Episode 181

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 181 | Keith Hammond - Winemaker at Emeritus Vineyards

Today we had Keith from Emeritus Vineyards tell us all about his introduction into the world of wine and how he came to be the Winemaker there. We also learn of Marcy's love of their property, it's her secret sanctuary!

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Wine of the Day - Emeritus Vineyards 2021 Hallberg Blanc

00:53 - We learn about the Hallberg Blanc - a white wine made from Pinot Noir!

2:12 - Marcy LOVES this wine!

3:02 - We learn how this wine is made, because Marcy needs to know!

6:48 - Keith has an interesting story on how he started in Wine :)

11:50 - Emeritus lineup of wines - All Estate Grown Pinot Noir!

14:40 - Reservations are encouraged at Emeritus but not absolutely required

16:07 - Different experiences are available at the vineyard - which is why they prefer reservations so they can make it special for you! :)

19:50 - Fast Five with Liana from Wine Road

21:42 - Beth recalls a potential disaster-turned-success thanks to Emeritus!

24:08 - We plan a nice day in Sonoma County - of course, starting at Emeritus.

26:51 - Wine Road Ambassador - Become one (for FREE) today!!

28:26 - Marcy needed to revisit the Wine of the Day :)

29:11 - To reach Emeritus - call or check them out online! Tasting room is open 7 days a week!

Fast Five: Liana G. - Wine Road

Liana's Mom's Peanut Butter Nuggets

1. 2 cups peanut butter 2. 1/4 cup honey 3. 1 cup quick oats or steel cut oats 4. Shredded coconut 5. * Love *

Mix the peanut butter, honey and oats together in a bowl, separate into small, 1-inch sized balls, roll in shredded coconut - these are better if they're eaten after being refrigerated for a few hours! :)

Links:

Emeritus Vineyards

(707) 823-9463

Sponsored by: Ron Rubin Winery

Credits:

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

Threshold Studios

Episode 180

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 180 | Giovanni Balistreri, Owner & Winemaker at Russian River Winery

Join us as we welcome back Gio Balistreri from Russian River Winery! We chat about all of the exciting (and yummy) happenings at his Winery and in Sonoma County, and enjoy TWO Wines of the Day for this extra-long episode! :)

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

First Wine of the day: Russian River Vineyards Bacigalupi 2021 Chardonnay

2:23 - Russian River Vineyards is everyone's favorite backyard and a family friendly place!

4:49 - Despite the rocky economy, they bought the property in 2008

7:54 - They do all kinds of different wines, something for everyone! Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Gewürztraminer, Barbera, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon

9:33 - July 29, Seminar Series - Pinot and Beyond!

11:33 - At Russian River Vineyards, they can do just about whatever you want as far as experience goes - they do bottle service for larger parties, food & wine pairings, an array of parties, the list goes on!

13:17 - Happy hour on Thursdays 5-7:30, be there! :)

15:10 - Gio gives us some suggestions on what he shares with guests to Sonoma County - where he goes, where he eats, visits, etc.

16:31 - Russian River Vineyards has a Wine Club party at the end of July with Gerard's Paella (a Sonoma County Favorite)

19:47 - Happenings in Sebastopol - natural Wine bars and fun restaurants!

22:07 - Windsor Happenings - Bellacana Tasting Room across from Baldassari and fun breweries.

23:57 - Russian River Vineyard menu discussions, you need to eat when you're out wine tasting! M-Th, 12-5, happy hour from 5-7:30 on Thurs, Fri-Sun 12-6

24:41 - Pro tip of the day: go visit Russian River Vineyards Mon-Wed for lunch because a lot of west county restaurants are closed!

26:02 - Fast Five: Dustin Valette - Valette, The Matheson

32:31 - Gio just launched a new brand: chester. - his hope is to make this his national brand and they support Dogwood Animal Shelter, and Nuzzles in Utah. 35:43 - Beth's One Last Thing! Pinot Tasting Event at Russian River Vineyards and Comparative Cabernet Tasting Event

36:18 - The best way to reach the vineyard is through the website for reservations, but they will also do their best to accommodate walk ins!

37:02 - *Second* Wine of the Day! Russian River Vineyards 2019 Terroir Collection Pinot Noir Double Barrel

Fast Five: Dustin Valette - Valette, The Matheson We're going to build a dish together!

Ingredients: 1) Fava Tip Pea Stew 2) Fava beans 3) Cheese - if you're local, check out Bohemian Creamery 4) Fresh pasta 5) Soppressata - check out Journeyman Meats in Healdsburg - To make the Fava Tip Pea Stew: take the tops of the fava shoots, puree in blender, add toasted walnut & parmesan/ pecorino, garlic, olive oil - set aside - fava beans: shuck, blanch, set aside - boil fresh pasta, 1:45 - 2 minutes, Dustin loves Lumaconi - toss with butter and parmesan

Plating: Put Fava Tip Pea Stew down in a bowl, toss in fava beans, then put pasta on top, slice soppressata thinly, cut into half crescents, dice Bohemian Creamery cheese and place on top.

Sonoma County on a Plate!

Links: Russian River Vineyards Pinot and Beyond @ Russian River Vineyards

Valette

The Matheson

Sponsored by: Ron Rubin Winery

Credits:

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

Threshold Studios

Episode 179

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 179 | Chef Helena, Owner of Baked on the River

Today we were joined by Chef Helena and got to learn about all of the yummy goodies that she makes at her restaurant and discuss the fun things to do while you're visiting the river - even if you're not into wine, you're bound to find excitement!

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

1:18 Helena explains some of what you'll find when you visit Baked on the River

2:49 They're more of a restaurant than a bakery, but they still bake their own bread :)

4:46 This is not Helena's first rodeo!

7:01 Helena's food is influenced both by Sonoma County and her Swedish heritage.

8:12 She offers gluten-free ingredients and plant based options too

11:50 We learn that Marcy may need to practice baking more :)

13:58 We circle back to the food offered at Helena's restaurants - Scones and Gravy?! Delicious!

16:33 Beth says breakfast is the best meal of the day!

19:03 Baked on the River is in the town of Guerneville, on the West side toward the coast.

20:28 FAST FIVE - Valerie Wathen from Dutton Goldfield

22:53 boon hotel shoutout!

25:01 Check out Baked on the River Instagram and their website to check the menu and hours :) Be sure to call ahead!

26:55 They have a garden in the back of the restaurant with an aquaponics system!

28:30 Swirl Suite Podcast Shoutout!

FAST FIVE Ingredients and Instructions Greens Cookbook — (Greens Restaurant)

Leek and Mustard Pie Tart

1. 4 cups of leeks 2. 2 eggs 3. 1 cup cream 4. ~3oz cheese (your choice- cheddar, gruyere, goat) 5. 2-3 tbsp dijon mustard (6) Pie crust :)

Slice the leeks real thin, then saute (maybe in white wine) while they cool, beat two eggs with the cup of cream, then add about 3oz grated cheese, then add mustard. Beat and then add to a pie crust and bake at 375 for about 50 mins :)

Excellent to be paired with bubbly, Chardonnay or Pinot Noir

Swirl Suite Podcast:

https://www.swirlsuite.com/

Links:

https://www.instagram.com/bakedontheriver

http://bakedontheriver.com

https://boonhotels.com

https://www.duttongoldfield.com

Sponsored by: Ron Rubin Winery

Credits:

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

Threshold Studios

Episode 178

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 178 | Larry Willis - Innkeeper and Owner of The Gables Inn

Larry Willis shares the history of his Inn, and the ins-and-outs of being an Innkeeper with his wife Pam. We also chat about the yummy foods and wonderful experiences to be had at thier inn.

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

Wine of the day: Ron Rubin Winery 2021 Pam's Unoaked Cabernet

2:14 All about the Gables Inn!

6:15 We learn about how Larry and his wife Pam get into the Inkeeping business

8:35 The building has been an inn since the late 80s

11:14 Not everyone that comes to Sonoma County comes for wineries - there's so much to our county to see and experience!

15:33 FAST Five with Jim Rickards

17:18 Bed and *BREAKFAST* - we get to hear about the yummy foods that they prepare at the Inn

21:19 Pam and Larry were made for the innkeeper life!

22:28 July 8th is the Wine Road Summer Wine Trail! Get tickets on our website!

22:59 The best way to get in touch with Pam and Larry is through their website - www.thegablesinn.com, but you're also welcome to call 707-585-7777

FAST FIVE Ingredients

Wine Country Lamb Chops - By Christine C.

1. Lamb Chops 3 oz 2. 3 tbsp Dijon mustard 3. 1 tbsp minced, fresh rosemary 4. 1 tbsp mince, fresh thyme 5. 3 cloves of garlic

Try it paired with Zinfandel :)

Links The Gables Inn J. Rickards Winery

Sponsored by: Ron Rubin Winery

Credits:

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

Threshold Studios

Episode 177

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 177 | Janelle Meyers - VP of Marketing and Communications at the Santa Rosa Metro Chamber & Visit Santa Rosa

Today we were joined by Janelle Meyers, and discuss all things Santa Rosa and Sonoma County! We learn how she got into tourism and also get some great insight on upcoming events and fun art exhibits!

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

1:49 Beer Passport for Santa Rosa! 12 different breweries are participating.

3:39 Hotel E and Arthouse shoutout! Excellent locations in downtown Santa Rosa!

5:07 Events are going on almost every weekend! Markets, Summer concert series and more!

7:00 Everyone should check out their website - the map makes it easy to find events.

11:00 How did Jeanette get into tourism?

14:01 FAST FIVE with Kathleen Escamilla

18:27 Santa Rosa has become a real destination!

21:08 Santa Rosa has a Sofa Parade in December! And other amazing art installations all over!

22:31 Out There Santa Rosa is a great website for locals learning about all of the fun goings on.

25:00 New Event for the Wine Road! July 8 - Wine Road's Summer Wine Trail! Check out the details on www.wineroad.com

25:44 The Wine CEO Podcast!

26:54 Summer on the Square Concert Series - Friday nights in Downtown Santa Rosa and Monday Movie Nights! Get involved!

Links https://www.visitsantarosa.com/

https://www.santarosametrochamber.com/

https://outtheresantarosa.org/

https://www.arthousesantarosa.com

https://www.hotelesantarosa.com

The Wine CEO Podcast shoutout! :) www.thewineceo.com

FAST FIVE Recipe & Instructions

Portofino Pasta - The 5 Ps! 1. Pasta 2. Pomodoro (tomato) 3. Pesto 4. Parmaggianno 5. Panna (heavy cream)

Heat a thick marinara, heavy cream and parmesan in a sauce pan, the marinara and heavy cream are 2:1, or 1:1 if you want it creamier. Stir for 4-5 minutes.

Toss in cooked pasta noodles for 1-2 minutes, place in bowl, and top with spoonfuls of basil pesto

Would pair nicely with their Montepulciano

https://www.porticosocialfood.com/

Sponsored by: Ron Rubin Winery

Credits:

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

Threshold Studios

Episode 176

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 176 | Natalie MacLean, Wine Writer, Author & Instructor

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

Today, we chat with Natalie MacLean regarding her new book, and how her past has helped her pen her new book, Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much.

Book: Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the Ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much

1:28 Natalie reflects on how she turned some of the hardest times in her life into an engaging memoir - instead of just a "misery dump"

6:00 Marcy asks Natalie about her "Twittergate" issue that is discussed in the book, and we learn about how Natalie has become a Copywrite Nerd!

8:10 Natalie highlights a lot of women winemakers in her memoir!

11:40 Natalie chats about social media management and content creation - it's a lot of work!

12:22 The Companion Guide to the book entails: Book Club info, Wine info, discussion topics!

14:00 Natalie shares where she likes to visit when she comes to Sonoma County - Merry Edwards, La Crema, Pinos are her favorite!

15:55 Dry Extract - when wine is boiled down to its essence - this is what made her discover who she is at her core - and brought her closure with this book.

17:22 Natalie's recommendation of what pairs with catharsis: Pinot Noir - packed with flavor, it's not heavy, it's a release, there's no bitter aftertaste. 18:55 Natalie has her own podcast too, check it out! Unreserved Wine Talk (link below)

19:13 Be sure to check out her website for wine resources and other bonuses for buying her book through her website!

Links:

https://www.nataliemaclean.com/

Wine Witch on Fire: Rising from the ashes of Divorce, Defamation, and Drinking Too Much

Unreserved Wine Talk Podcast

Sponsored by:

Ron Rubin Winery

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

Episode 175

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 175 | Rebecca Germolus, Wine Marketing Maven, Writer for Along the Wine Road Blog

Today we chat with Rebecca Germolus, the author of our Along the Wine Road Blog and learn about her unique history regarding wine, and how she came to Sonoma County

Wine of the Day: Pedroncelli 2021 Rosé

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

1:15 Along the Wine Road Blog - Rebecca is our Author

2:55 Rebecca does marketing and writing for wineries in addition to our blog!

8:57 We learn Rebecca's story about how she went from Library Science to Wine.

12:38 Pedroncelli Winery Shout-out!

13:34 Along the Wine Road topics vary - from history stories to learning about how to plan your trip to visit Sonoma County.

14:20 Making Restaurant Wine lists- a fun job, but challenging!

16:08 Tasting notes are divisive, but she believes that they're necessary!

19:56 Wine tasting and and conveying the different notes isn't easy.

20:31 Fast Five - Tiann Lordan Hartford Family Winery - Braaibroodjie - grilled sandwich

24:31 Tasting notes take a lot of time and energy, but without them Wineries are missing out on great sales opportunities.

26:05 When Rebecca helps someone plan a trip (and she uses the Wine Road website to find the kind of wine that they like) she looks for the wineries that offer the most information

29:26 Rebecca wants everyone to know that Sonoma County is the Disneyland of Wine! (Or the Tilt-a-Whirl)

29:58 Appointment only is no more! (Mostly) Walk-ins Welcome! There are about 60 wineries that belong to the Wine Road that are happy to welcome you

31:16 Wine Road Insider! Check this out on https://www.wineroad.com/insider-perks-privileges/

Fast Five - Tiann Lordan from Hartford Family Winery - Braaibroodjie

Ingredients:

1. Bread (sourdough is yummy) 2. Chutney - peach is best :) 3. Tomato 4. Cheese 5. Onions Instructions: Slather bread with chutney, slice tomatoes, onion and cheese, put on bread. Have a fire, let it burn out, put it on a griddle on the coals, place the sandwich directly on the griddle. Before flipping, press the sandwich to make sure it doesn't fall apart!

He would pair this with a Pinot Noir maybe one from the Sonoma Coast with some spice and earthiness.

Links:

Maximum Value Marketing

Along the Wine Road Blog

Pedroncelli Winery

Ron Rubin Winery

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

Episode 174

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 174 | Randy Pitts, Owner & Winemaker at Harvest Moon Winery

Today Randy Pitts visited with us, and shared all of the new exciting happenings at his farm and winery. Walk-ins welcome!

Wine of the Day: Sparkling Verdelho Brut Zero - Lodi 2021

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

1:38 - What's going on at Harvest Moon.

3:00 - Pesticides are not the answer! Leave healthy land to the next generation

5:33 - Sparkling Zinfandel - and Wine of the Day discussion.

6:58 - Randy tells us a little more about how sparkling wine is made.

8:22 - In 2022, Harvest Moon made 9 sparkling wines.

11:26 - Randy recommends food pairings

13:03 - No reservations necessary at Harvest Moon! (But if you want to do something special, reservations recommended)

15:10 - Fast Five with Ed Morris from Ron Rubin Winery (Recipe below)

17:01 - Randy expects that this year's yield will excellent high quality and high quantity fruit

20:11 - We hear about Randy's farm tours and discover Beth's secret love: Goats!

24:35 - Come to Wine Country with questions! We want to chat wine - you can always learn something new.

28:55 - Beth backtracks a little bit to find out how Randy got started with winemaking!

30:33 - On the Wine Road website - you can find wineries that can accommodate walk-ins!

31:31 - Wine Road Seminar Series! Check it out on the Wine Road website!

Fast Five Recipe: Caprese Salad From Ed Morris @ Ron Rubin Winery Fresh Tomatoes Fresh Mozzarella Olive Oil Fresh Basil Balsamic Vinegar

Can be cut up in slices on a plate or diced in a bowl Pairs with Pam's Un-Oaked Chardonnay https://shop.ronrubinwinery.com/SHOP.AMS?LEVEL=BOT&PART=CHPMNOS21B

Links: Harvest Moon Winery Wine Road Seminar Series Ron Rubin Winery

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

Episode 173

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 173 | Valerie Wathen, General Manager at Dutton-Goldfield Winery Beth and Marcy chat with Valerie Wathen about her experience at Sebastopol's #1 tourist attraction, and how leaving a "normal job" to be in the wine business is the maverick move that many experienced wine-industry folks have done here in Sonoma County!

Wine of the Day: Dutton- Goldfield Winery 2019 Emerald Ridge Pinot Noir

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

SHOW NOTES

00:50 Sebastopol is the best! Everyone needs to visit.

1:42 Valerie gives us more detail about our lovely Wine of the Day.

4:09 We learn about what wines we can expect to experience when visiting the tasting room.

6:35 Valerie gives us a little history on Dutton-Goldfield Winery, and who is Dutton and who is Goldfield.

11:32 They're flexible for walk ins, but reservations are preferred- they're also open 7 days a week!

14:12 As a transplant to Sonoma County, Valerie shares her tourism recommendations :)

15:58 Valerie tells us how she got started in the wine industry. Maverick moment!

24:33 Dutton-Goldfield does an amazing Wine & Cheese pairing, they also do different seasonal tastings - and a Library tasting!

26:50 This is your friendly reminder to check our website for events, virtual events, deals, and "something different" sections!

28:14 Valerie shares one of her favorite features of our site: Varietal Search!

28:55 "One last thing" with Beth! Mother's Day Weekend Sparkling Seminar.

Links https://www.duttongoldfield.com/ https://www.wineroad.com/seminarseries/ Ron Rubin Winery

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

Wine Road Podcast Episode 172

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 172 | Dustin Valette, Chef, Valette, The Matheson, Roof 106 Beth and Marcy chat with local legend Dustin Valette about his three local restaurants, his history with food and wine, and how Sonoma County (and Healdsburg) has become such an important culinary hub in the United States.

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery

SHOW NOTES 1:41 Dustin explains why he has his restaurants here in beautiful Healdsburg.

2:25 We learn about how Valette was opened, a family affair, in a building with family history!

5:34 Dustin shares about The Matheson and Roof 106, celebrating Healdsburg history and we get to hear about how Dustin made garage wine :)

7:14 Valette Wines brand launched 2016.

8:08 Marcy brings up the exciting Wine Wall at The Matheson, where Dustin explains how they have 106 wines by the glass, allowing them to showcase smaller boutique wineries at their restaurant.

15:08 The Matheson is the special occasion, best of the best of Sonoma County, Roof 106 allows for a more relaxed, casual dining experience with the option for reservations or walk-ins!

17:28 The cocktails at Roof 106 are next-level! (Pun intended)

18:10 Dustin discusses why he only sleeps 5 hours a night and how doing what satisfies you and makes people happy is what keeps you going!

21:21 The passion and energy brought by our local famers and artisans in Sonoma County is showcased by our local restaurants.

24:35 What's on the horizon for Dustin and his family and restaurants.

27:11 Three new lodging members now part of Wine Road! Santa Rosa: Arthouse Inn https://www.arthousesantarosa.com/ Hotel E https://www.hotelesantarosa.com Healdsburg: The Ruse http://theruse.com/

28:12 May 18-21st Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience! https://www.healdsburgwineandfood.com/

Links https://www.valettehealdsburg.com/ https://www.thematheson.com/roof-106 https://www.thematheson.com/ Ron Rubin Winery

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