Episode 218

Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Debbie Osborn, Event Manager of Wine Road

Today we were joined by Debbie Osborn, the event manager of Wine Road to shed light on exciting future events including Winter WINEland, Barrel Weekend and the Wine and Food Affair. We chat about the Wine Trails, a quarterly event offering free wine tasting at selected wineries and supporting the Redwood Empire Food Bank through ticket sales.

Wine of the Day: Ron Rubin Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022

Links:

https://www.wineroad.com/events/winter-wineland/

https://www.cellarpass.com/events/winter-wineland-32nd-annual-sonoma-county-11447

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 217 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Beth and Marcy's 2024 Year-End Celebration!

In our holiday episode, we reflect on a remarkable year featuring wine and food events, tastings at Google, and our 200th podcast episode, capped off with a sparkling Syrah from Amista. We bid farewell to the Varietal of the Month blog post, marking a significant moment in Wine Road's journey, and hearing about future plans for Wine Road!

Fast Five (there's TWO today!)

Richard's Petit Solier Spicy Almonds

-3 tsp Sugar -2 tsp Fennel Seed -1 tsp Dried, crushed Red Pepper -salt (to taste)  -1 cup almonds  -water

Toss all spices in a bowl, let almonds soak in water for a short while. Then fold the almonds in the spices. Bake at 325 until crispy and sweet. 

- - -  Marcy's Cauliflower Steak Dish

-1 large cauliflower - sliced into "steaks" -turmeric -olive oil -fennel seed -hot pepper flakes

Drizzle olive oil on cauliflower slices, sprinkle spices to taste over the pieces. Bake at 350 for about 25 minutes. Optional (but delicious): feta, mint & parsley

Links:

https://www.amistavineyards.com/

https://www.leosteenwines.com/

https://www.ridgewine.com/

https://www.overshinewines.com/

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 216 Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Edd Lopez, Senior VP of Sales at Trattore Farms & Winery

Today we have Edd Lopez, Senior VP of Sales at Trattore Farms and Winery, and he shares insights into the founders' story, their unique tasting experiences amidst scenic Dry Creek Valley, and their acclaimed range of Rhone-style wines, Zinfandel, and olive oils. 

Wine of the Day: Trattore Farms 2021 Estate Viognier 

Links:

https://trattorefarms.com

https://www.wineroad.com/events/winter-wineland/

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 215

Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Rob Barney, Owner & Founder of Stressed Vines Cellars

Today, we are joined by Rob Barney, Owner & Founder of Stressed Vines Cellars. Join us in learning how this winery got its unique name, and how Rob got into the business of wine. This dog-friendly winery, with tasting rooms in Healdsburg and Richardson, Texas, is also a proud supporter of animal rescue organizations.

Wine of the day: Stressed Vines 2022 Eden Pinot Noir

Fast Five:  Abby Peterson's Zucchini "Succotash"

Ingredients:  5x smaller zucchinis, 5-8" long Oil Butter Milk/Half & Half Croutons (Italian seasoned are great for this) -Slice zucchinis in half, then into chunks, about half an inch wide -heat butter and oil in a pan on higher temp, put zucchinis in, let cook with milk for about five minutes, do not need to stir, and add S&P to taste -Once this has cooked down a bit, turn off the heat and add the croutons 

Great side dish served with grilled chicken or steak!

Links:

https://www.stressedvines.com/

https://www.sonomamag.com/

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 214

Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

In today's episode, our esteemed guest Jack Florence delves into the inspiration behind his new book "Dare to Dream" and his role in founding Rockpile. He offers insights into his son's award-winning wines, Petite Sirah and Zinfandel from Rockpile, thus illuminating the significance of growers in the wine industry.

Links:

https://www.florencevineyard.com/

Legacy of a Village: The Italian Swiss Colony Winery and People of Asti, California

A Noble Heritage

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 213

Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Anthony Beckman, Winemaker at Balletto Vineyards

Today we're joined by Anthony Beckman, the winemaker at Balletto Vineyards. He discusses his unique transition from journalism to winemaking and the importance of supporting local farmers. Balletto Vineyards, famous for its Chardonnay, not only contributes to the community but also ensures a memorable experience for its customers through walk-in tastings and a scenic tasting deck.

Wine of the Day: Balletto Vineyards 2020 Twin Ridges Chardonnay

Links:

https://www.ballettovineyards.com/

https://www.wineroad.com/events/wine-food-affair/

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 212

Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Beth's Extraordinary Cloverdale & Geyserville Itinerary!

Join us for Beth's expert advice for exploring Cloverdale and Geyserville! Listen in for recommended activities, dining, beautiful lodgings, gifts, and of course, wineries to visit. 

Fast Five:  Elizabeth from DaVero Farms & Winery - Bruschetta

Ingredients:  -DaVero Virgin Olive Oil  -DaVero Fig Jam -DaVero Balsamic Vinegar -Baguette from a Sonoma County Bakery -Goat Cheese (local is always preferred)  -Optional 6th ingredient, Prosciutto!

Slice the baguette, drizzle olive oil and then grill it. Once lightly toasted, spread the fig jam, the goat cheese and then a little drizzle of the balsamic - this is when you could top it with Prosciutto if desired. 

Links: 

https://www.sonomacounty.com/cities/geyserville/

https://www.cloverdalechamber.com/

https://davero.com/visit/

https://stayhealdsburg.com/

https://www.visitsantarosa.com

https://www.pureluxury.com/

https://www.sonomamag.com/

https://www.wineroad.com/events/wine-food-affair/

Rebel School of Wine: A Visual Guide to Drinking with Confidence 

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 211

Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Abby Peterson, Editor-in-Chief at Sonoma Magazine

Join our lively conversation with Abby Peterson, the Editor-in-Chief of Sonoma Magazine, as we explore her enthralling journey in the wine industry, the unique allure of Sonoma County, and her advocacy for vineyard visits. Abby lauds Sonoma Magazine as an instrumental guide to the county's local delicacies, wine, travel hotspots, and community stories. Praised for its authentic depiction of the region, this magazine is a must-have resource for locals and tourists alike intending to immerse in the county's vibrant culture and offerings.

Links: 

https://www.sonomamag.com/

https://www.wineroad.com/events/wine-food-affair/

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 210 

Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Today, we were joined by Ed Morris, the winemaker at River Road Family Vineyards & Winery! He shared insights into his innovative oak program, deepening our understanding of the winemaking process and how it harmonizes with nature. We also explored the Blue Bin product line, wines in 100% recycled bottles, highlighting their environmental benefits and ability to maintain the wine's quality - this reflects on both the artistry of winemaking and the significance of sustainability, presented through the lens of River Road Family Vineyards.

Fast Five:

Leo from Leo Steen Wines

Slice & Spice (BBQ Eggplant Roll-Ups)

1 Eggplant - Sliced thin, (with a mandolin, preferably) and then dried off, and salted to your preference Add a dash of olive oil and balsamic, grill eggplant on BBQ Shave a bunch of parmesan cheese Fennel seeds ground in a mortar  Orange zest (lots!)  Mix the cheese, fennel and zest together, put on the eggplant and roll them up - enjoy! 

Links: 

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Leo Steen Wines

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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

Episode 209 

Sponsored by: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Elizabeth Miller, Director of Sales at DaVero Farms & Winery

Join our chat with Elizabeth Miller from DaVero Farms and Winery, a beacon of eco-friendly farming and genuine Italian charm. Dive into an immersive experience with tours around their captivating gardens, vineyards, and olive groves, coupled with guided tastings of their exceptional wines and olive oils. DaVero's commitment to sustainability and passion for nature make it a must-visit location for wine lovers and environmental enthusiasts alike.

Fast Five: 

Lamb Chops by Katarina Bonde from West Wines

Ingredients:  Lamb chops Spices- Sage, lavender, parsley (whatever spices you like) Salt & Pepper Garlic Cottage Cheese

Pat the spices, salt & pepper on the lamb chops, cover in cling wrap and let it rest in the fridge.

Put garlic cloves in a pan with some of the herbs, and cottage cheese - this becomes the cream sauce.

BBQ Lamb chops to desired doneness level, then put a dollop of the cream sauce on each lamb chop.

Pairs well with a Cabernet Sauvignon from West Wines.

Links:

https://davero.com/visit/

https://westwines.com/

https://www.wineroad.com/events/harvestwinetrail/

Sponsor:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

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