In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Lauren Fremont & Amanda Brower from Dry Creek Valley Winegrowers.

Dry Creek Valley:

With roots reaching back 140 years, Dry Creek Valley’s history in winegrape growing is among the longest in California. Its fertile landscape attracted settlers soon after the California Gold Rush of 1849. By the late 1880s, the valley had nine wineries and 883 acres of vineyards – the majority planted to Zinfandel, for which Dry Creek is best known. Prohibition ended this first wine boom, with just two wineries remaining after its repeal in 1933, Frei Brothers and J. Pedroncelli, which is still operating today. While some vineyards continued, prunes and pears became the valley mainstay until the California wine revival began in the 1970’s, bringing a dramatic expansion of vineyards and wineries. And in 1983, Dry Creek Valley became one of the first California wine regions to be recognized as an official American Viticultural Area (AVA).

Today, nearly 9,000 acres of vineyards carpet the valley, providing exceptional fruit to over 70 wineries, the majority of which remain family-owned.

Passport to Dry Creek Valley:

Passport to Dry Creek Valley is an annual wine event in Sonoma County, California, that celebrates the region’s winemaking heritage. Launched in 1990 by the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, the event was designed to showcase the area's diverse wineries and their wines.

Over the years, Passport has evolved into an immersive experience featuring themed tastings, vineyard tours, gourmet food pairings, and live entertainment. Participating wineries create unique experiences for guests and the event has played a significant role in promoting Dry Creek Valley as a premier winegrowing region, attracting both wine enthusiasts and industry professionals. After a brief hiatus during the pandemic, the festival has continued to evolve while staying true to its mission of celebrating the valley's rich winemaking traditions.

Lauren Fremont - Executive Director, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley

The Paris-native was quite the traveler from a young age. Paris to Geneva to NYC by 8 years old. Lauren studied marketing and art at UMass Amherst and immediately after graduating had the entrepreneurial bug and started a small catering company. This is where her love of wine and food really got going. In 2003 she began working in fine-dining event management for the likes of Drew Neiporent/ TriBeCa Film Festival, Thomas Keller, and Daniel Boulud. In 2009 she started her own luxury event company and expanded internationally, producing $2M+ events and earning recognition from Martha Stewart Weddings and New York Magazine. By 2019 she became the Director of Experiences at Boston Ballet, leading a record-breaking $2.5M annual galas and increasing donor engagement. Lauren made the move to California in 2022 and became the Executive Director at Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, to revitalize brand trust, secured sponsorships, and lead large-scale events.

Amanda Brower - PR & Marketing Manager, Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley

Amanda grew up moving around frequently as a child, thanks to her father’s 30-year career in the Navy. That early experience instilled in her a deep appreciation for community and a natural love for connecting with people. She put down roots, with her mother and stepfather, in Marin County at 14 and has since called the Bay Area home, spending time between Marin, San Francisco, and Sonoma County. For the past 10 years, she’s been happily settled in Santa Rosa, with two dogs and recently became three!

In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Bret Munselle, Owner/General Manager of Munselle Vineyards, Sonoma County Winegrowers Board Chair, Pilot Farmer – John Deere SmartApply, & Century Club Member.

Bret Munselle, a Sonoma County native and 5th-generation grape grower, represents nearly 150 years of family farming in Alexander Valley. His family began farming in the region in 1876 and today manages approximately 800 acres, including 400 acres of owned and leased vineyards in the Alexander Valley, and another 400 acres for client partners. Bret grew up in Alexander Valley, later attending UC Davis, where he studied agricultural economics and took viticulture courses. Unsure of his career path within the wine industry after graduation, Bret worked for American AgCredit for nearly four years. This experience, as Bret describes, was pivotal in shaping his career. About 20 years ago, his father, Bill, offered him the chance to join the family business. Within weeks, Bret had transitioned from his role at American AgCredit to working in the vineyards—a decision he considers one of the best he’s ever made.

Munselle Vineyards Today

Munselle Vineyards, operated by Bret, his wife Kristen, and his parents Bill and Reta, specializes in sustainable vineyard management. The business focuses on Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Petit Verdot, and other Bordeaux varietals. All vineyards and client operations are certified sustainable, a cornerstone of their business practices. In 2006, Bret and Kristen partnered with his parents to establish the Munselle Vineyards wine label. Their offerings include Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Zinfandel, Rosé, and occasionally Petit Verdot, showcasing their commitment to quality and heritage. Today, Munselle Vineyards produces up to 1,000 cases annually of hand-crafted, award-winning wines.

Leadership & Innovation

Bret serves as the Board Chair of the Sonoma County Winegrowers (SCW) and is a Pilot Farmer collaborating with John Deere on SmartApply Technology. His dedication to sustainability and innovation has solidified Munselle Vineyards’ place as a leader in the industry. The Munselle family is also part of the Sonoma County Century Club, SCW’s club celebrating families farming here for over 100 years.

Munselle Family Legacy

The Munselle family has been farming in Sonoma County’s since 1876. Their farming history began with Shadrach Osborn, who established Alexander Valley’s first winery, Lone Pine Cellars, and Broder Frellson, who managed the second, Red Winery. Over time, the family transitioned from winemaking to farming, exploring crops like prunes and tomatoes before fully committing to grape cultivation in 1972. For five decades, their premium grapes have contributed to award-winning wines, and the family has come full circle by returning to winemaking. The Munselles home ranch, Wasson Ranch, was originally purchased by Bret’s grandparents, Fred, and Ruby Wasson, in 1942. It remained as open, rolling hillside pasture until they planted it to grapes in the late 1970’s.

And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!

In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk about the Minnesota WineFest with Nick Engbloom – Sr. Director of Development with Community Partnerships, University of Minnesota Foundation 2026 USA Games Board Member, Elizabeth Patty – Associate Vice President for Development with Medicine and Health at the University of Minnesota Foundation, Blythe Brenden - Founder of the Blythe Brenden-Mann Foundation & Grape Stomp After-Party Sponsor, and Sarah Worrell & Kai Worrell – Co-Chairs of the Event.

WineFest No. 28 is a Toast to Children's Health is a premier fundraising event dedicated to supporting pediatric healthcare advancements at M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital in Minnesota. Since its inception in 1995, WineFest has raised over $25 million to fund groundbreaking research, education, and care that improve the lives of children and families.

The mission of WineFest is to champion innovation in pediatric medicine, ensuring that children receive the best possible treatments while also supporting the next generation of medical advancements. Proceeds from the event contribute to cutting-edge research, clinical trials, and lifesaving treatments that directly impact young patients. The funds also help provide state-of-the-art facilities, patient and family-centered programs, and world-class medical training to ensure ongoing excellence in pediatric healthcare.

Event Highlights:

• Luxe Lunch | Friday, May 9 | 1:00 p.m.
• Grand Tasting | Friday, May 9 | 6:30 p.m.
• Bubbles & Brunch | Saturday, May 10 | 11:00 a.m.
• Fine Wine Dinner | Saturday, May 10 | 7:00 p.m.

And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!