Share Curiosity, Connection, and a Glass (or two) of Wine with Ron Higgs

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October 01, 2025

Curiosity, Connection, and a Glass (or two) of Wine with Ron Higgs

37 minutes

New to wine or just tired of feeling intimidated by tasting rooms? This one’s for you.

I’m joined by Ron Higgs, Navy veteran, systems engineer, craft-beer lover turned wine volunteer, who went from “I can’t drink wine without making a face” to seven years pouring in a boutique Woodinville winery.

We trace his journey from Monterey (where both of our palates woke up) to Santa Rosa/Healdsburg weekends and Washington wine country, and we share exactly how to start exploring wine without the fuss.

In this episode:

How a non-wine drinker became a tasting-room regular—and then a volunteer

Monterey memories: the first “aha” sip and why starting light works

Sonoma & Santa Rosa highlights: seeking small, boutique producers over big names

Woodinville 101: what makes Washington’s tasting rooms special

“Co-opetition” in wine: how small wineries share gear, knowledge, and customers

A practical script for walking into your first tasting room with confidence

Why travel changes your palate—and how to use that to find wines you love

Connect with me:

Questions, ideas, or a favorite pairing to share? Email me at [email protected] or find all my links at thewineguy.vin. If you enjoyed this conversation, please follow Pour and Explore, rate the show, and share it with a friend who loves to cook and travel.

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