January Wiese is the Executive Director of Texas Hill Country Wineries, where she leads strategic initiatives to promote and strengthen one of the nation’s most vibrant wine regions. With a focus on industry collaboration, tourism growth, and educational outreach, she plays a key role in elevating the Texas Hill Country’s reputation as a premier winemaking destination.
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Episode 117 – Ab Astris
Nestled in the rolling hills of Stonewall, Texas, Ab Astris Winery—Latin for “of the stars”—shines as one of the Hill Country’s most inspiring family-run vineyards. In this episode, we uncork the story behind the Kristen and Mike's dream to create world-class, 100% Texas-grown wines.
From the rocky terroir that shapes their bold Tannat and delicate Clairette Blanche, to the craftsmanship behind every vintage, we explore what makes this boutique winery a hidden gem. Hear about their sustainable vineyard practices, the passion driving their winemaking philosophy, and how Ab Astris captures the spirit of Texas in every glass.
Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or just love a good origin story, this episode will transport you to the heart of the Hill Country—where family, stars, and fine wine come together.
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Episode 116 – Women of Texas Wine – The Vineyard
Women are prominent and growing voices in the Texas wine industry, and giving them platform matters for diversity, innovation and representation. Here we have 4 women who present the tasting room aspect of Texas Wine industry
Melissa Humphreys –Six Twist Sparkling
Melissa Whatley – Whatley Wines
Rosann Mitrione – Michael Ros Winery
Renae Mills – Rustic Spur
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Episode 115 – Kelsey Kramer – Hill Country Wine Academy pt2
Wine education is a growing passion here in Texas — more and more people are eager to deepen their understanding of wine, especially Texas wine. That’s where Kelsey Kramer steps in. As an instructor at the Hill Country Wine Academy, she helps students earn their WSET certifications and Texas Wine Certifications, empowering the next generation of wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.
In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey for a full conversation dedicated to the world of wine education — from tasting techniques and certifications to what makes Texas wine so unique. It’s an insightful, engaging, and fun episode that every wine lover will enjoy.
Grab a glass and tune in — cheers, y’all! 🍷
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Episode 114 – Doc Cellars
We travel to East Texas to a little town called Chandler Tx to talk to Val and Web, the owners of Doc Cellars. We hear how they got inspired to open up a winery and bring a community together!
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Episode 113 – Kelsey Kramer – Hill Country Wine Academy
Wine education is a growing passion here in Texas — more and more people are eager to deepen their understanding of wine, especially Texas wine. That’s where Kelsey Kramer steps in. As an instructor at the Hill Country Wine Academy, she helps students earn their WSET certifications and Texas Wine Certifications, empowering the next generation of wine professionals and enthusiasts alike.
In this episode, we sit down with Kelsey for a full conversation dedicated to the world of wine education — from tasting techniques and certifications to what makes Texas wine so unique. It’s an insightful, engaging, and fun episode that every wine lover will enjoy.
Grab a glass and tune in — cheers, y’all! 🍷
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Episode 112 – Burning Daylight Estate Vineyard & Winery
Hidden away in way in the back of Rendon is a small little Vineyard managed by 4 truly amazing people. I had the honor to meet Gene and Carmen Joe and Gavin and Angela Callaway at TWGGA, and right away we hit it off. I finally got to sit down and talk to them about how they got into the Vineyard management and then turning it into wine.
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Episode 111 – Grapefest 2025
Another Grapefest has come and gone, got to talk to allot of people about Texas Wines. One of my favorite thing about Grapefest is getting to talk to other wine makers from other wine regions. We have Jacob Gigliotti from Pillitteri Estate Winery, Vanessa Lambert from Lambert Estate Winery and Ruby Stobart from the Barossa Wine **which is like Go Texan for us**. This was a very fun conversation about all thing wine from the different parts of the world!
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Episode 110 – Whatley Wines
I was first introduces to Melissa from Amie Nemic, and she told me I need to get them on the show ASAP. Ok if Amie tells me this, I need to do it. When I talked to Melissa on the phone, the story I was given, I knew I needed to get them on the show. I am not going to spoil it, but Tyler and Melissa has a story to tell, that only God could write for them. This is Whatley Wines
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Episode 109 – Women for Wine Sense
We get to sit down and chat with Taryn Klump who is the President of the Hill Country chapter of the Women of Wine Sense. We talk about her journey into wine and how to help others in their journey. This was a very fun episode, and you will enjoy this!