Today, we're thrilled to sit down with Jasper Hawthorne, the visionary behind the enigmatic wine brand Ghost Milk.
Jasper has cultivated more than just vines at Ghost Milk Winery. Leaving behind a lucrative career in Idaho's potato and ranching industry, Hawthorne ventured into winemaking with a unique twist—merging traditional viticulture with the supernatural.
Wine Stain: Jasper, your brand has captured the imagination of the wine world. How did you come up with the groundbreaking idea to contact deceased winemakers through séance?
Jasper Hawthorne: Well, thank you for having me. The idea sprouted from my background in ranching and farming in Idaho, where I learned the value of tradition and innovation. I've always been fascinated by the stories of legendary winemakers and their timeless techniques. I wondered, "What if we could blend the past with the present, merging centuries-old wisdom with today's technology?" Séances, although they can seem controversial, seemed like the perfect way to bridge that gap.
Wine Stain: Fascinating approach. How do you reconcile the differences between historical winemaking methods and modern techniques?
Jasper Hawthorne: It's quite the challenge. For instance, many winemakers from the past relied heavily on natural fermentation and aging in large oak casks, which imparted a distinct character to the wine. Today, we have stainless steel tanks and controlled fermentation, which offer more consistency but can sometimes strip away complexity. We aim to strike a balance, incorporating the ghostly guidance we receive to adapt old methods to our current environment. For our "Ancient Mosel Riesling," we heeded the advice of a 19th-century German winemaker, using wild yeasts for fermentation but monitoring the process with modern precision.
Wine Stain: Your journey from potato farming to pioneering a wine brand is quite the tale. How has your agricultural background influenced Ghost Milk?
Jasper Hawthorne: It's all about the connection to the land and understanding that great produce - whether it's potatoes or grapes - starts with passion and respect for nature. My experience taught me the importance of innovation while honoring tradition, a philosophy that's at the heart of Ghost Milk.
Wine Stain: Speaking of Ghost Milk, where does the name come from, and why is it a fitting metaphor for the brand?
Jasper Hawthorne: The name "Ghost Milk" emerged from the concept of extracting the essence, or the "milk," from these spectral winemakers. It's ethereal, nourishing for the soul, and somewhat elusive, much like trying to grasp a ghost. It represents our endeavor to distill the spirit of legendary winemakers into every bottle.
Wine Stain: Can you share some of the other spectral consultants you've contacted and the wines they've inspired?
Jasper Hawthorne: Absolutely. Apart from our Mosel Riesling spirit, we've had the honor of consulting with a renowned winemaker from Bordeaux's early 1800s for our "Ancient Bordeaux Blend." We've also been guided by a ghost from Tuscany for our "Spectre of Sangiovese" and a spirit from the Douro Valley for our "Phantom Port." Each brings their unique perspective, enriching our understanding and the diversity of our offerings.
Jean-Étienne Lefèvre, the visionary, 19th-century Bordeaux winemaker whose expertise has been summoned to guide the creation of latest Bordeaux blend.
Wine Stain: Jasper, has anything strange or downright scary ever happened during one of your séances?
Jasper Hawthorne: Ah, the question we often get with a mix of curiosity and dread. Well, let me assure you, conducting séances in the pursuit of winemaking wisdom isn't without its... let's say, spirited surprises. On one memorable occasion, we were attempting to contact a particularly elusive spirit that lived in California. As the medium entered a deep trance, a sudden chill enveloped the room, and a dense fog seeped in from nowhere.
I remember, we were connecting to the other realm and felt like we were about to gain the spirit's trust and gain recommendations for our old vine blend. Suddenly, a malevolent wraith decided to crash the party.
Bottles rattled on their shelves, and some of our oak barrels started to move inexplicably. Then, as quickly as it started, it all ceased. The room returned to normal, save for the lingering scent of violets in the air—a sign, we believed, from our intended spirit, indicating his favorite floral note for the wine.
Although it was disturbing, and while some might find such occurrences terrifying, we at Ghost Milk see them as part of the adventure.
After all, what's a little supernatural disturbance when you're on the brink of creating the next great wine? And to set the record straight, no one has been possessed... yet. But we remain open to the full spectrum of ghostly guidance, even if it comes with a side of poltergeist activity.
Wine Stain: That's an experience few can claim to have had! Jasper, thank you for sharing these captivating insights into the world of Ghost Milk. It's been an absolute pleasure.
Jasper Hawthorne: My pleasure. At Ghost Milk, we're just getting started on this spectral voyage. Cheers to the past informing the future, one glass at a time.
Wine Stain: Jasper, your innovative approach is undoubtedly shaking up the wine industry. Thank you for sharing your intriguing journey with us.
This interview offers a peek into the mysterious and innovative world of Ghost Milk, where history, séance, and winemaking converge to create something truly otherworldly.