Ep. 140: Reviving SoCal’s Wine Legacy - Abe Schoener on Historic Vineyards & The Los Angeles River Wine Co.

Vint Podcast

In this episode of the Vint Podcast Billy Galanko interviews southern California old-vine-winemaker, Abe Schoener. Abe is a former philosophy professor and the innovative winemaker behind the Scholium Project, for which he was known for challenging traditional winemaking methods. Although influenced by natural winemaking, Schoener does not strictly adhere to its principles and takes an open approach to the craft with a focus on old-vine fruit.

Schoener's latest venture is an urban winery near the Los Angeles River, aimed at aligning with the city's urban demographic. This project began in 2019 with minimal equipment and a focus on sourcing unique vineyards across California, particularly those with old vines.

His winemaking philosophy is flexible, using sulfur dioxide (SO2) selectively to enhance the wine's quality. Schoener's approach emphasizes a deep commitment to the vineyard and a willingness to experiment with under-appreciated sites. We hope you enjoy hearing from this SoCal wine icon and learning more about unique winemaking philosophies.

Chapters:
02:58 Exploring Unique Wine Experiences
06:33 Interview with Abe Schoener: LA's Wine Insider
07:22 The History and Philosophy of Winemaking
08:49 Reviving Old Vineyards in Southern California
12:06 The Mystery of Lone Wolf Vineyard
22:51 The Legacy of Mission Grapes
25:16 Winemaking in Los Angeles Today
27:28 The Shift of Vineyards to Cucamonga
28:37 The Birth of Los Angeles River Wine Company
31:16 Challenges and Innovations in Winemaking
37:28 Exploring Cucamonga Vineyards
48:54 Future Prospects and Distribution
56:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Cheers!
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