In this episode of Barrels and Roots I sit down with Michael Kennedy, the sommelier turned founder of Fresh Wine Group, to talk about why wine still matters in a world that is moving faster and more digital every day.

We get into his journey from dreaming about the CIA to building small production wineries in Napa Valley, Tuscany, Bordeaux and Oregon, and how old world culture, long dinners and real hospitality shaped the way he makes and shares wine. We compare the live to eat culture of Europe and Vietnam with the eat to live grind in the U.S., dig into why Gen Z is craving more analog experiences like film cameras and authentic bottles with a real story, and unpack how wine is basically history, climate, family and place in a glass. Michael breaks down the insane amount of decisions that go into one bottle, talks about building a tiny Tuscan hotel focused on making guests feel truly seen, and explains why American Zinfandel might be the most slept on wine style in the country right now.

If you love wine, slow living, Napa Valley roots, or you are just curious why small, authentic producers are the future of the wine world, this conversation is one you will want to sip on.