Wine Road Podcast - Episode 246 - Janae Franicevic / Sunce Winery

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Welcome to Wine Road with hosts Marci Gordon and Beth Costa. Thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast.

(0:24 - 0:48)
Special thanks to River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. Explore their wines at RiverRoadVineyards.com.

(0:49 - 0:57)
Episode 246 features Janae Franicevic from Sunce Winery.

(1:03 - 1:16)
Janae introduces Sunce's 2021 Pinot Noir, made from estate-grown clone 777.

(1:30 - 1:48)
Sunce Winery is a backyard winery on Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, with a vineyard planted in 1998.

(2:16 - 2:29)
Janae shares the story of buying and transforming the property into a winery.

(3:06 - 3:17)
Starting a winery required risk, passion, and resourcefulness.

(5:00 - 5:10)
Janae emphasizes her role in building the business, pioneering direct-to-consumer sales and wine clubs.

(6:16 - 6:37)
Sunce produces small-lot wines, including single-clone Pinots and diverse varietals.

(9:02 - 9:18)
The tasting room offers a global wine experience, featuring unique varietals like Dornfelder and Teran.

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Sunce's adaptability allows them to thrive in a challenging wine economy.

(15:37 - 15:42)
Wine remains a comforting tradition, especially in changing times.

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Janae highlights the importance of barrel tasting as a tradition and business cornerstone.

(24:05 - 24:09)
Sunce offers flexible futures purchases, starting at three bottles.

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Barrel tasting supports wineries and growers while offering customers exclusive wines at a discount.

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Barrel tasting allows customers to experience wine's development and connect with its story.

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Janae stresses the importance of wineries supporting each other during challenging times.

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Visit Sunce for barrel tasting, charcuterie, and a welcoming atmosphere.

(37:50 - 37:53)
Barrel tasting is March 7-8. Don't miss it!

Links from today:

River Road Family Vineyards

Sunce Winery

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Hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa discuss upcoming events, share stories, and provide resources for wine enthusiasts in Northern Sonoma County. Here's the rundown:

1. Sponsor Shoutouts: Thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for supporting the podcast. Check out their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at riverroadvineyards.com.

2. Event Updates:

   • Winter Wineland: Recently wrapped up, offering a relaxed post-holiday wine weekend.
   • Wine Love Wine Trail: Happening on Valentine's Day (Feb 14). A $50 ticket grants access to 30 wineries with fun treats like conversation hearts and Hershey's Kisses.
   • Barrel Tasting: Celebrating its 48th year and the Wine Road's 50th anniversary. This signature event (March) allows guests to taste wines directly from barrels, meet winemakers, and purchase futures. Tickets are rolled back to $50 for the weekend.
   • 50th Anniversary Grand Tasting: Scheduled for November 6 at Fopiano Vineyards, featuring founding members, live music, and food. (UPDATE - new date September 19th).

3. Book Recommendation: Vines in a Cold Climate by Henry Jeffries explores the rise of English sparkling wine, driven by climate change and visionary winemakers.

4. Local Resource Highlight: Edible Marin and Wine Country magazine is a free, insightful guide to local food, wine, and culture.

5. Recipe Spotlight: Marcy shares a simple recipe for spiced candied nuts, perfect for Valentine's Day gifts. Ingredients include nuts, sugar, spices, egg white, and salt. Bake at 300°F for 30 minutes, separate, and package with a bow.

6. Fun Moments: The hosts share laughs, personal anecdotes, and celebrate Beth's 49th wedding anniversary.

Listeners are encouraged to share photos from Winter Wineland and explore the Wine Road's events and resources. Happy Valentine's Day!

Links:

River Road Family Vineyards

Winter Wineland

Wine Love Wine Trail

Barrel Tasting

Edible Marin

Vines in a Cold Climate

Sugar and Spice Candied Nuts - a perfect Valentine gift idea!

1/3 cup dark-brown sugar
2/3 cup white granulated sugar
1 teaspoon kosher salt (I might up this by a 1/2 tsp. next time for more of a sweet/salty balance)
Generous pinch of cayenne pepper (I swapped this with 1/4 teaspoon of hot smoked paprika)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pound walnut or pecan halves or whole peeled hazelnuts
1 egg white, room temperature
1 tablespoon water

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix sugars, salt, cayenne, and cinnamon, making sure there are no lumps; set aside. Beat egg white and water until frothy but not stiff. Add walnuts, and stir to coat evenly. Sprinkle nuts with sugar mixture, and toss until evenly coated. Spread sugared nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet fitted with parchment paper. Bake for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from oven, and separate nuts as they cool. When completely cool, pour the nuts into a bowl, breaking up any that stick together.

Welcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast.

(0:24 - 0:48)
Thanks to River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. Explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at riverroadvineyards.com.

(0:49 - 0:59)
Episode 244 features Bruce Marinace, a tour driver and guide in Sonoma County.

(1:03 - 1:15)
Beth met Bruce at Alexander Valley Vineyards during their cave expansion event, leading to his podcast invitation.

(1:32 - 1:47)
Bruce transitioned from IT in Silicon Valley to wine tours in Sonoma after moving for his wife.

(2:08 - 2:23)
Bruce humorously recounts joining the Santa Rosa Mother's Club and adjusting to life as a stay-at-home dad.

(3:11 - 3:31)
Inspired by a TV show, Bruce began driving for wine tour companies, eventually joining Private Wine Drivers.

(4:23 - 4:43)
Private Wine Drivers offers intimate experiences at boutique wineries, connecting guests with winemakers.

(5:05 - 5:15)
Bruce prefers driving smaller vehicles for personalized tours and enjoys building relationships with clients.

(6:15 - 6:30)
Bruce helps clients navigate Sonoma's 490 wineries, tailoring tours to their preferences.

(7:17 - 7:25)
Bruce creates lasting connections, acting as a driver, guide, and even a photographer for his clients.

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He ensures guests experience more than wineries, incorporating local food and attractions into tours.

(13:53 - 14:13)
Bruce balances education and enjoyment, tailoring tours to guests' interests and pacing the day thoughtfully.

(17:52 - 18:02)
With years of experience, Bruce curates unique itineraries, ensuring no two tours are the same.

(20:22 - 20:26)
Bruce stays updated on wineries through driver appreciation events and industry connections.

(23:47 - 24:10)
He emphasizes the importance of planning tours logistically to maximize enjoyment and minimize travel time.

(27:08 - 27:20)
Bruce often incorporates local markets, food spots, and scenic stops into his tours for a well-rounded experience.

(33:32 - 33:43)
Guests appreciate Bruce's photography skills, leaving with memorable pictures from their tours.

(37:04 - 37:10)
Bruce loves his job, meeting new people, and being part of their happy memories in wine country.

(38:05 - 38:15)
Find Bruce and Private Wine Drivers at privatewinedrivers.com or on TripAdvisor.

Links from today:

River Road Family Vineyards and Winery

Private Wine Drivers

Bruce - direct: 707 - 975 - 3773 bmarinace @ comcast.net