Barrels & Roots
Welcome to Barrels & Roots, a journey through the world of wine and food, where every vineyard, kitchen, and cellar holds a story worth telling. Hosted by Sean Trace, this show explores the passion, tradition, and creativity that turn simple ingredients into art and shared moments into legacy.
From the heart of Napa Valley to the tables and tasting rooms of the world, Sean sits down with winemakers, chefs, and artisans who live by their craft. Each conversation dives into the culture, the community, and the human stories that give flavor to what we create and share.
Whether you are a sommelier, a chef, a storyteller, or someone who simply loves the ritual of a good meal and a better conversation, Barrels & Roots invites you to slow down, listen closely, and taste the stories that connect us all.
Barrels & Roots
Cork Pop Romance | Dan Stotesbery | Barrels and Roots
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In this episode of Barrels and Roots, I sit down with Dan Stotesbery, managing partner at Ladera Vineyards, a family-owned Napa Valley winery he now runs day-to-day with his wife.
We talk about why small, family-run wineries still matter in a world that’s getting more corporate, and how authenticity shows up in the details, from hosting tastings themselves to literally packing shipping boxes and remembering customers by name. Dan breaks down Howell Mountain Cabernet, what being above the fog line does to structure and tannins, and why mountain fruit often needs more time to come into balance than valley floor wines. We also get into the quality vs quantity decision that took Ladera from 35,000 cases down to around 4,000, and how that shift let them make better wine and build deeper relationships. Along the way, I share my own Napa roots and why wine is really about memory, place, and people, not perfect tasting notes, plus why Cabernet can feel intimidating for new drinkers and how to keep learning simple, trust your palate, taste broadly, and don’t let wine culture make you feel like you don’t belong.
If you want an honest conversation about Napa Valley, Howell Mountain, family winemaking, and what makes a great Cabernet feel alive, this one’s for you.