Wine Road: The Wine, When & Where of Sonoma County

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

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/  

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

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: 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. 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. 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. 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. 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: Lodging Recommendation: The Stavrand in Guerneville, a luxurious property surrounded by redwoods, was highlighted for visitors. 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: Wine Writers Educational Tour: Marcy recounts her experience on a deep-dive wine tour organized by Fred Swan. The tour explored Sonoma County’s wine regions, including visits to wineries like J. Vineyards, Gary Farrell, and Fort Ross Vineyard. Marcy rediscovered her love for Sonoma County, appreciating its beauty, terroir, and community. The tour included seminars, tastings, and interactions with winemakers, offering a detailed look at Sonoma’s diverse AVAs. Zinfandel Throwdown: Beth shares her experience at Dry Creek Vineyard’s annual Zinfandel Throwdown. Winemakers from the region participated in a blind tasting to crown the best Zinfandel. This year’s winner was Baca Wines, with Dry Creek Vineyard and Mauritsen taking second and third place. Local Gems: 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. Beth celebrates The Beat restaurant in Cloverdale, recently named one of Sonoma County’s top 20 restaurants. Book Recommendation: Marcy recommends 1000 Vines: A New Way to Understand Wine by Pasqueline Le Pelletier, praising its holistic and literary approach to wine education. Upcoming Event: 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/

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/

Episode 225 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Gio Balistreri, Owner & Winemaker at Russian River Vineyards Today, Gio Balistreri of Russian River Vineyards joined us and brought some of Beth's favorite wine! We chat about his vineyard's community-driven efforts, including supporting local animal shelters and hosting community nights. Additionally, they celebrate multiple accolades from the North Bay Bohemian Best Of, such as Best Tasting Room and Best Wine Club in Sonoma County. Wines of the day: 2023 Chardonnay Bacigalupi Vineyard 2022 Pinot Noir Bacigalupi Vineyard Links:  https://www.russianrivervineyards.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 224 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Today we were joined by Oded Shakked from Longboard Vineyards! Oded shares with us his passion for winemaking, focusing on Syrah and Chardonnay and the value of supporting small, family-owned wineries. We discuss the importance of terroir and natural wine development while celebrating the cultural communal aspects of wine ~ we encourage our listeners to enjoy a welcoming experience at Longboard Vineyards. Wines of the day: Longboard Vineyards 2023 Chardonnay, Rochioli Vineyard Longboard Vineyards 2020 Syrah, Dakine Vineyard  Links:  https://www.longboardvineyards.com/ https://capabunga.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 223 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Today we were joined by Joy Sterling from Iron Horse Vineyards, as she uncovers the magic behind their special wines, including a Lunar New Year-themed blanc de blanc. Enjoy unique experiences such as Oyster Sundays and support ocean conservation through their partnership with Heal the Bay. Discover the versatility of sparkling wine, and embrace the joy of sharing a bottle with friends and the community. Sparkling of the Day: Iron Horse 2021 Year of the Snake Links:  https://www.ironhorsevineyards.com/ https://www.ironhorsevineyards.com/events/ https://capabunga.com/ https://healthebay.org/   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 222 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Today we were joined by one of our newer members, Michael LeComte, founder of Oak Tree Winery! Michael details his transition from brewing beer at home to producing a range of wines including Cabernet, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc. The Windsor-based winery shares a tasting room with JK Cellars, promoting a community feel through activities such as karaoke, painting, and live music.  Links:  https://oaktreewinery.com/ https://tastingnoteswindsor.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 221 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery We were joined by filmmaker Chris McGilvray and our own Richard Ross in the studio! They take a deep dive into Chris' seven-year journey documenting family dynamics and generational shifts at Mount Eden winery, highlighting the key roles of Mexican-American workers, music, and sound design. They conclude by exploring the profound importance of wine, legacy, and land in the winemaking industry. Links:  https://www.edenfilm.info/ https://www.nomadicbearproductions.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 220 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Today we were called by Roger Beery of J. Cage Cellars, where you can experience the art of winemaking at their family-run winery specializing in full-bodied Russian River Pinot Noir. Be sure to visit their downtown Windsor tasting room, Tasting Notes! Links:  https://www.jcage.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 219 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Occidental & Forestville Itinerary Discover Forestville and Occidental, hidden gems in California's wine country, offering unique wineries, delicious dining venues and local attractions. Experience the charm of Forestville's alluring wineries and Occidental's historic hotel, coupled with gastronomic delights and thrilling zipline adventures. Links: https://www.sonomacounty.com/cities/occidental/ https://www.sonomacounty.com/cities/forestville/ 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 218 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Debbie Osborn, Event Manager of Wine Road Today we were joined by Debbie Osborn, the event manager of Wine Road to shed light on exciting future events including Winter WINEland, Barrel Weekend and the Wine and Food Affair. We chat about the Wine Trails, a quarterly event offering free wine tasting at selected wineries and supporting the Redwood Empire Food Bank through ticket sales. Wine of the Day: Ron Rubin Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022 Links: https://www.wineroad.com/events/winter-wineland/ https://www.cellarpass.com/events/winter-wineland-32nd-annual-sonoma-county-11447 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 217 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Beth and Marcy's 2024 Year-End Celebration! In our holiday episode, we reflect on a remarkable year featuring wine and food events, tastings at Google, and our 200th podcast episode, capped off with a sparkling Syrah from Amista. We bid farewell to the Varietal of the Month blog post, marking a significant moment in Wine Road's journey, and hearing about future plans for Wine Road! Fast Five (there's TWO today!) Richard's Petit Solier Spicy Almonds -3 tsp Sugar -2 tsp Fennel Seed -1 tsp Dried, crushed Red Pepper -salt (to taste)  -1 cup almonds  -water Toss all spices in a bowl, let almonds soak in water for a short while. Then fold the almonds in the spices. Bake at 325 until crispy and sweet.  - - -  Marcy's Cauliflower Steak Dish -1 large cauliflower - sliced into "steaks" -turmeric -olive oil -fennel seed -hot pepper flakes Drizzle olive oil on cauliflower slices, sprinkle spices to taste over the pieces. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. Optional (but delicious): feta, mint & parsley   Links: https://www.amistavineyards.com/ https://www.leosteenwines.com/ https://www.ridgewine.com/ https://www.overshinewines.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/