Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.

The Wine Road provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma to locals and visitors with tips and news on events, wineries, restaurants, outdoor activities, and places to stay.

Richard Ross, Wine Road Podcast Sound Engineer Superstar 05/02/2024

Coco and Michele from Rock'n Vino 04/17/2024

Shane Tracy, Tasting Room Manager at Wilson Winery 04/04/2024

Lucas Meeker, Co-Owner and Winemaker at The Meeker Vineyard 03/21/2024

Andrea Card, Senior Winemaker & Tim Bodell, Executive Chef at Francis Ford Coppola Winery 03/07/2024

Tom Birdsall, Winemaker and Artisan Cheese Festival Representative 02/22/2024

Glen Kueffner, Tasting Room Manager at Emeritus Vineyards 02/08/2024

Mark Orsi, Owner of Orsi Family Vineyards 01/25/2024

Shane McAnelly, Excecutive Chef at Dry Creek Kitchen 01/11/2024

Devin Ruddick, VP of Sales and Marketing at Hook & Ladder Winery 12/28/2023

Liana G. from Wine Road 12/14/2023

Brooke Hazen, Founder & Farmer at Gold Ridge Organic Farms 11/30/2023

Jennifer Costa from @sweetschefjen 11/16/2023

Renae Perry from Papapietro Perry 11/02/2023

Craig Colagrossi, Owner and Winemaker at Colagrossi Wines 10/19/2023

Dr. Henry Barham from Vinotastr 10/05/2023

Dr. Clinton Lee, Wine & Etiquette Master at APWASI 09/21/2023

Erik Miller, Owner & Winemaker at Kokomo Winery & Breaking Bread Wines 09/07/2023

Mary Babbitt and Mary Orlin from Sip, Sip, Hooray! Podcast 08/24/2023

Keith Hammond, Winemaker at Emeritus Vineyards 08/10/2023

Giovanni Balistreri, Owner & Winemaker at Russian River Winery 07/27/2023

Giovanni Balistreri, Owner & Winemaker at Russian River Winery Episode 180 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 180 | Giovanni Balistreri, Owner & Winemaker at Russian River Winery Join us as we welcome back Gio Balistreri from Russian River Winery! We chat about all of the exciting (and yummy) happenings at his Winery and in Sonoma County, and enjoy TWO Wines of the Day for this extra-long episode! :) Sponsored by First Wine of the day: Russian River Vineyards Bacigalupi 2021 Chardonnay 2:23 - Russian River Vineyards is everyone’s favorite backyard and a family friendly place! 4:49 - Despite the rocky economy, they bought the property in 2008 7:54 - They do all kinds of different wines, something for everyone! Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Barbera, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon 9:33 - July 29, Seminar Series - Pinot and Beyond! 11:33 - At Russian River Vineyards, they can do just about whatever you want as far as experience goes - they do bottle service for larger parties, food & wine pairings, an array of parties, the list goes on! 13:17 - Happy hour on Thursdays 5-7:30, be there! :) 15:10 - Gio gives us some suggestions on what he shares with guests to Sonoma County - where he goes, where he eats, visits, etc. 16:31 - Russian River Vineyards has a Wine Club party at the end of July with Gerard’s Paella (a Sonoma County Favorite) 19:47 - Happenings in Sebastopol - natural Wine bars and fun restaurants! 22:07 - Windsor Happenings - Bellacana Tasting Room across from Baldassari and fun breweries. 23:57 - Russian River Vineyard menu discussions, you need to eat when you’re out wine tasting! M-Th, 12-5, happy hour from 5-7:30 on Thurs, Fri-Sun 12-6 24:41 - Pro tip of the day: go visit Russian River Vineyards Mon-Wed for lunch because a lot of west county restaurants are closed! 26:02 - Fast Five: Dustin Valette - Valette, The Matheson 32:31 - Gio just launched a new brand: chester. - his hope is to make this his national brand and they support Dogwood Animal Shelter, and Nuzzles in Utah. 35:43 - Beth’s One Last Thing! Pinot Tasting Event at Russian River Vineyards and Comparative Cabernet Tasting Event 36:18 - The best way to reach the vineyard is through the website for reservations, but they will also do their best to accommodate walk ins! 37:02 - *Second* Wine of the Day! Russian River Vineyards 2019 Terroir Collection Pinot Noir Double Barrel Fast Five: Dustin Valette - Valette, The Matheson We’re going to build a dish together! Ingredients: 1) Fava Tip Pea Stew 2) Fava beans 3) Cheese - if you’re local, check out Bohemian Creamery 4) Fresh pasta 5) Soppressata - check out Journeyman Meats in Healdsburg - To make the Fava Tip Pea Stew: take the tops of the fava shoots, puree in blender, add toasted walnut & parmesan/ pecorino, garlic, olive oil - set aside - fava beans: shuck, blanch, set aside - boil fresh pasta, 1:45 - 2 minutes, Dustin loves Lumaconi - toss with butter and parmesan Plating: Put Fava Tip Pea Stew down in a bowl, toss in fava beans, then put pasta on top, slice soppressata thinly, cut into half crescents, dice Bohemian Creamery cheese and place on top. Sonoma County on a Plate! Links: Sponsored by: Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at  Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. /episode/index/show/wineroadpodcast/id/27565866

Chef Helena, Owner of Baked on the River 07/13/2023

Chef Helena, Owner of Baked on the River Episode 179 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 179 | Chef Helena, Owner of Baked on the River Today we were joined by Chef Helena and got to learn about all of the yummy goodies that she makes at her restaurant and discuss the fun things to do while you're visiting the river - even if you're not into wine, you're bound to find excitement! Podcast Sponsor: 1:18 Helena explains some of what you’ll find when you visit Baked on the River 2:49 They’re more of a restaurant than a bakery, but they still bake their own bread :) 4:46 This is not Helena’s first rodeo! 7:01 Helena’s food is influenced both by Sonoma County and her Swedish heritage. 8:12 She offers gluten-free ingredients and plant based options too 11:50 We learn that Marcy may need to practice baking more :) 13:58 We circle back to the food offered at Helena’s restaurants - Scones and Gravy?! Delicious! 16:33 Beth says breakfast is the best meal of the day! 19:03 Baked on the River is in the town of Guerneville, on the West side toward the coast. 20:28 FAST FIVE - Valerie Wathen from Dutton Goldfield 22:53 boon hotel shoutout! 25:01 Check out Baked on the River Instagram and their website to check the menu and hours :) Be sure to call ahead! 26:55 They have a garden in the back of the restaurant with an aquaponics system! 28:30 Swirl Suite Podcast Shoutout! FAST FIVE Ingredients and Instructions Greens Cookbook — (Greens Restaurant) Leek and Mustard Pie Tart 1. 4 cups of leeks 2. 2 eggs 3. 1 cup cream 4. ~3oz cheese (your choice- cheddar, gruyere, goat) 5. 2-3 tbsp dijon mustard (6) Pie crust :) Slice the leeks real thin, then saute (maybe in white wine) while they cool, beat two eggs with the cup of cream, then add about 3oz grated cheese, then add mustard. Beat and then add to a pie crust and bake at 375 for about 50 mins :) Excellent to be paired with bubbly, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir Swirl Suite Podcast: Links: Sponsored by: Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at  Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. /episode/index/show/wineroadpodcast/id/27229581

Larry Willis, Owner and Inkeeper of The Gables Inn 06/29/2023

Janelle Meyers, VP of Marketing & Communications at Santa Rosa Metro Chamber and Visit Santa Rosa 06/15/2023

Janelle Meyers, VP of Marketing & Communications at Santa Rosa Metro Chamber and Visit Santa Rosa Episode 177 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 177 | Janelle Meyers - VP of Marketing and Communications at the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber & Visit Santa Rosa Today we were joined by Janelle Meyers, and discuss all things Santa Rosa and Sonoma County! We learn how she got into tourism and also get some great insight on upcoming events and fun art exhibits! Podcast Sponsor: 1:49 Beer Passport for Santa Rosa! 12 different breweries are participating. 3:39 Hotel E and Arthouse shoutout! Excellent locations in downtown Santa Rosa! 5:07 Events are going on almost every weekend! Markets, Summer concert series and more! 7:00 Everyone should check out their website - the map makes it easy to find events. 11:00 How did Jeanette get into tourism? 14:01 FAST FIVE with Kathleen Escamilla 18:27 Santa Rosa has become a real destination! 21:08 Santa Rosa has a Sofa Parade in December! And other amazing art installations all over! 22:31 Out There Santa Rosa is a great website for locals learning about all of the fun goings on. 25:00 New Event for the Wine Road! July 8 - Wine Road’s Summer Wine Trail! Check out the details on www.wineroad.com 25:44 The Wine CEO Podcast! 26:54 Summer on the Square Concert Series - Friday nights in Downtown Santa Rosa and Monday Movie Nights! Get involved! Links The Wine CEO Podcast shoutout! :) FAST FIVE Recipe & Instructions Portofino Pasta - The 5 Ps! 1. Pasta 2. Pomodoro (tomato) 3. Pesto 4. Parmaggianno 5. Panna (heavy cream) Heat a thick marinara, heavy cream and parmesan in a sauce pan, the marinara and heavy cream are 2:1, or 1:1 if you want it creamier. Stir for 4-5 minutes. Toss in cooked pasta noodles for 1-2 minutes, place in bowl, and top with spoonfuls of basil pesto Would pair nicely with their Montepulciano Sponsored by: Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at  Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. /episode/index/show/wineroadpodcast/id/27153231

Natalie MacLean, Wine Writer, Author & Instructor 06/01/2023

Rebecca Germolus, Wine Marketing Maven, Writer for Along the Wine Road Blog 05/18/2023

Rebecca Germolus, Wine Marketing Maven, Writer for Along the Wine Road Blog Episode 175 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 175 | Rebecca Germolus, Wine Marketing Maven, Writer for Along the Wine Road Blog Today we chat with Rebecca Germolus, the author of our and learn about her unique history regarding wine, and how she came to Sonoma County Wine of the Day: Pedroncelli 2021 Rosé Podcast Sponsor: 1:15 Along the Wine Road Blog - Rebecca is our Author 2:55 Rebecca does marketing and writing for wineries in addition to our blog! 8:57 We learn Rebecca’s story about how she went from Library Science to Wine. 12:38 Pedroncelli Winery Shout-out! 13:34 Along the Wine Road topics vary - from history stories to learning about how to plan your trip to visit Sonoma County. 14:20 Making Restaurant Wine lists- a fun job, but challenging! 16:08 Tasting notes are divisive, but she believes that they’re necessary! 19:56 Wine tasting and and conveying the different notes isn’t easy. 20:31 Fast Five - Tiann Lordan Hartford Family Winery - Braaibroodjie - grilled sandwich 24:31 Tasting notes take a lot of time and energy, but without them Wineries are missing out on great sales opportunities. 26:05 When Rebecca helps someone plan a trip (and she uses the Wine Road website to find the kind of wine that they like) she looks for the wineries that offer the most information 29:26 Rebecca wants everyone to know that Sonoma County is the Disneyland of Wine! (Or the Tilt-a-Whirl) 29:58 Appointment only is no more! (Mostly) Walk-ins Welcome! There are about 60 wineries that belong to the Wine Road that are happy to welcome you 31:16 Wine Road Insider! Check this out on https://www.wineroad.com/insider-perks-privileges/ Fast Five - Tiann Lordan from Hartford Family Winery - Braaibroodjie Ingredients: 1. Bread (sourdough is yummy) 2. Chutney - peach is best :) 3. Tomato 4. Cheese 5. Onions Instructions: Slather bread with chutney, slice tomatoes, onion and cheese, put on bread. Have a fire, let it burn out, put it on a griddle on the coals, place the sandwich directly on the griddle. Before flipping, press the sandwich to make sure it doesn't fall apart! He would pair this with a Pinot Noir maybe one from the Sonoma Coast with some spice and earthiness. Links: Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at  Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. /episode/index/show/wineroadpodcast/id/26882763

Randy Pitts, Owner & Winemaker at Harvest Moon Winery 05/04/2023

Valerie Wathen, General Manager at Dutton-Goldfield Winery 04/20/2023

Dustin Valette, Chef, Owner, Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106 04/06/2023

Dustin Valette, Chef, Owner, Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106 Wine Road Podcast Episode 172 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 172 | Dustin Valette, Chef, Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106 Beth and Marcy chat with local legend Dustin Valette about his three local restaurants, his history with food and wine, and how Sonoma County (and Healdsburg) has become such an important culinary hub in the United States. Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery SHOW NOTES 1:41 Dustin explains why he has his restaurants here in beautiful Healdsburg. 2:25 We learn about how Valette was opened, a family affair, in a building with family history! 5:34 Dustin shares about The Matheson and Roof 106, celebrating Healdsburg history and we get to hear about how Dustin made garage wine :) 7:14 Valette Wines brand launched 2016. 8:08 Marcy brings up the exciting Wine Wall at The Matheson, where Dustin explains how they have 106 wines by the glass, allowing them to showcase smaller boutique wineries at their restaurant. 15:08 The Matheson is the special occasion, best of the best of Sonoma County, Roof 106 allows for a more relaxed, casual dining experience with the option for reservations or walk-ins! 17:28 The cocktails at Roof 106 are next-level! (Pun intended) 18:10 Dustin discusses why he only sleeps 5 hours a night and how doing what satisfies you and makes people happy is what keeps you going! 21:21 The passion and energy brought by our local famers and artisans in Sonoma County is showcased by our local restaurants. 24:35 What’s on the horizon for Dustin and his family and restaurants. 27:11 Three new lodging members now part of Wine Road! Santa Rosa: Arthouse Inn https://www.arthousesantarosa.com/ Hotel E https://www.hotelesantarosa.com Healdsburg: The Ruse 28:12 May 18-21st Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience! https://www.healdsburgwineandfood.com/ Links https://www.valettehealdsburg.com/ https://www.thematheson.com/roof-106 https://www.thematheson.com/ Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/ /episode/index/show/wineroadpodcast/id/26322882

Jim Rickards, Winemaker, J. Rickards Winery 03/24/2023

Jim Rickards, Winemaker, J. Rickards Winery Wine Road Podcast Episode 171 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 171 | Jim Rickards, Winemaker, J. Rickards Winery Beth and Marcy chat with Jim about his how his desire to leave the city and become a farmer led to his becoming a winemaker in Alexander Valley. He brings to light the importance of sustainability and how it not only impacts the land and surroundings but the taste of his wines! Wine of The Day: J. Rickards Winery 2019 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel, Geyserville Podcast Sponsor: SHOW NOTES 00:58 Wine of the Day: J. Rickards Winery 2019 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel, Geyserville, from vines planted in 1908. 1:31 Jim explains how the Wine of the Day gets its unique distinct flavors - field blend. 2:42 We learn the breakdown of the Wine of the Day. 3:31 Jim describes how the geography and weather of the Alexander Valley impacts the flavors - brighter flavors and sweeter aromatics. 6:01 Jim gives personal history on how he went from a city boy to a cow rancher, then finally a winemaker. His wine label is his cattle brand! 11:22 Jim’s three rules: 1) We’re tasting, not drinking. 2) Drink lots of water! (The bathrooms in Sonoma County are great!) 3) Never ask Jim a question unless you’re expecting a 20 minute answer. 13:17 They do a Facebook live event 1x week, anything from wine growing to gardening and mulching - check it out! 16:24 We learn about how Jim was one of the first in Sonoma County to plant a cover crop and how it led to sustainability and being pesticide free! 22:41 Grape growing to winemaking - with the winery opening in 2005. The was built in 2014 24:39 Walk - ins are acceptable during the week, but reservations are always preferred (and required on weekends) because they want to spend time with you so that you can experience the history, the old vineyards and the wine cave! 26:59 Appointments are made through calling the tasting room - email works too! 28:31 Passport to Dry Creek April 29-30, https://www.drycreekvalley.org — click Passport link! Links Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at  Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. /episode/index/show/wineroadpodcast/id/26310315

Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.

TOPICS