Wine Road Podcast, Episode 250 - Diane DiRoma, River Road Family Vineyards & Winery

(0:10 - 0:48) The podcast episode begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing the show and thanking sponsors like Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support (0:49 - 1:14) They welcome their guest, Virginie Boone, a celebrated wine writer and podcast host for "The Good Stuff" with Karissa Kruse, and discuss her extensive contributions to wine publications. (1:14 - 1:49) Virginie reflects on her experience as a guest on their show and the benefits of co-hosting, which allows for diverse perspectives and shared responsibilities. (1:50 - 11:48) The conversation highlights Virginie's blog for Sonoma County Wine Growers, where she covers a wide range of topics, from local agricultural history to broader cultural trends, showcasing her curiosity and storytelling skills.  (3:12 - 6:08) Virginie shares her background as a travel writer for Lonely Planet, detailing her early career in digital content and community building, including her work on the Thorn Tree forum. She recounts her transition from travel writing to wine writing, emphasizing the natural connection between the two fields due to their shared focus on sense of place and storytelling. Virginie discusses her current work for Jeb Dunnuck, covering wine regions in California, Washington, Spain, and Argentina, and reflects on her long-standing fascination with Argentina, which she finally visited after years of interest. She also mentions her fluency in French and how it aids her work in Spain, where many winemakers have ties to France. (11:49-18:08) The discussion shifts to Virginie's personal history, including her upbringing as an army brat, her French mother's cultural adjustment to life in the U.S., and her family's eventual settlement in San Francisco. Virginie explains her move to Sonoma County around the time of 9/11, drawn by the region's beauty, proximity to San Francisco, and vibrant community. The hosts and Virginie discuss favorite local spots, including restaurants like Stella and Glen Ellen Star, and wineries like Ramsgate and Beltane Ranch, highlighting the area's rich culinary and wine offerings. (18:09-27:03) The conversation touches on the evolving wine industry, including the rise of white wines and their appeal to younger generations due to their freshness, versatility, and compatibility with diverse cuisines. Virginie and the hosts discuss the importance of independent wine writing, the challenges of modern media, and the joy of discovering well-written, inspiring wine stories. They reflect on the connection between travel writing and wine writing, emphasizing the value of personal experiences and storytelling in understanding wine. (27:04-45:05) Virginie shares her aspirations to visit South Africa, drawn by its wine culture and natural beauty, and discusses the importance of immersing oneself in the places and people behind the wines. The hosts and Virginie explore the concept of "The Good Stuff," inspired by a TED Talk by Karissa Kruse, which encourages savoring life's pleasures and sharing positive stories. They joke about creating a contrasting "The Bad Stuff" series but ultimately focus on the resilience and community spirit of Sonoma County, especially in the face of challenges like wildfires. (45:06-50:34) The episode concludes with a "Fast Five" recipe segment featuring Jacob from Mounds Family Winery, who shares a simple dish of whipped ricotta and marinated tomatoes paired with wine. The hosts announce upcoming events, including the Passport to Dry Creek and the Spring Wine Trail, and discuss the Writing Between the Vines retreat program, which offers writers an opportunity to work in Sonoma's wine country. The episode wraps up with gratitude for Virginie's participation and a reflection on the joy of connecting through wine and storytelling.  

(0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to Wine Road podcast, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of financial support from River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit RiverRoadVineyards.com for more details. (0:49 - 1:00) Celebrating episode 250 with guest Diane DiRoma, VP and General Manager of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery. (1:00 - 1:23) Excitement about the milestone episode and gratitude to Ron Rubin, whose winery, River Road, supports the podcast. (1:24 - 1:45) Diane introduces a new product: a white jasmine sparkling tea from the Republic of Tea, made with 100% white tea and jasmine blossoms. (1:46 - 2:30) Discussion of the tea's aromas, effervescence, and connection to the Republic of Tea, which shares ownership with River Road. The tea is part of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market. (2:31 - 3:17) Details on the tea's launch in 200 stores and its unique qualities, blending tea and sparkling elements. The tea is sourced from the Fujian province, known for white tea. (3:18 - 4:04) Diane reflects on her 20-year career with the Rubin family, emphasizing innovation, learning, and Ron Rubin's inspiring leadership. (4:05 - 5:14) Insights into Ron Rubin's philosophy of continuous improvement, innovation, and the importance of being a B Corp. Diane shares how this mindset drives the winery's culture. (5:15 - 6:28) Diane discusses fostering accountability and teamwork within the winery, emphasizing peer-to-peer accountability and cultural growth. (6:29 - 7:25) Overview of Diane's role overseeing bottled teas and the integration of tea and wine businesses under the Rubin family. (7:26 - 7:59) Recommendation of Ron Rubin's book Gold in Your Backyard, which shares his journey and principles for success, including mentorship and seeking advice. (8:00 - 9:23) Diane highlights Ron's emphasis on asking for help and how it has shaped her approach to challenges and opportunities. (9:24 - 10:28) Beth shares her experience asking Ron for podcast sponsorship, illustrating his supportive and approachable nature. (10:29 - 11:38) Discussion on the importance of innovation in the wine industry, not just in products but also in processes and culture. (11:39 - 13:56) Diane shares her coaching philosophy, rooted in her basketball background, and how it translates to leading a team at the winery. (13:57 - 15:55) Diane reflects on her basketball career, coaching experiences, and the life lessons she applies to business, including resilience and continuous improvement. (15:56 - 17:15) A story about Ron Rubin's perspective on responsibility and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of community and employee well-being. (17:16 - 19:12) Diane discusses the parallels between running a business and coaching a team, emphasizing fundamentals, education, and continuous learning. (19:13 - 20:44) Beth and Diane discuss the endless learning opportunities in the wine industry and Diane's East Coast roots. (20:45 - 26:07) Diane recounts her career journey from basketball to wine sales in Florida, emphasizing hard work, asking for help, and adapting to new challenges. (26:08 - 28:40) Diane shares how she joined the Republic of Tea, her first meeting with Ron Rubin, and her admiration for his innovative approach. (28:41 - 29:32) Reflection on the winery's focus on continuous improvement, community, and empathy, inspired by Ron Rubin's leadership. (29:33 - 31:05) Discussion on the importance of mentorship and how it has shaped Diane's career and personal philosophy. (31:06 - 33:02) Diane and Beth discuss changes in college sports and the importance of mentorship for young athletes transitioning to the workforce. (33:03 - 34:22) Brainstorming ideas for a mentorship boot camp inspired by Ron Rubin's philosophy. (34:23 - 35:02) Details on the launch of the white jasmine sparkling tea in Total Wine and More stores and on the Republic of Tea website. (35:03 - 36:03) Wine Road's 50th-anniversary celebration: Snap a selfie with a Wine Road sign, share it on Instagram, and enter to win a $200 credit for Wine Road tickets. (36:04 - 36:28) Closing remarks, gratitude to Diane for joining, and a lighthearted discussion about living in the area.  

(0:10 - 0:23) The podcast "Wine Road" is hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, Executive Director of The Wine Road. Thanks to Ron Rubin, the podcast continues to thrive. (0:24 - 0:48) River Road Family Vineyards and Winery financially supports the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at RiverRoadVineyards.com. (0:49 - 1:01) Episode 249 features guest Damy Tamburino, Director of Direct-to-Consumer and Hospitality at Fopiano Vineyards. (1:01 - 1:16) Damy and the hosts reflect on their long-standing professional relationship and discuss the exciting developments at Fopiano Vineyards. (1:17 - 2:23) Foppiano Vineyards was purchased by Courtney Benham of Martin Ray Winery, who has a rich history in the wine business. Renovations include landscaping, a large grass area, and an event space. (2:24 - 3:16) The revamped property is family-friendly, featuring spaces for events, weddings, and gatherings. The updates have made the winery a standout in the area. (3:17 - 4:38) Foppiano continues to focus on its legacy wines like Petit Sirah while expanding its portfolio with new offerings, including a Dry Creek Zinfandel, Alexander Valley Cabernet, and a French-style Rosé. (4:39 - 5:27) The winery is exploring new experiences, such as hosting the Santa Rosa Symphony and offering personalized wine flights in a relaxed, family-friendly environment. (5:28 - 7:45) Fopiano allows picnics, is dog-friendly, and provides a welcoming atmosphere for families. The hosts discuss the joy of picnicking at wineries and encourage listeners to embrace this experience. (7:46 - 10:42) Damy shares his extensive career in the wine industry, from retail in Berkeley to working with major brands like Liquor Barn, Cost Plus, and Simi Winery. He reflects on his journey and connections with industry leaders. (10:43 - 12:27) Damy discusses his Italian heritage, family ties in Italy, and his love for travel, wine, and family visits. He highlights the importance of staying connected to his roots. (12:28 - 15:58) The hosts announce the Wine Road's 50th anniversary gala on September 19th at Foppiano, one of the founding wineries. The event will feature music, wine tasting, local bites, and a silent auction. (15:59 - 18:19) Elena from Trioni Winery shares a "Fast Five" recipe for a classic Caprese salad, paired with a rosé wine. (18:20 - 21:17) Foppiano's property has historical significance, as it was the site where the Russian River Valley was named. The winery is a popular destination with a vibrant atmosphere. (21:18 - 23:29) Foppiano plans to host events like a sunset series, weddings, and themed gatherings, including a lobster boil and a masquerade party. They are also celebrating their 130th anniversary and the centennial of "The River Runs Red." (23:30 - 26:37) The Wine Road's 50th anniversary includes monthly activities. In April, visitors can post selfies with anniversary signs to win event tickets. A wine trail event is planned for May. (26:38 - 26:52) Listeners are encouraged to visit Foppiano Vineyards (foppiano.com) and explore the Wine Road's events at wineroad.com. The episode concludes with warm farewells.  

  (0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to the "Wine Road" podcast, hosted by Marci Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of financial support from River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. (0:49 - 0:58) Introduction of guest Lauren Fremont, Executive Director of The Wine Growers of Dry Creek Valley. (0:58 - 1:16) Lighthearted banter about Lauren finding the location despite a mix-up with the address. (1:16 - 1:46) Lauren explains The Wine Growers of Dry Creek Valley as a trade association representing the wineries and growers of the Dry Creek Valley region. (1:46 - 2:01) Discussion of Dry Creek Valley as a brand and its unique representation of the area. (2:02 - 2:25) Description of Dry Creek Valley's beauty, compact size, and ease of exploration for visitors. (2:26 - 2:49) Highlighting the diversity of wineries in Dry Creek Valley, each offering unique experiences. (2:49 - 3:32) Discussion of the valley's geography, its small size as an AVA, and the variety of wines produced, including over 50 different varieties. (3:32 - 3:58) Conversation about the growing popularity of sparkling wines in Dry Creek Valley, with examples of wineries producing bubbles. (3:58 - 4:36) Beth shares a fun anecdote about her old "Got Bubbles" license plate, sparking a discussion about the versatility and joy of sparkling wines. (5:00 - 7:36) Introduction to the "Passport to Dry Creek" event, celebrating its 35th year. Lauren describes the event as an immersive experience where attendees visit wineries, meet winemakers, and enjoy food, music, and wine in a relaxed, authentic setting. (7:37 - 8:21) Details about the event's inclusive ticketing, relaxed atmosphere, and opportunities to connect with others while enjoying wine and food. (8:21 - 9:19) Discussion of the event's timing during bud break in late April, adding to the charm of the experience. (9:19 - 10:14) Details about the Friday night kickoff party at Bacchus Landing, featuring smaller wineries, live cooking, and a DJ. (10:14 - 11:10) Description of Bacchus Landing as a venue with tasting rooms and family-friendly spaces, though Passport itself is adults-only. (11:11 - 12:17) Lauren explains how attendees can plan their itineraries and what to expect from participating wineries, including creative themes and food pairings. (12:18 - 13:56) Lauren shares details about an upcoming wine cruise on the Seine River in June, featuring three wineries and their winemakers. (13:56 - 15:01) Discussion of the unique experience of river cruises and Lauren's personal connection to Paris, where she was born. (15:01 - 16:10) Lauren shares her family's journey to Sonoma County, her father's career as a master perfumer, and the parallels between wine and fragrance. (16:11 - 19:12) Conversation about the sensory and nostalgic aspects of wine and fragrance, and a mention of a local winery blending wine and fragrance. (19:13 - 20:31) Lauren emphasizes the importance of Passport as a community event and a way to showcase the region's wine culture. (20:31 - 21:14) Details about Passport's dates: April 24th (Friday night kickoff) and April 25-26th (weekend event). (21:14 - 23:23) Fast Five segment featuring a recipe for broiled feta with garlicky cherry tomatoes and capers, paired with Sauvignon Blanc. (23:31 - 24:03) Lauren encourages listeners to visit Dry Creek Valley and highlights resources on their website (WDCV.com) for planning trips. (24:03 - 24:57) Closing remarks, with thanks to Lauren and a reminder to check the show notes for more information.      

(0:10 - 0:23) Welcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa. Thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast. (0:24 - 0:48) River Road Family Vineyards and Winery sponsors the show. Visit riverroadvineyards.com to explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (0:49 - 1:03) Episode 247 features Sidney Hunter, a barrel-tasting enthusiast, sharing her experiences and tips. (1:04 - 1:19) Beth introduces Sidney, a long-time customer turned friend, who regularly attends Wine Road events. (1:20 - 1:36) Sidney is a passionate barrel-tasting fan, attending events with her family and enjoying the experience. (1:39 - 1:54) Sidney estimates she's attended barrel tasting about 15 times, collecting many wine glasses along the way. (1:54 - 2:23) Sidney loves barrel tasting for the chance to try favorites, discover new wines, and meet winemakers. (2:23 - 3:26) She values the consistency of her favorite wineries and enjoys the interactive experience of learning from winemakers and staff. (3:26 - 4:12) Sidney appreciates the personal connections she's built with winery staff and the opportunity to try exclusive tastings. (4:12 - 5:09) Barrel tasting offers a unique, interactive experience. Sidney often buys futures, trusting the wine's quality and evolution. (5:09 - 6:23) Sidney explains her confidence in buying futures, often comparing current barrel samples with past vintages. (6:23 - 7:23) She highlights favorite wineries like Soda Rock and Carol Shelton, praising their consistent quality and knowledgeable staff. (7:23 - 8:11) She shares a story about picking up so many wine cases that her car was packed, leading to more purchases during pickups. (8:11 - 9:08) Sidney and her sisters make wine events a social occasion, complete with picnics and organized plans for visiting wineries. (9:08 - 10:16) Her group meticulously plans their visits, balancing favorite wineries with new discoveries, and enjoying the overall experience. (10:17 - 11:09) Sidney mentions her loyalty to Wilson family wineries and her goal to visit all of them in 2026. (11:11 - 12:29) She shares her love for Italian varietals at Colagrossi and highlights other favorites like Kokomo and VML for their unique offerings. (12:29 - 13:19) Sidney emphasizes pacing during events, focusing on quality over quantity, and taking notes to remember favorite wines. (13:20 - 14:22) Her sisters now join her for barrel tasting, each picking a favorite and a new winery to visit, with Sidney mapping out the route. (14:22 - 15:19) Sidney encourages enjoying the scenery, taking breaks, and embracing the full experience rather than rushing through wineries. (15:20 - 16:54) Barrel tasting is about quality, not quantity. Sidney advises taking time to enjoy the vineyards, meet winemakers, and savor the experience. (16:54 - 17:54) Rain or shine, Sydney and her sisters are prepared for events, enjoying the wines and connecting with winemakers like Susie Selby. (17:54 - 19:15) Sidney highlights the value of meeting winemakers and learning about their craft, making the experience educational and enjoyable. (19:17 - 20:30) She recommends bringing food and chocolates to pair with wines and suggests local markets like Dry Creek General Store for supplies. (20:30 - 21:03) Sidney's enthusiasm inspires others to join her at events, and she encourages everyone to experience barrel tasting. (21:03 - 21:49) Tickets for barrel tasting are $50 and include access to 60 wineries, with some offering tastings on Friday before the event starts. (21:49 - 23:00) The $50 ticket celebrates Wine Road's 50th anniversary. Sip Into the Weekend offers complimentary tastings every Thursday and Friday. (23:00 - 24:08) Check wineroad.com for updated winery lists and event details. That's a wrap for this episode!

Wine Road Podcast - Episode 246 - Janae Franicevic / Sunce Winery Click to LISTEN Welcome to Wine Road with hosts Marci Gordon and Beth Costa. Thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast. (0:24 - 0:48) Special thanks to River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. Explore their wines at RiverRoadVineyards.com. (0:49 - 0:57) Episode 246 features Janae Franicevic from Sunce Winery. (1:03 - 1:16) Janae introduces Sunce's 2021 Pinot Noir, made from estate-grown clone 777. (1:30 - 1:48) Sunce Winery is a backyard winery on Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, with a vineyard planted in 1998. (2:16 - 2:29) Janae shares the story of buying and transforming the property into a winery. (3:06 - 3:17) Starting a winery required risk, passion, and resourcefulness. (5:00 - 5:10) Janae emphasizes her role in building the business, pioneering direct-to-consumer sales and wine clubs. (6:16 - 6:37) Sunce produces small-lot wines, including single-clone Pinots and diverse varietals. (9:02 - 9:18) The tasting room offers a global wine experience, featuring unique varietals like Dornfelder and Teran. (11:00 - 11:09) Sunce's adaptability allows them to thrive in a challenging wine economy. (15:37 - 15:42) Wine remains a comforting tradition, especially in changing times. (22:18 - 22:29) Janae highlights the importance of barrel tasting as a tradition and business cornerstone. (24:05 - 24:09) Sunce offers flexible futures purchases, starting at three bottles. (27:00 - 27:22) Barrel tasting supports wineries and growers while offering customers exclusive wines at a discount. (32:01 - 32:23) Barrel tasting allows customers to experience wine's development and connect with its story. (36:42 - 36:57) Janae stresses the importance of wineries supporting each other during challenging times. (37:35 - 37:40) Visit Sunce for barrel tasting, charcuterie, and a welcoming atmosphere. (37:50 - 37:53) Barrel tasting is March 7-8. Don't miss it! Links from today: River Road Family Vineyards Sunce Winery

Click to LISTEN Hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa discuss upcoming events, share stories, and provide resources for wine enthusiasts in Northern Sonoma County. Here's the rundown: p]:inline"> Sponsor Shoutouts: Thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for supporting the podcast. Check out their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at riverroadvineyards.com. p]:inline"> Event Updates: p]:inline">Winter Wineland: Recently wrapped up, offering a relaxed post-holiday wine weekend. p]:inline">Wine Love Wine Trail: Happening on Valentine's Day (Feb 14). A $50 ticket grants access to 30 wineries with fun treats like conversation hearts and Hershey's Kisses. p]:inline">Barrel Tasting: Celebrating its 48th year and the Wine Road's 50th anniversary. This signature event (March) allows guests to taste wines directly from barrels, meet winemakers, and purchase futures. Tickets are rolled back to $50 for the weekend. p]:inline">50th Anniversary Grand Tasting: Scheduled for November 6 at Fopiano Vineyards, featuring founding members, live music, and food.  (UPDATE - new date September 19th).  p]:inline"> Book Recommendation: Vines in a Cold Climate by Henry Jeffries explores the rise of English sparkling wine, driven by climate change and visionary winemakers. p]:inline"> Local Resource Highlight: Edible Marin and Wine Country magazine is a free, insightful guide to local food, wine, and culture. p]:inline"> Recipe Spotlight: Marcy shares a simple recipe for spiced candied nuts, perfect for Valentine's Day gifts. Ingredients include nuts, sugar, spices, egg white, and salt. Bake at 300°F for 30 minutes, separate, and package with a bow. p]:inline"> Fun Moments: The hosts share laughs, personal anecdotes, and celebrate Beth's 49th wedding anniversary. Listeners are encouraged to share photos from Winter Wineland and explore the Wine Road's events and resources. Happy Valentine's Day! Links: River Road Family Vineyards Winter Wineland Wine Love Wine  Trail Barrel Tasting Edible Marin Vines in a Cold Climate   Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts - a perfect Valentine gift idea! 1/3 cup dark-brown sugar 2/3 cup white granulated sugar 1 teaspoon kosher salt (I might up this by a 1/2 tsp. next time for more of a sweet/salty balance) Generous pinch of cayenne pepper (I swapped this with 1/4 teaspoon of hot smoked paprika) 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 pound walnut or pecan halves or whole peeled hazelnuts 1 egg white, room temperature 1 tablespoon water Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix sugars, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon, making sure there are no lumps; set aside. Beat egg white and water until frothy but not stiff. Add walnuts, and stir to coat evenly. Sprinkle nuts with sugar mixture, and toss until evenly coated. Spread sugared nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet fitted with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven, and separate nuts as they cool. When completely cool, pour the nuts into a bowl, breaking up any that stick together.  

Welcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast.   (0:24 - 0:48) Thanks to River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. Explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at riverroadvineyards.com. (0:49 - 0:59) Episode 244 features Bruce Marinace, a tour driver and guide in Sonoma County. (1:03 - 1:15) Beth met Bruce at Alexander Valley Vineyards during their cave expansion event, leading to his podcast invitation. (1:32 - 1:47) Bruce transitioned from IT in Silicon Valley to wine tours in Sonoma after moving for his wife. (2:08 - 2:23) Bruce humorously recounts joining the Santa Rosa Mother's Club and adjusting to life as a stay-at-home dad. (3:11 - 3:31) Inspired by a TV show, Bruce began driving for wine tour companies, eventually joining Private Wine Drivers. (4:23 - 4:43) Private Wine Drivers offers intimate experiences at boutique wineries, connecting guests with winemakers. (5:05 - 5:15) Bruce prefers driving smaller vehicles for personalized tours and enjoys building relationships with clients. (6:15 - 6:30) Bruce helps clients navigate Sonoma's 490 wineries, tailoring tours to their preferences. (7:17 - 7:25) Bruce creates lasting connections, acting as a driver, guide, and even a photographer for his clients. (10:02 - 10:14) He ensures guests experience more than wineries, incorporating local food and attractions into tours. (13:53 - 14:13) Bruce balances education and enjoyment, tailoring tours to guests' interests and pacing the day thoughtfully. (17:52 - 18:02) With years of experience, Bruce curates unique itineraries, ensuring no two tours are the same. (20:22 - 20:26) Bruce stays updated on wineries through driver appreciation events and industry connections. (23:47 - 24:10) He emphasizes the importance of planning tours logistically to maximize enjoyment and minimize travel time. (27:08 - 27:20) Bruce often incorporates local markets, food spots, and scenic stops into his tours for a well-rounded experience. (33:32 - 33:43) Guests appreciate Bruce's photography skills, leaving with memorable pictures from their tours. (37:04 - 37:10) Bruce loves his job, meeting new people, and being part of their happy memories in wine country. (38:05 - 38:15) Find Bruce and Private Wine Drivers at privatewinedrivers.com or on TripAdvisor.   Links from today: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Private Wine Drivers Bruce - direct: 707 - 975 - 3773  bmarinace @ comcast.net   

(0:10 - 0:23) The podcast kicks off with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing Wine Road, a show about the wine culture of Northern Sonoma County. They thank Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial support, enabling the podcast to continue. Listeners are encouraged to explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (0:49 - 1:07) The hosts welcome Caterina Balletto from Balletto Vineyards, who brings a 2019 Brut Rosé to celebrate the New Year. (1:08 - 2:21) Katerina describes the 2019 Brut Rosé, aged five years on the lees (yeast cells), which gives it a rich, brioche-like flavor with fruity notes. It's a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay. (2:22 - 3:11) The hosts and Caterina discuss the wine's light salmon-pink hue and its celebratory nature. They reflect on the passion behind making sparkling wine, which isn't Balletto's primary focus. (3:12 - 4:01) Caterina shares the history of Balletto Vineyards, which began as a vegetable farming business by her family. Economic challenges led to a pivot to grape farming in the mid-1990s, with their first wine vintage produced in 2001. (4:02 - 5:30) Caterina recounts her journey back to the family business after working in finance and marketing. She initially struggled to integrate but gained valuable experience working outside the family business before returning in 2024. (5:31 - 7:30) She now handles various roles, including accounting, HR, and admin tasks, while learning the intricacies of running the business. Caterina emphasizes the importance of earning respect from employees and balancing family dynamics. (7:31 - 9:00) The hosts and Caterina discuss the pride and responsibility of being part of a family legacy. Caterina reflects on the values instilled by her parents and the joy of seeing their wine appreciated by the community. (9:01 - 10:30) Balletto Vineyards is highlighted as a community-focused business, supporting local events and charities. The family's regulation-sized baseball field, built for vineyard workers, is a unique feature of the property. (10:31 - 12:00) The conversation shifts to Balletto's event spaces, including patios and an event center, which host community gatherings, weddings, and fundraisers. The hosts praise the vineyard's welcoming atmosphere. (12:01 - 13:30) Caterina mentions the vineyard's dog-friendly events, like an annual dog walk through the vineyards, and their open-door policy for visitors. Reservations are optional, but special tours like the golf cart vineyard tour can be booked. (13:31 - 15:00) The hosts promote upcoming Wine Road events, including Winter Wineland (January), Barrel Tasting (March), and Wine Love Weekend (February). They share anecdotes about meeting podcast listeners at past events. (15:01 - 16:30) The episode wraps up with a look ahead to the 50th anniversary of Wine Road in 2026, featuring a grand tasting event in November. The hosts thank Caterina for joining and wish listeners a Happy New Year. Links Today: River Road Family Vineyards Balletto Vineyards            

(0:10 - 0:23) The podcast kicks off with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing "Wine Road," a show about the wine culture of Northern Sonoma County. They thank Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast. (0:24 - 0:48) River Road Family Vineyards and Winery is highlighted as a sponsor, enabling the podcast to continue. Listeners are encouraged to explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at RiverRoadVineyards.com. (0:49 - 1:16) The hosts introduce episode 242, a festive "Celebrate Christmas" edition, recorded on December 18th. They share their excitement for the holiday season. (1:17 - 1:39) The hosts enjoy eggnog and holiday cheer, with Marcy joking about "Santa pauses" and Beth adjusting to not introducing a guest. (1:42 - 2:00) Beth shares her excitement about spending Christmas with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Cloverdale, emphasizing the importance of family during the holidays. (2:05 - 2:23) Beth reminisces about a Nutcracker-themed children's book that her grandson loves, which still works after years of use, despite her family's mixed feelings about it. (2:30 - 3:25) The hosts discuss the upcoming "Winter Wineland" event on January 17-18, featuring 60 wineries. It's a relaxed, fun weekend to enjoy wine tasting, with extended offers for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. (3:26 - 4:14) Beth mentions the Wine Road's ongoing auction to raise funds and teases the 50th anniversary celebration in 2026. Plans include a grand tasting event at Fopiano Vineyards, showcasing founding and long-time member wineries. (4:15 - 5:32) The hosts reflect on the Wine Road's history, including its 40th-anniversary documentary, and share details about the 50th-anniversary celebration in November 2026, which will feature live music, appetizers, and winery interviews. (5:33 - 6:21) Beth shares her holiday traditions, including decorating her house, baking cookies with her grandkids, and enjoying Christmas lights in Cloverdale. Marcy adds her Italian-inspired traditions, like panettone and spaghetti with meatballs. (6:22 - 7:14) The hosts discuss holiday baking, with Beth excited about her pastry chef daughter visiting to take over the kitchen. They also mention local light displays and parades in Sebastopol and Occidental. (7:15 - 9:00) Beth recalls a memorable Christmas trip to the San Francisco Zoo to see reindeer, which ended with a long traffic jam on the Golden Gate Bridge. The hosts agree that the best holiday memories often involve mishaps. (9:01 - 11:34) The hosts outline upcoming Wine Road events: p]:inline">Winter Wineland (January 17-18): A weekend wine-tasting event. p]:inline">Wine Love Wine Trail (February 14): A one-day, $50 event with 40 wineries. p]:inline">Barrel Tasting (March): A chance to taste wines still aging in barrels, alongside current and library vintages. (11:35 - 13:40) Beth highlights the Geyserville Inn as a lodging option, noting its vineyard-surrounded location, renovated rooms, and on-site restaurant. It's ideal for weddings, meetings, or a wine country getaway. (13:41 - 15:27) Marcy introduces a "Where Am I?" segment, describing a winery in Dry Creek Valley with a scenic view, old tractors, and Rhone varietals. Listeners can email guesses to win a Wine Road picnic blanket. (15:28 - 20:19) The hosts share a "Fast Five" recipe for snowball cookies with pistachios, adding humor and outtakes as they struggle to describe the process. The recipe includes flour, salted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and nuts. They promise to include detailed instructions in the show notes. (20:20 - 20:23) The episode wraps up with holiday wishes and laughter over the cookie recipe outtakes.   Todays Links: River Road Family Vineyards & Winery Winter Wineland Geyserville Inn Marcy's Snowball Cookies - with somewhat clearer instructions...