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 245 = WR Event Updates
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Click to LISTEN Hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa discuss upcoming events, share stories, and provide resources for wine enthusiasts in Northern Sonoma County. Here's the rundown: Sponsor Shoutouts: Thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for supporting the podcast. Check out their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at Event Updates: Winter Wineland: Recently wrapped up, offering a relaxed post-holiday wine weekend. Wine Love Wine Trail: Happening on Valentine's Day (Feb 14). A $50 ticket grants access to 30 wineries with fun treats like conversation hearts and Hershey's...
info_outline
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.
Welcome 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...
info_outline
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 243 - Catarina Balletto
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(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 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 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...
info_outline
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 242, Marcy & Beth's holiday plans
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(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) 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...
info_outline
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 241, Jamie Peterson, Peterson Winery
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10 - 0:23) The hosts, Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, introduce the "Wine Road" podcast, supported by Ron Rubin, focusing on Northern Sonoma County wines. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of for their financial support, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. (0:49 - 0:57) Introduction of guest Jamie Peterson, second-generation winemaker at (1:00 - 1:22) Jamie shares his "desert island wine," a 2020 Zinfandel from their Bradford Mountain Vineyard, which includes Petite Syrah for added depth. (1:23 - 1:51) Discussion of the vineyard's history, its location in...
info_outline
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 240 - Catalina from Coffaro
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
(0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to the podcast "Wine Road" hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of for their financial support. Listeners are encouraged to explore their wines, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (0:49 - 0:57) Introduction of guest Catalina Perez, Hospitality Manager at . (0:57 - 1:23) Catalina shares her excitement about being on the show, and Beth reminisces about knowing Catalina since kindergarten. (1:30 - 2:25) Catalina introduces "Block Four," a popular wine made from...
info_outline
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 239 - Jacob Mounts
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Welcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa. Thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards for supporting the podcast. Check out for their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (0:49 - 1:37) Episode 239 features Jacob Mounts, Winery and Vineyard Manager at Jacob, 25, represents the new generation of winemakers. His mother suggested he join the show to share insights from a younger perspective. (1:38 - 2:48) Jacob introduces the 2022 Italian Affair, a blend of Barbera and Teroldego. The unique combination offers juiciness and balance. The name stems from his father’s...
info_outline
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 238 - Elaina Dimond and John Duckett from Trione Vineyards & Winery
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Podcast Summary: Wine Road Episode 238 Welcome to Episode 238 of the Wine Road podcast, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with special thanks to Ron Rubin and for their support. This episode features guests Elaina Dimond, Direct Sales and Hospitality Manager, and John Duckett, Winemaker at Highlights: Introduction (0:49 - 1:12): Elaina and John join the show to discuss Trione Vineyards and Winery. They clarify the pronunciation of "Trione" and share a laugh about common mispronunciations. John's First Vintage (1:16 - 2:32): John shares the story of his first vintage at Trione,...
info_outline
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 237 - Julie Pedroncelli St. John
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Podcast Summary: Wine Road Episode 237 Welcome to another episode of Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with special thanks to Ron Rubin and for their support. This episode features Julie Pedroncelli St. John, President and CEO of and newly elected President of The Wine Road. Highlights: Pedroncelli Winery's Legacy: Julie shares the rich history of her family-owned winery, which is nearing its 100th anniversary. She reflects on the winery's evolution, including their focus on Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the recent release of their Block 10...
info_outline
Wine Road Podcast - Episode 236 - Our Summer Vacation
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern 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...
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