After joining the St. Mary's University faculty in 2011, I began working with a Senior Learning organization (OASIS Learning) in San Antonio about a decade ago. Because of my background, most of my presentations are looking for ways to link geology to what may seem to be unrelated topics. I have made presentations on topics such as "The Geology of Electric Vehicles" and "The Geology of Santa Claus". I really enjoy exploring these off-beat connections, and OASIS and their students have been kind enough to indulge this particular personal quirk along the way.
Even though I know virtually nothing about wine, one of my geochemistry journals dedicated a special issue to Terroir a few years back, and the OASIS coordinator took me up on a proposed "The Geology of Wine" topic. A wine specialist at a local distributor attended, and he proposed that we pair (no pun intended) a talk on the terroir of specific winemaking regions with a tasting of some of that region's different wines. Last year we did a team presentation "Wine and Geology in Bordeaux" and in a few days, we will be presenting on "Wine and Geology in Napa Valley". I have truly enjoyed learning more about the environment in both of these famous wine regions, and how it might influence their signature industry. The courses have been very popular, although I am sure that the wine-tasting is the major draw, rather than the geology information.
In both regions, I have added some information on the upcoming challenges of climate change and how the vineyards are responding, which is how I found my way to your column. There was a 'Wait, I know this guy..." moment, and a little more digging told me that you had recently retired from both WaPo and government service. That also made me wonder how we ever got old enough to where retirement was a thing.
One thing led to another, and after getting the dreaded "Error 404" for your Wordpress blog, I found your new SubStack. I still don't know much about wine, but my co-presenter is wonderful about sharing his expertise with me. There's a whole wine enthusiast community that I still don't fully appreciate, but I am getting there - at least a little bit. While I won't be able to contribute much to your subscribers, I am looking forward to learning more.
Dave - this probably isn't the best place to catch up. Email me at dmwineline gmail.
I love the geology / wine connection, and would enjoy your seminars with or without the wine. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is probably the most fascinating US wine region from a geology perspective. And you would geek out talking to a winemaker from Alsace in France or the Mosel in Germany.
was pulling together a presentation for an adult continuing education class on geology, terroir, climate change, and wine, and in doing my research, I found out on the same day that you were not only the long-time wine writer for WaPo, but recently retired to boot.
I'm very sorry to have missed your columns - that shows you how well I keep up with the alumni goings on. It looks like you have found your niche in retirement, however, and I hope it has been an enjoyable adjustment. Give me a minute, and I will subscribe to your Substack.
Much agreed! We recently hosted Giorgi lukuridze of SHABO winery at their first wine tasting at WineStyles in Montclair, Virginia! Made possible by the wonderful team at Spyrt Worldwide, the wines were amazing! For pictures and info, visit our Facebook page, was a great event with great people and great wines! Event was also featured in article by Associated Press at
We have been repeat visitors to the Dr. Konstantin Frank winery when on wine-buying tours of the Finger Lakes. Great whites. I was unaware of the Ukrainian connection, or of Ukrainian wines in general. I will look for them.
After joining the St. Mary's University faculty in 2011, I began working with a Senior Learning organization (OASIS Learning) in San Antonio about a decade ago. Because of my background, most of my presentations are looking for ways to link geology to what may seem to be unrelated topics. I have made presentations on topics such as "The Geology of Electric Vehicles" and "The Geology of Santa Claus". I really enjoy exploring these off-beat connections, and OASIS and their students have been kind enough to indulge this particular personal quirk along the way.
Even though I know virtually nothing about wine, one of my geochemistry journals dedicated a special issue to Terroir a few years back, and the OASIS coordinator took me up on a proposed "The Geology of Wine" topic. A wine specialist at a local distributor attended, and he proposed that we pair (no pun intended) a talk on the terroir of specific winemaking regions with a tasting of some of that region's different wines. Last year we did a team presentation "Wine and Geology in Bordeaux" and in a few days, we will be presenting on "Wine and Geology in Napa Valley". I have truly enjoyed learning more about the environment in both of these famous wine regions, and how it might influence their signature industry. The courses have been very popular, although I am sure that the wine-tasting is the major draw, rather than the geology information.
In both regions, I have added some information on the upcoming challenges of climate change and how the vineyards are responding, which is how I found my way to your column. There was a 'Wait, I know this guy..." moment, and a little more digging told me that you had recently retired from both WaPo and government service. That also made me wonder how we ever got old enough to where retirement was a thing.
One thing led to another, and after getting the dreaded "Error 404" for your Wordpress blog, I found your new SubStack. I still don't know much about wine, but my co-presenter is wonderful about sharing his expertise with me. There's a whole wine enthusiast community that I still don't fully appreciate, but I am getting there - at least a little bit. While I won't be able to contribute much to your subscribers, I am looking forward to learning more.
Dave - this probably isn't the best place to catch up. Email me at dmwineline gmail.
I love the geology / wine connection, and would enjoy your seminars with or without the wine. The Willamette Valley in Oregon is probably the most fascinating US wine region from a geology perspective. And you would geek out talking to a winemaker from Alsace in France or the Mosel in Germany.
was pulling together a presentation for an adult continuing education class on geology, terroir, climate change, and wine, and in doing my research, I found out on the same day that you were not only the long-time wine writer for WaPo, but recently retired to boot.
I'm very sorry to have missed your columns - that shows you how well I keep up with the alumni goings on. It looks like you have found your niche in retirement, however, and I hope it has been an enjoyable adjustment. Give me a minute, and I will subscribe to your Substack.
Dave Turner (W&M, Class of '81)
And trumpet impresario? Nuclear waste expert? This goes to my horrible capacity for self-promotion, I guess.
I'd like to know more about your continuing ed class ...
Our little world is delightfully small. :)
Much agreed! We recently hosted Giorgi lukuridze of SHABO winery at their first wine tasting at WineStyles in Montclair, Virginia! Made possible by the wonderful team at Spyrt Worldwide, the wines were amazing! For pictures and info, visit our Facebook page, was a great event with great people and great wines! Event was also featured in article by Associated Press at
https://apnews.com/article/ukraine-us-vets-shabo-wine-9dce666dce3f572dd422fa517dd681ef
We have been repeat visitors to the Dr. Konstantin Frank winery when on wine-buying tours of the Finger Lakes. Great whites. I was unaware of the Ukrainian connection, or of Ukrainian wines in general. I will look for them.
Dr. Frank also makes nice Saperavi and Saperavi rosé. I swoon for their Rkatsiteli.
Yes! We really enjoyed the Rkatsiteli. Never could spell it, though.