Jessica and Paden West of Approachment

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I watched the Roadrunner documentary about Anthony Bourdain this week. It made me stop and think about what it must have been like to constantly explore the world, interacting with so many people while experiencing out-of-this-world stories. Of course, my experiences are only a spec of dust compared to his adventures. How amazing would it be to go deep into every possible wine region in the world? I also wonder how many overlapping stories Anthony encountered? I also wonder how lonely it would be.

Before we get too deep this week, could you do me a small favor? USA Today opened up voting on a Readers Choice for Best New Winery award. We are super fortunate to have an Oregon winery present in the running. I have watched Cho Wines come into Oregon like a trailblazer, and they are killing it. Recently, they bought some property and are in the process of building their facility. Their Blanc de Noir Sparkling is spectacular, and the owners, Dave and Lois, are extraordinary people. The favor is to take a minute or two and vote for them. They are currently number 6 out of 20. It would mean the world to me to see them win!

Speaking of Sparking, Wine Enthusiast published a 10 American Sparkling Wines We Love. Oregon came in super strong with four entries. I’m telling you, Oregon Sparkling is the next big thing!

I was going to ask if you like wine, but I am pretty sure you enjoy wine since you are reading this newsletter. So maybe a better question is, do you enjoy drinking wine with your pizza? I am a big fan of the combination, which is why you will find me at L’Angolo tomorrow enjoying wine and Honey Pie Pizza. L’Angolo is also doing this event on July 31, Aug. 21, and Sept. 11. Wine is available by the bottle, and pizzas are $22. So email reservations@langoloestate.com to get your name on the list and tell them, “A.J. sent me!”

The last time I said, “it is a podcast week,” was on April 16th when I interviewed Bryan and Laura from Hazelfern. I have spent the last two months refining my process to sustain the newsletter, podcast, and another project I am working on (details maybe late this year). It has been worth taking the time, and the new project falls in line with everything else to ensure the stories and people behind wine are at the forefront of the conversation.

I probably could have dropped the podcast, but there are only so many words I can use to capture the essence of a winery. Especially when you can watch and hear the people. Dropping the podcast wasn’t an option, plus I have a blast researching to find off-the-wall questions!

This podcast episode is another classic example of stories overlapping and intertwining in a way that would be impossible if I had only visited the winery. For example, one of my goals last year was to sit with Drew Voit. I had the opportunity to chat with him twice. The first was a surprise for me at Van Duzer Vineyards, and the other was planned at Harper Voit. The person who made the planning happen at Harper Voit was Jessica West, the associate winemaker. She also made sure I had wine for A.J.’s wine dinner on April 1st, and she is helping me with another project coming to fruition at the end of July.

When I visited Harper Voit last summer, I never for the chance to say, "Hi." I only knew of a name and email address. Then, a few months back, I noticed an Instagram for a new winery called Approachment. I was curious and started digging the teeniest bit. Do you know what? Jessica was behind the label! At this point, I noticed her husband, Paden, was also making wine with her for the brand. I couldn’t help myself. I reached out to Jessica to see if she was willing to be on the podcast. You already know she said yes otherwise, this newsletter would be entirely different.

You would think the story ends there, and I would start introducing the podcast and whatnot, but nope not going to happen. Preparing for the podcast, I started researching Jessica’s husband, Paden. There is so much to his backstory! You have to listen to the podcast for all the details, but there are two details I will share. First, he was an assistant winemaker to Isabelle Meunier at Lavinea. The second tidbit I found out a few days ago.

Paden was interviewing for the winemaker position at Benza and was on the phone as I was packing up after the interview. I had never heard of Benza until a few months ago when a friend reached out to me asking if I was available to pour on a Sunday to help Ron. I had to juggle a few things, but I made it happen. I poured a few more times, got to know Ron and Trish at Benza, and enjoyed my time there. I have debated telling the story of being the person pouring the wine instead of the person consuming the wine. If you are curious about this perspective, let me know.

Anyway, how freakin cool is it? Paden was talking to Ron as I was saying bye after the interview, and like, what kind of stories did Anthony Bourdain have that were like this we never got to hear?

What I found fascinating about this interview was that both wife and husband work for different producers. As a result, they have different perspectives on wine where both can agree and yet disagree to come together to create a kick-ass extended contact Pinot Gris for their first wine under the Approachement label.

You will become aware of their playfulness when you visit the Approachment website or their Instagram account. Jessica and Paden have something I can’t put words to, but when you see them both instantly answer “Post Malone” to my question, “What do you listen to during Harvest” I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that Approachment is a label you need to take notice. During the interview, Paden says, “The goal is to over-deliver on quality and under-deliver on price.” Their extended contact Pinot Gris sold like hotcakes for $24/bottle. I highly suggest visiting their website, signing up for the newsletter, and being one of the first to know of their next release!

I hope you enjoy the episode, and it would mean the world to me if you liked and subscribed on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you listen to your podcasts.

My conversation with Jessica and Paden West

• 00:00 Intro
• 03:57 A little backstory regarding Bubbles
• 07:24 Mimi Casteel and Bledsoe Family Winery
• 09:10 What is happening with Harper Voit and all the extra tanks
• 10:25 What would it take to get Oregon on the map for Sparkling
• 15:59 Jessica, if you could pick any AVA and grape variety what would they be?
• 18:06 Paden came from the world of music into wine
• 23:30 Paden working with Isabelle on Chardonnay
• 27:52 Did Paden work at Tesla?
• 29:40 Let’s talk about Approachment
• 36:49 Newly Wed Game
• 47:24 Rapid Fire
• 48:37 Blind Wine Reveal
• 49:34 Bonus Card Trick

Links

• ​YouTube​
• ​Apple Podcasts​
• ​Spotify​

One last side note, it is too late to buy Paden’s sold out CD on eBay, but you could start a TikTok trend with his Rope Swing song or just listen to his album on Spotify or Apple Music.

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With Gratitude,

A.J.

PS - You should have seen some of the early edits of the newsletter this week, geez......