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

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

By: Wine Road
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 The Wine Road provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma to locals and visitors with tips and news on events, wineries, restaurants, outdoor activities, and places to stay. Hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa have a biweekly conversation with guests and share their insider stories about the places to check out when you're exploring along the Wine Road. Art Cooking Food & Wine Social Sciences Travel Writing & Commentary
Episodes
  • Wine Road Podcast - Episode 242, Marcy & Beth's holiday plans

    Wine Road Podcast - Episode 242, Marcy & Beth's holiday plans
    Dec 18 2025
    (0:10 - 0:23) The podcast kicks off with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing "Wine Road," a show about the wine culture of Northern Sonoma County. They thank Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast. (0:24 - 0:48) River Road Family Vineyards and Winery is highlighted as a sponsor, enabling the podcast to continue. Listeners are encouraged to explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at RiverRoadVineyards.com. (0:49 - 1:16) The hosts introduce episode 242, a festive "Celebrate Christmas" edition, recorded on December 18th. They share their excitement for the holiday season. (1:17 - 1:39) The hosts enjoy eggnog and holiday cheer, with Marcy joking about "Santa pauses" and Beth adjusting to not introducing a guest. (1:42 - 2:00) Beth shares her excitement about spending Christmas with her daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren in Cloverdale, emphasizing the importance of family during the holidays. (2:05 - 2:23) Beth reminisces about a Nutcracker-themed children's book that her grandson loves, which still works after years of use, despite her family's mixed feelings about it. (2:30 - 3:25) The hosts discuss the upcoming "Winter Wineland" event on January 17-18, featuring 60 wineries. It's a relaxed, fun weekend to enjoy wine tasting, with extended offers for Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. (3:26 - 4:14) Beth mentions the Wine Road's ongoing auction to raise funds and teases the 50th anniversary celebration in 2026. Plans include a grand tasting event at Fopiano Vineyards, showcasing founding and long-time member wineries. (4:15 - 5:32) The hosts reflect on the Wine Road's history, including its 40th-anniversary documentary, and share details about the 50th-anniversary celebration in November 2026, which will feature live music, appetizers, and winery interviews. (5:33 - 6:21) Beth shares her holiday traditions, including decorating her house, baking cookies with her grandkids, and enjoying Christmas lights in Cloverdale. Marcy adds her Italian-inspired traditions, like panettone and spaghetti with meatballs. (6:22 - 7:14) The hosts discuss holiday baking, with Beth excited about her pastry chef daughter visiting to take over the kitchen. They also mention local light displays and parades in Sebastopol and Occidental. (7:15 - 9:00) Beth recalls a memorable Christmas trip to the San Francisco Zoo to see reindeer, which ended with a long traffic jam on the Golden Gate Bridge. The hosts agree that the best holiday memories often involve mishaps. (9:01 - 11:34) The hosts outline upcoming Wine Road events: Winter Wineland (January 17-18): A weekend wine-tasting event.Wine Love Wine Trail (February 14): A one-day, $50 event with 40 wineries.Barrel Tasting (March): A chance to taste wines still aging in barrels, alongside current and library vintages. (11:35 - 13:40) Beth highlights the Geyserville Inn as a lodging option, noting its vineyard-surrounded location, renovated rooms, and on-site restaurant. It's ideal for weddings, meetings, or a wine country getaway. (13:41 - 15:27) Marcy introduces a "Where Am I?" segment, describing a winery in Dry Creek Valley with a scenic view, old tractors, and Rhone varietals. Listeners can email guesses to win a Wine Road picnic blanket. (15:28 - 20:19) The hosts share a "Fast Five" recipe for snowball cookies with pistachios, adding humor and outtakes as they struggle to describe the process. The recipe includes flour, salted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and nuts. They promise to include detailed instructions in the show notes. (20:20 - 20:23) The episode wraps up with holiday wishes and laughter over the cookie recipe outtakes. Todays Links: River Road Family Vineyards & Winery Winter Wineland Geyserville Inn Marcy's Snowball Cookies - with somewhat clearer instructions...
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    21 mins
  • Wine Road Podcast - Episode 241, Jamie Peterson, Peterson Winery

    Wine Road Podcast - Episode 241, Jamie Peterson, Peterson Winery
    Dec 4 2025
    (0:10 - 0:23) The hosts, Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, introduce the "Wine Road" podcast, supported by Ron Rubin, focusing on Northern Sonoma County wines. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial support, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from the Russian River Valley. (0:49 - 0:57) Introduction of guest Jamie Peterson, second-generation winemaker at Peterson Winery. (1:00 - 1:22) Jamie shares his "desert island wine," a 2020 Zinfandel from their Bradford Mountain Vineyard, which includes Petite Syrah for added depth. (1:23 - 1:51) Discussion of the vineyard's history, its location in Dry Creek Valley, and the challenges of the 2020 fires. (1:52 - 2:12) Jamie explains the blending process of Zinfandel and Petite Syrah, emphasizing the wine's fruity and spicy profile. (2:13 - 2:39) Details about Bradford Mountain's geography and the resilience of the vineyard during the 2020 fires. (2:42 - 3:00) The hosts admire Peterson Winery's distinctive labels, designed with local fauna and flora themes. (3:00 - 3:32) Jamie shares the story behind the labels, featuring wood carvings of mountain lions, reflecting the vineyard's environment. (3:32 - 4:11) Jamie recounts his journey into winemaking, starting with his father Fred Peterson's grape-growing background and the winery's evolution. (4:12 - 5:14) Jamie describes his role as winemaker, blending decisions with his father, and managing marketing and operations in their small, family-run winery. (5:15 - 6:09) The organic growth of the winery is discussed, from Fred's grape-growing roots to producing 5,000 cases annually, focusing on Zinfandel and other varieties. (6:10 - 7:21) Jamie explains their mix of estate-grown and purchased grapes, with plans to focus more on estate production for better control and cost management. (7:21 - 9:00) Jamie reflects on his initial lack of interest in winemaking, his travels to Australia and New Zealand, and how those experiences deepened his appreciation for the craft. (9:00 - 10:27) Jamie shares how working abroad gave him a new perspective on winemaking and led to his full-time role at Peterson Winery in 2002. (10:32 - 12:07) Jamie discusses balancing vineyard work, winemaking, and marketing, emphasizing his love for the sensory aspects of winemaking. (12:10 - 13:37) The hosts and Jamie talk about the winery's vast portfolio of 20 wines, their focus on quality over quantity, and the importance of offering something for every palate. (13:38 - 15:35) Jamie highlights the aging potential of their wines, the benefits of screw caps versus corks, and their approach to barrel aging and minimal intervention. (15:59 - 17:09) Peterson Winery's tasting room schedule and its location among other wineries in Dry Creek Valley are discussed, making it a great stop for visitors. (17:09 - 18:46) Jamie mentions upcoming events like the Holiday Wine Trail and Winter Wineland, as well as the winery's plans to close briefly for the holidays. (18:46 - 20:48) Jamie shares his favorite local activities, including visiting the coast, hiking, and exploring thrift stores, as well as supporting local restaurants. (20:48 - 22:01) Jamie talks about involving his children in the winery, fostering their interest without pressure, and their creative contributions like designing labels. (22:02 - 24:01) The hosts and Jamie reflect on the challenges and rewards of running a family winery, including working with the next generation and maintaining traditions. (25:00 - 28:40) A winemaker answers a listener's question about determining grape harvest timing, explaining the process of testing sugar levels, acidity, and grape maturity. (29:02 - 31:40) Beth shares updates about the Wine Road auction, new Wine Road Ambassadors, and encourages listeners to explore Sonoma County and support local wineries. (31:41 - 33:01) Jamie provides contact information for Peterson Winery and invites listeners to visit and enjoy their wines. The episode concludes with a toast. Links to explore River Road Family Vineyards & Winery Peterson Winery Holiday Wine Trail Winter WINEland Wine Road Ambassadors
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    33 mins
  • Wine Road Podcast - Episode 240 - Catalina from Coffaro

    Wine Road Podcast - Episode 240 - Catalina from Coffaro
    Nov 20 2025
    (0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to the podcast "Wine Road" hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial support. Listeners are encouraged to explore their wines, including Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. (0:49 - 0:57) Introduction of guest Catalina Perez, Hospitality Manager at David Coffaro Vineyards & Winery. (0:57 - 1:23) Catalina shares her excitement about being on the show, and Beth reminisces about knowing Catalina since kindergarten. (1:30 - 2:25) Catalina introduces "Block Four," a popular wine made from 130-year-old vines in a traditional Italian-style field blend, featuring Zinfandel, Petite Syrah, Carignan, and other unique varietals. (2:26 - 3:02) Discussion about the popularity of Block Four and Catalina's role as an ambassador for the winery. (3:06 - 4:14) Catalina shares her current favorite wine, Lagrine, a rare Italian varietal known for its dark, intense color but surprisingly light and drinkable profile. (4:15 - 5:15) Conversation about the winery's focus on Italian varietals, including Allianico, Barbera, and Sagrantino, and Dave Coffaro's passion for experimenting with these grapes. (5:46 - 7:17) Details about the winery's appointment-based visits, emphasizing its small, family-run nature and the personal touch of calling ahead. (8:12 - 9:36) Catalina recounts how she started working at the winery 14 years ago, transitioning from catering events to becoming a key team member. (10:12 - 11:18) Discussion about the importance of barrel tasting and the winery's futures program, which supports the business while offering customers exclusive access to upcoming wines. (11:22 - 12:54) Insights into Dave Coffaro's expertise in finance and his unique approach to winemaking, including his detailed online diary, which covers everything from vineyard updates to personal anecdotes. (13:14 - 14:13) Beth and Catalina discuss Dave's sustainability efforts, which predate the trend, and his innovative practices like solar energy and sustainable vineyard management. (16:04 - 17:13) Catalina shares her love for her job, describing the winery as a true family-run business with a close-knit team and a supportive environment. (17:23 - 18:56) Details about the winery's wine club, which offers twice-yearly shipments of unique blends and a 40% discount for members. (19:07 - 20:01) Catalina highlights the passion and authenticity behind the winery, emphasizing its family-oriented culture and dedication to quality. (20:21 - 22:09) Further discussion about the wine club's benefits, including access to exclusive blends and personalized barrel tastings. (22:16 - 24:07) Catalina explains the variety in the winery's portfolio, with over 30 wines available, and the fun of discovering new blends through the wine club. (25:36 - 26:05) Details about the winery's location in Geyserville and how to reach them via their website or by calling directly. (26:41 - 27:56) Shoutout to Vinarosa in Santa Rosa, a newly renovated lodging option with vineyard walking paths and wine tastings. (28:04 - 30:16) Beth describes a "mystery winery" in Alexander Valley with a unique cave and picnic area, encouraging listeners to guess its identity. (30:21 - 31:03) Closing remarks, with Catalina expressing her gratitude for being on the show and encouraging listeners to visit David Coffaro Winery. Russian River Family Vineyards & Winery David Coffaro Vineyards & Winery Vinarosa Inn & Spa
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    31 mins
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