Wine Road Podcast - Episode 244 with Bruce Marinace, a private tour driver in Wine Country.

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...        

(0:10 - 0:23) The hosts, Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, introduce the "Wine Road" podcast, supported by Ron Rubin, focusing on Northern Sonoma County wines. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial support, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. (0:49 - 0:57) Introduction of guest Jamie Peterson, second-generation winemaker at Peterson Winery. (1:00 - 1:22) Jamie shares his "desert island wine," a 2020 Zinfandel from their Bradford Mountain Vineyard, which includes Petite Syrah for added depth. (1:23 - 1:51) Discussion of the vineyard's history, its location in Dry Creek Valley, and the challenges of the 2020 fires. (1:52 - 2:12) Jamie explains the blending process of Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, emphasizing the wine's fruity and spicy profile. (2:13 - 2:39) Details about Bradford Mountain's geography and the resilience of the vineyard during the 2020 fires. (2:42 - 3:00) The hosts admire Peterson Winery's distinctive labels, designed with local fauna and flora themes. (3:00 - 3:32) Jamie shares the story behind the labels, featuring wood carvings of mountain lions, reflecting the vineyard's environment. (3:32 - 4:11) Jamie recounts his journey into winemaking, starting with his father Fred Peterson's grape-growing background and the winery's evolution. (4:12 - 5:14) Jamie describes his role as winemaker, blending decisions with his father, and managing marketing and operations in their small, family-run winery. (5:15 - 6:09) The organic growth of the winery is discussed, from Fred's grape-growing roots to producing 5,000 cases annually, focusing on Zinfandel and other varieties. (6:10 - 7:21) Jamie explains their mix of estate-grown and purchased grapes, with plans to focus more on estate production for better control and cost management. (7:21 - 9:00) Jamie reflects on his initial lack of interest in winemaking, his travels to Australia and New Zealand, and how those experiences deepened his appreciation for the craft. (9:00 - 10:27) Jamie shares how working abroad gave him a new perspective on winemaking and led to his full-time role at Peterson Winery in 2002. (10:32 - 12:07) Jamie discusses balancing vineyard work, winemaking, and marketing, emphasizing his love for the sensory aspects of winemaking. (12:10 - 13:37) The hosts and Jamie talk about the winery's vast portfolio of 20 wines, their focus on quality over quantity, and the importance of offering something for every palate. (13:38 - 15:35) Jamie highlights the aging potential of their wines, the benefits of screw caps versus corks, and their approach to barrel aging and minimal intervention. (15:59 - 17:09) Peterson Winery's tasting room schedule and its location among other wineries in Dry Creek Valley are discussed, making it a great stop for visitors. (17:09 - 18:46) Jamie mentions upcoming events like the Holiday Wine Trail and Winter Wineland, as well as the winery's plans to close briefly for the holidays. (18:46 - 20:48) Jamie shares his favorite local activities, including visiting the coast, hiking, and exploring thrift stores, as well as supporting local restaurants. (20:48 - 22:01) Jamie talks about involving his children in the winery, fostering their interest without pressure, and their creative contributions like designing labels. (22:02 - 24:01) The hosts and Jamie reflect on the challenges and rewards of running a family winery, including working with the next generation and maintaining traditions. (25:00 - 28:40) A winemaker answers a listener's question about determining grape harvest timing, explaining the process of testing sugar levels, acidity, and grape maturity. (29:02 - 31:40) Beth shares updates about the Wine Road auction, new Wine Road Ambassadors, and encourages listeners to explore Sonoma County and support local wineries. (31:41 - 33:01) Jamie provides contact information for Peterson Winery and invites listeners to visit and enjoy their wines. The episode concludes with a toast.   Links to explore River Road Family Vineyards & Winery Peterson Winery Holiday Wine Trail Winter WINEland Wine Road Ambassadors

Welcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa. Thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards for supporting the podcast. Check out RiverRoadVineyards.com for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (0:49 - 1:37) Episode 239 features Jacob Mounts, Winery and Vineyard Manager at Mounts Family Winery. Jacob, 25, represents the new generation of winemakers. His mother suggested he join the show to share insights from a younger perspective. (1:38 - 2:48) Jacob introduces the 2022 Italian Affair, a blend of Barbera and Teroldego. The unique combination offers juiciness and balance. The name stems from his father's decision to plant Italian varietals, which his mother jokingly called "cheating" on their Rhone roots. (2:49 - 5:25) Mounts Family Winery grows 35 varietals, including Rhone, Italian, Spanish, and Bordeaux grapes. Jacob explains the importance of experimenting with heat-tolerant varietals like Tempranillo and Touriga Nacional to adapt to climate change and appeal to younger wine drinkers. (5:26 - 7:08) Jacob emphasizes the importance of balance in winemaking, crediting his father's skill. He shares his passion for structured wines and his desire to expand the winery's production. (7:09 - 9:14) Jacob reflects on leaving the wine industry at 18 to explore other careers, including mechanics and commercial fishing in Alaska. His time away gave him a renewed appreciation for winemaking and the natural beauty of vineyards. (9:15 - 12:21) Jacob discusses the challenges of engaging younger wine drinkers, citing high tasting fees and lack of approachability. He advocates for making wine fun and accessible, encouraging people to enjoy it however they like. (12:22 - 14:45) The conversation shifts to the importance of storytelling in wine. Jacob believes sharing the history and personal stories behind a bottle creates a deeper connection for consumers, especially younger generations. (14:46 - 18:07) Jacob shares how introducing wine to friends in Alaska sparked their interest. He highlights the role of peer influence in making wine more appealing to younger audiences. (18:08 - 21:06) Jacob talks about his family's Rhone roots and their Viognier, which expresses stone fruit and honeysuckle notes. He also praises Grenache and Cab Franc as standout varietals in their portfolio. (21:07 - 24:00) Mounts Family Winery is open for tastings by appointment during the week and walk-ins on weekends. Jacob and his mother personally host tastings, offering a welcoming and intimate experience. (24:01 - 28:07) Jacob shares his passion for brandy and distilled spirits, mentioning his first barrel of brandy aging for 10 years. He enjoys exploring local artisanal producers and learning from their craft. (28:08 - 33:32) The hosts praise the winery's scenic location and encourage listeners to visit. Jacob highlights their new label designs, which represent their evolving portfolio. (33:33 - 37:53) The discussion touches on the beauty of Sonoma County year-round and the importance of slowing down to enjoy the scenery. Jacob expresses gratitude for being part of the wine community. (37:54 - 42:07) Beth promotes upcoming Wine Road events, including Winter Wineland and the Holiday Wine Trail, which supports the Redwood Empire Food Bank. She encourages listeners to explore the auction on wineroad.com. (42:08 - 44:32) Jacob thanks the hosts for the opportunity to share his story. The hosts commend his passion and authenticity, encouraging him to continue inspiring younger generations.   Links: River Road Family Vineyards & Winery Mounts Family Winery Winter Wineland Holiday Wine Trail + Market Redwood Empire Food Bank

Podcast Summary: Wine Road Episode 238 Welcome to Episode 238 of the Wine Road podcast, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with special thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. This episode features guests Elaina Dimond, Direct Sales and Hospitality Manager, and John Duckett, Winemaker at Trione Vineyards and Winery. Highlights: Introduction (0:49 - 1:12): Elaina and John join the show to discuss Trione Vineyards and Winery. They clarify the pronunciation of "Trione" and share a laugh about common mispronunciations. John's First Vintage (1:16 - 2:32): John shares the story of his first vintage at Trione, a 2023 Cabernet Franc. This small-lot wine, bottled exclusively for wine club members, represents his first red wine under his winemaking leadership. He explains the decision to keep this special lot separate from their usual Henry's Blend. John's Journey to Winemaking (2:47 - 4:13): John recounts his unique path to winemaking, starting as a competitive swimmer at UC Davis before discovering the viticulture program through a table grape growing class. He reflects on his 12 years at Jordan Winery before joining Trione in 2023. Trione's History (8:24 - 10:30): The Trione family has been a part of Sonoma County since 1947. John shares how Henry Trione started in mortgages and later invested in land and vineyards, eventually amassing 1,000 acres (now 600). The family's contributions to the community include the 5,000-acre Trione Annadel State Park and other philanthropic efforts. Winery Experiences (11:31 - 13:23): Elaina and John discuss the unique tasting experiences at Trione, including vineyard tours via golf carts and curated flights showcasing wines from their various vineyard properties across Sonoma County. They emphasize the importance of connecting visitors to the land and the winemaking process. Upcoming Events (18:02 - 23:00): Trione is hosting several events, including: p]:inline">Aroma, Sensory, and Blind Tasting (November 8th): Guests will use black glasses to train their senses and identify wine aromas. p]:inline">Barrel Demonstration (December 13th): A live demonstration of barrel-making and toasting. p]:inline">Soups and Sweaters Soiree (December 6th): A casual, fun event with wine and seasonal vibes. Trione's Small Production (26:09 - 29:03): Despite its impressive facilities, Trione is a boutique winery producing only 7,000 cases annually. They focus on five main wines: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Henry's Blend, and Block 21 Cabernet Sauvignon. John highlights their meticulous vineyard management and commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics of their vineyards. Community and Fun (33:03 - 37:00): Elaina and John share their love for Sonoma County, from coastal trips to farmer's markets. They also discuss Trione's casual, welcoming atmosphere, encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy picnics, bocce, and wine in their beautiful setting. Closing Notes (38:00 - 39:46): Beth highlights the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza as a great lodging option and reminds listeners about the upcoming Wine & Food Affair (November 1-2), featuring wine and food pairings at 50 wineries. This episode captures the passion, history, and community spirit of Trione Vineyards and Winery, making it a must-visit destination in Sonoma County. Thanks to: Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards & Winery – for their financial support Richard Ross and Threshold Studios – for making us sound so darn good! Links from today: Trione Vineyards & Winery Annadel State Park Bodega Head  Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza Wine & Food Affair              

Podcast Summary: Wine Road Episode 237 Welcome to another episode of Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with special thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. This episode features Julie Pedroncelli St. John, President and CEO of Pedroncelli Winery, and newly elected President of The Wine Road. Highlights: p]:inline"> Pedroncelli Winery's Legacy: Julie shares the rich history of her family-owned winery, which is nearing its 100th anniversary. She reflects on the winery's evolution, including their focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the recent release of their Block 10 Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine showcases the best of Dry Creek Valley with its layered flavors and elegant tannins. p]:inline"> Winery Updates: Julie discusses the winery's refreshed tasting room, complete with new landscaping, rock walls inspired by her great uncle's original designs, and a peaceful vineyard-view pergola. Visitors can enjoy a serene atmosphere with Adirondack chairs and picnic-friendly spaces. p]:inline"> Upcoming Events: Pedroncelli Winery is hosting a harvest celebration in October, offering an immersive experience where guests can taste freshly picked grapes, sample wines from the tank, and witness the winemaking process firsthand. p]:inline"> 50 Years of The Wine Road: Julie celebrates the upcoming 50th anniversary of The Wine Road, highlighting the collaboration among wineries to promote the region. She emphasizes the importance of the iconic Wine Road map, a resource for visitors planning their adventures in Sonoma County. p]:inline"> Personal Stories: Julie shares fond memories of growing up at the winery, from picking grapes as a child to working alongside her family. She also talks about her love for road trips, including her favorite drive along Highway 395 and visits to hidden gems like the ghost town of Bodie. p]:inline"> Lodging Spotlight: Beth highlights the Geyserville Inn, a charming hotel surrounded by vineyards, offering a pool, on-site dining, and proximity to local tasting rooms and attractions. p]:inline"> Wine and Food Affair: The hosts remind listeners to grab tickets for the Wine and Food Affair, happening November 1-2, where 50 wineries will pair wines with delicious recipes. Julie's passion for her family's legacy and the wine community shines throughout the episode, making it a must-listen for wine enthusiasts planning a visit to Sonoma County.   Thanks to: Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards & Winery - for their financial support Richard Ross and Threshold Studios - for making us sound so darn good! Links from today: Pedroncelli Winery Harvest Activities at Pedroncelli - Event Calendar Geyserville Inn Wine & Food Affair  

(0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to the podcast "Wine Road" hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial support. Listeners are encouraged to explore their wines, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.   (0:49 - 0:57) Introduction of guest Catalina Perez, Hospitality Manager at David Coffaro Vineyards & Winery. (0:57 - 1:23) Catalina shares her excitement about being on the show, and Beth reminisces about knowing Catalina since kindergarten. (1:30 - 2:25) Catalina introduces "Block Four," a popular wine made from 130-year-old vines in a traditional Italian-style field blend, featuring Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Carignan, and other unique varietals. (2:26 - 3:02) Discussion about the popularity of Block Four and Catalina's role as an ambassador for the winery. (3:06 - 4:14) Catalina shares her current favorite wine, Lagrine, a rare Italian varietal known for its dark, intense color but surprisingly light and drinkable profile. (4:15 - 5:15) Conversation about the winery's focus on Italian varietals, including Allianico, Barbera, and Sagrantino, and Dave Coffaro's passion for experimenting with these grapes. (5:46 - 7:17) Details about the winery's appointment-based visits, emphasizing its small, family-run nature and the personal touch of calling ahead. (8:12 - 9:36) Catalina recounts how she started working at the winery 14 years ago, transitioning from catering events to becoming a key team member. (10:12 - 11:18) Discussion about the importance of barrel tasting and the winery's futures program, which supports the business while offering customers exclusive access to upcoming wines. (11:22 - 12:54) Insights into Dave Coffaro's expertise in finance and his unique approach to winemaking, including his detailed online diary, which covers everything from vineyard updates to personal anecdotes. (13:14 - 14:13) Beth and Catalina discuss Dave's sustainability efforts, which predate the trend, and his innovative practices like solar energy and sustainable vineyard management. (16:04 - 17:13) Catalina shares her love for her job, describing the winery as a true family-run business with a close-knit team and a supportive environment. (17:23 - 18:56) Details about the winery's wine club, which offers twice-yearly shipments of unique blends and a 40% discount for members. (19:07 - 20:01) Catalina highlights the passion and authenticity behind the winery, emphasizing its family-oriented culture and dedication to quality. (20:21 - 22:09) Further discussion about the wine club's benefits, including access to exclusive blends and personalized barrel tastings. (22:16 - 24:07) Catalina explains the variety in the winery's portfolio, with over 30 wines available, and the fun of discovering new blends through the wine club. (25:36 - 26:05) Details about the winery's location in Geyserville and how to reach them via their website or by calling directly. (26:41 - 27:56) Shoutout to Vinarosa in Santa Rosa, a newly renovated lodging option with vineyard walking paths and wine tastings. (28:04 - 30:16) Beth describes a "mystery winery" in Alexander Valley with a unique cave and picnic area, encouraging listeners to guess its identity. (30:21 - 31:03) Closing remarks, with Catalina expressing her gratitude for being on the show and encouraging listeners to visit David Coffaro Winery.   Russian River Family Vineyards & Winery   David Coffaro Vineyards & Winery   Vinarosa Inn & Spa            

The podcast begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing the show and expressing gratitude to their sponsor, Ron Rubin, for supporting the podcast. They also thank River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial backing, which allows them to keep sharing stories and sipping wine. Just like in elementary school...we talk about what we did on our summer vacation :-) The episode, number 236, focuses on recapping their summer adventures in Sonoma County and beyond. Richard Ross, their engineer, kicks things off by sharing his first-ever road trip in an electric vehicle through the Eastern Sierras. He recounts stops at South Lake Tahoe, Bridgeport, Bodie ghost town, Mono Lake, and Mammoth Mountain, highlighting the beauty of the snow-covered Sierras and the challenges of finding EV chargers in remote areas. Along the way, he enjoyed local wines, quirky dining experiences, and even visited the Western Film Museum in Lone Pine. Beth shares her summer highlights, including frequent trips to Eureka to visit family, where she enjoyed the zoo, a stunning dahlia garden, and local wine. Marcy on the other hand, attended major events like Taste of Sonoma, the Sonoma County Fair (featuring the chaotic and hilarious Corgi races), and the Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol, which showcased local apples, cider, and artisan goods. She describes the fair's expanded layout, bustling crowds, and delicious treats like apple fritters. Marcy reflects on her summer filled with wine-related activities, including the Big West Wine Fest, which focused on natural wines, and the Sonoma County Fair's grape stomp. She also enjoyed beach picnics, hiking at Jenner Headlands, and participating in a summer reading program, where she read 15 books. The hosts also discuss their efforts to deliver updated Wine Road maps to local wineries, with Beth noting the beauty of driving through Sonoma County's wine regions. They highlight Guerneville's Dawn Ranch as a charming lodging option surrounded by redwoods, perfect for weddings or family reunions. Marcy shares her experience taking a pickling class in Sebastopol, adding to her growing list of homemaking skills, and encourages listeners to explore similar workshops. The episode wraps up with a shoutout to Ron Rubin for sponsoring another year of the podcast, ensuring they can continue sharing their love for Sonoma County wine and culture. The hosts encourage listeners to visit the region, sip Sonoma wines, and enjoy all the unique experiences the area has to offer. Mentions: Dawn Ranch Gravenstein Apple Fair Gather in Sebastopol Taste of Sonoma Sonoma County Fair Big West Wine Fest Jenner Headlands Western Film Museum in Lone Pine Bode (Ghost town)

Special Thanks to... Ron Rubin / River Road Family Vineyards & Winery - for their financial support Richard Ross / Threshold Studios - for the amazing sound engineering In this episode of Wine Road, Marci Gordon and Beth Costa chat with Tom Buckley, the General Manager of Hotel La Rose in Santa Rosa and a new board member of The Wine Road. They kick things off by thanking their sponsors, Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, for keeping the podcast going. Tom shares the rich history of Hotel La Rose, a boutique hotel located in the historic railroad district of Santa Rosa. Built in 1907, the hotel boasts unique architecture with stone brought in from eastern Santa Rosa. The property features 29 individually designed rooms in the main building and a charming carriage house with balconies, patios, and a courtyard that's perfect for group gatherings. Its central location makes it a great spot for visitors, with restaurants, shops, and even the train station just steps away. The conversation highlights the hotel's outdoor venue, which is ideal for weddings and events, and the convenience of the nearby SMART train, which brings visitors from the Bay Area. Tom reflects on his journey in hospitality, his love for the boutique hotel experience, and the importance of connecting with guests. He also praises Grossman's, the Jewish deli located in the hotel, for its delicious food and bakery offerings. Beth and Tom discuss the many reasons people visit Sonoma County, from wine tasting to exploring the coast, redwoods, and local attractions like Safari West. They also touch on the idea of hosting a Farmer's Market at the hotel's outdoor venue and the popularity of events like the Pliny the Younger beer release. The episode wraps up with Beth's "hidden winery" segment, giving listeners clues about a winery in Dry Creek Valley known for its fumé blanc, and a reminder to check out the Harvest Wine Trail, featuring 30 wineries and unique harvest experiences. Tom encourages everyone to visit Hotel La Rose, calling it the perfect base for exploring Sonoma County. Thanks to: River Road Family Vineyards & Winery Threshold Studio & Richard Ross - for our amazing sound recording!   Mentions: Hotel La Rose Harvest Wine Trail Pliney the Younger - Russian River Brewery Safari West Armstrong Woods