Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality

Hosted by JTM Hospitality

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122

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Sommeliers Jeremy Troupe-Masi, Savannah Vento-Chun, and local business owner Matt Souza are joined by chefs, farmers, winemakers, entrepreneurs, and many more small business owners. TTG is the Tri-Valley's first and only hospitality podcast to bring you closer to the California Food & Beverage scene. Working alongside the many movers and makers of the industry, the team uses its experience and passion for community to showcase the many amazing human business related stories here in the East Bay. Join us for one hell of a conversation and be sure to subscribe if you love the POD

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60 recent

August 11, 2026Episode 1221 hr 26 min

Reigniting Agriculture in the Livermore Valley | Nancy Calhoun Mueller, Part Two

After exploring the history, legacy, and deep agricultural roots of the Livermore Valley in Part One, Nancy Calhoun Mueller returns to Through the Grapevine to look forward—and ask what it will actually take to reignite agriculture in our region. This time, we dig deeper into the mechanics of building a more resilient agricultural future: biodiversity, regenerative land stewardship, local food systems, collaboration, and the critical role working ranches can play in keeping our open spaces both productive and healthy. And perhaps the people best positioned to lead that next chapter are the same families who have spent generations learning from this land. This isn't a conversation about preserving agriculture as a piece of Livermore's past. It's about recognizing agriculture as an essential part of its future—and considering how ranchers, farmers, chefs, consumers, educators, businesses, and community leaders can all play a role. If we want agriculture to thrive in the Livermore Valley for another 100 years, what are we willing to do today to make that possible? Join us for Part Two of our conversation with fifth-generation rancher Nancy Calhoun Mueller . #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal

August 4, 2026Episode 1221 hr 34 min

Who Will Shape the Future of the Livermore Valley? | Nancy Mueller Calhoun

This week on Through the Grapevine , we sit down with Nancy Calhoun Mueller —a fifth-generation Livermore Valley rancher, agricultural advocate, and steward of a family legacy that stretches back to the 1850s. Nancy shares the story of growing up on the land, the challenges facing modern agriculture, and why she believes the future of the Livermore Valley depends on more than preserving open space—it depends on supporting the people who work it. From regenerative ranching and local food systems to agritourism, education, and community partnerships, this conversation explores what it will take to ensure agriculture remains a vibrant part of our region for generations to come. Together, we ask a simple but powerful question: If agriculture helped build the Livermore Valley, what responsibility do we all share in protecting its future? Whether you're passionate about food, wine, hospitality, conservation, or simply love calling the Tri-Valley home, this episode is an invitation to think differently about the land beneath our feet—and the people who care for it. Listen now, join the conversation, and ask yourself: What role can you play in cultivating the next chapter of the Livermore Valley? #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal

July 28, 2026Episode 1211 hr 33 min

TTG Is Back With The Downtown Pour Collective

This week on Through the Grapevine , we sit down with Nick Martinez, founder of Downtown Pour Collective , to explore a fresh approach to strengthening Livermore's hospitality community—one intentional visit at a time. After nearly two decades in the restaurant industry, Nick has seen firsthand the challenges local businesses face, from rising costs and staffing shortages to the impact of slow weekdays. Instead of accepting those challenges as the new normal, he created Downtown Pour Collective, a members-only community designed to connect locals with the restaurants, wine bars, breweries, and tasting rooms that make downtown Livermore such a special place. In this episode, we dive into the inspiration behind the concept, why becoming a "regular" matters more than ever, and how small, intentional choices by local residents can have a lasting impact on the businesses that give our community its unique character. It's a conversation about hospitality, entrepreneurship, and what it truly means to show up for the places you love. Whether you're a hospitality professional, a Livermore local, or simply someone who believes great communities are built around great gathering places, this episode is one you won't want to miss. Listen now and discover how supporting local can be as simple as raising a glass. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal #LivermoreValley #Hospitality #SupportLocal #DowntownLivermore

November 25, 2025Episode 1201 hr 19 min

New Kidz On The Block | Vine Farm Ridge

This week on Through the Grapevine , we welcome Brad and Ally Kurtz of Vine Farm Ridge—Livermore Valley’s newest winery making big moves on the first ridge above the valley floor. Brad returns to the show with Ally joining for the first time, and together they share the bold vision behind reviving a neglected 14-acre site, discovering its hidden potential, and replanting it to build a vineyard that honors both California heritage and Mediterranean tradition. From head-trained field blends to the historic Blind Boss Vineyard, the Kurtz family is carving their own path and pushing the region forward. If you’re curious about the next generation of Livermore wine and the people determined to shape its future, this episode is a must-listen. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal

August 20, 2025Episode 1191 hr 26 min

From Law Enforcement to Cookies with Butter & Batter

This week, Savannah and I sit down with Lisa Corti , owner of Butter & Batter Cookie Bar in Livermore. After 16 years in law enforcement, Lisa found healing and creativity in baking — turning it into a business that now serves her community in new and meaningful ways. We talk about her journey, the challenges and triumphs along the way, and how Butter & Batter has become both a passion and a platform for connection.

August 14, 2025Episode 1181 hr 25 min

Brewing Community with Grounded Coffee

This week, I sit down with Holly and Eric Kung, the heart and soul behind Grounded Coffee in Livermore. We talk about what inspired them to open their shop, the magic of the “third space,” and how they measure the real impact of community. From sourcing local to giving back, Holly and Eric are proof that coffee can be a catalyst for connection. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal

August 6, 2025Episode 1171 hr 21 min

Vintage with a Vision: Best Budz Take on Downtown

In this episode, we sit down with sibling duo Ali & Addison Westbrook , the passionate owners behind Best Budz Vintage — downtown Livermore’s freshest new shop and a bold statement in sustainable style. More than just curating killer pieces from the ‘60s through the ‘90s, Aly and Addison are on a mission to fight fast fashion , raise awareness for conscious shopping , and create a collaborative hub for the community. We talk about the inspiration behind Best Budz, their love of all things retro, and what it means to step into the role of Livermore’s newest downtown ambassadors. Tune in for fashion hot takes, sibling banter, and a fresh perspective on how style, sustainability, and small business can intersect beautifully. #eatlocal #drinklocal #livelocal @bestbudzvintage on Instagram Open Thursday - Sunday in Downtown Livermore

June 11, 2025Episode 11633 min

Sip Around The World with David Haubert

Yo we are back in the studio with special guest Alameda County District 1 Supervisor - David Haubert & his assistant Lindsey Knight. David and his team have been working hard to put together the world's first Global AV,A consisting of over 10 regions from all over the world from Croatia, to Chinon, to South America. After a few months of inception the Livermore Valley is hosting their first event for the Global AVA at the Martinelli Center. June 21st - from 2PM - 5PM, we invite you to join us for a one of a kind event that will give you a chance to taste wines from all over the world. By people much like us here in the Livermore Valley, family-owned, community-oriented craftsman & women. David and Lindsey were kind enough to offer our listeners a special promo code giving you $10 off your ticket to the event! Use PROMOCODE: WINES10 You can find tickets at: https://www.lvwine.org/event/12629/sip-around-the-world Join us for a great day bringing together world regions here in our home - The Livermore Valley.

May 6, 2025Episode 1151 hr 7 min

Good Mornings with Joanne Tan

Welcome to Good Morning Maxwell! Your Premier Event Spaces in the Bay Area Nestled in the heart of Northern California, Good Morning Maxwell offers inspiring event venues in Livermore , Pleasanton , Brentwood , and Castro Valley . Our spaces are designed to connect families, friends, creatives, local artists, and the community, making every occasion truly special.In this episode, we are joined by owner Joanne Tan of GMM as she takes us through her journey of life and small business ownership. For about the past year no,w Joanne has been a TTG partner in helping us bring to life our fresh R.I.S.E. movement here in Livermore. Tune in now for a great episode with a business you definetley want to know about!

April 22, 20251 hr 16 min

The Importance of Community | Todd Utikal

In this week's show we got to sit down with Todd Utikal. Owner and operator of Sidetrack Bar + Grill in Pleasanton,CA. Todd shares how his experiences pushed him to open Sidetrack. From travel agent, auctioneer, broker, to civic ambassador. Todd gives us insight on how he has always been driven to give more than he takes and the bounty that it has bestowed upon him and his community. He gives us insight on what is it like to open a restaurant from scratch alongside his late friend and mentor Skip Hinsley and what the legacy of Scoozi bread has meant to him since! Tune in now for another great episode with Team TTG.