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A Biweekly Conversation.

The Wine Road provides the Wine, When and Where of Northern Sonoma to locals and visitors with tips and news on events, wineries, restaurants, outdoor activities, and places to stay.

Hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa share their insider stories about the places to check out when you're exploring along the Wine Road.

Thank you to County of Sonoma, Board of Supervisors - District 5 for their support.

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  2. Jim Rickards, Winemaker, J. Rickards Winery

Jim Rickards, Winemaker, J. Rickards Winery

Mar 24, 2023

Wine Road Podcast Episode 171

Sponsored by Ron Rubin Winery

Episode 171 | Jim Rickards, Winemaker, J. Rickards Winery

Beth and Marcy chat with Jim about his how his desire to leave the city and become a farmer led to his becoming a winemaker in Alexander Valley. He brings to light the importance of sustainability and how it not only impacts the land and surroundings but the taste of his wines!

Wine of The Day: J. Rickards Winery 2019 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel, Geyserville 

Podcast Sponsor: Ron Rubin Winery 

SHOW NOTES
00:58 Wine of the Day: J. Rickards Winery 2019 Reserve Old Vine Zinfandel, Geyserville, from vines planted in 1908. 


1:31 Jim explains how the Wine of the Day gets its unique distinct flavors - field blend. 

2:42 We learn the breakdown of the Wine of the Day.

3:31 Jim describes how the geography and weather of the Alexander Valley impacts the flavors - brighter flavors and sweeter aromatics. 

6:01 Jim gives personal history on how he went from a city boy to a cow rancher, then finally a winemaker. His wine label is his cattle brand!

11:22 Jim’s three rules: 1) We’re tasting, not drinking.  2) Drink lots of water!  (The bathrooms in Sonoma County are great!) 3) Never ask Jim a question unless you’re expecting a 20 minute answer.

13:17 They do a Facebook live event 1x week, anything from wine growing to gardening and mulching - check it out!

16:24 We learn about how Jim was one of the first in Sonoma County to plant a cover crop and how it led to sustainability and being pesticide free!

22:41 Grape growing to winemaking - with the winery opening in 2005. The wine cave was built in 2014 

24:39 Walk - ins are acceptable during the week, but reservations are always preferred (and required on weekends) because they want to spend time with you so that you can experience the history, the old vineyards and the wine cave!

26:59 Appointments are made through calling the tasting room - email works too!

28:31 Passport to Dry Creek April 29-30, https://www.drycreekvalley.org — click Passport link!

Links 
J. Rickhards Winery

J. Rickhards April Tax Relief Celebration Event

Ron Rubin Winery

Credits:
The Wine Road podcast is mixed and mastered at
 Threshold Studios Sebastopol, CA.
Threshold Studios