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!

Temecula meets Ramona! In this episode, I return to Ramona’s charming, rustic, hilly, and twisting roads to talk to Kim Whalin, Chairwoman of the Ramona Valley Vineyard Association’s Wine Competition. We’re diving into everything about Ramona Valley: what makes this AVA unique, the wines and grapes that thrive here, how the region has evolved since its establishment in 2006, tourism, where the AVA is headed next, and a fun comparison of wines from Ramona and Temecula. Whether you’ve never heard of Ramona Valley or you’ve been curious about exploring Southern California wine beyond Temecula, this is your guide to one of California’s younger and most quaint wine regions. Cheers!

In this episode we taste the following wines:

• Old Julian Vineyards & Winery 2020 Tre Sorelle - a red blend of of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec.
• Oak Mountain 2021 Vino Leon - a red blend of 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Petit Verdot, 9% Malbec, 5% Cabernet Franc, and 5% Merlot

Ever visited or tried wine from Ramona? 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!

In this episode of The Short Pour, we delve into the fascinating world of hybrid grapes—unique and resilient varieties that are making a significant impact in North American wine. We’ll discuss why grapes like Vidal Blanc, Marquette, and Chambourcin are becoming popular from Vermont to Southern California, especially as winemakers face challenges like plant diseases and climate change. These wines are more than just everyday choices; today’s hybrids are flavorful, enjoyable, and able to grow in places where traditional grapes struggle to thrive.

Speaking of Vidal Blanc, we’ll also be tasting something exciting: Aldi’s Canadian Icewine. Priced at just $15 for a half bottle, it offers a delightful combination of rich sweetness and bright acidity, showcasing excellent quality from the Niagara Peninsula. If you’re curious about icewine or want to learn more about hybrid grapes, this episode is perfect for you. Join us as we uncover the stories, science, and delicious flavors in just 15 minutes!

After a month-long summer break, we’re pouring something a little different. We’re stepping outside Southern California wine country and heading north. Way north. Yep, this episode is all about Danish wine. That’s right—Denmark makes wine. And we’re diving into it thanks to a special delivery from Shannon’s in-laws, Christian and Sarah, who brought us a lineup straight from the vineyards of Denmark. We’ll talk about how wine can even grow in a country better known for pastries and long winters. From PIWI hybrids to the rise of cool-climate winemaking, there’s more going on in Denmark than you might expect. We had a lot of fun exploring this fascinating comparison to our local region, and we hope you do too. Cheers, or in Danish, Skål!

In this episode we taste the following wines from Guldbaek Vingaard:

• Lush Green - a dry white wine made from the varieties Cabernet Blanc, Riesel, and Solaris.
• Riesel - a single-varietal wine made from the Riesel grape—derived from the Riesling grape.
• Solaris Blok 3 - a single-varietal wine made from Solaris from a single vineyard block.
• Gentle Pink - a rosé wine made from a selection of red and green grapes, predominantly Cabaret Noir.

Ever tried wine from Denmark or a hybrid wine? 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!

Think You Know Rosé? Shannon and Kylie are popping pink corks and busting myths in this fun, fact-packed episode devoted to all things rosé. They answer listener questions about production methods (direct press, saignée, and more), explore rosé food pairings, and then participate in a blind tasting of four Temecula rosés, attempting to guess how each one was made. From crisp and pale to bold and berry, they sip, swirl, and sleuth their way through the lineup.

Wines featured on this episode:

Nude from Matin du Bois/Corbeaux Wine and Tea House

Blush from Bottaia Winery

Garnacha Blanca from Masia De La Vinya

Estate Parlez Vous Rosé from Akash Winery

Do you have a favorite rosé from Temecula? 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!

The Short Pour is your quick, approachable take on the wide world of wine and beverages—served in 15 minutes or less. Each episode explores a focused topic, from regional deep dives and grape spotlights to beverage trends, tasting tips, and food pairings. Whether you're a curious beginner or a seasoned sipper, The Short Pour delivers smart, engaging insights without the snobbery. It's your perfect pour of knowledge, ideal for commutes, kitchen prep, or that first glass of the evening.

Today, we're staying home and cracking into a style that helped build the modern craft beer movement—the West Coast IPA. Think bold bitterness, bright citrus, piney aromatics, and a bone-dry finish. And to showcase the style, we're pouring one of the originals that's a stone's throw from our hometown: Stone IPA from San Diego, a beer that didn't just ride the West Coast wave—it defined it.