I am reaching back to 2019 for this podcast. In case you missed it, you may want to hear this story as Jordan Vineyard and Winery is 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 in which it is produced.

Needless to say, it was a pleasure to spend time there interviewing CEO, General Manager, and family member John Jordan and winemaker Rob Davis. 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.

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power.

Music was sourced from FirstCom/Universal Music and Marscott.

This podcast was spawned by the new book from 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 made 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.

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power

The open and close theme was composed by Marscott

Additional music was sourced from APM Music

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. 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. Katie Madigan is one of two winemakers at St. Francis Winery in Kenwood, Sonoma Co. 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, Napa Valley. 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.

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power

The closing music was composed by Marscott

For this podcast, I sat down with Andy Robinson from Seghesio Family Vineyards. I recently learned that Wine Spectator named Seghesio’s 2022 Sonoma County Zinfandel the Top Value Wine of 2024—an incredible achievement, especially considering the global competition in the Top 10. Producing high-quality wine at a scale that reaches shelves across multiple states and countries—while keeping it affordable—is no small feat. That’s just one of the many topics I explore with Andy in this conversation.

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power

The closing music was composed by Marscott

Additional music is sourced from APM Music

In the fall of 2023, I recorded this interview as an oral history video for the Napa Valley Wine Library Association. I didn't get it completed until early summer of last year. It's about time I post it as a podcast! It was a real pleasure to get to know David Duncan, co-owner and CEO of Silver Oak Winery, founded by his father, Ray in 1972. Together, David and I explore the numerous innovations and transformations that have helped solidify Silver Oak's remarkable legacy over the past 50 years. By the end, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for why Silver Oak remains a true icon in both the Napa and Alexander Valleys.

On The Wine Road Podcast is supported by Sonoma Clean Power

The closing music was composed by Marscott

Additional music is sourced from APM Music

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 podcast and my website.) Guests are 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.

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 in which they’re grown.

The vines, with roots that dive deep, are often blanketed in early evening to late morning fog, yielding wines with remarkable complexity and character. Find more details and photos at courseygraves.com.

On this podcast, you'll hear from talented winemaker Matt Casalenue. Click play to discover his perspective on what makes this estate truly special.

For more photos of the winery, visit my website https://onthewineroad.us/coursey-graves-estate-winery.

On The Wine Road Podcast is sponsored by SonomaCleanPower.org.

The closing music is composed by Marscott.

In this episode you’ll meet Jerry Lohr, the founder of J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines. They’re a major player. The brand is found in nearly every grocery and liquor store across the country.

J. Lohr produces 1.7 million cases annually and is 20th on the list of the largest U.S. wine companies. The family-owned and operated winery is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. During their half-century of business, philanthropy has played a role in their operations. This year, they chose to go nationwide with one impressive charitable initiative that will award a nonprofit organization $5000 in each of the 50 states! It’s called 50 Years, States and Ways of Giving.

Additionally, consumers are invited to nominate which organization receives the donation! In this interview, you’ll hear more details about their summer campaign, we’ll talk about their commitment to sustainability and the family dynamic. (In their case, there’s no drama. It’s quite healthy). While you listen, think of which nonprofit you’d like to nominate. Go ahead and pick up a bottle of J. Lohr to enjoy while you listen!

J. Lohr Vineyards and Wine

Music on this podcast is composed by Marscott

On The Wine Road Podcast is sponsored by Sonoma Clean Power

In this episode I celebrate this year’s Sonoma County Barrel Auction. The theme for the
weekend is Never Before, Never Again wines. On May 2nd I was invited to the Tasting Preview
event attended by trade, media guests, partners, and participating vintners. This year’s auction was the 10th anniversary of the Barrel Auction. Over $400,000 was raised during the auction at MacMurray Ranch the following day. Congratulations to Sonoma County Vintners! In addition to having the chance to taste some of the 63 wine lots - that is, only a fraction of the 63 - I snagged five wine producers to talk about their Never Before, Never Again wines. We’ll discuss the special varieties and blends they created for the auction that contributed to the event's success.

My guests included Justin Hirigoyen from Twomey, Alan Ramey of Ramey Wine Cellars, David Hejl of Domaine Della, and Shauna Rosenblum and Trestor Goetting of Ridge Vineyards. Join us in the courtyard of Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg, CA for the conversations.

Find other interviews, wine trivia, and news at OnTheWineRoad.us

On The Wine Road Podcast is brought to you by Sonoma Clean Power.

The closing theme is "Course Grind," written and performed by Marscott

Additional music is sourced from APM Music