Episode 462 of I’ll Drink to That! was released recently, and it features David Hirsch, the owner of Hirsch Vineyards in the Sonoma Coast of California.
There are several entertaining stories told within this episode, but the one that really makes me laugh – after three listens now – involves a rubber boat, cowboys, barbed wire, and a big batch of Old Crow. At first glance that may seem like a disparate cast of characters for a single story set, but David Hirsch has a knack for weaving a lot of scenery together to convey a place and time. I can say that his ability to cast a binding spell with words is real, because this interview kept drawing me back. If you are late for something you need to get to, do not start listening to this episode: you will not want to stop. If on the other hand you have some time to luxuriate in an interesting life well-told – with side tours into Santa Cruz, Oaxaca, Cannery Row, and Afghanistan, as well as Burgundy – then by all means press Play. This isn’t just the backstory on the planting of a vineyard, this is the backstory on a life that has changed course several times. Like all the best wine stories, it is really a human story. Plus, there are cowboys.
Listen to this episode:
I’ll Drink to That is the world’s most listened-to wine podcast, hosted by Levi Dalton. Levi has had a long career working as a sommelier in some of the most distinguished and acclaimed dining rooms in America. He has served wine to guests of Restaurant Daniel, Masa, and Alto, all in Manhattan. Levi has also contributed articles on wine themes to publications such as The Art of Eating, Wine & Spirits magazine, Bon Appetit online, and Eater NY. Check out his pictures on Instagram and follow him on Twitter: @leviopenswine
