Wine Road Podcast - Episode 243 - Catarina Balletto

(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)
Acknowledgment of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial support, enabling the podcast to continue. Listeners are encouraged to explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.

(0:49 - 1:07)
The hosts welcome Caterina Balletto from Balletto Vineyards, who brings a 2019 Brut Rosé to celebrate the New Year.

(1:08 - 2:21)
Katerina describes the 2019 Brut Rosé, aged five years on the lees (yeast cells), which gives it a rich, brioche-like flavor with fruity notes. It’s a blend of 60% Pinot Noir and 40% Chardonnay.

(2:22 - 3:11)
The hosts and Caterina discuss the wine’s light salmon-pink hue and its celebratory nature. They reflect on the passion behind making sparkling wine, which isn’t Balletto’s primary focus.

(3:12 - 4:01)
Caterina shares the history of Balletto Vineyards, which began as a vegetable farming business by her family. Economic challenges led to a pivot to grape farming in the mid-1990s, with their first wine vintage produced in 2001.

(4:02 - 5:30)
Caterina recounts her journey back to the family business after working in finance and marketing. She initially struggled to integrate but gained valuable experience working outside the family business before returning in 2024.

(5:31 - 7:30)
She now handles various roles, including accounting, HR, and admin tasks, while learning the intricacies of running the business. Caterina emphasizes the importance of earning respect from employees and balancing family dynamics.

(7:31 - 9:00)
The hosts and Caterina discuss the pride and responsibility of being part of a family legacy. Caterina reflects on the values instilled by her parents and the joy of seeing their wine appreciated by the community.

(9:01 - 10:30)
Balletto Vineyards is highlighted as a community-focused business, supporting local events and charities. The family’s regulation-sized baseball field, built for vineyard workers, is a unique feature of the property.

(10:31 - 12:00)
The conversation shifts to Balletto’s event spaces, including patios and an event center, which host community gatherings, weddings, and fundraisers. The hosts praise the vineyard’s welcoming atmosphere.

(12:01 - 13:30)
Caterina mentions the vineyard’s dog-friendly events, like an annual dog walk through the vineyards, and their open-door policy for visitors. Reservations are optional, but special tours like the golf cart vineyard tour can be booked.

(13:31 - 15:00)
The hosts promote upcoming Wine Road events, including Winter Wineland (January), Barrel Tasting (March), and Wine Love Weekend (February). They share anecdotes about meeting podcast listeners at past events.

(15:01 - 16:30)
The episode wraps up with a look ahead to the 50th anniversary of Wine Road in 2026, featuring a grand tasting event in November. The hosts thank Caterina for joining and wish listeners a Happy New Year.

Links Today:

River Road Family Vineyards

Balletto Vineyards