In this episode of Pour Temecula, we sit down with Ryan and Katie Shumacher, the passionate husband-and-wife duo behind Shumacher Wines, a boutique wine business focused on quality grapes and winemaking. They share how their love of wine grew into a bold decision to launch a label without first establishing an estate vineyard, instead sourcing fruit from premier regions across California. We dive into how they define their brand identity, the careful process of selecting vineyard and winemaking partners, and the hands-on role they play in shaping each bottle. Along the way, they open up about the challenges of the custom crush model, the excitement of winning Platinum at the Critics Challenge for their 2023 Sonoma Valley Sangiovese, and what’s next for their growing portfolio. From intimate dinners to building a community of wine lovers, Ryan and Katie show us that boutique wine isn’t just about the glass, it’s about passion, connection, and vision. Cheers!

Join Ryan and Katie for an upcoming event at Two Travelers in Temecula: https://twotravelerswinebar.com/upcoming-events/

What we tasted in this episode:

• 2023 Lost Ranch Winery Nero d'Avola, Temecula Valley (https://www.lostranchwinery.com/products/2023-nero-d-avola)
• 2020 Feudo Maccari Nero d'Avola Saia, Sicily

Ever tried Nero d'Avola? Leave us a voice message on Speakpipe, and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Contact us on Instagram (@pourtemecula) or message us (info@pourtemecula.com)—we're always excited to connect with fellow wine, beer, and beverage lovers!

What happens when a rare French grape shows up in Ramona? Rick tastes Old Julian’s 2024 Picpoul Blanc and finds out.

In this bonus mini-episode of Pour Temecula, Rick explores one of the rarest wines you’ll find in Southern California: the 2024 Picpoul Blanc from Old Julian Vineyards in the Ramona Valley wine region. Best known in France’s Languedoc as the crisp, citrus-driven white of Picpoul de Pinet, this grape has only a handful of plantings in the United States—including tiny acreage in California white wine country. Rick shares the history of Picpoul in the U.S., how it made its way to Ramona, and why sommeliers love its “lip-stinging” acidity. You’ll hear detailed tasting notes, classic food and wine pairings (think oysters, ceviche, and goat cheese), and Rick’s final verdict using the Pour Temecula rating system: Dump It, Try It, Pour It, or Buy It. Perfect for wine lovers curious about Temecula wine, Ramona Valley vineyards, and adventurous local wine reviews. Cheers!