Wine Road Podcast - Episode 260: Susie Selby, Owner & Winemaker, Selby Winery
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Episode Summary Who is Susie Selby, and what does it take to build an independent winery in Sonoma County? In this episode of the Wine Road Podcast, Katie Ambrosi sits down with Susie Selby, owner, winemaker, and sole proprietor of Selby Winery in downtown Healdsburg, California, for a wide-ranging conversation about winemaking, harvest in Sonoma County, the evolution of Healdsburg, and more than 25 years of making wine under the Selby label. Susie shares the story of founding Selby Winery with her father in the late 1990s and continuing the winery after his unexpected death just a few years...
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Wine Road Podcast - Episode 259: Savor Sonoma at Graton Resort & Casino: Carey Sweet on AYA, Live Fire & Vine & Sonoma County Wine
Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.
Savor Sonoma at Graton Resort & Casino: Carey Sweet on AYA, Live Fire & Vine & Sonoma County Wine Wine Road: Wine, When & Where Podcast Host: Katie Ambrosi Guest: Carey Sweet — longtime Sonoma County wine and food writer and Public Relations Manager at Graton Resort & Casino Episode Summary What’s new at Graton Resort & Casino, and what can wine and food lovers expect from Savor Sonoma Live Fire & Vine? In this episode of the Wine Road: Wine, When & Where Podcast, Katie Ambrosi sits down with longtime Sonoma County wine and food writer Carey Sweet...
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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...
info_outlineSavor Sonoma at Graton Resort & Casino: Carey Sweet on AYA, Live Fire & Vine & Sonoma County Wine
Wine Road: Wine, When & Where Podcast
Host: Katie Ambrosi
Guest: Carey Sweet — longtime Sonoma County wine and food writer and Public Relations Manager at Graton Resort & Casino
Episode Summary
What’s new at Graton Resort & Casino, and what can wine and food lovers expect from Savor Sonoma Live Fire & Vine?
In this episode of the Wine Road: Wine, When & Where Podcast, Katie Ambrosi sits down with longtime Sonoma County wine and food writer Carey Sweet at Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, California.
Carey shares her journey from covering the Sonoma County culinary scene as a journalist to joining the team at Graton, along with an inside look at the resort’s major expansion, its growing culinary program, the new AYA restaurant, and the upcoming Savor Sonoma food and wine celebration on August 21–22, 2026.
We also dive into the Live Fire & Vine Festival, featuring nationally known chefs cooking over live fire alongside a Sonoma County wine village, plus Graton’s on-site farming program, sustainability efforts, upcoming restaurants and entertainment, and what makes Graton an increasingly important part of the Sonoma County food and wine scene.
In This Episode
Katie and Carey talk about:
- Carey Sweet’s career covering Sonoma County wine, food, restaurants and hospitality and her transition from journalism to public relations at Graton Resort & Casino
- The major expansion underway at Graton, including a new smoke-free casino space
- AYA, Graton’s new flagship restaurant led by Chef Roy Ellamar
- Chef Ellamar’s California coastal cuisine with Asian, Hawaiian and Filipino influences
- Savor Sonoma, taking place August 21–22, 2026
- The sold-out Friday Headliners Dinner and Saturday’s Live Fire & Vine Festival
- Celebrity chefs including Aarón Sánchez, Marcus Samuelsson, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio, Nyesha Arrington, Charlie Palmer, Dustin Valette and Roy Ellamar
- The Aarón Sánchez Impact Fund, under the Emeril Lagasse Foundation, and its support of Latino youth pursuing culinary careers
- Graton’s five-acre G5 farm and plans for the new 40-acre G40 farm
- Sonoma County sustainability, farm-to-table dining, living wages and community investment
- Graton’s Sonoma County-focused wine program and Wine Director James Hernandez
- New and upcoming Graton restaurants including Revere (which is the rebranded 630 Park Steakhouse), Neon Kitty and Soco DoCo
- The Playbook’s Detroit-style pizza and quesabirria tacos
- Graton entertainment, including John Legend, Third Eye Blind and plans for a new 3,600-seat theater
- Carey’s favorite West Sonoma County food destinations
- What makes a great Sonoma County restaurant wine list
Savor Sonoma 2026: Event Details
Savor Sonoma takes place at Graton Resort & Casino in Rohnert Park, Sonoma County, on Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22, 2026.
Friday, August 21: Headliners Dinner
The Friday night Headliners Dinner is sold out and features a five-course collaborative dinner from acclaimed chefs including Aarón Sánchez, Charlie Palmer, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio and Roy Ellamar.
Saturday, August 22: Live Fire & Vine Festival
Time: Noon–5:00 PM
Location: Poolside at Graton Resort & Casino
General Admission: $165
VIP: $245, including the AYA after-party from 7:00–9:00 PM SOLD OUT
Dress: Sonoma County elegant / resort wear
Live Fire & Vine brings together acclaimed chefs cooking over open fire, Sonoma County and California wineries, live music and a poolside wine-country setting. Featured chefs:
Aarón Sánchez, Chef, restaurateur and television personality known for MasterChef and Chopped
Nyesha Arrington – James Beard Award finalist, alumna of “Top Chef,” “Next Level Chef” and chef/owner of Native by Nyesha Cal-global restaurant in Los Angeles
Marcus Samuelsson, Award-winning chef, restaurateur and Top Chef Masters winner
Charlie Palmer, Sonoma culinary pioneer and founder of the Charlie Palmer Collective
Bryan & Michael Voltaggio, Top Chef alumni and acclaimed restaurateurs
Dustin Valette, Michelin-recognized Sonoma chef-vintner and founder of Valette Hospitality
Roy Ellamar, Executive Chef of AYA at Graton Resort & Casino
Wine Road Wineries at Savor Sonoma Live Fire & Vine
We’re especially excited to see several Wine Road member wineries pouring at Savor Sonoma. If you’re attending Live Fire & Vine, be sure to look for these Wine Road wineries:
- A. Rafanelli Winery
- Bricoleur Vineyards
- Iron Horse Vineyards
- J Vineyards & Winery
- Ridge Vineyards
- Silver Oak Cellars
These wineries are part of the Wine Road community representing the wines and wine experiences of Northern Sonoma County and Sonoma County wine country.
Live Fire & Vine Chef Menu
Aarón Sánchez
Grilled Chicken Halves
Congri, heirloom tomato and peach salad, Crystal Mojo sauce
Marcus Samuelsson
Whole Smoked Lamb
Roasted pineapple, olive tapenade, roti and Scotch bonnet peppers
Bryan & Michael Voltaggio
Miso-Mushroom Cedar-Planked Cod
Mushroom fideos, maitake mushroom, fennel pollen and Espelette aioli
Dustin Valette
Whole Pig Porchetta
Smoked guanciale and white corn salad, Périgord truffle espuma
Roy Ellamar
Octopus Tinono & Pork Belly Lechon
Sweet onions and Sungold tomatoes
Nyesha Arrington
Santa Maria-Grilled Tomahawk Ribeyes
Kickback potato salad, charred spring onion and beef-fat vinaigrette
Graton Resort & Casino Culinary Team
G40 Vegetable Paella
Pan-Roasted Camembert
Local fruit and honey with Della Fattoria bread
Cold Fruit Stand
House-made chamoy, chili and lime salt
Semolina Olive Oil Cake
Whipped mascarpone and grilled summer stone fruit
Wineries Pouring at Savor Sonoma Live Fire & Vine
The Live Fire & Vine wine village features a broad selection of Sonoma County, Napa Valley and California wineries, including:
- A. Rafanelli Winery
- Aperture Cellars
- Bricoleur Vineyards
- Browne Family Wines
- Chappellet
- Hourglass
- J Vineyards & Winery
- Ledson Winery & Vineyards
- Martinelli Winery & Vineyards
- Ram’s Gate Winery
- Ridge Vineyards
- Silver Oak Cellars
- Staglin Family Vineyard
- The Mascot
- Truchard Vineyards
- Turley Wine Cellars
- Valette Wines
- Vérité / Anakota
- Williams Selyem
More About AYA at Graton Resort & Casino
AYA is Graton Resort & Casino’s new flagship restaurant, led by Chef Roy Ellamar, whose background includes working with legendary chef Joël Robuchon.
The restaurant highlights California coastal cuisine with Asian, Hawaiian and Filipino influences while drawing ingredients from Graton’s own farming program.
Carey also talks about Graton’s five-acre G5 farm and the planned G40, a 40-acre agricultural project designed to expand the resort’s connection between farming, sustainability and its restaurants.
New Restaurants & Entertainment at Graton
Graton continues to expand its food, beverage and entertainment offerings. Carey gives us a preview of several projects, including:
Revere: a reimagined version of the 630 Park Steakhouse with tableside presentations and a dramatic meat program.
Neon Kitty: a playful, upscale concept inspired by Japanese convenience-store culture, expected to open in September.
Soco DoCo: a brioche-based doughnut concept.
The Playbook: serving casual favorites including Detroit-style pizza and quesabirria tacos.
Graton is also expanding its entertainment offerings, with concerts including recent performances by John Legend and Third Eye Blind and plans for a new 3,600-seat theater as part of its hotel expansion.
Carey Sweet’s Sonoma County Food & Wine Picks
In our rapid-fire round, Carey shares some of her favorite Sonoma County and West County destinations and discusses places including:
- Casino Bar & Grill in Bodega
- Valley Ford Creamery and Estero Gold cheese
- Rocker Oysterfeller’s in Valley Ford
- Hazel in Occidental
- Cyrus in Geyserville
- SingleThread in Healdsburg
- Dry Creek Kitchen in Healdsburg
She also shares her philosophy on Sonoma County restaurant wine programs: start with the wines and build the menu around what you want to drink.
Also Mentioned in This Episode
- Graton Resort & Casino
- AYA
- The Playbook
- Tony’s
- Revere/630 Park Steakhouse
- Neon Kitty
- Soco DoCo
- Douglas Keane and Cyrus
- SingleThread
- Dry Creek Kitchen
- Casino Bar & Grill
- Valley Ford Creamery
- Rocker Oysterfeller’s
- Hazel
About the Wine Road Podcast
Wine Road: Wine, When & Where explores the wineries, winemakers, chefs, restaurants, events and personalities that make Northern Sonoma County wine country such a special place to visit.
Follow the Wine Road for more stories and events from Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley, and subscribe to the podcast so you don’t miss our next episode.