Less than a year before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we were visiting the Napa Valley. We drove up Spring Mountain to meet with Stuart Smith of Smith-Madrone Vineyards. Stu is a favourite interview for us, as he always brings a very informed and very authentic perspective to what is happening on the ground. A ground he’s been familiar with for 5 decades. We thought he would be the perfect person to re-visit with for our latest video AdVINEture.
Stuart Smith
Harvest 2020 brought fire not just to their doorstep but on their property which you’ll see from the extraordinary footage included. We picked his brain on the challenges facing winemaking in Napa and what keeps him going 50 years later. You won’t want to miss the wine he names as what got him into winemaking (spoiler alert: it’s definitely not what you think!). Click on the link above to learn more about the wine world according to Stu.
*Video editing by Kara Byrne*
April 3, 2021
What an amazing interview. It’s so easy to forget the fires. They are out and we move on. But the people in that region have rebuilding to do that takes time. I find it amazing that they will likely lose money on the logging, that will make the area safer in the future.
I had not realized the extent of the drought in the area. This could make for another tough year.
I am grateful to hear that their DTC market picked up. People do want to support those people that they know and make sure that they can make it through this.
April 3, 2021
Agreed. It wasn’t until we talked to him that we really appreciated the full extent of the challenges of the fires let alone everything else! But not surprised to see they have such loyalty given the quality of the wines and who is behind them.
April 1, 2021
love Smith Madrone Wines and Stu is wonderful! We will be interviewing him on the 19th for Winephabet Street.
April 1, 2021
It’s the second time we’ve interviewed him and we just love his perspective and experience. Such a great wine mind to pick! Look forward to your interview with him.