Podcasts about russian river valley

Send us a textFew things bring more satisfaction than discovering a wine that dramatically overdelivers for its price point. Enter Trader Joe's Lustrous Russian River Chardonnay 2023—an $8.99 bottle that has me reaching for a third sip and taking notice.This newcomer from Precision Wine Company (creators of 22 different wine brands found at retailers like Trader Joe's and Costco) hails from Sonoma's prestigious Russian River Valley, an AVA renowned for producing some of California's finest Chardonnay. What makes this bottle special is its refusal to follow the typical budget Chardonnay playbook. The aromatics offer tart lemon and green apple notes, but the palate reveals surprising complexity—nectarine, stone fruit, dried pineapple, and peach flavors dance with subtle vanilla undertones from judicious oak treatment. At 14.5% alcohol, it maintains impressive balance between fruit expression and acidity.The Russian River Valley's unique geography contributes significantly to wine character, with its varying microclimates allowing for both cool and warm-weather expressions of Chardonnay. This particular bottle seems to capture that regional complexity while remaining approachable and distinct. While many value-priced wines aim to please the broadest audience with predictable profiles, the Lustrous Chardonnay "makes its own statement"—delivering nuance without sacrificing drinkability. It's rare to find a Russian River wine at this price point that maintains such integrity and balance.With the wine industry in flux and quality bargains increasingly difficult to find, this bottle represents a genuine discovery. If you appreciate Chardonnay that offers more than just butter and oak, visit your local Trader Joe's to secure a bottle before word spreads. And don't forget to check out CheapWineFighter.com for more reviews of wines that deliver exceptional quality without breaking the bank.Check us out at www.cheapwinefinder.comor email us at podcast@cheapwinefinder.com

Get a Taste of Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, California, on this episode of Big Blend Radio's JO GOES EVERYWHERE! Podcast with travel writer and photographer Jo Clark.  Healdsburg nestles in a curve of the Russian River in a northern section of Sonoma County, and sits at the crossroads of three AVAs (American Viticultural Area)—the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley. The downtown district is a collection of art galleries, shops, restaurants, and wine tasting rooms. Read Jo's article about Healdsburg, here: https://recipestravelculture.com/healdsburg-more-than-great-wine/  Check out Jo's other Sonoma County adventures here: https://blendradioandtv.com/listing/sonoma-county-offers-more-than-great-vineyards/  Jo Clark is a travel writer and photographer based on South Carolina's Grand Strand. She has a thirst for knowledge, history, great food, and wine! Her Big Blend Radio podcast "Jo Goes Everywhere!" airs every 2nd Sunday at 7pm EST. Follow the show on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/yfkjm8sd 

Dan and Dennis Dennis Hill, co-founder of Langhart & Hill Wines joins Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger on California Wine Country today. The last time he was on California Wine Country was this episode in September of 2023. The first tasting is a 2023 Chardonnay. While a lot of California Chards are the heavy oaky buttery ML style, this is different. It is more in the European style, higher acidity and better for pairing with food. They use high quality grapes from Sonoma County so there are a lot of fruit flavors in it. Dennis Hill and his wife were both raised in Healdsburg. There was a Renaissance in the wine industry in the 1970s when he was starting in the business – right place, right time. Healdsburg is located at the confluence of the Dry Creek River and the Russian River. That puts it at the intersection of three main viticultural areas, Dry Creek, Anderson Valley and Russian River Valley. In the northern part of this region the afternoons are hotter and in the southern part, it is cooler and foggier. Where to find Langhart & Hill wines Langhart & Hill wines are available in restaurants and some retail locations. They do not have a tasting room. Their production is still rather small for that. After working for some very large wineries with complicated operations and relationships, Dennis enjoys being able to work by himself. Their vineyards are located in the different climate zones described, so there is a four-week window for them to harvest everything. Dennis describes their two brands. Landhart & Hill are classic Sonoma County varieties, a Chard, two Pinot Noirs, a Rosé and a Merlot. They also have another label, Rumplestiltskin, which is for the less common varieties. For instance, today there is a Dobricic, a Croation variety, and an Orange wine, made of Trouseau Gris grapes originally from the Jura region in France. Trousseau is a Gris variety, not purely a white grape. Wine grapes come in three colors, black, aka red, white and gris, meaning gray. There is also Trousseau Noir. It's a tricky grape to use. You have to harvest not too soon or too late. Then, if you want Orange wine, you have to leave it on the skins just long enough.

The beautiful Russian River Valley, Arista 2.0, surrounded by giants and interview with Mark McWilliams, owner, Arista Winery in the Russian River Valley AVA, Sonoma County. ON THE ROAD with mrCAwine is about California's cool, aspirational lifestyle and awesome wines hosted by Chuck Cramer, a California native, living in London and is the Director of European & Asian sales & marketing, Terlato Wines. This is a wine journey covering the hottest topics in the business of California wine, chatting along the way with the people who work in wine, and make it all happen. This week's episode includes an interview with Mark McWilliams, owner of Arista Winery in the Russian River Valley AVA. 

We celebrated Wine Week in New Hampshire on Wednesday with Nicole Hitchcock of J Vineyards and Winery in the Russian River Valley of California and Justin Gunter of the New Hampshire Liquor Commission. Nicole was named "Winemaker of the Year" in 2022 by Wine Enthusiast magazine. NH Wine Week will conclude Thursday with the Winter Wine Spectacular at the Double Tree Inn in Manchester to benefit the NH Food Bank. www.nhwineweek.com

Just a couple of Southerners for y'all - discovering connections, similarities, and why focus is so important. Trish chats with Mark McWilliams, owner, founder and winemaker at Arista Winery. Arista is located in the Russian River Valley in California. This down-to-earth and heartfelt interview cruises through Mark's family's connection to California wine country and how he ultimately landed in the industry. He talks about the challenges he faced with the business and why going "low and slow" taught him a great deal of lessons.

In this episode, Mark McWilliams, the co-owner and driving force behind Arista Winery, shares his inspiring journey into winemaking. Originally from Texarkana, Texas, Mark's path began 22 years ago with little experience but boundless enthusiasm, ultimately leading him to establish Arista Winery, a renowned artisanal producer of site-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay in California's Russian River Valley. Over the years, Mark has transformed Arista into a family-owned cornerstone of the wine industry, celebrated for its superior-quality wines. From gathering vine clippings from iconic neighbors to mastering every facet of the business, Mark's hands-on approach and passion for innovation have propelled Arista to critical acclaim and lasting success.

Jeff Mangahas Winemaker Jeff Mangahas from Williams Selyem Winery is back on California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon today. Jeff has been on this show a few times before, the most recent was this episode from last March. Williams Selyem produces a limited quantity of wine in the Russian River Valley, primarily Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Most of their wines come from a single vineyard and so they express varietal and terroir characteristics. While Williams Selyem wines are very famous among well-informed wine enthusiasts, it does not have enough production for its fame to be as widespread as others who make more product and can get it out into more places. Dan Berger calls Williams Selyem, “…one of Sonoma County's greatest wines.” Visit Chigazola Merchants online to shop their unique selection of fine Italian wines. The founders Ed Selyem and Burt Williams were early garagistes making wine in the late ‘70s. They came out with the 1985 Rocchioli Vineyard bottling that won the California State Fair Sweepstakes in 1987. After that, demand shot up and they had to allocate individual bottles of wine to people. Jeff's first career was as a cancer research biologist with a degree in molecular biology from University of Washington. He became curious about wine while living in the pacific northwest. Wanting to try something different, he took a degree from UC Davis in viticulture and enology and has been working in the Russian River Valley since then. They make many individual bottlings of single vineyard varietals, and Jeff is happy that he gets to work with the same top quality vineyards year after year. "Greatness in the bottle starts with greatness in the vineyard." Because they are a vineyard-designate specialist, each wine has a unique profile that is a reflection of the location.

Mike Shirinian and Dave Fansler talk Crabs and Restaurants in Russia.   On the plate: A new dish from Pismo's Coastal Grill menu is served, a Rigatoni with Guanciale, blistered Brussel Sprouts with a little bit of Parmesan. The meal is paired with a bottle of Pinot from Castle Rock Reserve in the Russian River Valley.   The team talks Newport Beach, Sashimi, Soups, Peppercorn sauce, Shopping in Beverly Hills, Javier's in Crystal Cove, Nieman Marcus, Remodeling and Thanksgiving.   Email the guys: EAT@KMJNow.com   Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Restaurateurs' on all platforms:    ---  The Restaurateurs Podcast is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts.  --  The Restaurateurs  | Website | Email |  -  Everything KMJ   KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is the weekly columnThanksgiving is the great American gastronomic holiday. Halloween is for foolishness, costumes, and candy. Christmas is for worship, family, and unseemly lust for gaudily wrapped material goods (somewhat antithetical to the Christian origin of the holiday).Thanksgiving is the quintessential harvest feast. Turkey and ham and cranberry sauce and corn on the cob and cornbread and pumpkin pie and whatever else you can conjure up from the cornucopia of agricultural abundance the good Lord bestows on American tables.The wine: pinot noir. I know arguments can be made for zinfandel and Bordeaux blends (American Bordeaux blends), even some whites and rosés. All well and good and maybe part of the groaning Thanksgiving sideboard of excess of everything. But if you want one wine for this bacchanalian extravaganza, it is pinot noir.Pinot is among the lightest of the red wines. It thus works well with a wide array of foods you conjure up for your Thanksgiving feast. It is especially suited for turkey, goes very well with ham. The stronger California versions of pinot can hang with slow-cooked brisket. It especially is nice for family members put off by tannic, assertive red wines. Thanksgiving is a meal of comity and convaiviality. Pinot noir encourages that.Pinot noir is a famously fickle grape, also one of the oldest varieties used for winemaking. The Catholic church was critical to its development beginning in monastery vineyards in the 6th century, then specifically named in the early 1300s. It spread to Germany as spätburgunder and in Italy as pinot nero. France's Burgundy region is the cathedral of pinot noir, but California's Russian River Valley and Oregon's Willamette Valley now produce some of the world's best pinots.Pinot noir is a challenging grape due to its thin skin—thus its reserved tannins—and susceptibility to various viticulture challenges. It is called the “heartbreak grape” for a reason, which means pinot noir can be expensive. It also is worth it for your biggest gastronomic celebration of the year.Tasting notes• Project M Wines Personify Oregon Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley AVA 2022: Delicate, silky on initial attack, rising to power, complexity later in the palate. $40 Link to my review• Dobbes Family Estate Eola-Amity Hills Cuvée Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley 2021: Excellent fruit effort. Nice tang, clean, precise, complexity, length. $45 Link to my review• Soter Vineyards Estates Pinot Noir, Willamette Valley, Oregon 2021: Juicy, concentrated flavors. Plush, complex, elegant, impressive structure, length. Warm vintage well played by Soter, producing a more assertive pinot noir that you anticipate from Willamette. $55-63 Link to my reviewLast roundWhat did the farmer say when he accidentally squashed his pumpkin? Oh my gord! Wine time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit gusclemens.substack.com/subscribe

Doug Nalle, co-founder of Nalle Winery, is our guest today on California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger. The last time Doug was on the show was this episode of April 19, 2023. Doug Nalle and Dan Berger have been friends for fifty years. They have three Chardonnays to taste. First, a 2021 Chardonnay from Hopkins Ranch. Doug and his wife Lee founded the winery in 1984 and they just finished their 41st harvest. They produce about 2000 cases per year. Mostly they make Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel. Their Chardonnay is about 200 cases. Doug's son Andrew is the winemaker now. He got a degree in enology from Fresno State. His wife April is a viticulturalist who went to Australia for training and works with the winery. They have roughly 24 acres of grapes and they use some and sell some. His wife's family bought property in Dry Creek Valley 95 years ago and it is still in the family. Visit Chigazola Merchants online to shop their unique selection of fine Italian wines. Doug has brought two 2021 Zinfandels. Dan describes the Nalle property as “spectacular.” They have an above-ground cave. It is grade level with retaining walls on two sides. There are 6 feet of dirt stacked inside the walls, so the interior is naturally cool like an underground space. Back in the 80s and 90s Zinfandel was a moderate alcohol wine, between 13 and 14 % ABV. Then the trend was for higher ABV but Doug did not follow that trend. Vertical tasting of 3 Chardonnays They are tasting the 2021, 2022 and 2023 Chardonnays from Bob and Tony Hopkins' vineyard in Russian River Valley. The 2021 is smooth and pure fruit. The 2022 has an extra layer of something. Nalle Winery is open Friday Saturday and Sunday and maybe other days too at 2383 Dry Creek Road. Exit in Healdsburg and go west about 2.1 miles to their sign. The 2023 is young, obviously and has barely been bottled. It is interesting to taste one that is so young just to know where the wines start out. Then the starting point for aging is five years, in Dan Berger's opinion. Doug Nalle give credit to his son Andrew for the quality of the 2023. Andrew just finished a Masters degree in Enology at Fresno State. He studied particular strains of yeast and ways to use them. Zinot Noir Zinot Noir is something Doug and Andrew came up with by blending 60% Zinfandel and 40% Pinot Noir. They liked it for the forward fruit of Zin plus some "mysterious Pinot Noir thing going on." It is a modest 13.65 ABV and they made only 280 cases of it.  

Greg La Follette, Marchelle Wines founder and winemaker, is back on California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger. Greg is coming from the winery, where they are busy with harvest time. He is going right back too, after the show. He was a chemist and did some work in early Aids research and then went back to school in food science and enology. Greg had the good fortune to work at Beaulieu Vineyards under André Tchelistcheff. They had similar technical backgrounds. André challenged Greg, telling him that he would learn the heart and soul of wine if he came to work for him, rather than stay in the lab. Greg turned out to become one of André's greatest disciples. Visit Chigazola Merchants online to shop their unique selection of fine Italian wines. They are drinking a Colombard, which was once the most widely planted white wine grape up until the early ‘7. Now, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are the most planted. Colombard and Cinsault This 2022 Colombard is from two vineyards in Russian River Valley, planted respectively in 1902 and 1961. “It has a lot of bracing acidity,” and is only about 10.8% alcohol. Greg and his wife were working with owners of an abandoned Colombard vineyard, to restore it. Then, Single Thread restaurant in Healdsburg asked Greg to make their house wine. The only proviso was, no Chardonnay and it had to be from Sonoma County. Colombard was perfect for that, but after the pandemic there was too much of it so they relabeled it. They named it Marchelle, after their wives Mara and Michelle. Their daughter Sophia designed the label. Marchelle wines are not really widely available but the best way to get them is at a tasting. Book that at their website. The Historic Vineyard Society will hold its main event in Lodi, California. There are actually a lot of old vines around Lodi. Evan Damiano is the winemaker for Greg La Follette now. Evan was on CWC earlier this year and he gives credit to Greg and André's legacy and influence over his own work.

Taft Street Winery co-founder Mike Martini is back on California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger. Mike was last on CWC on this episode of on September 15, 2023. In 1979 there was hardly any Pinot Noir planted in the Russian River Valley. When Mike decided to open this property, it was risky because the region had not yet developed its reputation. Other better financed growers made a bigger impression. Mike describes their secret to success as a balance between ignorance and passion. They started making wine in the garage in 1978. His late partner Mike was the only man he knew who could fall asleep in his chair holding a wine glass and never spill a drop. An "Interesting" Harvest Mike says this has been an “interesting” year. In the 1980s the wine tourists would visit a winery and buy a case. Now the consumer has changed and a new generation wants a story, an experience and a photo op. Then, maybe, they buy a bottle, not a case. That is why this show is so important because the market is going through a great transition. People's ability to appreciate the best wine depends on good information. As Mike says, change is inevitable. Wine sales are down but it is cyclical, but wine is getting better and better every year, says Dan. Visit Chigazola Merchants online to shop their unique selection of fine Italian wines. This year's harvest is completed. The harvest has gone well, for Mike. The heat spells were stressful but the job is done. The vineyard demands 12 months of work all year, but the action happens in the three weeks at harvest time. Dan points out that a vineyard can be changed a little at a time, such as making adjustments to trellises. They are located on Barlow Lane at the intersection with Occidental Road.

Dan Berger is in the studio today with Sonoma County Harvest Fair Winners on California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon. Dan Berger had decades of experience as a wine judge and he was a judge in this year's Sonoma County Harvest Fair competition. He describes the new organization this year, where the judges only had 25 or 30 of one type of wine, instead of 55 or 60 of the same type. Dan likes this because the judges can get tired on too much of the same varietal. So, with a limited exposure to a single type of wine, the palette has a chance to regenerate. Also, the judging of each type is more spread out across all the judges. What is the difference between a Gold Medal and a Sweepstakes? asks Steve. The Sweepstakes is a second round, more like a final round taste-off, where different varietals are against each other. This can be more difficult to understand. Dan says take it with a grain of salt. Gold Medal is good enough as a winning designation. Visit Chigazola Merchants online to shop their unique selection of fine Italian wines. The 2023 Hanna Sauvignon Blanc is the Sweepstakes winner. Jeff Hinchliffe made it at Hanna. It is from Russian River Valley. There is not a lot of Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc available because Jeff has been contracting for all the best fruit. Not only does it smell and taste right for the variety. Instead of favoring the strong herbaceous components, he favors the tropical fruit. It is rich with a great aftertaste. It sells for about $20 but Bottle Barn has it for $13.99. Bottle Barn has all he award-winning wines in the store, with the awards listed on the wine display. Shone Farm Next is a 2022 Shone Farm wine, made by the students at SRJC. It is 13.9% ABV, so lower than average. It has fruit and spice flavors. The vineyard has been in the ground for 35 years. It's a wine of personality, it is balanced with structure and good acidity. It is remarkable that the students at SRJC have won a Gold Medal for their wine, in competition with all the other great winemakers in Sonoma County.

Why should you look beyond Eurocentric wine and food pairings? What's so special about making vineyard-designated wines? How can you get the most out of your next trip to Sonoma County? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with superstar winemaker Theresa Heredia who has worked for some of California's most prestigious wineries. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway One of you will win a bottle of Gary Farrell wine. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast.  I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me.  Good luck!   Highlights What's the difference between making vineyard-designated wines versus blends? What flavours and aromas are imparted by including ripened stems in the fermentation process? How many different types of soil are found in Sonoma County and how did this diversity develop? How do microclimates differ across the wine neighbourhoods of the Russian River Valley and what is their influence on the wine's characteristics? What makes Chardonnay more of a “survivor” grape compared to other varieties? What are some of the challenges that sustain the low level of diversity in the male-dominated wine industry? How has being a gay woman impacted Theresa's experience in the wine industry? What can wineries do to be more inclusive towards the LGBTQ community? What are Theresa's top tips for your next visit to Sonoma County and the Gary Farrell winery? What can you expect from Gary Farrell Wines Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir and Sanford & Benedict Pinot Noir and how do they differ? Why should we expand beyond some of the traditional Eurocentric wine and food pairings?   Key Takeaways Eurocentric pairings don't account for cultural and socioeconomic differences. We have to flip a switch in our brains to think of different descriptors and different food pairings that are more relevant to people from different cultural backgrounds. Theresa loves making vineyard-designated wines because they each have unique characteristics. Some of them produce dark fruit, like Colberg and McDonald Mountain, versus an inland vineyard called the Middle Reach. Acid is there. It's a defining characteristic, but it's not quite as prominent as in those cooler climates. Theresa advises getting out to Sonoma County restaurants. She also says to avoid booking too many tastings, perhaps just two or three in a day. Choose a well-known winery and one that's off the beaten path.   About Theresa Heredia Theresa Heredia started her career at Saintsbury and has also worked at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Domaine de Montille in France. She became Winemaker at Gary Farrell Winery in 2012 and achieved critical acclaim for her wines. At Gary Farrell, she developed strong relationships with some of the most prominent vineyards in California. She was twice nominated as Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and has received numerous other accolades.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/299.

Does harvesting wine based on the biodynamic calendar make sense? What about actually drinking the wine based on the lunar cycle? How does fog play a profound role in growing grapes and winemaking in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma, California? Why do some winemakers add Mega Purple to wine, and what the heck is Mega Purple? In this episode of the Unreserved Wine Talk podcast, I'm chatting with superstar winemaker Theresa Heredia who has worked for some of California's most prestigious wineries. You can find the wines we discussed at https://www.nataliemaclean.com/winepicks   Giveaway One of you will win a bottle of Gary Farrell wine. To qualify, all you have to do is email me at natalie@nataliemaclean.com and let me know that you've posted a review of the podcast.  I'll choose one person randomly from those who contact me.  Good luck!   Highlights What was the "aha moment" in her wine career that Theresa experienced during a trip to France? Which aspects of Pinot Noir and Châteauneuf-du-Pape captured Theresa's interest? How did finding the intersection between chemistry and wine change the trajectory of Theresa's career? How did Theresa get through the double heat waves of 2010 - the most challenging year of her wine career? Which viral moment has been the highlight of Theresa's wine career so far? What was it like to work at a new vineyard as a new experimental winemaker? How often does Theresa taste the grapes as they ripen in the vineyard and the wine as it ages in the barrel? What are “Jesus units” in winemaking? What's Theresa's opinion on Mega Purple, and why is it used in winemaking? What can you expect from a visit to the Gary Farrell winery and tasting room? How did Theresa approach making the wines her own over the years at Gary Farrell Winery? What makes the Russian River Valley AVA unique in Sonoma? How does fog influence the development of grapes in a vineyard?   Key Takeaways The lunar cycle is correlated to gravitational forces. So if you pick on a root day, the theory is that you're not going to capture as much of the aromatics as you would on a fruit day when the gravitational forces are the weakest. The fog and diurnal temperature shifts help preserve acidity and color development in the grapes. It can get up to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the daytime, but at night, the grapes cool down to fog temperature, which is about 50-55 degrees. So you get that big swing in temperatures called a diurnal shift. Mega Purple is highly concentrated grape juice made from Rubired grapes. Winemakers use Mega Purple to add color, body and texture, and make bigger, bolder wines.   About Theresa Heredia Theresa Heredia started her career at Saintsbury and has also worked at Joseph Phelps Vineyards and Domaine de Montille in France. She became Winemaker at Gary Farrell Winery in 2012 and achieved critical acclaim for her wines. At Gary Farrell, she developed strong relationships with some of the most prominent vineyards in California. She was twice nominated as Winemaker of the Year by Wine Enthusiast and has received numerous other accolades.         To learn more, visit https://www.nataliemaclean.com/297.

Williams Selyem winemaker Jeff Mangahas is back on California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger. Jeff has been on CWC as recently as last February on this episode, and previously here in 2021 and before that, on this episode from 2018. Wine Country Radio GM Melissa Galliani has brought a bottle of Dry Creek Chenin Blanc. Dry Creek is a sponsor of the KRSH Backyard Concert Series and their Chenin Blanc is a popular favorite. “Really refreshing,” says Jeff. Williams Selyem has a rich history as one of the original Russian River Valley producers. Their first commercial release was in 1981. They have been making interesting, small-production wines in Russian River Valley and other nearby regions. Williams Selyem: Russian River Valley Pioneers Williams Selyem worked with the growers in Russian River Valley, such as the Rocchioli and Martinelli vineyards. They produce 52 different wines, in small lots. The are not easy to get so the way to buy them is through the website. Click the logo to visit Davis Bynum Wines. Jeff Mangahas joined Williams Selyem in 2011 and took over winemaking and viticulture in 2014. This year is his 24th vintage. They taste the 2022 Estate Chardonnay. They are also well-known for Pinot Noir and Zin. This Chardonnay is unique because it has 20 different Chardonnay clones all planted together in the field. It presents all the different flavors that are present in the different clones and it makes for a complex wine. Click the logo to visit our sponsor Rodney Strong for info on the 2024 Summer Concert series. Jeff's history as a winemaker started with his interest in science and biology. He majored in molecular and cellular biology at University of Washington. He was interested in research science and worked in cancer research. Wine was a hobby. He moved back east to Princeton University to work in the molecular biology department there. The change to wine as a profession was a romantic idea that he made happen by going to UC Davis for a Masters in Enology. Dan Berger would keep this wine for no more than 2 or 3 years to get it in the glass before the fruit flavors fade. Jeff tells about how they still use foot treading to press some grapes because there is no better method to get the results that he wants.

In part two of the fall release podcast Morgan, Chris, and Casey continue to discuss the once-in-a-lifetime 2023 vintage and talk through the rest of the wines: 8:22 2023 Banfield Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 17:24 2023 Dolinsek Ranch Heritage Wine, Russian River Valley 21:41 2023 Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley 26:54 2023 Beeson Ranch Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley 36:36 2023 Monte Rosso Zinfandel, Moon Mountain  42:55 2023 Shake Ridge Barbera, Amador County 51:50 2022 Bien Nacido Syrah, Santa Maria Valley 

Melissa Galliani, Dan Berger & Justin Seidenfeld. Justin Seidenfeld, Rodney Strong head winemaker, joins Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger on California Wine Country. Justin Seidenfeld has been on CWC a few times, most recently on this episode of April 27, 2022. They begin tasting a brand new wine that they just launched on June 1st. It is a single vineyard 2023 Sauvignon Blanc from one of their estate vineyards called Bud's Ranch. Justin modelled this wine after a Bordeaux style, it is richer than the usual SV. 55% made in large oak barrels, then the rest is done in stainless steel. Dan says it is aimed at being ready to drink now and also to be held in the cellar. 2023 was an interesting vintage, it was cooler than average, which gives the wines structure without being tart. There is just enough acidity to have balance. They also use a rotating egg-shaped vessel for mixing during fermentation, which gives it lees contact. Justin started in 2005 at Iron Horse Vineyards while still going to school at UC Davis. Then he worked at Robert Mondavi before coming to Rodney Strong. Rodney Strong had the thirteenth bonded winery in California. He did a lot of firsts, like planting Chardonnay in Chalk Hill and makin the first Alexander Valley single vineyard Cabernet. He was also a founder of the Russian River Valley and Chalk Hill AVAs. Justin Seidenfeld helped drive the approval of the Petaluma Gap AVA. Dan Berger started writing about wine in 1976, working for the Los Angeles Herald-Examiner. He had a very informative 2-hour lunch interview with Rodney Strong that year. 1158 Acres of Vineyards Rodney Strong winery is now owned by the Klein family and now owns 12 vineyard sites with 1158 acres total. It is critical to their success to have control over the vineyards as well as production. Dan Berger notices the flavor of fresh-cut new-mown hay in this Sauvignon Blanc which makes it unique. Rodney Strong is famous for its Cabernets and for its Chalk Hill Chardonnay. They also make a very good Pinot Noir, all from Russian River Valley. Their Alexander Valley Estate Cabernet retails for about $20. Justin says it punches above its weight, at that price. They literally buy their barrels as trees in France. That and the fact that they own their vineyards means their retail price is modest, they can focus on quality and evolve. They have just finished rennovating their vineyards and are ready for generations in the future. August 24 is the Single Vineyard Dinner, when they release their top wines. They taste one that is a 2019 100% single vineyard Cabernet, which is a demonstration of terroir. The 3 wines to be revealed on August 24 are similar except for their vineyard location so they taste differently. As Justin describes, Rodney Strong's intention is to surprise and delight.

Episode 204 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Episode 204 unpacks Moshin Vineyards through a chat with Rick Moshin, shedding light on new varietals like the 2023 Vermintino and exclusive events such as the Bordeaux river cruise. Besides the vineyard's rich history, listeners learn about upcoming events like Amber's art show, a writing workshop, and a joint venture with Swan Winery. Wine of the Day: Moshin Vineyards 2023 Vermentino Fast Five: Coco, co-host of Rockin' Vino Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies (Vegan optional!) Ingredients: -Bananas -Applesauce -Oats -Milk (almond or otherwise is fine too!) -Vanilla -Chocolate Chips -Cinnamon Set oven to 325 Mash up the bananas, then you put in the applesauce, some oats, a little bit of milk and vanilla, and just mix it all together and then add in, like if you wanted to add cinnamon, which I always do, and then add in your chocolate chips once everything is mixed in. And then you put it on a pan, smash it down a little bit, and bake it for about 15 minutes or so, and they come out delicious.   Links: https://moshinvineyards.com/ https://www.rocknvino.com/ Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

Episode 203 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Mark Elcombe, Home Place Manager at Sonoma-Cutrer This podcast highlights Marc Elcombe of Sonoma-Cutrer, delving into the winery's distinct offerings and acclaimed Chardonnays. Known for tastings, vineyard tours, and unique croquet games, Sonoma-Cutrerstands as a noteworthy asset in the wine industry. Recently, the winery was welcomed into the prestigious Duckhorn Portfolio, cementing its position in the wine market. Wine of the Day: Sonoma-Cutrer 2021 The Cutrer Chardonnay Fast Five: Lemon Spaghetti by Michelle from Rock'n'Vino Olive Oil Parmesan Cheese 1 Garlic clove  Lemon (Meyer or Eureka) Spaghetti Use a microplane zester for the following: Zest lemon, Zest garlic clove, zest a fluffy pile of parmesan cheese into a bowl. Add olive oil, squeeze the juice of the lemon juice in and stir. Once pasta is to al-dente readiness, scoop it out and throw it into the bowl with the dressing. Add a little bit of pasta water if it needs to loosen up. And THAT'S IT. :)    Links: https://www.sonomacutrer.com/ https://www.rocknvino.com/   Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/  

Episode 202 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery In this podcast episode, Dustin Moylanen, co-founder and winemaking director at ACTA shares insights about their unique winemaking process. ACTA, embodying their Latin motto 'Acta Non Verba' or 'Deeds Not Words', puts emphasis on intentional winemaking. Highlighted in the discussion is their signature red blend, Deeds, a rich mix of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc, and sometimes Malbec. Wine of the Day: ACTA 2021 Deeds Fast Five:  Shane from Wilson Winery: Pulled Pork!  Pork Tenderloin Sweet Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Brown Sugar Apple Cider Vinegar 1 Cup Chicken Stock  Crock pot for 5-6 hours - shred with forks, eat on a brioche bun - include coleslaw if you want, but Shane isn't a coleslaw guy.  Pairs well with any Wilson Winery Zinfandel!   Links:  https://actawine.com/ https://www.wilsonwinery.com/ Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

This week on our Vino Lingo segment, Brian Callahan, Vintner, Crux Winery, Russian River Valley, defines the term “Cluster Inverter”.  Learn more by visiting www.cruxwinery.com

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 [...]

California Wine Country with Steve Jaxon and Dan Berger celebrates World Chardonnay Day with a selection of Chards and Rosés. Dan has brought two Chardonnays, three Rosés and a mystery wine from Dan's cellar. The first tasting is called Samur, and it's a 2022 Chenin Blanc from the Loire Valley. The producer is Arnaud Lambert. It is on the sweet side, a “patio wine” says Dan. The region is south-east of Paris. It starts on the Atlantic coast and follows the river east over 100 miles. Next, they taste a 2022 Knuttel Family Chardonnay from the Russian River Valley. Bill Knuttel was the winemaker at Dry Creek Vineyards for a long time. This wine won a gold medal at the recent Press Democrat wine competition. It has a bit of both rich and tart flavors. “Sonoma County makes better Chardonnay than just about any American wine region.” -Dan Berger. There are so many sub-regions of Sonoma County that produce different styles of Chardonnay. The Wine Market Right Now Wine sales are down. Why, everyone asks? Is it because millennials have more options for beverages than ever before? Within the last 6 months, the craft brewing industry has collapsed, and sales of wine are flat but not off. It is more seasonal than beer. Beer sells year-round, but wine has summertime specialties like Rosés. When the weather turns hot, everybody wants Rosé. Red wine is not a summertime wine, although Pinot Noir is “going nuts” while zinfandel sales are flat. Maybe that's because people are backing off the high alcohol wines. Other varietals are getting more attention, relatively speaking, such as Syrah, Grenache and many more. Click the logo to visit our sponsor Rodney Strong for info on the 2024 Summer Concert series. Dan describes Chardonnay as kind of neutral flavored, as a grape, it really doesn't have a lot of flavor. It is sort of citrussy and fresh, but not always. If harvested late, it can be rich and bold. But it is a clean canvas for a winemaker. Since Chardonnay doesn't have very much by itself, if it is properly treated in the vineyard and in the winery, then in the barrel, everything you do can change the wine. From year to year, what style does mother nature allow a winemaker to make that year?  Dan notes three types, from three Sonoma County regions, Petaluma Gap, Russian River Valley and Bennet Valley. Petaluma Gap has wind and Russian River Valley has fog. Both conditions slow the ripening so the grape stay on the vines a bit longer. This is also true of Bennet Valley, in Sonoma County. Dry Creek Valley can also produce some great Chardonnay, although it is better known for other varietals. Click the logo to visit Davis Bynum Wines. A German Chardonnay Next is a 2021 Chardonnay from Germany. Chardonnay has appeared in Germany only in the last ten years, as climate change has made Germany warmer. In the future some vineyards that produce Riesling will probably be converted to Chardonnay. They are even making Chapagne-style wines in England now, which was impossible before the warming of the climate. Rosés too, today Rosés became popular after stainless steel tanks were developed that allowed winemakers to keep the temperature down during winemaking. The first tasting is Campuget, a Rosé from France, very dry with a trace of sugar. Another is a 2022 Mas de Gourgonnier. (Mas is an old French word for a farm. -ed. note)

Sip, share, shape our podcast!Ever wonder what it takes to create a new California Sparkling Wine? Tune in as Somm Women Talk Wine interviews Weston Eidson and Russell Bevan, two world-renowned winemakers who partnered on Weston's vision to create magic in a bottle of bubbles.  Created in the traditional method with a whole lot of patience and more blending and tasting than one can imagine, this wine is a passion project for perfection.In this episode of Somm Women Talk Wine, Weston and Russell take us through the exciting journey of creating Westborn. From selecting the perfect sites in Napa Valley, Russian River Valley and  throughout the North Coast wine region, to blending countless barrels of wine, they share the meticulous process behind crafting the exact style, flavor, and experience Weston envisioned years ago. Their passion is palpable, and while we can't pop the cork or sabre a bottle just yet, we're certain it will be ethereal!Both Weston and Russell are familiar voices on SWTW, and we're grateful for their continued support of our podcast. Russell previously shared his enthusiasm for his PerUs project during the height of 2023's harvest. Missed it? No worries! Listen again here: Russell Bevan: Winemaking.We also had an unforgettable live podcast with Weston, featuring his Silver Ghost and Montagu Pinot Noir. It was our first live recording, and we had a blast. Check it out: Weston Eidson: A Live Chat with the Winemaker and His "Vertical".We can't wait to get our hands on a bottle of Westborn, but until then, we're thrilled to share the story behind this exceptional sparkling wine from two of the industry's most respected winemakers.If you're like us and cannot wait, here's the link to explore becoming a club member before the first bottles of Westborn ship!What's a Somm Women Talk Wine episode without a WINE FIND? This time, we're highlighting COLORED WINE GLASSES! Whether you opt for the luxurious Estelle or the cute, fun, and affordable options by TOSSWARE on Amazon, you're sure to elevate your table setting.Cheers to the debut of a fabulous California Sparkling Wine – Westborn!Thanks for joining Somm Women Talk Wine! Check out our socials for more fun filled wine exploration!Instagram:@somm_women_talk_wine@kristiwinenerd@charissehenryfw@kmayfield109All episodes are also on our website:SommWomenTalkWineCharisse and Kristi

Episode 201 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Carol Shelton, Winemaker and Owner of Carol Shelton Wines Today we are joined by renowned winemaker Carol Shelton! We delve into her favorites- currently, the 2022 Coquille Blanc and Wild Thing Rendezvous Rosé, discussing their distinctive winemaking processes. She emphasizes the critical role barrel selection plays in shaping the wines' flavor profiles and highlights the richness of her wines through food pairing, providing a recipe for an asparagus tart that beautifully complements the Coquille Blanc. Wines of the Day: Carol Shelton 2022 Coquille Blanc Wild Thing 2023 Rendezvous Rosé Fast Five: Carol's "Asparagus Tart" - Or Fancy Pizza :) Instructions from Carol herself: Here are the FIVE (sort of, I cheated a bit): 1 roll of crescent roll dough (or puff pastry if you have to be fancy) 2 T. Dijon mustard 2 c. freshly grated gruyère cheese (or fontina or asiago) 1 # very skinny asparagus, tough ends snapped or cut off, then cut into 1” lengths ½ c. freshly grated parmesan cheese A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and its zest (optional) A sprinkling of Herbes de Provence (optional)   Preheat oven to 400°F. Flatten out crescent roll dough into a rectangle (approx. 12”x9”) on parchment paper on a sheet pan. Prick it all over with a fork (called “docking it”).  Spread the mustard evenly over the docked dough.  Sprinkle grated gruyère over crust, avoiding edges so it won't bubble over when hot. Lay asparagus over the bed of cheese and sprinkle herbs, parmesan and lemon juice/zest on top.  You can make a nice pattern of the asparagus if you want to get fancy! Bake at 400°F for 15-20 min or until pastry edges are brown and crispy and cheese is melted. Cut into squares and serve—top with a squeeze of balsamic glaze if desired.   Links: https://www.carolshelton.com/ Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

For this show I ask my friend with Brian Callahan, small vineyard farmer and co-owner of Crux Winery in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma (the Middle Reach though – the warmer part, so they do Rhône varietals) to tell us what a year in a Sonoma vineyard looks like. He takes us through what he has been doing for the last 18 years in his vineyard, a three acre plot that produces the beautiful fruit that turns into Crux wine.    This is a real look at what happens in the vineyard over the year to ensure a healthy harvest. We discuss what he can do and what Mother Nature gives or takes away that he may have to deal with!      ___________________   Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. Become a member today! www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople _______________________________________________________________   Check out my exclusive sponsor, Wine Access.  They have an amazing selection -- once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the Wine Access-Wine For Normal People wine club for wines I select delivered to you four times a year!    To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes    

For this show I ask my friend with Brian Callahan, small vineyard farmer and co-owner of Crux Winery in the Russian River Valley of Sonoma (the Middle Reach though – the warmer part, so they do Rhône varietals) to tell us what a year in a Sonoma vineyard looks like. He takes us through what he has been doing for the last 18 years in his vineyard, a three acre plot that produces the beautiful fruit that turns into Crux wine. This is a real look at what happens in the vineyard over the year to ensure a healthy harvest. We discuss what he can do and what Mother Nature gives or takes away that he may have to deal with! Full show notes and all back episodes are on Patreon. Become a member today!_______________________________________________________________Wine Access has an amazing selection — once you get hooked on their wines, they will be your go-to! Make sure you join the Wine Access-Wine For Normal People wine club in time for the next shipment. As a limited time offer, get $25 off your first TWO shipments of our club!To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth or get a class gift certificate for the wine lover in your life go to: http://www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes Get the back catalog on Patreon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us a Text Message.We open a bottle of intrigue when Kristie Tacey, the biotech professional turned winemaking wizard behind Tessier Wines, pulls up a chair at our podcast table. Her story, a blend of science, art, and sheer tenacity, pours out as we explore the vine-laden path that led her to carve out a niche in the world of boutique wines. Kristie's candid revelations about the hurdles she's overcome, from the initial spark at a winery visit to juggling her own label while working for others, are not just her personal tasting notes on life but a robust guide for anyone fermenting their own dream.Venturing into the vineyards, we unravel the intricate dance of sourcing grapes and the deep connections with the earth and people that bring a bottle to life. Kristie leads us through this ritual, sharing her transition from the familiar terroir of the Russian River Valley to the bold frontiers of the El Dorado and Santa Cruz Mountains. We then uncork the process behind Tessier's standout wine labels, where each design is a toast to the essence captured within the glass, marrying the precision of Kristie's scientific background with the flourish of her artistic touch.Our conversation takes a rhythmic turn as we explore the symphony of senses that is pairing wine with the perfect playlist. Kristie tunes us into the harmonious practice of matching her wines with melodies, a process that goes beyond the palate to an immersive sensory experience including her curated Spotify playlists. As we anticipate the upcoming wine release event, which promises to be a confluence of delectable bites, soulful tracks, and, of course, exceptional wines, we raise our glasses to the melody of winemaking – where every sip is a note and every bottle tells a story.www.goodbottleshop.com@thegoodbottlepodcast

Episode 200 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Richard Ross, Wine Road Podcast Sound Engineer Superstar The 200th episode of The Wine Road podcast features Beth and Marcy reminiscing on their podcasting journey, with the one and only Richard Ross, the man behind the Wine Road Podcast curtain! Join them on this reflective journey - with a glass of wine! Wines of the Day:  Russian River Vineyards 2022 Bacigalupi  Moshin Vineyards 2019 Estate Pinot Noir Ron Rubin Blue Bin Planet Friendly 100% Recycled Bottle, the 2022 Pinot Grigio   Links: Russian River Vineyards Papapietro Perry Moshin Vineyards Sonoma County Wine Growers Alexander Valley Vineyards The Wine List Wine Industry Network VinoTastr The Matheson Valette Gold Ridge Organic Farms Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/

Rodney Strong Vineyards was founded in 1959 when Rodney Strong chose Sonoma County in California as the ideal place to produce some of the best-known wines in the world. Three decades after its founding, Rodney Strong Vineyards' management shifted to the Klein family, and today, their leadership continues the tradition of developing premium wines while prioritizing sustainability efforts.    Vineyard location is critical, and land is carefully selected. At present, the brand owns 12 estate vineyards in Sonoma County, and Rodney Strong itself is right in the middle of the Russian River Valley. The marketing team at Rodney Strong Vineyards is involved in everything from advertising to strategy to social media, packaging, and brand creation. Marketing also works closely with sales and hospitality. Initiatives not only include luxury events drawing wine lovers to Sonoma but also promotions designed to highlight Rodney Strong's commitment to sustainability.  Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360, spoke with Erica Odden, VP of Marketing for Rodney Strong, about the brand's sustainability sweepstakes, meaningful customer engagement, and creating an environment for emotional loyalty to flourish. Read the full article on Loyalty360 here: https://loyalty360.org/content-gallery/in-depth-exclusives/rodney-strong-sustainability-efforts-engage-consumers-and-cultivate-emotional-loyalty

Episode 198 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Coco and Michele from Rock'n Vino Tune into Rockin' Vino Radio where hosts Michelle Marquez and Coco Sturzenbach take you on a journey through the intriguing intersection of music and wine. They engage with winemakers, musicians and chefs, discussing the fascinating impacts of music on wine perception and enjoyment. Available on KSRO and various podcast platforms, this show offers a unique auditory experience for all wine and music enthusiasts with lively discussions and thoughtful pairings. Fast Five: Andrea Card from Francis Ford Coppola Winery *Super Easy Caprese* -Log of Mozzarella (preferably fresh) -Fresh Basil - whole leaves -Tomatoes- sliced -Reduced Balsamic  -Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Salt & Pepper to taste)  Slice the mozzarella, put fresh basil and sliced tomatoes on top - top with balsamic and EVOO! Simple, fresh and delicious! Pairs nicely with Francis Ford Coppola - Sofia Blanc de Blancs Links:  https://www.ksro.com/podcast/rock-n-vino/ https://www.rocknvino.com/ https://www.francisfordcoppolawinery.com/ Sponsor: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. http://thresholdstudios.info/  

In 1973, Davis Bynum first released his small lot of single vineyard Pinot Noir from the famed Rochioli vineyard in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley. The first to produce single vineyard Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, Davis Bynum was instrumental in bringing the prestige to Russian River Valley vineyards, still acclaimed as one of California's finest Chardonnay and Pinot Noir growing regions. Since 2007, the winery remains in the capable hands of proprietor Tom Klein, along with winemaker Greg Morthole. Through bold innovation in the vineyard and the cellar, his deft guidance keeps the winery moving forward, while never losing touch with the past. Today, more than 40 years later, the heritage of Davis Bynum lives on through the hand-crafted creation of wine grown exclusively in Russian River Valley.

This month we celebrated Women's History, International Women's Day was March 8th, and this past Monday, the 25th, it was National Women in Wine Day in the U.S.  So, appropriately, my guest for this episode is an accomplished woman in wine, who also happens to be an international woman. Marimar Torres is a member of Familia Torres, a historic winemaking family in Spain's Catalonia region. She loves living in California, especially Sonoma County's Russian River Valley, where she presides over Marimar Estate Vineyards and Winery as President and CEO. Yet she continues to be a trailblazer and jetsetter. Join us in her home as I honor Marimar for National Women in Wine Day.  Marimar Estate Vineyards and Winery On The Wine Road Podcast is sponsored by Sonoma Clean Power  

Vinene i afsnittet er skænket af Juuls Vin og Spiritus. https://www.juuls.dk/   Find en smagekasse med vinene her https://www.juuls.dk/radioteket   Få desuden rabat på flaskerne ved enkeltflaskekøb. Dette tilbud løber i 21 dage fra udsendelsen bliver udgivet. Se links til vinene længere nede i episodebeskriveslen.   ......................   Vi skal i dagens afsnit smage vine lavet på historisk materiale og vi skal i dybden med druesorten zinfandel - hvad er dens historie og hvor kommer den fra?   En flok amerikanske pionerer har sat sig for at bevare de ældgamle marker, der findes med zinfandel. De er på et quest og for at bevare traditionerne omkring dyrkning af druen.   Hvad er druens særlige egenskaber og udtryk, når den kommer Sonoma County? Kan det sammenlignes med Italiensk primitivo eller…?   Hvordan er lagringspotentialet i vinene og hor længe kan de mon lægges på hylden?   Til slut svarer vi på et lytterspørgsmål om beregning af Growing Degree Days (GDD). Eksempel. Døgn laveste; 14 grader, Døgn højeste; 23 grader = 4+13/2 = 8,5GDD     Historic Vineyard Society https://historicvineyardsociety.org/     Vi smager på   1) Carlisle, Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley, 2019 (100 kr rabat ved enkeltflaskekøb)https://www.juuls.dk/roedvin/varekort/carlisle-zinfandel-dry-creek-valley-2     2) Carlisle, Zinfandel, Russian River Valley, Carlisle Vineyard, 2020 (120 kr rabat ved enkeltflaskekøb)https://www.juuls.dk/roedvin/varekort/carlisle-zinfandel-carlisle-vineyard-5     3) Carlisle, Zinfandel Saitone Vineyard, 2019 (120 kr rabat ved enkeltflaskekøb)https://www.juuls.dk/roedvin/varekort/carlisle-zinfandel-saitone-vineyard   ........................   Køb vores bog "Vin for begyndere og øvede" i en signeret udgave her: http://vinforbegyndere.com/   Støt Vin for begyndere podcast her https://vinforbegyndere.10er.app/   Besøg os på Facebook og Instagram, hvor man kan se billeder af vinene og få tips til vin og mad sammensætning.   https://www.facebook.com/vinforbegyndere   https://www.instagram.com/vinforbegyndere   Web: https://www.radioteket.dk/   Kontakt: radioteket@radioteket.dk   Musik: Jonas Landin   Lyt vores bog som lydbog her: Køb den her https://www.saxo.com/dk/vin-for-begyndere-og-oevede_lydbog_9788773397374  

“We had this huge family. We always came together. There was lots of love. There was lots of support. And really lots of great food. And I think it really instilled in us that fundamental love of entertaining and breaking bread together - of camaraderie, storytelling, conversation - all the things that happen around the table.” We're in great company with Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, the brother and sister duo who returned to their family's farmland to renovate and restore their piece of Sonoma wine country into a boutique luxury hotel, spa and dining offering with a strong sense of place.  Nestled in the Russian River Valley of California, among gently rolling hills and stunning majestic vistas, Joe and Catherine welcome guests from all over the world to an inspired escape, creating meaningful experiences in a setting most sublime.  In this episode, Joe and Catherine take us all on a trip down memory lane, strolling past Sonoma's recent agricultural revolution, stopping in the shops, farms and vineyards of lifelong friends, and inviting us to sip on some of the best wines the region has to offer.  Top Takeaways [1:45] Growing up in Sonoma Country, it looked a bit different than it does today - before finding its place on the world of wine map. As such, Joe and Catherine looked for every reason to leave their multi generational Italian family farmland and pave their own paths, until something changed their minds.  [6:10] What started with replanting the family vineyard in 1997, led to a change in mindset for a new generation in Sonoma wine country…farming was “cool again” and Joe and Catherine felt inspired to share this heritage with the world.  [17:45] A day in the life of a Farmhouse Inn guest is full of friendly faces, comfortable accommodations, farm raised products, local recommendations, and a glass of wine…or two.   [20:30] Every room is designed for intimacy - with yourself and with your loved ones - inviting you to do things you don't typically take the time to do - like soaking in a bathtub or sitting by the fireplace.  [24:10] It's not just “farm to table” at Farmhouse Inn, it's “farm to spa table” for guests looking to pair wellness with their wine - with treatments including seasonal and local ingredients in their remedies.   [27:15] What happens when two fifth-generation Sonoma farmers, a haute-cuisine experienced executive chef, a world-class maitre d' and a team of sommeliers conspire? [33:20] When Farmhouse Inn guests visit the Winery and Artisan Partners' vineyards and tasting rooms, galleries and shops, they're welcomed like family. Hear how these curated experiences are authentically intentional. [38:15] The future of Farmhouse Inn comes with cocktail bars, pairings, classes and tastings, and a nostalgic yet new stay experience in a “summer camp” setting.  [40:20] In all their spare time, Joe works with the tourism industry to share why Sonoma is “the best wine country in the world” and Catherine ensures there will be affordable housing and livable wages for locals to stay and steward this special sense of place.   Notable Mentions Small Vines Lambert Bridge Winery  Martinelli Winery Lynmar Estate Ryme Cellars  Isabella Rossellini  Blackberry Farm, Tennessee  Visit For Yourself Farmhouse Inn Website @farmhouse_inn Stay In Good Company Website

Jeff Mangahas Jeff Mangahas, winemaker, actually VP Director of Winemaking at Williams Selyem, joins Steve Jaxon in the studio for California Wine Country. Dan Berger is away today. His last time on this show was this episode of October 6, 2021. Williams Selyem is one of the most illustrious wineries in Sonoma County. This year will be their 44th vintage, specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The partners, Burt Williams and Ed Selyem started the winery in a garage in the town of Fulton.* They made a Pinot Noir in 1985 from grapes grown on the Rocchioli vineyard, and that won awards and recognition. It also started to put Russian River Valley on the map for Pinot Noir. They still source from Rocchioli, but they make 25 different Pinot Noirs, all different. Joe Castro is also in the studio, staying over from the previous segment, where he brought some victuals from his restaurant, The Bird. They taste the 2022 Heintz Vineyard Chardonnay. The vineyard is located at the top of the hill, above the town of Occidental, in western Sonoma County. It is a young wine and is pretty good now, but will do very well with 5 to 7 years of aging. Jeff started his professional career as a scientist with a degree in Molecular Biology, then worked in medical research. Wine started as a hobby and became a second career. He got a Master's degree at UC Davis then got some jobs with some great producers in Sonoma County including Dan Goldberg, from 2001 to 2005. In 2006 he became the winemaker at Hartford family winery and that led to the next step at Williams Selyem in 2011. He started working there with Bob Cabral, and he later took the reins himself. This year will be his 24th vintage in the Russian River Valley. “I live a dream… making these historic wines from this historic brand. (...) It's an honor to make these wines.” * Fulton, the gateway to Windsor.

Join Master Sommelier and Wine Director of Hartford Family Winery, Nick Hetzel as he interviews the Hartford Family about their 30 years in the Russian River Valley.

Carlisle "Carlisle Vineyard" Russian River Valley Zinfandel In this bonus episode, Rob and Scott look to see if there is a Zinfandel out there superior to Turley.  In that quest they review the Carlisle Vineyard Russian River Valley Zinfandel from Carlisle Winery.  Will the Carlisle prove to be superior, or is Scott so devoid of integrity that he will never admit the truth?  We shall see...on The Wine Vault.

Yes it's that time of year!I love it! Today we have a great new feature with Don Wallace and plenty of single vineyard Zinfandels really and opened.First let's look at their website,and the tasting notes on our featured Zinfandels from Dry Creek Vineyard. 2020 Wallace Ranch Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Winemaker Notes: Our Wallace Ranch Zinfandel is a shining example of the preservation of iconic old vine Zinfandel. This incredible vineyard is on the home property of Proprietors Kim and Don Wallace, and it was the first to be planted using the Heritage Clone in 1994. To develop this clone, we grafted budwood from a pre-Prohibition vineyard onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock in our estate Wallace Ranch vineyard, forever preserving the heritage of the old vines and crafting a "young vine" wine with "old vine" characteristics. Initially, the aromas express fruit-forward tones of black cherry, blackberry and raspberry. In the background, subtle notes of coriander, white pepper and cumin emerge after several minutes of airing. On the palate, flavors of cranberry and boysenberry pie mix with soft undertones of cardamom, nutmeg and mocha. The wine is supple with tremendous complexity and symmetry between fruit, alcohol, tannin and acid. yes I did say three.....our second wine today is 2020 Vogensen Ranch Zinfandel Dry Creek Valley Winemaker Notes: Rising more than 800 feet off the valley floor, Vogensen Ranch is located on the back of Bradford Mountain and is one of the more extreme growing sites in all of Dry Creek Valley. We have isolated a steeply sloped, well-draining area of the vineyard called “Barn Block” to create this bottling for our single vineyard series. The undulating nature of the terrain and east-facing sun exposure provide grapes that are beautifully ripened and lead to a wine that is silky, textured and well-balanced. Aromas of blueberry, blackberry and black cherry jump from the glass and intermix with spicy nuances of nutmeg, cinnamon and white pepper. Juicy, rich dark flavors of brambleberries and plum come forward, combined with deeper notes of black pepper and marzipan. The silky, seamless tannins flesh out the vibrant finish of black and white pepper, all framed by refreshing acidity and superb roundness. Tasting these wines reminds me ...I like to eat!!... Our third wine today is 2020 Farmhouse Vineyard Zinfandel Russian River Valley Winemaker Notes: This delicious bottling is the sixth vintage of Zinfandel produced from our Farmhouse Vineyard in the Russian River Valley. The vines in our Farmhouse Vineyard were among the first to be planted using the Heritage budwood concept to preserve the heritage of iconic old vine Zinfandel vineyards! Cuttings from a pre-Prohibition era vineyard were grafted onto phylloxera-resistant rootstock to create a “young vine” wine with “old vine” Zinfandel characteristics. Initially, the aromas show fruit-forward tones of black and red cherries, cranberry and blackberry. Subtle notes of mocha, rose and earthy nuances come forward after several minutes of airing. On the palate, flavors of plum and strawberry mix with soft undertones of coriander, toffee, toasty cedar and roasted almonds. The wine is supple with tremendous complexity and silky tannins. The finish is pure with a slight spiciness and refined elegance. The stage is set! Please click on the link,at the bottom of this feature.please enjoy this great new audio feature with Don Wallace.all music is my original music...performed by...Yours truly.Enjoy.Cheers! Click here and join us as we enjoy great food and wine .

I recently traveled into the Dry Creek Valley and sat down with Don Wallace,at Dry Creek Vineyard. We did new features on some of the amazing red wines. Today we have three wines .We will start with the Pinot Noir. Winemaker Notes: The Russian River Valley is perhaps the finest region for growing world-class Pinot Noir in all of California. The coastal climate is ideal with daily heating and cooling cycles that create the perfect conditions to cultivate this delicate grape. We produce just a small amount of Pinot Noir, hand selecting the most optimal fruit from our vineyard. Aged in small French oak barrels, this beautiful wine displays pure varietal characteristics and earthy nuances, true to the terroir of the Russian River Valley appellation. This 2021 vintage displays wonderful aromatics of black cherry, blueberry and rhubarb. Several more minutes of airing reveal notes of black tea, rose and cocoa. On the palate, flavors of raspberry and cranberry integrate with hints of baking spices, orange peel and toasty cedar. The tannins are fine with a delicate mouthfeel and beautiful complexity. This delicious Pinot Noir is flavorful and balanced with naturally high acidity and a long lingering finish. We also opened the beautiful Merlot. Winemaker Notes: We have crafted this classic Bordeaux varietal since 1974. Our first vintage of Merlot was released in 1974, and we have produced this classic Bordeaux varietal ever since. In fact, the Dry Creek Vineyard 1991 Reserve Merlot won the prestigious “Grand Prix d'Honneur” at the 1995 Challenge International Du Vin in Bordeaux, France — much to the surprise of the French! This delicious varietal adds bright aromatics and a velvety mouthfeel as a blending component for our Bordeaux program, but it is outstanding as the dominant varietal as well. In our 2019 vintage, aromas of black cherry, plum and black currant immediately fill the senses. A few more moments reveal notes of nutmeg, cocoa and black and white pepper. The palate is full of wonderful complexity, combining flavors of blackberry and boysenberry. This wine features deep undertones of coriander, bay leaf and mocha with a bright finish and silky tannins. This beautiful wine has excellent structure and balance with a lush, round quality that lingers. these are the tasting notes from their great website. today we will feature a third wine. 2020 Cabernet Sauvignon "Iron Slopes" Dry Creek Valley Winemaker Notes: This high-elevation Cabernet Sauvignon was inspired by our decades of working with Bordeaux varietals planted in the different districts and vineyards within Dry Creek Valley. This exquisite Cabernet Sauvignon showcases some of the more extreme growing sites that lie on the western hillsides of Dry Creek Valley. The undulating nature of the terrain provides grapes that are beautifully ripened and lead to a wine that is silky, textured and complex. Juicy aromas of plum and blueberry come forward initially. Additional airing reveals notes of cedar, cinnamon, thyme and coriander. The palate is bold and luxurious with luscious yet earthy flavors of black cherry, fine leather, mocha and white truffle. The finish lingers with notes of white pepper, caramel and oregano. Chewy tannins frame this full-bodied and rich expression of Cabernet Sauvignon. We have two new audio features.Please click on the link at the bottom of this feature,and join Don Wallace and i as we discuss these incredible wines. In the up coming weeks we will have many new audio features with this world class winery and Don Wallace. 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 .

Hear about travel to the wine region Sonoma County in California as the Amateur Traveler talks to Brooke Herron about this popular tourism region where she grew up. https://amateurtraveler.com/travel-to-sonoma-county/ Why should someone travel to Sonoma County? Brooke says, "A myriad of reasons, in my opinion beyond wine. It is an absolutely stunning region from an outdoors perspective. You've got the coast, you've got hiking trails, mountains, hills and then you've got also lots of farms, distilleries, breweries, cideries. And what I loved the most about living there for 20 years and now coming back home to it on a regular basis is really first, the outdoors and the beauty, right? The access to the ocean and trees. And then next, of course, the fact that you can get amazing food, and craft drinks everywhere." Brooke lays out a 5-day itinerary: Day One: The Sonoma Coast The first day begins on the breathtaking Sonoma Coast. Drive along Highway 1, skip the touristy Bodega Bay, and head to Shell Beach near Jenner. Here, you can choose between a leisurely stroll on the Kortum Trail or a more challenging hike on the Pomo Canyon Red Hill Loop. Chris recommends history buffs take the drive up to Fort Ross which was the Russian presence on the California Coast. After the hike, consider a stop in Jenner for a smoked salmon bagel or clam chowder with a view over the bay. For dinner, Santa Rosa offers the Bird and the Bottle, a favorite, or a more casual option at Russian River Brewery. Day Two: Sebastopol and Russian River On the second day, Brooke will explore the charming town of Sebastopol and the Russian River area. The Barlow, an open-air marketplace, is a must-visit. Enjoy craft cider, spirits, and unique food options. Highlights include Golden State Cider, Blue Ridge Kitchen, SpiritWorks Distillery, and the recently added Rewind Arcade for a playful touch. If you're not into alcohol, explore Goldridge Organic Farms for olive oil tastings and Bohemian Creamery for a delightful cheese experience. For wine enthusiasts, Horse and Plow, Dutton Estate Winery, and the unique Radio Coteau are recommended stops. Day Three: Relaxing in Petaluma On the third day, Brooke recommends a leisurely drive to Petaluma. Explore the historic downtown, and if in the mood for seafood, the Shuckery is a great choice. For a more casual experience, Brewster's Beer Garden offers a relaxed atmosphere with great outdoor seating. Accommodations in Santa Rosa can be found at Hotel E, a boutique luxury option in the heart of downtown. In Petaluma, Brooke suggests considering the charming Metro Hotel for a unique and affordable stay. Day Four: Explore Hillsburg and Windsor Brooke's top winery picks in Hillsburg include Idlewild Wines for unique Italian varieties like Arnés, Fresa, Dulcetto, Grignolino, Barbera, and Cortese blends, with educational Sunday events. Orsi Vineyards, a hidden gem in Dry Creek Valley, offers distinctive varieties like Sagrantino and Biancolella. Unty Vineyards, known for sustainable practices, provides a casual Rhone and Italian variety tasting experience. Gary Farrell in Sonoma County is recommended for exceptional Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays, especially from the Russian River Valley. Aperture Cellars, known for Bordeaux blends, stands out, with a focus on texture. In Windsor, Artisan Alley hosts Two Shepherds Wine and Tilted Shed Cider. Two Shepherds offers organic and natural wines, including orange and skin-contact varieties. Grand Cru Custom Crush offers a diverse micro-winery tasting experience. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy Shiloh Regional Park's hikes and mountaintop views, while Riverfront Regional Park offers a scenic water setting. Brooke suggests exploring farmers' markets in Windsor and Healdsburg for fresh produce and vibrant atmospheres. Dining recommendations in Healdsburg include Bravas Tapas Bar, Willie's Seafood and Raw Bar, Valette Restaurant, and The Matheson. Lo and Behold is recommended for cocktails, and Black Oak Coffee and Flying Goat for coffee. In Windsor, Artisan Alley's Two Shepherds Wine and Tilted Shed Cider are must-visits, along with Pizzalea for gluten-free pizza. To unwind, Shiloh Regional Park and Riverfront Regional Park offer beautiful natural settings. For spirits, Young and Yonder Spirits and Alley Six Spirits in Healdsburg are noteworthy. Day Five: Explore the Sonoma Valley On day five, explore the renowned Sonoma Valley. Hike at North Sonoma Mountain Regional Park or Bartholomew Park. Kibblestadt Cellars, known for balanced wines, is a top choice. Prohibition Spirits in Sonoma offers unique tastings like Pink Gin. Bedrock Wines, near the plaza, features interesting varieties. Eldorado Kitchen is recommended for high-end dining. Café La Haye, Valley Bar and Bottle, and Sunflower Cafe offer diverse breakfast and casual options. Enoteca Della Santina is suggested for a relaxed glass of wine, while Winery 16 600 in Glen Ellen offers unique wines. Sonoma's fine dining includes Eldorado Kitchen and Café La Haye. Hot Monk Tavern and The Grapevine are casual favorites. Eldorado Cantina, attached to Eldorado Kitchen, offers delightful Mexican food at a more affordable price. Wrap up the day with tastings at Kibblestadt Cellars and Bedrock Wines. Brooke highlights Sonoma County's diversity, including hikes, beaches, cider, beer, and spirits. For planning, check Sonoma County Tourism's website for itineraries and information. Whether you are here for the wine, cider, and spirits or the coastal hikes and ziplining through the redwoods, Sonoma Valley offers adventures that bring you back again and again.

Want to know the inside tracks, the backroads and the best bests of the Russian River Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Alexander Valley in northern Sonoma County? We got you! Our guests today co-host the popular, fun and informative award-winning podcast, The Wine Road. As they say, it's all about the wine and the where of Sonoma County. Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa are podcast pros! They've done 180+ episodes, extolling the delights of northern Sonoma County, from the redwood forests, the diverse growing regions, picturesque valleys and charming downtowns. Tune in and you'll learn about engaging wine personalities, incredible experiences and a diverse culinary culture. Recently Marcy and Beth hosted us, the Marys, on an episode of The Wine Road. ICYMI listen here. It's great to support other podcasters in the wine space and we sure had lots of laughs doing it. Join us for everything you wanted to know - and didn't know you needed to know - about northern Sonoma County along The Wine Road.

Episode 187  Renae Perry from Papapietro Perry Sponsored by: Russian River Family Vineyards We were joined in the studio today by Renae Perry from Papapietro Perry Winery in Dry Creek - and her lovely wine! Come along as we chat about awesome restaurants, different events held both in person and virtually by Papapietro Perry, and hear about their amazing Wine Club Member cruise! Pickleball skills may be required to join.  Wine of the Day: 2020 Pinot from Russian River Valley  - 100 point winner from Sunset Magazine! Congratulations! Fast Five: Rebecca Germolus Rebecca's Top Appetizer! -Deli turkey -Deli ham -cream cheese (sub chèvre) -Pesto (sub zook) Spread the cheese on the meats, roll them up, and your guests will think you have a chef on hand! Links:  Papapietro Perry Wine & Food Affair Russian River Family Vineyards Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. Threshold Studios

WINES: Chenoweth 2019 Bootlegger's Hill Chardonnay, The Green Valley Pinot Noir, and Treehouse Pinot Noir.Imagine being able to identify the differences in microclimates and soils from vineyard to vineyard. Join us as we journey through the captivating vineyards of Green Valley of the Russian River Valley with Amy Chenoweth, owner and winemaker of Chenoweth Wines. Amy, an expert in the field of winemaking, guides us through the distinct landscapes of her vineyards, including the Home Ranch, Treehouse Vineyard, and Bootlegger's Hill. She gives us a fascinating insight into her journey from grape growing to winemaking and reveals the secret behind the unique flavors of their flagship Green Valley Pinot Noir.Within the enchanting vineyards, we uncover Amy's sustainable and organic growing practices, which intrigue us with her preferred pruning styles and pest management strategies. Amy is a firm believer in helping consumers identify quality wines and takes us through the limited boutique wines they produce. We explore the world of flavors as we taste the 2019 Bootleggers Hill Chardonnay, the Green Valley Pinot Noir, and the Treehouse Pinot Noir. Each sip transports us to the vineyards, helping us appreciate the meticulous care that goes into each bottle of Chenoweth wine.Finally, we engage in a stimulating discussion on the flavor profiles of Chenoweth's wines. From the girl-next-door personality of the 2019 Bootleggers Hill Chardonnay to the Sherlock Holmes-like complexity of the Treehouse Pino, Amy's descriptions bring the wines to life. So, join us on this winemaking journey as we uncover the passion and expertise that make Chenoweth wines truly stand out.Stay in the know and join our WTF Cru.About UsBuy us a Mimosa!We have been listed in the Top 50 wine podcasts! https://blog.feedspot.com/wine_podcasts/Music from https://filmmusic.io "Night In Venice" by Kevin MacLeod (https://incompetech.com) License: CC BY (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) Thank you for making us part of your wine story. If you enjoyed this episode, please write a review and share with your wine loving friends and family. To connect with us or to inquire about being a guest on Wines To Find, visit our social media pages Instagram https://www.instagram.com/winestofindpodcast/Facebook https://www.facebook.com/winestofindpodcasts/Til the next glass ~ Cheers!And, remember, join us next time on Wines To Find!Sandy & Michelle

We're headed outside–well, almost–as Jim welcomes the Chief Marketing Officer of Autocamp, the 10-year-old red-hot hospitality company. AutoCamp is sometimes called the Airstream Hotel, as it offers overnight lodging and accommodations in modern Airstream suites and luxurious tents at locations such as Cape Cod, Yosemite National Park, the Russian River Valley, and Joshua Tree National Park. Julie has worked as CMO at Autocamp for about 18 months. This is Julie's third CMO role, after stints at Graduate Hotels and the Ace Hotel group. Like Jim, Julie is a Penn Stater, where she studied French Language & Literature before earning a Masters in Art History at Christie's. She joins Jim to talk about building unique brands within the hospitality industry and how she found her way to Autocamp. She also shares some of the incredible lessons she's learned from listening to her customers.So, lace up your hiking boots and join Jim as he welcomes a CMO who loves to run–and of course, “glamp” at just about any Autocamp.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode 181  Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery  Episode 181 | Keith Hammond - Winemaker at Emeritus Vineyards Today we had Keith from Emeritus Vineyards tell us all about his introduction into the world of wine and how he came to be the Winemaker there. We also learn of Marcy's love of their property, it's her secret sanctuary!  Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery Wine of the Day - Emeritus Vineyards 2021 Hallberg Blanc  00:53 - We learn about the Hallberg Blanc - a white wine made from Pinot Noir!  2:12 - Marcy LOVES this wine! 3:02 - We learn how this wine is made, because Marcy needs to know! 6:48 - Keith has an interesting story on how he started in Wine :)  11:50 - Emeritus lineup of wines - All Estate Grown Pinot Noir! 14:40 - Reservations are encouraged at Emeritus but not absolutely required  16:07 - Different experiences are available at the vineyard - which is why they prefer reservations so they can make it special for you! :)  19:50 - Fast Five with Liana from Wine Road 21:42 - Beth recalls a potential disaster-turned-success thanks to Emeritus! 24:08 - We plan a nice day in Sonoma County - of course, starting at Emeritus. 26:51 - Wine Road Ambassador - Become one (for FREE) today!! 28:26 - Marcy needed to revisit the Wine of the Day :) 29:11 - To reach Emeritus - call or check them out online! Tasting room is open 7 days a week!    Fast Five: Liana G. - Wine Road Liana's Mom's Peanut Butter Nuggets 1. 2 cups peanut butter 2. 1/4 cup honey 3. 1 cup quick oats or steel cut oats 4. Shredded coconut 5. * Love *  Mix the peanut butter, honey and oats together in a bowl, separate into small, 1-inch sized balls, roll in shredded coconut - these are better if they're eaten after being refrigerated for a few hours! :)  Links: Emeritus Vineyards (707) 823-9463 Sponsored by: Ron Rubin Winery Credits: The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. Threshold Studios

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

Map: Sonoma County AVAs. Sonoma County Winegrowers  Over the last 12 years we've done so much on Sonoma but I realized that we've never done a podcast outlining the areas of Sonoma to give form to this wine paradise that has 18 American Viticultural Areas (AVAs) and covers more than a million acres of land (405,000 ha) of which more than 60,000 acres are planted to grapes.   Sonoma is still full of small, family-owned vineyards. It's estimated that at least 85% of Sonoma County's vineyards are family owned and operated and 80% of vineyards are less than 100 acres (40% are less than 20 acres). The Sonoma landscape incorporates coastal ranges, valleys, mountains, flats, benchlands, and innumerable soils and microclimates, including a multitude of producers with different styles and ideas of what to grow.     In this show, we try to compartmentalize the areas of Sonoma, to help you figure out the big areas and their specialties.   Here are the show notes: We start with generalities… Climate: There are sunny days and almost no rain from May through September with most areas cooler near the coast and warmer inland. The Pacific Ocean/Petaluma Gap and San Pablo Bay serve as cooling influences for the western and southern regions of Sonoma County Land: Elevations and slopes slow ripening, provide poor soils with excellent drainage, and create complex wines. Wines from valley floors are simpler. Matching grape to site is important given soil, elevation, and climate diversity. Grapes: Everyone grows everything! You'll find dozens of varieties growing in Sonoma. Moon Mountain AVA, Sonoma. Credit: Sonoma County Winegrowers  Most of the show is spent detailing the valleys. Here is the quick and dirty on each area:   Sonoma Valley Sonoma Valley AVA: Centers on the Sonoma Valley in the southeastern part of the county. It gets cool air from the San Pablo Bay in the south, and protection from the cool influence of the Pacific in the west from Sonoma Mountain. There are dozens of different soils from very fertile on the valley floor, to well-drained and poor on the hills and mountains   Sonoma Valley has 4 AVAs within it: Moon Mountain, Sonoma Mountain, Bennett Valley, Carneros Moon Mountain District AVA is on the steep western slope of the Mayacamas Mountains. It has the famed Monte Rosso vineyard and specializes in Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon. Sonoma Mountain AVA is at high altitude, with steep vineyards on eastern exposures. The vineyards rise above the fog line, allowing grapes to ripen more fully in the sunlight. Basalt soils make good Cabernet Sauvignon. Other grapes are: Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel   Bennett Valley AVA is Sonoma Valley's smallest AVA. It's a series of small vineyards in the slopes, hills, and ridges between Taylor Mountain, Sonoma Mountain, and Bennett Peak. In the moderately cool climate, with a long hang time, Rhône varieties do well as does Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and grapes like Marsanne, Roussanne, Viognier with acidity. Pinot Noir acreage is increasing.   Los Carneros AVA straddles Napa and Sonoma counties. It hugs the San Pablo Bay, and is one of the coolest AVAs in the area, with moderately cool and windy days and early morning fog. The soil is compressed clay and very consistent, this and the weather limits vigor. Chardonnay is 50%, Pinot 43%. Merlot makes excellent wine on the clay soils. Bennett Valley AVA, Sonoma. Credit: Sonoma County Winegrowers  Town to stay in if visiting the area: Sonoma   ** Sonoma Valley is a discrete part of the larger Sonoma County. When producers use a general AVA for grapes from a combined region, it's Sonoma County. _____________________________________________  COASTAL APPELLATIONS (mainly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir areas)   Sonoma Coast AVA: Goes from the San Pablo Bay to the border of Mendocino County in the north. This appellation is too large to have meaning – it can be cold and rugged near the coast or warm and sheltered inland, producing very different styles of wine. The expectation is that the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that have the “Sonoma Coast” label are actually from coastal vineyards, but that's not true. We tell the story of how this AVA got to be so muddled and then talk about the 3 AVAs that were set up to rectify the issue:   Petaluma Gap AVA: 25 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the AVA runs from the Pacific Coast at Bodega Bay, southeast to San Pablo Bay, and has a mild Mediterranean climate. The defining feature is the wind gap in the coastal range, which funnels in cool coastal marine air bringing fog and cool afternoon breezes. The cool climate lower yields and help Pinot Noir (75% of plantings), Chardonnay and Syrah the grapes retain acidity. The West Sonoma Coast AVA (got it in 2022): Stretches from the Mendocino County border to the northern coastal border of the Petaluma Gap AVA. The area includes ONLY areas where coastal influence reaches – it is remote with cooler marine temperatures and much fog at elevation. Pinot Noir and Chardonnay are the main grapes. Fort Ross-Seaview AVA: Located on the outskirts of the Pacific Ocean, with major coastal influence, and high elevation, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay have excellent acidity.   Towns to stay in: Petaluma, Jenner, Bodega Bay West Sonoma Coast AVA,  Sonoma. Credit: Sonoma County Winegrowers    _____________________________________  RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY AVA (Pinot Noir, but Rhône and Italian varietals are great too in certain regions)   Russian River Valley AVA is known for Pinot Noir. The constant cooling fog from the Pacific Ocean, coming from the Petaluma Wind Gap creates big diurnal swings, so grapes have a long growing season to develop flavor in the western part of the AVA.   The reality is that the Russian River Valley encompasses warm and cool areas. There are 5 Neighborhoods within Russian River Valley, which are used to discuss the cooler places that are more suited to Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (Laguna Ridge, Sebastapol Hills, parts of the Middle Reach) and those that are suited to warmer climate grapes like Rhône varieties, Zinfandel, and Italian varieties (parts of the Middle Reach, Santa Rosa Plains, Eastern Hills)   Green Valley of Russian River Valley SUB AVA of Russian River is in the southwestern part of the Russian River Valley, surrounded by Sebastopol, Forestville and Occidental. It is very cool, foggy, with heavy coastal influences and produces acidic, less extracted Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wines on its Goldridge (yellow, sandy) soil     Chalk Hill AVA is in the northeast part of Russian River Valley and has less marine influence and fog. It has rocky, chalk soils so they do grow Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, but they also grow Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.   Town to stay in: Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, or Windsor    _______________________________________ DRY CREEK VALLEY AVA (Zinfandel central)   Dry Creek is the easiest valley to visit (2 roads, 5 stop signs!) and probably the easiest to understand. It is known for exceptional Zinfandel. It's in northern Sonoma County, 20 miles/32 km east of the Pacific Ocean. The Coastal Range blocks a lot of the cooler air from flooding the Dry Creek, giving it hotter days and slimmer diurnal swings at night. The vineyards lie on hillsides, benchlands, and the valley floor at different elevations and on different soils – from loam to clay to gravel. Zinfandel is 30% of plantings and is more elegant, and “old school” (especially from producers like Nalle or Peterson – friends of the pod!). The flavors are less like black fruit and more like raspberry, pomegranate with acidity and moderate alcohol. Other varieties grown are: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay very good Italian and Rhone Varieties, Bordeaux varieties grown too     Rockpile (Dry-Creek Adjacent, great Zin!): On the northern part of Dry Creek Valley, at high elevations beyond the fog, the AVA is great for rich, dense reds – Zin especially is famed (Bruliam does a great job and a friend of the show!)   Town to stay in: Healdsburg or Windsor   Dry Creek AVA, Sonoma. Credit: Sonoma County Winegrowers    _______________________________________   ALEXANDER VALLEY (known for Cabernet Sauvignon) Alexander Valley AVA: In northeastern Sonoma County, north of Healdsburg, the Russian River flows through h the Alexander Valley. It gets some cool marine air from the Pacific Ocean, and wind can cool mornings and evenings. Daytime heat spikes will ripen the grapes, but the cool wind will preserve the acidity in the classic Cabernet Sauvignon, which is so coveted, that many Napa wineries grow Cab here for top cuvees.     Pine Mountain – Cloverdale Peak (Alexander Valley adjacent) AVA: This small area overlaps the northernmost portions of the Alexander Valley AVA. It is steep with high elevations and grows a number of grapes, including Cabernet Sauvignon.   Alexander Valley AVA, Sonoma. Credit: Sonoma County Winegrowers    _______________________________________ Less visit-able places (yes, I know that's not a word)…   Knights Valley AVA is right next to Mount St. Helena, and has well-drained soils, but very warm temperatures with no Pacific or San Pablo Bay influence. Elevation is the only cooling factor in this area that has volcanic and alluvial gravel and focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon (2/3 of plantings) and other Bordeaux varietals. Kendall Jackson owns most of Knights Valley.     Northern Sonoma AVA: Too huge for any meaning – most producers use Sonoma County AVA. It includes Chalk Hill, Knights Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, and most of Green Valley.     Fountaingrove AVA (2015) – mostly growers, few wineries. Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varietals, some Rhône varietals – Syrah, Viognier, Petite Sirah plus smatterings of everything. It's too hot for Pinot and Chard except in a few key north-facing sites   So much to explore! Sonoma is a place you can need get enough of, but hopefully this episode gives some form to exactly what you want to do when you finally make it out there!    Some of my favorite people mentioned: @sonomawineguy on Twitter and other Social Media, Nalle Winery, Crux Winery, Bruliam Winery, Keller Estate, Inman Family, Kieran Robinson Wines, Truchard Winery, (and I forgot to mention...Longboard Vineyards in Russian River!).   _______________________________________________________________ Thanks to our sponsors:   I could not be happier to announce my partnership with Wine Access, once again. Wines Access is my go-to source for the best selection of interesting wines you can't find locally. Every box you get from Wine Access is meticulous -- tasting notes with food and wine pairing, serving temperature suggestions, and perfectly stored wine. It's no wonder that Wine Access was rated the best wine club by New York Times Wirecutter and is the official partner and wine provider of The MICHELIN Guide. Check out my favorite wines on the page at www.wineaccess.com/normal, sign up for their daily emails, and join one of their wine clubs...AND get 10% your first order!   If you think our podcast is worth the price of a bottle or two of wine a year, please consider virtually buying us some bottles by becoming a member of Patreon... you'll get even more great content, live interactions and classes!  www.patreon.com/winefornormalpeople   To register for an AWESOME, LIVE WFNP class with Elizabeth go to: www.winefornormalpeople.com/classes   Sources for this show: https://sonomawinegrape.org/scw/sonoma-county-territory/ www.sonomavalleywine.com https://petalumagap.com/ russianrivervalley.org www.wdcv.com www.greenvalley-russianriver.com www.bvgg.org www.carneros.com www.alexandervalley.org