Foodie Chap With Gary Brookman of Miner Family Winery

KCBS radio "Foodie Chap" and KPIX 5 television "Eye On The Bay" host Liam Mayclem introduces us to the culinary stars behind the food and wine loved by so many in the Bay Area.

About Gary Brookman:

Gary Brookman's love of wine didn't start in a bottle, but in the vineyard. It was his fascination of science that led him into the fields, into the cellar and eventually straight to the top.

Born and raised in Southern California, after college, this Marine Biology major originally cut his teeth making wine in 1980 at Joseph Phelps Vineyards. It was there he worked with a myriad of varietals, constantly refining his skills with each passing harvest. In 1997, after a few other stints, he met Dave and Emily Miner and everything (and everyone) just clicked.

Gary has been at Miner Family Winery since "day one" and there's not much ground he hasn't covered: winemaking, sales, window washer, press interviews, tour guide, ground maintenance, marketing strategist, in-house therapist…the list goes on and on. And in 2013, after 17 years at Miner, he was named General Manager.

I ventured to Miner in Oakville Napa recently for a Foodie Chap chat. Gary and I talked wine while tasting, it would have been rude not to. We had reason to celebrate, it was the 19th anniversary of his tenure at Miner. It is truly a family affair with DAVE MINER at the helm, his wife Emily running the tasting room and Gary the guy who appears to have done it all here very much a part of the family. And he speaks about the stellar and award winning Miner wines as any proud papa would of a son.

Miner wines have been enjoyed by all manner of people over the years and have even been served at the WHITE HOUSE for Presidents and dignitaries at a handful of State dinners.

Meet Gary in person at BottleRock Napa Valley (May 29th, 30th and 31st) where Miner will be serving up top drawer vinos; 2013 Chardonnay and 2014 Mendocino Rosato. A healthy and lively pour of great music will also be served on the Miner stage. I too will be at BottleRock hosting the Culinary stage where famous chefs (Dominique Crenn & Michael Mina )and winemakers (Miner, SILVER OAK & more) will mix it up with rock stars (FLAVA FLAV & SNOOP DOG). This will be EPIC, TASTY & FUN!!

Enjoy our wine fueled conversation with the guy behind the wines that ROCK at Miner Family Winery...

Cheers!

 
VIDEO: KCBS Foodie Chap Visits The Caves of Miner Family Winery:

 
VIDEO: The Perfect Wine For BottleRock Napa Valley:

 
WINE NOTES: Miner Family Winery

2013 Napa Chardonnay

Sourced from select low-yielding vineyards in Napa Valley, our Chardonnay is characterized by crisp apple, ripe melon and citrus flavors gently balanced with toasty French oak. The winemaker uses ma- lolactic fermentation in moderation to retain the wine's bright acidity.

More than a decade after our Chardonnay put us on the map, this wine remains a classic.

2013 Rosato Mendocino

Made using the traditional saignée method of bleeding off juice from freshly crushed red grapes, this dry, medium-bodied rosé shows crisp cherry-pomegranate flavors on the palate.

Mendocino's cooler temperatures mean a longer hang time and outstanding berry concentration. Enjoy Rosato well chilled and within two years of the vintage.

 
For more on Miner Family Wines, visit minerwines.com
and
BottleRock Napa Valley, visit bottlerocknapavalley.com