Oct 23, 2025
Podcast Summary: Wine Road Episode 238
Welcome to Episode 238 of the Wine Road podcast, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with special thanks to Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. This episode features guests Elaina Dimond, Direct Sales and Hospitality Manager, and John Duckett, Winemaker at Trione Vineyards and Winery.
Highlights:
Introduction (0:49 -
1:12):
Elaina and John join the show to discuss Trione Vineyards and
Winery. They clarify the pronunciation of "Trione" and share a
laugh about common mispronunciations.
John's First Vintage (1:16 -
2:32):
John shares the story of his first vintage at Trione, a 2023
Cabernet Franc. This small-lot wine, bottled exclusively for wine
club members, represents his first red wine under his winemaking
leadership. He explains the decision to keep this special lot
separate from their usual Henry’s Blend.
John's Journey to Winemaking (2:47 -
4:13):
John recounts his unique path to winemaking, starting as a
competitive swimmer at UC Davis before discovering the viticulture
program through a table grape growing class. He reflects on his 12
years at Jordan Winery before joining Trione in 2023.
Trione's History (8:24 -
10:30):
The Trione family has been a part of Sonoma County since 1947. John
shares how Henry Trione started in mortgages and later invested in
land and vineyards, eventually amassing 1,000 acres (now 600). The
family’s contributions to the community include the 5,000-acre
Trione Annadel State Park and other philanthropic efforts.
Winery Experiences (11:31 -
13:23):
Elaina and John discuss the unique tasting experiences at Trione,
including vineyard tours via golf carts and curated flights
showcasing wines from their various vineyard properties across
Sonoma County. They emphasize the importance of connecting visitors
to the land and the winemaking process.
Upcoming Events (18:02 -
23:00):
Trione is hosting several events, including:
- Aroma, Sensory, and Blind Tasting (November 8th): Guests will use black glasses to train their senses and identify wine aromas.
- Barrel Demonstration (December 13th): A live demonstration of barrel-making and toasting.
- Soups and Sweaters Soiree (December 6th): A casual, fun event with wine and seasonal vibes.
Trione's Small Production (26:09 -
29:03):
Despite its impressive facilities, Trione is a boutique winery
producing only 7,000 cases annually. They focus on five main wines:
Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Henry’s Blend, and Block
21 Cabernet Sauvignon. John highlights their meticulous vineyard
management and commitment to showcasing the unique characteristics
of their vineyards.
Community and Fun (33:03 -
37:00):
Elaina and John share their love for Sonoma County, from coastal
trips to farmer’s markets. They also discuss Trione’s casual,
welcoming atmosphere, encouraging locals and visitors to enjoy
picnics, bocce, and wine in their beautiful setting.
Closing Notes (38:00 -
39:46):
Beth highlights the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza as a great lodging
option and reminds listeners about the upcoming Wine & Food Affair
(November 1-2), featuring wine and food pairings at 50
wineries.
This episode captures the passion, history, and community spirit of Trione Vineyards and Winery, making it a must-visit destination in Sonoma County.
Thanks to:
Ron Rubin and River Road Family Vineyards & Winery – for their financial support
Richard Ross and Threshold Studios – for making us sound so darn good!
Links from today: