Sonoma county Archives - On The Wine Road

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

Alexander Valley, Wineries

The Story of Jordan Vineyard and Winery – Classic

Jordan Vineyard and Winery is an ivy-covered icon. It’s one of Sonoma County’s most stunning wineries, fashioned after a French chateau. It stands boldly yet gracefully among the sweeping lawn, beautifully manicured trees, and vineyards. Since the first vintage in 1976, Jordan wine has lived up to the elegance of the chateau.

Needless to say, it was a pleasure to spend time there interviewing CEO and family member John Jordan, and winemaker Rob Davis. We chatted for 2 hours, way more than I could squeeze into my one hour radio show at the time. Fortunately, a majority of the outtakes can be heard in this podcast. For you Napa wine history fans, you’ll love the stories Rob shares about “the Dean of California Winemakers,” André Tchelistcheff.

As you listen, you’ll understand the reasoning behind Wine Enthusiast Magazine choosing Jordan Vineyard and Winery as American Winery of the Year in 2014.

To see their tours and tasting options, wine, and so much more, click here.

To listen now, click Play. You can download and listen later, here.

CEO, GM, and family member John Jordan

During the tasting and interview with Rob Davis

When you walk through those French doors you’re elevated tasting experience will include award-winning wines and exceptional hospitality.

The directional sign at Vista Point that John references.

Beer & Cider, Sonoma County

The Cider King Speaks – Jeffrey House on Returning to ACE

This podcast was spawned by the new book by Ace Cider founder and former owner, Jeffrey House, The Cider King, How I Ace’d it! The book was Jeffrey’s project after selling his beloved brand in 2021. All kinds of unexpected developments occurred following the book’s release. Of The Cider King book, Jeffrey says, “It’s a story of immigration, a story of business, entrepreneurship, plus some encouragement for anyone who suffers from depression” (which he’s dealt with for decades).

We go into quite a bit of detail about the sale of his company and how he almost bought it back. You’ll also hear how he ended up working for Ace Cider again, thanks to the insightful decision by its new owner in 2024.

Jeffrey is always a kick to interview, aside from the fact that we drink cider while doing it. Maybe pop one open yourself while you listen.

To download the audio, right-click here. To listen, hit the Play button below.

Angela & Jeffrey House in the former Ace in the Hole Pub (Photo courtesy of Christopher A. Kerosky / Sonoma Co. Gazette)

On Sale Now!

Angela House as Brea Tonnika (right) and her movie sister Senni in the first Star Wars film “A New Hope”

The original Ace in the Hole Pub. Good times, music, and cider were experienced there. It is sadly missed.

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

Casual Matt

Focused Matt

The view that stretched out before us as Matt and I recorded the interview

The stunning view of the pond

One of several tasting spaces

Wineries

Mora Estate

This podcast features the segments from my radio interview with Fabiano Ramaci of Mora Estate. I’ve had Fabiano on my show before, but I felt it was worth repeating. The Sonoma County winemaker has imported Italian varieties to craft an incredible Valpolicella (Valp0) in the ripasso style, and a Valporone, an appassimento made in a method that dates back to ancient Rome. In a sense he has brought Italy to California. Aside from that, he hand paints each bottle he produces! Try wrapping your head around that one. You may have seen his colorful wines on the shelf. If not, take a look at his Trio package below.

Click the arrow below to hear the story of this impassioned winemaker.

Russian River Valley, Wineries

Theresa Heredia, A Winemaker To Watch

Theresa Heredia has been a winemaker to watch since 2012 and continues to be. I really enjoyed sitting down with Theresa of Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery. Not only is she savvy, she’s quite playful too, further adding to the enjoyment.

Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery is one of the early producers of Pinot Noir in Sonoma County, and remain in the forefront of bottling cool climate Pinot and Chardonnay. Theresa Heredia is a perfect fit. Please join us in their nicely designed tasting salon, won’t ya?

Russian River Valley, Wineries

Tracy Dutton – Founder, President, Mother

Tracy Dutton

In the 20th century until the mid-70s or so, west Sonoma County was about as rural as a region could be. When it came to agriculture, it wasn’t far removed from the centuries prior in the farming, orchard, and grape growing regions of the old world. And like many small towns across America, it was common to marry “the boy next door.” Or girl. That’s part of the history of Dutton Ranch and Kozlowski Farms; two small family run businesses who managed to gain success through determination and ingenuity. Out of that setting Tracy and Joe Dutton eventually founded Dutton Estate Winery. Tracy joins me to share their impressive story, which still embraces their family’s essential attributes.

The Dutton Family

The Dutton Team

Alexander Valley, Wineries

Shooting Star Alicia Sylvester of Banshee Wines

I think of Alicia Sylvester as a shooting star because, to me, she appears to be speeding through life…even when she’s standing still; when she can stand still. Her passion is invigorating. Her energy is inspiring. And at times you could even say she glows.

This podcast can serve as a sort of Master Class on how to rise through the ranks. You’ll get a kick out of how this small town central Cali girl ended up working harvests across the globe, playing a role in winemaking with respected brands, then landing her current gig at Banshee Wines. Alicia Sylvester crafts small vineyard designate wines for their club, and up to 70,000 cases wholesale. Any aspiring young winemaker should take notes!

Sonoma Valley, Wineries

Ravenswood Winery Founder Joel Peterson – An Oral History

This post with Ravenswood Winery founder Joel Peterson is a bit different than my usual podcast. As the Visual Oral Histories Chair of the Sonoma County Wine Library Association, you may be aware that I began videotaping oral histories as a way to capture the stories of those who made major contributions to the wine industry. We feel it’s imperative to preserve these stories for future generations. Joel Peterson, the founder of Ravenswood Winery and now Once and Future Wine, certainly deserved to be included. This is the audio from his Visual Oral History. If you’d like to see the video click here.

You may have heard the radio interview I posted in 2017 but this interview delves much deeper into his past. Join me in the historic Bedrock Vineyard in Sonoma County with Joel.

Russian River Valley, Wineries

Balletto Vineyards’ Winemaker Anthony Beckman

You may recall I interviewed owner John Balletto a few years ago. His story is a perfect example of perseverance. He was only 17 when his father died, leaving 5 acres of vegetables to John and his mother. Now, 43 years later, Balletto has grown to include 800 acres of estate vineyards across Sonoma County. The wine is excellent, their prices are moderate, and have been referred to by wine magazines as a “Best Buy”.

The man responsible for the wine is Anthony Beckman, the subject of this interview, although John chimes in as well. Anthony hit pay dirt when he left his newspaper career behind to pursue his other love – good food and excellent wine. His journey to Balletto Vineyards is fascinating, and what he and John accomplish together is remarkable.

Click here to listen now:

Click here to listen later: OTWR_BallettoAB

Owner, John Balletto

Dry Creek Valley, Napa Valley, Wineries

Seghesio Family Vineyards & Shadowbox Cellars

On this podcast I feature Seghesio Family Vineyards & Shadowbox Cellars. Winemaker Andy Robinson and Sonoma County’s Seghesio Family Vineyards are celebrating 125 years of grape growing this year. Seghesio is one of the few that made it through Prohibition and continue to this day.

In comparison, owner Justin Preiser’s Shadowbox Cellars is in its infancy at 11 years of winemaking. His fairly new tasting room in downtown Napa was the first wine entity granted an outdoor space, the parklet, during this covid era.

Seghesio Family Vineyards and Shadowbox Cellars are producing outstanding wines and offer enjoyable experiences. Justin’s Salt and Acid Pairing is nearly one-of-a-kind, utilizing a gourmet food item paired with his aged wine. To hear more details about the Salt and Acid Pairing you’ll just have to listen to the podcast. I’ll tell you this, it was surprisingly tasty.

Hit play to join us under the ancient trees in Healdsburg, and streetside in Napa.

Download for later OTWR_Seghesio_Shadowbox_R

Seghesio’s outdoor lawn. Perfect for outdoor tastings, when it’s allowed.

Seghesio Family Vineryards & Shadowbox Cellars

A line up of some of Seghesio’s varietals

Shadowbox Cellars Salt and Acid Pairing

The streetside Parklet in front of Shadowbox Cellars. A fun place to taste, when it’s allowed.

Download here

Russian River Valley, Wineries

Chenoweth and Chev – Epic Pinot Noir

My guests from Chenoweth and Chev have a history together. Charlie Chenoweth grows sought after Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and Charlie’s wife Amy and friend Michael Browne craft their own versions of epic Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Russian River Valley also plays a role on this podcast. Its diverse soil, fog-filled valleys, rolling hills and redwood trees have inspired my two guests.

Chenoweth Wines

The Chenoweth Wines tasting experience was quite a venture, as you’ll see below. That was before the pandemic. But you can make a reservation to taste their fantastic wines within their picturesque Redwood Grove. It’s quite a setting. As you’ll hear, Amy and Charlie are quintessential Sonoma County residents. Amy has a rock ‘n roll attitude, and Charlie is as laid back as a country boy can be.

Michael Browne

Michael Browne has sourced grapes from Chenoweth’s highly regarded Treehouse and Bootleggers Hill vineyards in Russian River Valley for his previous Kosta Browne cult wines, then in Michael’s Browne Family Wines brand, Cirq. He continues sourcing from the Chenoweth’s and other Russian River Valley vineyards for his newly released brand Chev. The project was inspired by the crafting talents of his father, Bob. If that hasn’t kept Michael busy enough, we’ll discuss his new autobiography that was just released on Amazon, Pinot Rocks: A Winding Journey through Intense Elegance. The man does have quite a few stories to tell.

Which brings us to today’s tales featuring Chenoweth and Chev On The Wine Road…

Play Now

Download for later OTWR_Chenoweth_Chev_2

Amy, greeting her guests with wine and a smile

A ride through the vines

Charlie in another section of the Redwood Grove

A portion of the Redwood Grove

The handcrafted Chevy bench

Charlie, enjoying the view of Russian River Valley

The Pinot grapes going through versaison as they ripen

One of a couple bottles we enjoyed that day

Michael Browne enjoying his craft

A throwback to Michael’s previous brand, Cirq, crafted with grapes from the Chenoweth’s Treehouse Vineyard

The new brand, hearkening back to the ’40s, featuring little gems for car fanatics

The book thing

Download here

Wineries

Vranken-Pommery Champagne and Rosé

Clément Pierlot is the chef de cave of historic Champagne Pommery in France. I found it appealing that the Champagne house known for creating the Brut style of bubbly is now making a sparkling wine from California grapes. It turns out Louis Pommery California Sparkling is harvested and made just up the freeway from me in Sonoma County. It was a topic worth pursuing.

That led to another interview with a fellow Vranken-Pommery winemaker, Bruno Maillard. He crafts rosé in Provence and Carmargue/Languedoc, the world’s foremost regions for the light refreshing pink wine.

You’ll hear from these Frenchman and learn about the incomparable heritage of the world’s largest winegrower in Europe, Vranken-Pommery.

The tasteful line-up: Louis Pommery California Sparkling, The Pommery Brut Royal, and the Pommery Blanc de blancs.

The refreshing Rosé: The Pink Flamingo from Carmargue, and the La Chapelle Gordon from Provence.

The underground caves, or “galleries” as they call them in Champagne, that were carved during mining by the Romans centuries ago.

Wineries

Wineries Battle the Coronavirus Blues – Updated

How do wineries battle the coronavirus blues? By being creative, stepping up, helping their employees and keeping you smiling during these sobering times. Many wineries across the country are reaching out through social media with virtual tastings.

Here’s an updated and refined list of what the wine regions are doing in Northern California. I’m also including my interviews with Jackson Family Wines and Spring Mountain Vineyard from my show on April 18th.

Sonoma County

From Sonoma County Vintners

Napa Valley

From Napa Valley Vintners

Sonoma Valley

From Sonoma Valley Wine Collective

And across the state at Discover California Wines

Don’t suffer from the coronavirus blues. Stock up and stay at home…it’s a good place to wine!

Wine Educator, Ben Fine of Jackson Family Wines explains YourWineStore.com

Aida Parsa of Spring Mountain Vineyard details her two-way virtual tastings

Events, Wineries

ZAP Part 2: Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards

In this second ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) podcast, I feature Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards as I promoted the annual Zinfandel Experience.

Joe and Travis Ramazzotti follow in immigrant Guiseppe’s footsteps growing zinfandel and other Italian varieties. In 2002, they decided to start bottling their grapes and others from legendary vineyards in Sonoma County as Ramazzotti Wines. I met up with Joe and Travis at Deavola Pizzaria in Geyserville for the interview. Hey, why not drink wine and eat pizza while we talk?

Nicole Salengo, the winemaker at Berryessa Gap Vineyards, fills us in on the important history of grapvines in Winters, California. It’s a warm region but evening winds funneled through the Berryessa Gap cool down the grapes. She crafts a good variety of wines but zin is one of her favorites. In this interview you’ll find out how this geology loving Vermont gal became a California winemaker.

From Sonoma County to Yolo County, Ramazzotti Wines & Berryessa Gap Vineyards do not share much in common with their winemaking style but between the two there’s something for everyone.

A Wine Uncorked feature is also included. Stay in, stay healthy and enjoy some wine while you listen. Cheers!

Joe is on my left, Travis is on the right

The Ramazzotti Wines tasting room in Geyserville

The wine that prompted the interview

Winemaker, Nicole Salengo

Berryessa Gap Vineyards with the “gap” in the upper left that funnels in cool night air.

Boxes of Martinez Orchards rootstock that has appeared in vineyards from Yolo County to Napa Valley and Sonoma County.

With Nicole in front of their downtown tasting room

Wineries

Return to Paradise & Faire La Fête!

Return to Paradise

It was two years and two months after the wine country wildfires when I returned to Paradise Ridge Winery to see how the rebuild was coming along. I had no idea it was the first day of their soft opening.

In October of 2017 their hospitality center and production facility burned to the ground. I’ve come to know the Byck family fairly well over the years and I’m thrilled to see the return of Paradise. Owner and family member Rene and I sat down in January so he could catch us up on the challenges his family faced the past two years, the new building and some changes they have in mind. See an artist’s rendering of the new building and more at PRWinery.com.

To hear Rene talk about the loss of the winery just 4 months after the fire and see photos of the devastation click here.

Faire La Fête

In this interview I talk with Master of Wine Peter Neptune about the rich and centuries long tradition of Mardi Gras. You won’t believe how many centuries! You’ll also hear about the sparkling wine that was developed in southeastern France that ties into the historical roots of the celebration, Faire La Fête Brut. As you’ll hear, sparkling wine was developed in the Limoux region, (no, not Champagne) making Faire La Fête the ideal sparkling for Mardi Gras celebrations. You gotta love a history lesson with a party theme!

The week of the soft opening during a foggy winter’s day.

A small part of the new tasting room featuring the new art work referenced in the interview.

The Paradise Ridge Blanc De Blanc sparkling wine and Vineyard Select Russian River Valley Pinot Noir.

Wineries

ZO Wines & Napa Valley College Viticulture and Winery Technology Program

On this first podcast of 2020 you’ll hear about ZO Wines and Napa Valley College.

I talk with owner and winemaker, David Eckert about ZO Wines, in Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley. Not only do they have a number of tasting spaces on the property, a stunning vineyard view, a good variety of interesting wine varieties, they also have a lovely 100+ year Craftsman home that is available for overnight stays. David also answers the question of why they chose an elephant as their mascot. And no, it doesn’t mean their wines are big.

You’ll also meet esteemed winemaker Daniel Baron, who spent many years at Napa and Sonoma County’s Silver Oak Cellars and Twomey. He joins Molly Hodgins of the Napa Valley College Viticulture and Winery Technology Program to discuss some of their courses. The college is an excellent option as a path to get started in the wine industry.

Another Wine Uncorked features is also included.

For details on ZO Wines click here. For Napa Valley College’s VWT program click here.

A small lineup of ZO’s wine varietals.

The charming Craftsman farmhouse which offers one of the tasting spaces.

Napa Valley College’s Vintner Teaching Winery.

The Napa Valley College McCarthy Library.

Distilled Liquor, People

A Distiller and an Author

A Distiller and An Author: Jeff Duckhorn and Paula Moulton.

On this podcast I’ll take a detour from the wine road to talk whiskey. It’s another adult beverage that has really be exploding in the last decade or two. In the California town of Graton, head distiller Jeff Duckhorn and his team are crafting Redwood Empire Whiskey. They’ve gone through a transformation with new branding and adding two more whiskey’s to their line-up.

Then you’ll meet author Paula Moulton. This multi-faceted woman gave up city life to become a grape grower, an author, an accomplished chef, a winemaker and all while raising children. She tells you how you can do it too! Maybe not all of it but even some of it would be cool. Her first book and follow up are called Seasons Among the Vines: Life Lessons from the California Wine Country. Strap yourselves in for another ride On The Wine Road.

The Lost Monarch photo is courtesy of Mario Vaden. I thank him for allowing me to share that stunning image.

Half of Redwood Empire Whiskey’s warm barrel room

The Lost Monarch with the lovely Kiera providing reference to the size of this giant redwood.

Alexander Valley, Wineries

The Story of Jordan Vineyard and Winery

Jordan Vineyard and Winery is an ivy covered icon. It’s one of Sonoma County’s most stunning wineries, fashioned after a French chateau. It stands boldly yet gracefully among the sweeping lawn, beautifully manicured trees, and recently planted cabernet sauvignon vineyard.

Needless to say, it was a pleasure to spend a couple of hours there interviewing CEO and family member John Jordan and winemaker Rob Davis. We chatted for 2 hours, way more than I could squeeze into my one hour radio show. Fortunately, a majority of the outtakes can be heard in this podcast. For you Napa wine history fans you’ll love the stories Rob shares about “the Dean of California Winemakers,” André Tchelistcheff.

As you listen you’ll understand the reasoning behind Wine Enthusiast Magazine choosing Jordan Vineyard and Winery as American Winery of the Year in 2014. Since they produced their first vintage in 1976 their wine has lived up to the elegance of the chateau.

To see their tours and tasting options, wine and so much more click here.

During the tasting and interview with Rob Davis

CEO and family member John Jordan

When you walk through those French doors you’re elevated tasting experience will include award-winning wines and exceptional hospitality.

The directional sign at Vista Point that John and I reference.

Tag Archive for: Sonoma county

Chenoweth Wines

Michael Browne

Vranken-Pommery Champagne and Rosé

Sonoma County

Napa Valley

Sonoma Valley

Don’t suffer from the coronavirus blues. Stock up and stay at home…it’s a good place to wine!

Return to Paradise

Faire La Fête

On this first podcast of 2020 you’ll hear about ZO Wines and Napa Valley College.

A Distiller and An Author: Jeff Duckhorn and Paula Moulton.