Wednesday, December 11, 2013

12/11-Larr Van Aalst visits with Christopher Silva & William Seppi

Christopher Silva - President & CEO of St. Francis Winery
Being President / CEO of St. Francis Winery would be more than most of us could handle. Chris is not only in that enviable position but is also one of the young Wine Industry notables who gives tirelessly to his job and community. St Francis is one of the most well know of the Sonoma Valley Wineries and the world wide acclaim is what we will discuss , along with finding out about  the new winemakers.







William Seppi - Costeaux French Bakery
Having won both local and national honors , Costeaux French Bakery is a Sonoma County treasure. Located in Healdsburg , the bakery is a must visit for all those touring the local Wine Country. Will is General Manager and one of the family who made Cousteaux into a favorite spot in our area. We will talk about the Holidays and his role in the big San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition coming up in January.

Sunday, November 24, 2013

11/27-Larry Van Aalst talks with Debra Del Fiorentino, Jil Child & Sean Lovett

Debra Del Fiorentino & Jil Child - Vineyard & Winery Management
The heart of the Wine Competition aspect of Vineyard and Winery Management ,Debra and Jil  have some great news about a new competition , and will give us the latest results. We will also talk about a new certification for International Wine Judges.









Sean Lovett - The Wine Country Kombucha
One of the newest Sonoma County products is the baby of Sean Lovett ,a principal in Revive . The Wine Country Kombucha is the talk of the town , it has a huge list of benefits and is especially good at a wine tasting.
Sean will tell us what Kombucha is and why we can all live better by drinking it.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

11/13-Larry Van Aalst visits with Miro Tcholakov & Brenda Chatelain





Being Winemaker for Trentadue , and his own brand Miro Wines , is a  non stop proposition . Along with his other responsibilities , Miro is an officer with the largest Petit Syrah organization in the US. We will be talking about the 2013 harvest , and how someone from Bulgaria hit a home run as a Winemaker in Alexander Valley.








Brenda Chatelain - The Smoked Olive

A great friend of CRN, Brenda is a principal in The Smoked Olive. Although it is hard to describe , and must be tasted to be appreciated , smoked olive oil is one of Somoma Countys ' exceptional products. Garnering some great press , the olive oil and smoked brown sugar is a treat that shouldn't be missed. Brenda will give us the breaking news about the first dedicated shop for The Smoked Olive, and how to find it on the net.

Wednesday, October 30, 2013

10/30-Larry Van Aalst talks with Traci Dutton & Beagle Brodsky

Traci Dutton - Wine Director, Greystone
Wine Director at the Greystone , in St. Helena Ca. Traci runs one of the world class operations of the Culinary Institute of America. The Greystone is know for it's leadership in the academics of food and wine.
Traci will be with us to talk about the holidays and the new programs offered at the CIA.





Manager for Willie Bird Turkeys , Beagle is in high gear for the Thanksgiving rush. The premiere producer of turkeys in all of Sonoma County and world famous , Willie Bird is the go to for the best.  We will talk about the turkey, method of cooking , and the wine to go with it.

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

10/16-Larry Van Aalst talks with Dan Berger

Dan Berger- Nationally Syndicated Wine Column Writer, Author and Wine Judge
As a Syndicate Wine Writer and Wine Competition Director , Dan is without peer in the industry. Food , sports, music, and a myriad of other topics are at close hand with Mr. Berger. We will be talking about the recent
Sonoma County Harvest Fair , and the upcoming events in Northern California Wine Country.




A special report on the 2013 harvest with estimates from some of the top vintners and vineyard managers.



Wednesday, October 2, 2013

10/2-Larry Van Aalst talks with Mariah Clinton, Joel Belagio & Jennifer Bohr

Mariah Clinton & Joel Belagio - The Northern California PBS Auction
The driving forces behind the premiere Northern California PBS Auction , Mariah , and Joel , will be with us to tell about the wine centered event. Many of the lots are not available anywhere else. Special wines from Kosta-Browne, St. Francis, Papapietro Perry and many more are up for bid on the KRCB Wine Auction. Great overnight stays and special tours are on the slate,  and this year you can follow nation wide on the net and perhaps have the winning bid on something great from Wine Country.



Just a few miles from our Sonoma Studio , Tra Vigne Restaurant is a landmark in the Napa Valley . Jennifer manages one of the most recognized of the areas eateries and in its 25 years it has never been finer. We will talk about "the other side of the hill" and what to do if you venture out of Sonoma.




Wednesday, September 18, 2013

9/18-Larry Van Aalst visits with Gillian Handelman & Sean Tevik

Gillian Handelman - Director of Wine Education, Jackson Family Wines
Director of Wine Education for Jackson Family Wines , Gillian will be with us to talk about the new tasting room in Healdsburg, and the mountain excursion program. The Stonestreet Winery story is the real reason for her visit , and she will tell us about how these exceptional wines come about.


The story of Valdez Family Winery , is a dream come true. Starting a  vineyard management company , the Vandez  family has branched out , and they are making some extraordinary wines. Sean is the Director of Operations and will be with us to give the real scoop on this Cinderella story.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

9/4-Larry Van Aalst visits with Matt Lowe and Tucker Taylor, Timo Marshall

Matt Lowe and Tucker Taylor -  The Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival
The Kendall-Jackson Heirloom Tomato Festival is just around the corner. Matt and Tucker make up a large part of the culinary team , and are directly responsible for the on site garden. Festival goers are offered tastes from  more than fifty restaurants who vie for the best dish using heirlooms. Kendall-Jackson pours great wine , there is terrific music, all  in a beautiful venue just two miles from Santa Rosa. Last year more than 175 different varieties were available to taste and the proceeds go to local charities.


Timo Marshall - Proprietor & Distiller, Spirit Works Distillery
Proprietor and Distiller for Spirit Works Distillery , Timo is making Sebastopol California know for fine vodka and gin. With a grain in , spirits out, approach , the distillery makes some of the finest products to be found in the spirits world . Timo will give us a background in distilling and tell us why he came to  Northern California.

Wednesday, August 21, 2013

8/21-Larry Van Aalst visits with Tony Ross & Tom Silberkleit

Tony Ross - Passalacqua Winery
A long and winding path brought Tony to his home at Passalacqua Winery , in the heart of The Dry Creek Valley. As one of the
most scholarly of all the wine educators in Sonoma County , Tony's presence is the cherry on top of the parfait for a winery that produces award winning wines and some of my favorite zinfandels ever. We will talk about the 2013 vintage , and try some new releases.


Tom , Publisher at Wine House Press , puts together books that are not only stunning in visual quality, but also very informative when visiting the different wine regions in California. The California Directory of Fine Wineries , has just released the newest Northern California edition and it is a must have for all serious wine people. Tom will give us his unique insight on the best of the best wineries to visit on your next trip.

Thursday, August 8, 2013

8/7-Larry Van Aalst talks to Dan Barwick & Erik Miller

Dan Barwick - Winemaker, Paradise Ridge Winery
Dan, winemaker for Paradise Ridge Winery, one of the most beautiful and award winning wineries in Northern California , has just returned from the Indy International Wine Competition at Purdue University . Dan will be with us to talk about the 2013 vintage in Sonoma County , along with the responsibilities involved in being a judge for the great Indy International.






Erik Miller- Winemaker & Owner, Kokomo Winery
Winemaker and owner of Kokomo Winery in The Dry Creek Valley, Eric hit the ground running with Kokomo Winery. Great press and a multitude of awards makes Kokomo a must visit on your next trip to Sonoma. Erik will tell us his success story, and about growing up in Indiana.

Thursday, August 1, 2013

7/31-Encore Broadcast Larry Van Aalst talks to Sara Cummings & Rene Byck

Sara Cummings - Director of Communications, Sonoma County Vintners Association
As Director of Communications for The Sonoma County Vintners Association , Sara is most busy this time of year. This Labor Day , The Sonoma Wine Weekend takes place , and will be the highlight of all the celebrations, festivals and special wine events in Northern California. We will talk about the weekend  and how to approach it to get the very best out of all that's going on.



Rene Byck - Paradise Ridge Winery
One of the principals in Paradise Ridge Winery, Rene has one of most exceptional estates in all of Sonoma County to call home. Paradise Ridge not only produces world class award winning wines , but also is one of the most beautiful of all the wineries in Wine Country. Rene will talk about the new vintage , and participation in The Sonoma  Wine Weekend.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

7/24-Larry Van Aalst talks to Sara Cummings & Rene Byck

Sara Cummings - Director of Communications, Sonoma County Vintners Association
As Director of Communications for The Sonoma County Vintners Association , Sara is most busy this time of year. This Labor Day , The Sonoma Wine Weekend takes place , and will be the highlight of all the celebrations, festivals and special wine events in Northern California. We will talk about the weekend  and how to approach it to get the very best out of all that's going on.


Rene Byck - Paradise Ridge Winery
One of the principals in Paradise Ridge Winery, Rene has one of most exceptional estates in all of Sonoma County to call home. Paradise Ridge not only produces world class award winning wines , but also is one of the most beautiful of all the wineries in Wine Country. Rene will talk about the new vintage , and participation in The Sonoma  Wine Weekend.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

7/17-Encore Broadcast Larry Van Aalst talks to Chris Morano, Eric Edenfield & Amanda Garland

Chris Morano and Eric Edenfield - Northern California Concierge Association

Representing the Northern California Concierge Association, both Chris and Eric came to Sonoma County with impressive resumes from San Francisco. Firmly ensconced at The FountainGrove Inn (Chris) and The Kenwood Inn and Spa (Eric) they will show you the royal treatment only a concierge can provide in Wine Country. We will talk about the tasting appointments , special tours , and great times had by booking with a concierge.



With a background in teaching, Amanda is right at home working for Seghesio Vineyards. Informing visitors on a daily basis about the history of the vineyards and the exceptional award winning wines. She is a show stopper when it comes to knowledge of the winery. Seghesio makes an extensive collection of  wines but is perhaps most know for it's Zinfandel. Amanda will tell us about the new releases and let us know what's to come in the future.

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

7/10-Larry Van Aalst talks to Chris Morano, Eric Edenfield & Amanda Garland

Chris Morano and Eric Edenfield - Northern California Concierge Association

Representing the Northern California Concierge Association, both Chris and Eric came to Sonoma County with impressive resumes from San Francisco. Firmly ensconced at The FountainGrove Inn (Chris) and The Kenwood Inn and Spa (Eric) they will show you the royal treatment only a concierge can provide in Wine Country. We will talk about the tasting appointments , special tours , and great times had by booking with a concierge.



With a background in teaching, Amanda is right at home working for Seghesio Vineyards. Informing visitors on a daily basis about the history of the vineyards and the exceptional award winning wines. She is a show stopper when it comes to knowledge of the winery. Seghesio makes an extensive collection of  wines but is perhaps most know for it's Zinfandel. Amanda will tell us about the new releases and let us know what's to come in the future.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

7/3-Encore Broadcast Larry Van Aslat visits with Steve Falk, Daryl Groom and Stuart Bryan

Steve Falk - CEO, Sonoma Media Investments
Steve is the CEO of Sonoma Media Investments , owner of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, The Petaluma Argus Courier, The North Bay Business Journal , and other media operations . Along with a wealth of  other media distinctions , Steve previously planned and directed the start up of USA Today, and was the President and Publisher of The San Francisco Chronicle.
We will be talking about a new wine event in Northern California , The North Coast Wine Challenge. With a different approach than other wine competitions the NCWC was conceived by Steve , Daryl Groom and the people at Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine. We will find out the winners and learn about the public event taking place July 14.


Owner of Groom Wines , Daryl was voted Winemaker of the Year by The San Francisco Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News , The Houston Chronicle, and Mead on Wine. With an extensive background in the wine business , Daryl led the team at Beam Wine Estates, and Penfolds in Australia.  He now spends his time between California and Australia producing Groom wines while overseeing the Colby Red Project. Daryl was named Head Judge for the new North Coast Wine Challenge and was instrumental in its' remarkable success.




National Sales Director for Pride Mountain Vineyards , Stuart represents one of the few wineries that is in both Napa and Sonoma. Along with producing exceptional wines, Pride Mountain is one of the most beautiful properties in all of Wine Country. Stuart will bring some new releases, and give us his take on the upcoming vintage  in both Napa and Sonoma.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

6/26-Larry Van Aslat visits with Steve Falk, Daryl Groom and Stuart Bryan

Steve Falk - CEO, Sonoma Media Investments
Steve is the CEO of Sonoma Media Investments , owner of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, The Petaluma Argus Courier, The North Bay Business Journal , and other media operations . Along with a wealth of  other media distinctions , Steve previously planned and directed the start up of USA Today, and was the President and Publisher of The San Francisco Chronicle.
We will be talking about a new wine event in Northern California , The North Coast Wine Challenge. With a different approach than other wine competitions the NCWC was conceived by Steve , Daryl Groom and the people at Vineyard and Winery Management Magazine. We will find out the winners and learn about the public event taking place July 14.


Owner of Groom Wines , Daryl was voted Winemaker of the Year by The San Francisco Chronicle, The Dallas Morning News , The Houston Chronicle, and Mead on Wine. With an extensive background in the wine business , Daryl led the team at Beam Wine Estates, and Penfolds in Australia.  He now spends his time between California and Australia producing Groom wines while overseeing the Colby Red Project. Daryl was named Head Judge for the new North Coast Wine Challenge and was instrumental in its' remarkable success.


National Sales Director for Pride Mountain Vineyards , Stuart represents one of the few wineries that is in both Napa and Sonoma. Along with producing exceptional wines, Pride Mountain is one of the most beautiful properties in all of Wine Country. Stuart will bring some new releases, and give us his take on the upcoming vintage  in both Napa and Sonoma.



Thursday, June 20, 2013

6/19-Encore Broadcast Larry Van Aalst talks with Carol Shelton & Brenda Chatelain

Carol Shelton - Most Award Winning Winemaker
With title of The Most Award Winning Winemaker , Carol has a lot to live up to , and she never lets us down. We will talk about the new releases from Carol Shelton Wines, and find out about the three big awards recently won at The North of the Gate Wine Competition.



Brenda Chatelain - Founder & Owner, The Smoked Olive
Founder and owner of The Smoked Olive , Brenda has a unique product in the culinary world. A favorite of Emeril Lagasse , and used by Tyler Florence to prepare dinner for President Obama , there is nothing like Smoked Olive Oil. A darling of the press , and now available at Whole Foods , and Williams Sonoma, the smoked oils are breaking new ground everyday.
A Sonoma County product , and pairing well with wine , we will talk about its' place in your kitchen.

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

6/12-Larry Van Aalst talks with Carol Shelton & Brenda Chatelain

Carol Shelton - Most Award Winning Winemaker
With title of The Most Award Winning Winemaker , Carol has a lot to live up to , and she never lets us down. We will talk about the new releases from Carol Shelton Wines, and find out about the three big awards recently won at The North of the Gate Wine Competition.


Brenda Chatelain - Founder & Owner, The Smoked Olive
Founder and owner of The Smoked Olive , Brenda has a unique product in the culinary world. A favorite of Emeril Lagasse , and used by Tyler Florence to prepare dinner for President Obama , there is nothing like Smoked Olive Oil. A darling of the press , and now available at Whole Foods , and Williams Sonoma, the smoked oils are breaking new ground everyday.
A Sonoma County product , and pairing well with wine , we will talk about its' place in your kitchen.


Thursday, June 6, 2013

6/5-Encore Broadcast Larry Van Aalst visits with Jody Gray & Denise Gill

Jody Gray - C.E.O., El Dorado County Fair
As C.E.O.  of the El Dorado County Fair, Jody also oversees the El Dorado Wine Competition taking place the third week of May. Just announced winners will be our topic of conversation along with the history of one of the Gold Country's  most notable wine events.



Denise Gill - Director of Sales & Hospitality, Ancient Oak Cellars
Director of Sales & Hospitality at Ancient Oak Cellars, Denise is a Wine Country Veteran. Denise will tell us about The new Ancient Oak Tasting Room in Downtown Santa Rosa. We will also taste new releases , and talk to Denise about her experiences as a Judge at the El Dorado Competition.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

5/29-Larry Van Aalst visits with Jody Gray & Denise Gill

Jody Gray - C.E.O., El Dorado County Fair
As C.E.O.  of the El Dorado County Fair, Jody also oversees the El Dorado Wine Competition taking place the third week of May. Just announced winners will be our topic of conversation along with the history of one of the Gold Country's  most notable wine events.


Denise Gill - Director of Sales & Hospitality, Ancient Oak Cellars
Director of Sales & Hospitality at Ancient Oak Cellars, Denise is a Wine Country Veteran. Denise will tell us about The new Ancient Oak Tasting Room in Downtown Santa Rosa. We will also taste new releases , and talk to Denise about her experiences as a Judge at the El Dorado Competition.

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

5/22-Encore Broadcast Larry Van Aalst talks to Jon Phillips & Dr. Liz Thach


Jon Phillips - Inspiration Vineyards
A long and winding road brought Jon to Sonoma County and the founding of Inspiration Vineyards. The Vineyard in the Russian River area and the Winery just a mile or so from the studio at FountainGrove Inn are both overseen by Jon. An abundance of medals, and articles in some of the best wine magazines, make this relatively new winery one of the must visits on your next trip to Sonoma . Jon will bring some new releases to sample, and talk about how the 2013 vintage is shaping up.



Dr. Liz Thach MW - Masters of Wine , PHD, International Wine Judge, Educator at Sonoma State University, and Author

Masters of Wine , PHD, International Wine Judge, Educator at Sonoma State University, and Author of both fiction,and nonfiction,books and articles, makes Liz the perfect resource for the Whats
Cookin on Wine series. Liz is flying in the day before the show from one of the big wine competitions in London , and will tell us about the European wine world , and give us her take as a mover and shaker in this business.

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

5/15-Larry Van Aalst talks to Jon Phillips & Dr. Liz Thach

Jon Phillips - Inspiration Vineyards
A long and winding road brought Jon to Sonoma County and the founding of Inspiration Vineyards. The Vineyard in the Russian River area and the Winery just a mile or so from the studio at FountainGrove Inn are both overseen by Jon. An abundance of medals, and articles in some of the best wine magazines, make this relatively new winery one of the must visits on your next trip to Sonoma . Jon will bring some new releases to sample, and talk about how the 2013 vintage is shaping up.


Dr. Liz Thach MW - Masters of Wine , PHD, International Wine Judge, Educator at Sonoma State University, and Author

Masters of Wine , PHD, International Wine Judge, Educator at Sonoma State University, and Author of both fiction,and nonfiction,books and articles, makes Liz the perfect resource for the Whats
Cookin on Wine series. Liz is flying in the day before the show from one of the big wine competitions in London , and will tell us about the European wine world , and give us her take as a mover and shaker in this business.

Wednesday, May 8, 2013

5/8-Encore Broadcast Larry Van Aalst talks to Traci Dutton & Mike Martini


Traci Dutton -  Sommelier, Wine Spectator Restaurant
Sommelier at the Wine Spectator Restaurant in the Culinary Institute of Americas' Greystoke campus, Traci is also a wine judge, educator, and author. Traci will be with us to talk about the world class school and the job of keeping it all together with her busy travel and lecture schedule.



Mike Martini - General Manager &CEO, Taft Street Winery
General Manager and CEO of Taft Street Winery, keeps Mike so busy he retired from politics (former Mayor of Santa Rosa Ca.) and devotes all his time to producing some of the best wines in Sonoma County. Taft Street has a amazing story behind it and Mike will be here to give us the insider scoop along with tasting some new releases.

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

5/1-Larry Van Aalst talks to Traci Dutton & Mike Martini

Traci Dutton -  Sommelier, Wine Spectator Restaurant
Sommelier at the Wine Spectator Restaurant in the Culinary Institute of Americas' Greystoke campus, Traci is also a wine judge, educator, and author. Traci will be with us to talk about the world class school and the job of keeping it all together with her busy travel and lecture schedule.



Mike Martini - General Manager &CEO, Taft Street Winery
General Manager and CEO of Taft Street Winery, keeps Mike so busy he retired from politics (former Mayor of Santa Rosa Ca.) and devotes all his time to producing some of the best wines in Sonoma County. Taft Street has a amazing story behind it and Mike will be here to give us the insider scoop along with tasting some new releases.