Podcasts about geyserville

Episode 212 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Beth's Extraordinary Cloverdale & Geyserville Itinerary! Join us for Beth's expert advice for exploring Cloverdale and Geyserville! Listen in for recommended activities, dining, beautiful lodgings, gifts, and of course, wineries to visit.  Fast Five:  Elizabeth from DaVero Farms & Winery - Bruschetta Ingredients:  -DaVero Virgin Olive Oil  -DaVero Fig Jam -DaVero Balsamic Vinegar -Baguette from a Sonoma County Bakery -Goat Cheese (local is always preferred)  -Optional 6th ingredient, Prosciutto! Slice the baguette, drizzle olive oil and then grill it. Once lightly toasted, spread the fig jam, the goat cheese and then a little drizzle of the balsamic - this is when you could top it with Prosciutto if desired.  Links:  https://www.sonomacounty.com/cities/geyserville/ https://www.cloverdalechamber.com/ https://davero.com/visit/ https://stayhealdsburg.com/ https://www.visitsantarosa.com https://www.pureluxury.com/ https://www.sonomamag.com/ https://www.wineroad.com/events/wine-food-affair/ Rebel School of Wine: A Visual Guide to Drinking with Confidence  Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/  

Many of us that live in wine country are big fans of Grenache both as a red wine and a rosé... But maybe you don't know much about it and if you're not drinking it you're missing out! Listen in to hear:What kind of wines are made from the Grenache grapeWhy it's such a popular option with the foodies and the cool wine kidsA few of my favorites across different price pointsOur Sip Spotlights:Click on the links to find and ship them to your home!T-Vine Grenache from Napa ValleyTerrarium Rosé of Grenache from El DoradoTres Picos Garnacha from Spain (Great Value!!)Ramazzotti Wines in Sonoma County- Often sold out but if you are visiting their tasting room in Geyserville, CA you might be able to try and purchase! Here are a few of my OTHER favorite things and DISCOUNTS for you! Olives and Olive oil from our awesome sponsor American Olive Farmer. Use code SipWithNikki for $10 off your order!Sollevato Wines...yes I'm biased, I make it! Use code PODLISTENER for 10% off your order.If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine and get a shoutout on a future episode.Please leave a RATING or a REVIEW (on your podcast listening platform), or thumbs up and subscribe (on YouTube!)Questions? Comments? Guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

As the fourth-generation winegrower and co-owner of Zialena Winery, Mark Mazzoni's deep-rooted connection to the land and his family's winemaking legacy have guided his passion for crafting exceptional wines. A pivotal trip to South America in 2004 immersed him in winemaking traditions, broadening his perspective. In 2012, he co-founded Zialena Winery with his sister, Lisa Mazzoni, focusing on artisanal Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel using open-top concrete fermenters. Beyond winemaking, Mark's devotion to uplifting the local wine community in his hometown of Geyserville is paramount to his success. His dedication to sustainable farming practices and his reverence for tradition are reflected in every bottle of wine that bears the Zialena label. I invite you to drink in this fascinating episode with the innovative Mark Mazzoni. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

As the fourth-generation winegrower and co-owner of Zialena Winery, Mark Mazzoni's deep-rooted connection to the land and his family's winemaking legacy have guided his passion for crafting exceptional wines. A pivotal trip to South America in 2004 immersed him in winemaking traditions, broadening his perspective. In 2012, he co-founded Zialena Winery with his sister, Lisa Mazzoni, focusing on artisanal Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel using open-top concrete fermenters. Beyond winemaking, Mark's devotion to uplifting the local wine community in his hometown of Geyserville is paramount to his success. His dedication to sustainable farming practices and his reverence for tradition are reflected in every bottle of wine that bears the Zialena label. I invite you to drink in this fascinating episode with the innovative Mark Mazzoni.

When home winemakers go pro, everything changes. Making great wine is one thing but selling it is entirely another. Steve Gower and Brian Callahan are founders and winemakers at Crux Winery in Geyserville and I caught up with them at their tasting room and cellar a few weeks ago. These guys have developed a loyal [...]

The Ramazzotti family has been managing vineyards in Sonoma County since the late 1970s, and they are well-known and respected grape growers and wine producers with a gorgeous new tasting room in Geyserville, CA. (Sonoma County) This week, I'm sitting down with Travis Ramazzotti, who is a second generation member of the family business and he talks about:What it was like growing up surrounded by vineyards and farmingHow old (young) he was when he learned to drive a tractorWhat led him to chose to be a part of the family businessWhy wine is important His impressions as we taste our 2021 Sangioveses (that we each made from grapes farmed by his family) side by sideYou'll also hear my partner, Michael, making his podcast debut!Here's the map of the Sonoma County AVA's we discussed.Check out Ramazzotti Wines to purchase and plan your visit here! Follow the on on IG @ramazzotti_winesPurchase our Sollevato Sangiovese here. Use code PODLISTENER for 10% off.If you'd like to Support the Podcast, you can buy me a glass of wine, I would be so grateful!Please consider Rating, Reviewing and Following Us on Apple Podcasts!“Every episode is such a great blend of fun, education and personal experience! By the end of each listen I know more about the food and wine world than when I hit play (and am also usually hungry and thirsty for a lovely food & wine pairing)."(Shout out to Elizloop for this great review.)Want to leave your own review (and get a show note shout out?) Click Here, scroll to the bottom, tap to rate with Stars and select "write a review" and let us know what you loved most about this episode!Want more tips to get the most out of your wine? Get my Wine Tips Cheat Sheet here.Questions, suggestions and guest requests? nikki@sipwithnikki.com

Miro Cellars owner and winemaer Miro Tcholakov joins Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger on California Wine Country today. Miro was born and raised in northern Bulgaria. His grandfather made the family supply of wine and Miro was with him making wine since he was six years old. He came to the US in June of 1990, and has been making wine since then, having worked for Dry Creek Vineyards for about nine years then he moved to Trentadue Wines in 1999, and he is still there. He started Miro Cellars in 2001. Miro is a frequent guest on California Wine Country, his last appearance was this show of August 17, 2022. Geyserville, where Trentadue is located, was not a place that was recognized much for wine. As the industry got more oriented to varietal wines instead of blended wines, Trentadue and its region got more recognition. Miro Cellars is Miro's personal project. When he had people offering to invest in his company, his wife advised him to keep it simple and he is still having fun, without debt. Bulgarian Wine dot com is a site that brings Bulgarian wines to retail buyers in the US. Miro acquired it and his wife runs that part of the business. Eastern Europe has lots of grape vines planted, Dan mentions Romania, Bulgaria and Moldova. In 1987 Bulgaria had more plantings of Cabernet and Merlot than California. In 1990 Dan visited Slovenia for an international competition there. The region around Maribor has a lot of wine production and the wines are really good. After Bulgaria joined the European Union, the EU made a lot of investment into the wine business. La Storia They are tasting the first Chardonnay that Miro has ever made, a 2022. His first white wine was an Italian varietal called Ribolla Gialla, which is delicious but unknown so people didn't buy it. It won Best of Class last year at Sonoma County Harvest Fest. He only made 10 barrels. Dan describes it as having strong tropical fruit and suggests it could accompany rich seafoods. They are tasting a Trentadue wine called La Storia. This one is a Super Tuscan style, made with Sangiovese blended with Merlot and Montepulciano. It is an unusual blend that is listed on the label. 47% Sangiovese, 31% Merlot and 22% Montepulciano. Miro used a little Merlot to soften the two Italian varietals. It takes a winemaker willing to take risks, to produce a wine like this.

In this episode of the Vint Podcast, Brady Weller and Billy Galanko host John Olney, the Head Winemaker and COO at Ridge. John has worked for this heralded California estate - founded in 1962 in the Santa Cruz Mountains - since 1996.  He studied oenology in Burgundy and held positions alongside renowned winemakers including Gérard Chave in the Rhône, Lucien Peyraud at Domaine Tempier and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti. John started out at Ridge's flagship property, Monte Bello, and later oversaw the creation of perhaps the greatest wine in the United States, the "Monte Bello" Bordeaux blend, from those Santa Cruz vineyards. Then moving over to Lytton Springs to work with Zinfandel and help construct the beautiful facilities that now make the property a second home for the Ridge name. Appointed COO and Head Winemaker in 2021, John has etched his name in Ridge lore alongside his former boss and California winemaking legend, Paul Draper. John's vast knowledge is evident and he was exceedingly generous to share so much with us in this episode!The Vint Podcast is brought to you by the Vint Marketplace, your source for the highest quality stock of fine wines and rare whiskies. Visit www.vintmarketplace.com. Cheers!Past Guests Include: William Kelley, Peter Liem, Eric Asimov, Bobby Stuckey, Rajat "Raj" Parr, Erik Segelbaum, André Hueston Mack, Emily Saladino, Konstantin Baum, Landon Patterson, Heather Wibbels, Carlton "CJ" Fowler, Boris Guillome, Christopher Walkey, Danny Jassy, Kristy Wenz, Dan Petroski, Buster Scher, Andrew Nelson, Jane Anson, Tim Irwin, Matt Murphy, Allen Meadows, Altan Insights, Tim Gaiser, Vince Anter, Joel Peterson, Megan O'Connor, Adam Lapierre, Jason Haas, Ken Freeman, Lisa Perrotti-Brown, Skyler Weekes, Mary Gorman McAdams, Nick King, Bartholomew Broadbent, Nick Jackson, Dillon Sykes, Mark Bell, David Keck, John Szabo, Channing Frye, Jay Hack, Julia Harding, Austin Hope, Michael Minnillo, Jermaine Stone, Jim Madsen, Santiago Archaval, Tom Smith, and more! Disclaimer: https://vint.co/disclaimer

Edith Maxwell, writing as Maddie Day, returns to the Corner to chat about Murder Uncorked, the first mystery in her new series, the Cece Martin Mysteries. Tune in to find out how Edith does wine research, how a New England-based author came to write a series set in California, and how she writes multiple series at the same time. Plus, hear about the benefits of Cape Cod writer's retreats. Listen where you listen to podcasts. Edith has launch events coming up: • Pedronecelli Winery in Geyserville, CA - Oct 29, 3 pm. Register for this ticketed event here. • Book Passage in Corte Madera, CA, in conversation with Rhys Bowen - Oct 30, 1 pm • The Avid Reader in Davis, CA, in conversation with Catriona McPherson - Nov 2, 6:30 pm Find Edith at wickedauthors.com, MysteryLoversKitchen.com, and https://edithmaxwell.com/. Help the podcast! Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast app. Leave a 5-star rating or review. Web: ⁠https://thecozycornerwithalexiagordon.com/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/thecozycornerpodcast⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/podcast_cozy/⁠ Pinterest: ⁠https://www.pinterest.com/alexia_gordon/the-cozy-corner-with-alexia-gordon-podcast/⁠ Find me, your podcast host, at: Web ⁠https://alexiagordon.net/⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/AlexiaGordon.writer⁠ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexiagordonauthor/ Newsletter: ⁠https://mailchi.mp/alexiagordon/poc2pov

On this episode of Obsessed with Wine, Wesley Cable sits down with special guest John Duckett from Trioni Winery and Vineyards in Geyserville, California. They discuss the Trioni family's journey from mortgage banking to owning a winery, the vineyards that produce some of their best grapes, and their commitment to producing high-quality wines. They also delve into the hiring process for a new winemaker, the hectic but beloved daily schedule during harvest season, and the importance of a winemaker's style and attitude. Additionally, they talk about John's experience making wine in New Zealand and the improvements being made to Trioni's barrel aging system to enhance wine quality. Tune in to learn more about the fascinating world of winemaking!Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/obsessedwithwine/ https://www.facebook.com/obsessedwithwine https://twitter.com/obsessedwine For more wine content go to obsessedwithwine.com Listen to past episodes of the podcast here: Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1610813329https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1610813329 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6GUNTZsivMlyTySnSbDwfT?si=3c1df2968aba4338 Email the show @ obsessedwithwine@yahoo.com #obsessedwithwine #winepodcast #winelovers #winetasting #winetrends #winestories #winerylife #winetime #winenews #wineeducation #wineculture #winemakers #wineindustry #wineinfluencers #podcastannouncement #season2 #newepisodes #uncorked #cheers

Steve Dveris of The Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, Domenica Catelli from Catelli's in Geyserville and Leslie Sbrocco, host of Check Please Bay Area on local PBS television, are all in studio today for California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon, Dan Berger and Tom Simoneau. Barry Herbst, the wine buyer at Bottle Barn, is also in. This is the second annual edition of the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, May 18-21, and it is bigger than it was last year. They have 140 wineries that have signed up. The Grand Tasting on Saturday May 20 (from 12-4pm) is the largest one that Steve has seen in thirty years of organizing such festivities. Tom Simoneau says that if you're going to attend only one event of this kind this year, this would be the one. Click the logo to visit our sponsor Bottle Barn online for the coolest bargains on wine, beer and spirits. There will be live music, cocktails, a beer garden and lots of local producers featured. There are several levels of tickets including several a-la-carte events. On Friday after noon at 4pm, there is a craft cocktail event with some famous bartenders. On Saturday there is a concert at Rodney Strong as well. Dan Berger's Cellar Wine of the Week Dan Berger has brought a wine from his personal collection, for tasting. This a 2021 Sicilian white wine varietal called Grillo from Tenuta Regaliale. Dan describes it as having a similar structure to Chardonnay but also with the flavor of a Pinot Blanc with kumquat and citrus notes. Domenica Catelli represents the third generation operating Catelli's restaurant. Her grandparents started it in 1936. Her father took over in the late 60s then for a while the family was not involved in it, but 13 years ago she and her brother took over. For a while the restaurant was known as The Rex and it's still the "silent name" of the place. Leslie Sbrocco describes how her career covering food and wine began, when she created Wine Today dot com, through the Press Democrat. From there she started to write books and started doing TV. Check Please Bay Area is now in its 18th season. She also hosts show on national PBS called 100 Days, Drinks, Dishes and Destinations. She will be speaking at the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience. Zinfandel and more On Sunday, Leslie will be hosting the Zinfandel Live Experience with a list of 30 Zinfandel producers. She is also the author of a book about wine for women, her second book is The Simple and Savvy Wine Guide, a Guide to Buying, Pairing and Sharing and a third book is in the works. Leslie will also be pairing music with wine at the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience. Steve Dveris mentions that the Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience is the first festival of its kind in Sonoma County that invites wines from all over the world, even Napa Valley! Leslie Sbrocco has brought two more wines as teasers for her Sunday Zinfandel seminar, each one representing a musical genre. The Rodney Strong 2019 Old Vine Zinfandel has the Zinfandel spice component of raspberry and spices, says Dan Berger. This is her jazzy wine, she associates it with Ella Fitzgerald. The last tasting is the Robert Biale Zinfandel, a 2021 Black Chicken label. Leslie associates it with blues music. Dan Berger suggests two more years in the bottle for this wine.

Last week Don Wallace and I joined forces at Valette Healdsburg. We matched many of his wines with the world class cuisine of Valette Healdsburg! In this feature we will have two features. First we will tell you of the great wines of Dry Creek Vineyard and also ad a second feature of the food and wine pairing of our first course. Our first two wines are the 2021 Dry Chenin Blanc and the 2022 Fume Blanc. Dry Creek Vineyard has been producing the Dry Chenin Clarksburg since 1972,and we matched this wine with a great dish from the Valette menu. The 2022 Fume Blanc also has been produced since 1972 by Dry Creek Vineyard. Winemaker Tim Bell, winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyard, has worked with a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles in Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Central Coast: still wine, sparkling, dessert, even Kosher. Tim's creativity in blending and extensive experience shaping wine quality in the vineyard made him a great choice for the winemaking team at Dry Creek Vineyard starting in 2011. He graduated with honors in winemaking at UC Davis, learning the intricacies of wine chemistry and microbiology that inform his stylistic choices in creating delicious blends. With this education, and formative experiences in a previous career selling wine, Tim arrived at a balanced, complex winemaking style shaped by his precise palate and preference for wines that define their varietal character. Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli's in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots. Valette was born from two brothers' lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in our hometown of Healdsburg. Our goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts. Please click on the links below and enjoy a great audio feature at Valette with Mr. Don Wallace and myself. I have also included a second link with the full feature on the two wines featured here. So first you can enjoy Don Wallace telling ud about these great wines,and then please join us as we pair these wines with great dishes from Valette Healdsburg. This is only the beginning ,as we have a number of great features from this world class winery and follow up features with Valette Healdsburg. Clcik on the links below and then click on the link at the bottom of the feature page. Enjoy! Cheers! We did save you a seat! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine . Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .

Julie Pedronelli Julie Pedroncelli joins Harry Duke and Dan Berger on California Wine Country. She is the President of Pedroncelli Wines. The Pedroncelli family has been making wine for nine decades. They are into the third generation of active winemakers. They are well known for grape growing as well as winemaking. The Pedroncelli 2022 Rosé of Zinfandel comes from a single vineyard that they have been using since the 1940s. They changed the packaging in the 2022 vintage too. Dan says, “I can not tell you how good this is!” He says Zinfandel demands to be made into Rosé and this one is bone dry and crisp with raspberry and strawberry, instead of the aromatics you get from a big dark red Zin. Montse Reese, their winemaker, says this one is the most challenging and the most rewarding wine to make. They have to pick the grapes early. She has also been selecting the best vineyards and has settled on this Bushnell vineyard. Montse trained with Julie's late uncle John, and succeeded him as winemaker. Dan hails her great sensitivity as displayed in this Zin Rosé. Today's labels Giovanni and Giulia The next wine is the 2022 Sauvignon Blanc. It tells the story of their founders Giovanni and Giulia, on the label. They farm 11 acres of Sauvignon Blanc grapes in Dry Creek Valley. Julie describes how Montse picks one block a week or so before the other. This allows her to make Sauvignon Blanc that has some characteristics of both sets of grapes that have ripened either less or more. It's good now, but Dan says it's beautifully structured to age, as well. Click the logo to visit our sponsor Bottle Barn online for the coolest bargains on wine, beer and spirits. Julie describes how she majored in English in college and worked in the East Bay in publishing, while commuting to Geyserville to work in their tasting room, on weekends. That is when she accepted her father's suggestion that she come work at the winery, in 1985. Visit Pedroncelli in Geyserville They are located in Geyserville where their tasting room offers three different flights for tasting. Every flight starts with a splash of Rosé and ends with a taste of their Port wine. The next tasting is the Mother Clone Zin. They farm 33 acres on the home ranch and they also use fruit from other vineyards. The oldest vines are 100 years old, most are second generation and are 40 years old, and a smaller vineyard is 10 years old. Their Zin has always been blended with a small amount of Petit Syrah. The Sonoma Classico is the last wine tasted today. It is a blend that honors their roots in the red wine blends that were popular in the past. They grow all four of the varietals in this blend. They intend to maintain the integrity of the brand as they begin a 10-year growth plan. That includes the adoption of a sustainability plan.

Christi & Alex are going in blind! Alex has reached deep into the cellar to pull out two wines from his Master The Wine blind wine kits! Christi has to pick  a wine for them to try from these two & neither of them know where this is going to go!So grab a glass, pop in the earbuds, and join them as they Drink Something Amazing!(Oh, and just so you know, it DID have 10% new oak on it!)Alex has also added a cool link below the wine description where you can go straight to Wine.com to buy the wine! If you haven't got a local wineshop, just click the link " Buy This Wine! "!...........Ridge East Bench Zinfandel 2018100% ZinfandelDry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, CaliforniaJD93 W&S93 WS92 RP9114.9% ABVBuy This Wine!Winemaker NotesRaspberry, fig with notes of vanilla on the nose. Flavors of plum and black olive give way to well coated tannins and black olive in the lingering finish.Pairs well with roasted pork tenderloin with blue cheese potatoes or a wine country tri tip.Ridge Vineyards | An OverviewRidge's history begins in 1885, when Osea Perrone, a doctor and prominent member of San Francisco's Italian community, bought 180 acres near the top of Monte Bello Ridge in the Santa Cruz Mountains. He planted vineyards and constructed a winery of redwood and native limestone in time to produce the first vintage of Monte Bello in 1892. The historic building now serves as the Ridge production facility.Though Ridge began as a Cabernet winery, by the mid-60s, it had produced several Zinfandels including the Geyserville. In 1972, Lytton Springs joined the line-up and the two came to represent an important part of Ridge production. Known primarily for its red wines, Ridge has also made limited amounts of Chardonnay since 1962.The Ridge approach is straightforward: find the most intense and flavorful grapes, guide the natural process, draw all the fruit's richness into the wine. Decisions on when to pick, when to press, when to rack, what varietals and what parcels to include and when to bottle, are based on taste. To retain the nuances that increase complexity, Ridge winemakers handle the grapes and wine as gently as possible. There are no recipes, only attention and sensitivity.Support the showLike the Show? Every Coffee Helps!https://www.buymeacoffee.com/DrinkSomething

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: Ron Rubin Winery  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 wine cave 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  J. Rickhards Winery J. Rickhards April Tax Relief Celebration Event Ron Rubin Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. Threshold Studios

We have enjoyed these amazing wines from Copper Cane and winemaker Joesph J. Wagner. We have two more features with these wines and the cuisine of Valette Healdsburg. We will check out their website and tasting notes and then pair the wines with great dishes from the menu of Valette Healdsburg. With a focus on innovation and genuine craftsmanship, Copper Cane Wines & Provisions houses a collection of brands that are crafted to offer a touch of luxury for everyday indulgence. The current portfolio includes: Elouan Pinot Noir from Oregon, Belle Glos Pinot Noirs from prime California coastal vineyards, Beran Zinfandels of California, Carne Humana Red and White Blends from Napa Valley, and Steorra, a Brut Sparkling wine made of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grown in Sonoma County's prestigious Russian River Valley. Our first wine will be the Napa Valley Cabernet from Quilt. seamless blend of crème de cassis, hazelnut, cocoa, blackberry preserves, charred meat, and blackberry pie along with hints of dark licorice, stewed rhubarb, strawberry, spice and vanillin. Rich and satisfying flavors of dark chocolate, yogurt, molasses, brown sugar and rhubarb notes presented in perfect balance with higher-toned fruit emphasis. This wine is a perfect match with the menuy of Valette. "FOR NAPA VALLEY QUILT, I SOURCE FRUIT FROM A PATCHWORK OF PRIME NAPA VALLEY VINEYARDS TO CREATE A CLASSIC CABERNET SAUVIGNON MADE IN THE STYLE MY FAMILY HAS ALWAYS LOVED." We have a second feature. This blend really made the day with this great blend of fruit. Expressive aromas of blackberry, dark chocolate, and lightly toasted almonds with a hint of spices and vanilla. Complex flavors of ripe black cherry, cocoa, and hints of rosemary. Well balanced with a velvety mouthfeel, vibrant fruit, and soft tannins. The dream of Valette began nearly two decades ago between two brothers. While enjoying a glass of wine on their father's porch overlooking the beautiful Alexander Valley vineyards of Sonoma County, Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini envisioned opening a restaurant together which would provide a canvas for Sonoma County farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their craft. The restaurant would be located in Healdsburg, the heart of Sonoma County – and the location where their great-grandfather operated bakeries. They would serve high quality, yet honest food; offer warm and impeccable service; and house a collection of boutique, small production wines. At the time, Aaron was establishing himself as a dynamic server and sommelier in Sonoma County and Dustin was in New York learning the culinary craft that would be his lifelong passion. They never lost sight of their dream. In 2015, Valette Restaurant opened its doors to the public, showcasing the brothers' combined forty-seven years of restaurant experience and a deep dedication to Sonoma County, its food, and its wine community. Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli's in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots. Please join us and click on the links below,and enjoy two great audio features with these great pairings. Cheers! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine . Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .

Wine Road Podcast Episode 161 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery   Episode 161 | Jenna McDaniel, Hospitality Manager & Tasting Room Princess at Pech Merle Winery, in Geyserville. Jenna McDaniel delights us with her story of how she found her way to working in the industry, her awesome marriage proposal that involved her favorite wine and a life changing pizza, all while we enjoy a bottle of the Pech Merle Sparkling Brut Rose of Syrah. Our Fast Five recipe is Baked Ricotta with Honey Appetizer from Liz Pembroke of Pembroke Design Studios in Healdsburg. Wine of the Day: Peche Merle Brut Rose of Syrah Fast Five Recipe: Baked Ricotta with Honey Appetizer From Liz Pembroke of Pembroke Design Studios Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery https://ronrubinwinery.com/ SHOW NOTES 1:08 Jenna –Princess of the Tasting Room wears all the hats at Peche Merle, which means cave under the hill in ancient French! 1:31 Wine of the Day Pech Merle Brut Rose of Syrah their first ever sparkling. Awesome label on the outside and great wine on the inside! Sparkling for everyday. 5:28 Tasting room in smack dab in the middle of downtown Geyserville. Open everyday 11-6pm. Diavola pizza will deliver food to you in the tasting room—Perfect! 8:00 Jenna grew up in Geyserville and around the wine industry, wine was part of the lifestyle. Now she is back to her roots working at Pech Merle and can walk to work! 11:35 Tasting room experience- no reservations required but recommended. They offer a Classic Tasting and Reserve Tasting with 5 wines each to choose from. And you can add on food from Diavola. 14:20 Jenna's most memorable wine experience was a marriage proposal with a bottle of Linea Cabernet blend under a 300 year-old oak tree on the Pech Merle property – she said Yes—but the Dictator pizza (Marinated Short Rib, Garlic, Mozzarella, Scallions, Serrano Chiles, Kimchi, Kewpie Mayo & Shichimi !!! )from Diavola sealed the deal! Jenna recommends you always propose with a pizza! 16:41 Owner of Pech Merle, Bruce, is an engineer who builds wine caves and the plan is to put a cave on the Pech Merle property at Dry Creek Road. 18:35 Fast Five Recipe –Baked Ricotta with Honey Appetizer From Liz Pembroke of Pembroke Design Studios Ingredients: Fresh Ricotta, olive oil, Meyer lemon peel, honey and sea salt. Directions: Grease a muffin tin with olive oil and fill it with the ricotta. Bake at 375 for 15-17 minutes. Let it cool slightly, then slip on to a parchment line baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and top with the lemon peel. Put back in oven for another 10 minutes and then drizzle it with honey. Pair with Lambert Bridge Blanc de Blanc Sparkling. 20:55 Plan your visit to Pech Merle. You can call or email the tasting room for an appointment or make a reservation on Tock reservation service. 21:30 Wine & Food Affair is November 5 & 6 tickets still on sale, but sale ends on October 31st. 21:48 Shout Out to Ron Rubin for their continued support! We encourage you to order some wine from Ron Rubin Winery and enjoy it while you listen to the podcast! Links Pech Merle Winery Diavola Pizza Ron Rubin Winery Credits:The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

In 2002, David Parker founded Benchmark Wine Group after having a successful history of high-tech ventures. With a unique blend of talents, plus wine and high-tech industry contacts, he has succeeded in bridging the gap between high-quality wine producers and well-informed fine wine collectors and connoisseurs. An avid wine collector, David has been involved in the wine industry since 1987 owning commercial vineyards in Geyserville, California and in the Eola Hills of Oregon. David joins Justin to discuss this leading wine marketplace brand!

50 Episodes! In this milestone episode, I was chatting with Dave Gates, Head of Vineyard Operations and VP at Ridge Vineyards in Northern California. We discussed his interesting route into wine from his home farm in Central Minnesota, through agriculture in Southern California, to eventually Viticulture in UC Davis. Dave is now in his 34th year in Ridge and his encyclopaedic knowledge of vineyards, soils, climates, fruits and the wines they are able to produce is simply awe inspiring. I asked him about his favourite site (‘'like choosing children'') and what excites him about Zinfandel in particular, as it is the grape most associated with Ridge (65% of production). Of course, we mentioned the legendary Paul Draper, founder of Ridge, now in his mid-80's, who is still involved in some key events in the winery's calendar. we also talked about the challenges of water shortages, the old, engrafted zinfandel vines, his experience as a wine blender and as tradition of the podcast dictates, his Desert Island wines of choice. Enjoy!

We have enjoyed many great wines recently with Valette Healdsburg. Today we have two great red wines and Harry Byran will pour these wines for us. First let's check out the tasting notes on these great wines from Balletto Vineyards and Winery. Founder and owner John Balletto started the business after the untimely death of his father in 1977. At the age of 17, when the family needed him the most, he put their needs before his own and relinquished several college athletic scholarship offers so he could stay home and help his mother, Hazel, run the small five-acre farm. The Balletto family was determined to make the business a success, and throughout the 1980s and 1990s they purchased parcels of land to gradually increase vegetable production. One of those properties is where the Balletto Vineyards winery stands today. By 1994, the Balletto family had grown the business into the largest vegetable farm in Northern California, growing more than 70 different vegetables on 700-plus acres. More than two million cases of mixed vegetables moved through the premises per year during its peak. Determined to overcome the adversity John and Terri set their sights on the wine grape growing business. The family already owned 35 acres of vineyards on their home ranch in the western hills of Sebastopol. Subsequently, they converted all of their vegetable farming land to estate vineyards over a three-year period-planting primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay-and started selling fruit to well-known wine producers in Sonoma County. First we will open the Teresa's Chardonnay. Teresa's Chardonnay continues to define California's Unoaked Chardonnay category. Crisp and vibrant, yet amazingly luscious. It showcases how Chardonnay does not need flashy oak to be distinct and delicious. The wine is focused with intensely bright and lifted citrus and melon aromas that are offset with savory tones that add complexity and pleasure to the aromatics. Then comes the texture, balance and persistence. It's mouthwatering with refreshing acidity that contrasts its surprisingly robust and weighted mid-palate. Slight tannins add subtle tension and pull the wine into a persistent, serious finish. We will also open the great single vineyard BCD Pinot Noir! Bright and dark simultaneously, with mocha and earth aromas playing off fresh cherries. It has a wide and silky palate, booming aromas and just enough acidity and tannins to pull the wine through to a long and lasting finish. It's quite a ride. Under the initial aromas is a distinct and interesting spice undertone that aromatically lifts the wine, but it's the mid- palate weight, texture and perfect touch of acidity that define it. It's full and coating, start to finish, wave upon wave of pinot pleasure. These wines are vewry special and extremely food friendly! We love enjoying the great menu of Valette Healdsburg,and love the staff and owners. Valette was born from two brothers' lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in our hometown of Healdsburg. Our goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts. Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli's in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots. Please click on the link at thge bottom of this feature,and join us for this very special audio feature! Cheers! We will see you out on the town! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .

Wine Road Podcast Episode 155 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery   Episode 155 | Cloverdale & Geyserville Itinerary 2022 UPDATE Beth gives us an update with Itinerary suggestions for Cloverdale & Geyserville. Our Fast Five is Grilled Goat Cheese Toastette from Christine Lilieanthal from Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission. Wine of the Day- Kelley & Young Rose. Wine of the Day: Kelley & Young Rose Fast Five Recipe: Goat Cheese Toastette from Christine Lilienthal from Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery SHOW NOTES 1:35 Where to Stay in Cloverdale The Pinschower Inn a 1920's Victorian B&B. within walking distance to everything in Cloverdale including Pappas Pizza and Plank Coffee. 4:14 Wine of the Day – Kelley & Young Rose. The Kelley and Young tasting room is in Cloverdale. 5:03 PRO TIP: Always check on hours of wineries and restaurants places before you go as many places are only open certain days of the week 5:40 In Cloverdale visit Dahlia & Sage Market for picnic supplies. Then head out of town and take the Dutcher Creek exit for fantastic drive and beautiful views that will lead you to Dry Creek Valley. 6:50 Visit Cast Wines at intersection of Dutcher Creek and Dry Creek with amazing views and great wine with a variety of tasting experiences. 7:49 Tons of wineries along Dry Creek Road as you head to Healdsburg. One option is Timber Crest Farms with multiple tasting rooms including Pappietro Perry, Kokomo, Peterson, Amphora, and The Pour House. 8:36 Day Two Options -- Head in to Gyserville take 101 South and take the Canyon Road Exit and check out the famous Taco Truck there at the exit. 9:15 If staying in Geyserville Beth suggests the Geyserville Inn surrounded by vineyards with a pool and beautiful ground and Geyserville Grill next door. Also check out Pauls' Kitchen for burgers or salads. 10:37 Downtown Geyserville is two blocks long but plenty to see and do there including Locals Tasting Room a co-op Tasting room with multiple wineries. Also Pech Merle Winery, Ramazzotti and Mercury Wines are right there too. 12:03 Geyserville dining options—try Diavola or Catelli's for the awesome 10 layer lasagna! 14:00 Shopping in Cloverdale check out Estate on the Boulevard and Cloverdale Nursery for cute gift items, pottery and books. 16:46 Fast Five Recipe – Goat Cheese Toastette from Christine Lilieanthal from Sonoma County Wine Grape Commission. Ingredients: Fresh baguette, softened goat cheese, fresh rosemary, toasted walnuts and organic honey. Directions: Cut the baguette diagonally spread the goat cheese liberally across the bread and place on a baking tray in a 375 oven. Chop up the walnuts and toast them, then sprinkle the walnuts over the hot cheese toast and sprinkle with the rosemary and drizzle with honey! 18:46 Check out the new Insider Club on the Wine Road website for details on all he special offers available. 19:34 ONE MORE THING – Thank you Ron Rubin Winery for all your support. Check them out when you visit. Links Kelley & Young Winery https://www.kelleyandyoung.com/ Pinschower Inn https://www.pinschowerinn.com/ Dahlia & Sage Market http://www.dahliasagemarket.com/ Cast Wines https://castwines.com/ Timber Crest Farms http://www.timbercrest.com/ Amphora Wines https://www.amphorawines.com/ Kokomo Wines https://www.kokomowines.com/ The Pour House https://thepourhouse707.com/ Papapietro Perry https://papapietro-perry.com/ Peterson Winery https://www.petersonwinery.com/ Geyserville Inn & Grill https://geyservilleinn.com/ Locals Tasting Room https://localstastingroom.com/ Pech Merle Winery https://www.pechmerlewinery.com/ Ramazzotti Wines https://www.ramazzottiwines.com/ Ron Rubin Winery https://ronrubinwinery.com/ Mercury Wines https://www.mercurywine.com/ Diavola https://www.diavolapizzeria.com/ Catelli's http://www.mycatellis.com/ Estate on the Boulevard http://www.estateontheboulevard.com/ Cloverdale Nursery http://www.cloverdalenursery.info/ Ron Rubin Winery https://ronrubinwinery.com/ Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

Brew Ha Ha with Harry Duke and Herlinda Heras welcomes Captain Joe Stewart of Northern Sonoma County Fire District, here to describe Wine Country to the Rescue. The fund raising event is at Trentadue Winery in Geyserville Saturday July 16th. It is a charity auction and dinner-dance to benefit firefighters from Geyserville, Cloverdale and Healdsburg. They protect a 300-square mile rural area, specializing in rural fire protection. They do fuel reduction work for the benefit of the community in lots of areas. It is labor intensive and requires careful use of resources. Wine Country to the Rescue contributes to this work. Russian River Brewing Co. is open in Santa Rosa on 4th St. and at their big Windsor location. Visit their website for up-to-date hours, menus, beers and more info. This year they will start a scholarship fund for young people in northern Sonoma County who are considering going into the fire service or forestry. They also sponsor Community Organized to Prepare for Emergencies, called COPE. They ensure that people know about evacuation routes and other fire safety issues through active community promotion with residents. The event is sold out but they always accept donations. They are there to support volunteer firefighters, fuel reduction and emergency preparedness. All are grateful for the support of Trentadue Winery for hosting. Bear Republic, Kendall-Jackson and Seismic are all participating. Last year, under different conditions, the event did not have the VIP area or silent auction. It has evolved over more than fifty years into this week's event. But Joe considers it important as a way of raising awareness for the important work of EMS, dispatchers and first responders, including both the professionals and volunteers.

Wehave a great new feature for you! I love the cuisine and staff of Valette and sat down with GM Harry Bryan recently.We will feature the menu of this great restaurant along with the wines of A. Rafanelli Winery. First let's take a look at the websites and then click on the links at the end of the feature.With this you can enjoy the audio features of these two great local superstars. first let's take a look at our wine features. A Dry Creek Family Tradition, A. Rafanelli Winery ! Since the early 1900's our family has been growing grapes and making wine in the Dry Creek Valley. Four generations later we remain dedicated to carrying on our family tradition. is still family owned and operated, and that means production is limited. The focus here has always been quality not quantity! Our family takes pride in working hard to produce consistently exceptional wines every year, specializing in some of the finest Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. our first wine is the 2019 Zinfandel. A bright and lively vintage with instantly charming aromas of freshly picked raspberries, blackberries and cherries. Hints of cinnamon and star anise add a playful zing of spice to this elegantly styled zin. With a softness on the palate and supple tannins, this wine is enjoyable now in its vibrant youth, yet its classic character will allow for it to mature further. 14% Petite Sirah We will also feature the 2018 Merlot. Leading with aromas of ripe plum and rhubarb pie, this smooth luscious wine follows up with dark chocolate, and hints of bay leaf and sarsaparilla. The delectable tannins and long rich finish will engage your palate and promise further development of flavors in the cellar. This wine is 19% Cabernet Sauvignon.Speaking of Cabernet..... Our third feature will be the 2018 Cabernet from A. Rafanelli. 2018 Cabernet Sauvignon This wonderfully rich and complex wine shows youthful restraint. Subtle hints of huckleberry and black currant mingle with nuances of allspice, dried herbs, and sweet tobacco. Strong in structure and well balanced with focused tannins proves its aging potential. This wine is 10% Merlot. Our restaurant feature is also a local world class chef and menu. This was an evening to remember and...Repeat! Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli's in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots. Aaron Garzini began his restaurant career at just 14 years of age in the kitchen of Catelli's, a beloved restaurant in his hometown of Geyserville, California. A few years later, Aaron's brother, Dustin Valette, would follow, starting his culinary career in the kitchen of the same restaurant. Those early years began a trajectory leading the two brothers back to their roots with extensive experience and honed talents. While the experience sparked Dustin's passion to become a chef, Aaron set his sights on the front of the house. Having an incredible passion for memorable food and beverage experiences, Harry Bryan is the perfect addition to work alongside executive chef, Nathan Davis and owners Aaron Garzini and Dustin Valette. Harry re-joins the Valette team as General Manager with over 20 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry. Harry comes to the property from award winning Timber Cove Resort on the Sonoma Coast where he was the Food & Beverage Director. His management experience also includes positions as Bar Manager with Heartland Brewery in New York City, Bar Manager and Floor Captain of the Versace House in Miami Beach, and General Manager of Mateo's Cocina Latina in Healdsburg. ,please join us as we enjoy the best of the best in Healdsburg ,California Cheers! The stage is set!! Please clcik on the links below and enjoy our new audio features!! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine . Now click on feature #2 .With the link below. Cheers! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine . We are not done yet! We are still hungry! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .

Nick Goldschmidt Winemaker Nick Goldschmidt is our in-studio guest today on California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger. He came from New Zealand and has been making wine in California for 32 years. Nick is the owner of Goldschmidt Vineyards. His studies included civil engineering, organics and biodynamics in New Zealand then a degree in viticulture and a post-graduate degree in enology in Australia. After that he worked in Chile in the late ‘80s and then came to California in 1989. He got a job at Simi Winery in 1990, owned by LVMH. Wine and More In 1992 he was appointed their Global Blender, responsible for blends across a wide portfolio of brands produced in several countries. In 1999 Constellation bought them. He left Simi in 2003 to another conglomerate with 58 wineries in 7 countries. He got to collaborate with many great winemakers. Then in 2008 he started his own label. He also owns a company that makes wine for other people, he holds some patents on machinery and he consults to several wineries. He continues to travel extensively in the southern and northern hemispheres. Nick's wines as precise scientifically, says Dan Berger, carefully produced and exhibits the character it is supposed to. For someone who makes so much wine in so many places, they are all excellent. Click the logo to visit our sponsor Bottle Barn online for the best deals on wine, beer and spirits. Dan Berger also has brought a cellar wine again. Since Nick mentioned that he likes Chablis, Dan got a 2006 Chablis from his cellar Joseph Druin Premier Cru. Nick says that this reminds him of where he was in 2006, he worked for the Jim Beam company at the time. He remembers the vintage and later he compared making beer and wine, and says that making wine is different every year, as the art of the practical. Nick prefers that to making beer, which he finds “boring” since it's the same day-to-day, batch after batch. Tastings The Singing Tree 2019 Goldschmidt Russian River Chardonnay that they taste comes from the Dutton vineyard. This is old vine Chardonnay that is planted in Sonoma County Goldridge soil. Dan Berger notices the shallot flavors in the background and a lemon or citrus note up front and a richness in the center. The Dutton vineyard produces less friut per acre but of extremely high quality. The next tasting is a wine of his production. He tells the story that he was living in Chile under the dictator, who cut off electricity to the winery, so he had to make wine without it. They converted all their processes to non-electric and called it an “unplugged” wine. It's named and labeled after his daughter Chelsea. They are located on Dry Creek Road in Healdsburg. They have a little tasting room. Call (707) 431-8277 for information. Next they taste a 2020 Alexander Valley Cabernet named Katherine after his middle daughter. It comes from a little valley east of Geyserville. The last Cabernet is the Forefathers label, a wine he started when he still worked for corporations. He thinks of certain places as the best for certain varieties (SV in NZ, Malbec in ARG, etc). He thinks Cabernet is best made on the north coast. Its label has a pair of boots he used to wear in the vineyard. They call it Lone Tree vineyard because there is one lone tree in it. It is very dark in color.

Episode 762 Steve Raye interviews Dave Parker in this episode of Get US Market Ready With Italian Wine People on the Italian Wine Podcast. About today's guest: David Parker founded Benchmark Wine Group with a history of successful high-tech ventures. With a unique idea, plus wine and tech industry contacts, he succeeded in bridging the gap between high-quality wine producers and well-informed fine wine collectors and connoisseurs. An avid wine collector, David has been involved in the wine industry since 1987 owning commercial vineyards in Geyserville, California and in the Eola Hills of Oregon and is a partner in Parker Family Vineyards, Inc. He is also President of The National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR). Benchmark continually acquires the most sought-after wines from private individuals and professional contacts, focusing on wines from the best regions, producers, and vintages. Partnerships with companies like CellarTracker and relationships with a broad range of top collectors, brokers, and other sources throughout the world give Benchmark premium access to top wines. Benchmark has wines at every price point, ranging from well-aged $50 bottles to celebrated and treasured wines well into the five figures. They can source almost any other wine in the world from ultra-high quality sources. Notables include the Bremer Ratskeller Rudesheimer Apostelwein 1727, generally regarded as the oldest drinkable wine in the world, a case of Domaine Romanee Conti Romanee Conti Vineyard, generally considered the highest value wine in the world at release, around $200,000. You can find out more about Dave Parker through his social media and website: www.benchmarkwine.com/pages/about Facebook: @BenchmarkWineGroup Instagram: @benchmarkwine Twitter: @BenchmarkWine Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/company/benchmark-wine-group More about the host Steve Raye: Steve Raye of Bevology Inc originally joined our weekly lineup with narrations from his book “How to get US Market Ready” - but everyone just loved him so much, we brought him back with this series of interviews that informs and inspires! Each week he speaks to industry professionals; guests who have gained valuable experience in the Italian wine sector and have insightful tips and stories that can help anyone who wants to learn about getting US Market Ready! For more information on the host Steve Raye you can check out his website, Bevology Inc. here: www.bevologyinc.com/ Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

It's Monday, Let's raise a glass to the beginning of another week. It's time to unscrew, uncork or saber a bottle and let's begin Exploring the Wine Glass! Today I sit down with Julie St John of Pedroncelli Winery in Geyserville, CA.  For over 90 years, Pedroncelli Winery has been synonymous with Zinfandel but they offer so much more! As the 113th bonded winery, they know their way around the vineyards and what it takes to make quality wine.  Join me as I talk with Julie about what makes Dry Creek Valley so special, their two estate vineyards and why Zinfandel is America's grape. Music: WINE by Kēvens Official Video   Follow me on Instagram!   Follow me on Twitter! SUBSCRIBE ON iTUNES STITCHER | iTUNES | GOOGLE PLAY | SPOTIFY | PODBEAN GIVE US A RATING AND REVIEW STAY IN THE KNOW - GET SPECIAL OFFERS Thoughts or comments? Contact Lori at exploringthewineglass@gmail.com. Please like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/exploringthewineglass Find us on Twitter, Instagram , Pinterest, and Snapchat (@dracaenawines) Want to watch some pretty cool livestream events and wine related videos. Subscribe to our YouTube Channel.  Find out more about us and our award winning Paso Robles wines on our website.  Looking for some interesting recipes and wine pairings? Then head over to our wine pairing website.  Thanks for listening and remember to always PURSUE YOUR PASSION! Sláinte! Please support our sponsor Dracaena Wines - Our Wines + Your Moments + Great Memories Use code 'Explore' at checkout to receive 10% off your first order

Wine Road Podcast Episode 140 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Episode 140 | End of the Year Recap with Beth and Marcy As the year draws to a close, Beth and Marcy recap what went down on the Wine Road in 2021 and what's on the horizon for 2022. Wine of the Day – Orsi Vineyards Sparkling Brut Wine Word of the Day – Legs /Tears Podcast Sponsor – Ron Rubin Winery SHOW NOTES 1:15 Wine of the Day-- Orsi Family Sparkling Brut 3:15 Wine and Food Affair recap. 4:35 Tickets on sale now for Winter Wineland in January15 & 16th, 2022 and plans are in the works for Barrel Tasting which will be March 3,4,5,6 2022. 6:16 Our highlight of the year—Wine Road Podcast was inducted into the Taste Awards Hall of Fame and we won best Regional Podcast. Our medal count is now at three! 7:00 But the real highlight is getting email form you, our listeners! So keep those cards and letters coming! 7:50 Word of the Day-- Beth's found a few new words—Awewalk & Thirsty. Our wine word: Legs. 11:18 This year we rebooted our Varietal of the Month feature and you can find them al on the Wine Road website. 11:44 New Members-- Ehert, Baldarssai, and Mengler wines all joined the Wine Road in 2021. Other news stuff-- New coffee shop in Geyserville, the Montage hotel, and wine Road member Coyote Sonoma doing music and trivia nights. Also new in Occidental --Altamont General Store. 14:40 Geyserville Inn has been newly remodeled and it's surrounded by vineyards and next door is the Geyserville Grill 15:28 New in Sebastopol Sonoma Burger, and Blue Ridge in the Barlow 16:08 More things to check out--Sonoma Canopy Tours is happening and the Armstrong Woods have reopened! Check out Sonoma County Parks for links to all types of activities. Green Music Center at Sonoma State. 18:00 Order a Wine Road map to plan your visit. Things are popping again! Links Orsi Sparkling Wine https://orsifamilyvineyards.com/index.html Ehert https://www.ehretwinery.com/ Baldassari https://www.bfwwine.com/ Mengler https://www.menglerwine.com/ Coyote Sonoma https://www.coyotesonoma.com/ Geyserville Inn   https://geyservilleinn.com/ Altamont General Store https://www.altamontgeneralstore.com/ Sonoma Burger   https://www.sonomaburger.com/ Blue Ridge Kitchen https://brkitchen.com/ Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery -- https://ronrubinwinery.com/ Wine Road https://www.wineroad.com Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

MJ's guest is writer and research journalist J'nai Gaither. She has worked vintages as a cellar hand at Ferrari-Carano Winery in Geyserville, CA, and Indevin New Zealand Winery in Gisborne, NZ. She has done WSET Level 3 and is currently studying for her Master of Champagne through the Wine Scholar Guild. Additionally, J'nai was one of four research journalists working on Karen MacNeil's upcoming third edition of The Wine Bible. In this episode J'nai has literally just returned from Burgundy after receiving the Becky Wasserman scholarship. MJ and she discuss her early days growing up in Chicago and how her innate ability to “zig while other people zag” has defined her journey to become a celebrated food and wine author. The discussion touches on everything from her new discoveries in Burgundy to California cult wines. J'nai shares her past experiences with racism in the tasting rooms of Napa Valley and her current joy of being an editor at Wine Enthusiast magazine. The humor, the realness and the wine banter is all at 100. Enjoy! A huge thank you to J'nai Gaither Follow her on IG at @champagneandreservationsRead her writings at: winemag.com This episode's in studio wine:Eric Rodez Blanc de Noirs Champagne Grand Cru_____________________________________________________________Until next time, cheers to the mavericks, philosophers, deep thinkers, and wine drinkers! Don't forget to subscribe and be sure to give The Black Wine Guy Experience a five-star review on whichever platform you listen to.For insider info from MJ and exclusive content from the show sign up at Blackwineguy.comFollow MJ @blackwineguy Thank you to our sponsor: Paso Robles Wine Country. Paso Robles is a region with so many diverse microclimates that allows for a stunning array of grapes to thrive in. It's made up of over 200 family-owned wineries, making a beautiful variety of wines. Learn more at https://pasowine.com/Tune in to their podcast Where the Wine Takes You - which explores the people, places and wines of Paso Robles Wine Country! https://pasowine.com/where-wine-takes-you/ Huge shout out to our sponsor: 56 Degree Wines. Are you looking for extraordinary new wines that have been tasted and approved by professionals with over 40 years combined experience? Then you have to check out 56degreewine.com. Joe Bembry and his grand crew at the shop do all the heavy lifting for you by vetting every wine on their shelves. Authentic, Artisanal wines. https://www.56degreewine.com/ Love this podcast? Love the cool content? Get a producer like mine by reaching out to the badass team at Necessary Media. www.necessarymediaproductions.com@necessary_media_ See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Another beautiful evening in Healdsburg,in the heart of Sonoma Wine Country!Tonight we will visit Valette Healdsburg and the Dry Creek Kitchen with John and Diane Bucher.First let's check out their website and learn about tonight's feature wines.Two great Pinot Noirs. The Bucher Vineyard 2018 Pinot Noir. Fragrant aromatics fill the glass with dark tones of red fruit, violets and subtle earth notes. The palate, bathed with vibrant acidity, reveals bright black raspberry, blackberry, plum, and hints of vanilla woven with traces of fine-grained oak. This blend of five Pinot clones from five of our vineyard blocks delivers layers of complexity, supple tannins, and a long, lingering finish—a classic Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. We first will open The Pommard clone Pinot Noir! The Pommard clone fruit provides tantalizing aromatics of bright raspberry and sweet cherry that layers with subtle spices and creamy mocha. A smooth entry flows into a mid-palate of supple tannins and rich oak notes wrapped around lovely dark lingering flavors—young, fresh-picked cherry, raspberry, pomegranate, and wild berries mingled with a touch of floral. A dash of cedar and anise appears and lingers with hints of minerality in the long finish. A plush wine with an elegance that turns heads and quickly empties glasses. We will start at Valette Healdsburg and then walk over to the Dry creek Kitchen. Valette was born from two brothers' lifelong dream of creating a unique dining experience in our hometown of Healdsburg. Our goal is to provide a canvas for local farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their crafts. Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli's in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots. Aaron Garzini began his restaurant career at just 14 years of age in the kitchen of Catelli's, a beloved restaurant in his hometown of Geyserville, California. A few years later, Aaron's brother, Dustin Valette, would follow, starting his culinary career in the kitchen of the same restaurant. Those early years began a trajectory leading the two brothers back to their roots with extensive experience and honed talents. While the experience sparked Dustin's passion to become a chef, Aaron set his sights on the front of the house. This restauirant is a must when visiting Healdsburg,and in fact is one of the great restaurants in the world. We will also feature the amazing Dry Creek Kitchen. Charlie Palmer's Dry Creek Kitchen offers a three-course seasonal prix fixe menu where Chef Wyatt Keith presents a menu driven by the very best of Sonoma County. An inviting dining room is the perfect setting for vibrant Progressive American cooking and a wine list offering 500 selections. Patio Seating is available. Reservations are recommended. Please click on the links and features listed below,and join us as we enjoy great food and wine with Bucher Wines.We saved you a seat!Cheers! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine . Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine . Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .

We have recently sat down with Dustin Valette and paired great dishes with the wines of Lombardi Wines.Tony Lombardi and I were spellbound listening to chef'sgreat suggestions of these dishes to pair with Tony Lombardi's incredible wines The dream of Valette began nearly two decades ago between two brothers. While enjoying a glass of wine on their father's porch overlooking the beautiful Alexander Valley vineyards of Sonoma County, Dustin Valette and Aaron Garzini envisioned opening a restaurant together which would provide a canvas for Sonoma County farmers, winemakers and artisans to showcase their craft. The restaurant would be located in Healdsburg, the heart of Sonoma County – and the location where their great-grandfather operated bakeries. They would serve high quality, yet honest food; offer warm and impeccable service; and house a collection of boutique, small production wines. At the time, Aaron was establishing himself as a dynamic server and sommelier in Sonoma County and Dustin was in New York learning the culinary craft that would be his lifelong passion. They never lost sight of their dream. In 2015, Valette Restaurant opened its doors to the public, showcasing the brothers' combined forty-seven years of restaurant experience and a deep dedication to Sonoma County, its food, and its wine community. Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli's in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots. Aaron Garzini began his restaurant career at just 14 years of age in the kitchen of Catelli's, a beloved restaurant in his hometown of Geyserville, California. A few years later, Aaron's brother, Dustin Valette, would follow, starting his culinary career in the kitchen of the same restaurant. Those early years began a trajectory leading the two brothers back to their roots with extensive experience and honed talents. While the experience sparked Dustin's passion to become a chef, Aaron set his sights on the front of the house. "Our wine list represents the quality and diversity of California - with a special emphasis on Sonoma County - as well as wines from around the world that inspire us, pair with our food and are simply delicious! The wine list is designed with the ingredients and flavors of the menu in mind. This is a dynamic, evolving wine program built by our winemaking community." This sereis is the result of meeting local winemakers at this great restaurant.Tony Lombardi was the first and today we feature his great wines with Dustin's amazing dishes. Founded in 2013, Tony & Christine Lombardi began a passion project that honors a rich family history of wine, food and tradition. Together, with Winemaker Cabell Coursey, they craft Small lots of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from some of the finest vineyards in the Sonoma Coast. The Pinot Noir is crafted with care from a family of growers in Petaluma, where the Lombardi Family has been since 1947. We have two features and four wines today.Three pinot Noirs and one Chardonnay from Lombardi wines. Click on the links below and join us as we enjoy these great food and wine pairings.Later we will join dustin and feature his incredible new restaurant "The Matheson"...Stay tuned! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .

Wine Road Podcast Episode 130 Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Vicky Farrow—Amista Vineyards Amista owner Vicky Farrow joins us to share how she and her husband Mike got started making wine in their garage which eventually led to starting Amista which means “making friends” in Spanish. We talk about Amista's award winning sparkling wines while we sip Amista Sparkling Grenache, and learn all about the wonderful experiences that await you at Amista. Wine of the Day – Amista Sparkling Grenache, Morningsong Vineyards, DCV Wine Book of the Day – Slow Wine Guide USA Podcast Sponsor – Ron Rubin Winery SHOW NOTES 0:53 Our new partnership with Ron Rubin Winery 1:42 We pop the cork on Amista Sparkling Grenache from bottle signed by Ashley the winemaker. Amazing color! And Vicky pours a glass of Amista sparkling Syrah – waht Vicky calls "Joy in a Bottle". 3:18 Five different bubbles at Amista with a sixth one on the way Rose of GSM! All the sparkling wines are made with some unusual varieties. 5:00 The story of how Vicky and her husband Mike started the winery –a dream Vicky and her husband didn't know they had or shared. 7:28 With the support and encouragement of their friends, raving about their homemade wine from the magic barrel, they bought the property in Healdsburg and founded Amista. And that's how the Amista name came to be – because of their friends. 9:45 What's happening now at Amista – you can make reservations for a variety of tasting experiences including the sparkling flight. Visitors can make reservations online but Amista can often accommodate drop–ins if you call ahead. 13:20 Vicky's favorite things to do in Sonoma includes a beautiful dire out Hwy 128, whale watching at Bodega Bay and Armstrong Redwoods. Bacci in Healdsburg is a fave dining spot. 15:15 Beth's favorite place in Geyserville is Corner Project Ales for the “world's greatest” according to Beth, pulled pork sandwich. 18:22 Book of the Day-- Slow Wine Guide 2021 USA: A year in the life of the vineyards and wines of the by Deborah Parker Wong, Giancarlo Gariglio. 20:20 Keep up to date with everything going on via the Wine Road website event calendar. 21:18 One Last Thing—we appreciate all of our listeners! We do this for you and would love for you t o shared the podcast with friends and give us a review on iTunes – every review helps! Links Amista Vineyards -- https://www.amistavineyards.com/ Ron Rubin Winery -- https://ronrubinwinery.com/ Slow Wine USA Baci Resturant -- https://bacicafeandwinebar.com/ Corner Project Ales -- https://cornerprojectales.com/ Wine Road https://www.wineroad.com Sonoma County Winegrowers -- https://sonomawinegrape.org/ Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/            

We wanted to know what it's like working for just one filmmaker, albeit an incredibly diverse and prolific one as Francis Ford Coppola. What we learned after talking to James Mockoski is that it's always kept interesting because the filmmaker is continually interested in the past as much as the present and the future. Keeping classics like Apocalypse Now and The Godfather alive in new mediums for multiple generations is a busy job, and James (just like his boss) knows how to surround himself with the right artists and technicians. It's a fast paced and honest discussion. James is the film archivist and restoration supervisor for American Zoetrope in San Francisco, California. He received his B.A. in Film/Video from UCSC and graduated with a M.A. in Film Archiving from the University of East Anglia. In 2002, he joined Francis Ford Coppola's company, American Zoetrope as their Film Archivist and he has supervised the restorations of some classic films such as Apocalypse Now, The Conversation, Tucker and The Cotton Club. He also oversees the Coppola Family Archive of Costumes and memorabilia, including the Museum Collection held at Inglenook Winery and Francis Coppola Winery in Geyserville.

Italian Wine Podcast Episode 542 | Dave Parker CEO & founder of Benchmark Wine Group | Getting your wines to market with the direct import model Juliana Colangelo of Colangelo & Partners sits down in conversation with Dave Parker of Benchmark Wine Group Welcome to this brand-new limited series "Wine Business Talk with Colangelo & Partners" hosted by Juliana Colangelo. This series deals with the wine business and the evolution of technologies in the wine industry; how it's helping consumers and how wineries can effectively use these technologies. Each guest gives listeners valuable guidance on how consumers choose wine, purchase and drink wine. David Parker founded Benchmark Wine Group with a history of successful high-tech ventures. With a unique idea, plus wine and tech industry contacts, he succeeded in bridging the gap between high-quality wine producers and well-informed fine wine collectors and connoisseurs. An avid wine collector, David has been involved in the wine industry since 1987 owning commercial vineyards in Geyserville, California and in the Eola Hills of Oregon and is a partner in Parker Family Vineyards, Inc. He is also President of The National Association of Wine Retailers (NAWR). Benchmark continually acquires the most sought-after wines from private individuals and professional contacts, focusing on wines from the best regions, producers, and vintages. Partnerships with companies like CellarTracker and relationships with a broad range of top collectors, brokers, and other sources throughout the world give Benchmark premium access to top wines. Benchmark has wines at every price point, ranging from well-aged $50 bottles to celebrated and treasured wines well into the five figures. They can source almost any other wine in the world from ultra-high quality sources. Notables include the Bremer Ratskeller Rudesheimer Apostelwein 1727, generally regarded as the oldest drinkable wine in the world, a case of Domaine Romanee Conti Romanee Conti Vineyard, generally considered the highest value wine in the world at release, around $200,000. You can find out more about Dave Parker through his social media and website: https://www.benchmarkwine.com/pages/about Facebook: @BenchmarkWineGroup Instagram: @benchmarkwine Twitter: @BenchmarkWine Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/benchmark-wine-group Check out our sponsor for this series Colangelo & Partners colangelopr.com/ Thank you Juliana for hosting this series! Follow Juliana Colangelo through any of these channels: Instagram: www.instagram.com/julezcolang/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/jules.colangelo/ Twitter: twitter.com/JulezColang LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/juliana-colan…lo-mba-04345539/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/colangelopr/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ColangeloPR Twitter: twitter.com/ColangeloPR LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/colangel…public-relations Let's keep in touch! Follow us on our social media channels: Instagram @italianwinepodcast Facebook @ItalianWinePodcast Twitter @itawinepodast Tiktok @MammaJumboShrimp LinkedIn @ItalianWinePodcast If you feel like helping us, donate here www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!

New Events Spring Preview We are back from hiatus! This jam-packed episode gives the scoop on all the new and upcoming events for Spring 2021. Tune in, take notes, and have a few laughs with Beth and Marcy! Also we need your vote! So stay tuned to the end for details. Note: Please pardon the muffled sound –we are still masked in the studio and following Covid protocols. SHOW NOTES 0:30 What we did on hiatus – Beth worked. Marcy wrote. 3:30 Shout-out to all the California Wine AVA Associations working together thru Covid times and during wildfires throughout the state. 5:07 SONOMA COUNTY UPDATE - Currently wineries are open but for OUTDOOR tasting only. Most are open Thursday thru Sunday. Call ahead to make an appointment. 7:24 Library Wine Weekend -- First weekend in March 6 & 7, 2021. Don't miss this Great opportunity to taste past vintages! Check out the link below and on the website. 10:35 The Great Wine Road Easter Egg Barrel Hunt! -- March 8- April 11, 2021. Hunt for decorated wine barrels take a photo and tag it and share with #eastereggbarrels and #wineroadbarrels to win an awesome prize package from Wine Road. Check www.wineroad.com for details. 14:30 Wine Love Weekend March 19-21st, 2021. This is a New Event! 42 wineries participating tickets go on sale March 1st, 2021. Need to make a reservation at each winery you want to visit. Check out the program on www. wineroad.com 18:15 UPDATE: Barrel Tasting Weekend moved to May 24-30th, 2021. Check website for tickets and reservations and all the details on how Barrel Tasting will work this year. 22:44 Subject to Change – Beth’s new motto! Always check the Wine Road website for the latest information. 25:11 Townsy Sebastopol – a new app for locals and visitors. Great resource for events, restaurants, shopping, and more. Check it out. 26:56 Shout-out to Bryce Jones in Geyserville, decorated wine barrel idea was his idea. Bryce organized a community art event, invited Wine Road to join the fun. Check out Geyserville for more barrel art. 29:30 Wine Road office is currently shut down so please be patient--we will answer your emails as soon as possible. 31:50 ONE MORE THING--- VOTE FOR WINE ROAD! Wine Road will be inducted into the 2020 Taste Award Hall of Fame -- but we still need your VOTE! Wine Road is nominated for Peoples Choice Taste Award in two categories: Best Food/Drink Podcast and Best Lifestyle Podcast. We won last year because of your votes. So lets do it again. Voting ends March 12th --Link to vote here: http://tastingdark.com/taste-awardsviewers-choice-2021-voting/ Links Taste Awards Peoples Choice—Vote for Wine Road here Taste Awards 2020 Hall of Fame Easter Egg Barrel Hunt Library Tasting WineLove Weekend Barrel Tasting Townsy Sebastopol Wine Road https://www.wineroad.com Sonoma County Winegrowers -- https://sonomawinegrape.org/ Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.        

The Mantenere Russian River Chardonnay 2019 is a $6.99 Trader Joe's wine sourced from vineyards inside the Russian River Valley AVA which is in turn inside the Sonoma County AVA of Northern California.The trademark for Mantenere is own by Francis Coppola Wines and Mantenere Cellars is located in Geyserville, California. Which also happens to be the home of Coppola Winery. I do not know if the Mantenere Russian River Chardonnay 2019 is simply a private store brand or if at some time this wine will be available at retail wine shops.That does matter to the point that if it is a wine that will be sold everywhere then it is a Coppola wine. A store-brand may be produced to the wishes of the wine buyer for the store. A doubt a winery would ever compromise quality to produce a store brand, but it could possibly be made in a style not consistent with their own brand of wines.Trader Joe's seems to be specializing in value-priced wines from high-end growing regions. The Russian River Valley AVA is a premier Pinot Noir and Chardonnay area in western Sonoma County. Chardonnay from vineyards here never sells for $6.99 except for store brands such as Aldi, Costco, and Trader Joe's.A retail Chardonnay that has California on the label as a place of origin is not really a lesser wine, especially at this price-point. Large wine companies have vineyard holdings and partnerships in various areas of California's wine country. Making effective use of their grapes helps them keep the selling price in line.A Chardonnay incorporating grapes from a warm growing region added to grapes grown in mountain foothills then blended with Vally fruit will make a complex wine that belies its price.Not that Russian River Chardonnay grapes can not also offer diversity. It is just that when a producer gets an offer for grapes from a high-end growing region at an excellent price I doubt if they are overly concerned if the grapes came from complementary regions.Trader Joe's does not offer information concerning the production techniques used for the Mantenere Russian River Chardonnay 2019, so if have to rely on the back label to find some useful information.The back label mentions ripe apple, lemon curd, and a creamy texture. Apple is one of California Chardonnay's prime flavors so no hints there, but lemon curd may indicate some sort of oak conditioning and at least partial Malolactic fermentation. A creamy texture can come from aging the Chardonnay "on lees", along with oak.At $6.99 you do not expect fancy new French oak barrels, but that is not the only way to get those flavors into value-priced wine. The important issue is not so much how those flavors were incorporated into the wine, but how it tastes. Oak barrels are mandatory for more expensive wine, but cheap wine gets points for ingenuity. The alcohol content is 13.5%.Mantenere Russian River Chardonnay 2019 Tasting NotesThe color is wheat yellow with a tint of gold, sometimes the shade of yellow in a Chardonnay will give a clue if the wine was oak-aged or not. The nose is apple, canned peaches in a light syrup, pear, lemon, pink lemonade, and a light floral edge.This is a medium-bodied Chardonnay with a firm mouthfeel, with a mix of smooth and tart flavors. It starts with a slightly sour green apple, grapefruit, spice, and lemon. The mid-palate brings coconut cream, vanilla, and lime.The acidity is well-balanced by the body the wine.The SummaryThe Mantenere Russian River Chardonnay 2019 is an interesting and tasty Chardonnay.There is a pleasing mouthfeel and the flavors contrast well with each other.$6.99 Chardonnay does not get much better than this.An excellent party wine, three bottles for $21.The Mantenere Russian River Chardonnay 2019 is an excellent bargain.

The Peaks and Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 is a $12.99 ALDI exclusive. The Sonoma Coast AVA is located between Coastal Mountain ranges on the Pacific Coast of Sonoma County.ALDI typically owns the trademark for the brands of wine they sell, so it is difficult to find out who exactly is responsible for the production of the wine. But, Geyserville, California is the location where the Pinot Noir was vinted and bottled. A quick Google search will offer a few possible candidates.We featured the Peaks and Tides Sonoma Coast Chardonnay awhile back and thought highly of that wine, so I have high hopes for this Pinot Noir. The Sonoma Coast is an excellent location for growing the Pinot Noir grape. The Pacific Ocean allows for a long cool growing season and the mountain foothills and the secured valleys offer a wide range of growing conditions.I put a link in the first paragraph to the Sonoma County Wine Association to include more in-depth information. The list of wineries in this appellation is impressive.The Sonoma Coast Ava is a fairly small area, there are only around 2,000 acres of vineyards. There are individual wineries that have mo more acreage than that. So, these are boutique vineyards and wineries.These grapes do not often end up in $12.99 grocery store wine (unless you are talking Aldi, Trader Joe's, or Costco). The Peaks and Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 on the surface seems to be a bargain. A typical wine shop Sonoma Coast Pinot often starts at $20 to $25.As an Aldi wine, there is no information on the production techniques used in the making of the wine. The packaging is good, it has a composite cork but that is typical in this price range. The label is attractive with several shades of grey along with gold and red foil depicting vineyards, ocean, and mountains.Private store brands have improved their packaging in recent years to the point that you usually can not tell them apart from retail brands. So, let's head to the tasting section to see if the Peaks and Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 is a worthy addition to your Thanksgiving table. The alcohol content is 13.9%.Peaks and Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 Tasting NotesThe color is a clear see-thru garnet red with black highlights. The nose is ripe cherry, herbs, dried fall leaves, spice, a little smoke, and tea. This is a rounded silky Pinot upfront with some spikes notes on the mid-palate.It tastes of ripe black cherry, a touch of cream, Altoid's spice, and raspberry jam, but not sweet. The mid-palate adds herbs, black pepper, orange zest, and cranberry.This is a Pinot Noir with a little body to it, it is not one of those new full-bodied pinots that are currently popular. And it is not one of those light, ethereal Pinot Noirs, either. It is somewhere in the middle. The acidity is well-balanced, it does its job and stays out of the way.The SummaryThe Peaks and Tides Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir 2018 is a solid $12.99 Pinot Noir.It has good, reasonably complex flavors, and excellent silky, smooth texture.A Pinot Noir is often recommended for Thanksgiving because a medium to light-bodied Pinot Noir will not overpower the delicate taste of turkey and it's harvest fruit flavors will match many of the supporting dishes.With Covid-19, soon to be Covid-20 refusing to go away, being able to pick up a solid wine where you do your grocery shopping is a luxury.Aldi does not have extensive Pinot Noir wines available, but both wines I saw today at my ALDI would do a fine job for the Holidays.

Ed and Adam Sbragia, founder and winemaker of Sbragia Family Vineyards, are guests of Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger on California Wine Country today. They have an estate winery in Geyserville and a tasting lounge in downtown Sonoma. Ed Sbragia was the winemaster at Beringer. They allowed him to start his brand while still working there, so he started in 2001. Adam joined him in 2003. Adam learned winemaking from his father and the family all works together. Dry Creek Valley His neighbors in the Dry Creek Valley are making extraordinary wine, says Dan Berger. The Sbragia family acquired their property in 2006. It is the old Lake Sonoma Winery which was owned by Gary Heck. It is the last winery at the end of the road, in the higher, hotter part of Dry Creek Valley. They are growing Zinfandel, Carignane, Petit Syrah, also some Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Ed liked, and adopted, the Italian way of making white, without a lot of racking, making clean wine and keeping the barrels full. They remember Myron Nightingale, who graduated in 1941 from the Viticulture and Enology program of University of California, which at the time was located at Berkeley, before Davis was founded. Louis Martini and Charlie Crawford, head of Gallo, were also in that class. Myron was as influential as André Tchelistcheff. He took over as winemaker at Beringer in 1971 and took it to great success. Adam Sbragia's Path to Winemaking Adam Sbragia was in the wine business even before the family winery began. Growing up in Healdsburg and with his family in wine, it is easy to get exposure to all aspects of the art, science and business. His grandfather was a grower who came from Italy in the 1920s and bought the land in Dry Creek Valley that the family still owns. Growing up he was either in the winery with his dad or in the vineyard with his grandfather. He was never forced to work at it. He got admitted to UC Davis and to UCLA and chose to go to LA to pursue acting too. But he came back and started working in wine in the early 2000s. This was a dream of the family since when his grandfather started a winery in the 1930s that failed in the Depression. They grow 100% Zinfandel growing on their own estate but they produce about 30% Chardonnay, 30% Cabernet,  20% Zinfandel plus bits of Carignane, Petit Syrah, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and a Port. Bottle Barn has plenty of Sbragia wines. Visit Bottle Barn dot com for details on how they are operating now. The Sbragia family came from the town of Lucca in western Tuscany, 13 miles from the coast. They tasted the 2019 Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, which has always been part of their repertoire. It's stainless steel fermented, very cold, very tropical, easy drinking, nice acid. They also taste two Chardonnays, The Home Ranch and the Gamble Ranch. He explains about the balancing act with malolactic fermentation

Ed and Adam Sbragia are guests of Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger on California Wine Country today. The father and son are founder and winemaker of Sbragia Family Vineyards. They have an estate winery in Geyserville and a tasting lounge in downtown Sonoma. Ed Sbragia was the winemaster at Beringer. They allowed him to start his brand while still working there, so he started in 2001. Adam joined him in 2003. Adam learned winemaking from his father and the family all works together. His neighbors in the Dry Creek Valley are making extraordinary wine, says Dan Berger. The Sbragia family acquired their property in 2006. It is the old Lake Sonoma Winery which was owned by Gary Heck. It is the last winery at the end of the road, in the higher, hotter part of Dry Creek Valley. They are growing Zinfandel, Carignane, Petit Syrah, also some Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay. Ed liked, and adopted, the Italian way of making white, without a lot of racking, making clean wine and keeping the barrels full. They remember Myron Nightingale, who graduated in 19441 from the Viticulture and Enology program of University of California, which at the time was located at Berkeley, before Davis was founded. Louis Martini and Charlie Crawford, head of Gallo, were also in that class. Myron was as influential as André Tchelistcheff. He took over as winemaker at Beringer in 1971 and took it to great success. Adam Sbragia was in the wine business even before the family winery began. Growing up in Healdsburg and with his family in wine, it is easy to get exposure to all aspects of the art, science and business. His grandfather was a grower who came from Italy in the 1920s and bought the land in Dry Creek Valley that the family still owns. Growing up he was either in the winery with his dad or in the vineyard with his grandfather. He was never forced to work at it. He got admitted to UC Davis and to UCLA and chose to go to LA to pursue acting too. But he came back and started working in wine in the early 2000s. This was a dream of the family since when his grandfather started a winery in the 1930s that failed in the Depression. They grow 100% Zinfandel growing on their own estate but they produce about 30% Chardonnay, 30% Cabernet,  20% Zinfandel plus bits of Carignane, Petit Syrah, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Rosé and a Port. Bottle Barn has plenty of Sbragia wines. Visit Bottle Barn dot com for details on how they are operating now. The Sbragia family came from the town of Lucca in western Tuscany, 13 miles from the coast. They tasted the 2019 Redwood Ranch Sauvignon Blanc, which has always been part of their repertoire. It's stainless steel fermented, very cold, very tropical, easy drinking, nice acid. They also taste two Chardonnays, The Home Ranch and the Gamble Ranch. He explains about the balancing act with malolactic fermentation

Episode 111 | Brad Beard Owner & Winemaker, Mercury Wine Our winemaker chats continue with Brad Beard Owner & Winemaker at Mercury Wine. We may sound a bit muffled as we are masked up in the studio, but did remove them momentarily to sip some 2016 Element Mourvédre. Listen in and and hear all about what’s happening at the Mecury and in the tiny (but not to be missed) town of Geyserville. Wine of the Day: 2016 Element Mourvédre -- 90% Mourvédre 10% Grenache Show Notes 1:07 Wine of the Day 3:16 Brad discusses the great attributes of Rhône’s that grow well in the region and tend to age well. Brad feels his wines are best with a bit of age on them. 5:48 Brad’s ritual prior to for tasting and blending. Palate is best in the morning and needs some bacon! 7:50 The situation at Mercury—now open for outdoor tastings behind the tasting room and are prepared and ready to see you in a safe and comfortable environment. 10:20 Check the Wine Road website for list of open wineries. 11:44 Facebook Live Virtual Tastings with Jim Rickards along with food pairings. 12:22 Happy Hours with Brad Live every Friday at 5 pm on Facebook with cooking video and pairings. It’s been a great way to make a connection with Brad. 15:55 So many wines you can’t get outside of Sonoma County – so great opportunity to connect with the winemakers now. 16:50 Why the name Mercury? Brad gives a short history of the Geyserville area and it’s mining history. Mining brought Italians. Italians brought grapes. And grapes brought Brad. 19:00 Brand got his start working in a resort in fine dining featuring Spanish wines. That led to work as a regional wine buyer and that led to creating a small distribution company for boutique producers and that led him to start his own winery. 20:20 The many charms of Geyserville – come and spend the day. 21:14 Brad makes an orange wine called Skins new release will be available early next year. 23:14 Black Bubbles -- a sparkling Petite Sirah. 24:03 Call ahead for reservations seatings at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30pm. You can even call the same day. 27:59 Check out Wine Road site before you come tasting. Wine Road website has all the latest news on what’s open and what’s happening. 29:20 Contact Brad via email at info@mercurywine.com LINKS Mercury Wine 2016 Element Mourvédre Black Bubbles Sparkling Wine Diavola Pizza Gin’Gilli’s Bosworth & Son Mercantile Corner Project Ales Geyserville Grill Wine Road Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.     

Meet Daisy Damskey the proprietor of Palmeri Wines in Sonoma County. Learn what makes this wine unique. Find out how Daisy went from working in PR to becoming a winery owner. Discover why she decided to make Geyserville home even though she grew up in the Napa Valley.

It's week two of socially-distanced Rock'N Vino and we welcome back friend of the podcast Chef Douglas Keane. The road ahead is unclear for the restaurant industry, we talk with Douglas about what the new reality is for restaurants, diners, and restaurants will have to change and adapt to survive. On the lighter side, we'll talk about chefs and winemakers taking their talents online for virtual pairings and chef demos. PLUS, we have all the juicy details on the NEW Cyrus, set to see the light of day in Geyserville.

In this second ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) podcast, I feature Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards as I promoted the annual Zinfandel Experience. Joe and Travis Ramazzotti follow in immigrant Guiseppe's footsteps growing zinfandel and other Italian varieties. In 2002, they  decided to start bottling their grapes and others from legendary vineyards in Sonoma County as Ramazzotti Wines. I met up with Joe and Travis at Deavola Pizzaria in Geyserville for the interview. Hey, why not drink wine and eat pizza while we talk? Nicole Salengo, the winemaker at Berryessa Gap Vineyards, fills us in on the grapevine history of Winters, California. It's a warm region but evening winds funneled through the Berryessa Gap cool down the vineyard grapes. She crafts a good variety of wines but zin is one of her favorites.  In this interview you'll find out how this geology loving Vermont gal became a California winemaker. A Wine Uncorked feature is also included.  Stay in, stay healthy and enjoy some wine while you listen. Cheers!

You gotta love a winery that leads with love and devotion, right? Well... Let's just say that's how things worked out for Meredith and Lou when they sat down to interview Bruce Lawton, owner of Pech Merle Winery. The attention to detail when it comes to how winemaker, John Pepe, approaches every wine he makes for Pech Merle starts in the vineyard and ends up in your glass.  Like most of the winemakers and wineries featured in the Major Crush podcast, you can't get these wines in your local stores, and for the most part, you have to be a part of the club to access the very best vintages. But after you listen to this interview, be sure to check out the Pech Merle website (https://www.pechmerlewinery.com/) for more information, and, if you find yourself in Sonoma County California, it's absolutely worth the trip to Geyserville to spend a little time with "Jenna" and Bruce at the totally hip and unique Pech Merle Tasting Lounge! CONTACT US: If you have questions or comments for Meredith and Lou, and you're listening on the Anchor App, you can send them to us directly. If you're listening to this podcast on any other platform, and you want to reach out, you can email us at majorcrushpodcast@gmail.com  // Follow us on Instagram: @majorcrushwinecast. // Be sure to check out the entire first season of Major Crush on Spotify, or wherever you access your favorite podcasts! Episodes of Season Two drop every Thursday.

From the Top Shelf today we are drinking Coppola Canned wine. Chard and Pinot Noir. These are great. Keith discusses his harrowing drive in Oklahoma and peoples use of headlights and hazard lights and he has a good idea. We discuss the College Football Championship game and Jimmy talks his cruise experience and he continues his streak of being happy? Nah. He riffs on people giving advice. We finish up talking about Winemaker dinners and if they are effective anymore.

With more than 425 wineries located within its borders, Sonoma County is truly a dream destination for wine lovers. But as Soterios Johnson discovers during this episode of California Now, this wine region offers more than just great Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Johnson’s first guest, Wine Road Executive Director Beth Costa, shares suggestions in and around the Alexander Valley viticultural area—with multiple recommendations in the towns of Healdsburg and Geyserville. Costa also points listeners toward five area wineries, each with its own distinctive style and approach to winemaking. After that, Kyle and Katina Connaughton of the three-star Michelin restaurant Single Thread talk about some of their favorite local haunts in the northern half of Sonoma County. The husband-and-wife team—he’s the chef, she’s the farmer—discuss their mutual love for hiking in Armstrong Redwoods Natural State Reserve, buying baked goods in Freestone, and enjoying IPAs at Russian River Brewing Company’s massive brewpub in Windsor. The episode concludes with a discussion of Petaluma, an up-and-coming town in the southwestern corner of Sonoma County. Sara Sass, owner of Boulevard Barbers, is an unofficial tour guide for this irresistible town and shares some tips and tricks for making the most of your next visit there.

It’s been a tough couple of weeks for Californians. Bill and I can add evacuee to our resumes as residents of Sebastopol and many other areas of Sonoma County were evacuated due to the Kincade wildfire. Firefighters made their stand at the edge of the foothills as the fires moved downhill towards the densely populated town of Windsor. Many lessons have been learned since the Tubbs fire in the fall of 2017 and in the end the town was saved. Restaurateurs in Sonoma County are struggling with business interruptions from planned power shutoffs and the recent fires. Many are absorbing the losses while other restaurant owners have elected to close. Heather Irwin of Sonoma Magazine writes a piece that explores how business owner are facing the realities of the PG& E public safety power shutdowns. E.J. Gallo has just purchased Pahlmeyer, a high end Napa Valley Wine Brand. W. Blake Gray gives us some details about the buyout. West coast grape growers are in the middle of a grape glut. The glut is putting a lot of pressure on wineries and growers and is forcing many to make some tough decisions. The pain that those businesses are experiencing is translating into some very good bargains for wine consumers. Bill and I discuss these items and more in this week's addition of VinoWeek. Thanks to everyone for listening. Cheers! photo courtesy of tenuta di bibbiano We have four holiday wine recommendations this week. First up is a 2016 Chianti Classico from Tenuta di Bibbiano from the commune of Castellina in Chianti. Bibbiano is managed by Tommaso and Federico Marrocchesi Marzi, the fifth generation of a family that has owned the property since 1865. 100% Sangiovese the organically farmed grapes are hand harvested and fermented in stainless steel for about two weeks. After the wine is racked and pressed it spends one year in traditional concrete vats. This is a wonderfully enjoyable, fruity Chianti. The nose show loads of rich red cherry, earth, spice and garrique. On the palate more of that very distinctive savory-sweet, red fruit with delightful balance and it’s strikingly drinkable. I tasted the bottle over four nights using no nitrogen to preserve it. All I did was pour a glass each night cork the bottle and put it back in the fridge. It wasn’t until the third night that it started showing signs of getting a bit tired. This Chianti would easily compliment a variety of dishes on your holiday dinner table. 5,800 cs, 14.5 abv $18 Buy it here. photo courtesy of tenuta di bibbiano Trentadue’s Old Patch Red is a perennial favorite of mine. Trentadue is the Italian word for thiry-two. Leo Trentadue moved his family from a Santa Clara ranch where they farmed cherries and apricots in 1959, to Geyserville in the heart of Alexander Valley. He bought a 208 acre ranch that was planted mostly with plum trees, but there were also 60 acres of grape vines. Leo never pulled those vines up, he just planted more grapes. A decade later Leo sold 20 acres of his ranch to Pillsbury, a food company looking to get into the wine business. Through many boom and bust cycles that Pillsbury winery (formerly Chateau Souverain) is now in the capable of hands of Francis Ford Coppola. A wide variety of wines are made at Trentadue and the Old Patch Red (OPR) as the newly redesigned label signifies is their entry level red. The 2016 version of OPR wine has a newer fresher style to it. It doesn’t have the same grit and rough around the edges profile of past years. The winemaker Miro Tcholakov loves working with Zinfandel and Petite Sirah and the OPR shows he knows what he’s doing. 67% Zinfandel, 25% Petite Sirah, 5% Carignane, 3% Syrah the wine spends 9 months in 15% new oak. It has a deep ruby color, with a black cherry-cola nose, with loads of vanilla, oak and spice. On the palate it exhibits juicy black and red fruit. It’s sappy and slightly sweet and polished and finishes long with some nice spice as well. It’s sealed with a screw cap so it’s meant to drink now, but you don’t need to worry if you lose a few bottle in your wine stash because this one has some staying power. 5,972 cs, 14.5 abv $14 Buy it here. Cellar Cal Pla 2016 Black Slate is a wine from the village of Porrera in the winemaking area of Priorat and is situated roughly an hour and 45 minutes southwest of Barcelona in north-eastern Spain. The importer is Eric Solomon who imports wine predominantly from France and the Iberian Peninsula. If you’ve listened to any of our podcasts you’ve probably heard me talking about the importance of finding an importer whose wines align with your taste and trying other wines that they import. I’ve learned that Eric Solomon Selections is an importer you can count on to bring in uncommon wines from unique places. Bush vines in MAs-d’en -compte Priorat - photo courtesy of Eric Soloman Selections Priorat is a wine region that was rediscovered in the early 1990s and one could make an argument that Eric helped bring the region its new acclaim. The regions stony soils are covered with black slate, called llicorella locally. Its steep terraced hillsides make it nearly impossible to farm mechanically. So here’s the formula. Organic farming, old vines 15 to 80 years of age, meager yields, steeply terraced vineyards that are hand farmed and harvested. Add to that a wine that is comprised of 50% Garnacha (Grenache), 40% Carinena (Carignan) and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, fermented in steel and concrete using natural yeast and matured for a year in 3 to 7 year old French and Hungarian oak barrels and you have a stunning example of a wine that exemplifies place over technique. The nose shows beautiful black and blue fruit, crushed rocks, spice and tar. On the palate black fruit, smoke and an earthy minerality. It’s full bodied and the acids and tannins are in perfect focus. The finish is deep and savory. It drinks really well as soon as you pop the cork but do yourself a favor and set aside a glass when you open a bottle and come back to it a few hours later. You’ll be glad you did. A remarkable value at $18 a bottle. 2916cs, 15% abv Buy it here. photo courtesy of Eric soloman selections wines to please you guests for the holidays The 2015 By Clinet Pomerol is a special bottling by the Clinet Wine Group. This wine was created for near term drinking while you’re waiting for your $125 bottles of Chateau Clinet to mature. I try not to recommend wines that are difficult to find. By Clinet Pomerol will be hard to find in the U. S. although it can be found in European markets. About 10 to 30 percent of the Gran Vin Chateau Clinet goes into this wine and the rest of the blend is sourced from neighboring Pomerol properties. The average age of the vines is 42 years and the blend is 88% Merlot, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon. Black cherries, plums and licorice on the nose, in the mouth silky lush red fruit. The tannins are refined and the acidity gives the wine a nice lift all the while the fruit is ripe and sweet. Once I tried this wine I was immediately disappointed that I had only purchased four bottles. An incredible value at $45 almost a third of the price of Chateau Clinet.

Craft Brew News 11/8/19Federal Judge: MillerCoors Withheld Marketing Materials in Stone Brewing LawsuitA federal magistrate judge last Thursday filed a report and recommendation order largely siding with Stone Brewing’s claims that MillerCoors did not provide all available marketing materials for its Keystone brand during the lawsuit’s discovery phase.Although U.S. Magistrate Judge Linda Lopez declined to impose sanctions requested by Stone against MillerCoors, she did grant a partial award of monetary sanctions to the San Diego-headquartered craft brewery.Stone Brewing filed the lawsuit against MillerCoors in February 2018 in response to new Keystone Light packaging and advertising that featured the words “Key” and “Stone” separated in prominent, capitalized letters. MillerCoors has maintained in its defense that it has used “Stone” and “Stones” in reference to Keystone products dating back to the brand’s debut in 1989.In light of this finding, Lopez recommended that Stone receive a partial payout of its $420,476.63 in legal fees, and Stone be allowed to update its expert reports to include the additional evidence.Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act Reaches Record 315 Co-SponsorsA bill to extend federal excise tax (FET) relief has garnered a record number of co-sponsors following a day of action coordinated by the Beer Institute (BI), Brewers Association (BA) and other alcoholic beverage trade groups.The Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act (CBMTRA) reached 315 co-sponsors in the U.S. House of Representatives and 73 in the U.S. Senate; In addition to the BA and BI, the bill’s other supporters include the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, American Craft Spirits Association, Wine Institute, Wine America, the U.S. Association of Cider Makers and the American Mead Makers Association.BA president and CEO Bob Pease said in the release “The widespread bipartisan support the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act has received to date is amazing and America’s craft beer industry is grateful to our many champions in Congress,”. “This legislation has played an integral role in providing financial certainty to more than 7,700 small and independent brewers coast to coast since its enaction in 2017.” Brewers who produce fewer than two million barrels annually pay $3.50 per barrel for their first 60,000 barrels and $7 per barrel after that. Of the bill’s 315 co-sponsors, 159 are Democrats and 156 are Republicans, nearly a 50/50 split between the parties. These 315 co-sponsors make up 72% of the House’s 435 members.Russian River Brews Sonoma Pride to Support FirefightersRussian River is brewing a Sonoma Pride IPL after a wildfire forced the evacuation of the popular Windsor, California, craft brewery last week.Russian River co-founder Natalie Cilurzo told Brewbound that Sonoma Pride will be available next month at both the Windsor and Santa Rosa breweries and proceeds will support a yet-to-be-determined charity that supports firefighters. The beer will be on draft and in bottles with commemorative labels, which will also adorn T-shirts.The Kincade Fire started on October 23 near Geyserville, about 15 miles from Russian River’s Windsor location.Russian River was closed after the towns of Windsor and Healdsburg were evacuated on October 26. The brewery was closed for eight days while evacuation orders were in place, and gas to the property was shut off. The brewery finally reopened on October 31, although staff was unable to brew or operate its kitchen until gas was restored.The Kincade Fire was 80% contained as of Monday, after burning nearly 78,000 acres and claiming 374 buildings, according to NPR.In a video on Facebook, Russian River co-founder Vinnie Cilurzo announced that he and his team brewed a new version of Sonoma Pride.In 2017, the Cilurzos worked with 50 other breweries to raise more than $1.1 million for wildfire relief efforts in Sonoma and Napa counties.(Allo Gilinsky The Craft Beer Concierge – Russian River Tour Guide)Four Loko’s 12% ABV Hard Seltzer Hits Retailers; Anheuser-Busch to Launch Bud Light Seltzer in Q1Phusion Projects officially rolled out its first Four Loko branded hard seltzer to retailers today, after going viral on social media over the summer.Four Loko Hard Seltzer’s first flavor, black cherry, checks in at 12% alcohol by volume (ABV) and is sold in 23.5 oz. single-serve cans. More flavors will launch next spring, a spokeswoman said. Phusion Projects touted the product as “the hardest hard seltzer in the universe,” according to the company’s website and the caption of the Instagram post announcing its debut.On the other end of the spectrum, Craft Brew Alliance’s pH Experiment launched Pacer, a 2% ABV hard seltzer, over the summer.The hard seltzer category has generated $1.2 billion in sales year-to-date through October 5, according to market research firm Nielsen. The category crossed the $1 billion threshold in August. Hard seltzer sales could be triple that size over the next three years, according to a report from Rabobank beverage analyst Jim Watson.A-B announced today that Bud Light Seltzer will launch in the first quarter of 2020 in four flavors: Black Cherry, Lemon Lime, Strawberry and Mango. Each flavor checks in at 5% ABV and contains 100 calories, 2 grams of carbs and fewer than 1 gram of sugar. The product was teased during the world’s largest beer manufacturer’s third-quarter earnings call on October 25.Bud Light Seltzer will come in variety 12-packs, single flavor 12-packs and 25 oz. single-serve cans.Craft Beer Storm Website: www.craftbeerstorm.com If your Company, Hotel or Restaurant wants to book a CraftBeer Weekend or Craft Beer Evening for your guests or employees send an email to Michael@craftbeerstorm.com Subscribe to Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278?mt=2Support ACS In NYC MarathonI signed up for the NYC Marathon through the American Cancer Society and I am aiming to raise $32,000 ($3,200 Minimum X 10X) - please follow link below to donate what you can - $25, $50, $30K! - Onward... - Here is link –http://main.acsevents.org/site/TR?fr_id=94035&pg=personal&px=49477898&fbclid=IwAR2mBEvhF1wMA_BbHPhkavichNSFrE9Y9gi2RVZzfQ_4Da5Sht7gvH9rY_k*** A Top 20 Podcast in Food on iTunes ***Michael Potorti is the Host of Craft Beer Storm and Founder/Brewer at Beara Brewing Co. in Portsmouth, NH*** Interested in starting your own brewery? Our Portsmouth, NH TURNKEY facility is for sale! Follow link for more info:https://www.neren.com/Listing/2800-Lafayette-Rd-12A/5cdda2dabf34cb9150a7faebMichael PotortiFounder/BrewerHost of "Craft Beer Storm" Podcastmichael@craftbeerstorm.commichael@bearairishbrew.com*** Come visit our brewery for some delicious local craft brew! ***Beara Brewing Co.2800 Lafayette RoadPortsmouth, NH 03801Tel. (857) 342-3272 www.bearairishbrew.com Like us onInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bearairishbrew/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BearaIrishBrewingCo Twitter: https://twitter.com/BearaIrishBrew Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beara-brewing-co-30776075/**LISTEN to our Craft Beer Storm Podcast and share with a friend**Craft Beer Storm Podcast iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/craft-beer-storm/id1438117278Craft Beer Storm You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp3PVuCGmywNWlGFh0N0ukg?view_as=subscriberCraft Beer Storm Podcast Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/podcast-center-la-2/craft-beer-stormCraft Beer Storm Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craftbeerstorm/Craft Beer Storm Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelpotorti/

On the evening of October 23, in the middle of the kind of dry, windy night that has become more frequent and more terrifying in recent California autumns, a fire began outside the small unincorporated Northern California town of Geyserville. Over the next two days, as winds reached hurricane-like strength, they carried the fire south, burning some 75,000 acres and threatening some 90,000 structures as of Wednesday afternoon.

PG&E may cut power again this weekend for many counties and Governor Gavin Newsom has more to say to PG&E after seeing the Kincade fire damage. Not everyone has left Geyserville despite the mandatory evacuation order and firefighters worry about the high winds coming as they continue to fight the Kincade fire. Local people. Local stories. From the KCBS Radio Newsroom, this is "The All Local" for the evening of Friday, October 25, 2019

Coverage of the Kincade Fire in Sonoma County, the Healdsburg Community Center is offering shelter for evacuees and evacuations have begun in nearby Geyserville, but not everyone has left town. Local people. Local stories. From the KCBS Radio Newsroom, this is "The All Local" for the morning of Friday, October 25, 2019

About Evan Schiff: https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com Evan Schiff was born in Northern California, yet raised in the Southern California community of Orange County by his wine-savvy parents who were members of several prestigious wine clubs. After overhearing his parents’ casual conversations about wine, he decided to make his own special bottle of juice at the ripe old age of 7 years old. With a plastic jug, a few grape juices, soda and strawberries, he managed to ferment his first medley. Much to his surprise the lid shot off the bottle and left a huge mess to clean up before his parents could notice. One could say this early determination was foreshadowing for his flourishing wine career. Schiff’s fascination and determination to be part of the wine industry never faltered. As he puts it, “Winemaking has many facets: economics, history, science, engineering, personality, agriculture -- and it’s quite astounding.” With that philosophy in mind, he moved back to Northern California in 1997 to attend the University of California, Davis, known as having one of the best winemaking and viticulture programs in the nation. In 2005, Schiff started his winemaking career in Napa Valley with the Coppola family. He started as a laboratory technician at what was then called Niebaum-Coppola Winery (what would become known in later years as Rubicon Estate, followed by the current name Inglenook). Just a few months into his role, he was presented with the opportunity to visit the Argentine winemaking province of Mendoza to participate in the harvest season at the reputable and award-winning Dominio del Plata Winery. Working alongside renowned winemaker Susana Balbo on her signature wines as well as the winery’s popular Crios brand, Schiff gained valuable insight into the inner workings and craftsmanship of fine wines. It was there that he met and fell in love with Argentine local Virginia, who would eventually become his wife after a three-year, long-distance relationship. Upon returning to the Coppola family’s winemaking business, he was promoted to enologist of Rubicon Estate where he spearheaded winemaking efforts for some of the company’s sizable brands. In 2006, during Schiff’s time as enologist, winery owner Francis Ford Coppola started his eponymous Sonoma County winery in Geyserville, providing a distinct home for some of the popular, flourishing brands, such as Diamond Collection and Rosso & Bianco. As Francis Ford Coppola Winery continued to evolve and expand efforts in Sonoma County, Schiff was promoted and relocated to Geyserville to become associate winemaker, where he continues to oversee daily winemaking, crush facilities and wine business operations, focusing primarily on the winery’s red wines of the Diamond Collection. His expertise working with more than 200 grape growers in eight counties throughout California provides him with a well-rounded perspective for creating distinct wines showcasing a variety of diverse appellations. When asked about his proudest accomplishment, he says, “The team’s success story of the Diamond Collection Claret. There’s so much that goes into it. Everyone has a role and everyone is invested at every level. That blend is the flagship and it’s a model of the classic Coppola story.” Schiff lives in Sonoma County with his wife Virginia and their son. When he’s not busy on the crushpad, he spends his free time enjoying hobbies such as building wood ships, hiking and camping.   About eMeals: eMeals is America’s leading online meal planning solution. With 15 meal plan food styles like Keto, Quick & Healthy, Vegan, Low Carb and Paleo, eMeals is the way that smart families do dinner. eMeals meal plans simplify the process for getting healthy and delicious meals on the table. eMeals provides simple-to-follow recipes and 1-click shopping lists. Subscribers can choose to either pick-up items on the shopping lists themselves or utilize the newly integrated grocery delivery option through AmazonFresh and Instacart or curbside pickup with Walmart Grocery or Kroger ClickList. Start your FREE 2-week trial today. Please send us comments, feedback or requests for future guests to community@emeals.com OR you may send via Twitter @eMeals using the hashtag #AskEmeals.

The winery and vineyards are located in Dry Creek Valley, an American Viticultural Area we helped form. Renowned as prime land for grape growing, high quality wines are the result.The climate, where the development in ripening grapes isprotected from the heat by the marine fog intrusion in the evenings, is singular andunparalleled. Pedroncelli wines are regionally focused and site specific and we’velearned to pair the right varietal with the best place creating great character.Dry Creek Valley and Zinfandel are synonymous so it’s natural that it would be theflagship wine—it’s been growing here since the turn of the 20th century. And, having been the first to plant Cabernet Sauvignon in Dry Creek Valley where it thrives,it makes sense that the two make up over 50% of estate vineyards. With 13 varietalsplanted over 105 acres as well as sourcing grapes from nearby neighbors and friendsthe house style of delightful acidity, superb balance and distinct varietal charactershines in every bottle. Pedroncelli wines are made with friends and family in mindand pair as nicely with food as they do with a glass.

Wine Road Episode 42 - Healdsburg Re-Visited Beth starts the episode with the Word of the Day then dives right into all that is Healdsburg and surrounding areas. Don’t forget to reach out to the Wine Road Concierge to help plan your visit. Marcy makes our mouths water with the Book of the Day  - Cocktail Hour Garden by C.L. Fornari. The ladies cheers Wine Road’s upcoming Winter WINEland event with a 2016 Chenin Blanc from Leo Steen.   www.wineroad.com  Show Notes: 0:31     Word of the Day - Oaky 1:15     Healdsburg Itinerary 16:45    Wine Road Concierge 17:45    Book of the Day- Cocktail Hour Garden by C. L Fornari 20:04    Wine of the Day - Leo Steen Wines 2016 Chenin Blanc 22:30    Winter WINEland - January 13 & 14 2018     Links: • Word of the Day • Wine Road Concierge • Book of the Day - The Cocktail Garden by CJ Fornari • Wine of the Day - Leo Steen Wines 2016 Chenin Blanc • Winter WINEland   Healdsburg Lodging • Best Western Dry Creek Inn • h2hotel • Camellia Inn Bed & Breakfast Restaurants, Bakeries and Coffee shops • The Wurst Restaurant • Valette Healdsburg • SHED • Flying Goat Coffee • Costeaux Bakery • Downtown Bakery • Baci Cafe & Wine Bar • Cafe Lucia • Summer’s Market & Deli • The Parish Cafe • Jimtown Store  • Journeyman Meat Co. • Geyserville Mud Cafe • Geyserville Gun Club  • Amy’s Wicked Slush Wine Tasting Rooms • Chalk Hill  • Roth Estate  • Lancaster Estate  • Alexander Valley Vineyards • HANNA Winery & Vineyards  • White Oak Vineyards & Winery  • deLorimier Winery  • Mercury Geyserville • Locals Tasting Room • Route 128 Winery • Pech Merle  • Siduri Healdsburg Wine Lounge • Foppiano Vineyards  • ACORN Winery/Alegria Vineyards  • Rodney Strong Vineyards  • Harts Desire  Things To Do • Wine Country Bikes • Lake Sonoma Fish Hatchery  • Wine Country Bikes  • Healdsburg Performing Arts • Riverfront Park Credits:  The Wine Road podcast is recorded, mixed, and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA

The holiday season will soon be upon us and Sonoma County Theatre companies will be providing plenty of opportunities to escape the bumper-to-bumper traffic, full parking lots, and crowded stores that are all too common at this time of year. Some will be presenting traditional Christmas programs while others will be giving audiences some theatrical refuge from this often-overwhelming season. Perhaps the most traditional will be 6th Street Playhouse’s production of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas, a stage musical based on the popular 1954 film starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye. It’s the story of a couple of song-and-dance men who come to the rescue of their old Army commander who’s now the proprietor of a failing Vermont lodge. Looks like they’re gonna put on a show to save the lodge, and do it while singing a bunch of classic Irving Berlin songs like “Happy Holidays”, “Blue Skies” and, of course, the title tune. The show opens on the GK Hardt stage December 1st and runs through December 23rd. In their smaller Studio Theatre, 6th Street will be presenting the somewhat less traditional Mrs. Bob Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge, playwright Christopher Durang’s manic mash-up of A Christmas Carol, Oliver Twist, It’s a Wonderful Life and some other stories. It’s a very funny show and runs from December 8th to December 23rd. Out in Sonoma, the folks at Sonoma Arts Live will be presenting Inspecting Carol, a comedy about a flailing theatre company trying to get through a disastrous production of A Christmas Carol with the hopes of receiving a financial grant dangling over their heads like mistletoe. The Carl Jordan-directed show opens on November 29th and runs through December 10th. For a wine country take on a couple of holiday classics, you might check out the Raven Players’ A Vintage Christmas. It’s a world premiere production written by Tony Sciullo that’s described as a cross between A Christmas Carol and It’s a Wonderful Life set in wine country. It’s a Raven on the Road production that plays at the Trione Vineyards and Winery in Geyserville from December 1st through December 10th. Travel a little further north and you’ll find The Nutcracker Musical being presented by the Cloverdale Performing Arts Center. It is not the ballet based on Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Suite (though there should be about one hundred productions of that produced in the next two months.) It’s a musical play based on the original E. T. A. Hoffman story “The Nutcracker and the Mouse King” and has a two-weekend run starting on December 1st. For those seeking a respite from holiday-themed shows, you have a few choices. Santa Rosa’s Left Edge Theatre opens Bakersfield Mist on November 17th. It’s a comedy based on the true story of a Southern California trailer park resident who’s convinced the five-dollar painting she bought at a thrift store is a Jackson Pollack original worth millions. Sebastopol’s Main Stage West is presenting the two-person musical Daddy Long Legs. A turn of the century story most famously turned into a Fred Astaire/Leslie Caron film, it’s a May-December romance set to music. The Spreckels Theatre Company in Rohnert Park is reprising its production of Little Women: the Musical, albeit with a new director and an almost entirely new cast. It opens in Rohnert Park on November 24th. Monte Rio’s Curtain Call Theatre presents Rapture, Blister, Burn, a drama that presents a generational debate over the question “Can today’s woman really have it all?” Finally, for those looking to ring-a-ding-ding in the New Year with the Chairman of the Board, Petaluma’s Cinnabar Theater is presenting My Way: A Musical Tribute to Frank Sinatra. It opens December 15th and runs through mid-January. Sonoma County Theatres are serving up a nice variety of shows for the holiday season. Consider checking one out or make a present of live theatre to a friend or family member. Season tickets to one of your local theatres would make a great gift.

Nick Goldschmidt has been lucky so far. A wildfire has burned more than 8,000 acres just north of his vineyards in Geyserville, California, but so far his vines are OK. So is his house in Healdsburg, roughly midway between Geyserville and a 36,000-acre fire that destroyed more than 2,800 homes in Santa Rosa. But now, amid the charred, empty spaces that scar northern California's winegrowing region, under skies yellowed by smoke, Goldschmidt has a race to win.

Wine Road Episode 33 - Northern Alexander Valley: Tasting the wine & eating the food.  In this episode DJ Bethy Beth takes us on a 3-day trip through Northern Alexander Valley focusing on Cloverdale and Geyserville. We get Eats of the day, a Tasting Tip, Millie reviews her Book of the Day while they drink and eat the Wine of the Day and Item of the Day.   Wine Road provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma County with news on events, wineries, wines, dining options, activities, and places to stay. Wine Road — https://www.wineroad.com   Show Notes: 0:30    Eats of the Day - The Geyserville Inn 2:05    Tasting Tip of the Day - Plan Ahead 4:10    3-day Cloverdale and Geyserville Itinerary  12:20  Wine of the Day - Hawkes Alexander Valley 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon 13:45  Item of the Day - Truffle Gateau 15:50  Book of the Day - The Dirty Guide to Wine: Following Flavors from Ground to Glass by Alice Feiring 17:50  WineRoad.com Wine and Food Affair Tickets Go On SALE Sept 1st   Links: •  The Geyserville Inn •  Tasting Tip of the Day •  Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce  •  Geyserville Chamber of Commerce •  Kelley & Young Wine Garden Inn •  Savvy on 1st  •  Bosworth and Son General Store  •  gin’gilli’s Vintage Home •  Locals Tasting Room •  Pech Merle  •  Route 128 Winery •  J Rickards Winery •  Blue Rock Vineyards •  deLorimier Winery  •  Chalk Hill •  Roth Winery •  Catelli’s  •  Diavolo Pizzeria •  Jimtown Store •  Trading Post •  Papa’s Pizza •  Aztec Grille •  Hawkes Wine •  Truffle Gateau •  The Dirty Guide to Wine: Following Flavors from Ground to Glass by Alice Feiring •  WineRoad.com/WFA   Credits: The Wine Road podcast is recorded, mixed, and mastered at: Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA

When a passion for life, community, and wine bring together a family. Julie’s grandparents found this piece of property in what would become known as Dry Creek Valley later on. Just a couple of miles west of the town of Geyserville, located in the northern corner of Sonoma County. What is most interesting about this purchase, was that Julie’s grandparents bought it in the middle of prohibition. Not many people did that back in those days. This was an established vineyard that and was planted in the early 1900s, but the winery went defunct at the beginning of prohibition, but the people who owned the property, another Italian family, had kept the vineyards going. There were about 25 acres of vineyard planted, again, in that early part of the 1900s. In fact, today, the Pedroncelli family still has a few very old vines left on the property. Life definitely changed for the Pedroncelli family and it all started when Julie’s grandparents found this wonderful slice of heaven and brought their three kids to begin there new life. Julie’s father, Jim was born at the winery in the early 1930s, and basically waited out prohibition and the family was ready to go once prohibition ended, and Jim Pedroncelli dusted off the winery equipment, and we went into making wine. The Pedroncelli Winery and family after eighty-nine is still going strong and still remains family owned and operated to this day. www.UncorkedMonthly.com

Auction Napa Valley is coming to you online.  Bidding starts on May 31st and it's a great opportunity for  those in the industry and wine lovers that can't make the trek to Napa Valley participate in the auction.  Peg Melnik writes a nice article featuring Hoby Wedler, a blind UC Davis graduate student, who is leading blind wine tastings at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville.  There's a lot at stake as the battle lines are being drawn between Empire Wine and the New York State Liquor Authority.  Although we haven't tried it yet we're tempted; Alder Yarrow has found a company that can help make receiving shipments of wine less problematic.  If you adhere to a vegan diet Sara Rennekamp provides a more in-depth viewpoint into the winemaking process, so that you can make a more informed decision when purchasing your wines.  Alder's first walk through the famed Grand Cru vineyards of Champagne was not what he had expected.  The photos and video that accompany the article are appalling.  Conversely Caroline Henry has found that there is successful budding culture of sustainable growing that is taking hold in the Champagne region.  In this week on VinoWeek we tackle these subjects and a few more as we strive to keep you up to date on what's going on in the world of wine.  Thanks for listening and if you like what you hear please tell a friend.  Cheers!        

Ann Hamilton's eight-story tower, built on the grounds of the Oliver Ranch in Geyserville, Calif., is more than just a work of art to be observed. With its cylindrical walls, staggered windows, open ceiling and winding stairways, the space also serves as a unique venue for performance art. Spark visits with Hamilton and Meredith Monk for the unveiling of "The Tower."

Read the full story with photos at: https://www.otsuka.co.jp/en/company/globalnews/2013/0607_02.html On June 7 and 8, 2013, at the Annenberg Retreat at Sunnylands, in Rancho Mirage, California, American President Barack Obama held a bilateral meeting, followed by a working dinner, with President Xi Jinping of the People’s Republic of China. Ridge Vineyards 2008 Geyserville Zinfandel was served with the main course – the Porterhouse steak. Dinner diplomacy of course requires world-class cuisine, but the culinary merit of each menu item is not the sole consideration; each dish has political significance. Charles-Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, a French diplomat at the time of the Napoleonic Wars, emerged victorious from the negotiations at the Congress of Vienna due in no small part to the wines of Chateau Haut-Brion and the grand cuisine of legendary chef Marie-Antoine Carême. There is no question that Ridge Vineyards 2008 Geyserville was carefully chosen as a representation of America's influence. China has experienced rapid and continuous economic growth, and has passed Japan to become the world's second-largest economy, after America. China is becoming a leader in both the importation and production of wine as well. It is significant that the red wine served to China's leaders was a Zinfandel-based blend. There are many American wines that are more expensive than Geyserville, such as Cabernets from Napa. A Zinfandel was likely chosen because it is a distinctly "American" variety, one that symbolizes an America that has become the world's dominant power and that has carved out its own unique position in the world, while still retaining its connections to the culture and traditions of Europe. Ridge Vineyards was acquired by Otsuka Pharmaceuticals in 1986 and is honored that, out of all the Zinfandels available, Ridge Vineyards 2008 Geyserville was chosen to represent America at this dinner. Celebrity chef Bobby Flay, the owner and executive chef of several restaurants, including Mesa Grill, was chosen to represent America in the preparation of the meal itself.

Today’s podcast is my first of 2006 and my second take on my favorite red varietal: Zinfandel, and I interview Alan Baker, the Cellar Rat. Show Notes: 00:22 - Welcome and show theme 00:37 - Zinfandel background 02:42 - Tasting Notes 02:56 - Ridge Vineyards, Zinfandel, Geyserville 2002 ($27) 04:14 - Trinitas Cellars, Zinfandel, Bigalow Vineyard, Contra Costa County 2002 ($28) 05:45 - Peterson Winery, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2002 ($18/sample) 06:54 - Best of Tasting: Ridge Vineyards, Zinfandel, Geyserville 2002 ($27) 07:35 - Best Value: Peterson Winery, Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 2002 ($18) 07:50 - Interview with Alan Baker, the Cellar Rat 20:44 - Contact Details 21:07 - Next Show Theme Feedback: winecast@gmail.com | Audio comments: +01-206-33-WINE-9 (+01-206-339-4639) Copyright 2006 Tim Elliott. Licensed to the public under http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/