Ep 235 – California’s Hidden Wine Gems: Lodi, Murphys & Amador with Paige Comrie (Wine With Paige)
In this sun-soaked Californian adventure, Janina welcomes Paige Comrie, creator behind Wine With Paige — a storyteller, wine communicator, and fellow IWSC Emerging Talent nominee. Together, they explore California’s hidden treasures: Lodi, Murphy’s, and Amador County — regions that rarely steal Napa’s spotlight but hold some of the most soulful vineyards and fascinating history in American wine.
From rolling down hills at Opus One to uncovering the gold-rush roots of California’s old vines, this episode celebrates authenticity, creativity, and the deep sense of place that defines these lesser-known wine regions. Expect laughter, discovery, and plenty of Zinfandel talk along the way.
Shownotes
[03:59] How Paige went from business school in Michigan to discovering wine through Wine for Dummies and Wine Folly.
[05:27] The 18 noble grape varieties as a framework for understanding global wine styles.
[06:55] Tasting across those grapes as an education in structure, aroma, and texture — from crisp whites to full-bodied reds.
[07:58] Generational shifts in wine habits and how younger drinkers embrace experimentation and design.
[10:21] Rolling down a hill at Opus One and the reminder that wine should always stay fun.
[12:51] Overview of Lodi, Murphy’s, and Amador — three off-the-beaten-path regions defined by old vines and history.
[17:28] Lodi’s scale, production diversity, and role as a powerhouse for California wine.
[18:27] Murphy’s as a Gold Rush town turned boutique wine destination full of charm and local flavor.
[19:51] Key contrasts between Murphy’s and Lodi in landscape, culture, and experience.
[20:28] European and Italian immigrant roots that shaped Zinfandel, Sangiovese, and the region’s identity.
[21:51] California’s oldest documented Zinfandel vineyard from 1869 and how volcanic and sandy soils preserved it.
[23:30] Distinct terrains — Lodi’s flat vineyards versus the rolling, oak-covered hills of Murphy’s and Amador.
[24:29] The dramatic beauty of Amador with Sierra Nevada peaks and Tahoe in the distance.
[25:16] Zinfandel defined: bold fruit, warm spice, richness, and soft tannins.
[27:59] The accidental invention of White Zinfandel at Sutter Home and Napa’s last free tasting rooms.
[29:15] Wine tasting costs in Napa versus the approachable, grassroots experiences in Lodi and Murphy’s.
[30:26] Dining highlight: Taste in Amador, a women-led fine dining spot with local flair.
[31:10] Must-visit wineries including Ironstone, Andis, Casino Mine, Bokisch, and Michael David.
[32:13] Lodi’s Wine & Chocolate Weekend featuring creative pairings like chocolate-covered grasshoppers.
[33:58] SaveTheOld.com and the movement to protect California’s 100-year-old vineyards.
[37:35] The connection between California Zinfandel and Italy’s Primitivo.
[38:17] Red wine dominance across the regions with a few standout whites.
[39:22] A memorable tasting at Memento Mori in Napa and the philosophy behind “remember we must die.”
[42:02] Choosing Chardonnay as the one grape to drink for life.
[42:24] Dream dinner guest: Jared Way of My Chemical Romance.
[43:06] The most underrated U.S. wine region: Walla Walla, Washington.
[44:11] Closing thoughts — pour yourself an old vine Zinfandel and start planning your next California wine trip.
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RECOGNITION:
– Finalist, 67 Pall Mall Award for Best Global Wine Communicator in Audio (2025)
– Shortlisted, IWSC Emerging Talent in Wine Communication (2025)
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