Winemaker Dan Petroski made news when he sold his boutique California white wine brand Massican to Gallo late last year. But that was just the latest step on a wine journey that started ignominiously as a Columbia University football player and began in earnest a decade later after an eye-opening dinner at Le Bernardin in New York. Petroski went on to become cellarmaster at Larkmead, where he worked until 2021 while also building his own brand. "I started Massican because my mother couldn't afford Larkmead," Petroski tells host James Molesworth in the newest episode of Wine Spectator's Straight Talk podcast. "I wanted to do something that would bring more people great wine." Plus, our beloved educator and advice columnist Dr. Vinny returns! And don't forget, there's always more free content at WineSpectator.com! • Read more on winemaker Dan Petroski • Wine Spectator's April 30, 2024, issue • Latest News and Headlines • Ask Dr. Vinny • Sign up for Wine Spectator's free email newsletters A podcast from Wine Spectator Marvin R. Shanken, Editor and Publisher Host: James Molesworth Director: Robert Taylor Producer: Gabriela Saldivia Guests: Dan Petroski, MaryAnn Worobiec Assistant producer, Napa: Elizabeth Redmayne-Titley Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.