Ep. 2821 From Friuli to Napa: Italian Varieties in California with Steve Matthiasson and Dana Peixotto IWA | Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner

Welcome to Clubhouse Ambassadors' Corner and Episode 2821 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, Dana Peixotto meets the influential American winemaker, viticulturist, and organic farming pioneer, Steve Matthiasson.

Steve shares how he began his agricultural career nearly 35 years ago with a desire to grow organic vegetables, only to find his first job in vineyards. As the founder of Matthiasson Winery in Napa Valley, he continues to champion healthy living soils, a reduced carbon footprint, social equity, and habitat preservation. He also explains how his interest in Italian varieties began in 2001 with Ribolla Gialla cuttings from Josko Gravner, and how he approaches varieties such as Lagrein, Vermentino, and Malvasia by honoring their identity while allowing Napa's unique climate and soils to shape their expression.

Steve and Dana also explore the challenges of growing heat-sensitive Friulian grapes in California, the diversity of Napa Valley's soils, and the commercial realities of producing lesser-known Italian varieties. For Steve, the key is passion and conviction, supported by thoughtful farming practices and a diversified portfolio. He also reveals the grape he would plant next: an Istrian selection of Malvasia, inspired by the mineral-driven white wines he discovered in Friuli and Lazio.

About today's host:

Dana Peixotto is a wine educator based out of Seattle, Washington. She understands that wine can be intimidating and is passionate about making wine approachable for everyone. Through her business Left on the Vine, she curates tastings and workshops, offering wine drinkers the confidence to enjoy wine on their own terms.

Dana is a Vinitaly Italian Wine Ambassador, and has completed her WSET Level 4 diploma, holds an Associate of Applied Science in Wine Making from the Northwest Wine Academy, and is also a certified French Wine Scholar.

Connect:

Instagram: www.instagram.com/leftonthevine

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/danapeixotto/

More about today's guest:

Steve Matthiasson is an organic farmer at heart and the founder of Matthiasson Winery in Napa Valley, California. With a background rooted in sustainable agriculture, he has spent decades working to improve vineyard ecosystems and produce wines that express their grape varieties and growing sites with authenticity.

His approach to Italian varieties is guided by a simple principle: honor the variety rather than attempt to replicate its place of origin. From planting Ribolla Gialla and Lagrein in Napa's cooler Oak Knoll District to experimenting with Vermentino and Malvasia, Steve adapts his viticultural practices to the needs of each grape. His methods include pergola-style trellising for shade, deep-rooting rootstocks, early harvesting, and infrequent but deep irrigation.

Steve's work reflects his belief that environmental responsibility, social equity, and thoughtful farming can go hand in hand with producing distinctive wines. At Matthiasson Winery, his diverse range of varieties also represents a commitment to experimentation and a long-term vision for Napa Valley.

Connect:

Website: https://matthiasson.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matthiassonwines/

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Until next time, Cin Cin!

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