Welcome to the Wine Geek of the Week
Where I ask my favorite wine geeks shitty questions!
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This week's guest is Chevonne Ball @dirty_radish
Recently named a Wine Enthusiasts Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers of 2020, and a Rising Star by SevenFiftyDaily, Chevonne Ball is the Owner and Founder of Dirty Radish Travel Company. Her travel company connects travelers to her favorite places, Oregon and France, for world class hospitality and wine education. After moving to France in 2009 “on a wing and a prayer," Ball fell in love with the food, wine, and people in Beaujolais in particular. She made it her mission to bring that passion to others who realize the region has so much more to offer than just Nouveau. She honed her wine skills and became a Certified Sommelier and French Wine Scholar.
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Why are you a wine geek?
I love to connect consumers and makers, makers with consumers. There is something special about bringing people to the places where the wine is grown and produced. I love telling the stories of winemakers. Sharing their love and passion for the craft, in turn, deepens my love and passion for wine. Watching people light up when they not only taste the place but the work that went into making the wine is my absolute favorite joy. Wine is meant to be enjoyed with people, and I really geek out when I get to do that.
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Extraterrestrials just landed on earth. What wine do you pour them?
Sparkling Gamay Noir from Beaujolais
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What's your favorite scent you have ever smelled in a wine?
Petrichor
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Any favorite music or podcasts you like to listen to while you drink wine?
Land of Desire podcast, Chet Baker or any ol’ trap music.
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If you could visit any wine region in the world right now what would it be any why?
Beaujolais to see my French “Family” it’s been to long! But I’d also love to check out Porto.
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What do you think is the most exciting thing going in the world of wine right now?
More diversity in the cellars means more diversity in the bottles. It’s fun to see non-white male wines.
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What would you like to see in the future of wine?
More fun! More access, availability and enthusiasm. Better farm practices, better pay structures.
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What advice would you give yourself looking back to when you first started working in the wine industry?
Don’t be afraid to dive deep into your passion. The money will follow, it always does.
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Who are some people that inspire you in the world of wine?
Julia Coney, Elaine Brown, Brianne Day, Savannah Mills, Roxy Narvaez, Sofia Torres McKay
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Anything in the works you'd like to mention or promote?
I made wine! I made a Pinot Meunier with Eyrie Vineyards, Gamay Noir at Day Wines. I guess I’m a winemaker now! Wine tours in Beaujolais & Champagne coming 2022. dirtyradish.com @dirty_radish
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Thank you Chevonne!