Wine Road Podcast - Episode 242, Marcy & Beth's holiday plans
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Release Date: 12/18/2025
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Show Notes, Guest: Emily Haws, Brand Strategist & Em in the Kitchen Recorded at: Foppiano Vineyards and J Vineyads in Healdsburg, CA In this episode, host Executive Director, Katie Ambrosi sits down with Emily Haws — brand strategist, foodie extraordinaire, and the woman behind the beloved social handle @EmintheKitchen — to talk about her deep love of food, her journey into the wine world, and her work helping bring the Wine Road's historic 50th Anniversary Gala to life. What we cover: How Emily's passion for food began (blackberries, church, and getting in trouble) Her background...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
After an incredible run hosting the Wine Road Podcast, Beth Costa is stepping into retirement and passing the microphone to Wine Road's new Executive Director, Katie Ambrosi. In this special episode, Beth reflects on her years with Wine Road, the evolution of the organization, and the relationships she's built throughout Sonoma County's wine community. She also shares why she's excited about the future and officially introduces Katie as the new host of the podcast. Katie talks about her passion for storytelling, supporting Wine Road members, and her vision for continuing to connect listeners...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10 - 0:23) The podcast begins with a warm welcome from hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, who introduce the show as the go-to resource for wine enthusiasts exploring northern Sonoma County. They acknowledge Ron Rubin for his support in keeping the podcast alive and thriving. (0:24 - 0:48) The hosts express gratitude to y for their financial backing, which allows them to continue recording and sharing stories. They highlight the winery's offerings, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley, encouraging listeners to explore their website. (0:49 - 1:35) Celebrating...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
The podcast begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing the episode and thank their sponsor, Ron Rubin and for supporting the show (0:10-0:48). They welcome guest Bret Munsell of , a family friend with deep ties to the Alexander Valley wine community (0:49-1:15). Bret shares his family's 150-year farming legacy in Alexander Valley, starting with his great-great-grandfathers in the 1870s and 1880s, who initially focused on vineyards and wineries before diversifying into crops like prunes, hops, and dairy. By 1972, the family transitioned entirely to wine grapes...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
The podcast episode begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing the show (0:10-0:23) and expressing gratitude to sponsors like Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for supporting the podcast (0:24-0:48). They welcome guest Beth Grossman, a long-time listener and wine enthusiast visiting from Arlington, Virginia, who has been exploring Sonoma County since 1994 (0:49-1:16). Beth shares her journey of discovering wine country, starting with a wedding trip in Bodega Bay, which led to visiting 23 wineries in four days—a pace she humorously advises against...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10-1:-01) The podcast episode begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing Episode 252 of Wine Road. They thank sponsors like Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards for supporting the show and highlight the featured guest, Savannah Esslinger, owner of Imagine Wine Country Marketing and president of Taste Route 116. (1:01-7:09) Savannah shares her journey from working in Sonoma County restaurants to entering the wine industry, starting at Harvest Moon Winery, where she gained hands-on experience in winemaking and hospitality. She discusses the origins of Taste Route...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10 - 0:48) The podcast episode begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing the show and thanking sponsors like Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support (0:49 - 1:14) They welcome their guest, Virginie Boone, a celebrated wine writer and podcast host for "The Good Stuff" with Karissa Kruse, and discuss her extensive contributions to wine publications. (1:14 - 1:49) Virginie reflects on her experience as a guest on their show and the benefits of co-hosting, which allows for diverse perspectives and shared responsibilities. (1:50 - 11:48) The...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to Wine Road podcast, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of financial support from River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit RiverRoadVineyards.com for more details. (0:49 - 1:00) Celebrating episode 250 with guest Diane DiRoma, VP and General Manager of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery. (1:00 - 1:23) Excitement about the milestone episode and gratitude to Ron Rubin, whose winery, River Road, supports the podcast. (1:24 - 1:45)...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10 - 0:23) The podcast "Wine Road" is hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, Executive Director of The Wine Road. Thanks to Ron Rubin, the podcast continues to thrive. (0:24 - 0:48) River Road Family Vineyards and Winery financially supports the podcast. Listeners are encouraged to explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at RiverRoadVineyards.com. (0:49 - 1:01) Episode 249 features guest Damy Tamburino, Director of Direct-to-Consumer and Hospitality at Fopiano Vineyards. (1:01 - 1:16) Damy and the hosts reflect on their long-standing professional relationship and discuss the exciting...
info_outlineWine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to the "Wine Road" podcast, hosted by Marci Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of financial support from River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. (0:49 - 0:58) Introduction of guest Lauren Fremont, Executive Director of The Wine Growers of Dry Creek Valley. (0:58 - 1:16) Lighthearted banter about Lauren finding the location despite a mix-up with the address. (1:16 - 1:46) Lauren explains The Wine Growers of Dry Creek...
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(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:
- Winter Wineland (January 17-18): A weekend wine-tasting event.
- Wine Love Wine Trail (February 14): A one-day, $50 event with 40 wineries.
- 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.
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