In this episode of Cocktails with Friends, Bob Cutler speaks with Italian winemaker Sara Veza at Josetta Safarillo Vineyard, where they explore her journey as a fifth-generation vintner producing Barolo, her sustainable vineyard practices, and the challenges posed by climate change. Sara shares her passion for wine and a cherished Vermouth recipe inspired by her grandmother, as well as the rewards of running a family vineyard with a commitment to quality and tradition.

EPISODE INDEX

**(1:08)** Bob introduces Sara Veza and her Josetta Safarillo Vineyard, known for producing Barolo, with a special focus on her family’s five-generation winemaking legacy.

**(3:04)** Sara describes her family’s early winemaking shift in the 1970s, transforming from grape-growers to independent producers to create wines with a unique vision.

**(8:03)** Sara explains the vineyard’s commitment to sustainability, using natural cork insulation and solar panels to support eco-friendly practices.

**(12:08)** She recounts her journey in creating a signature Vermouth, inspired by childhood memories and crafted with Nebbiolo grapes, balancing herbs, sugar, and bitterness.

**(16:01)** They discuss climate change’s impact on winemaking, with Sara noting how unpredictable weather and frosts complicate vineyard management.

KEY TOPICS

1. **Family Winemaking Legacy** – Sara discusses her family’s deep-rooted winemaking history, including her parents’ transformation from grape-growers to producers.

2. **Sustainable Vineyard Practices** – The vineyard’s eco-friendly approach, from natural building materials to solar energy, highlights Sara’s commitment to environmentally conscious winemaking.

3. **The Art of Vermouth Creation** – Sara shares her personal connection to Vermouth, crafted from Nebbiolo grapes and inspired by fond childhood memories.

INSIGHTS

1. **The Josetta Safarillo Vineyard balances tradition and sustainability, embracing eco-friendly innovations while preserving family winemaking methods.

2. **Sara’s Vermouth recipe is both a nod to her family’s heritage and an example of her unique, careful balance of flavors.

3. **Managing a vineyard amid climate change is challenging, as Sara adapts her techniques each year to counter unpredictable weather patterns.