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Jake Blodinger & Jill Smedley

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Wine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - Buy. Sell. Sip. Repeat.In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jake and Jill sit down with Janine Aquino of Aquino Baron Consulting—a powerhouse winery consultant and vineyard/winery realtor.Whether you're dreaming of owning a winery or already knee-deep in vines and barrels, this episode is packed with insight. They dive into what future winery owners need to know before buying, how to shape an intentional and profitable tasting room experience, and what today’s sellers wish they had known before entering the wine industry.Want to learn more about Janine? Website: aquinobaron.com Link...2025-07-291h 21Wine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - Wine Trends on the FringeIn this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake dive into the wild world of wine trends—from the eyebrow-raising to the industry-shaping. We’re talking jalapeño-infused wines, celebrity-backed bottles, and more. What drives these trends? Are they just marketing gimmicks or do they reflect deeper shifts in how people connect with wine? Jill and Jake explore the fine line between innovation and absurdity, offering their fringe takes on quality, authenticity, and what makes a trend stick. If you’ve ever rolled your eyes at a famous actor’s private label or been secretly curious about that spic...2025-07-201h 01Wine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - Norton, Virginia's Native GrapeIn this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake sit down with Jennifer McCloud, proprietor of Chrysalis Vineyards and longtime champion of Norton, Virginia’s native grape. From its deep historical roots to the challenges of modern-day vineyard management and winemaking, Jennifer walks us through the evolution of Norton—from overlooked oddity to bold, expressive wine with serious potential. We explore the grape’s unique flavor profile, its sustainability in the vineyard, and why it’s time to rethink everything you thought you knew about this distinctly American varietal. If you’ve ever wondered why Norton isn’t getting th...2025-07-071h 10Wine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - NeoprohibitionWine Fringe – Neoprohibition In this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake unpack the rise of Neoprohibition—modern efforts to demonize alcohol through campaigns like Dry January and No Alcohol November. They explore wine’s 8,000-year history, the month-long abstinence movement, and whether moderate drinking deserves its bad rep. Plus, what do studies actually say about wine’s health benefits? We’ve got the links: https://reason.com/2024/12/31/moderate-drinking-linked-to-lower-overall-mortality-rate-says-national-academy-of-sciences/ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-disease/in-depth/red-wine/art-200482812025-06-2251 minWine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - California vs. VirginiaCalifornia vs. Virginia – Shai Van Gelder of Blue Valley Vineyard & WineryIn this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake sit down with Shai Van Gelder, winemaker at Blue Valley Vineyard & Winery, for a real-deal conversation about what it’s like making wine on both coasts.From breaking into the industry to navigating the day-to-day grind of production, Shai shares firsthand insight into the differences—and surprising similarities—between California and Virginia winemaking. It’s a deep dive into culture, expectations, and what it really takes to grow as a winemaker in two very different worlds.2025-05-251h 17Wine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - Producer Spotlight - Nokesville WineryProducer Spotlight – Nokesville WineryIn this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake shined a light on one of Virginia’s most exciting new producers: Nokesville Winery.Back in March, Nokesville graciously hosted the Wine Fringe launch party—and while they were there, Jill and Jake sat down with Dustin Minor, owner and winemaker, for a candid conversation about his journey into winemaking, the leap into winery ownership, and what it took to build something meaningful in the Virginia Wine Industry.2025-05-1246 minWine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - The Virginia Wine Industry - UnfilteredThe Virginia Wine Industry – UnfilteredIn this episode of Wine Fringe, Jill and Jake crack open the cellar door on Virginia wine. Why do some brand-name wineries thrive—and is playing it safe holding the industry back? They’re pulling no punches.Get ready for a deep dive into branding vs. reality, a full-on challenge to the status quo, and real talk about what it’ll take for Virginia to lead instead of follow.No spin. No fluff. Just the kind of conversation you won’t hear anywhere else.2025-04-2857 minWine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - Natural v. Conventional WineNatural Wine vs. Conventional WineIn this episode of Wine Fringe, we’re diving headfirst into the cloudy, controversial world of natural vs. conventional wine. What even is natural wine? Is it just a marketing buzzword—or are there real differences in vineyard and cellar practices that actually change what’s in your glass?We’re keeping it uncorked and unfiltered, with hot takes, honest talk, and maybe a rant or two.2025-04-1359 minWine FringeWine FringeWine Fringe - Vinifera vs. Natives vs. HybridsVinifera vs. Natives vs. HybridsIn this episode of Wine Fringe, we break down the key differences between Vinifera, Native, and Hybrid grapes. From European classics to the ironclad workhorses of the wine world, we’re bringing you the perspectives of a winemaker and a wine marketer—no fluff, no snobbery, just real talk with a side of sarcasm, wit, and the occasional rant.2025-03-281h 14