Podcast Episode 21: Half a Century in the Vines: Stories of Stewardship and Renewal with Ashley Anderson & Glass with a Grower, Tom Davies

In Episode 21 of Grown in Napa Valley, the podcast celebrates the Napa Valley Grapegrowers' 50th anniversary by spotlighting two stories of resilience and reinvention. Ashley Anderson of Cain Vineyard shares her personal and professional journey farming organically on Spring Mountain, detailing the challenges of managing steep, terraced vineyards and navigating the aftermath of the devastating 2020 Glass Fire. Her commitment to protecting the land, nurturing the soil, and honoring the vineyard’s legacy shines through as she recounts the thoughtful replanting efforts and her team’s emotional connection to vines that survived against the odds. Ashley also reflects on the joy and collaboration of planning the Organic Winegrowing Conference, emphasizing the value of community in sustainable farming.
​
The episode then shifts to V. Sattui Winery, where Tom Davies reflects on the winery’s own 50-year legacy. In a warm, lively conversation, Tom shares stories of his serendipitous entry into the wine world and how he and founder Dario Sattui built a business rooted in Italian hospitality and direct-to-consumer connection. He highlights the recent transformation of their tasting room into the Mercado del Gusto, designed to foster community and accessibility in contrast to the trend of exclusivity in Napa Valley. From launching natural and non-alcoholic wines to keeping tastings affordable and open to all, Tom’s vision is to keep wine—and the joy it brings—at the heart of Napa Valley life. Both segments underscore a shared commitment to stewardship, innovation, and heartfelt connection to land and people.

Episode Highlights: 

• "We farmed maybe more by heart than by bottom line… and that’s one of the reasons I’m lucky to be there." - Ashley Anderson 
• “These vines were like, ‘Please, just let me grow.’ And we couldn’t look at that and say, ‘Take them out.’” - Ashley Anderson 
• “Cain is a classic example of Napa Valley resilience… and now reinventing itself based on what we've all been faced with.” - Caleb Mosley 
• “Wine is about connection. It’s about being social. That’s what the Italian culture gives us—and what we want to share here.” - Tom Davies
• ​“We're not getting more exclusive, we’re opening our doors even wider. You can get a three-wine flight for free. That’s unheard of.” - Tom Davies
• ​“What the hell else are you gonna do with your time? A nice glass of wine with some great food and friends, that’s what makes life.” - Caleb Mosley