Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Larry Van Aalst talks to Jean Arnold Sessions & Dennis Martin

 Jean Arnold Sessions - Executive Director, The Sonoma County Vintners Association 

When it came time to select the New Executive Director of The Sonoma County Vintners Association, Jean was the clear choice. Accepting the position after a unanimous vote by the Directors, there is no question that the Association is in the best possible hands. We talk about
what it takes to run a very influential organization in the California Wine Country, and the challenge of hitting the ground running with the Wine Country Weekend coming up for Labor Day.


 Dennis Martin - Former Chief Winemaker, Fetzer Vineyards 

After taking Fetzer Vineyards to being a world class winery as the Chief Winemaker, Dennis retired this year. Everyone in the industry knows what a great Winemaker, and exceptional guy Fetzer lost. Being a Wine Judge, and traveling, Dennis is as always very involved in the Northern California wine game. We talk about the changes the past few years have brought, and what he thinks the direction will be in the future.

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

Larry Van Aalst talks with Jude Affronti & Timo Marshall

 Jude Affronti - Executive Chef, FountainGrove Inn 

New to The Steakhouse at Equus, Jude is the Executive Chef. The FountainGrove Inn took a different direction and re branded Equus Restaurant with a new identity, and as an upscale Wine Country Steakhouse, Jude fits right in. We learn about what it takes to run one of Sonoma County's most recognized food and beverage spots, and at the same time deal with the big changes.


 Timo Marshall - Co-Founder, Spirit Works Distillery

One of the big success stories in the Sonoma Wine Country is Spirit Works in Sebastopol. Located in the trendy Barlow Center, Spirit works is getting rave reviews from all who have tried the vodka, gin, and whiskey. Timo the owner and distiller has a book worthy story about how he found his dream in Northern California, and tells us about the ins and outs of making world class spirits.

Wednesday, June 8, 2016

Larry Van Aalst talks to Ray Johnson & George Christie

 Ray Johnson - Dean of the Wine Business Institute, Sonoma State University
Not only is Ray Dean of the Wine Business School at Sonoma State University, Ray is also an author, world traveler, and one of the Directors of The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. We talk about the recent ground break for the new Wine Spectator Learning Center at Sonoma State, and what it means to the Wine Industry in California.


George Christie -  CEO, Wine Industry Network


George has his finger on the pulse of all things wine. George was recently at the celebration for the Learning Center at Sonoma State, and will give an industry perspective of what we can expect in the coming years.

Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Larry Van Aalst talks to James Caudill & Ben Cane

 James Caudill - Director, Public Relations & Hospitality, The Hess Collection Winery
A long time pro in the wine business, Jim has been with the big names, Jackson Family, Brown Forman, The Hess Collection and many more. We talk about a veterans perspective of the new trends in the industry and what he thinks is in store in the coming years & The new association with
Westwood Anadell Gap Vineyard will be announced.







Ben Cane - Head Winemaker, Westwood Wines
Originally from Australia, Ben is the Winemaker at Westwood Vineyards in Sonoma County. With only a few vintages released, Westwood hit it out of the park winning the sweepstakes award at The North Coast Wine Challenge last month. The best of the best was the Westwood Pinot Noir and it won the award by the largest margin in the history of the competition.

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Larry Van Aalst talks with Steve Falk & Daryl Groom

 Steve Falk - Chief Executive Officer, Sonoma Media 

Steve is the Publisher of The Santa Rosa Press Democrat, Northern California's most important Wine Country newspaper. With a background on the East Coast and on the set up team for USA Today, Steve came to the San Francisco Bay Area and was President of The San Francisco Chamber of Commerce, before moving to being publisher of the San Francisco Chronicle. Being the visionary he is, the Chronicle sponsored what has become The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the largest competition of American wines in the world. Four yeas ago the idea for The Best of the Best Wine Competition came to light. The North Coast Wine Challenge came into being, and now has a reputation for having the very best wines, judges, and is thought of as the Best of the Best. We talk about the recent competition, and the Public Tasting coming up.


 Daryl Groom - Owner/Winemaker, Groom Wines

After making his mark on Australian wines, Daryl came to California and took the position as Winemaker at Geyser Peak Winery. Awarded Winemaker of the Year by a number of Journals and organizations, Daryl started Groom Wines in Australia, and was nicknamed The Flying Winemaker.
As he travels and consults, he has also taken the position of Head Judge for The North Coast Wine Challenge. Many years as a Judge, and tasting some of the best wine made on earth gives him the perspective to be part of The Best of the Best. We talk about the Competition, and the Colby Red project he partners with his son.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

Larry Van Aalst talks with Jesse Katz


Jesse Katz - Founder and Winemaker, Devil Proof Vineyard

Jesse comes to his new venture with some impressive credentials. Having worked for some impressive properties, and being part of a family known world wide for it's involvement in the wine/vineyard industry, The new Devil Proof  wines are what he says are the best he has ever done. We talk about starting a big venture at such a young age, and the costs and benefits of being one of the new wave of Winemakers.


Wednesday, April 13, 2016

Larry Van Aalst talks to Dan Berger


 Dan Berger - Wine Columnist, Vintage Experiences 

Respected Wine Author, Judge, and the Director of the new Dan Berger Wine Competition, Dan talks to us about what's the newest in the world of wine. We touch on the Dr. Richard Peterson book, Winemaker and get a look at what the 2016 vintage may be like.



Also on the show, A recap of The North Coast Wine Challenge, perhaps the Best of the Best Wine Competition in California. The event, put on by the Santa Rosa Press Democrat.

Wednesday, March 30, 2016

Larry Van Aalst talks with Darren LaShelle & Cyrille Hanson


One of only a few PBS auctions in the U.S. featuring wine as the theme. The KRCB Wine Auction takes place in April this year, and runs for two weekends. Managing Senior Producer, Darren LaShelle has a monumental job with a live TV format. Your chance to bid on some unique items is just around the corner as the wineries in Northern California make available some special lots, not normally seen. Winery stays, special bottles, tours, lunches and dinners, are just some of the things up for bid. Tune to KRCR in The Bay Area, or check in on the internet to support  PBS, and find a treasure for yourself.

 Cyrille Hanson - Manager/Buyer, Wilibees Wines & Spirits

Cyrille is the Wine Buyer for Wilibees, one of the most fashionable places for your wine, bar, and market  needs. When you are in The Northern California Wine Country, check out Wilibees for tastings, education, food events and a most impressive staff. With locations in both Petaluma, and Santa Rosa, you will find a specialty market that is beyond compare. We talk with Cyrille about the workings of a high end retail outlet, and her choices for some of the best wines around.

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

3/16 Larry Van Aalst talks to Aaron Costa & Dan Barwick

Aaron Costa - President, Healdsburg Vino Tours

If you are coming to Sonoma, and looking for a great tour and Tour Guide, look no farther. Aaron Costa the principle in Healdsburg Vino Tours, is the newest, and one of the best in the business. New to the tour game, but not new to wine, Aaron will arrange everything for you, and customize your day to your specifications. We talk about the best of time in the Wine Country, and give tips on what you should ask for to have a perfect day.


Dan Barwick - Winemaker, Paradise Ridge Winery

One of the biggest supporters of CRN in all of Sonoma County, Dan is a regular guest on The Sonoma Report. Mike Horn of the What's Cookin Today Show, is a big fan of the wines Dan produces at Paradise Ridge Winery. With a large assortment of award winning wines, and one of the most beautiful spots in the county, Paradise Ridge is a "must visit" when in Sonoma County. We talk about the recent releases, and the outlook for the 2016 vintage.

Wednesday, March 2, 2016

3/2 Larry Van Aalst talks to Lee Hodo & Neil Bernardi


A veteran in the wine business, Lee is also the owner of Four Tier Communications. We talk about the newest trends in wine and in specific, the Toad Hollow portfolio.









Neil works with the Migration label. A busy life as a young father, and his duties at Duckhorn, he is also a Professional Wine Judge. We talk about the responsibilities involved in working for a business with world wide recognition, and what he thinks may happen with the 2016 vintage.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

2/17 Larry Van Aalst talks with Beth Costa & Miro Tcholakov

Beth Costa -  Executive Director, The Wine Road 

As the Executive Director of The Wine Road, Beth is in charge of  the most events ever this year. The biggest event by far, The Wine Road Barrel Tasting to be held the first two weekends in March. The largest tasting  in the world, Wine Road will bring together tasters and principles in Sonoma County.  We talk about the best way to approach the event, and Beth's ideas about a perfect weekend.




Miro Tcholakov - Winemaker, Trentadue Winery

Mr. Tcholakov is always on the go. Deeply involved in Rhone wines and sitting on boards and panels all over, the Wine Road Barrel Tasting is one more of the things on Miro's mind. We talk about the new vintages, the 2016 possibilities and the recent awards won at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

Wednesday, February 3, 2016

2/3 Larry Van Aalst talks with Katie Wetzel Murphy & Jennifer Higgins

Katie Wetzel Murphy - Owner & Brand Ambassador, Alexander Valley Vineyards 

Alexander Valley Vineyards began in 1962, located in the heart of the Alexander Valley, it is known for a wide variety of award winning wines. Katie is Owner/Brand Ambassador, and has wide ranging responsibilities . We talk about the winery, taste some of the new releases, and find out about a very special winery event coming up in the near future.




Jennifer Higgins - Winemaker, Lambert Bridge Winery 

After a very impressive background in the industry including stints at Simi, Clos du Bois, and Lancaster, Jennifer has found a home at Lambert Bridge Winery.  Producing some of the finest wines in Sonoma County. Lambert Bridge is located in a beautiful spot just outside of Healdsburg California. We try the wines, and talk about the outlook for the 2016 vintage.

Wednesday, January 20, 2016

1/20 Larry Van Aalst talks to Dan Kosta & Ray Johnson

Dan Kosta - Partner, Kosta Browne Winery 

The respected partner in Kosta Browne Winery, and good friend of CRN, Dan has a new project just launched and will be with us to give the details. AldenAlli is the new label and the involvement with one of Americas most famous Chefs is the big news. We talk about all of the aspects of wine in Dan's life, and the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition that took place the first week of January .




Ray Johnson - Director, The Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University 
Ray has a major responsibility at The Wine Business Institute at Sonoma State University , along with that, Ray is an author, world traveler, and Wine Judge. We talk about the big project at the university, and the results from the Chronicle Wine Competition.


Monday, January 11, 2016

1/6 Larry Van Aalst talks with Carl Brandhorst & Chris Morano

 Carl Brandhorst -  President, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association

Carl is in the studio with us as he visits for The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition. Carl represents some of the best wines made in the eastern U.S, and will be here as a judge for the largest competition of American wines in the world. We will talk about the differences in styles of wines on the two coasts, and across America. 







As Chief Concierge at The FountainGrove Inn located in Santa Rosa California, Chris is the man who can put you on the right track to a fun, and interesting visit in Sonoma County. Chris tells us about the big award he just accepted, and all aspects of visiting Sonoma's Wine Country. We will also get a preview of The Steakhouse at the Equus Restaurant.