"The Good Stuff"

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Vicky Farrow, proprietor of Amista Vineyards, and Ashley Herzberg, Winemaker at Amista Vineyards. Vicky and her husband Mike followed their dream of owning a vineyard and making wine in Sonoma County. While their vineyards are of course the main ingredient to making their wide selection of wines, friendship is also a key component - it's even in their name! The name "Amista" is roughly translated as "making friends" in Spanish, plus it puts them at the top of lists alphabetically! Winemaker Ashley Herzberg has helped Amista broaden their offerings into the world of sparkling wine. (Bring out the Bubble Bell!) Bubbles are so popular at Amista, that Vicky has launched Sparkling Discoveries to explore the world of sparkling wine even further. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Karen Bianchi-Moreda, owner of Valley Ford Cheese and Creamery. Karen talks about her family history and legacy of cattle and dairy ranching in Sonoma County, stretching back nearly 100 years. She works with her son Joe to collaborate on their business, each finding their strengths in different aspects of the company. You can visit their café/cheese shop in the charming town of Valley Ford to get delicious meals, cheeses, and yummy Jersey Milk Soft Serve (YES PLEASE) as well as see the cheeses aging in the back of the facility. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine and cheese picks.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Debra Mathy, Proprietor of Dutcher Crossing Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Debra shares her journey to becoming the proprietor of Dutcher Crossing, buying it in 2007. Many visits to wine country with her father helped her understand more about the industry and make valuable networking connections. She loves cycling, and that is why there is a vintage penny farthing bicycle in her logo. (She also has a bike with a sidecar for her dog!) Under Debra's ownership, the portfolio for Dutcher Crossing has expanded from 6 or so wines to over 30 wines. Debra trusts her winemaker Nick Briggs to create delicious, interesting wines for the brand. Be sure to say hi to Lady the Wine Dog when you visit Dutcher Crossing! And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Winemaker Melissa Stackhouse and GM Ed Thralls of Dutton-Goldfield Winery. Under the direction of owner/winemaker Dan Goldfield, Melissa is extensively involved in all aspects of Dutton-Goldfield's winemaking, as well as overseeing the management of their custom crush clients. She shares her journey to becoming a winemaker, which includes some fascinating detours, like driving a tour bus in Alaska! She has worked at some of the most esteemed wineries in California, including La Crema, J Vineyards & Winery, and SIMI. Ed Thralls is a seasoned executive with close to 30 years of leadership experience in wine and fintech software industries. He studied winemaking at UC Davis and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Mark Mazzoni, Founder/Co-Owner, Winemaker, and Vineyard Manager of Zialena Winery. Mark's family has deep roots in Sonoma County: Giuseppe Mazzoni planted vineyards here in 1905. A traveling salesman asked to put up a billboard on the side of the family's barn, and you can still see the ad for "Dr. Pierce" on the side of the building. Mark learned about farming and taking care of grapes by working with his grandfather, and in 2012 he worked with his sister Lisa to co-found the current winery. Mark believes in hospitality and transparency - inviting visitors to drop by any time to experience Zialena, a winery with no gate to keep people out. Mark also likes to use concrete fermentation tanks, which give the finished wines a closer connection to the place they are made. Those visiting the winery can experience the beauty of the surroundings and experience the terroir in the glass. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Jennifer Beretta, 4th generation dairy farmer. Jennifer is passionate about agriculture and maintaining the industry for generations to come. She is a board member of the California Cattle Council, and current member of the American Farm Bureau Leadership Class (PALS - Partners in Advocacy Leadership.) Her experience during the PALS program has given her insight into the common threads in all ag industries, and an understanding of the importance of advocating for the family farmer as farming operations get bigger across the country. You can learn more about agriculture in Sonoma County by attending the Sonoma County Farm Fest on Sunday, July 21st at Olympia's Valley Estate in Petaluma. Click here to learn more and RSVP for the event. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks.

On this special episode of "The Good Stuff" with host Virginie Boone and co-host Karissa Kruse, we are excited to re-run our very first episode! Virginie and Karissa delve into why it's important to always drink "The Good Stuff" in life and discuss Sonoma County Winegrowers' recent partnership with the San Francisco Giants at their Cloud Club suite. Guests John and Diane Bucher share their Cloud Club experience, and Master Sommelier for the Giants, Evan Goldstein, offers his perspective on wine and baseball, along with a few ballpark food pairings. Don't miss this nostalgic and informative episode!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Stephanie Wycoff, General Manager of Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery. Stephanie shares her story and prior experience in sales, marketing, and operations that paved the way to her current position, including working direct to consumer and experience in management at Seghesio Family Vineyards. She earned her Business MBA through SSU's Wine Business Institute. Stephanie says that the Russian River Valley is so important to the Gary Farrell story. They also dive deeper into the AVA with the concept of Neighborhoods. Stephanie knows that the best tasting rooms connect wine to you and your social life, so they are always trying to enhance the customer experience with fun and innovative ideas. The next time you visit, try a flight, glass or bottle at The Overlook, another way to experience Gary Farrell wines. And don't miss winery cat Benny! And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Dan Rotlisberger, Vineyard Estate Manager for Robert Young Estate Winery. Dan is a fifth generation Alexander Valley farmer and board member for Sonoma County Winegrowers. Dan is also the great grandnephew of Robert Young's late wife Gertrude. He learned how to be a farmer from his grandfather, who Dan says was one of the hardest workers he ever knew. Prior to his role at Robert Young, Dan worked as a Senior Viticulturist at Redwood Empire Vineyard Management - a job he liked to call Vineyard University, because he dealt with all kinds of varietals and learned all aspects of vineyard management. At Robert Young he has helped to replant older blocks, and has made a commitment to sustainability, especially knowing that the decisions he makes will impact generations. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Ben and Yolanda Papapietro of Papapietro Perry Winery. Ben and Yolanda talk about their interest in wine and how it went from hobby winemaking in their garage to becoming serious home winemakers in San Francisco, to their eventual partnership with Bruce and Renae Perry and a move to Sonoma County. Each step along the way deepened their appreciation for getting the best fruit and making the best wine possible with it. And now their avid club members share in this passion for great wine by going on cruises to wine regions around the world, always with a love for the amazing wines made by Ben. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks.