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
Blending The Chaos | Julie Schreiber | Barrels and Roots
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In this episode of Barrels and Roots, host Sean Trace sits down with consulting winemaker Julie Schreiber, a chef turned enologist, mushroom forager, and Northern California wine veteran with over 25 years in the cellar. Julie shares her journey from culinary school to UC Davis, breaking down how food, science, and creativity collide in modern winemaking.
They explore how great wine is built like jazz, giving each element space to breathe, how blending is part science and part intuition, and why controlled chaos often leads to the most memorable bottles. Julie opens up about vineyard tasting, fermentation decisions, barrel aging, and the subtle art of crafting balance between acidity, tannin, alcohol, and aroma.
The conversation also dives into wine consulting, building brands, teaching clients to define the story behind their label, and why imperfection and funk can sometimes be the secret ingredient. Along the way, they connect wine to music, storytelling, and even life lessons in embracing unpredictability.
If you love Napa and Sonoma winemaking, wine blending, vineyard life, food and wine pairing, or the behind the scenes reality of crafting a bottle from grape to glass, this episode is for you.