"The Good Stuff" - Episode 161: Oded Shakked

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Carlos Chavez founder of SECA and Chavez Family Cellars, to explore his journey from El Salvador to Sonoma County, the entrepreneurial leap that brought him into the wine industry, and his passion for supporting the agricultural community.  Tune in to hear how a career in health, safety and environmental compliance led to lasting relationships with local winegrowers and winemakers, his involvement with Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos, and how he turned a passion for wine into an award-winning family winery, earning gold at the Sonoma County Harvest Fair! 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Oded Shakked, founder and winemaker of Healdsburg’s Longboard Vineyards, to explore the unexpected connections between surfing, winemaking, and a life shaped by a deep appreciation for nature, community, and the journey along the way.  Tune in to hear Oded’s perspective on supporting small local farmers, keeping agricultural communities thriving, and the American dream that brought him from Israel to building a life and raising a family in Healdsburg! 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Chef Chris Ricketts Chris Straub of Santa Rosa’s Flamingo Resort & Spa and Palm House Hospitality to explore the people, experiences, and creativity shaping Sonoma County’s hospitality scene.  Tune in as Chris Straub shares his journey from working with luxury hotel brands across the country to bringing his passion for hospitality to Santa Rosa, while Chef Chris Ricketts reflects on following his love of cooking from culinary school to acclaimed kitchens and his role leading the culinary experience at the Flamingo. Together, they discuss the resort’s transformation, its unique blend of mid-century modern style and laid-back California energy, and the experiences that keep guests coming back.  Plus, get a preview of the Flamingo’s upcoming holiday celebrations, including the return of Sippin’ Santa, festive tropical cocktails, and New Year’s Eve festivities! 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Lupita Medina Flores, Associate Director of Operations at Bevill Vineyard Management, to explore how hard work, community, and a deep respect for the land are shaping the future of Sonoma County winegrowing.  Tune in as Lupita shares her journey from growing up in Santa Rosa as the daughter of immigrants from Michoacán, Mexico, to building a career in vineyard management. From adapting to the evolving needs of the agricultural workforce to finding opportunities to grow within the industry, Lupita discusses the importance of doing the right thing, building strong partnerships, and supporting the people who make winegrowing possible.   Don't miss this episode to hear how Lupita's perspective, leadership, and dedication to her community are helping cultivate a stronger future for Sonoma County winegrowing! 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Sarah Citron, CEO & Co-Founder of Bricoleur Vineyards, to explore how family legacy, creative marketing, and a passion for bringing people together are shaping the future of Sonoma County wine.  Tune in as Sarah shares her journey from fashion and digital marketing in New York City to building a welcoming wine country destination rooted in her family’s deep Sonoma County ties. From immersive wine and culinary experiences to sustainable farming and the “Sip with Purpose” program supporting cancer research, Sarah discusses how creating community and giving back can bring new meaning to the wine experience.   Don’t miss this episode to hear how a fresh perspective and a sense of purpose are helping shape what’s next for our industry! 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Mike Bailey, Global Director of High Value & Small Acre Crops at John Deere, to explore how technology, innovation, and relationships are shaping the future of agriculture.  Tune in as Mike shares his passion for helping farmers tackle real-world challenges, the importance of understanding growers’ needs, and how pilot programs in Sonoma County are bringing new solutions into the vineyard to advance the future of winegrowing. Don’s miss this episode to hear how collaboration between growers and innovators is helping shape what’s next for our industry! 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Taylr Cuneo of Hamel Family Wines to hear about her unconventional path into the wine industry and the experiences that shaped her along the way.  From business school in Chicago to culinary school, Taylr has brought together her love of food, hospitality, wine, and agriculture to her career. Tune in as she shares how her passion for cooking began at a young age, the lessons she’s learned through the “school of life” in the wine industry, and what drew her to Hamel’s thoughtful approach to farming, winemaking, and hospitality. 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Katie Ambrosi, Executive Director of Wine Road, to talk about her roots in Healdsburg and her journey through Sonoma County’s wine and hospitality industry.  Tune in as Katie reflects on growing up in Healdsburg, her path in the wine industry from Heck Estates to Wilson Family Wines, and now her new role leading Wine Road into its 50th anniversary year. She also shares what’s ahead, including the 28th annual Wine & Food Affair this November. 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Damien Wilson, the Hamel Family Chair of Wine Business at Sonoma State University and a pioneer in wine business education.  Tune in as Damien shares his unconventional path into the wine industry, from growing up learning about wine in his family’s convenience store in Australia to becoming the first person in the world to earn an honors degree in wine marketing. He also reflects on developing wine business programs in Australia and France, joining Sonoma State in 2015, and where wine business education is headed next, including the growing role of AI and new technologies. 

This week, hosts Karissa and Virginie sit down with Brad Petersen, a longtime Sonoma County winegrower, former board chair of Sonoma County Winegrowers, and current Vineyard Manager at Silver Oak.  Tune in as Brad reflects on growing up in Alexander Valley, building a career from the ground up at Silver Oak, and the philosophy that continues to guide him: “We have yet to make our best bottle of wine.” For Brad, that mindset means always looking for ways to improve - whether in the vineyard, the cellar, or the way the industry approaches sustainability.