There are few American winemaking families who have made a name for themselves as the Wagner family of Caymus Vineyards has. A multi-generational winemaking family, the Wagners have successfully passed the art of winemaking from father to son and daughter.
Though Caymus was founded in 1972, the family has been in Napa Valley since the mid-1800s when they emigrated from Alsace, France. Though there were many obstacles that stood in the way of making quality wine for a hundred years, the Wagners emerged from prohibition and plague with a determination to make quality Cabernet Sauvignon.
Now, fifth-generation Wagner winemaker, Joseph (Joe) Wagner has forged his own way in the industry with his grape of choice, Pinot Noir. From his early successes with Belle Glos and Meiomi to his current umbrella portfolio of wines under Copper Cane, Joe has truly proven himself to be a trailblazer in the industry at such a young age.
I recently had the opportunity to sit down and chat with Joe about his philosophies on winemaking, and how he converges the history and tradition of his family with the technology and evolution of the industry he sees as so important to stay afloat.
Jacqueline Coleman is a published wine + travel writer, radio & podcast host, wine judge, & consultant. She is the monthly "Vino" columnist for Biscayne Times newspaper and a weekly guest host on Linda Gassenheimer’s radio show, “Food, News, and Views” on WDNA 88.9FM in Miami covering the wine & drinks segment.
Her new podcast, “Wine Uncorked,” is out on all major podcast sites and the Podmany app.
Additionally, Jacqueline is a regular wine judge for the South Florida-based American Fine Wine Competition invitational & THE Rosé Competition as well as the Key Biscayne Wine & Food Festival wine competition.
Jacqueline has earned wine certifications through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wine, International Sommelier Guild (ISG), U.S. Sommelier Association, and FIU Institute for Hospitality and Tourism Wine Program. Her greatest education has been as a result of the many relationships she has made through global wine country travels meeting with producers and others in the industry as a wine journalist.
Previous and ongoing contributions:
o Biscayne Times, Vino Columnist for monthly publication
o Let’s Eat Magazine, Wine Contributor
o South Florida Luxury Guide, Wine Contributor & Luxury Wine Consultant
o Coravin, Company Blog Contributor
o Winetraveler.com Contributor
o History & Wine, Blog Founder
o “The Wine Lifestyle” Wine Newsletter
o “Wine Uncorked” Podcast Host & Creator
o “Food, News, and Views” Weekly Radio Host
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