Wine Road Episode 253, Beth Grossman

The podcast episode begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing the show (0:10-0:23) and expressing gratitude to sponsors like Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for supporting the podcast (0:24-0:48). They welcome guest Beth Grossman, a long-time listener and wine enthusiast visiting from Arlington, Virginia, who has been exploring Sonoma County since 1994 (0:49-1:16). Beth shares her journey of discovering wine country, starting with a wedding trip in Bodega Bay, which led to visiting 23 wineries in four days—a pace she humorously advises against (1:50-2:24). She reflects on the changes in Sonoma over the years, from quieter times with free tastings to the growth of tourism and lodging options, while noting that the region's friendly and welcoming vibe remains unchanged (2:34-3:09).

Beth discusses her lodging preferences, often staying in Healdsburg or nearby areas like Dry Creek, depending on the trip's length and budget (3:28-4:23). She highlights the variety of accommodations, from Airbnbs to budget hotels, and reminisces about earlier stays at the Inn on La Plaza when it was just $85 a night (4:40-5:04). The conversation shifts to favorite wineries, with Beth expressing her preference for smaller, family-owned establishments where grape growing and winemaking are closely connected (6:12-6:24). She mentions favorites like Porter Creek, known for its intimate tasting room and outdoor seating, and Motion, a hub for experimental winemaking and a training ground for young winemakers (6:40-7:25). Other notable mentions include Dutton Goldfield, Iron Horse, and A. Raffanelli, with Beth encouraging listeners to explore lesser-known spots and embrace the diversity of experiences (8:40-9:06).

Beth shares her journey into wine appreciation, which began with her early visits to Napa and Sonoma and evolved through learning opportunities at wineries (16:27-18:13). She emphasizes the importance of asking questions and participating in winery tours to deepen understanding and enhance the tasting experience (18:30-19:18). The discussion also highlights the value of pacing visits, mixing wine tasting with other activities like food pairings, vineyard tours, and exploring local attractions such as Armstrong Woods and Safari West (19:40-21:01). Beth humorously notes her preference for orderly nature, like vineyards, and shares her dream of spending a year in Sonoma to experience the seasons fully (20:38-21:19).

The conversation touches on Sonoma's rich culinary scene, with Beth praising bakeries like Quail and Condor and Sarmantine, as well as restaurants like Parish Cafe and Dry Creek Kitchen (24:05-26:16). She also highlights unique local experiences, such as the California Artisan Cheese Festival, food truck parks, and community events like the Prune Packers baseball games (33:43-34:41). Beth's enthusiasm for Sonoma's welcoming atmosphere and collaborative wine community shines through, as she recounts stories of winemakers sharing knowledge and supporting each other (36:16-37:18).

The episode concludes with a celebration of the Wine Road's 50th anniversary, featuring free wine tastings on June 20th (38:11-38:49). The hosts express their admiration for Beth's passion and knowledge, jokingly suggesting she become a personal concierge or guide for visitors. Beth reflects on how the podcast and her visits to Sonoma have been a source of relaxation and joy, reinforcing the region's charm and appeal (39:06-40:42).