Apr 25 – Angelina Mondavi & Charles Krug Wines

My guest this week is Angelina Mondavi, Consulting Winemaker and fourth-generation co-proprietor, who has taken the helm of winemaking at Charles Krug, becoming the first woman in her family to lead at the historic estate.

September 2025, Charles Krug Winery today announced a milestone moment in its 162-year history: with the retirement of longtime winemaker Stacy Clark, fourth-generation co-proprietress and consulting winemaker Angelina Mondavi has assumed full leadership of winemaking at Napa Valley’s oldest estate. In doing so, she becomes the first woman in her family to guide the winery’s winemaking–a lifelong dream now realized. www.amondaviconsulting.com

For Mondavi, this transition is deeply personal. She grew up on the Charles Krug estate, where her childhood was shaped by vineyard life: riding the harvesters at dawn, helping in the cellar during crush, and sitting alongside her grandfather, Peter Mondavi Sr., as he blended wines at the family table. By age ten, she knew she wanted nothing more than to be part of the family business. That legacy runs deep–her grandfather shaped Charles Krug’s wines from 1945 to 1990, her father Marc advanced the tradition from 1990 onward, and now Angelina steps forward to lead as the next generation. “This isn’t just a job–it’s my calling,” she said. “I’ve poured my heart and soul into this industry from a very young age, always with the hope that one day I would help carry my family’s legacy forward.

Mondavi is clear about her ambitions: to craft wines that resonate on the global stage while honoring the authenticity of her family’s heritage. “I want every bottle we produce to feel like an extension of the Mondavi family table–whether it’s a wine for everyday enjoyment or a Family Reserve meant for life’s greatest celebrations,” she said. “This is a dream my grandfather always envisioned, and I am determined to see it fulfilled.”

Founded in 1861 and owned by the Peter Mondavi Sr. family since 1943, Charles Krug remains a cornerstone of Napa Valley wine culture. Today, the family’s third and fourth generations carry forward that tradition, with Angelina Mondavi at the helm of winemaking and a renewed vision for the estate’s future. www.charleskrug.com

Later in the show we will be talking about your chance to meet Angelina Mondavi at the American Institute of Wine & Food Wichita Chapter event “Sip Happens:  An Evening with Angelina Mondavi”  Featuring wines from Charles Krug Winery

 WEDNESDAY, May 13th 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Genesis of Wichita – 1211 N Greenwich Road, Wichita, Kansas 67206

  Members $65  / Non-members $80  You need not be a member to attend, but you should be 😉

Make reservations TODAY, limited seating

Good Life Guys Wines of the Week:
2024 Charles Krug Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc
100% Sauvignon Blanc from the historic St. Helena Estate. Cold fermented in Stainless, no oak, no ML.  Light to medium bodied with aromas of white flowers, lemon blossom, lemon verbena, honeydew melon, pomelo, passion fruit, guava, lime skin and lemongras. On the palate it is sweet and crisp, with flavors of yellow grapefruit, guava, lemon, nectarine and lemon grass. ABV12.9% JS92 WS90
Learn more here!

 

2023 Charles Krug Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
88% Cab, 6% Merlot, 3% Petit Verdot, 1% Petite Sirah, 1% Cab Franc. Aged 14-18 months in French oak. Opening with inviting aromas of sweet blueberries, cherries, and black plum, layered with toasty oak, a hint of eucalyptus, dried currant, and baking chocolate. Concentrated blue and black fruit is supported by a subtle savory note of kalamata olive. Full-bodied with firm structure and layers of concentrated blue and red fruit, along with hints of date, mission fig, and slightly briary undertones. The finish is long, firm and elegant. ABV14.1%  JS93 Vinous90
Learn more here!

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Apr 18 – Madagascar (and Kyle Petty – Ride Across America)

My guest this week is Emmanuel Laroche  With his new book A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island 

Discover Madagascar’s hidden food treasures from vanilla to caviar to unique spices—a food explorer’s guide across the Red Island.  What’s hiding in Madagascar’s lush forests, vibrant coasts, and fertile soil that beckons culinary explorers worldwide?
A Taste of Madagascar: Culinary Riches of the Red Island takes you on a rare sensory journey of the island’s flavors. From the world-renowned vanilla beans to the endemic voatsiperifery wild pepper, and more. Award-winning author and food podcaster Emmanuel Laroche unveils the island’s extraordinary food treasures. Discover the inspiring stories behind both legendary and little-known ingredients alongside the Malagasy farmers, artisans, and chefs who cultivate and transform them.With Emmanuel as your guide, you’ll uncover:
– The vibrant flavors and stories behind Madagascar’s famed vanilla, cocoa, wild honey, pink peppercorn, and caviar.
– Recipes reimagined by Malagasy chefs and global culinary leaders.
– Inspiring interviews with local farmers and companies committed to sustainable practices.Perfect for chefs, food writers, home cooks, and conscious travelers, A Taste of Madagascar invites you to explore a rich culinary scene that’s waiting to be savored, shared, and preserved.   Get a copy NOW!
Learn more about Emmanuel at www.flavorsunknown.com

Emmanuel Laroche
Award-winning author, born in Versailles, France, close to the famous chateau of King Louis XIV, Emmanuel Laroche grew up savoring the best food and drink that France offers, eventually earning him the American nickname: “Champagne Charlie.” His mother taught him to cook when he was six, starting with a simple yogurt cake, and moving on to Lorraine quiche, from the region his mother grew up. He married a woman who also loved to cook, and during the first four years of their marriage, they never ate the same dish twice!

In 2002 he moved to the United States for his role as VP of Marketing with Symrise North America—a global manufacturer of flavors for the food and beverage industry. He now has more than twenty years of experience in the food and beverage industry, both in Europe and in the US.  Through his job, Emmanuel has access to a variety of acclaimed people in the food industry.

Since 2008, he has attended the yearly StarChefs Congress in New York City. In 2015, Emmanuel developed an exclusive partnership with StarChefs for Symrise and began moderating panel discussions with successful chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists. In 2018, Emmanuel launched a personal podcast called Flavors Unknown, featuring a series of conversations with trending and award-winning chefs, pastry chefs, and mixologists from around the United States. Emmanuel currently resides in New Jersey, which acts as a home base for his travels around the country, conducting tastings, lectures and presentations on food and consumer trends. Follow Emmanuel on Facebook & X

In the second half I’ll be talking to NASCAR great Kyle Petty about the 30th Anniversary “Kyle Petty Ride Across American “ a coast to coast motorcyle ride featuring numerous NASCAR drivers, leadership personalities and celebraties. The 3,400 mile multi-stop charity ride starts at Sonoma Speedway May 1, and ends at the Charlotte Motor Speedway May 9.  Wichita is one of the overnight stops (May5th) in this great fund raising event and provides an opportunity to meet the participants, donate and learn more about this charity that has received more than $23 million. The festivities in Wichita will be at the Downtown Hyatt.  For more info go to www.kylepettycharityride.com   Follow Kyle on Facebook!

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2023 Reputation, Napa Valley CA
The 2023 vintage is a bold, young Napa red featuring aromas of black cherry, blackberry jam, cocoa, cedar, cassis and black currant, flavors of plum preserve, espresso with a hint of minty eucalyptus with a peppery, mineral finish. ABV14.5%

On Sale at Jacob Liquor Exchange  $24!

Get some NOW

This is no doubt one of the finest Napa Cabernet values I have seen in a long time. So much to offer in the nose and then the fist sip through the lengthy finish, it’s a winner.

This fine Cabertnet from Napa Valley is a highly sought-after “private label” wine that has gained significant attention for its high Quality-to-Price Ratio (QPR).

But wait…that’s not all!  While I love the above edition, thought we should try this one as well.  It’s little more pricey $ but comes with even more rave reviews.

2023 Reputation Stags Leap District, Napa Cabernet
A polished wine that’s typical for this appellation. Blackberry, black cherry, chocolate and hazelnut aromas. Medium-bodied with a creamy texture and a long, deliciously fragrant and polished finish. Tastes like Stags Leap Wine Cellars. Drinkable now but better in three years. ABV15% JS96

You’ll find this beauty at Jacob Liquor on N. Rock Road as well
Get some NOW

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Apr 11 – 101 Things to do with PORK

My guest this week is Eliza Cross with her new book “101 things to do with PORK.

A groovy new look to showcase all the easy-to-make 101 recipes featuring pork in this bestselling cookbook from a series with over 3 million copies sold.

This new cookbook from Eliza Cross has 101 creative recipes using every variety of pork—ham, bacon, pork chops, pork sausage, ground pork, pork roast, pork tenderloin, pork belly, pulled pork, bratwurst, chorizo, kielbasa, Canadian bacon, spare ribs, and baby back ribs. The recipes feature numerous cooking methods for all kinds of pork and are ideal for home cooks seeking to make easy, economical, and nourishing family-friendly meals, starters, and sides.

101 Things to Do With Pork has all of the pork recipes people want and need, and fun new recipes they can’t wait to try. There are breakfast and brunch recipes, appetizers and snacks, sandwiches, side dishes, soups and stews, and main courses. Mouth-watering recipes include Perfect Pulled Pork, Italian Sausage Mozzarella Subs, Divine Bacon Pork Chops, Overnight Eggs Benedict Bake, White Bean Ham Chowder, and more. Along with a new design, the book is now a concealed spiral-bound flexi paperback. Get a copy NOW!

Eliza Cross is the author of fifteen books, including the bestselling cookbook “101 Things To Do With Bacon” (Gibbs Smith). Her cookbook “Bacon Beans and Beer,” won the 2018 Eating the West award from the Mountain and Plains Independent Booksellers Association. Other recent titles include “Hot Diggity Dog,” “Small Bites: Skewers, Sliders, and Other Party Eats,” and “Pumpkin It Up!”

Eliza is also the founder of the BENSA Bacon Lovers Society, where she shares bacon recipes, events and cooking guides. She blogs about good food, creating a peaceful home and saving money at ElizaCross.com. She serves as a judge for many culinary events, and her articles have appeared in publications like Sunset, Parents, Writers’ Digest, Mountain Living and Mother Earth Living. Eliza lives with her family near Denver. Follow Eliza on Facebook and these others:

elizacross Instagram    eliza_cross TikTok    elizacross

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
2019 Luis Gurpegui Crianza, D.O.C. Rioja
A highly-regarded, affordable Rioja that has recently gained popularity as a “hidden gem” find.  100% Tempranillo wine made from 50-year-old vines and aged for 18 months in French and American oak. Medium ruby red color with Aromas of red fruit (cherry and sour cherry), floral notes, and hints of spice, licorice, and vanilla from the oak. The palate is mdeius body with glossy, integrated tannins. You may notice flavors of blackberry, chocolate-covered caramel, and a savory touch of dried thyme. The finish is long and fruity with a persistent, balanced acidity. ABV13.5%

Wine Enthusist 93 – Dark ruby to the eye, this wine has a nose of brambly fruits of the wood and violet talc. Vibrant acidity unfurls on the palate alongside glossy tannins and flavors of blackberry, black cherry, and chocolate-covered salted caramel. A tiny touch of dried thyme marks the lengthy closing notes

Download the tech sheet 

Order some at Jacob Liquor Exchange on N. Rock Road

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Apr 4 – Citrus Illusrated

Due to a unfortunate death in the family my previously scheduled guest; Hannah Dasher and “Stand by Your Pan” had to cancel…I look forward to rescheduling this talented Musician and Chef in the near future.

Fear not! The guest for this Saturday’s show is long time friend, talented Pastry Chef and cookbook author George Geary.  George’s latest book (and his smallest in size) is “Citrus Illustrated -A cookbook of 35 Sweet ands Savory Recipes.  This is the coolest and most informative little book ever! Shout out to Rebecca Hollingsworth for the amazing issustrations.

A brightly illustrated guide to all things citrus! Learn about these beautiful and practical fruits, why to cherish them, and how to put them to good use, including 35 sensational recipes. Get a copy NOW!

From the ubiquitous navel orange to the lesser-known Fukushu kumquat to the straight-up-funky Buddha’s hand citron, citrus comes in many forms. Knowing exactly how and when to best harness their bright essences can be a challenge—until now. This handy little cookbook offers a fascinating exploration of over 25 citrus varieties and their many uses, from enriching simple dishes to the oils of the peel and juice of the fruit.

Featuring 35 sweet and savory recipes that will help you use up a bumper crop or make the most of the brightest fruits of the season, including:

  • Mojito Tea Cake with Rum Glaze
  • Pink Grapefruit and Tomato Salsa
  • Buddha’s Hand Vodka Martini
  • Kumquat and Pineapple Chutney
  • Tart Lemon Curd
  • and more!

Charming citrus-bright illustrations throughout make this resource guide—also packed with historical background on each fruit, attributes, nutritional and health benefits, availability, and more—an inspiring gift for home cooks and bakers, fruit lovers, and anyone interested in maximizing their use and enjoyment of luscious citrus fruits.

DELICIOUS CITRUS RECIPES: Delight in beautiful illustrations celebrating citrus fruits and learn to make savory and sweet dishes and drinks, including appetizers, salads, main dishes, sides, breads, desserts, and cocktails.
GIFT FOR CITRUS LOVERS: For friends with their own fruit trees, or just fruit obsessions, this is the perfect present. Pair with a fancy juicing tool, a pretty bowl, or a basket of fruit from the farmer’s market to create a zesty bundle.
FRUIT FORWARD: Whether displayed lovingly on a coffee table, propped up next to a bowl of citrus fruits, or arranged with other cookbooks on a shelf, this beautifully illustrated recipe book is just as fun to look at as it is to use.
Perfect for:

  • Citrus lovers 
  • Home cooks and bakers of all levels
  • Anyone looking to add the nutritional benefits of citrus to their diet
  • Gift-giving for housewarming, host/hostess, birthday, or spring/summer seasonal celebrations

A former pastry chef for the Walt Disney Company, George is a Certified Culinary Professional and best-selling cookbook author. His wit and humor show through in his numerous cookbooks, making it fun and easy to understand culinary concepts.  George guides home cooks on everything from cookies and pastries to cheesecakes, sauces, dressings, and rubs, to how to use a food processor.

Follow George on Facebook

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc with many citrusy aromas and flavors
2023 Kate Arnold North coast Sauvignon Blanc
This wine is fresh, lively, with aromas of crisp apple, lime, lemon peel, pineapple, mango, and notes of dried spice on the nose. The flavors on the palate are Green apple, Kaffir lime cream, kumquat, and a mouthwatering dry finish. Pair with goat cheese, light seafood dishes – especially muscles, fish tocos or, just sip in the spring and be happy!
Learn more here… 

Grab a bottle or case on sale at Jacob Liquor                Wine Enthusiast 93/100

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Coming Soon – This show canceled due to death in the family

My guest this week is Hannah Dasher , celebrity chef, muscian and author of a new book; “Stand by Your Pan” 100 Easey & Affordable Comfort Food Recipes So Good They’ll Hurt Peoples Feelin’s!

Put real food on the table—real quick—with easy recipes that will leave everyone asking for seconds.

Are you ready to cook like it’s 1972? Country artist and TikTok star Hannah Dasher brings you Stand By Your Pan—your budget-friendly go-to for easy, vintage comfort food recipes with a modern twist. Packed with bold flavors and Hannah’s signature sass, this cookbook is your secret weapon for becoming the hostess with the mostest. Who knows, it might even help you getchyo self a man while you’re at it! www.hannahdasher.com

Inside you’ll find:

  • Cold salads (the colorful kind that might spike your blood sugar)
  • Hearty homestyle mains so good that you’ll come back for seconds
  • Flavorful, soul food side dishes to whip up in a dash
  • Pretty vintage desserts you’ll be proud to serve

She might shred at her shows, but she ain’t playin’ in the kitchen. Hannah’s recipes pack more flavor than a Prince album. This will be your go-to comfort food guide for dishes like:

  • Collard Green Dip
  • Cathead Biscuits
  • Orange Mountain Salad
  • Mama’s Tomato Pie
  • Potato Chip Pork Chops
  • 1977 Banana Puddin’

Stand By Your Pan is a lifeline for busy folks who still want to put real food on the table. These quick tips are built for tight schedules and tighter budgets, offering time-saving swaps, prep shortcuts, and smart hosting tips you’ll actually use.  Get a copy NOW!

So grab your grandma’s Pyrex and devil those deviled eggs until there’s no devil left in ’em. Travel back in time—eat good, spend less, and make it look effortless. Flip the page and flex like you cooked it on purpose. : https://shorefire.com/roster/hannah-dasher

Whether she’s whipping up a viral recipe or a hit song, Music Row predicted she’ll be the next big thing. She’s a Fender Next artist, a CMT Next Women of Country and a regular on the Grand Ole Opry. But Whiskey Riff believes Hannah Dasher is still “one of Nashville’s best kept secrets, much like Chris Stapleton used to be.” They claim she’s one of the best live acts they’ve seen in a long time. A true entertainer, she’s amassed over 1.5M followers on TikTok and has become a viral sensation on other platforms. Walk into her “Honkytonk Graceland” home and find that this artist is no character. She lives like she looks. Preserving the best of nostalgic Country music and building upon it with a fresh, new sound, Hannah Dasher feels like the big piece of the puzzle we’ve been missing for a while.  Visit hannahdaher.com  Facebook and X

Good Life Guy’s Wine of the Week:
Check back soon, I’m working on it!

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