"The Good Stuff"

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Tom and Mary Stubbs of Stubbs Vineyard in Marin County.   Tune in to hear Tom’s story of growing up on a small farm in England, to coming to the United States and rediscovering his love of agriculture. Tom and Mary share their unique journey into the wine industry, leaving San Francisco to raise their family in West Marin and “living off the grid” as they built their home and planted their vineyards.   

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Justin and Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Vineyards in Alexander Valley.    Tune in to hear their stories about growing up working in agriculture in Alexander Valley working, and reconnecting as adults to build Garden Creek Winery together.  A story of hard work, dedication, and appreciation for the land – Karin and Justin teach us how the triumphs and tribulations make us who we are. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Michael and Kara Busselen of Woodhawk Vineyards in Alexander Valley.  Tune in to hear their story of pivoting from careers in PR to following their dream of growing winegrapes and making wine.  In this episode, the Busselen's share how they fell in love with winemaking and Sonoma County and how their passion for lifelong learning, hospitality, and storytelling is at the heart of everything they do at Woodhawk Vineyards. 

Tune in as Emily shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Oregon to discovering her passion for agriculture—ultimately leading to her role as an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor at Analy High School. You’ll also hear from Riggs, Vineyard Manager at Emeritus Vineyards and a recent honoree in Wine Business Monthly’s Sonoma County 2025 Wine Industry Leaders list, whose deep Sonoma County roots shape his work as Vineyard Manager at Emeritus Vineyards.  

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse welcome Healdsburg Bubble Bar owner Sarah Quider.  Tune in to hear Sarah’s inspiring journey — from discovering her passion for winemaking and rising to Winemaker at Ferrari-Carano and SVP of Winemaking for Foley Family Wines, to finding community in Healdsburg and opening the doors to her very own Bubble Bar and wine club. 

In episode 109 of “The Good Stuff,” hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with brothers Parke and Scott Hafner of Hafner Vineyard.  Learn how Scott and Parke's parents, Dick and Mary, felt drawn to life in Sonoma County, relocating from Berkley to pursue their dreams of farming. Dick and Mary would go on to purchase a prune orchard in the 1960’s which today is now a vineyard and winery led by Parke as Winemaker and Scott leading finance and marketing.

In episode 109 of “The Good Stuff,” hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Aaron Piotter, Winemaker at Quivira Vineyards, whose deep Sonoma roots and lifelong connection to the land have shaped his thoughtful approach to winemaking Born and raised in Sonoma County, Aaron’s journey into winemaking is as unique as his wines — from developing an acute sense of smell and flavor through severe childhood allergies to channeling that awareness into crafting expressive, site-driven wines. A passionate advocate for sustainability, he bikes to work and champions regenerative farming practices that honor both the vineyard and the environment.

In episode 108 of "The Good Stuff" hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Jenifer Freebairn, VP of Marketing and Sales at Lasseter Family Winery, whose non-traditional path into wine has become a story of passion, creativity, and purpose.  From a foundation in music and storytelling to shaping the voices of iconic Sonoma County wineries, Jenifer has built a career around connection. She now helps share the vision of John and Nancy Lasseter, whose love for Sonoma County and the historic community of Glen Ellen inspired them to restore their estate, farm organically, and craft expressive Rhône- and Bordeaux-style blends rooted in place and legacy. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Joe Pozzi, lifelong Sonoma County rancher, and owner of Pozzi Ranch.  From growing up on his family’s multi-generational ranch to becoming a leader in regenerative agriculture and local wool production, Joe’s story reflects the deep agricultural roots, innovation, and stewardship that define Sonoma County.   Tune in today to hear how Joe continues to cultivate a legacy of care for the land—and for the community that calls it home. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Heidi Bridenhagen, Director of Winemaking at MacRostie Winery. Tune in as Heidi discusses her journey from growing up in an agricultural community in Wisconsin to discovering her passion in Sonoma County’s wine industry.  From her early days working in cellars, labs, and bottling lines, to shaping programs for Sonoma-Cutrer and now leading MacRostie’s renowned Pinot Noir program, Heidi’s story is a testament to dedication, craftsmanship, and the vibrant community that makes Sonoma wine so special. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Carolyn Bordes, founder of Bordes Wines in Sonoma   Tune in as Carolyn shares her journey from equestrian in New England to Sonoma County vintner, her passion for hospitality and food pairings, and the inspiration she finds working alongside her daughters in their family business. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Erica Larson, COO of Larson Family Winery, and Hayden Puryear, DTC Manager at Larson Family Wines. Tune in as Erica and Hayden discuss the unique history of her family's property in Sonoma, which includes a ghost town and former home to the Sonoma County Rodeo, and share their journey's into the wine industry and what the Larson Family Motto "We drink what we can and sell the rest" means to them.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to John Hamel, Winemaker and Director of Winegrowing at Hamel Family Wines.    Tune in as he shares his passion for organic and biodynamic farming, and how a deep connection to the land guides his approach to crafting wines with intention and vision. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Matt Taylor, Winemaker at Mascarin Family Wines. A third-generation Sonoma County native, Matt has deep roots in the region and a profound connection to the Sonoma Coast AVA. Known for its diverse microclimates and rugged terrain, the Sonoma Coast inspires his work, shaping wines that capture both intensity and nuance. For Matt, viticulture is more than a professionit’, s a calling. He believes the foundation of every exceptional wine begins in the vineyard, where thoughtful farming lays the groundwork for authenticity and character in the glass. Alongside his wife Kaela, the couple continues to champion the values of family, community, and the land that defines Sonoma County.

In this episode of “The Good Stuff” presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Shelly Rafanelli, winemaker at A. Rafanelli Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Shelly shares the story of her family’s deep roots in Sonoma County, and making connections through wine. She reflects on her journey to becoming a winemaker, carrying forward her family’s legacy, and the dedication it took to help build A. Rafanelli into the winery it is today.  

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Mike Sullivan, winemaker and Co-owner of Benovia Vineyards.  Mike talks about growing up in Sonoma County, his early interest in the wine industry, and taking the leap to co-found Benovia Winery in the Russian River Valley.  Mike reflects on a few of his "WOW" wine moments over the years and key learning experiences that shaped him into the winemaker he is today.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Bill Nachbauer, owner of Alegria Vineyards.   Bill shares how he and his wife Betsy made the leap from a career in law and public policy to farming grapes in Sonoma County, where Bill's family roots stretch back to the 1860s. Bill recalls the moment in 1989 when he first saw Alegría Vineyards and knew it was the place to build a future. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of those early years, the lessons learned as a winemaker with ACORN Winery, and the unique experience of farming alongside Betsy. Bill also shares what he’s most proud of from his journey, and what lies ahead for Alegria Vineyards!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Jen Berman, General Manager, and Phillip Dube, Winemaker at North Coast Wine Co., to discuss North Coast Wine and the Outerbound wine label.  Phillip shares his unconventional journey from practicing law on the East Coast to winemaking across continents—from South Africa to Australia to California. He opens up about the moment he knew it was time to leave the courtroom for the vineyard. Jen, with a background in biochemistry and nearly 20 years in the industry, talks about how science shaped her love of wine- and how that lens still guides her leadership today. They reflect on the mentors and moments that shaped their paths, and how those experiences influence their work now at North Coast Wine Co. From launching standout brands like Outerbound to exploring new vineyard sites, to collaboration to create new ideas and crafting wines that express a true sense of place and varietal character.       

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Mark Stark, Executive Chef & Co-Founder, and Terri Stark, Hospitality Director & Co-Founder of Stark Reality Restaurants. The husband-and-wife team provide a behind the scenes look into Stark Reality Restaurants, a collection of eight locally loved restaurants in Sonoma County. They opened their first, Willi’s Wine Bar, in 2002, introducing the small plates concept to Santa Rosa. Over the next two decades, they steadily expanded their footprint across Sonoma County.  Listen in to hear about their journey from meeting in Palo Alto to building one of Sonoma County’s most beloved restaurant groups, their inspirations behind each unique concept, and how they balance culinary creativity with hospitality excellence!           

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Jack Florence, Founder of Florence Vineyard and Author of Dare to Dream. Jack shares his story of trading a career in nuclear engineering for a life among the vines in Sonoma County. Originally from New York, Jack spent over two decades in the nuclear energy industry, often traveling to Asia. But after missing Easter with his family due to a work commitment in South Korea, Jack and his wife Fran knew it was time for a change. Inspired by a newspaper article about grape growing in Napa Valley, Jack began exploring viticulture and ultimately relocated his family to Dry Creek Valley, where they established Florence Vineyard. The transition wasn’t easy- Jack’s early days included a rocky relationship with a vineyard manager and a humbling first harvest that made him realize he needed to get his hands dirty. He left engineering behind and embraced farming full-time, instilling a love for the land in his son, Jack Jr. Jack also shares how his vision and perseverance helped shape the Rockpile AVA in 2002, in partnership with the Park family. Today, he remains active in the vineyard alongside his wife Carol, continuing a family legacy rooted in passion, resilience, and community.