Vines, Wines and Good Times at Cornell Wine Company

In this episode of On the Road with Paul Ward, Paul visits Cornell Wine Company in Agoura Hills, CA, to chat with owner and proprietor Matt Morris. Matt shares how his passion for wine led him to acquire the business and gives insight into the history of Cornell Wine Company and its neighbor, the historic Old Place Restaurant. He explains what it means to be a sommelier  /səməlˈyā/ and explores the unique character of Southern California wines, often called “Story Driven Wines.” Matt also discusses the challenges faced by local growers, the different “seasons” of wine, and what’s currently trending in the L.A. area. Paul admits to picking wine based on the label, and Matt explains why that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Matt highlights the wine tastings and pairings at Cornell, including an upcoming Greek food and wine event, and the lively music nights featuring open mic, live performances, and standup comedy. He discusses the unique wines from the Malibu Coast, the influence of microclimates, and L.A.'s surprising Prohibition-era wine history. Matt offers helpful tips for discovering wines you’ll love and pairing them with food. He also talks about the close-knit community at Cornell Wine Company and The Old Place, and how they supported the area after recent fires. Nestled near The Rock Store and Peter Strauss Ranch, Cornell Wine Company offers a “Country Light” escape with peacocks, donkeys, and a rich Hollywood history, including a former big cat training ground for the film industry.

What you’ll learn in this episode:
0:00 Welcome to On the Road and introduction of our guest, Matt Morris, owner proprietor of Cornell Wine Company

0:31 Matt Morris tells us where Cornell Wine Company is located

0:48 We learn from Matt what a sommelier is /səməlˈyā/

1:22 The history of Cornell Wine Company as told by Matt Morris including the Old Place Restaurant, which is next door

4:47 How Matt’s passion for wine started and how he acquired the business

6:11 Paul and Matt discuss Southern California wines, why they are sometimes called, “Story Driven Wines,” and how they make their way to Cornell Wine Company

7:04 Local growers and challenges they have recently faced

9:06 Wines have different “seasons,”and what’s in vogue in the L.A. area right now

10:21 Paul admits he buys a bottle of wine based on the label, Matt gives us insight on why this is good and why this isn’t always great

11:46 Wine tastings and pairings at Cornell Wine Company- Including the upcoming first pairing with Greek food and wine

13:33 The music nights at Cornell Wine Company including Friday performances, open mic and even standup comedy nights

14:04 Matt tells us about the wines that come out of the Malibu Coast based on microclimates and a super interesting fact about L.A, Prohibition and wine-making

16:16 Matt explains the concept behind a wine with a Malibu label that was made outside of Malibu

17:32 Tips on how to best find wines that you enjoy and what food pair well with those

18:43 The community of people who work at Cornell Wine Company and The Old Place Restaurant next door are like a family

19:53 Other items that Cornell Wine Company offers at their gift shop

20:17 Matt tells us about the community outreach done by Cornell Wine Company and The Old Place after the recent fires in the area

21:15 The awesome location of Cornell Wine Company near The Rock Store and Peter Strauss Ranch, complete with peacocks and donkeys, making it a “Country Light” experience outside of L.A.

22:57 Movies filmed in the area as well as a big cat sanctuary back in the day for training animals in movies

23:47 The schedule every month at Cornell Wine Company

24:18 A special thank you our sponsor: Opus Escrow

 

Watch the full episode HERE

 

Related Episodes:

Music, History & Magic: The Story of Tiny Porch Concerts at Peter Strauss Ranch

Desert Dreams: The Palms, Wonder Valley’s Artistic Oasis

Pedalers Fork: Where Bikes, Brews, and Bites Collide

 

Cornell Wine Co.
29975 Mulholland Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
818-575-7010
www.cornellwineco.com

 

Contact Paul Ward:
805-479-5004
paul@homeandranchteam.com

 

Have ideas for future episodes? We'd love to answer your questions - leave a comment! For any home buying or home selling needs in the Ventura County area of California, please reach out to Paul@HomeAndRanchTeam.com or visit www.HomeAndRanchTeam.com

 

A special THANK YOU to our sponsor, OPUS Escrow! On the Road with Paul Ward would not be possible without the support of our sponsor OPUS Escrow. Supporting our sponsor ensures that On the Road provides viewers and listeners with the best possible episodes.