005: From Speed to Soil - Timo Geis's Journey from Motorsports to Winemaking

Wine World

How does a love for motorcycles and racing cars transform into a passion for natural wine? Join us as we uncover the captivating journey of Timo, a unique individual with a multicultural background spanning from France to Sedona, Arizona. Timo's story begins with an unexpected shift during his college years, thanks in part to a mentor named Richard. From studying languages to passing the Court of Master Sommeliers exams, Timo's dedication to wine becomes a compelling narrative of growth and discovery.

Bringing natural wines from Burgundy to the US is no small feat, especially without refrigerated shipping. Timo shares the intricate details of this process, including securing permits, tackling tariffs, and navigating financial hurdles. In this episode, we explore how the natural wine movement has taken root in surprising locales like Arizona. Timo also sheds light on how the pandemic reshaped his approach, leading to the creation of an Arizona natural wine brand amidst challenging times.

We delve into Timo's hands-on winemaking experiences, from organic, biodynamic farming practices to the technicalities of minimal intervention winemaking. Discover how his first winemaking experiment with high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon led to the establishment of Cactus Cru. Timo reflects on his exciting journey in Arizona’s unique terroir, emphasizing the importance of innovation and quality. Whether you're an aspiring winemaker or a wine enthusiast, Timo’s story is a testament to following your passion and overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of excellence.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Importing natural wines without refrigerated shipping
• Natural wine making journey and challenges
• Winemaking experiment with high elevation fruit
• Exploring Arizona's terroir and winemaking

Resources from this Episode

www.pavlemilic.com

www.cactuscru.com

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Episode Credits

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