Rock'N Vino: A Pairing of Music & Wine

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, host Michelle talks with two great guests about the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, coming up May 15th through 18th. ROCKnVINO takes you behind the scenes of this highly anticipated event, featuring exclusive interviews with two of its brightest stars. We'll chat with soulful musician Allen Stone, who will be bringing his incredible sound to Rodney Strong Vineyards on Friday, May 16th. Hear about his approach to live music (including karaoke) and the kind of beverage he might pair with his music. Plus, we talk with acclaimed Chef Dustin Valette, the culinary force behind Healdsburg's The Matheson, as he shares insights into the multiple exciting events he's hosting throughout the festival, showcasing the best of Sonoma County's wine and food scene.   Tickets and details are available at healdsburgwineandfood.com   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Stacy Buchanan, publisher of the Blood of Gods Zine.   Get ready to raise a glass (or throw up the horns!) as we chat with Stacy Buchanan, the driving force behind Blood of Gods Zine. Stacy tells the compelling story of how a simple, insightful observation about the surprising similarities between metal music and wine aficionados evolved into a celebrated zine. We delve into the unexpected connections he's uncovered, from shared intensity to nuanced appreciation. And for those intrigued, Stacy shares all the exciting details about the Blood of Gods annual Merrymaking event, taking place on Saturday, July 19th in Walla Walla, Washington – a real-world manifestation of this unique cultural blend.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle take you behind the scenes of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, happening May 15th-18th. We chat with Steve Dveris, the CEO of SD Media and founder of this incredible event, to uncover what makes it a must-attend for wine and food lovers. From special luncheons and dinners, to over-the-top wine parties, and the Vintners Plaza Grand Tasting, there is something for everyone. We also get the inside scoop on which artist is performing at Rodney Strong Vineyards - a must-see event! Discover the world-class chefs, renowned wineries, and unique experiences that await, and learn how this event celebrates the rich culinary tapestry of Sonoma County. The Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience also raised funds for FFA and Farm to Pantry.   You can see the full schedule by clicking here.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Patrick Davis, founder of Songwriters in Paradise and winemaker Angelina Mondavi. Songwriters in Paradise brings together the best of the best in one setting - amazing songwriters performing their tunes in a "songwriters in the round" format - intimate and unforgettable, plus the best wines, all at beautiful locations. Each day features two sessions with 3 songwriters each. Known as SIP, this year the SIP Napa set of concerts is happening at various locations from April 9th through April 13th, and SIP Healdsburg is July 22nd through July 26th. In Napa, the hosting wineries include Alpha Omega, Whitehall Lane, and Brasswood, plus Angelina Mondavi's Women Winemakers Opening Night at Harvest Inn Vineyard View Terrace. Artists include Shawn Mullins, Kim Richey, James Otto, Kristian Bush, Gretchen Peters, and more! Tickets are very limited, and can be purchased individually or as a package. Learn more at songwritersinparadise.com   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.  

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Chef Chris Ricketts, Executive Chef at the Lazeaway Club at the Flamingo Resort and Spa about Family Meal, a special pop-up menu featured this month. The idea of the Family Meal pop-up is to celebrate the roots, traditions and cultures of the entire culinary team at the Flamingo Resort. The chefs behind the scenes in the kitchen are a super-talented and dynamic group, led by Chef Ricketts. The team at Lazeway Club has hosted a series of successful pop-ups with chefs from across the country over the last couple of years, but for this pop-up, they wanted to turn the spotlight on the creative team within the kitchen. The chefs working at Lazeaway hail from all over the world, and this limited-time menu showcases their most beloved family recipes that tell their stories, showcase their roots, and give guests more insight into the passion and meaning behind their love of cooking. Together, these chefs—plus special guest, Chef Elizabeth Bossy (Chef Ricketts' talented wife) are now offering a limited-time "Family Meal" pop-up menu of beloved family dishes.  Chef Ricketts also talks about beverage pairings and what kind of music his team enjoys to listen to in the kitchen!   Check out the menu HERE, including some of the sweet stories behind the dishes. Book your reservation by clicking HERE.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Debbie Osborn, Event Manager for Wine Road about the 47th Annual Barrel Weekend! This is a great educational weekend filled with opportunities to taste the Past, Present, and Future of wine. Since it began, this event has evolved and it now includes library wines (older vintages), current vintages, and futures - or barrel samples. Learn how a wine changes over time at this unique event! It happens March 1-2, 2025 from 11am to 4pm each day, with over 50 participating wineries in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys. Learn more and get your tickets at wineroad.com   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk about the just announced lineup for Bottlerock Napa Valley, May 23rd through May 25th, 2025. Headliners include Green Day, Justin Timberlake, and Noah Kahan. Green Day is a beloved pop-punk band who formed in the Bay Area before reaching global success with their 1994 album, Dookie. There are many Sonoma County punks who remember seeing Green Day perform high energy shows at The Phoenix in Petaluma. Justin Timberlake needs no introduction - and both Coco and Michelle will be losing it when he takes the stage at BottleRock! A multi-hyphenate artist, with success as a singer, songwriter, record producer, dancer, and actor, Justin Timberlake can do it all and brings mega star power to Napa. Noah Kahan is a singer songwriter from Vermont, who writes songs about mental health, including his breakout hit “Hurt Somebody." And don't miss the La Onda Festival, happening the weekend after Bottlerock - a great excuse to stay the whole week and do some fun wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma Counties! Coco shares some insider tips about the JaM Pad, where you can watch acoustic sets on a second stage at Bottlerock, plus the skinny on aftershows at places like the Uptown Theater and JaM Cellars Balloom. Michelle attended BottleRock for the first time last year and has some tips for making the most of the event without becoming overwhelmed. Three-day tickets for Bottlerock Napa Valley go onsale Tuesday, January 14th at 10am online at bottlerocknapavalley.com ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.  

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Katie Ambrosi, Marketing Manager for Wilson Artisan Wines, about a great venue in Healdsburg for music, dancing, and wine: Coyote Sonoma.   Coyote Sonoma is tucked into a corner in the Mill District, and is able to accommodate a packed dance floor for popular shows. Katie books the bands at the venue, with a focus on cover acts. Besides great dancing and concerts, Coyote Sonoma also hosts wine tasting Thursdays through Sundays from 11am to 5pm. The space transforms at 5pm into a taproom with beer, wine, and cider plus programming like Trivia Nights, Locals Nights, and Live Concerts.   As part of Wilson Artisan Wines, Coyote Sonoma wine club members get access to wine club benefits throughout the family of Wilson brands. Coyote Sonoma is also available for private event booking.   You can see a schedule of upcoming shows by clicking here.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Sam Levy, Food and Beverage Manager for the Flamingo Resort and Spa, and Zack Darling, Programming Director at Vintage Space at Flamingo Resort & Spa. Each holiday season, the Flamingo's Lazeaway Club undergoes a transformation, with an explosion of lights and holiday decor, as well as a special Sippin' Santa menu with festive drinks in special drinkware. Cocktail mugs include a shark wearing a Santa hat, a merman Santa, and an adorable reindeer shaped shot glass, among other fun designs.  We also chat about the entertainment programming led by Zack Darling at Vintage Space, a retro-futuristic venue within the Flamingo. Comedy, live music, dancing, DJ's, karaoke, trivia nights and more! Don't miss out on the epic New Year's Eve Studio 54 themed party!   Learn more at flamingoresort.com ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.  

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Debbie Osborn, Event Manager for Wine Road about the 27th annual Wine and Food Affair, while sipping wine on the terrace at Trattore Farms. Wine Road is an association of wineries and lodgings in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River valleys of Northern Sonoma County. They host various events throughout the year to showcase these amazing AVAs. The next event is Winter WINEland, January 18-19, 2025 and tickets are on sale now. Coco and Michelle also chat with Mary Louise Bucher, owner and Master Miller at Trattore Farms, Craig Strehlow, Winemaker and Vineyard Manager at Trattore, and Trattore Farms' GM, Joe Padilla. Explore their wines and olive oils at trattorefarms.com    ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.  

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Ben Brenner and Matt Nagy of Benevolent Neglect. They met at a house party in Napa and started their winery in 2013. The wines they make are done with minimal intervention, allowing the varietals to speak for themselves. Their winemaking approach is underlined by a refreshing tasting experience at their Vinyl Tasting Lounge on Second Street in Napa, amongst a handful of other interesting shops, restaurants and businesses full of character. You can BYOV (Bring Your Own Vinyl) or choose something from their collection to listen to while you sip through their selections. Learn more at bnwines.com   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Ned Lawton, Founder and Cidermaker at Ethic Ciders. Ned and his family decided to buy property in Sebastopol about 10 years ago, that had an apple orchard. They had children from their preschool in San Francisco come to the property to learn about farms. They decided to make cider with the juice, and have been making it for about 7 years. You can visit their property on Occidental Road in Sebastopol for tastings and education. They will be part of the Farm Trails Farm Tour on October 13th. You can get free tickets (registration required) to attend and press your own apple juice! Parking is very limited, so be sure to register in advance to reserve your spot.   Ethic Ciders 8490 Occidental Rd Sebastopol., CA 95472 ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Judd Wallenbrock, CEO of Priest Ranch Winery. Judd talks about working in the wine industry, learning about the synergy of wine, food and the arts from his time as global vice president of marketing at Robert Mondavi, president of Michel-Schlumberger, and president and CEO of C. Mondavi & Family. He founded his own label, Humanitas Wines in 2001, using the "Newman's Own Model" of making stuff and giving away the proceeds. In this case it was delicious wines, in a great setting featuring rock photography on the walls, and high level molecular gastronomy on the plates. After retiring, Judd discovered that he wasn't very good at being retired, so when the opportunity arose, he signed on as CEO of Priest Ranch Winery and Somerston Estate. He was delighted to work with a team that already were doing fantastic things, and so now Judd gets to help the brand work on those wow experiences, like innovative wine and food pairings (a bacon tasting! a chocolate "dirt" tasting!), and music and wine pairings. There are a few more dates this season to enjoy Thursday Night Live! at Priest Ranch. And you can also enjoy delicious food at The Kitchen at Priest Ranch! Learn more at priestranchwines.com   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, host Michelle talks with Josh Windmiller, co-founder and director of the Railroad Square Music Festival, coming up on Sunday, September 22nd. This free event features a wide variety of Bay Area musicians on multiple stages, as well as food, beverages, a kids area, and more. While it is free to attend, it takes work and funds to produce, so sponsors and donations are always welcome! Or you could volunteer for a shift at the event, and help the Railroad Square Music Festival continue to entertain and support musicians in the Bay Area! Josh has been organizing shows and festivals in Sonoma County for well over a decade, focusing on the talent that we have right here. (Coco could not join us for this show because she has jury duty! Boo!)   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Bryce Dow-Williamson, Art & Event Consultant, Planning and Economic Department for the City of Santa Rosa. What does that title mean? It means that Bryce makes cool things happen in Santa Rosa, like the Live at Juilliard concert series. There is one more free show left this season, on Sunday, August 18th from 5pm to 7pm. The Pulsators will be the final band performing in this summer's collection of shows at Juilliard Park. These family friendly shows also have beer and wine available for sale, with proceeds benefitting Sonoma County Pride, as well as a food truck on site. You can BYOB and bring a picnic if you like, as well as chairs or blankets to spread out and enjoy the show. Bryce also works on other art and culture events in Santa Rosa, including art shows at the Finley Center, the Railroad Square Music Festival, and shows at The Lost Church.   ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Chef Itamar Abramovitch of Blossom Catering and (M)Eat Carnival. Chef Itamar is focused on crafting experiences with his food, so he is always thinking about how to enhance a wine and food pairing to really make it pop and complement the wine. That passion extends to Meat Carnival, which was born in Israel, and Chef Itamar brought it to Wine Country. What is Meat Carnival? Part workshop, part feast, part entertainment – but ultimately it is an unforgettable experience. Guests can eat and drink all they want from 8 different chef tables, each serving up different dishes every thirty minutes or so. It is interactive, over the top, and a feast for the senses! The name has changed to (M)Eat Carnival since the dishes have expanded beyond just meat. Tickets sell out quickly, so if you are interested in attending, sign up for their newsletter and get early access to tickets.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Robert Young, Hospitality Manager at Robert Young Estate Winery. Robert is part of the 5th generation of family members working at this historic vineyard and winery. His ancestors moved to Sonoma County from New York during the gold rush and bought the ranch property in Alexander Valley, originally growing prunes. A suggestion came along in the 1960s to plant grapes, specifically Cabernet Sauvignon, a varietal now famous in the Alexander Valley AVA. The Young family also developed Chardonnay Clone 17, a disease resistant grape that worked well in hotter climates, cementing the legacy of Robert Young and his family in the California wine industry. In the late 90s, Robert's children established the Robert Young Estate Winery, and now use about 7-percent of the grapes they grow each year to make their wines. The other grapes are sold to about 20 or so wineries and appear as vineyard designates. Book a tasting experience today by visiting ryew.com   Robert Young Estate Winery returns again this year as one of the winery hosts of Songwriters in Paradise. On Thursday, July 25th, Nashville-based songwriters will converge on the winery for an intimate songwriters-in-the-round performance, paired with appetizers and delicious Robert Young Estate Wines. Tickets are available at songwritersinparadise.com.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Art Murray, owner of Flambeaux Wine and Cory Schisler, co-owner of The Madrona about a great summer film series called Movies on the Lawn at The Madrona. Cory and his business partner took ownership of The Madrona during the pandemic and opened the doors in the Spring of 2022, giving the space new life and creativity. He is directly involved in all aspects of guest experiences at The Madrona, from curating music playlists for each area of the property, to adjust the lighting until it is juuuust right! In 2023, The Madrona worked with AVFilm to create a fun summer film experience, and this year it is even better, paired with a different winery each month. Tickets include comfy blankets, popcorn and snacks, a glass of wine, and headphones to enjoy the show, as well as perfectly paired movies. Art Murray calls The Madrona his home away from home. Art loves to visit (almost daily, he says) and so presenting the film Labyrinth along with Flambeaux Wine was a natural fit. You can get tickets to see Labyrinth on July 10th by clicking here.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, host Michelle talks with Nate Prowse, organizer of the Fridays at the Hood summer concert series. This is the second year for this fun concert series at Hood Mountain Regional Park. From June through August, enjoy a live concert from a local band every Friday evening, in an absolutely gorgeous spot to watch the sun set and shake your booty. This family friendly event supports local non-profit Play It Forward, an organization dedicated to offering free music lessons, instruments, and music therapy. There are food trucks each Friday, as well as wine from Emmitt-Scorsone and Jackson Family Wines, plus beer from Lagunitas Brewing. Check out the full line up of concerts and get your tickets in advance (at a discount!) by visiting fridaysatthehood.com.   Nate is also the owner of Live Musicians Co-Op, a great space to rehearse, record, and refine your chops.   ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Noah and Kelly Dorrance of Reeve Wines, BloodRoot Wines and The Ramble, a homegrown music and wine festival in Healdsburg on June 7th and 8th. Noah and Kelly moved to Sonoma County from Missouri after falling in love with each other and with wine.   Reeve Wines in Dry Creek Valley is known for small lot, delicious wines and a tasting experience close to nature. In downtown Healdsburg, they have a charming tasting room for their more value focused wines from BloodRoot.   As if that weren't enough, Noah and Kelly have created a homegrown music festival called The Ramble, June 7th and 8th in Healdsburg featuring headliners Lord Huron, Andrew Bird, and Cautious Clay, as well as The Nude Party, The Coffis Brothers, and Spike Sikes. Proceeds benefit Giffords, in memory of Kelly's 9-year-old niece Evelyn who was killed in a school shooting in 2023. Get details and tickets at www.bloodrootramble.com   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

Grammy-winning blues musician Christone "Kingfish" Ingram performs as part of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience on Friday, May 17th at Rodney Strong Vineyards. ROCKnVINO co-host Michelle Marques had a chance to chat with Christone about his hometown, his mentor Buddy Guy, what it was like to meet Michelle Obama, and his experience in the wine world. Get tickets to see him perform at healdsburgwineandfood.com

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Steve Dveris, CEO of SD Media and Founder of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience. Steve talks about the upcoming series of events from May 16th through May 19th, that focus on the makers behind the magic. At the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience you can dive into events that are delicious, fun, educational, inspirational, and celebrate the people and agriculture that make Sonoma County such a great place. This event also has international flair, with celebrity chefs from around the country, as well as wines and foods from around the world. There are also great musical elements as a part of the weekend, including a performance with GRAMMY-winner Christone "Kingfish" Ingram at Rodney Strong Vineyards on Friday, May 17th. Tickets are a la carte, so you can tailor your own experience. Get details and secure your spot today at healdsburgwineandfood.com   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Lauren Fremont, Executive Director of Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley about the upcoming Passport to Dry Creek Valley, Friday, April 26th through Sunday, April 28th.   This event has expanded to include a more intimate experience with boutique wineries on Friday, as well as a la carte luncheons and dinners on Friday as part of a new Wine-derlust Collection! Of course, you can also get two-day tickets for Saturday and Sunday, where over 25 wineries will offer tastings, bites, education, and music, depending on the location.   Get all of the details and secure your tickets today at drycreekvalley.org   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle welcome back Patrick Davis, Founder of Songwriters in Paradise, a series of intimate songwriter showcases in the round where each songwriter shares the stories behind the songs, all paired with delicious food and wine. This year, the series returns to both Napa County and Sonoma County.    SIP Napa is happening April 18th through April 21st with showcases at Alpha Omega, Charles Krug, Silver Oak, and Brasswood wineries. Artists such as Kristian Bush of Sugarland, Channing Wilson, and Marc Broussard take turns performing songs and chatting about their music.   Then SIP comes back to Healdsburg from July 24th through July 27th with showcases at Banshee, Robert Young, Bricoleur and La Crema wineries. New to Songwriters in Paradise this time is Shawn Mullins, who wrote hits including Lullaby, Shimmer, and Beautiful Wreck. Also performing is multi Grammy winner Dan Tyminski (probably best known as the singing voice of George Clooney's character in O Brother Where Art Thou), and Kim Richey. You can get tickets for a single day, or passes for the whole weekend. Learn more at songwritersinparadise.com.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.  

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Erica J. Simpson, General Manager for the Uptown Theatre in downtown Napa. Erica dishes on her time working for the Rolling Stones, how she acts around performers when she is star-struck, how she got her current job, the perks (and occasional downsides) of working at a concert venue, the best moment of a live show, the bar program at the Uptown, and more! Check out the extended podcast of our interview on rocknvino.com to hear her hilarious story about Julia Child, why her dog Jack is the most handsome and best dog, and what kind of wine she'd enjoy on her last day on Earth.   ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Art Murray, co-founder of T.O.W.N. – a dinner series created to highlight all the beauty Sonoma County has to offer during months not traditionally visited. Short for “Traveling Off-Season for Wine Night”, TOWN features a uniquely themed dinner once a month, concluding the first season in March 2024. Art and Alex Harris have put together a truly unique opportunity in Sonoma County to experience wine, music, art, food, and imagination in one night. Previous meals have featured unexpected entertainment, including an opera singer, Muay Thai fighters, and an actual monkey (a famous monkey at that)! Art is the President of his family winery, Flambeaux Wine, and Alex is an artist and also has The Harris Gallery Art and Wine Collection with his father.   Get tickets now for Raising the Bar, the next TOWN dinner at Lo & Behold Bar and Kitchen in Healdsburg on Wednesday, February 21st from 6pm to 9pm. Hosted by Flambeaux Wine, The Harris Gallery Wine, and special guest winery, Gary Farrell, expect an eclectic menu and enchanting atmosphere, combined with a funky and fun DJ set, for an extraordinary evening that will perfectly blend the rustic charm of wine country with high cuisine.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Jason Lefler, owner of Stereophonic Wine. Jason describes his wines as the beginning of a journey, not the conclusion of one. With more than two decades of wine industry work under his belt, Jason decided he wanted to make a wine with a grape variety from his wife's ancestral home in Italy, near Mt.Vesuvius. This Aglianico was planted everywhere in Pompeii 2000 years ago, and archeologists have been able to pinpoint the exact spots where it grew at the time of the destructive volcano that buried the town under ash. From this journey, Jason, working with his winemaker, Aaron Jackson, has started a new journey with each bottle, searching for new ways of coaxing flavors from grapes. Stereophonic Wine also features a playlist for each bottle, which you can access through a code on the label, or through the website. Jason also works to find the right image to represent each wine.   Find out more and purchase Stereophonic Wine by clicking here.   ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk about the just announced lineup for Bottlerock Napa Valley, May 24th through May 26th, 2024. Headliners include Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks, and Maná. Pearl Jam is working on a follow up album to 2020's Gigaton, and this is their only U.S. date so far. Ed Sheeran has been selling out massive shows in 2023, and this is also his only U.S. concert date so far. Steve Nicks had been scheduled to perform at Bottlerock in 2021, but Covid-19 had other plans and now the two-time Rock and Roll Hall of Famer is finally headed to the stage in Napa. And Mexican rock bank Maná will also be headlining the La Onda Festival, happening the weekend after Bottlerock - a great excuse to stay the whole week and do some fun wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma Counties! Coco shares some insider tips about the JaM Pad, where you can watch acoustic sets on a second stage at Bottlerock, plus the skinny on aftershows at places like the Uptown Theater and JaM Cellars Balloom. Three-day tickets for Bottlerock Napa Valley go on sale Tuesday, January 9th at 10am online at bottlerocknapavalley.com ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCKnVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Mark Hanson, co-founder and CEO of Bricoleur Vineyards. Mark is a Santa Rosa native and his wife Beth is the great granddaughter of Pietro Carlo Rossi, the original oenologist at Sonoma County's historic Italian Swiss Colony. As such, both had a strong connection to Sonoma County, and after "retiring" they decided to start their own winery in Windsor. The location had an old horse barn on site which has since been transformed into a beautiful tasting room and event space. The name Bricoleur is French and it reflects the spirit of flying by the seat of your pants. At Bricoleur Vineyards you can experience wine and food together in a variety of ways, including the Soaring and Rooted tastings, live music concerts, corporate events, wine club events, cooking classes, and even a cruise along the Seine from Normandy to Paris with Bricoleur! In fact, this Saturday, you can attend An Evening with Patrick Davis & His Midnight Choir, December 16th, a benefit for Toys 4 Tots. Mark has offered KSRO listeners a discount code for 25-percent off! Use code BRICOLEURFRIEND at checkout.   ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

Hosts Michelle and Coco talk with Jay Nunez, founder and winemaker at No Love Lost Wine Co. Jay makes sustainable, natural wines, and is inspired by the unknown, challenging himself to make wines with intrigue and a unique spirit. He also wants to make approachable wines that can be enjoyed by anyone, not just the high end cab connoisseur. We chat with Jay about his tasting room in downtown Napa, and talk about how his former career in music and sound engineering helps to inform his winemaking. He also loves to cook and has worked with a neighboring business to add some delicious sandwiches to the offering at his tasting room. Visit the tasting room at 960 Clinton Street in Napa, or buy his wine online at nolovelost.wine Hear more behind the scenes conversation with Jay Nunez, including his well-thought out desert island disc lineup and his girlfriend Canon Thomas' picks, as well as his approach to label art, online at ROCKnVINO.com ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit

During this episode of ROCK'nVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with The Wine Guy, Tom Simoneau! KSRO listeners are quite familiar with Tom's voice, since he started his radio career as The Wine Guy on KSRO back in the 90s. Tom is uniquely suited for our show, since he started out as a musician and ended up a winemaker! Tom learned to play guitar with his college friends and decided to make a go of it as a band in Georgia. Their first band was named C&W Mow Company, since their landlord told them they needed to pay rent somehow and mowing lawns was a good way to earn some dough! Influenced by bands like the Allman Brothers and Little Feat, Tom and his bandmates started to play bigger shows and tour across the country. The music scene in San Francisco drew them west, and they decided they were going to head to California to get signed and become professional musicians. Luck wasn't in the cards, but after a holiday trip home, Tom started to date a beautiful girl he knew from home in Maine, and brought her back to California. Tom and Brenda Lee bought a home in Healdsburg and Tom started working by selling wine over the phone direct to customers. He had the chance to make some wine, and won awards as an amateur winemaker. They sold their first home and bought a ranch in Alexander Valley. That sealed the deal, and Tom the bassist became Tom Simoneau, winemaker and grape grower. In the early years, Tom relied on American AgCredit to help him live from harvest to harvest, as he fleshed out his business. This episode is PACKED with great stories not only about Tom's history, but stories of Sonoma County, Healdsburg, and the families who make this place their home.   Check out Tom's wines (including the Brenda Lee Chardonnay!) online at simoneauvineyards.com and find it on the menu at Valette in Healdsburg. ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCK'nVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Beth Costa, Executive Director of Wine Road about the upcoming Wine & Food Affair, November 4th and 5th. More than 40 wineries are participating, each with a delicious wine pairing and great recipes you can try at home! This is a wonderful opportunity to learn about pairing wine and food, and take those tips back to your own kitchen. VIP Tickets are already sold out, but you still have until Monday, October 30th to get your passes for the Weekend, Sunday Only, or Designated Driver.  Beth also shares the details of some fun additional events featuring live music that you can add on to your weekend! Coyote Sonoma has a great concert on Saturday, November 4th, and Hook & Ladder Winery is hosting a free concert on Friday, November 3rd. Check the sidebar on this page for more musical events during Wine & Food Affair.     Beth is also the co-host of a podcast called The Wine, When & Where of Sonoma County. She and Marcy Gordon share their insider stories about the places to check out when you're exploring along the Wine Road. Listen to our conversation with Beth to find out how her podcast is connected to Martha Stewart and Snoop Dogg!!   ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

  During this episode of ROCK'nVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle talk with Ian Devereux White and Jefferson Lee Rhodes of the band Rhodes Devereux. Ian is also the vintner and founder of Smith Devereux Wines. Ian and Jeff have recently reunited to form their new band after years spent pursuing different passions. The two met while teens and formed a band called Standing Room Only. Now their life paths have converged again, and they are creating music informed by major turning points in their lives. Ian's winery has created wines for musicians like Matt Kearney and Kenny Aronoff, as well as Cedric the Entertainer.  Ian and Jefferson perform their new song, "Found" live on ROCK'nVINO. You can follow them on Spotify and social media.  ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCK'nVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle head into the moshpit with our guest Alec Graham, Executive Chef of Northern California for Foley Family Wines as we preview AFTERSHOCK 2023! Since the Aftershock Festival began in 2012, it has become THE destination for fans of metal, hard rock and punk, bringing massive headliners as well as up and coming bands to Discovery Park in Sacramento each year. This year's big names include Pantara, Incubus, Godsmack, Tool, Korn, Queens of the Stone Age, and Guns 'n Roses. Tool's frontman Maynard James Keenan also has his own winery: try his wine at Aftershock and create your own ROCKnVINO experience! Coco and Alec share their tips for getting the most out of this Festival, who they are most excited to see, and moshpit etiquette. Get details and tickets at aftershockfestival.com    ROCKnVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.  

During this episode of ROCK'nVINO hosts Michelle and Coco chat with Rene Byck, Vice President and Co-Owner of Paradise Ridge Winery in Santa Rosa. Paradise Ridge really has it all! Perched above Santa Rosa in Fountaingrove with some of the most spectacular views in all of Sonoma County, the winery also boasts a beautiful sculpture garden; a museum dedicated to Nagasawa Kanaye, one of the earliest grape growers in the area; a wedding and venue space; summertime concerts with rotating food trucks; and delicious wines. Rene shares the story of how his parents started the winery and the sculpture garden, the connection to Burning Man, the fires in 2017 that destroyed parts of the property, the rebuilding journey with help from American AgCredit, and the popular Wine and Sunsets Series, which goes through mid-October. Make your reservation today by visiting prwinery.com ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

During this episode of ROCK'nVINO hosts Michelle and Coco chat with Jeremy Carter, winemaker and founding partner of Tarpon Cellars. Jeremy shares his background growing up in Georgia and fishing for tarpon (a kind of sport fish) in Florida. That is where the winery got its name! After thinking that he might want to work in the hospitality side of wineries, an internship in Rutherford changed his mind and he was HOOKED (fishing pun intended.) Tarpon Cellars is focused on the experience of wine, food and music, all paired together to create the ultimate experience. As such, Jeremy spends a lot of time hosting winemaker dinners, concerts and other experiences to make wine more fun and accessible. And each bottle in the Cambaro line (lower price point, approachable wines) has a special Spotify playlist posted on the back label, with a curated playlist for the wine! ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

On this episode, Michelle and Coco talk with Alicia Sylvester, winemaker for Banshee Wines. Alicia shares her agricultural roots (pun intended) and how they led her to appreciate the work done by farmers across the country. After working on harvests around the globe, Alicia returned to California to work at Chateau Montelena and Sonoma Cutrer. In 2021 she took on the role of Winemaker at Banshee Wines, producing wines that taste much more sophisticated than their price point would suggest. At Banshee, Alicia can indulge in both sides of her winemaking personality: Bordeaux style, in your face, big cabs and the more nuanced Burgundian pinot noirs and chardonnays. Alicia is also hilarious, loves to attend concerts, and will occasionally indulge in some 90s country (hellz yeah Garth Brooks!) Check out Banshee Wines and their tasting room record player just steps off the Healdsburg Plaza.    https://www.bansheewines.com/

During this episode of ROCK'nVINO hosts Michelle and Coco chat with Mark “Swany” Swanhart, the creator and director of SAVOR After Hours – a wine-tasting cabaret starring Maks and Val Chmerkovskiy from Dancing with the Stars at JaM Cellars Ballroom in Napa. The show feels like a rollercoaster that will dazzle your senses with exciting dance sequences, emotional music selections, incredible costumes, and the best wine selections from Napa County vineyards. Swany takes you on an adventure that will make you cheer, laugh, gasp, cry, and more. The venue is expertly designed to give you a wonderful vantage point from any seat. The show tickets start at just $44, however you can add all kinds of experiences onto your base ticket, including wine tasting, photo ops with the stars, pre-show meet and greet, and more. It runs through Labor Day weekend, so don't delay! Get tickets now at savorafterhours.com

During this episode of ROCK'nVINO hosts Michelle and Coco chat with Little Saint's Executive Wine Director Alex Sarovich. Little Saint is a music venue/cafe/restaurant in Healdsburg with a 100% plant-based menu. Alex shares her road to Healdsburg and how she makes wine approachable for guests at Little Saint. Whether you are stopping in for a creamy, decadent affogato (Michelle's recommendation!) or joining your pals for a leisurely brunch with wine pairings, or headed to catch a concert upstairs with small bites and a glass of vino, Alex and her team can help you pick just the right wine. Be sure to get on the mailing list so you are first in the know to snag tickets for a very impressive list of artists, including Lucy Dacus, boygenius, or The War and Treaty. The upstairs venue is intimate and hosts incredible shows. You can also now book multi-course vegan dinners at The Second Story, Friday through Sunday beginning at 5:30pm.

Coco and Michelle talk with Gerald “Gerry” Casale, co-founder of DEVO and proprietor of The 50 by 50 winery. Gerry talks about the foundation of the band DEVO and how it was connected to the horrific events at Kent State in 1970, when 4 of his fellow students were shot and killed by the National Guard. That event was a pivotal point in his life: it forced him to stay at the university instead of transferring to another school, and exposed him to new ideas from visiting professors. Gerry also shares how music and his success with DEVO gave him an opportunity to try great food and wine, meeting chefs like Jeremiah Tower and Wolfgang Puck who were coming up at the same time as the band. The 50 by 50 has two current releases: The 50 by 50 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2016 and The 50 by 50 Carneros Rosé of Pinot Noir 2017. Each wine harmoniously combines Gerry's love of music and wine.

Naomi McLeod is the owner of Field Day CA, a pop-up community in Sonoma County featuring amazing wineries, chefs, and outdoor spaces. Naomi brings her retrofitted school bus to wineries, orchards, and open fields to stage various events, many of which feature a musical element. Michelle and Coco chat with Naomi about her background in the arts and how she uses her experience in event planning to curate memorable experiences. Don't miss out on the June 3rd event featuring Chef Katie Powers and musician Marty O'Reilly. There are a few more events coming up this summer, and be sure to sign up for emails on her website so you don't miss out on the next one: fielddayca.com

In this episode we emphasize the ROCK part of the show during our chat with The Happys, a surf-rock tinged band based in San Francisco. Band members Nick, Alex, Brett and Eli chat with hosts Michelle and Coco while on the road between shows. We learn about their influences, how Nick works in his own struggles with mental health into his songwriting, upcoming free shows, and their guerilla marketing (hand painted signs) efforts across the country. The Happys also announce their involvement in a major summer concert series! Check out these up and coming rock stars at TheHappysOfficial.com.  

Patrick Davis is the founder of Songwriters in Paradise - a series of intimate songwriter showcases in the round where each songwriter shares the stories behind the songs, all paired with delicious food and wine. The SIP Napa event is April 19-22, 2023 at Frank Family Vineyards, Alpha Omega, Charles Krug, and Brasswood Napa Valley. Songwriters include Tim Nichols who co-wrote the massive hit "Live Like You Were Dying" made famous by Tim McGraw. SIP Healdsburg returns July 18-22, 2023 with performances at Robert Young, Bella Vineyards and Wine Caves, Bricoleur Vineyards, and Saralee's Vineyard at La Crema. Songwriters include John Driskell Hopkins, one of the founders of the Zac Brown Band, as well as Kristian Bush, one half of Grammy winning country music super group Sugarland.    These intimate performances are restricted to a very small audience, and help raise money for local charities, such as The Boys & Girls Club of St. Helena & Calistoga and Notes for Education. Learn more at songwritersinparadise.com  

Chef Gray Rollin fed rock stars around the world, before launching his restaurant Belly Left Coast Kitchen and Taproom in Santa Rosa. Listen as we chat about his path to becoming a personal chef for Linkin Park, his stories of life on the road, his passion for learning more about the cultures around the world, and much more. 

In this episode we talk with Mitch Rice, winemaker at Mersenne Wines. This boutique winery chose French Renaissance monk Marin Mersenne as their namesake, to represent their approach to winemaking. Marin Mersenne discovered the formula to find Prime numbers (which is still used today!) and Mersenne Wines believes in finding the perfect, 'prime' fruit to make their wines. This Renaissance man was also one of the first to describe musical harmony, and Mitch and his partner Robin Youngdahl hope to create wines that reflect a harmonious nature. Mitch shares a bottle of his Rutherford AVA Merlot with hosts Coco and Michelle, and blows us away with the complex, inviting style from this often maligned varietal. Mersenne Wines also hosts very intimate concerts for wine club members, and the next one is on April 15th with artist Rozzi. Learn more at mersennewines.com

Hosts Michelle and Coco talk with Sam Coturri, proprietor at Winery Sixteen 600 in Sonoma. Sam's father Phil Coturri is known as the hippie grandfather of organic grape growing and his legacy is now a multi-generational practice, producing unique and delicious wines. Phil was also tuned in to the San Francisco music scene and was very close to The Grateful Dead, and artist Stanley Mouse, who provided the artwork for Winery Sixteen 600 labels.    During this episode of ROCKnVINO, learn about the family history and musical connections of the Coturri family and how wine and music pair together beautifully!

ROCKnVINO is BACK... and now we've also got a radio show! Tune in on the 2nd and 4th Monday of every month for a new live episode at ksro.com!  For our introductory episode back, hosts Michelle and Coco invite Ross Cobb, owner and winemaker at Cobb Wines to chat about wine and music. Ross has a deep connection to both music and wine, playing bass and collecting records since he was a boy. He went to work helping his father and mother establish their vineyard, Coastlands, just outside of Occidental in Sonoma County before working for a variety of wineries, including Ferrari Carano, Williams Selyem, Flowers, Hirsch, and more. In 2001, Ross and his parents bottled their first wines under the Cobb Wines label, and now Ross is the owner and winemaker there. Ross is also the winemaker for Les Claypool's wine label, Claypool Cellars, and was even pulled onstage by Les to play bass at a show at the Hopmonk! Listen to all of the fun music and wine stories Ross shares in this episode, and learn more about his wines at cobbwines.com. Hear more behind the scenes conversation with Ross Cobb, including a tasting of a special pinot noir dedicated to his late mother, as well as how his wine was featured in the Ralph Feinnes movie The Menu, online at ROCKnVINO.com. And finally, we've got a Patreon!! If you would like access to exclusive content and some pretty rad experiences we would greatly appreciate your support! 

Today we chatted with Jim Morris, VP of Guest Relations at Charles Krug Winery. He shares with us how they shifted their focus and persevered during the pandemic with virtual tastings, virtual comedy and many other creative and fun ideas. Now, as the world begins to reopen, they've partnered with The Blue Note in Napa on a series of outdoor concerts slated to begin in May. We're so excited to talk about the return of live music! 

Today we chatted with Rene Byck, co-owner of Paradise Ridge Winery. A winery that has persevered after losing almost everything in the 2017 Kincade fire but has remained resilient with the reconstruction of their tasting room with stunning views, amazing wine and awe-inspiring art pieces. 

On today's episode we chat with Dan Kosta, founder and owner of AldenAlli Winery and former co-founder of Kosta Browne Winery which he and fellow co-founder Michael Browne started with money they made from tips from their restaurant job. Moving on to their own ventures Dan started AldenAlli alongside the Legasse family to get back to his roots of winemaking focusing on the Sonoma Coast. We chat and taste his wonderful wines as he shared some amazing stories of some intimate experiences he's had with some of todays biggest rockstars.  Get his wines while you can at: www.aldenalli.com/

Today we chatted with Clark Smith, winemaker for Wine Smith wines and author of Post Modern Winemaking. He has been experimenting with how music affects your perception of the wine you are tasting for years and he walks us through an experiment he has done over a hundred times. It was fun and fascinating!