"The Good Stuff" – Details, episodes & analysis

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Justin and Karin Warnelius-Miller of Garden Creek Vineyards in Alexander Valley.   

Tune in to hear their stories about growing up working in agriculture in Alexander Valley working, and reconnecting as adults to build Garden Creek Winery together.  A story of hard work, dedication, and appreciation for the land – Karin and Justin teach us how the triumphs and tribulations make us who we are. 

This week, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Michael and Kara Busselen of Woodhawk Vineyards in Alexander Valley. 

Tune in to hear their story of pivoting from careers in PR to following their dream of growing winegrapes and making wine.  In this episode, the Busselen's share how they fell in love with winemaking and Sonoma County and how their passion for lifelong learning, hospitality, and storytelling is at the heart of everything they do at Woodhawk Vineyards. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Erica Larson, COO of Larson Family Winery, and Hayden Puryear, DTC Manager at Larson Family Wines.

Tune in as Erica and Hayden discuss the unique history of her family's property in Sonoma, which includes a ghost town and former home to the Sonoma County Rodeo, and share their journey's into the wine industry and what the Larson Family Motto "We drink what we can and sell the rest" means to them.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to John Hamel, Winemaker and Director of Winegrowing at Hamel Family Wines. 

Tune in as he shares his passion for organic and biodynamic farming, and how a deep connection to the land guides his approach to crafting wines with intention and vision. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Matt Taylor, Winemaker at Mascarin Family Wines.

A third-generation Sonoma County native, Matt has deep roots in the region and a profound connection to the Sonoma Coast AVA. Known for its diverse microclimates and rugged terrain, the Sonoma Coast inspires his work, shaping wines that capture both intensity and nuance.

For Matt, viticulture is more than a professionit’, s a calling. He believes the foundation of every exceptional wine begins in the vineyard, where thoughtful farming lays the groundwork for authenticity and character in the glass. Alongside his wife Kaela, the couple continues to champion the values of family, community, and the land that defines Sonoma County.

In this episode of “The Good Stuff” presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse sit down with Shelly Rafanelli, winemaker at A. Rafanelli Winery in Dry Creek Valley.

Shelly shares the story of her family’s deep roots in Sonoma County, and making connections through wine. She reflects on her journey to becoming a winemaker, carrying forward her family’s legacy, and the dedication it took to help build A. Rafanelli into the winery it is today.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Mike Sullivan, winemaker and Co-owner of Benovia Vineyards. 

Mike talks about growing up in Sonoma County, his early interest in the wine industry, and taking the leap to co-found Benovia Winery in the Russian River Valley.  Mike reflects on a few of his "WOW" wine moments over the years and key learning experiences that shaped him into the winemaker he is today.

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Bill Nachbauer, owner of Alegria Vineyards.  

Bill shares how he and his wife Betsy made the leap from a career in law and public policy to farming grapes in Sonoma County, where Bill's family roots stretch back to the 1860s. Bill recalls the moment in 1989 when he first saw Alegría Vineyards and knew it was the place to build a future. He reflects on the challenges and triumphs of those early years, the lessons learned as a winemaker with ACORN Winery, and the unique experience of farming alongside Betsy.

Bill also shares what he’s most proud of from his journey, and what lies ahead for Alegria Vineyards!

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Jen Berman, General Manager, and Phillip Dube, Winemaker at North Coast Wine Co., to discuss North Coast Wine and the Outerbound wine label. 

Phillip shares his unconventional journey from practicing law on the East Coast to winemaking across continents—from South Africa to Australia to California. He opens up about the moment he knew it was time to leave the courtroom for the vineyard.

Jen, with a background in biochemistry and nearly 20 years in the industry, talks about how science shaped her love of wine- and how that lens still guides her leadership today.

They reflect on the mentors and moments that shaped their paths, and how those experiences influence their work now at North Coast Wine Co. From launching standout brands like Outerbound to exploring new vineyard sites, to collaboration to create new ideas and crafting wines that express a true sense of place and varietal character. 

In this episode of "The Good Stuff" presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Mark Stark, Executive Chef & Co-Founder, and Terri Stark, Hospitality Director & Co-Founder of Stark Reality Restaurants.

The husband-and-wife team provide a behind the scenes look into Stark Reality Restaurants, a collection of eight locally loved restaurants in Sonoma County. They opened their first, Willi’s Wine Bar, in 2002, introducing the small plates concept to Santa Rosa. Over the next two decades, they steadily expanded their footprint across Sonoma County. 

Listen in to hear about their journey from meeting in Palo Alto to building one of Sonoma County’s most beloved restaurant groups, their inspirations behind each unique concept, and how they balance culinary creativity with hospitality excellence!