"The Good Stuff"

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to John Balletto, President & Founder of Balletto Vineyards.

John shares the remarkable story of growing up in West Sebastopol, working on his family’s five-acre vegetable farm from a young age. After his father’s untimely passing in 1977, John turned down college athletic scholarships to stay home and help his mother, Hazel, keep the farm alive. What began with a $200 budget and a flatbed Chevy truck eventually grew into the largest vegetable operation in Northern California by the mid-1990s.

After devastating storm damage and shifting agricultural pressures in the late 1990s, he pivoted from vegetables to wine grapes—ultimately founding Balletto Vineyards with his wife, Terri, in 2001. Today, the winery produces 20,000–25,000 cases annually from estate fruit, and John remains deeply committed to his community and vineyard team, even building a baseball field—aptly named the “Dream Field”—for employees and their families to enjoy.

In this candid conversation, John reflects on the values that shaped his journey, the turning points that defined his success, and the local relationships—including his longtime friendship with Karissa—that helped guide Balletto Vineyards from its humble beginnings to one of Sonoma County’s most respected wine labels.

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 to Christopher Strieter, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Senses Wines.

Christopher grew up in Occidental alongside childhood friends—and fellow Senses Co-Founders—Max Thieriot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs. Their families all moved to the area in the 1980s to raise their children in the countryside, instilling in each of them a deep appreciation for growing up among the redwoods and along the California coast. Though none of them initially planned to enter the wine industry, the trio later reunited around an idea that began as one of Christopher’s graduate school projects. Young and ambitious, they brought that plan to life and, using fruit from Max and Myles’ family vineyards, launched Senses Wines with just over 100 cases. Today, it has grown into a respected label specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from some of the most renowned vineyards on the West Sonoma Coast and in the Russian River Valley.

Now leading the company’s business strategy, sales, and daily operations, Christopher shares how his lifelong friendships, hometown connections, and the supportive local community helped shape the evolution of Senses Wines.

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 to Nico Diana, Co-Owner of Ca'Bianca Ristorante Italiano.

Born in San Francisco and raised in Sonoma County, Nico grew up in the heart of the family business. From doing homework at the bar to bussing tables on holidays, Nico’s early years were shaped by the rhythms of restaurant life. After earning degrees in finance and international business and working in banking abroad, he returned home to take the reins as his parents stepped back from the business they opened in 1996.

Now co-owner, Nico shares stories of Ca’Bianca’s nearly 30-year journey, from restoring the historic Marshall House to preserving the restaurant’s regional Italian focus. With deep gratitude for the longtime staff who helped build its legacy, Nico reflects on how family, food, and community remain at the heart of everything they do.

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 to Art Murray, Co-Owner & Co-Founder of Flambeaux Wine.

A New Orleans native and environmental attorney, Art Murray shares how his love for food, family, and connection led him to Healdsburg—where just three visits were enough to fall in love with a vineyard and start a new chapter in Dry Creek Valley. With roots in Louisiana, a place known for its rich and diverse food and wine heritage, and a name inspired by the torchbearers of Mardi Gras, Flambeaux Wine blends Southern spirit with Sonoma County soul.

Art reflects on how launching Flambeaux became his way of “passing the torch”—creating something lasting to share with his four daughters and the broader community. What began with just 400 cases has grown to over 2,000 annually, with a focus on small-lot Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rosé. For Art, wine is about more than what’s in the glass—it’s about connection, from harvest to hospitality.

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 to Anne Moller-Racke, Winegrower & Proprietor, and Hannah Gropman, Estate Director of Blue Farm Wines.

A pioneer in Sonoma County viticulture, Anne moved from Germany to California in the early 1980s, rising through the ranks at Buena Vista Carneros and playing a pivotal role in establishing the Carneros AVA.

Anne shares her journey from vineyard manager to founder of the renowned Donum Estate and, later, Blue Farm Wines—a boutique winery producing small-lot, single-vineyard Pinot Noir and Chardonnay rooted in precision, elegance, and place. Hannah, who grew up on the Blue Farm property, reflects on her decision to return home after college and immerse herself in the family’s winemaking legacy.

Together, they explore how generational passion, thoughtful farming, and a deep connection to Sonoma County continue to shape Blue Farm’s story.

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 to Amy Chenowith, Winemaker & Owner of Chenoweth Wines, and her son Charlie “CJ” Chenoweth, Vineyard Operations Manager and sixth-generation farmer of Chenoweth Vineyards.

Amy shares her journey from growing up in Guerneville with no roots in wine to co-founding a vineyard management company with her husband Charlie and eventually diving into the craft of winemaking and launching a brand of her own. CJ, raised on the family ranch, knew early on that he wanted to follow in the family’s farming footsteps and now plays a key role in growing premium fruit for both their own label and dozens of top wineries.

Together, Amy and CJ dive into the Chenoweth family’s 170+ years of farming in Sonoma County—from redwood logging and cherry orchards to planting some of today’s most celebrated Pinot Noir and Chardonnay vineyards, including Treehouse and Bootlegger’s Hill. They reflect on the family legacy, long-standing partnerships with producers like Patz & Hall and Kosta Browne, and the stories that define their family's legacy and brand.

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 to Prema Kerollis, Co-founder & General Manager of Three Sticks Winery.

Prema shares how her journey with Three Sticks began in 2000, when she started working closely with Bill Price III at Texas Pacific Group. At the time, Three Sticks was Bill’s small, boutique passion project — a way to craft exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to share with friends and family. Drawn by her passion for hospitality and strong business sense, Prema quickly became a key part of the winery’s growth, helping expand its allocation list beyond the original circle to a growing community of devoted wine lovers.

As the years passed, Prema’s role deepened, evolving from supporting early development to managing the day-to-day operations, building vineyard relationships, and overseeing the expansion of Three Sticks’ offerings. Prema takes pride in Sonoma’s rich history and led the preservation and transformation of the historic Vallejo-Casteñada Adobe — an 1842-built landmark that now serves as Three Sticks’ welcoming tasting salon in downtown Sonoma. This seamless blend of history and hospitality perfectly reflects the winery’s ongoing commitment to legacy and quality.

Join Virginie and Karissa as they dive into Prema’s unique path in the wine industry, her longstanding partnership with Bill Price, and the story behind Three Sticks and its iconic Adobe tasting room. And finally, 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 to Steve Dveris, CEO of SD Media and Founder of Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, and Dustin Valette, Chef/Owner of The Matheson, Valette Restaurant & Valette Wines.

With more than 30 years of experience in media and event sponsorship, Steve shares how the idea for Healdsburg Wine & Food was born and how, in partnership with Sonoma County Winegrowers, it has grown into one of the region’s most anticipated festivals. Dustin, a Healdsburg native and visionary chef, brings his passion for local flavors and hospitality, sharing a bit of his Sonoma County roots and the culinary treats in store for the weekend!

Together, Steve and Dustin share a behind-the-scenes look at this year’s festival highlights—including exclusive chef-led lunches and dinners, VIP tastings and lounges, the signature Big Bottle Party, and the laid-back Sunday Wine-Down Pool Party at Montage. Along the way, they reflect on the memories, milestones, and the collaborative spirit that continues to define Healdsburg’s unique food and wine scene.

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 to Lauren Fremont, Executive Director, and Amanda Brower, PR and Marketing Manager for the Dry Creek Valley Winegrowers.

Lauren and Amanda share their unique journeys—from Lauren’s international event production experience to Amanda’s passion for community and marketing in the wine world—and how those paths led them to their key roles supporting Dry Creek Valley’s vibrant winegrower community.

They dive into everything you need to know about this year’s Passport to Dry Creek Valley, highlighting the immersive tastings, vineyard tours, gourmet food pairings, and live entertainment that make Passport a must-attend event. Tune in to hear about the rich history behind Dry Creek Valley, the evolution of Passport, and what’s in store for this year’s celebration.

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 to Bret Munselle, Owner/General Manager of Munselle Vineyards, Sonoma County Winegrowers Board Chair, Pilot Farmer – John Deere SmartApply, & Century Club Member.

Bret Munselle shares the story of his family’s nearly 150-year legacy in Alexander Valley, tracing the journey from founding some of the region’s earliest wineries to becoming pioneers in sustainable farming. Bret reflects on his own path—from studying at UC Davis, to working at American AgCredit, and then returning to join the family business and eventually launch his own wine label—which fueled his passion for agriculture and innovation.

Today, Bret and his family manage around 800 acres and produce award-winning wines under the Munselle Vineyards label. Together, they explore the evolution of their family business, the deep roots that ground their work, and Bret’s vision for the future of Sonoma County agriculture.

And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!