In this episode, we have a conversation with Luca Paschina, the estate director and winemaker for Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia. A third-generation winemaker from Alba, Italy, Luca has worked in Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Napa, and the Finger Lakes before settling in Virginia, where he expanded Barboursville Vineyards from 38 to 180 acres. Integrating Italian, French, and other grape varieties and techniques, Luca discusses the challenges of growing Italian grapes like Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Moscato in Virginia’s climate and his strategic vineyard management.
Growing Italian grape varieties outside of their native Italy involves unique challenges and adaptations, especially in environments that differ significantly from their traditional growing regions. Listen to Luca’s experiences adapting these cultivars to new soils and climates and the many lessons he learned.
In this episode, you will hear:
- Challenges and successes in cultivating Italian grape varieties like Moscato, Barbera, and Nebbiolo in Virginia.
- Techniques and strategies for vineyard management in Virginia’s climate.
- The flagship wine of Barboursville Vineyards, Octagon, and its blends.
- The challenges of growing Italian white varietals like Vermentino, Fiano, and Falanghina.
- Comparisons of vineyard practices between Italy and Virginia, including site selection and vine management.
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Episode Resources:
Get Fritz’s Prospective Winegrape Grower Course – with over 5 hours of guided video content, this course shows you through examples, illustrations, and more what you need to know to make good decisions from the start for growing a successful vineyard. Use the code PODCAST at checkout to get the course for only $200.00.
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Today’s Guest:
Luca Paschina is a third-generation winemaker from Alba, Italy, and is the estate director and winemaker for Barboursville Vineyards in Virginia.
Connect with Luca: Barboursville Vineyards Website | Facebook | Instagram
Episode Sponsor:
Thank you to Vigneron Toy Store for sponsoring today’s episode. Vigneron Toy Store specializes in Harvesters, Sprayers, Frost Mitigation Equipment, Canopy Management Trimmers, and more. As grape growers themselves, they can expertly help you determine the best equipment for your specific vineyard needs. And, as a special offer for our podcast listeners, you can save 5% off in-stock machines by entering the promo code underground on the contact form at vignerontoystore.com.
