Wine Road Podcast - Episode 244 with Bruce Marinace, a private tour driver in Wine Country.
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Release Date: 01/15/2026
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 256: Beth Costa Retires & Welcomes Katie Ambrosi
Wine 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...
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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 255, Beth, Marcy & Richard!
Wine 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...
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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 254, Bret Munselle
Wine 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...
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Wine Road Episode 253, Beth Grossman
Wine 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...
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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 252, Savannah Esslinger
Wine 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...
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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 251, Virginie Boone
Wine 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...
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Wine Road Podcast, Episode 250 - Diane DiRoma, River Road Family Vineyards & Winery
Wine 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)...
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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 249 - Damy Tamburrino - Foppiano Vineyards
Wine 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...
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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 248 - Lauren Fremont
Wine 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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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 247 - Sidney Hunter, Barrel Tasting guest
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10 - 0:23) Welcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa. Thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast. (0:24 - 0:48) River Road Family Vineyards and Winery sponsors the show. Visit riverroadvineyards.com to explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (0:49 - 1:03) Episode 247 features Sidney Hunter, a barrel-tasting enthusiast, sharing her experiences and tips. (1:04 - 1:19) Beth introduces Sidney, a long-time customer turned friend, who regularly attends Wine Road events. (1:20 - 1:36) Sidney is a passionate barrel-tasting fan, attending events with her family and enjoying...
info_outlineWelcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast.
(0:24 - 0:48)
Thanks to River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. Explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at riverroadvineyards.com.
(0:49 - 0:59)
Episode 244 features Bruce Marinace, a tour driver and guide in Sonoma County.
(1:03 - 1:15)
Beth met Bruce at Alexander Valley Vineyards during their cave expansion event, leading to his podcast invitation.
(1:32 - 1:47)
Bruce transitioned from IT in Silicon Valley to wine tours in Sonoma after moving for his wife.
(2:08 - 2:23)
Bruce humorously recounts joining the Santa Rosa Mother's Club and adjusting to life as a stay-at-home dad.
(3:11 - 3:31)
Inspired by a TV show, Bruce began driving for wine tour companies, eventually joining Private Wine Drivers.
(4:23 - 4:43)
Private Wine Drivers offers intimate experiences at boutique wineries, connecting guests with winemakers.
(5:05 - 5:15)
Bruce prefers driving smaller vehicles for personalized tours and enjoys building relationships with clients.
(6:15 - 6:30)
Bruce helps clients navigate Sonoma’s 490 wineries, tailoring tours to their preferences.
(7:17 - 7:25)
Bruce creates lasting connections, acting as a driver, guide, and even a photographer for his clients.
(10:02 - 10:14)
He ensures guests experience more than wineries, incorporating local food and attractions into tours.
(13:53 - 14:13)
Bruce balances education and enjoyment, tailoring tours to guests’ interests and pacing the day thoughtfully.
(17:52 - 18:02)
With years of experience, Bruce curates unique itineraries, ensuring no two tours are the same.
(20:22 - 20:26)
Bruce stays updated on wineries through driver appreciation events and industry connections.
(23:47 - 24:10)
He emphasizes the importance of planning tours logistically to maximize enjoyment and minimize travel time.
(27:08 - 27:20)
Bruce often incorporates local markets, food spots, and scenic stops into his tours for a well-rounded experience.
(33:32 - 33:43)
Guests appreciate Bruce’s photography skills, leaving with memorable pictures from their tours.
(37:04 - 37:10)
Bruce loves his job, meeting new people, and being part of their happy memories in wine country.
(38:05 - 38:15)
Find Bruce and Private Wine Drivers at privatewinedrivers.com or on TripAdvisor.
Links from today:
River Road Family Vineyards and Winery
Bruce - direct: 707 - 975 - 3773 bmarinace @ comcast.net