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!

In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with George Martinelli, Owner & Farmer at Martinelli Family Winery & Tessa Martinelli Gorsuch, Estate Director at Martinelli Winery & Vineyards.

George Martinelli, fifth generation Sonoma County farmer on his mother’s side, and fourth on his father’s side. He was born in Sonoma County in 1969. At the age of 10, George was driving a tractor and running an apple crew in the family orchards, which he still manages. Throughout the years he worked with his father learning the art of viticulture. In 2008 George received the Outstanding Young Farmer of the Year Award from the Sonoma County Harvest Fair. George works closely with his father and brother in the vineyards as well as being active in the family winery with his sisters and mother. He currently farms his own vineyards & manages others. George is one of the founders of the El Molino High School Foundation that raises money for his alma mater. When he is not working, George enjoys fishing, hunting & camping on our family’s Sonoma Coast Ranch with his family & friends, especially his wife & two daughters.

Tessa is a 5th generation Martinelli and grew up on the family’s Bondi Home Ranch vineyard in Sebastopol. Growing up with both sides of her family in the wine business, she had a passion for the industry from a young age and knew that is what she wanted to study. She received a BS in Wine and Viticulture and a minor in Agribusiness from Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, and while there, she studied abroad at Switzerland’s Engineering School of Enology at Changins (EIC) in Lausanne.

Upon graduation she worked as a cellar harvest intern making wine at a small winery in Healdsburg. Since then, Tessa has worked for wineries in both Dry Creek Valley and Sonoma Valley, growing her experience in business, marketing, wine club management, tasting room management, events, hospitality and more.

In January 2020 she joined the family business and is thrilled to be back to her roots working in Russian River Valley, as the Estate Director of Martinelli Winery and Vineyards.

The Martinelli Family History: A Century Club Family – 135+ Years of Farming

The Martinelli family has been farming grapes and making wine in Sonoma County since the 1880s, when Giuseppe Martinelli immigrated from Italy at age 19 and started his winery. After eloping with Luisa Vellutini, they planted Zinfandel and Muscat Alexandria on a steep 60-degree slope, which became the Jackass Hill vineyard, still the steepest non-terraced vineyard in California. In the 1980s, Giuseppe’s grandson, Lee Martinelli Sr., and his wife Carolyn started their own winery in the Russian River Valley, and now, for the first time, three generations of Martinelli’s work together in the family business: Lee Sr., his children George, Lee Jr. and Julianna, and granddaughter Tessa; Lee and Carolyn’s other daughter Regina recently stepped away to focus on her growing family. Today, Martinelli Winery specializes in estate-grown Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Syrah. With 475 acres across the Russian River Valley and Fort Ross-Seaview AVAs, the family sells most of its grapes to other vintners, keeping a small portion for their own wines. Winemaker Courtney Wagoner and consulting winemaker Erin Green craft wines that highlight the unique character of vineyards. The Martinelli Family has 6 generations of winegrowers and farmers.

And finally, Virginie and Karissa share thei...

In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk with Jane Portalupi, Owner of Portalupi Wine.

Jane Portalupi, co-founder of Portalupi Wines, has been instrumental in shaping the winery's vision and success. She was born and raised in a small coastal town in Northern California and attended Western Washington University for College, getting a degree in Marketing. She first met her husband, Tim Borges, as a child. Their paths crossed again in 2001, leading to their marriage and the inception of Portalupi Wines in 2002.

With a background in retail marketing, Jane brought a strategic and customer-focused approach to the winery. Her passion for Italian heritage and winemaking traditions, inspired by her grandmother Marina Portalupi, has been central to the winery's philosophy. Marina, who immigrated from Piemonte, Italy, to Northern California, instilled in Jane the belief that wine is meant to be enjoyed regularly with friends and family. Portalupi calls themselves "Cal-Ital,” honoring Italian and California roots through their wines.

Under Jane's leadership, Portalupi Wines has expanded its portfolio to include Italian varietals such as Zinfandel, Barbera, Pinot Noir, Charbono, and Vermentino, they also have rosé, sparkling, and a liquore. In 2011, they opened a tasting room in downtown Healdsburg, offering visitors a chance to experience their unique Cal-Ital wines firsthand.

Before Portalupi, there was Luna Park Grocery—Jane Portalupi’s Nonna's beloved neighborhood store in San Jose. There, her Nonna bottled her homemade wine in milk jugs, sharing it with family, friends, and visitors just like she would have a warm meal.

Portalupi’s Vaso di Marina collection (Vaso di Marina Rosso & Vaso di Marina Bianco) was inspired by the milk jugs Jane Portalupi’s grandmother used to bottle wine at her grocery store. Beginning this year, 2% of all sales from Portalupi’s Vaso di Marina product line will directly benefit Farm to Pantry, supporting their mission to serve local communities in need.

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 with Chris Hanna, President of Hanna Winery.

Chris Hanna is the President of her family’s winery, Hanna Winery, based in Healdsburg and Santa Rosa, Sonoma County. Growing up on the home ranch, she began making small batches of wine with her father, winery founder Dr. Elias S. Hanna, in the late 1970s and early ’80s.

Christine joined Hanna Winery full-time in 1991, starting in public relations and marketing before assuming management in 1993. Under her leadership, the winery expanded from 1,000 to over 50,000 cases, establishing national distribution and a thriving direct-to-consumer program through two tasting rooms and three wine clubs. She shifted the winery’s focus to Russian River Sauvignon Blanc, a consistent award winner now making up more than half of Hanna’s production and newly available in kegs. She also transitioned the winery to an estate-based model, marketing Hanna’s vineyard fruit to other top wineries and launching the acclaimed Reserve, Elias, and Bismark Mountain tiers, highlighting small-lot, high-quality estate wines.

The Winery: Hanna Winery produces outstanding Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. With over 250 acres spanning the cool Russian River Valley, sunny Alexander Valley, and rugged Mayacamas Mountains, the winery remains dedicated to crafting wines that reflect Sonoma County’s diverse terroir. The recent addition of Chris’ home ranch on Bradford Mountain in Dry Creek Valley further strengthens its estate-driven approach.

The winery’s roots trace back to Dr. Elias Hanna, a pioneering cardiac surgeon who sought refuge in the countryside. In 1985, his family pastime evolved into a business with the founding of Hanna Winery. Chris embraced this legacy while steering the winery toward innovation, championing estate-grown vineyards when the industry favored purchased fruit. Recognizing the potential of Russian River Sauvignon Blanc early on, she positioned Hanna Winery at the forefront of the category.

Today, Hanna Winery is built on a foundation of vision and resilience. Chris has cultivated a team of like-minded innovators, including winemaker Jeff Hinchliffe, who prioritizes sustainability, ensuring the winery’s legacy for generations to come.

Beyond Wine: Christine is the author of The Winemaker Cooks: Menus, Parties, and Pairings (Chronicle Books, 2010), which was a finalist for Best American Cookbook by the International Association of Culinary Professionals. Her recipes have been featured in Food & Wine, Savor Magazine, The Tasting Panel, Imbibe, California Home+Design, and the television show In Wine Country. She also teaches cooking classes nationwide, including at Williams Sonoma, Sur La Table, and Central Market Cooking School.

Christine has played a pivotal role in the wine industry, serving as past President of Sonoma County Vintners, where she helped reposition the organization’s marketing strategy. She also chaired the Sonoma County Showcase and Auction, directing Taste of Sonoma, one of the region’s premier food and wine events.

In addition to her industry leadership, Christine is an Adjunct Professor in the Wine Studies department at Santa Rosa Junior College. She is the incoming Board Chair at Sonoma Academy, Treasurer at The Healdsburg School, and a past President of the Board of Trustees for the Alexander Valley Unified School District. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature, a master’s degree in creative writing, and has completed postgraduate studies in business, viticulture, and enology.

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 with Tim Bell, Director of Marketing for Dry Creek Vineyard.

Tim Bell, Director of Winemaking at Dry Creek Vineyard, has worked with a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles in Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Central Coast: still wine, sparkling, dessert, even Kosher. He graduated with honors in winemaking at UC Davis, learning the intricacies of wine chemistry and microbiology that inform his stylistic choices in creating delicious blends. Early in his career, Tim worked at Freemark Abbey, helping to shape the wine style and vineyard program. Later, he became the Director of Winemaking at Kunde, gaining critical acclaim for his Sauvignon Blancs, Zinfandels and Cabernet Sauvignons. Tim joined the winemaking team at Dry Creek Vineyard starting in 2011, bringing in more than 20 years of winemaking experience to the team.

Away from the winery, Tim spends time outdoors with his family as much as he can, usually somewhere involving bodies of water. His other interests include music of all kinds and good food (and wine!). On weekends Tim can be found grilling up the tastiest burgers on the west coast.

Dry Creek Vineyard was founded in 1972 by David S. Stare, a visionary who defied convention to establish the first new winery in Dry Creek Valley following Prohibition. Inspired by his travels in France and determined to bring world-class winemaking to Sonoma County, Dave planted Sauvignon Blanc despite industry skepticism, sparking a viticultural renaissance in the region. His pioneering spirit laid the foundation for a family-owned winery that remains deeply committed to the land and community.

In the late 1980s, Dave’s daughter, Kim Stare Wallace, and her husband, Don Wallace, took on leadership roles, ushering in a new era of innovation and sustainability. As other family wineries sold to corporate buyers, they doubled down on quality, reducing production while refining their estate-driven, terroir-focused wines. By 2011, they had assembled a powerhouse team, including acclaimed winemaker Tim Bell, and expanded their sustainably farmed estate to 185 acres.

Family owned and sustainably farmed for over 50 years, Dry Creek Vineyard remains a benchmark for Sonoma County winemaking, proving that independence and integrity are the keys to enduring success. Today they own 185 acres of estate vineyards that are 100% certified sustainable all in the Dry Creek Valley.

Wine for sailors? Dry Creeks logo has a sailboat as the design, as the family has been avid sailors since 1972 and wanted to combine a Love for Wine with a Passion for Sailing! “Since 1982, sailboat imagery has graced our labels, capturing the spirit of the high seas and our passion for the sport. We believe that the art of winemaking and the skill of sailing have a lot in common. Like winemaking, sailing is fun, adventuresome, and daring. Like sailing, the art of winemaking demands skill, discipline, and plenty of help from Mother Nature."

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 with Dan Kosta, Founder & Owner of Convene By Dan Kosta.

Dan Kosta has over 20 years of experience in the Sonoma County wine industry, very well known as a premium pinot noir and chardonnay producer.

A native of Sonoma wine country, Dan’s exposure to wine began in childhood, inspired by his father, who owned a wine shop and had a passion for vino. His lifelong love of food and wine guided him to a career in the restaurant industry, where he applied skills developed early on to excel in roles across a series of world-class restaurants. Dan progressed from back waiter to waiter, bartender, maître d’, operations manager, and ultimately wine director at the renowned John Ash & Company in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. It was there, in 1997, that Dan and his business partner, Michael Browne, founded Kosta Browne Winery. As a founder, Dan led marketing programs, managed sales, and oversaw a nationwide distribution network.

After co-founding Kosta Browne with Michael Browne in 1997, Kosta’s name became synonymous with Pinot Noir as he traveled the world sharing his award-winning wines. His exploration of the grape continued with AldenAlli, which he founded in 2013 as a collaboration with celebrity Chef Emeril and his wife Alden Lagasse.

Dan's accomplishments and contributions to the American wine industry are numerous. From industry volunteerism to children's advocacy philanthropy, Dan continues to leverage his network for giving back to community through Convene. S

About Convene: Founded August 2022

Founded by Dan Kosta and crafted in partnership with winemaker Shane Finley, Convene embodies over fifteen years of collaboration and a shared commitment to excellence. Focused on creating exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay blends from cool-climate regions, Convene sources its fruit from California’s most renowned winegrowing regions, from the Sonoma Coast, Russian River Valley, and Santa Lucia Highlands AVAs.

Winemaker Shane Finley, recognized for his global expertise and meticulous craftsmanship, has played an integral role in Convene’s journey. With experience spanning Australia’s Barossa Valley, France’s Northern Rhône, and California’s Russian River Valley, Shane brings a world of skill to the table. His partnership with Dan Kosta dates back to the early days of Kosta Browne.

**Convenes tasting room is located within Bacchus Landing in Healdsburg

About DK Wine Group:

DK Wine Group, launched in 2021 and founded by renowned vintner Dan Kosta, serves as the parent company for several wine labels, including Convene and DK Grail. Dan also has a wine brand called Admire, that focuses on Pinot Noir.

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