Sonoma County Archives - On The Wine Road

Jasmine Hirsch of the Incomparable Hirsch Vineyards

Imagine owning a vineyard that is considered one of the very best in the U.S. How would you feel if it were chosen as one of the Top 30 vineyards in the world?! Within the last year, that remarkable honor was bestowed upon Hirsch Vineyards.

Perched high above the Sonoma Coast, Hirsch is defined by extremes – high elevations, steep hillsides, nearly 80 inches of rain each year, intense sunshine, wind-driven storms, and the nearby San Andreas fault. Each of these combined factors produces wines of extraordinary character.

Individually farmed blocks of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir tell their own story, and range from wines that are powerful to delicately elegant.

GM and winemaker Jasmine Hirsch, the daughter of founder David Hirsch, has grown up on the property and has a lifelong understanding of its land and potential. On this podcast, she shares more details on what makes this property so distinctive. Discover more at HirschVineyards.com.

Click Play to listen now, or click here to download the interview

From the Harvest 2024 issue of Sonoma Magazine

Longtime Vineyard Manager, Everado Robledo discusses a young block of vines in the vineyard

The view of the Pacific coast, about 10 miles south of Hirsch Vineyards

The redwood tree-laden gaps between the rolling vineyard blocks are common throughout the property

Recent guests enjoying a visit to the Hirsch Tasting Room in Healdsburg

The current lineup served in the tasting room. Rosé of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and a selection of Pinot Noir bottlings.

Sonoma County, Wineries

Korbel Champagne Cellars’ Gary Heck – Classic

This interview at Korbel Champagne Cellars dates back to September of 2021. We were just easing out of the pandemic, so to play it safe, I had the pleasure of joining owner, president, and chairman Gary Heck poolside. Yes, there is a swimming pool off the guest house at the winery. It was a beautiful fall morning, and to have a Korbel mimosa in hand was a bonus! Korbel Champagne Cellars has a multi-layered history full of drama and perseverance. So when the Sonoma County Vintners were about to bestow their highest recognition to Gary, and asked if I’d like to interview him, I jumped at the chance. I’m a bit of a history buff anyway, and knew I’d be enthralled by the story of Korbel. We touch upon Gary’s life on the property and how the Korbel brothers eventually created California “champagne” in 1882. Interestingly, the Hecks are only the second family to run the business, and as a result of their decades of determination, the brand can be found across the U.S. and internationally. Click here to visit Korbel Champagne Cellars.

Click Play to listen now, or click here to download the interview

The Korbel brothers

The original Korbel building with the Brandy Tower in the background

Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Wineries

Women In Wine Day 2025

I’m going to start this Women In Wine Day post by recognizing the founders of National Women in Wine Day, Yolanda Papapietro and Renae Perry. They’ve been joined at the hip for 20 years at the winery Papapietro Perry in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. You can read more about Women in Wine Day and nominate a woman in the wine industry for recognition at Women In Wine Day.com. You may realize a number of the women listed for nomination have appeared on this podcast in the past.

The interviews for today’s offering were originally posted in 2022, in honor of the Second Annual Women in Wine Day. I feel they’re worthy of a second posting in 2025 to celebrate this year’s Day. They represent the area well. Katie works in Sonoma County, and Pam, in Napa Valley.

Katie Madigan is one of two winemakers at St. Francis Winery in Kenwood. Katie was lucky enough to develop an interest in wine as a result of her parent’s love and enthusiasm for the beloved nectar.

Pam Starr is a Co-Owner & Founding Winemaker of Crocker & Starr in St. Helena. She has great enthusiasm about working in all aspects of the wine industry and has made quite a name for herself. As you’ll hear, both ladies share some common experiences.

It was a real pleasure spending time with these ladies, and I hope you enjoy their stories of working in the male-dominated wine industry, although that seems to change with each passing year.

To listen, click the play button below or right-click here to download the audio.

Katie Madigan

Pam Starr

Yolanda Papapietro – Owner/Distributor Relations for Papapietro Perry Winery

Renae Perry – Owner/CEO of Papapietro Perry Winery

Sonoma County, Wineries

Coursey Graves Estate Winery – A Hidden Gem in Sonoma County

Nestled at 1,500 feet atop Bennett Mountain overlooking Bennett Valley, Coursey Graves Estate Winery boasts some of the most breathtaking views in Sonoma County—I can vouch for it, having had the pleasure of working there for the past year. (This explains why I’ve been behind on updating this website and my podcast.)

When guests step out of their cars, they’re often struck by the beauty, exclaiming, “This is gorgeous!” From every vantage point, there’s something to admire: sweeping vistas that stretch for miles, a serene Monet-inspired pond framed by stately oak trees, lush, colorful gardens, and the occasional visit from local wildlife.

Despite being a relative newcomer—just a decade old—Coursey Graves Estate has quickly become a favorite among wine lovers. And it’s not just the scenery that impresses. The wines themselves are marvelous, capturing the essence of their unique origins.

Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reflect the elegance of the cool-climate Sonoma Coast vineyards in which they’re grown.
The Estate Cabernet blend (currently Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec) and Syrah embody the rugged volcanic soils and rock they’re rooted in.

The vines, with roots that dive deep, are nurtured by Bennett Mountain’s foggy embrace, yielding wines with remarkable complexity and character. But don’t just take my word for it—come experience it yourself. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with the estate and its wines as much as I have. Find out more at courseygraves.com.

Now, let’s hear from Matt Casalanuevo, the talented head winemaker. Hit play below to discover his perspective on what makes this estate truly special.

On The Wine Road Podcast is sponsored by SonomaCleanPower.org. The closing music is composed by Marscott