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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.   

Apr 9, 2026

(0:10 - 0:23)
Introduction to Wine Road podcast, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show.

(0:24 - 0:48)
Acknowledgment of financial support from River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit RiverRoadVineyards.com for more details.

(0:49 - 1:00)
Celebrating episode 250 with guest Diane DiRoma, VP and General Manager of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery.

(1:00 - 1:23)
Excitement about the milestone episode and gratitude to Ron Rubin, whose winery, River Road, supports the podcast.

(1:24 - 1:45)
Diane introduces a new product: a white jasmine sparkling tea from the Republic of Tea, made with 100% white tea and jasmine blossoms.

(1:46 - 2:30)
Discussion of the tea's aromas, effervescence, and connection to the Republic of Tea, which shares ownership with River Road. The tea is part of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market.

(2:31 - 3:17)
Details on the tea's launch in 200 stores and its unique qualities, blending tea and sparkling elements. The tea is sourced from the Fujian province, known for white tea.

(3:18 - 4:04)
Diane reflects on her 20-year career with the Rubin family, emphasizing innovation, learning, and Ron Rubin's inspiring leadership.

(4:05 - 5:14)
Insights into Ron Rubin's philosophy of continuous improvement, innovation, and the importance of being a B Corp. Diane shares how this mindset drives the winery's culture.

(5:15 - 6:28)
Diane discusses fostering accountability and teamwork within the winery, emphasizing peer-to-peer accountability and cultural growth.

(6:29 - 7:25)
Overview of Diane's role overseeing bottled teas and the integration of tea and wine businesses under the Rubin family.

(7:26 - 7:59)
Recommendation of Ron Rubin's book Gold in Your Backyard, which shares his journey and principles for success, including mentorship and seeking advice.

(8:00 - 9:23)
Diane highlights Ron's emphasis on asking for help and how it has shaped her approach to challenges and opportunities.

(9:24 - 10:28)
Beth shares her experience asking Ron for podcast sponsorship, illustrating his supportive and approachable nature.

(10:29 - 11:38)
Discussion on the importance of innovation in the wine industry, not just in products but also in processes and culture.

(11:39 - 13:56)
Diane shares her coaching philosophy, rooted in her basketball background, and how it translates to leading a team at the winery.

(13:57 - 15:55)
Diane reflects on her basketball career, coaching experiences, and the life lessons she applies to business, including resilience and continuous improvement.

(15:56 - 17:15)
A story about Ron Rubin's perspective on responsibility and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of community and employee well-being.

(17:16 - 19:12)
Diane discusses the parallels between running a business and coaching a team, emphasizing fundamentals, education, and continuous learning.

(19:13 - 20:44)
Beth and Diane discuss the endless learning opportunities in the wine industry and Diane's East Coast roots.

(20:45 - 26:07)
Diane recounts her career journey from basketball to wine sales in Florida, emphasizing hard work, asking for help, and adapting to new challenges.

(26:08 - 28:40)
Diane shares how she joined the Republic of Tea, her first meeting with Ron Rubin, and her admiration for his innovative approach.

(28:41 - 29:32)
Reflection on the winery's focus on continuous improvement, community, and empathy, inspired by Ron Rubin's leadership.

(29:33 - 31:05)
Discussion on the importance of mentorship and how it has shaped Diane's career and personal philosophy.

(31:06 - 33:02)
Diane and Beth discuss changes in college sports and the importance of mentorship for young athletes transitioning to the workforce.

(33:03 - 34:22)
Brainstorming ideas for a mentorship boot camp inspired by Ron Rubin's philosophy.

(34:23 - 35:02)
Details on the launch of the white jasmine sparkling tea in Total Wine and More stores and on the Republic of Tea website.

(35:03 - 36:03)
Wine Road's 50th-anniversary celebration: Snap a selfie with a Wine Road sign, share it on Instagram, and enter to win a $200 credit for Wine Road tickets.

(36:04 - 36:28)
Closing remarks, gratitude to Diane for joining, and a lighthearted discussion about living in the area.