Sustainability and Syrah in Ballard Canyon | Piazza Family Wines | Winemaker Gretchen Voelcker

Join Gretchen Voelcker, the winemaker at Piazza Family Wines, as she takes us on a tour of their stunning estate vineyard in Ballard Canyon. Learn about the region's distinctive limestone soils, coastal fog patterns, and sun and wind exposure that contribute to the exceptional quality of their handcrafted, minimal-intervention wines. http://www.piazzafamilywines.com  Gretchen shares insights into their organic farming practices, native fermentations, and focus on age-worthy wines. Hear about the diverse grape varieties they cultivate, including Syrah, Grenache, Graciano, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Italian varietals like Negroamaro. Discover why Ballard Canyon is a unique American Viticultural Area (AVA), known for its ideal conditions for growing Syrah. Gain an appreciation for the challenges of vineyard management in this drought-prone region and Piazza Family Wines' commitment to sustainable, regenerative practices. This video provides valuable information for wine enthusiasts and anyone interested in exploring the terroir and winemaking philosophies of one of Santa Barbara County's most promising small-production wineries. THIS IS EPISODE 105 OF UNDERSTANDING WINE WITH AUSTIN BEEMAN http://www.austinbeeman.com/podcast  SPECIAL THANKS: Gretchen Voelcker Tymari LoRe Ron and Nancy Piazza www.piazzafamilywines.com  Chris Kern https://pasosecco.com  https://forgottengrapes.com  Thank you for helping with the coordination and planning of my enter Trip to Paso Robles and the Central Coast, California. EQUIPMENT: Main Camera: Canon R8 https://amzn.to/486cHQf  2nd Camera: DJi Pocket 2 https://amzn.to/3GEwqL3   Mic:  Audio Technica AT875R https://amzn.to/3TaIfAn  Travel Bag: Peak Design Travel Line Backpack 45L. https://amzn.to/41b6FvA  Camera Bag:  Peak Design Everyday Messenger Bag. https://amzn.to/481yGaU  FOLLOW AUSTIN BEEMAN'S WINE ADVENTURE Website: http://www.austinbeeman.com  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/austinbeeman/   TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@austincbeeman  WORK WITH AUSTIN:  http://www.austinbeeman.com/about-me  or acbwine@gmail.com  *** AUSTIN BEEMAN… is a veteran of the wine business with nearly a quarter century’s experience in Marketing and Sales (wholesale, retail, & DTC.)  Austin has a deep knowledge of the global wine business with expertise in Wholesale Distribution, Brand Management, B2B & B2C Fine Wine Sales, and Wine Marketing with Quantifiable ROI. Austin Beeman most recently executed on that expertise for Cutting Edge Selections as Vice President of Marketing / Brand Manager Emerging Regions.  While Director of Marketing for Bonny Doon Vineyard, he managed one of the most successful crowdfunding campaigns in the wine industry.  His video podcast “Understanding Wine with Austin Beeman” has been praised in USA Today and has reached nearly one million wine lovers around the world. Austin holds the prestigious MBA in Wine & Spirits Management from Kedge Business School in Bordeaux.