Ziggy the Wine Gal joins us to tell us about how she got started in wine,  what it's like to be a wine and spirit judge, and gives us the scoop on Zig Style her new lifestyle brand.

Links

Ziggy the Wine Gal

KRSH

Wine Road

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

Episode 119 | Karissa Kruse, President of Sonoma County Winegrowers

Karissa Kruse shares facts and figures surrounding the 2020 grape harvest. We sip a little Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc and our book of the day is The Goode Guide to Wine by Jamie Goode.

Wine Of the Day: 2019 Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc

Book of The Day: The Goode Guide to Wine: A Manifesto of Sorts by Jamie Good

Show Notes

0:39 Wine of the Day – Pedroncelli Sauvignon Blanc

3:40 The Look to Rest After an Unimaginable 2020 Harvest– Karissa discusses and recaps the state of the 2020 grape harvest and wine industry with regard to Covid-19 and the wildfires. Tonnage is down by $50 million overall, but rest assured the 2020 vintage will be selected and made from only the best grapes.

10:30 When you open Sonoma County wine think about all the people behind the scenes that worked to get it from the vine to bottle. Labor is an important issue in state of the wine industry, seasonal and permanent.

16:25 The Resiliency Fund, part of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation supports the farm worker community impacted by Covid-19 and wildfires-- 1.3 million given out to local families who lost their homes or work was displaced. Also distributed over 14,000 masks to all the vineyard workers.

22:40 New mixed cases available starting December 1st. Only 7 days so order quickly!

23:50 Book of the day- The Goode Guide to Wine: A Manifesto of Sorts by Jamie Goode

26:44 Goats are great! More Goats, Less Drama!

Links

Sonoma County Winegrowers

Wine Road

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

Winemaker Susie Selby chats with us about her weekly video series and what’s happening at Selby Winery. “Enjoy wine; enjoy life,” is Susie’s approach to being a winemaker.

Wine Of the Day: 2018 Selby Merlot

Show Notes

0:46 Wine of the Day – 2018 Selby Merlot

1:20 Harvest number 23 for Selby sandwiched between the pandemic and the fires -- it’s been challenging! (to say the least!)

2:30 Susie’s video interview series brings wine country to you with some levity and shows the sense of collaboration within the industry. See link to videos below.

9:00 Susie is in the tasting room and making sure all Covid protocols are being followed.

10:00 Zoom winemaker dinners a way to keep connected with customers.

17:18 Susie recommends places you can din outside or to go --Barn Diva, Bravas, Seghesio Journeyman Meats, Vallette with new outdoor patio.

22:00 Susie will be publishing her food and wine pairings on the Selby website. Now’s the time to learn to cook a soufflé! Pairs great with Grenache.

Links

Selby Winery

Selby Winery Videos

Wine Road

Sonoma County Winegrowers --

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at

Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

Episode 117 | Alex Holman, Winemaker at Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards

Winemaker Alex Holman joins us straight from the vineyard as Harvest is under way at Notre Vue Estate Winery and Vineyards.

Wine Of the Day: 2019 Norte Vue Chardonnay Musque & 2019 GSM Rosé

Show Notes

1:03 Last episode (116) we drank the Notre Vue 2019 GSM Rosé – this wine was the first time Alex made a GSM!

5:00 Wine of the Day – 2019 Notre Vue Chardonnay Musque—not your typical Chardonnay made from clone 809

10:48 Notre Vue property has 700 acres! 250 acres under vine, with 16 different varieties and 350 acres dedicated to forever-wild open space. There is plenty of outdoor seating and outstanding views.

12:46 Family Movie Night at Notre Vue coming up, see website for details.

13:52 Harvest report- what’s happening now and trying to stay positive with all the challenges of 2020.

17:58 The work never ends! Bottling has been ongoing and following all the Covid protocols.

18:45 Winery’s are open! Harvest is a great time to visit. Winery visits are by reservation only, but you can call ahead, spur of the moment, on the same day and go.

20:29 Notre Vue is open for walking, hiking and biking on the property for Wine Club members. They have a reciprocal pass with neighboring winery’s that allows their wine club members to also enjoy the Notre Vue property. See website for details.

Links

Notre Vue Winery and Estate

Wine Road

Sonoma County Winegrowers --

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

Episode 116 | Visit Santa Rosa with Chris Vomvolakis, Director of Marketing

We talk to Chris Vomvolakis from Visit Santa Rosa about what’s new and happening under our new new normal. Book of the Day The Botanist and the Vintner: How Wine Was Saved for the World.

Book of the Day: The Botanist and the Vintner: How Wine Was Saved for the World by Christy Campbell

Show Notes

0:44 This morning we have a Greek Wine – Vomvolakis! ;-)

1:30 Open and Out-- Restaurant program for Downtown Santa Rosa on 4th street with outdoor seating in the new “parklet” with a European street vibe.

5:45 Visit Santa Rosa --Moving forward with optimism and confidence – want to Celebrate what’s right in the world.

7:03 New AC Marriott Hotel and New La Quinta hotel opening soon – Santa Rosa now has a hotel inventory that exceeds the year before the fires.

8:00 Hoteliers taking extraordinary measures to take precautions and instill safety measures.

8:57 Still beautiful here in Sonoma especially at Harvest time. Doors are open welcome mat is out!

9:20 Innovation abounds in Sonoma County --Windsor Golf Course offering fishing on their ponds!

10:10 Safari West for the ultimate glamping experience on the Sonoma Serengeti.

11:38 Visit Santa Rosa Website for trip planning inspiration. Number one page is: 30 Things to Do When You Visit. And 30 Things to Do Virtually!

12:37 Book of the Day: The Botanist and the Vintner: How Wine Was Saved for the World by Christy Campbell.

Links

Book: The Botanist and the Vintner by Christy Cambell

Visit Santa Rosa 

Open and Out

30 Things to Do When You Visit

30 Things to Do Virtually!

AC Marriott

La Quinta

Windsor Golf Course

Safari West

Wine Road

Sonoma County Winegrowers

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

This episode Beth describes how Wine And Food Affair will work this year and what you need to do to participate in November. Marcy tells us about a new “life changing” book-- That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life and has a useful item to share as well.

Wine of the Day: 2019 Notre Vue GSM Rosé

Book of the Day: That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life by Marissa Mullen

Item of the Day: “I’ve Heard Good Things About Wine” Recycled Tote Bag by Blue Q

Show Notes

0:33 Fun Fact: We have over 100 Episodes that equals 4 years of recording! It’s not easy to do a podcast consistently-- but we do it all for you!

1:40 Early start with bottle of 2019 Notre Vu GSM Rosé

2:30 The Virtual Wine and Food Affair for 2020 –all mixed cases of wine for the event now online for ordering. See web site for ordering details. Wine cases include a Wine Road Cheese board!

5:20 November 7 & 8--Connect with the winemakers and tune in to our You Tube Videos over the Wine and Food Affair Weekend.

8:33 New for you California and Beyond -- Wine Road Rewards Program on sale October 1st with 30 days to purchase. Each $10 reward is worth $20 in redemption ($100 minimum purchase to use with any participating winery.)

13:10 Book of the Day – That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life by Marissa Mullen

16:25 Oh, by the way--- We sound muffled because we are safely podcasting with masks on!

17:10 Item of the Day: “I’ve Heard Good Things About Wine” Recycled Tote Bag by Blue Q -- great for picnics or as your “go bag” for evacuations!

18:25 –Visit wineroad.com for all the details on Virtual Wine and Food Affair 2020.

Links

2019 Notre Vu GSM Rosé

Blue Q Tote Bag

That Cheese Plate Will Change Your Life by Marissa Mullen

Wine Road

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

Episode 114 | Optima Winery

This episode we are joined by Nicole Duffy of Optima Winery. Nicole fills us in out what’s going on at “The Pour House” tasting room in Timber Crest Farms, how Optima got started with the proceeds of a tax refund, and what you can find when you visit. Also listen closely for a special offer from Nicole exclusively for Wine Road Podcast fans.

Wine of the Day: Optima 2015 Cabernet Book of the Day: Firing Blancs by Peter Stafford-Bow

Show Notes

0:39 Wine of the Day Optima 2015 Cabernet --Single vineyard Cabernet

1:30 Started in 1984 with 400 cases of Cabernet on a $5000 tax refund!

3:20 Optima is in the Timber Crest Farms area in Dry Creek in a co-op called The Pour House. Have a great picnic area and bocce courts too.

5:23 Currently doing tasting outdoors.

6:29 Over thirty wines in the Optima portfolio, something for everybody!

8:00 Nicole is working on her home garden when not at the winery, and it’s a abundant producer.

9:17 Nicole has been conducting virtual tastings with customers in other states.

9:45 Winemakers are collaborative by nature and everyone pulls together to help out. We are all in this together.

12:05 Harvest will be bringing in Gewürztraminer. Nicole describes how the vineyard comes alive during harvest.

13:25 Beautiful time of year to take a drive through the vineyards.

18:08 Book of the Day – Firing Blancs third book in the series by Peter Stafford -Bow

15:13 In her free time Nicole likes to visit the ocean or take a hike in the redwoods, or go for oysters at Hog Island.

17:00 SPECIAL DEAL FOR LISTENERS: Mention this episode, episode 114 of the Wine Road Podcast and get a complimentary tasting at The Pour House or if you are out of the area, email Optima for an exclusive shipping deal!

Links

Optima

Optima 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon

Firing Blancs by Peter Stafford-Bow

Wine Road

Sonoma County Winegrowers

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at

Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

Episode 113 | Bricoleur

This episode we are joined by Mark Hanson and Sarah Hanson Citron of Bricoleur Vineyards. We learn about how they decided to start making wine under their own label, how the name Bricoleur came about and what it means, and what's in store for you when you visit in person or virtually.

Wine of the Day: Bricoleur 2019 Rose of Grenache, Flying by the Seat of Our Pants

Item of the Day: Lake Wine Dish Towel from Blue Q

Show Notes

0:33 Wine of the Day Bricoleur 2019 Rose of Grenache, Flying by the Seat of Our Pants

2:45 Story of Bricoleur --have been selling grapes for years and decided to make their own wine and open the winery property up.

4:10 Bricoleur sits on 40 Acres with plenty of room to hang out and enjoy the wines socially distanced.

5:02 Sarah runs the marketing events, culinary and tasting experiences.

5:45 Several tasting experiences to choose from such as Our Roots with four tastings and bites and Sip and Savor with six wines and six bites.

7:51 Virtual tastings on-line for groups and virtual cooking classes.

8:45 Dinner Series outside socially distanced. Every other Friday Pizza night and every other Saturday night a different theme wine paired dinner four courses paired with four wines.

13:45 You can also order ahead and pick up or have wine shipped for virtual experiences

14:13 Partnering with Make-A-Wish foundation for virtual event experience to raise money to grant kid’s wishes.

15:40 Meaning of the name Bricoleur. Flying by the seat of your pants!

17:46 Currently by appointment only Thursday –Monday 10am to 5pm make appointment on website or call 707-857-5700

18:31 Karissa Kruse -- News you can use from Sonoma County Wine Growers

19:30 Wine Item of the day—Greetings from Lake Wine dish towel.

20:20 Repour wine saver-- now more than ever a great item for virtual tastings when you open multiple wines.

22:15 WineRoad.com has link to all open tasting rooms with outdoor space and curbside pick-up.

Links

Bricoleur Vineyards

Lake Wine Dish Towel

Repour

Wine Road

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

Episode 112 | Mary Roy of Capo Creek

Our winemaker chats continue with Mary Roy Owner & Winemaker at Capo Creek Vineyards. We learn how Mary Roy, a doctor and mother of six, came to be a winemaker and the culinary delights (and wine!) that await you when you visit Capo Creek. Pardon the muffled voices-- but we are still wearing our masks in the recording booth!

Wine of the Day: Capo Creek 2018 Old Vine Zinfandel Eva’s Vineyard

Wine Book of the Day: How to Drink Wine: The Easiest Way to Learn What You Like by Grant Reynolds and Chris Stang.

Show Notes

0:43 Wine of the Day 2018 Zinfandel Eva’s Vineyard field blend.

2:21 Winery location and description of vineyards.

3:46 How the name Capo Creek came to be.

5:48 A doctor with six kids and a busy life gets a brochure that sparked the idea to become a winemaker.

8:19 Discovered the property while out on a drive while visiting for a medical conference. Purchased property in late 2015 and opened late 2018.

9:33 Mary is the Winemaker and the Chef, she prepares all the food parings at the winery.

10:53 Capo Creek is all about food and wine experience. The Ultimate Food and Wine paring is the flagship tasting at the winery that includes 6 courses over several hours. Other tasting is Taste of the Day and picnics are also available as tasting experiences. All food prepared on premise.

13:15 Capo Creek is set up for events of up to 80 people.

14:49 Tastings are limited and customized to the group and by appointment only.

16:31 Focus is mostly on red and white Rhone varietals along with Zinfandel and some Cabernet Sauvignon.

17:37 Sell honey from their beehives, house cured olives and Mary makes house made chocolates as well. Mary does it all!

19:19 Plum borscht! Made with pureed plums served with basil crema and paired GSM.

20:20 Book of the Day – How to Drink Wine: The Easiest Way to Learn What You Like.

21:49 Capo Creek Kitchen is The MOG Boss Kitchen (Material Others than Grapes) culinary side of the winery.

22:17 Virtual Culinary Tastings—interactive pairings, make recipes and taste wine with Mary over Zoom.

Links

Capo Creek Vineyards Wine Road Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at

Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA. 

Episode 111 | Brad Beard Owner & Winemaker, Mercury Wine

Our winemaker chats continue with Brad Beard Owner & Winemaker at Mercury Wine. We may sound a bit muffled as we are masked up in the studio, but did remove them momentarily to sip some 2016 Element Mourvédre. Listen in and and hear all about what’s happening at the Mecury and in the tiny (but not to be missed) town of Geyserville.

Wine of the Day: 2016 Element Mourvédre -- 90% Mourvédre 10% Grenache

Show Notes

1:07 Wine of the Day

3:16 Brad discusses the great attributes of Rhône’s that grow well in the region and tend to age well. Brad feels his wines are best with a bit of age on them.

5:48 Brad’s ritual prior to for tasting and blending. Palate is best in the morning and needs some bacon!

7:50 The situation at Mercury—now open for outdoor tastings behind the tasting room and are prepared and ready to see you in a safe and comfortable environment.

10:20 Check the Wine Road website for list of open wineries.

11:44 Facebook Live Virtual Tastings with Jim Rickards along with food pairings.

12:22 Happy Hours with Brad Live every Friday at 5 pm on Facebook with cooking video and pairings. It’s been a great way to make a connection with Brad.

15:55 So many wines you can’t get outside of Sonoma County – so great opportunity to connect with the winemakers now.

16:50 Why the name Mercury? Brad gives a short history of the Geyserville area and it’s mining history. Mining brought Italians. Italians brought grapes. And grapes brought Brad.

19:00 Brand got his start working in a resort in fine dining featuring Spanish wines. That led to work as a regional wine buyer and that led to creating a small distribution company for boutique producers and that led him to start his own winery.

20:20 The many charms of Geyserville – come and spend the day.

21:14 Brad makes an orange wine called Skins new release will be available early next year.

23:14 Black Bubbles -- a sparkling Petite Sirah.

24:03 Call ahead for reservations seatings at 11:30, 1:30 and 3:30pm. You can even call the same day.

27:59 Check out Wine Road site before you come tasting. Wine Road website has all the latest news on what’s open and what’s happening.

29:20 Contact Brad via email at [email protected]

LINKS

Mercury Wine

2016 Element Mourvédre

Black Bubbles Sparkling Wine

Diavola Pizza

Gin’Gilli’s

Bosworth & Son Mercantile

Corner Project Ales

Geyserville Grill

Wine Road

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at

Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.