Rod Berglund of Joseph Swan Vineyards: Celebrating Riesling and Russian River Pinot Noir

On this week’s Vine Wine & Dine, live from The Matheson in Healdsburg, hosts Larry Van Aalst and Michael Haney welcome acclaimed winemaker Rod Berglund of Joseph Swan Vineyards for an in-depth look at Russian River Valley terroir, Pinot Noir, and the enduring legacy of one of Sonoma County’s most respected wineries. Rod shares the story behind the 2023 Anderson Valley 50th Anniversary Riesling and discusses the philosophy that has guided Joseph Swan Vineyards for decades—crafting balanced, site-driven wines that emphasize elegance and sense of place.

The show also features a rare tasting of three 2018 Pinot Noirs from Trenton Estate, Arista “2 Birds” Estate, and Benovia “Tilton Hill,” as Rod compares the unique character, structure, and personality of each vineyard site. Paired with dishes including fresh burrata with spicy coppa, confit lamb shoulder lumaconi, and king salmon with morel-prosciutto vinaigrette, the episode explores the connection between food, farming, and handcrafted winemaking.

Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Wines: Dry Creek Zinfandel and Rockpile Cabernet

 On this week’s Vine Wine & Dine, live from The Matheson in Healdsburg, hosts Larry Van Aalst, Michael Haney, and Chef Dustin Valette welcome Clay Mauritson of Mauritson Wines for a deep dive into Sonoma County terroir, family farming, and mountain-grown wines.

Clay shares the story of his family’s six-generation history in Dry Creek Valley and Rockpile, and how he transformed a legacy of grape growing into a respected estate winery focused on small-lot, vineyard-driven wines. The conversation explores what makes Mauritson’s Dry Creek Zinfandel distinctive, from vineyard sourcing and winemaking style to how the wines pair with food.

We also take a closer look at the rugged Rockpile AVA, discussing altitude, soils, wind, tannin structure, and the age-worthiness of Rockpile Cabernet Sauvignon. Featured pairings include fresh burrata with spicy coppa, tempura mushrooms, and a 14-day dry-aged Flannery New York steak.

Wines poured on the show: the 2023 Mauritson Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel and the 2022 Mauritson Rockpile “Rockpile Ridge Vineyard” Cabernet Sauvignon.

James Gore: Sonoma Leadership, Family Farming, and Gore Family Vineyards

On this episode, we sit down with James Gore to discuss leadership in Sonoma County, the challenges facing local agriculture, and the future of the region’s wine industry. In addition to his role on the Board of Supervisors, Gore shares the story behind his family’s winemaking roots at Gore Family Vineyards, offering a unique perspective that blends public service with hands-on farming. From sustainability and land stewardship to supporting local communities and small producers, this conversation highlights the intersection of policy, family legacy, and Sonoma County’s rich agricultural heritage.

Rich Aurilia of Red Stitch Wine: From Baseball Diamond to Napa & Santa Lucia Highlands

On this week’s Vine Wine & Dine, live from The Matheson in Healdsburg, hosts Larry Van Aalst, Michael Haney, and Chef Dustin Valette welcome former MLB All-Star Rich Aurilia, co-founder of Red Stitch Wine. Rich shares the story behind Red Stitch—how friendships forged on the baseball field with Dave Roberts and John Micek led to a passion project turned respected boutique wine label.

We dive into the Red Stitch portfolio, featuring a Santa Lucia Highlands Chardonnay from Sierra Mar Vineyard, Pinot Noir from Soberanes/Rosella’s Vineyard, and a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, discussing vineyard sourcing, winemaking philosophy, and what makes each wine distinct. Paired with dishes like confit lamb shoulder lumaconi, crispy steelhead trout, burrata with spicy coppa, and ahi tuna tartar, the conversation blends wine, food, and storytelling. From his decorated career with the San Francisco Giants to his hands-on role in winemaking today, Aurilia offers insight into passion, partnership, and crafting wines that reflect both place and personal history.

Nicole & Katey Bacigalupi: Preserving Russian River Legacy Through Chardonnay, Pinot & Red Blends

On this week’s Vine Wine & Dine, live from The Matheson in Healdsburg, we welcome Nicole and Katey Bacigalupi of Bacigalupi Winery to explore their family’s rich Russian River Valley legacy. The sisters share the history of their estate, from Charles and Helen Bacigalupi’s 1950s ranch purchase to pioneering plantings of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, including the famed Paris Tasting block featured in the 1976 Judgment of Paris. Nicole and Katey discuss vineyard management, clonal diversity, and minimal-intervention winemaking while highlighting what makes their wines distinct. Throughout the show, we taste and pair three estate wines with gourmet dishes: the 2023 Renouveau “Paris Tasting” Chardonnay, the 2023 Goddard Ranch Pinot Noir, and the 2023 Fondare Red Blend, while also previewing upcoming vineyard experiences celebrating heritage, terroir, and food.