Wine Road: The Wine, When & Where of Sonoma County

New Events Spring Preview

We are back from hiatus! This jam-packed episode gives the scoop on all the new and upcoming events for Spring 2021. Tune in, take notes, and have a few laughs with Beth and Marcy! Also we need your vote! So stay tuned to the end for details.

Note: Please pardon the muffled sound –we are still masked in the studio and following Covid protocols.

SHOW NOTES

0:30 What we did on hiatus – Beth worked. Marcy wrote.

3:30 Shout-out to all the California Wine AVA Associations working together thru Covid times and during wildfires throughout the state.

5:07 SONOMA COUNTY UPDATE - Currently wineries are open but for OUTDOOR tasting only. Most are open Thursday thru Sunday. Call ahead to make an appointment.

7:24 Library Wine Weekend -- First weekend in March 6 & 7, 2021. Don't miss this Great opportunity to taste past vintages! Check out the link below and on the website.

10:35 The Great Wine Road Easter Egg Barrel Hunt! -- March 8- April 11, 2021. Hunt for decorated wine barrels take a photo and tag it and share with #eastereggbarrels and #wineroadbarrels to win an awesome prize package from Wine Road. Check www.wineroad.com for details.

14:30 Wine Love Weekend March 19-21st, 2021. This is a New Event! 42 wineries participating tickets go on sale March 1st, 2021. Need to make a reservation at each winery you want to visit. Check out the program on www. wineroad.com

18:15 UPDATE: Barrel Tasting Weekend moved to May 24-30th, 2021. Check website for tickets and reservations and all the details on how Barrel Tasting will work this year.

22:44 Subject to Change – Beth’s new motto! Always check the Wine Road website for the latest information.

25:11 Townsy Sebastopol – a new app for locals and visitors. Great resource for events, restaurants, shopping, and more. Check it out.

26:56 Shout-out to Bryce Jones in Geyserville, decorated wine barrel idea was his idea. Bryce organized a community art event, invited Wine Road to join the fun. Check out Geyserville for more barrel art.

29:30 Wine Road office is currently shut down so please be patient--we will answer your emails as soon as possible.

31:50 ONE MORE THING--- VOTE FOR WINE ROAD!

Wine Road will be inducted into the 2020 Taste Award Hall of Fame -- but we still need your VOTE! Wine Road is nominated for Peoples Choice Taste Award in two categories: Best Food/Drink Podcast and Best Lifestyle Podcast. We won last year because of your votes. So lets do it again. Voting ends March 12th --Link to vote here: http://tastingdark.com/taste-awardsviewers-choice-2021-voting/

Links

Taste Awards Peoples Choice—Vote for Wine Road here

Taste Awards 2020 Hall of Fame

Easter Egg Barrel Hunt

Library Tasting

WineLove Weekend

Barrel Tasting

Townsy Sebastopol

Wine Road https://www.wineroad.com

Sonoma County Winegrowers -- https://sonomawinegrape.org/

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at

Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.

Episode 121 | Year End Recap

Happy Holidays! Beth and Marcy wrap up the year sipping Sparkling wine from Cast and point you towards all the great resources on the Wine Road website for planning you wine adventure in 2021.

Wine of the Day -- Cast Sparkling Wine Blanc de Blancs

Book of the Day -- Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Parings for the Real World

Show Notes

0:32 Sparkling Wine of the day – Cast Blanc de Blanc

1:38 Check out the videos for Wine and Food Affair – 50 winemakers and recipes to pair with their wines. They videos are all online on our website.

3:36 Plans for Winter Wineland are not yet set, but stay tuned for details

5:19 Order your Wine Road map and plan your future trip.

6:00 Beth and Marcy are going to be inducted in the Taste Awards Hall of Fame in March!

7:20 Book of the Day – Big Macs & Burgundy

10:30 Sign up for the Wine Road Newsletter

11:10 Everything is changing and in flux so always check out our online event calendar for what’s happening virtually and at the wineries.

14:00 Wine Road Podcast is taking a hiatus! We will be doing some research in January and February and then see you on the flipside sometime in March 2021. But Podcast is always here for you in the archives, the shows are evergreen.

15:00 Keep Sipping Sonoma! #sipsonoma

LINKS

Cast Wine

Big Macs & Burgundy: Wine Pairings for the Real World

Wine Road Website

Wine Road Podcast Instagram -- @wineroadpodcast

Credits:

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

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.