our roots
John F Caldwell and India at Caldwell Vineyards
How did I get started?
My experience with wine started with the good old Penn State Tailgates, and casual slap the bag contest. It wasn’t until Greg introduced me to fine wine that I saw what I was missing!
My first extremely structured elegant bottle was the 05’ vintage Pahlmeyer. That being said I’m no sommelier here.
What about my favorite wine?
Honestly it depends on my day.
- If I want a wine that is light and easy to drink, I would pick a Pinot noir. Because I can keep the party going
- If I want something very fruity or something that can stand up to food, I would grab a big Napa Cabernet like Caymus Cabernet Sauvignon or big and bold Bevan Cabernet.
- If I want a wine for my dinner, then I want dry wine like a French Bordeaux wine.
What about my favorite region?
South Africa. This region represents both new and old world flavors that I love. Some days I want fruit and that oaky toasted finish. Other days I want oak and some greener which represents a nice cab franc from this region, such as Raats Cabernet Franc. Then other days a nice CWG (Cape Winemakers Guild) represents that old world with a new world feel and the best of the best. So traditional flavors but with new world twist with fruit.
What about wine do you want to start learning about?
I want to learn more about the business development and marketing aspects of wineries, both small family wineries and larger conglomerates.
What is your favorite thing about wine?Wine brings friends and family together. Also it is good for my heart, well in moderation.
How did I get started?
My experiences with wine probably started when I was around 8 years old. Not necessarily tasting it, but always learning from my dad in his wine cellar. Still today besides a little mishap, I keep getting texts from my dad when he cannot find something in the cellar.
What about my favorite wine and region?
Choosing a favorite wine is hard, but I am a huge fan of South Africa wines and I am always trying to introduce people to them. If I had to choose a specific South African wine it would be a tough choice between Mvemve Raats de Compostella and Thelema Shiraz. Always love drinking those.
What about wine do you want to start learning about?
When it comes to wine there is never a stopping point in learning. For this year, 2017, I would love to explore sub-regions in Australia as well as learning more about Old World wine regions such as Bordeaux, Priorat, Chianti and the list goes on. Additionally, I want to try three new wine regions this year.
What is your favorite thing about wine?
Sharing new wines with friends and family. When you get together and find out something new or try something new, that is what I love about wine.
Interviews
Greg at Heart’s Delight Wine Auction in DC.