Around 85% of Sonoma County’s wineries are family owned. That’s a pretty big deal. It’s not easy to take over the reigns of operating a vineyard and winery. But hard work and long hours payoff in highly sought after fine wine. Evan Merriam along with his parents own Merriam Family Vineyards in Healdsburg. I interviewed their Winemaker Will Weese on podcast 682 and now I chat with Evan about his wine journey and you could say even his wine awakening.

You can also hear Evan on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Alive”

Learn more by visiting merriamvineyards.com

The Sonoma County Barrel Auction 2025 is coming up next week so here’s a look back at what the 2024 Auction was all about.  Watch for the 2025 podcast coming very soon. Please enjoy!  Learn more by visiting www.sonomawine.com

Paralleling highway 29 in Napa Valley is Silverado Trail, and up on a hill in the famous Stags Leap District you’ll find Silverado Vineyards. The tasting room offers beautiful views and is itself an exceptional structure. I met up with Silverado Winemaker Alison Rodriguez to learn more about this magnificent winery and how she got her start in Germany.

You can also hear Alison on our Vino Lingo segment defining the phrase “Listen to Your Wines”

Learn more by visiting www.silveradovineyards.com

This week on our Vino Lingo segment we feature Pam Starr, Founding Winemaker and Owner, Crocker & Starr, Napa Valley defining the term “The Cycle”.  Learn more by visiting www.crockerstarr.com

Sparkling Wine made in the traditional method has followers all over the world, but you may not always think of Napa Valley in that category. Paula Kornell grew up in Napa Valley and spent her early years in the wine cellar as well as vineyards. Sparkling Wine is her passion and you can easily say its in her blood. I visited with Paula back in February to talk about her love of Bubbles and what the future holds for he beloved Valley.

You can also hear Paula on our Vino Lingo segment defining the term “Smiles”.

Learn more by visiting www.paulakornell.com