Vine, Wine & Dine

On this episode, we sit down with James Gore to discuss leadership in Sonoma County, the challenges facing local agriculture, and the future of the region’s wine industry. In addition to his role on the Board of Supervisors, Gore shares the story behind his family’s winemaking roots at Gore Family Vineyards, offering a unique perspective that blends public service with hands-on farming. From sustainability and land stewardship to supporting local communities and small producers, this conversation highlights the intersection of policy, family legacy, and Sonoma County’s rich agricultural heritage.

On this week’s Vine Wine & Dine, live from The Matheson in Healdsburg, hosts Larry Van Aalst, Michael Haney, and Chef Dustin Valette welcome former MLB All-Star Rich Aurilia, co-founder of Red Stitch Wine. Rich shares the story behind Red Stitch—how friendships forged on the baseball field with Dave Roberts and John Micek led to a passion project turned respected boutique wine label.We dive into the Red Stitch portfolio, featuring a Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay from Sierra Mar Vineyard, Pinot Noir from Soberanes/Rosella’s Vineyard, and a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, discussing vineyard sourcing, winemaking philosophy, and what makes each wine distinct. Paired with dishes like confit lamb shoulder lumaconi, crispy steelhead trout, burrata with spicy coppa, and ahi tuna tartar, the conversation blends wine, food, and storytelling. From his decorated career with the San Francisco Giants to his hands-on role in winemaking today, Aurilia offers insight into passion, partnership, and crafting wines that reflect both place and personal history.

On this week’s Vine Wine & Dine, live from The Matheson in Healdsburg, we welcome Nicole and Katey Bacigalupi of Bacigalupi Winery to explore their family’s rich Russian River Valley legacy. The sisters share the history of their estate, from Charles and Helen Bacigalupi’s 1950s ranch purchase to pioneering plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, including the famed Paris Tasting block featured in the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Nicole and Katey discuss vineyard management, clonal diversity, and minimal-intervention winemaking while highlighting what makes their wines distinct. Throughout the show, we taste and pair three estate wines with gourmet dishes: the 2023 Renouveau “Paris Tasting” Chardonnay, the 2023 Goddard Ranch Pinot Noir, and the 2023 Fondare Red Blend, while also previewing upcoming vineyard experiences celebrating heritage, terroir, and food.

On this week’s Vine Wine & Dine, we welcome Dan Kosta of Convene and DK Wine Group to explore his journey from restaurant floor to co-founding Kosta Browne, and now launching the Convene Wine Lounge located at Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg. Dan shares stories from his early career as John Ash’s wine director, co-founding Kosta Browne, and what inspired him to start Convene. We taste three standout wines: the 2023 Convene Russian River Chardonnay paired with Roof 106 ceviche, the 2022 Convene Russian River Valley Pinot paired with roasted chilipepper cod, and the 2021 Grail Campbell Ranch Pinot paired with tempura mushrooms. Learn how Dan sources vineyards, approaches cool-climate fruit, and crafts wines with Burgundian influence. Plus, hear about the Grail library program and aging potential of Russian River Pinots. Tune in for a rich blend of wine, food, and the story behind one of Sonoma County’s most exciting new wine experiences.

On this week’s episode of Vine Wine & Dine, we welcome vintners David Ramey and Sean Brosnihan of Ramey Wine Cellars. Featured wines include the 2019 Claret paired with house-cured pork belly pizza, the 2016 Template Merlot-blend paired with tempura mushrooms, and the 2007 Annum Cabernet Sauvignon-blend paired with Wagyu flat iron steak. We also feature our Last Call guest, Heather Elliott-Hudson, sharing insights from the Hearst Bay Area. Join us for a delicious journey of wine, food, and expert tasting notes that highlight the artistry and flavor of Ramey Wine Cellars’ portfolio.

On this week’s Vine Wine & Dine we welcome vintner Art Murray of Flambeaux Wine for an in-depth tasting and conversation. We explore how three generations of the Murray family blended their roots from New Orleans with the terroir of Sonoma County to create small-production, artisan wines that reflect both craftsmanship and celebration. From Mardi Gras traditions to meticulous vineyard sourcing, this episode celebrates Flambeaux’s joyful spirit, rich heritage, and passion for creating approachable, expressive wines that honor Sonoma’s diverse landscapes. The show features tastings of the 2022 Chardonnay from Sangiacomo Vineyard, the 2020 Zinfandel from Dry Creek Valley, and the 2021 Cabernet Sauvignon from Kick Ranch Vineyard, paired with signature dishes from The Matheson.. 

Chef-vintner Dustin Valette joins Vine, Wine & Dine alongside Valette Wines GM Mark Malpiede for an in-depth conversation about his journey from Sonoma native to acclaimed restaurateur and winemaker. The show features tastings of Valette’s 2023 Sauvignon Blanc, 2021 Pinot Noir, and 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon, paired with signature dishes from The Matheson. Special guests Jesse Katz, Bob Cabral, and Evelyn Mitchel share insights into winemaking collaborations and craftsmanship. The episode wraps with a surprise “Last Call” guest and a look ahead at upcoming events at Valette Wines, The Matheson, and across Sonoma County.

Our Vintner Guest is Tony Lombardi, Founder of Lombardi Wines.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2022 Lombardi Russian River Valley Chardonnay 2021 Lombardi Russian River Valley Pinot Noir 2022 Lombardi Gap's Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir, Petaluma Gap

Our Vintner Guest is Jeff Mangahas, VP, Director of Winemaking for Williams Selyem.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 WS Estate Chardonnay2023 WS Estate Chardonnay2023 Drake Estate Pinot Noir2023 Saitone Zinfandel

Our Vintner Guest is Pete Seghesio, Managing Director-Founder, Journeyman Wines + Journeyman Meat Co.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 Russian River Valley Journeyman Chardonnay 2023 Russian River Pinot Noir2023 Rock Garden (Zin, Cab Blend) 

Our Vintner Guest is Ben Papapietro and David Low of Papapietro Perry Winery.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 Papapietro Perry Peters Vineyard Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2022 Papapietro Perry Peters Vineyard Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley2022 Papapietro Perry Pommard Clones, Russian River ValleyIn our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with George Christie, Founder & CEO of Wine Industry Network and Partner of Saini Vineyards.

 Our Vintner Guest is Kirk Venge, Proprietor and Winemaker for Croix Estate. WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 12 Rows Chardonnay, Russian River Valley 2023 Kings Ridge Pinot Noir, Fort-Ross Seaview/Sonoma Coast 2023 ‘1904’ Estate Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

Our Vintner Guest is Jordan Kunde from Kunde Family Winery.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2022 C.S. Ridge Chardonnay2021 Reserve Century Vines Zinfandel  2019 Drummond Cabernet Sauvignon    In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Christopher Sawyer about the Sonoma County Vintners' Pour & Explore Wine Events.

 Our Vintner Guests are Rachael and Ryan Rochioli from Rochioli Vineyards & Winery. WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2024 Estate Sauvignon Blanc  2023 Estate Chardonnay  2023 Estate Pinot Noir   In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Amy Tesconi about the upcoming 50th Anniversary of the Sonoma County Harvest Fair on October 11.

 Our Vintner Guests this evening is Stuart Bryan from Pride Mountain Vineyards.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 Vintner Select Chardonnay  2022 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon  2022 Reserve Claret   

Our Vintner Guest is Jeff Zappelli, General Manager, WALT Wines and Vice President of Sales HALL Family Wines .WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 WALT Sonoma Coast Chardonnay2022 WALT Bob’s Ranch Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast  2021 BACA Dry Creek Zinfandel “Home Base” In our ‘Last Call’ segment, we’ll chat with Dana Macaulay, Director of Auctions & Experiential Marketing at Sonoma County Vintners, about the Sonoma County Wine Celebration happening September 18th through 20th.”

Our Vintner Guest is Megan Cline of Cline Family Cellars. She will be talking about the Sonoma County Wine Celebration live auction on Saturday, September 20, 2025.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 Hat Strap Chardonnay, Carneros 2023 Fog Swept Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast 2023 Gust Syrah, Petaluma Gap In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Brigid Harris about the upcoming Access Alexander Valley Wine Week on September 22-28, 2025.

Our Vintner Guest this evening is Brian Ball, General Manager of Skipstone. WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2022 Preface Proprietary Blend2022 Skipstone Ripple Effect  2022 Skipstone Oliver’s Blend Cabernet Sauvignon In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Gary Brooks of Books Note Winery about the upcoming Petaluma Gap Wind to Wine event August 8-9. 

Our Vintner Guests this evening are Sheree and Brian Thornsberry, Founders and Proprietors of Innumero Wines.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 Bootlegger's Hill Vineyard Chardonnay, Green Valley of Russian River Valley2023 Little Boot Vineyard Pinot Noir, Green Valley of Russian River Valley  2023 Barrel Select 'Family Reserve' Pinot Noir In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Tony Lombardi of Lombardi Wines about the upcoming Petaluma Gap Wind to Wine event.

Our Vintner Guests this evening is Nick Briggs, Winemaker with Dutcher Crossing Winery.WINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2024 Sauvignon Blanc2019 Kupferschmid Red Wine2021 Cut Root Pinot Noir 

Tonight's show takes us back to our live broadcast from Taste of Sonoma, featuring an incredible line-up of vintner guests:Ben Fine - Wine Education Manager, Jackson Family WinesJennifer Schiff - Hospitality and DTC Manager, LasseterJessica Link - Proprietor, Linked VineyardsMichelle Hogan - Marketing & Brand Director, Anaba WinesArt Murray - Proprietor, Flambeaux Wine Mike Thompson - Proprietor, Thompson 31Fifty Wines

 Our Vintner Guests this evening is Sam Lando, Founder of Lando WinesWINES POURED DURING THE SHOW:2023 HALO Proprietary Blend Chardonnay, Russian River Valley2022 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir2023 Sauves La Vie Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley  

Our Vintner Guests this evening is Susan Lueker, Winemaker at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates.In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Christopher Sawyer about the Upcoming Pour & Explore Event at St. Francis Winery.

Our Vintner Guests this evening is Kenneth and Laura Juhasz, Co-Founders of Auteur Wines, In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Ashley Boyle about the new podcast, Uncorked with Sonoma County Vintners.

Our Vintner Guests this evening is Shelly Rafanelli, from A Rafanelli Winery. In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Tom Capo, writer-at-large for Sonoma County at Wine Enthusiast. 

Our Vintner Guests this evening is Greg Stach, Winemaker at Landmark Vineyards.In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Ziggy Eschliman, AKA Ziggy The Wine Gal, Radio and Television personality. 

Our Vintner Guests this evening is Hank Wetzel, Founder and Family Partner at Alexander Valley Vineyards.In our "Last Call" segment, we’ll speak with Frank Filice, Vice President of Marketing and Communizations for Sonoma County Tourism.