Wine Fringe

In this episode of Wine Fringe, the crew sits down with Tyler Richards, owner and operator of Skyhound Drone Services, for a conversation focused on one of the most debated topics in modern viticulture: drone spraying in the vineyard. Driven by a strong interest in drone technology, Tyler’s career path led him from software sales with the federal government to working with the DJI sales team befor...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, the crew sits down with Kendell Anderson, winemaker at The Winery at Bull Run in Northern Virginia, for a conversation rooted in grit, growth, and the reality of building a career in a highly visible, high-pressure wine program. What began as an unexpected shift in career direction quickly turned into a relentless pursuit of knowledge, as Kendell leaned into every o...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, the crew visits Noboleis Vineyards, a family-owned winery built on legacy and evolution, where the business was passed down from Chris’s parents to Chris and Angie. What began with heart has grown into something more structured and strategic, as the next generation works to give the business its backbone while honoring the foundation it was built on. We sit down wit...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, the crew makes a bucket list stop at Stone Hill Winery, one of America’s most historic wineries. We sit down with Nathan Held, a third generation member of the family helping carry forward the Stone Hill legacy. Nathan shares what it was like growing up in a winery family where passion for the industry runs deep and where Norton, Missouri’s state grape, is more than...

We’re Back — And We’ve Got Stories. Did You Miss Us? 🍷 This time we’re unpacking a trip that put Wine Fringe squarely in the middle of Norton country after being invited to speak at the Midwest Wine and Grape Summit. Serving as the opening speakers for a general session to kick off the Summit, Jill and Jake reflect on what it was like to step onto that stage, share their work on collaborative win...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake explore the background and evolution of Jason’s work, from a foundation in horticulture and plant health to a winemaking approach that places fruit quality at the center of every decision. His approach incorporates native yeast fermentations and low-intervention techniques, with winemaking knowledge developed through experience, mentorship, and study....

Social media isn’t going away—and it should still be every winery’s foundational way to reach consumers consistently—but the rules are changing, so listen up. In this episode of Wine Fringe , Jill and Jake unpack recent social media guideline changes and what they mean for regulated industries, with a sharp focus on wine. As platforms adjust policies, enforcement, and visibility mechanics, the tea...

We’re back—and taking a clear-eyed look at where the wine industry stands heading into 2026. In this episode of Wine Fringe , Jill and Jake welcome back one of the show’s most popular guests, Shai Van Gelder , for a wide-ranging conversation that separates signal from noise across two critical areas: the market and the vineyard. First, they break down how market conditions shaped winery marketing...

We’re back—and diving headfirst into one of the most complex, least glamorous, and most critical corners of the wine industry. In Season 2, Episode 3 of Wine Fringe , Jill and Jake sit down with Steven Harrison, Founder and CEO of Vinoshipper , to unpack what it really takes to get wine from producers to consumers across the U.S. From navigating a maze of state-by-state regulations to overcoming l...

We’re back—and digging into a bold, unconventional corner of Virginia wine. In this episode of Wine Fringe , Jill and Jake sit down with J. Snyder, owner of Petite Domaine, and Shai Van Gelder, winemaker at Petite Domaine. Together, they unpack J.’s leap from a different industry into wine and what it takes to carve out a niche in today’s complex, ever-shifting wine landscape. From launching a bra...

We’re back—and kicking off Season 2 with a story rooted deep in American wine history! In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake dive into the work of Nicholas Nearhing, the horticulturist helping to bring Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello vineyards back to life. Where Jefferson’s centuries-old notes meet modern innovation, Nicholas is rebuilding a vision that helped shape America’s earliest wine...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake dive into the story of Chateau MerrillAnne with owner Kenny, where the land, the varietals, and the passion behind the winery come together to create something unforgettable. From pushing the envelope with unique wine styles to crafting intentional marketing that connects directly with their guests, Chateau MerrillAnne is redefining what a Virginia win...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake sit down with Rae Wilson—one of the few female winemakers in Texas and the force behind Wine For the People . Rae’s path from sommelier to winemaker has taken her through Napa, Portugal, and cellars across the world before landing back in Austin, where she’s shaping what Texas wine can be. She shares the story behind launching Dandy Rosé , why sustaina...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake uncork the world of Bottle Shops—the hidden gems where wine buying transforms from overwhelming to inspiring. Forget staring at endless shelves in a grocery store. At a good bottle shop, you’ll find a curated experience, expert guidance, and maybe even your next favorite bottle. We’re joined by Daniel Elliot of The Discerning Sommolier and the soon-to-...

In this episode of Wine Fringe , Jake and Jill sit down with Janine Aquino of Aquino Baron Consulting—a powerhouse winery consultant and vineyard/winery realtor. Whether you're dreaming of owning a winery or already knee-deep in vines and barrels, this episode is packed with insight. They dive into what future winery owners need to know before buying, how to shape an intentional and profitable tas...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake dive into the wild world of wine trends—from the eyebrow-raising to the industry-shaping. We’re talking jalapeño-infused wines, celebrity-backed bottles, and more. What drives these trends? Are they just marketing gimmicks or do they reflect deeper shifts in how people connect with wine? Jill and Jake explore the fine line between innovation and absurd...

In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake sit down with Jennifer McCloud, proprietor of Chrysalis Vineyards and longtime champion of Norton, Virginia’s native grape. From its deep historical roots to the challenges of modern-day vineyard management and winemaking, Jennifer walks us through the evolution of Norton—from overlooked oddity to bold, expressive wine with serious potential. We explor...

Wine Fringe – Neoprohibition In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake unpack the rise of Neoprohibition—modern efforts to demonize alcohol through campaigns like Dry January and No Alcohol November. They explore wine’s 8,000-year history, the month-long abstinence movement, and whether moderate drinking deserves its bad rep. Plus, what do studies actually say about wine’s health benefits? We’...

California vs. Virginia – Shai Van Gelder of Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery In this episode of Wine Fringe , Jill and Jake sit down with Shai Van Gelder, winemaker at Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery, for a real-deal conversation about what it’s like making wine on both coasts. From breaking into the industry to navigating the day-to-day grind of production, Shai shares firsthand insight into...

Producer Spotlight – Nokesville Winery In this episode of Wine Fringe , Jill and Jake shined a light on one of Virginia’s most exciting new producers: Nokesville Winery. Back in March, Nokesville graciously hosted the Wine Fringe launch party—and while they were there, Jill and Jake sat down with Dustin Minor , owner and winemaker, for a candid conversation about his journey into winemaking, the l...

The Virginia Wine Industry – Unfiltered In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake crack open the cellar door on Virginia wine. Why do some brand-name wineries thrive—and is playing it safe holding the industry back? They’re pulling no punches. Get ready for a deep dive into branding vs. reality, a full-on challenge to the status quo, and real talk about what it’ll take for Virginia to lead ins...

Natural Wine vs. Conventional Wine In this episode of Wine Fringe , we’re diving headfirst into the cloudy, controversial world of natural vs. conventional wine. What even is natural wine? Is it just a marketing buzzword—or are there real differences in vineyard and cellar practices that actually change what’s in your glass? We’re keeping it uncorked and unfiltered, with hot takes, honest talk, an...

Vinifera vs. Natives vs. Hybrids In this episode of Wine Fringe , we break down the key differences between Vinifera, Native, and Hybrid grapes. From European classics to the ironclad workhorses of the wine world, we’re bringing you the perspectives of a winemaker and a wine marketer—no fluff, no snobbery, just real talk with a side of sarcasm, wit, and the occasional rant.