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Travel is the ultimate educator. Nothing replaces first-hand experience—being there, boots on the ground, engaging with the people, the land, and the story. When you walk the vineyards, talk with the makers, and stand among old vines, everything changes. It stops being academic—it becomes real.

For the first time, I set foot on the hallowed hills of Clarendon, nestled in the higher reaches of McLaren Vale. I’d known the wines, and admired the reputation. But until recently, my understanding was purely theoretical. That changed this past weekend—thanks to a generous invitation and the most unreasonable hospitality from Nicky Gameau of Jackson Family Wine and Chris Carpenter, the world renowned wine maker who makes the wines for Hickinbotham.

Nicky welcomed me to the McLaren Vale. Chris then took me to dinner, where we talked everything from Chicago sports to jazz, the Jackson Family Estates, the state of the wine trade, and, of course, the majesty of Clarendon. The next morning Chris gave me a tour of the vineyards. We had discussed saving our interview for another day. But in the moment, while dialed into Chris’s master class, surrounded by beauty and story, I couldn’t resist. I reached into my bag, pulled out a mic, and hit record.

So today, I bring you what was a rather spontaneous recording.

We’ll have a follow-up episode soon, where Chris and I dive deeper into some broader topics. But for now, I invite you to imagine yourself standing beside us atop Clarendon—overlooking majestic sun lit hills, breezes rustling the vines, history rooted deep in the soil—as we talk about place, passion, and perspective.

Here’s my conversation with Chris Carpenter. A huge thanks to Chris for joining me.

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