Wine Road Podcast - Episode 258: Italian Wines in Sonoma County with Mark Orsi | Festa Italia di Healdsburg
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Italian Wines in Sonoma County with Mark Orsi | Festa Italia di Healdsburg Wine When and Where Podcast Guest: Mark Orsi, Orsi Family Vineyards What Italian grape varieties grow in Sonoma County? Why are grapes like Sangiovese, Barbera, Aglianico, Negroamaro and Sagrantino finding a home in Northern California? And where can wine lovers taste Italian varietal wines from dozens of California producers in one place? In this episode of the Wine When and Where Podcast, we sit down with Mark Orsi of Orsi Family Vineyards in Healdsburg, California, to explore Italian wine in Sonoma County, the...
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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 257: Em In The Kitchen - Emily Haws, Les Dames d'Escoffier and more
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...
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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...
info_outlineItalian Wines in Sonoma County with Mark Orsi | Festa Italia di Healdsburg
Wine When and Where Podcast
Guest: Mark Orsi, Orsi Family Vineyards
What Italian grape varieties grow in Sonoma County? Why are grapes like Sangiovese, Barbera, Aglianico, Negroamaro and Sagrantino finding a home in Northern California? And where can wine lovers taste Italian varietal wines from dozens of California producers in one place?
In this episode of the Wine When and Where Podcast, we sit down with Mark Orsi of Orsi Family Vineyards in Healdsburg, California, to explore Italian wine in Sonoma County, the region’s Italian-American wine heritage and the story behind Festa Italia di Healdsburg, an annual celebration of Italian grape varieties, wine, food and culture.
In This Episode
Mark shares why Sonoma County is particularly well suited to Italian grape varieties and how his own Italian heritage inspired the wines grown at Orsi Family Vineyards.
We talk about:
- Why Sonoma County has become an unexpected home for Italian grape varieties
- The Italian immigrant families who helped shape Healdsburg and Sonoma County wine history
- The 13 Italian grape varieties grown by Orsi Family Vineyards
- Familiar Italian wines including Sangiovese and Barbera
- Lesser-known grapes including Biancolella, Schioppettino, Negroamaro and Aglianico
- Why Italian wines are so naturally suited to food
- Which Italian wines might appeal to Cabernet Sauvignon drinkers
- Why Mark believes Aglianico deserves more attention
- The story behind Festa Italia di Healdsburg and Mark's goal of introducing more wine lovers to Italian varietal wines grown in California
What Is Festa Italia di Healdsburg?
Festa Italia di Healdsburg is an Italian wine festival held at Orsi Family Vineyards in Healdsburg, Sonoma County. Founded by Mark Orsi, the event brings together California wineries producing Italian grape varieties for an afternoon of wine tasting, Italian food, music and wine education.
The third annual Festa Italia di Healdsburg takes place:
Date: Sunday, August 16, 2026
Time: 11:00 AM–3:30 PM
VIP Access: Begins at 10:00 AM
Location: Orsi Family Vineyards in Healdsburg, California, approximately half a mile from downtown Healdsburg
Tickets: $75-$85
Guests can taste Italian varietal wines from approximately 25–30 wineries, enjoy live music, pizza from Shelley Lindgren of A16 San Francisco, Gio Gelato and additional Italian food vendors.
The event also includes a wine panel hosted by wine expert Chris Sawyer, with Mick Unti and Shelley Lindgren, focusing on Italian white wines.
Participating wineries include Orsi Family Vineyards, Kokomo, Ramazzotti, Colagrassi, Seghesio, Unti Vineyards, Jupiter Wine Co, Benessere, Saini, Graziano, Buonguido, Solo Nostro, Muscardini Cellars, Idlewild, Martha Stoumen, Massican, Hawley Winery, Tansy and other California producers working with Italian grape varieties.
Festa Italia tickets and information: festaitaliahbg.com
Orsi Family Vineyards: orsifamilyvineyards.com
Italian Wine Rapid Fire with Mark Orsi
Pineapple on pizza? Hard pass.
Favorite pasta pairing? Cacio e pepe with...anything.
Most underrated Italian grape? Aglianico.
What Italian wine could convert a Cabernet drinker? Sagrantino.
Most overrated wine trend? Orange wines — the hype, not necessarily the wine itself.
Dream celebrity spokesperson for Italian wine? George Clooney. Consider this his official invitation.
Mark Orsi’s Cacio e Pepe Recipe
Looking for a simple pasta to pair with Italian wine? Mark shares his recipe for cacio e pepe, the classic Roman pasta made with Parmigiano-Reggiano and black pepper.
Ingredients
2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns
4 1/2 cups finely grated Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving
1 1/2 cups finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1 pound dried tonnarelli
Directions
1) Bring a large pot of water to a boil. (Do not add salt)
2) Meanwhile, in a very large nonstick skillet or pot set over high heat, toast the peppercorns just until fragrant. Let cool, then grind or crush very coarsely. Reserve 1 teaspoon for serving.
3) In the same skillet or pot, combine the cheeses and remaining pepper. Add 1 ½ cups warm water and stir to make a thick pecorino cream.
4) Add the pasta to the boiling water and stir. Keep the heat very high until the water returns to a boil, then stir again and adjust the heat as needed to keep the water bubbling. Set a timer for 8 minutes.
5) Set the pecorino cream over very low heat.
6) When the timer goes off, scoop out about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and set aside. Taste the pasta and continue cooking until the pasta is done to your liking.
7) Drain pasta very well (this is important, as adding too much hot water can cause the cheese to clump) and add to the pecorino cream. Use tongs or two forks to stir, turn and toss the pasta in the sauce over low heat until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes sticky. Don’t add any water yet, just keep tossing. To test, squeeze a drop of sauce between your thumb and finger. When the sauce is thick and forms strings like glue, it is ready.
8) If it starts to dry out, add cooking water, 1 tablespoon at a time, and toss thoroughly before adding more. Twist the pasta into a nest, if desired.
9) Dust with additional pecorino and the reserved pepper.
10) Serve immediately with a glass of Italian wine, preferably Orsi
Hugo Spritz Recipe
For another taste of Italy at home, make a refreshing Hugo Spritz with Prosecco, elderflower liqueur and fresh mint.
Ingredients
- 4–5 fresh mint leaves
- ½–1 ounce elderflower liqueur, such as St-Germain
- 4 ounces chilled Prosecco
- 1 ounce club soda or sparkling water
- Ice
- Lime wheel or lemon slice for garnish
Instructions
- Place the mint leaves in a large wine glass.
- Gently press the mint with a muddler or spoon to release its aroma.
- Fill the glass with ice.
- Add elderflower liqueur, followed by Prosecco and club soda.
- Stir gently.
- Garnish with lime or lemon and serve.
About Orsi Family Vineyards
Orsi Family Vineyards is a Healdsburg winery specializing in Italian grape varieties grown in Sonoma County. Its estate vineyards feature 13 Italian varieties, offering visitors an opportunity to explore both familiar and lesser-known Italian wines without leaving California wine country.
Learn more at orsifamilyvineyards.com.
Listen to Wine When and Where
Wine When and Where is the podcast of Wine Road Northern Sonoma County, exploring the wineries, winemakers, food, people and experiences of Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley in Sonoma County, California.
Follow along for more conversations about Sonoma County wineries, wine tasting, food, events and things to do in Northern Sonoma County.