winemaker.jpg

My Favorite Funny Winemaker Passes Away

By Val Zavala

About ten years ago I went up to wine country near Paso Robles and met a winemaker, Charlie Poalillo.  He was such a kick that I took out my phone and did a quick video interview with him.  This week his daughter called with some sad news. Charlie had passed away. I was so sorry to hear that. But it gave us a chance to dig into our archives and post this video again. Check it out. He’ll have you chuckling away while you learn about wines.

I especially laughed when Charlie told me how to keep a marriage alive. (Watch the video to get his secret).  You’ll also see an old photo of him and his wife stomping grapes together in their bare feet. When I asked him if that violated health codes he said, “Alcohol kills all germs.”

He really loved his wife. It is somehow appropriate that he died in the vineyard at the spot where his wife’s ashes had been buried. His daughter said they found him with a smile on his face. Now that’s love.

Though I only spent about an hour with him, I remember him dearly as one of those special people who enjoyed good friends and family, good wine and a good laugh.

Cheers to you, Charlie Poalillo.

 

Become a Member and support this KCET program.
Category:

Full Episodes

Clips & Segments

Upcoming Airdates

'Who Approved That?,' 'Super Soil,' and 'Oil Activist'

Season 8

As developments continue to pop up all over L.A., some residents are questioning who approves them. SoCal Connected takes a deep dive into L.A.'s housing and asks if the single family home is an endangered species 

It's considered some of the richest super soil in California. Get a close look at the idyllic Apricot Farms, where cutting-edge environmental practices and old school farming techniques are producing some of the purest produce around.

  • 2018-09-18T13:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-18T18:30:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-19T22:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-20T05:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-20T14:00:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-09-22T05:30:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-09-23T11:30:00-07:00
    KCET-HD

'Blowing Concerns,' 'Comeback Kids' and 'Family Savings Plan'

Season 8

In a joint investigation with FairWarning, SoCal Connected looks at the politics behind regulating California's largest polluter: backyard motorized equipment like leaf blowers and lawn mowers. 

The California Condor is back from the brink of extinction but the job is far from over. Find out what it takes to keep a species surviving and thriving.

Would you switch from gas to veggie oil to run your car? how about stop flying on airplanes? Those are just some of the ways a local family has cut their energy use by ninety percent.

  • 2018-09-25T13:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-25T18:30:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-26T06:30:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-09-26T22:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-27T05:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-27T14:00:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-09-28T17:30:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-09-29T05:30:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-09-30T11:30:00-07:00
    KCET-HD

30 Years with Val Zavala

Season 8

Val Zavala, whose presence has been an integral part of the Southern California media landscape for three decades, is retiring. Her legacy as a news anchor/producer, Latina role model and an award-winning journalist deeply involved in the community she covers will be recognized in a special tribute episode of "SoCal Connected."

  • 2018-10-02T13:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-10-02T18:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-10-03T22:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-10-04T04:30:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-10-04T14:00:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-10-06T05:30:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-10-07T11:30:00-07:00
    KCET-HD

'Freelance Nation' and 'Made in L.A.'

Season 8

With the rise of the super-temp, comes the increase income inequality. What happens when half the workforce are gig workers? SoCal Connected follows an Uber driver who lost his job and is struggling to support his family as an independent contractor. 

How one of L.A.'s most successful entrepreneurs, Cisco Pinedo, is building a brand, furniture and community all at the same time.

  • 2018-10-04T05:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD

The News Blues

The LA Times may have found its savior in Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong, but how will the other local newsrooms in LA be rescued? Socal Connected reports on one of the craziest year for local news in Southern California. Premieres October 9th at 8:00pm.

  • 2018-10-09T13:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-10-09T18:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-10-10T22:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-10-11T04:30:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-10-11T05:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-10-11T14:00:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-10-13T05:30:00-07:00
    KCETLINK
  • 2018-10-14T12:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD

Out of Bounds

One of the nation's top high school athletes was on a path to the NFL, but instead became the poster child for what's wrong with L.A.'s mental Health system. SoCal Connected documents the life and times of Dorsey High's Antonio Carrion.

  • 2018-10-16T13:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD
  • 2018-10-16T18:00:00-07:00
    KCET-HD

Articles

Popular Videos

Expiring Soon

Comments