The Taste with Doug Shafer – a Podcast About Wine, Food, and Friends · Doug Shafer

A Spanish Adventure with Winemaker Markus Bokisch

February 24, 2026·1 hr 1 min·5 clips
Marcus smuggled Spanish grape cuttings labeled as barbecue utensils through the Port of Oakland.
Doug Schaefer interviews winemaker Marcus Bokisch about his journey pioneering Spanish grape varietals in California, from his immigrant childhood and early career at Joseph Phelps to smuggling cuttings from Spain and building Bokisch Vineyards in Lodi. The conversation covers his family history, winemaking philosophy, and culinary tours in Spain.

As heard by us

A grounded conversation about Spanish grape work and the California winemaking path that led there.

Marcus Bokisch's path from California wine work into Spain gives the episode its shape. Doug Schaefer keeps things easygoing while Marcus talks through Joseph Phelps, the Van de Mistral program, and the practical work behind planting the right grapes in the right place.

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Why you'd press play

For the day you want Spanish grape-varietal history told by someone who helped plant it in California.

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