Napa Valley-based winemaker Sam Kaplan might just be having a moment these days as his Memento Mori, Vida Valiente, Arkenstone and Maxem projects are enjoying notable success despite the wine world’s current headwinds. And that’s not all he’s up to.


Kaplan joined host James Molesworth in Wine Spectator's Napa studio to talk about his path to wine, including a childhood spent with some grapevines planted on the red clay of Oklahoma, his mentorship under Pine Ridge’s Gary Andrus and his multiple current day head winemaker roles.


“From day one, I’ve made wine the way, that you know, I think wine is best, and the way I like to drink it,” says Kaplan.


Wine Spectator senior editor for news Mitch Frank also joins Molesworth, for a look at the major headlines in the wine world’s first quarter of 2026.


And don't forget, there's always more free content at WineSpectator.com!



A podcast from Wine Spectator

Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher

Host: James Molesworth

Guest: Sam Kaplan

Head Producer: Gabriela Saldivia

Assistant producer: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley

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