Saarloos and sons- An Idiots Guide to Life - With Keith Saarloos

At 16, most kids are thinking about the weekend. Von Gordon is thinking about Sunday at Augusta. In this episode, Keith sits down with the San Ynez golf phenom who’s already a two-time CIF champion, a Lanai golf model, and a fierce competitor shooting 65s from the tips. They talk work ethic, the mental grind of tournament play, pounding the rock when results don’t come easy, and why the game of go...

Some families grow grapes. Some raise cattle. The Kunkles? They build a life in the sky. In this episode, Chris Kunkle takes us from his grandfather’s P-38 missions in World War II—dogfighting over the Central Coast and landing in Normandy days after D-Day—to the airfield that now bears their name. We talk about keeping aviation alive in the Valley, giving local kids a free shot at a pilot’s licen...

Playwright, foster care advocate, VR arcade owner… and now novelist. Jamie Baker’s debut novel  You Ate It  is more than a story—it’s an interactive experience that pulls you through QR codes, secret calls, and even the mysterious “Pretentious Boar” restaurant Instagram that had the Santa Ynez Valley hunting for reservations that didn’t exist. We talk about his theatre roots, years in child welfar...

From fox-trot ranch roads to the hot steel of a 200-square-foot kitchen, Kris Parker’s story is a Santa Ynez original served with a pint. Grandson of Fess Parker, Kris grew up in the long shadow of a Hollywood legend, learned the family wine trade, and then broke the mold by founding Third Window Brewing in Santa Barbara. When the pandemic tried to pull the plug, he lit the griddle—turning Wagyu g...

Carlisle Eubanks grew up running the hills of the Santa Ynez Valley—then ran straight into Hollywood, writing and directing films that landed at Sundance and beyond. In this episode, we talk about his newest film,  Broke —a modern western starring Wyatt Russell, Dennis Quaid, Tom Skerritt, and Mary McDonnell—that smells like the Valley in every frame. Carlisle takes us from making home movies with...

For the inaugural episode of  Chopping It Up  on Krazy Country 105.9, I sat down with someone I’ve admired for decades —  Clark Staub , the founder of  Full of Life Flatbread  in Los Alamos, California. Clark isn’t just a chef. He’s a builder of communities, a keeper of stories, and the kind of guy who can turn a 23-ton wood-fired oven into the beating heart of a small town. We talk about his wind...

There are moments in life when you stop and ask yourself,  “What am I doing with my life?”  Not in a passing way, but in the quiet, honest moments—when it’s just you and the weight of the work, the grind, and the sacrifice. This episode isn’t about wine. It’s about  the WHY behind it.  The stories, the people, and the legacy that go into every bottle. This Winter Allocation is  more than just a sh...

Hey everyone, it’s Keith Saarloos, and right now, we're deep in the heart of harvest. For 364 days, we’ve worked for this one moment—to pick the fruit by hand, in the dark, on steep terraces that take courage just to stand on. This is the day we gather what we’ve grown, what we’ve fought for, and turn it into wines that make their way to your table. The 2024 Harvest Allocation is more than wine—it...

Summary: In this episode of  An Idiot's Guide to Life , host Keith Saarloos interviews Don Felipe, a legendary figure in the Santa Ynez Valley wine community. They discuss Don Felipe's journey from Mexico to the valley, the early days of grape planting, and the evolution of the local wine industry. The conversation dives into the significance of family legacy, the challenges of farming, and the br...

This podcast episode, titled  The Night Before Harvest , captures the raw and emotional reflections of Keith Saarloos as he sits in his truck, preparing for the first harvest of the year at Windmill Ranch. Keith’s words are filled with anticipation, nostalgia, and personal growth, blending reflections on his family, the passing of his father, and the legacy they built together. He weaves memories...

In this episode, Keith Saarloos shares insights into the winemaking process, particularly focusing on the critical timing of grape harvesting. He discusses the importance of the Bricks test in determining sugar levels in grapes, the balance between scientific measurements and the art of winemaking, and the anticipation that comes with waiting for the perfect moment to harvest. Additionally, he ref...

In this episode of  An Idiot’s Guide to Life host Keith Saarloos pays tribute to a true legend of the Santa Ynez Valley, Fred Chamberlin. From his humble beginnings on a family ranch to his groundbreaking work in Silicon Valley, Fred's life was one of quiet strength, wisdom, and humor. Keith shares personal stories of Fred’s influence, his unforgettable wit, and the legacy he built for future...

Welcome to Episode 2A of  An Idiot’s Guide to Wine . I’m Keith Saarloos, and today, we’re diving into something incredibly special—our wine,  Dutch , crafted to honor Ronald Reagan and his enduring legacy. This episode is all about celebrating the man behind the wine, Ronald Reagan, and the profound connection between his ranching spirit and our vineyards.  Dutch  isn’t just a wine; it’s a tribute...

In this episode of  An Idiot’s Guide to Wine,  I’m taking you on a ride through the art of tasting wine, Saarloos-style. We're not just talking about sipping and swishing here—this is about really getting to know what's in your glass. We’ll kick things off by breaking down the basics: sight, smell, taste—each one a step on your journey to becoming a true wine adventurer. Then, we’ll dive a...

Today’s episode is something special, a little different—a conversation with a guy who’s doing for wine what Rick Rubin did for music. You know how Rubin can take the raw, unfiltered sound of a band and turn it into something legendary? That’s what Matt Kaner does with wine. He’s not just pouring drinks; he’s curating experiences. He’s a guy who gets that wine isn’t just about what’s in the glass,...

In this special episode of  An Idiot's Guide to Wine , we step away from the vines and into the fields, where life doesn't always follow the script. Today, we lost our young bull—unexpectedly and painfully. It's one of those moments that shakes you, but out here, on the farm, life keeps moving. We talk about the tough realities of living on a working farm and ranch, where the circle of...

n this episode of the Saarloos and Sons podcast, we dive into the delicate balance between optimism and the inevitable creep of paranoia and anxiety. Life’s journey can often feel like walking a tightrope, where hope and fear wrestle for control. But no matter how uncertain things may seem, there’s one thing we know for sure—the sun is going to come up tomorrow. Join us as we explore the resilienc...

Join Keith Saarloos, the farmer-turned-wine-maker, as he kicks off the very first episode of “Keith Saarloos: An Idiot’s Guide to Wine.” With over 25 years in the wine industry, Keith offers a down-to-earth approach to understanding wine—one that’s perfect for both newbies and seasoned enthusiasts. In this episode, Keith introduces himself and Saarloos and Sons, his family-owned winery steeped in...