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.