hard work, and excitement of bringing the 2026 vintage to life. And since nicknames are practically a tradition in this wine family, it's only fitting that we finally uncover a couple of names Nick's been keeping under wraps. 😂 From an unusually early harvest and the curveballs Mother Nature threw our way to the promising fruit making its way through the crush pad, we get a firsthand look at what makes this vintage so unique—and the decisions that could shape the wines we'll be drinking years from now. We also get into the future of wine culture and why making wine more approachable matters more than ever. Think less intimidation, more exploration—from affordable bottles and wine cocktails to a little something called blooje . Curious? So were we. Because great wine shouldn't come with a rulebook. Along the way, we celebrate the family roots, lifelong friendships, and tireless work ethic behind Napa Valley winemaking, uncover a few winemaker confessions, and welcome a surprise guest who apparently had no intention of leaving the party once he arrived. 👀 It's harvest stories, honest conversations, friendly roasting, and a reminder that behind every great bottle are real people who pour their hearts into what they do. Come for the wine. Stay for the family, the laughs, and a little harvest madness. 🍷🍇🎙️

October 18, 2026Episode 10555 min

E105 Gerardo Martin pt 2 | Joe Wagner

What do Napa Valley vineyards, financial success, and two families connected for generations have in common? Strong roots. 🌱🍷 Financial advisor and community leader Gerardo Martin joins Joe Wagner to share their families' remarkable Napa Valley connection, his journey from vineyard roots to financial leadership, and why the most valuable investments in life aren't always measured in dollars. Strong foundations. Lasting legacies. And a whole lot of heart. 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Gerardo Martin | Strong Roots, Big Dreams & Building a Lasting Legacy This week, we're joined by Gerardo Martin —founder of Rootstock Wealth Management , longtime financial advisor, entrepreneur, and one of Napa Valley's passionate community leaders. From serving as President of the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Napa Valley College Foundation to co-founding the Latino Leaders Roundtable and even running for Mayor of Napa, Gerardo has spent his career investing in more than just people's financial futures—he's invested in the community that helped raise him. But this conversation is especially personal for our very own Joe Wagner . Long before their careers took shape, their families shared a connection rooted in the vineyards of Napa Valley. Gerardo's father, Salvador, spent more than 30 years working at Emmolo Nursery alongside Joe's grandfather's family, planting the seeds of a relationship that would come full circle generations later. It's a story of family, opportunity, hard work, and the incredible contributions of the people who helped build the Napa Valley we know and love today. We dive into Gerardo's journey from his vineyard upbringing to the world of finance, his dedication to uplifting Napa's Latino community, and what it was like running for mayor during the uncertainty of 2020. Along the way, we get into the good, the bad, and the occasionally questionable world of financial advice—from social media money gurus to AI's growing role in financial planning—and why genuine human connection may always be the most valuable investment of all. And because this is Go With Your Palate , the conversation doesn't stay behind a desk. Between a legendary golf moment at St. Andrews , an unforgettable encounter with a hurricane in Kauai , and a few unexpected turns along the way, Gerardo reminds us that some of life's richest experiences have nothing to do with your bank account. It's a conversation about heritage, ambition, community, and building a legacy that extends far beyond yourself—told by two Napa Valley families whose stories have been connected for generations. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a financial newbie, a lifelong Napa local, or simply someone who believes great things grow from strong foundations, there's something here for you. Different paths. Shared roots. A legacy worth growing. 🍷🌱 📍 Discover Rootstock Wealth Management: https://www.rootstockwm.com/

October 11, 2026Episode 10549 min

E105 Gerardo Martin | Joe Wagner

What do Napa Valley vineyards, financial success, and two families connected for generations have in common? Strong roots. 🌱🍷 Financial advisor and community leader Gerardo Martin joins Joe Wagner to share their families' remarkable Napa Valley connection, his journey from vineyard roots to financial leadership, and why the most valuable investments in life aren't always measured in dollars. Strong foundations. Lasting legacies. And a whole lot of heart. 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Gerardo Martin | Strong Roots, Big Dreams & Building a Lasting Legacy This week, we're joined by Gerardo Martin —founder of Rootstock Wealth Management , longtime financial advisor, entrepreneur, and one of Napa Valley's passionate community leaders. From serving as President of the Napa County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Napa Valley College Foundation to co-founding the Latino Leaders Roundtable and even running for Mayor of Napa, Gerardo has spent his career investing in more than just people's financial futures—he's invested in the community that helped raise him. But this conversation is especially personal for our very own Joe Wagner . Long before their careers took shape, their families shared a connection rooted in the vineyards of Napa Valley. Gerardo's father, Salvador, spent more than 30 years working at Emmolo Nursery alongside Joe's grandfather's family, planting the seeds of a relationship that would come full circle generations later. It's a story of family, opportunity, hard work, and the incredible contributions of the people who helped build the Napa Valley we know and love today. We dive into Gerardo's journey from his vineyard upbringing to the world of finance, his dedication to uplifting Napa's Latino community, and what it was like running for mayor during the uncertainty of 2020. Along the way, we get into the good, the bad, and the occasionally questionable world of financial advice—from social media money gurus to AI's growing role in financial planning—and why genuine human connection may always be the most valuable investment of all. And because this is Go With Your Palate , the conversation doesn't stay behind a desk. Between a legendary golf moment at St. Andrews , an unforgettable encounter with a hurricane in Kauai , and a few unexpected turns along the way, Gerardo reminds us that some of life's richest experiences have nothing to do with your bank account. It's a conversation about heritage, ambition, community, and building a legacy that extends far beyond yourself—told by two Napa Valley families whose stories have been connected for generations. Whether you're an entrepreneur, a financial newbie, a lifelong Napa local, or simply someone who believes great things grow from strong foundations, there's something here for you. Different paths. Shared roots. A legacy worth growing. 🍷🌱 📍 Discover Rootstock Wealth Management: https://www.rootstockwm.com/

October 1, 2026Episode 1041 hr 0 min

E104 Matt Heil Vineyard Update pt 2 | Joe Wagner

Harvest started in JULY?! And apparently, the robots are coming for the vineyards... and maybe a few other things. 🤖🍇 Our resident vineyard mastermind Matt Heil returns for a firsthand look at Harvest 2026—from promising fruit and age-old winemaking traditions to UV-C technology, AI, and a wine draft featuring the varietals and regions worth watching. Old-school traditions. New-school technology. One wild vintage. 🍷 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Harvest 2026 | Matt Heil, Vineyard Innovations & the Future of Wine It's harvest season, baby! 🍇 We're bringing back one of our favorite familiar faces, Matt Heil—Director of Fruit Supply & Grower Relations at Copper Cane Wine & Spirits, resident vineyard mastermind, and the man who helps find the grapes behind some of your favorite bottles of Belle Glos and Quilt. With Harvest 2026 underway, Matt joins Joe and Fat Mario for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting, unpredictable, and downright demanding times of the year in wine country. From an unusually early start to harvest (we're talking JULY!) to the challenges, surprises, and promising fruit shaping this year's vintage, the boys give us a firsthand look at what goes into making a great bottle long before it ever reaches your glass. We explore the fascinating intersection of old-school winemaking traditions and cutting-edge vineyard technology—from the annual Blessing of the Grapes to UV-C machines helping combat vineyard pathogens, the rise of AI and robotics, and the age-old question of whether technology could ever replace the instincts of a seasoned vineyard expert. Let's just say the conversation takes a few unexpected turns when Joe discovers some of the more... personal applications of modern robotics. 🤖😂 We also pull back the curtain on Copper Cane's immersive harvest experience, where members of the wine industry trade their usual routines for a hands-on journey from dirt to bottle. It's a reminder of the incredible people, craftsmanship, and hard work behind every glass—and why experiencing harvest firsthand can completely change the way you appreciate wine. And because we couldn't resist a little friendly competition, it's time for the 2026 Vintage Draft! Joe and Matt put their wine knowledge to the test, making their picks for standout varietals, exciting California regions, and the under-the-radar grapes they believe deserve a spot in your future cellar. Fat Mario, naturally, assumes the highly questionable role of draft commissioner. It's tradition meets innovation, vineyard wisdom meets a little technological madness, and a whole lot of laughs with two guys who live and breathe the world of wine. Whether you're a lifelong cork dork, an aspiring vino geek, or simply curious about what really happens before your favorite bottle hits the shelf, consider this your backstage pass to Harvest 2026. The grapes are coming in, the future is looking bright, and the robots are apparently getting a little too comfortable. 🍷🍇🤖

September 24, 2026Episode 10433 min

E104 Matt Heil Vineyard Update | Joe Wagner

Harvest started in JULY?! And apparently, the robots are coming for the vineyards... and maybe a few other things. 🤖🍇 Our resident vineyard mastermind Matt Heil returns for a firsthand look at Harvest 2026—from promising fruit and age-old winemaking traditions to UV-C technology, AI, and a wine draft featuring the varietals and regions worth watching. Old-school traditions. New-school technology. One wild vintage. 🍷 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Harvest 2026 | Matt Heil, Vineyard Innovations & the Future of Wine It's harvest season, baby! 🍇 We're bringing back one of our favorite familiar faces, Matt Heil—Director of Fruit Supply & Grower Relations at Copper Cane Wine & Spirits, resident vineyard mastermind, and the man who helps find the grapes behind some of your favorite bottles of Belle Glos and Quilt. With Harvest 2026 underway, Matt joins Joe and Fat Mario for a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most exciting, unpredictable, and downright demanding times of the year in wine country. From an unusually early start to harvest (we're talking JULY!) to the challenges, surprises, and promising fruit shaping this year's vintage, the boys give us a firsthand look at what goes into making a great bottle long before it ever reaches your glass. We explore the fascinating intersection of old-school winemaking traditions and cutting-edge vineyard technology—from the annual Blessing of the Grapes to UV-C machines helping combat vineyard pathogens, the rise of AI and robotics, and the age-old question of whether technology could ever replace the instincts of a seasoned vineyard expert. Let's just say the conversation takes a few unexpected turns when Joe discovers some of the more... personal applications of modern robotics. 🤖😂 We also pull back the curtain on Copper Cane's immersive harvest experience, where members of the wine industry trade their usual routines for a hands-on journey from dirt to bottle. It's a reminder of the incredible people, craftsmanship, and hard work behind every glass—and why experiencing harvest firsthand can completely change the way you appreciate wine. And because we couldn't resist a little friendly competition, it's time for the 2026 Vintage Draft! Joe and Matt put their wine knowledge to the test, making their picks for standout varietals, exciting California regions, and the under-the-radar grapes they believe deserve a spot in your future cellar. Fat Mario, naturally, assumes the highly questionable role of draft commissioner. It's tradition meets innovation, vineyard wisdom meets a little technological madness, and a whole lot of laughs with two guys who live and breathe the world of wine. Whether you're a lifelong cork dork, an aspiring vino geek, or simply curious about what really happens before your favorite bottle hits the shelf, consider this your backstage pass to Harvest 2026. The grapes are coming in, the future is looking bright, and the robots are apparently getting a little too comfortable. 🍷🍇🤖

September 17, 2026Episode 10343 min

E103 Jess Pryles pt 2 | Joe Wagner

Think you know how to cook a steak? Jess Pryles might make you question everything. Hardcore Carnivore creator and meat science expert Jess Pryles joins us to break down beef grading, perfect sears, meat myths, overlooked cuts, and the surprising similarities between tasting great wine and great meat. Science. Fire. Wine. And a little bit of bullsh*t-busting. 🥩🔥🍷 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Jess Pryles | Meat Science, Myth Busting & Cooking Like You Mean It This week, we’re joined by Jess Pryles - creator of Hardcore Carnivore, meat science expert, author, live-fire cook, entrepreneur, and judge on Food Network’s Pitmasters . Originally from Australia and now based in Texas, Jess went from being intimidated by the meat counter herself to becoming one of the most trusted and influential voices in the world of barbecue and meat education. We dive headfirst into the science behind what actually makes great meat great - from how beef is graded in the U.S. to aging, sourcing, fat, doneness, and whether some of the “rules” we’ve all been taught about cooking steak deserve to be thrown straight into the fire. Jess also helps us rethink the perfect sear, bust a few meat myths, and somehow sends Fat Mario down a rabbit hole involving an old-school Mexican meat-drying technique that may or may not have inspired thoughts of a giant magnifying glass. Do not try this at home. 😂🔥 One of our favorite parts of the conversation is discovering just how much wine and meat have in common . Joe and Jess compare tasting panels, quality, craftsmanship, terroir and technique, and why sometimes the most interesting flavors come from the overlooked cuts - or varietals - you weren’t expecting to love. The deeper you go, the more you realize both worlds reward curiosity over rules. We also get into Jess’s journey from one life-changing encounter with Texas barbecue to building the Hardcore Carnivore brand, judging elite pitmasters, navigating the wild world of Meat TikTok, and swapping a few hunting stories along the way. And with her new book Prime Cuts arriving this October, Jess gives us a glimpse into what more than 15 years of studying meat has taught her about buying smarter, wasting less, and understanding what’s really on our plate. Whether you’re a backyard grill warrior, certified carnivore, wine geek, or someone who just wants to stop ruining expensive steaks, this one is packed with knowledge, laughs, and plenty of reasons to fire up the grill. Pour something good. Light the fire. And cook meat like you mean it. 🥩🔥🍷 📚 Look for Jess’s new book: Prime Cuts - October 6, 2026 🔥 Follow Jess / Hardcore Carnivore: @jesspryles

September 10, 2026Episode 10353 min

E103 Jess Pryles | Joe Wagner

Think you know how to cook a steak? Jess Pryles might make you question everything. Hardcore Carnivore creator and meat science expert Jess Pryles joins us to break down beef grading, perfect sears, meat myths, overlooked cuts, and the surprising similarities between tasting great wine and great meat. Science. Fire. Wine. And a little bit of bullsh*t-busting. 🥩🔥🍷 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Jess Pryles | Meat Science, Myth Busting & Cooking Like You Mean It This week, we’re joined by Jess Pryles - creator of Hardcore Carnivore, meat science expert, author, live-fire cook, entrepreneur, and judge on Food Network’s Pitmasters . Originally from Australia and now based in Texas, Jess went from being intimidated by the meat counter herself to becoming one of the most trusted and influential voices in the world of barbecue and meat education. We dive headfirst into the science behind what actually makes great meat great - from how beef is graded in the U.S. to aging, sourcing, fat, doneness, and whether some of the “rules” we’ve all been taught about cooking steak deserve to be thrown straight into the fire. Jess also helps us rethink the perfect sear, bust a few meat myths, and somehow sends Fat Mario down a rabbit hole involving an old-school Mexican meat-drying technique that may or may not have inspired thoughts of a giant magnifying glass. Do not try this at home. 😂🔥 One of our favorite parts of the conversation is discovering just how much wine and meat have in common . Joe and Jess compare tasting panels, quality, craftsmanship, terroir and technique, and why sometimes the most interesting flavors come from the overlooked cuts - or varietals - you weren’t expecting to love. The deeper you go, the more you realize both worlds reward curiosity over rules. We also get into Jess’s journey from one life-changing encounter with Texas barbecue to building the Hardcore Carnivore brand, judging elite pitmasters, navigating the wild world of Meat TikTok, and swapping a few hunting stories along the way. And with her new book Prime Cuts arriving this October, Jess gives us a glimpse into what more than 15 years of studying meat has taught her about buying smarter, wasting less, and understanding what’s really on our plate. Whether you’re a backyard grill warrior, certified carnivore, wine geek, or someone who just wants to stop ruining expensive steaks, this one is packed with knowledge, laughs, and plenty of reasons to fire up the grill. Pour something good. Light the fire. And cook meat like you mean it. 🥩🔥🍷 📚 Look for Jess’s new book: Prime Cuts - October 6, 2026 🔥 Follow Jess / Hardcore Carnivore: @jesspryles

September 3, 2026Episode 10249 min

E102 Will Marcencia pt 2 | Joe Wagner

Everyone said local radio was dying. Will Marcencia decided it was worth fighting for. The man behind Napa Valley’s KVYN The Vine, KVON MegaMix, and Wine Down Media finally steps out from behind the microphone to talk community, representation, entrepreneurship—and why local voices matter now more than ever. Local radio. Local voices. One big Napa heart. 📻🍷 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Will Marcencia | Local Radio, Big Heart & Keeping Napa Connected This week, we’re keeping it local with one of Napa Valley’s own Local Legends—Will Marcencia , owner and operator of hometown radio stations KVYN The Vine & KVON MegaMix , and co-founder of Wine Down Media alongside his wife, Julissa. In a world becoming more digital by the day, Will has built his career around something refreshingly human: making sure local stories, local businesses, and local voices still have a place to be heard—in both English and Spanish. We turn the microphone around on the guy who’s usually running the show and dive into Will’s journey through radio, entrepreneurship, and the community he calls home. He shares the story behind expanding Spanish-language radio in Napa Valley and recognizing just how important representation and accessible local information can be—especially when a community needs it most. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes radio isn’t just entertainment; it’s a lifeline and a neighbor. We also get a peek behind the curtain at what it takes to keep local media thriving in the age of streaming, social media, podcasts, and AI—and why Will continues betting on the power of community when so much of the world seems to be betting against it. From supporting local businesses and nonprofits to amplifying the people who make Napa Napa , his philosophy is pretty simple: community still matters. And because this is Go With Your Palate , Will certainly didn’t show up empty-handed—literally. Let’s just say he brought a couple of very Napa-approved surprises to share, and somewhere along the way we also discovered that if this whole radio thing doesn’t work out, Will may have a suspiciously good future narrating true-crime podcasts. 🔪🎙️😂 It’s local entrepreneurship, representation, media, community, plenty of laughs, and a great conversation with someone who’s spent years giving everyone else a voice. Now it’s Will’s turn. Tune in, pour something local, and meet one of the people helping keep the heartbeat of Napa Valley on the air. 🍷📻❤️

August 27, 2026Episode 10248 min

E102 Will Marcencia | Joe Wagner

Everyone said local radio was dying. Will Marcencia decided it was worth fighting for. The man behind Napa Valley’s KVYN The Vine, KVON MegaMix, and Wine Down Media finally steps out from behind the microphone to talk community, representation, entrepreneurship—and why local voices matter now more than ever. Local radio. Local voices. One big Napa heart. 📻🍷 🎙️ Go With Your Palate: Will Marcencia | Local Radio, Big Heart & Keeping Napa Connected This week, we’re keeping it local with one of Napa Valley’s own Local Legends—Will Marcencia , owner and operator of hometown radio stations KVYN The Vine & KVON MegaMix , and co-founder of Wine Down Media alongside his wife, Julissa. In a world becoming more digital by the day, Will has built his career around something refreshingly human: making sure local stories, local businesses, and local voices still have a place to be heard—in both English and Spanish. We turn the microphone around on the guy who’s usually running the show and dive into Will’s journey through radio, entrepreneurship, and the community he calls home. He shares the story behind expanding Spanish-language radio in Napa Valley and recognizing just how important representation and accessible local information can be—especially when a community needs it most. It’s a powerful reminder that sometimes radio isn’t just entertainment; it’s a lifeline and a neighbor. We also get a peek behind the curtain at what it takes to keep local media thriving in the age of streaming, social media, podcasts, and AI—and why Will continues betting on the power of community when so much of the world seems to be betting against it. From supporting local businesses and nonprofits to amplifying the people who make Napa Napa , his philosophy is pretty simple: community still matters. And because this is Go With Your Palate , Will certainly didn’t show up empty-handed—literally. Let’s just say he brought a couple of very Napa-approved surprises to share, and somewhere along the way we also discovered that if this whole radio thing doesn’t work out, Will may have a suspiciously good future narrating true-crime podcasts. 🔪🎙️😂 It’s local entrepreneurship, representation, media, community, plenty of laughs, and a great conversation with someone who’s spent years giving everyone else a voice. Now it’s Will’s turn. Tune in, pour something local, and meet one of the people helping keep the heartbeat of Napa Valley on the air. 🍷📻❤️

Go With Your Palate

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Listen to episodes

E106 Annual Harvest Update 2026 PT 2 | Joe Wagner

E106 Annual Harvest Update 2026 | Joe Wagner

E105 Gerardo Martin pt 2 | Joe Wagner

E105 Gerardo Martin | Joe Wagner

E104 Matt Heil Vineyard Update pt 2 | Joe Wagner

E104 Matt Heil Vineyard Update | Joe Wagner

E103 Jess Pryles pt 2 | Joe Wagner

E103 Jess Pryles | Joe Wagner

E102 Will Marcencia pt 2 | Joe Wagner

E102 Will Marcencia | Joe Wagner

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