"The Good Stuff"

This week, hosts Karissa Kruse and Virginie Boone sit down with Bill Guadagni, fourth-generation farmer and winemaker at Guadagni Family Wines in Dry Creek Valley.  Tune in as Bill shares his family’s journey from Italy to Sonoma County in the late 1800s, and how growing up in Dry Creek Valley surrounded by dedicated farmers shaped his path into winegrowing and winemaking. He also reflects on the unique balance of science and artistry that makes winemaking such a meaningful and rewarding career.  A proud member of our Sonoma County Winegrowers Century Club, Bill’s story is rooted deeply in Sonoma County history and the generations of farming that continue to define the region today. Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! 

This week, hosts Karissa Kruse and Virginie Boone sit down with Duskie Estes, Chef, Farmer, Rancher and Owner of Black Pig Meat Co in Sonoma County.   Tune is as Duskie shares her perspective on the power of farm-to-table cuisine in Sonoma County, gives a preview of the upcoming Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience, and reflects on what it truly means to live with “no limits”—from river rafting in Yosemite National Park and biking through Italy, to returning to law school to advocate for farm workers.  Don’t miss this inspiring conversation! 

This week, hosts Karissa Kruse and Virginie Boone sit down with Michael Muscardini, founder of Muscardini Cellars, for a conversation rooted in passion, heritage, and the spirit of Sonoma Valley.  Tune in as Michael shares his journey from general contractor to winery owner, building his dream from the ground up after purchasing land in Sonoma County and founding his winery in 2005. Inspired by his Italian roots and his grandfather’s homemade winemaking in San Francisco, Michael reflects on discovering his love for growing and crafting wine and the tight-knit comunity of Kenwood.   

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse are joined by Kenneth Juhasz, Sonoma County Winemaker & Founder of Auteur Wines.  Tune in as Kenneth shares his journey into winemaking — from growing up in Asheville, North Carolina, to discovering wine through the culinary world and ultimately dedicating his life to the craft. His story is one of going with the flow of life and embracing the magic of dreaming big. Kenneth details his start at Donum Estate and the recent opening of Auteur’s new tasting room in the Russian River Valley - this is an episode you won’t want to miss! 

Episode 131 of The Good Stuff airs today from 1–2 p.m. on KSRO 103.5 FM / 1350 AM!  This week features a special on-the-road episode, as host Karissa Kruse sits down with Jason Brantley, Vice President of Small Ag & Turf Production Systems, and Sean Sundberg, Business Integration Manager at John Deere, during a visit to their headquarters in Illinois.  Tune in as Jason shares his journey with John Deere — from his early days in marketing and customer service to helping expand the business into new markets — and his passion for advancing innovative technologies that are shaping the future of agriculture, including here in Sonoma County.

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse are joined by Steve Dveris, Director of the Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience, and Domenica Catelli, third-generation steward of Catelli's Restaurant in Geyserville and a featured chef at this year’s event.   Tune in as they share what’s in store for the 2026 Healdsburg Wine & Food Experience (May 14th - 17th) - from standout culinary moments and new event highlights to the incredible lineup of chefs, wineries, and experiences that make this one of Sonoma County’s premier celebrations of food, wine, and community. 

This week, hosts Karissa Kruse and Virginie Boone are joined by mother-and-son duo Sharon Pastori and Paolo Pastori-Ng — a family deeply rooted in Alexander Valley with more than a century of farming history in Sonoma County.  Sharon reflects on her upbringing on the family ranch — from harvesting prunes, apples, and pears to her father planting the family’s first vineyards in the 1970s. Today, Paolo carries that legacy forward, farming alongside his wife while raising their young twins on the property.  A conversation about legacy, family, and the future of Sonoma County farming you won’t want to miss! 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse welcome Tyler Flowers, Senior Relationship Manager at American AgCredit and Sonoma County winegrower.  Tune in as Tyler shares his deep roots in agriculture — from growing up on his family’s 200-year-old cattle farm in Mississippi to building a career in agricultural finance and finding his way to Sonoma County’s wine industry. 

Tune in as Lisa shares her journey into winemaking — from growing up in Sonoma County, to discovering her passion for wine while living abroad, and ultimately returning home to join the team at Benziger, where she has helped craft wines at the renowned biodynamic estate since 1999.  In this episode, Lisa reflects on the power of mentorship, the artistry behind great winemaking, and the importance of growing grapes that truly express the character of the land.  

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse welcome Emily Lokka, Agriculture Teacher at Analy High School, along with two inspiring FFA students:  Bailey Cassady – North Coast FFA Region President and member of the AHS Grapevine Pruning Team Harlyn Menendez – Analy High School student, FFA member, and Grapevine Pruning Team competitor  Tune in to hear how these young women discovered their passion for agriculture and how the FFA program is helping them grow as future leaders. From building communication and leadership skills to competing in grapevine pruning and animal showing competitions, their stories highlight the next generation shaping the future of agriculture. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse are joined by Bob Cabral, celebrated Sonoma County winemaker and Founder of Bob Cabral Wines.  Tune in as Bob shares how he got his start in agriculture, growing up in California’s Central Valley and working for large-production wine brands and how he made the move to Sonoma County to focus on artisanal, small-batch winemaking.    A former Williams Selyem winemaker and now boutique winery owner, Bob’s career has been defined by craftsmanship, critical acclaim, and a passion for expressing Sonoma County’s vineyards at their very best. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse are joined by Beth Costa, Executive Director of Wine Road.  Listen in as Beth shares how a passion for hospitality led her to wine and a 25-year journey with Wine Road — and reflects on how the organization and Sonoma County’s wine community have evolved over the years. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse are joined by Hilary Cline, VP of DTC and Marketing at Cline Cellars, alongside Tom Gendall, Director of Winemaking and Viticulture.  Tune in as Hilary shares her family’s remarkable journey—from inventing the Jacuzzi to putting down roots in Sonoma County in pursuit of winegrowing and winemaking—and as Tom reflects on his path from New Zealand’s wine industry to finding his home at Cline Cellars. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Clark Lystra - a Sonoma County Winegrower, former President of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers, author, and former Senior Duty Officer in the White House Situation Room.   Tune in as Clark reflects on his unique journey into the wine industry, his time working in the White House Situation Room during 9/11, and all about his new book, Saving Freedom.  

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Brian Shepard, a member of the SCW Century Club and steward of Jack London Ranch in Glen Ellen.   Tune in as Brian reflects on the deep history of the ranch, the story of discovering his own love for viticulture and grape growing, and what it takes to preserve a family-owned farm for future generations in today’s climate.  

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Gail, Steve, and Jordan Dutton – representing three generations of the Dutton family farming in Sonoma County.   Tune in as the Dutton family reflects on Gail and Warren Dutton’s entrepreneurial beginnings at Dutton Ranch selling apples and pears, how adaptability and long-term vision helped shape a multigenerational farming legacy, and what it truly means to work side by side on the land they’ve stewarded for decades

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Cameron Mauritson, a seventh-generation Sonoma County winegrower and a key figure in the Rockpile AVA.  Tune in as Cameron reflects on growing up in a multigenerational farming family, the evolution of the Mauritson farming operation over time, and why farming in Sonoma County remains both a challenge and a calling. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Dana and Ted Seghesio, legendary Sonoma County vintners and the duo behind Solo Nostro Wines.  Tune in as Dana and Ted share the story of how they met, reflect on the Seghesio family’s deep farming roots in Sonoma County, and what it means to build a small, family-run label that’s truly theirs alone - “solo nostro”.  

Tun in this week as hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Joe Bartolomei, Sonoma County winegrower and founder of the beloved Farmhouse Inn in Forestville.   Hear Joe's story of purchasing a piece of land and old building with his sister Catherine, and how he transformed it into a Bed & Breakfast and defining the hospitality and authenticity that made Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant such an iconic fixture of Sonoma County.  

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Danny Bernstein, agtech leader and CEO of Reservoir Farms.  Tune in as Danny shares the story behind the recently launched Reservoir Farms Sonoma — the nation’s first on-farm robotics and automation hub for viticulture, located in the heart of Sonoma County — and how Reservoir has allowed his  experience in Silicon Valley’s tech industry to come together with his deep commitment to preserving and advancing agriculture. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Tom and Mary Stubbs of Stubbs Vineyard in Marin County.   Tune in to hear Tom’s story of growing up on a small farm in England, to coming to the United States and rediscovering his love of agriculture. Tom and Mary share their unique journey into the wine industry, leaving San Francisco to raise their family in West Marin and “living off the grid” as they built their home and planted their vineyards.   

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Justin and Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Vineyards in Alexander Valley.    Tune in to hear their stories about growing up working in agriculture in Alexander Valley working, and reconnecting as adults to build Garden Creek Winery together.  A story of hard work, dedication, and appreciation for the land – Karin and Justin teach us how the triumphs and tribulations make us who we are. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Michael and Kara Busselen of Woodhawk Vineyards in Alexander Valley.  Tune in to hear their story of pivoting from careers in PR to following their dream of growing winegrapes and making wine.  In this episode, the Busselen's share how they fell in love with winemaking and Sonoma County and how their passion for lifelong learning, hospitality, and storytelling is at the heart of everything they do at Woodhawk Vineyards. 

Tune in as Emily shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Oregon to discovering her passion for agriculture—ultimately leading to her role as an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor at Analy High School. You’ll also hear from Riggs, Vineyard Manager at Emeritus Vineyards and a recent honoree in Wine Business Monthly’s Sonoma County 2025 Wine Industry Leaders list, whose deep Sonoma County roots shape his work as Vineyard Manager at Emeritus Vineyards.  

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse welcome Healdsburg Bubble Bar owner Sarah Quider.  Tune in to hear Sarah’s inspiring journey — from discovering her passion for winemaking and rising to Winemaker at Ferrari-Carano and SVP of Winemaking for Foley Family Wines, to finding community in Healdsburg and opening the doors to her very own Bubble Bar and wine club. 

In episode 109 of “The Good Stuff,” hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with brothers Parke and Scott Hafner of Hafner Vineyard.  Learn how Scott and Parke's parents, Dick and Mary, felt drawn to life in Sonoma County, relocating from Berkley to pursue their dreams of farming. Dick and Mary would go on to purchase a prune orchard in the 1960’s which today is now a vineyard and winery led by Parke as Winemaker and Scott leading finance and marketing.

In episode 109 of “The Good Stuff,” hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Aaron Piotter, Winemaker at Quivira Vineyards, whose deep Sonoma roots and lifelong connection to the land have shaped his thoughtful approach to winemaking Born and raised in Sonoma County, Aaron’s journey into winemaking is as unique as his wines — from developing an acute sense of smell and flavor through severe childhood allergies to channeling that awareness into crafting expressive, site-driven wines. A passionate advocate for sustainability, he bikes to work and champions regenerative farming practices that honor both the vineyard and the environment.

In episode 108 of "The Good Stuff" hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Jenifer Freebairn, VP of Marketing and Sales at Lasseter Family Winery, whose non-traditional path into wine has become a story of passion, creativity, and purpose.  From a foundation in music and storytelling to shaping the voices of iconic Sonoma County wineries, Jenifer has built a career around connection. She now helps share the vision of John and Nancy Lasseter, whose love for Sonoma County and the historic community of Glen Ellen inspired them to restore their estate, farm organically, and craft expressive Rhône- and Bordeaux-style blends rooted in place and legacy. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Joe Pozzi, lifelong Sonoma County rancher, and owner of Pozzi Ranch.  From growing up on his family’s multi-generational ranch to becoming a leader in regenerative agriculture and local wool production, Joe’s story reflects the deep agricultural roots, innovation, and stewardship that define Sonoma County.   Tune in today to hear how Joe continues to cultivate a legacy of care for the land—and for the community that calls it home. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Heidi Bridenhagen, Director of Winemaking at MacRostie Winery. Tune in as Heidi discusses her journey from growing up in an agricultural community in Wisconsin to discovering her passion in Sonoma County’s wine industry.  From her early days working in cellars, labs, and bottling lines, to shaping programs for Sonoma-Cutrer and now leading MacRostie’s renowned Pinot Noir program, Heidi’s story is a testament to dedication, craftsmanship, and the vibrant community that makes Sonoma wine so special. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Carolyn Bordes, founder of Bordes Wines in Sonoma   Tune in as Carolyn shares her journey from equestrian in New England to Sonoma County vintner, her passion for hospitality and food pairings, and the inspiration she finds working alongside her daughters in their family business. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Erica Larson, COO of Larson Family Winery, and Hayden Puryear, DTC Manager at Larson Family Wines. Tune in as Erica and Hayden discuss the unique history of her family's property in Sonoma, which includes a ghost town and former home to the Sonoma County Rodeo, and share their journey's into the wine industry and what the Larson Family Motto "We drink what we can and sell the rest" means to them.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to John Hamel, Winemaker and Director of Winegrowing at Hamel Family Wines.    Tune in as he shares his passion for organic and biodynamic farming, and how a deep connection to the land guides his approach to crafting wines with intention and vision. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Matt Taylor, Winemaker at Mascarin Family Wines. A third-generation Sonoma County native, Matt has deep roots in the region and a profound connection to the Sonoma Coast AVA. Known for its diverse microclimates and rugged terrain, the Sonoma Coast inspires his work, shaping wines that capture both intensity and nuance. For Matt, viticulture is more than a professionit’, s a calling. He believes the foundation of every exceptional wine begins in the vineyard, where thoughtful farming lays the groundwork for authenticity and character in the glass. Alongside his wife Kaela, the couple continues to champion the values of family, community, and the land that defines Sonoma County.

In this episode of “The Good Stuff” presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Shelly Rafanelli, winemaker at A. Rafanelli Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Shelly shares the story of her family’s deep roots in Sonoma County, and making connections through wine. She reflects on her journey to becoming a winemaker, carrying forward her family’s legacy, and the dedication it took to help build A. Rafanelli into the winery it is today.  

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Mike Sullivan, winemaker and Co-owner of Benovia Vineyards.  Mike talks about growing up in Sonoma County, his early interest in the wine industry, and taking the leap to co-found Benovia Winery in the Russian River Valley.  Mike reflects on a few of his "WOW" wine moments over the years and key learning experiences that shaped him into the winemaker he is today.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Bill Nachbauer, owner of Alegria Vineyards.   Bill shares how he and his wife Betsy made the leap from a career in law and public policy to farming grapes in Sonoma County, where Bill's family roots stretch back to the 1860s. Bill recalls the moment in 1989 when he first saw Alegría Vineyards and knew it was the place to build a future. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of those early years, the lessons learned as a winemaker with ACORN Winery, and the unique experience of farming alongside Betsy. Bill also shares what he’s most proud of from his journey, and what lies ahead for Alegria Vineyards!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Jen Berman, General Manager, and Phillip Dube, Winemaker at North Coast Wine Co., to discuss North Coast Wine and the Outerbound wine label.  Phillip shares his unconventional journey from practicing law on the East Coast to winemaking across continents—from South Africa to Australia to California. He opens up about the moment he knew it was time to leave the courtroom for the vineyard. Jen, with a background in biochemistry and nearly 20 years in the industry, talks about how science shaped her love of wine- and how that lens still guides her leadership today. They reflect on the mentors and moments that shaped their paths, and how those experiences influence their work now at North Coast Wine Co. From launching standout brands like Outerbound to exploring new vineyard sites, to collaboration to create new ideas and crafting wines that express a true sense of place and varietal character.       

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Mark Stark, Executive Chef & Co-Founder, and Terri Stark, Hospitality Director & Co-Founder of Stark Reality Restaurants. The husband-and-wife team provide a behind the scenes look into Stark Reality Restaurants, a collection of eight locally loved restaurants in Sonoma County. They opened their first, Willi’s Wine Bar, in 2002, introducing the small plates concept to Santa Rosa. Over the next two decades, they steadily expanded their footprint across Sonoma County.  Listen in to hear about their journey from meeting in Palo Alto to building one of Sonoma County’s most beloved restaurant groups, their inspirations behind each unique concept, and how they balance culinary creativity with hospitality excellence!           

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Jack Florence, Founder of Florence Vineyard and Author of Dare to Dream. Jack shares his story of trading a career in nuclear engineering for a life among the vines in Sonoma County. Originally from New York, Jack spent over two decades in the nuclear energy industry, often traveling to Asia. But after missing Easter with his family due to a work commitment in South Korea, Jack and his wife Fran knew it was time for a change. Inspired by a newspaper article about grape growing in Napa Valley, Jack began exploring viticulture and ultimately relocated his family to Dry Creek Valley, where they established Florence Vineyard. The transition wasn’t easy- Jack’s early days included a rocky relationship with a vineyard manager and a humbling first harvest that made him realize he needed to get his hands dirty. He left engineering behind and embraced farming full-time, instilling a love for the land in his son, Jack Jr. Jack also shares how his vision and perseverance helped shape the Rockpile AVA in 2002, in partnership with the Park family. Today, he remains active in the vineyard alongside his wife Carol, continuing a family legacy rooted in passion, resilience, and community. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Karen Francis Degolia, Owner of Limerick Lane Cellars.  Karen shares the early days of bringing Limerick Lane back to life in the 1990s, working alongside Tom Collins to revive long-dormant vineyards. She shares what it was like to walk through the property for the first time in decades, the emotional pull of returning to land rich with history, and the foundational work that went into rebuilding the estate. Karen’s career path took her from wine country to Detroit, where she became one of the youngest female executives in the automotive industry. She discusses how her background in agriculture informed her leadership approach and the parallels she sees between managing a legacy wine estate and overseeing global brands like Oldsmobile and Ford. The conversation comes full circle as Karen shares what makes Limerick Lane wines unique to her and the legacy she hopes to leave behind: one of bold choices, heartfelt returns, and deep respect for the land that started it all.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Kevin Bersofsky, Owner and winemaker of Montagne Russe Wines, and Steve Sangiacomo, Third Generation Winegrower and Partner at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards and Winery, about the Petaluma Gap and the upcoming Wind to Wine Festival on August 8th-10th!  Kevin’s path to winemaking was anything but typical. After earning a mechanical engineering degree from Cornell and designing makeup tanks for Estée Lauder, he found himself drawn to the world of wine- and soon after, faced with a surprise visit from the ATF, ABC, and Napa DA for his garage winemaking operation. That wild start gave way to Montagne Russe Wines, named after the French word for roller coaster- a fitting metaphor for his journey. Today, Kevin crafts expressive Syrah and Pinot Noir in the Petaluma Gap and has even blended his love of music into the experience with Vino & Vinyls, a record shop tucked inside his Healdsburg tasting room, featuring over 2,000 records. Steve Sangiacomo, meanwhile, represents the next generation of one of Sonoma County’s most respected farming families. Having grown up working the vineyards, Steve now co-leads operations across 1,600 acres and supplies grapes to more than 70 top wineries. From early morning frost protection runs to launching the Sangiacomo Family Wines label, Steve brings deep-rooted passion and strategic vision to the Petaluma Gap and beyond.  Together, Kevin and Steve offer a dynamic look at the Petaluma Gap's evolution, terroir, and collaborative spirit.   And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Andrea Robinson, Master Sommelier, Chef, Television Personality, and Author. Andrea shares her remarkable journey to becoming one of only 28 women in the world to hold the Master Sommelier title. She was the first woman ever named Best Sommelier in the U.S., currently curates wine for Delta Air Lines, and has earned three James Beard Awards. In 2004, Bon Appétit honored her as Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year.  She opens up about her roots—growing up in North Dakota, Texas, and Southern Indiana—and how her early love for cooking eventually led to an unexpected passion for wine after taking a tasting class while in college. That one class changed everything.  Andrea talks about starting her career in finance after earning economics and business degrees from Southern Methodist University, and how volunteering at a wine school in exchange for classes opened the door to a whole new world. A chance to lead a tasting for Champagne Krug sealed her fate—she left her job at Morgan Stanley the next day to follow her calling.  She also recounts her solo six-month journey across Europe, where she immersed herself in wine culture before landing a role at the iconic Windows on the World in New York City. Mentored by wine legend Kevin Zraly, Andrea became the restaurant’s first female cellar master and eventually earned her Master Sommelier diploma. She even competed in the World Championship of Sommeliers. Andrea shares insights into writing four bestselling wine and food books, including the award-winning Everyday Dining with Wine, and how she created her own stemware line, The ONE, designed to enhance any wine with just one universal shape.  She discusses the launch of her video wine course at andreawine.com, where she continues to educate thousands of wine lovers each month. Andrea also opens up about building beverage programs for top hospitality brands—from cruise lines to hotel groups—and her passion for teaching both professionals and everyday wine drinkers. Andrea reflects on her television work, having hosted over 100 episodes for Scripps Networks, including Quench on Food Network and Pairings with Andrea on Fine Living. Named a Working Mother of the Year, she’s also been featured by People, Glamour, NBC’s Today Show, CBS This Morning, and The New York Times. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Rick Hutchinson Owner, President, and Winemaker of Amphora Winery and his wife and partner, Bridget. A Sonoma County native, Rick’s winemaking journey began humbly at age 20 on the bottling line at Sebastiani Winery. A single step into the cellar—and the nostalgic scent of fermentation—transported him back to his childhood memories of canning jam with his mother, igniting a lifelong passion. From there, Rick trained under acclaimed winemakers like Doug Nalle and John Kongsgaard, developing deep roots in Sonoma’s winemaking traditions, particularly the bold varietals of Dry Creek Valley. But Rick’s story doesn’t stop with grapes. A chance pottery class led him to discover a new creative outlet: shaping clay amphorae, the ancient vessels once used to store and age wine. That intersection of art and craft became the soul of Amphora Winery, which Rick founded in 1997 with just a few tons of Zinfandel and Petite Sirah—and a vision to do things differently. Today, Amphora stands out as one of the few California wineries fermenting and aging wine in traditional Italian terracotta. From its early days in a redwood barn to its current home in the Timber Crest collective, Amphora has grown into a destination for adventurous, small-lot wines. Rick shares how his portfolio has expanded to include varietals like Mourvèdre, Alicante Bouschet, Teroldego, and sparkling rosé—while always staying true to his philosophy of sourcing great fruit and letting the wine speak for itself. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks! 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Dani Price, Proprietor of Fat Dragon Wines. Dani’s journey in wine spans more than 14 years building and managing two of the most dynamic corporate wine programs in the world—including her time as Executive Director of Wine for Wynn Resorts, where she led a $42 million-a-year program across four global properties. Prior to that, she oversaw the Smith & Wollensky Restaurant Group’s corporate wine program during a period of explosive growth. Now based in Healdsburg, Dani shares how she transitioned from the high-stakes world of luxury hospitality to running Maison du Prix, one of the world’s most respected fine wine sourcing companies, alongside launching Fat Dragon Wines, an estate-driven label that crafts Rhône varietals and Cabernet Sauvignon from their meticulously restored Dry Creek Valley vineyard. The story behind Fat Dragon Wines is as bold as its name—born from a surprise bet at the Hong Kong racetrack and brought to life on a once-abandoned 30-acre vineyard property. Listeners will hear how Dani and her husband Mike transformed the land, what it takes to build a brand from scratch, and how they’re offering a new kind of wine hospitality experience with their vineyard cottages. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks! 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Dayna Ghiradelli, Executive Director of the Sonoma County Farm Bureau. A proud Petaluma native, Dayna takes us through her inspiring path in agriculture—from growing up on a dairy farm and participating in 4-H and FFA, to now leading one of Sonoma County’s most influential ag organizations. Her journey reflects a deep connection to the land, a passion for community, and a strong commitment to supporting local farmers and ranchers. During the conversation, Dayna shares insights from her time with the University of California Cooperative Extension (UCCE) and how that experience broadened her perspective on ag education and outreach. She also speaks to the role the dairy industry played in shaping her values around advocacy, sustainability, and the importance of giving back—especially to the youth programs that helped shape her early years. Listeners will get an inside look at the Sonoma County Farm Bureau’s work, including the ways it champions local agriculture through policy support, education, and sustainability initiatives.  Looking ahead, Dayna shares her vision for the future of Sonoma County agriculture and how the Farm Bureau is evolving to meet the needs of a diverse and dynamic ag community. From supporting a wide range of crops to empowering the next generation of agricultural leaders, she paints a hopeful and strategic picture of what’s to come. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks! 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to John Balletto, President & Founder of Balletto Vineyards. John shares the remarkable story of growing up in West Sebastopol, working on his family’s five-acre vegetable farm from a young age. After his father’s untimely passing in 1977, John turned down college athletic scholarships to stay home and help his mother, Hazel, keep the farm alive. What began with a $200 budget and a flatbed Chevy truck eventually grew into the largest vegetable operation in Northern California by the mid-1990s. After devastating storm damage and shifting agricultural pressures in the late 1990s, he pivoted from vegetables to wine grapes—ultimately founding Balletto Vineyards with his wife, Terri, in 2001. Today, the winery produces 20,000–25,000 cases annually from estate fruit, and John remains deeply committed to his community and vineyard team, even building a baseball field—aptly named the “Dream Field”—for employees and their families to enjoy. In this candid conversation, John reflects on the values that shaped his journey, the turning points that defined his success, and the local relationships—including his longtime friendship with Karissa—that helped guide Balletto Vineyards from its humble beginnings to one of Sonoma County’s most respected wine labels. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Christopher Strieter, Co-Founder and Co-Owner of Senses Wines. Christopher grew up in Occidental alongside childhood friends—and fellow Senses Co-Founders—Max Thieriot and Myles Lawrence-Briggs. Their families all moved to the area in the 1980s to raise their children in the countryside, instilling in each of them a deep appreciation for growing up among the redwoods and along the California coast. Though none of them initially planned to enter the wine industry, the trio later reunited around an idea that began as one of Christopher’s graduate school projects. Young and ambitious, they brought that plan to life and, using fruit from Max and Myles’ family vineyards, launched Senses Wines with just over 100 cases. Today, it has grown into a respected label specializing in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from some of the most renowned vineyards on the West Sonoma Coast and in the Russian River Valley. Now leading the company’s business strategy, sales, and daily operations, Christopher shares how his lifelong friendships, hometown connections, and the supportive local community helped shape the evolution of Senses Wines. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Nico Diana, Co-Owner of Ca'Bianca Ristorante Italiano. Born in San Francisco and raised in Sonoma County, Nico grew up in the heart of the family business. From doing homework at the bar to bussing tables on holidays, Nico’s early years were shaped by the rhythms of restaurant life. After earning degrees in finance and international business and working in banking abroad, he returned home to take the reins as his parents stepped back from the business they opened in 1996. Now co-owner, Nico shares stories of Ca’Bianca’s nearly 30-year journey, from restoring the historic Marshall House to preserving the restaurant’s regional Italian focus. With deep gratitude for the longtime staff who helped build its legacy, Nico reflects on how family, food, and community remain at the heart of everything they do. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Art Murray, Co-Owner & Co-Founder of Flambeaux Wine. A New Orleans native and environmental attorney, Art Murray shares how his love for food, family, and connection led him to Healdsburg—where just three visits were enough to fall in love with a vineyard and start a new chapter in Dry Creek Valley. With roots in Louisiana, a place known for its rich and diverse food and wine heritage, and a name inspired by the torchbearers of Mardi Gras, Flambeaux Wine blends Southern spirit with Sonoma County soul. Art reflects on how launching Flambeaux became his way of “passing the torch”—creating something lasting to share with his four daughters and the broader community. What began with just 400 cases has grown to over 2,000 annually, with a focus on small-lot Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Rosé. For Art, wine is about more than what’s in the glass—it’s about connection, from harvest to hospitality. And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!