Episode 234 - Spicy Vines owner, Chrystalyn Hackett

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

In this episode of Wine Road, hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa (0:00-0:24) introduce the show and thank sponsors Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support.   They welcome Crystalyn Hackett, owner of Spicy Vines, as their guest (0:49-1:00). Crystalyn shares her excitement about being on the show and introduces a spiced wine she brought, which ties into her personal story and the origins of Spicy Vines (1:23-2:55). The wine, described as "Christmas in a glass," is a blend of Grenache, Zinfandel, Carignan, and Petite Syrah, infused with holiday spices and a hint of brandy, evoking cozy, festive feelings (2:05-2:33). Crystalyn recounts her journey, starting with her time as a competitive equestrian in Germany, where she realized her entrepreneurial aspirations (3:08-4:46). After traveling and brainstorming ideas, she returned to California and created her first spiced wine, inspired by a drink she had in Germany (6:00-7:16). Despite having no prior experience in the wine industry, she spent a year perfecting the formula and navigating regulatory challenges to define and legally categorize "spiced wine" (8:03-9:22). Crystalyn explains how she built Spicy Vines from scratch, starting with events in San Francisco and eventually partnering with her now-husband, Doug, who became the winemaker (10:29-11:19). Together, they expanded their portfolio to include Zinfandel, Syrah, rosé, and other varietals, focusing on high-quality, small-batch production (12:12-13:07). Their Healdsburg tasting room, opened in 2016, offers a lively atmosphere with live music, wine cocktails, and charcuterie (13:13-14:22). Crystalyn emphasizes the importance of creating a welcoming, fun experience for visitors and wine club members, offering customizable memberships and personal touches like follow-ups and curated shipments (17:00-24:41). She also teases plans to launch her own podcast to share inspiring stories and connect with others (24:42-25:35). The episode wraps up with details about Spicy Vines' unique "winning cork" promotion and upcoming events, including their harvest release party and annual "Taste of Pine Mountain" event (25:36-27:00). The hosts close by encouraging listeners to visit Spicy Vines and keep it spicy (29:33-30:05).       LINKS: Spicy Vines  The Gables Inn - the lodging property featured today Wine & Food Affair - tickets to on sale today Frick Winery - our last mystery "where am I winery"   Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/  

Wine Road Podcast Episode 233 Summary Hosts Marci Gordon and Beth Costa welcome Miro Tcholakov, winemaker at Trentadue Winery, for a lively discussion about wine, winemaking, and his journey in the industry.   Key Highlights: p]:inline">Featured Wines: Miro introduces a Rosé of Sangiovese (Rosato) and a Sauvignon Blanc under the La Storia label. The Rosato is made using the "bleeding" method from old and new vineyards, while the Sauvignon Blanc marks a shift in branding for Trentadue. p]:inline">Winery Overview: Trentadue Winery, located in Geyserville, is one of Sonoma County's oldest wineries, bonded in 1969. Miro has been with the winery for 26 years, overseeing significant updates and producing estate-grown wines like Sangiovese, Malbec, and Montepulciano. p]:inline">Miro’s Background: Originally from Bulgaria, Miro shares stories of his winemaking roots, including childhood memories of family winemaking and his early career in the U.S. He started his own label, Miro Cellars, focusing on Zinfandel and Petite Sirah. p]:inline">Events at Trentadue: Upcoming events include the Taste Destination 128 Barbecue Cook-Off (Aug 23) and the Lobster Feast (Sept 13). The winery also offers gondola vineyard tours and hosts weddings. p]:inline">Cultural Insights: Miro reflects on his upbringing in Bulgaria, his family’s winemaking traditions, and his adventurous spirit, including spelunking expeditions in Europe. Additional Mentions: p]:inline">Lodging Recommendation: The Stavrand in Guerneville, a luxurious property surrounded by redwoods, was highlighted for visitors. p]:inline">Harvest Wine Trail: A one-day event on Sept 12 featuring 30 wineries offering unique harvest experiences. Miro’s passion for winemaking and storytelling shines throughout the episode, making it a delightful listen for wine enthusiasts. LINKS: Trentadue Winery The Stavrand on the Russian River Miro Cellars Taste Destination 128 Harvest Wine Trail Trentdue Lobster Feast Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/  

Podcast Title: Wine Road – Episode 232 Hosts: Marcy Gordon & Beth Costa This show is made possible by the generous financial support of River Road Family Vineyards & Winery, and Ron Rubin. Overview: This episode is a mix of updates, wine adventures, and local highlights from Sonoma County. The hosts share personal experiences, wine insights, and community happenings, all while sipping on sparkling wine from West Wines. Key Highlights: p]:inline"> Wine Writers Educational Tour: p]:inline">Marcy recounts her experience on a deep-dive wine tour organized by Fred Swan. p]:inline">The tour explored Sonoma County’s wine regions, including visits to wineries like J. Vineyards, Gary Farrell, and Fort Ross Vineyard. p]:inline">Marcy rediscovered her love for Sonoma County, appreciating its beauty, terroir, and community. p]:inline">The tour included seminars, tastings, and interactions with winemakers, offering a detailed look at Sonoma’s diverse AVAs. p]:inline"> Zinfandel Throwdown: p]:inline">Beth shares her experience at Dry Creek Vineyard’s annual Zinfandel Throwdown. p]:inline">Winemakers from the region participated in a blind tasting to crown the best Zinfandel. p]:inline">This year’s winner was Baca Wines, with Dry Creek Vineyard and Mauritsen taking second and third place. p]:inline"> Local Gems: p]:inline">Marcy highlights Gather, a new store in Sebastopol focused on home arts like canning, knitting, and preserving. She attended a lemon-preserving class and shared her creations. p]:inline">Beth celebrates The Beat restaurant in Cloverdale, recently named one of Sonoma County’s top 20 restaurants. p]:inline"> Book Recommendation: p]:inline">Marcy recommends 1000 Vines: A New Way to Understand Wine by Pasqueline Le Pelletier, praising its holistic and literary approach to wine education. p]:inline"> Upcoming Event: p]:inline">Tickets for The Wine and Food Affair (first weekend of November) will go on sale around August 30th. Closing Notes: Beth encourages listeners to explore Marcy’s blog (ComeForTheWine.com) for more wine stories and insights. LINKS: Dry  Creek Vineyard The Beet Come for the Wine Gather (in Sebastopol) 1000 Vines - A New Way to Understand Wine Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

  Podcast Title: Wine Road - Episode 231 Hosts: Marcy Gordon & Beth Costa Guest: Michael Haney, Executive Director of Sonoma County Vintners   Highlights: p]:inline"> Introduction & Sponsors: p]:inline">The podcast is supported by Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, known for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. p]:inline"> Guest Spotlight: p]:inline">Michael Haney discusses his role and the vibrant wine culture in Sonoma County. p]:inline"> Taste of Sonoma Event: p]:inline">A premier wine event held at Kendall Jackson Wine Estates and Gardens. p]:inline">Features over 100 wineries, world-class food, and a relaxed, joyful atmosphere. p]:inline">Next year’s event is scheduled for June 20-21, 2026. p]:inline"> Other Wine Events: p]:inline">Uncorked Happy Hour: Monthly tastings at Region in Sebastopol, featuring local wines and free entry. p]:inline">Pour and Explore Program: Themed wine events showcasing 40-50 wineries at various Sonoma County venues. Upcoming focus: Zinfandel. p]:inline">Winemaker Wednesday: Bi-weekly events at The Matheson in Healdsburg, including wine tastings and a live radio show. p]:inline"> Unique Experiences: p]:inline">Highlights include garden tours, themed lounges, and culinary delights like Chef Tracy’s paella and Gloria Ferrer’s bubble lounge. p]:inline"> Community & Accessibility: p]:inline">Events cater to locals and visitors, offering opportunities to explore Sonoma’s wine culture in beautiful settings. The episode celebrates Sonoma County’s wine scene, emphasizing its events, community, and the joy of wine exploration.  

Episode 230 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Craig Colagrossi, Owner and Winemaker of Colagrossi Wines Craig Colagrosi joined us today and we chat about his winery's offerings, featuring a Montepulciano from Dunnigan Hills and plans for bottling diverse Italian varietals and Bordeaux blends.  We also cover upcoming events on the Wine Road, including the Summer Wine Trail and the release of a new book by Jack Florence on the history of Dry Creek Valley.   Wine of the Day: Colagrossi Wines 2023 Montepulciano Links: Colagrossi Wines Summer Wine Trail Book featured:  Dare to Dream Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

Episode 229 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Katie Ambrosi, Director of Marketing at Wilson Artisan Wineries Katie Ambrosi joined us in the studio today, discussing Wilson Artisan Wines' diverse offerings, including 12 wineries, inns, and rental properties around Healdsburg. She highlights the unique experiences they provide, from VIP tours to live music events and wine competitions, emphasizing the importance of creating memorable visitor experiences.  Wine of the Day: 2022 Coyote Sonoma Pinot Noir Links: Wilson Artisan Wineries Gold in Your Backyard Summer Wine Trail   Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

Episode 228 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Amanda Porteous, Marketing and Program Director of the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce  Today, we were joined by Amanda Porteous, the Marketing and Program Director at the Healdsburg Chamber of Commerce, so we could hear about new businesses and events like the opening of Acorn Cafe, Truett Hearst Winery's tasting barn, and La Rouche, Bloodroot Ramble and Jazz Fest. Tune in to keep up to date on what's happening in Healdsburg!   Links: https://www.healdsburg.com/ https://www.wineroad.com/wineroadambassador/ https://www.bloodrootramble.com/   Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

Episode 227 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Today we were joined by Guy Davis from Davis Family Vineyards! He shares how the discovery and revival of an old Zinfandel vineyard in Sonoma County, as well as his experiences in France and with Passport Wine Club, have influenced his winemaking approach, focusing on balance and complexity. Guy also introduces the newly opened tasting room in Highlands, North Carolina, which doubles as a wine bar featuring both his wines and curated international selections, offering a distinctive experience for East Coast visitors.   Links:  https://www.daviswines.com/ https://www.highcountrywineprovisions.com/   Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

Episode 226 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Today, we're exploring the picturesque landscapes of Sonoma County, taking listeners on a journey through Healdsburg, Guerneville, and Bodega Bay. Join us on an adventure around our beautiful region!   Links:  https://visitsebastopolnow.com/ https://www.sonomacounty.com/cities/freestone/ https://russianriver.com/ https://www.visitbodegabayca.com/about-the-bbacc https://stayhealdsburg.com/ https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/760256/fire--wine-backyard-pizza-by-cressler-mary/   Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/