In Part 2 of this conversation, Damian Bacich talks with wine historian Kevin Ferguson, descendant of the Gemello Winery family, about the dramatic rise of California wine, the legendary 1976 Judgment of Paris, and the family stories that connect Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, and Italian immigrant winemakers.
They also explore how Prohibition, entrepreneurship, and even Bank of America played unexpected roles in California's wine history. Whether you're interested in California history, wine, or remarkable family stories, this episode offers a fascinating look behind one of the state's greatest success stories.
00:00 – A French judge mistakes Napa wine for French 00:49 – California wine's low point in the 1960s 03:41 – From 350 wineries to nearly 4,800 04:11 – The Gemello family's survival and real estate strategy 08:11 – California wines before the Judgment of Paris 10:04 – How the Judgment of Paris came together 14:44 – The shocking tasting results that changed history 15:46 – How the victory inspired a new generation of winemakers 22:26 – Steven Spurrier's remarkable wine shop story 26:06 – Why the Judgment of Paris became California's great underdog story 27:52 – Italian immigrants, Bank of America, and California agriculture 31:46 – Final reflections and Kevin Ferguson's upcoming book
Podden och tillhörande omslagsbild på den här sidan tillhör
Damian Bacich, Ph.D.. Innehållet i podden är skapat av Damian Bacich, Ph.D. och inte av,
eller tillsammans med, Poddtoppen.
