In this WIN Insider episode, George interviews Julie Pedroncelli St. John, board president and founding winery owner, and Katie Ambrosi, the new executive director of Wine Road, a regional association founded in 1976 that promotes wineries and lodging throughout northern Sonoma County. Julie and Katie discuss the organization’s 50-year evolution from a simple visitor map to a major regional brand hosting signature events like Barrel Tasting, Winter Wineland, and Wine & Food Affair, while adapting to changing market conditions. Katie brings fresh creative energy to her new role, aiming to refresh marketing and events while honoring traditions, and both leaders emphasize making wine accessible for younger consumers facing affordability challenges. They highlight upcoming initiatives including the landmark 50th Anniversary Gala and “Sip Into the Weekend” program, capturing the Wine Road’s journey and optimistic outlook for the region’s future. Learn More: https://www.wineroad.com Lear

MAY 28, 2026 – Experience Rosé, a wine competition that focuses exclusively on expressions of pink wine — sweet, dry and sparkling — has announced results of its 2026 contest. Taking top prize this year is a 2020 sparkling rosé of Pinot Noir from Kessler-Haak Vineyard & Wines in California’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA. Judges described it as “vibrant and fresh,” with “wild berry, pomegranate, citrus” and a “pale, beautiful color.” Grower/winemaker Dan Kessler explains his technique: “I don’t pick for brix, I pick for flavor and color, which comes when brix is higher. The wine then spends 60 months en tirage before we gather club members for a trial tasting. They pick the dosage — it’s a great way to engage them and get them excited for the release.” What makes the wine even more special is its label, which honors Kessler’s wife’s uncle, a jazz horn player in Baltimore; the label features a pencil drawing of the musician in his element. Now in its eighth year, Experience Rosé was founded

Spending a weekend sipping superb wines while savoring the perfect food pairing sounds like heaven. Add in breathtaking scenery and the relaxing ambiance of Sonoma County’s Wine Country, and now you have paradise perfected! This magical wine and food weekend becomes reality on November 1st and 2nd as the Wine Road hosts the 27th annual Wine & Food Affair. A Sneak Peek at the Food Pairings With 50 wineries to select from, there are too many food pairings to list, so here are just a few highlights. If you love Italian-based comfort food, check out: Mushroom and Winter Squash Risotto at Pedroncelli Winery Lobster Ravioli with Vodka Sauce at Pech Merle Winery Tatiana’s Famous Lasagna at Colagrossi Wines If you’d rather pair Mexican, French or Cajun with delicious wines, here are some options: Roger’s Colorado Pork Green Chili at J. Cage Cellars Creamy Mushroom Chicken Facon Grand Mère at GC Lurton Vineyards Alison’s Jambalaya at Mat

Inventory should empower your winery’s growth—not hold it back. But for many wine businesses, managing case goods across multiple locations, bonds, and sales channels is a constant challenge. Join InnoVint and Commerce7 for a practical, peer-led conversation on with winery leaders who’ve successfully simplified inventory tracking, improved team collaboration, and made more strategic DTC sales decisions by connecting their inventory and commerce systems. Featured panelists include: Larry Harris, Owner at Bayernmoor Cellars (WA) Cathy Pedroncelli, VP of Finance at Pedroncelli Winery (CA) Melissa Aellen, Director of Winery Operations at Linganore Winecellars (MD) Jeff Carroll, VP of Partnerships at Commerce7 Kevin Williams, Customer Growth Director at InnoVint Who Should Attend: Winery Owners & General Managers Production & Operations Leaders Finance & Compliance Professionals DTC, Tasting Room, and Club Managers Register Here Can't make it

Wine Road Elects Six New Board Members, Including New President Infusion of leadership marks one of the largest board transitions in recent years Healdsburg, CA, May 30, 2025 — Wine Road, the premier association of wineries and lodgings in Northern Sonoma County, is pleased to announce the election of six new members to its Board of Directors—one of the largest board transitions in the organization’s recent history. Typically electing just two new members per term, this year’s changes reflect a unique and exciting chapter for Wine Road, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to its mission of promoting Northern Sonoma County as a world-class wine destination. The newly elected board members are: Julie Pedroncelli St. John, President, Pedroncelli Winery As a third-generation member of one of Sonoma County’s iconic Italian winemaking families, Julie brings decades of experience and deep roots in Dry Creek Valley. Pedroncellis have farmed the region s

Wine’s Most Inspiring People 2025: Julie Pedroncelli St. John ― Revitalizing a Century-Old Family Winery

By Laurie Wachter Viticultural regions elevate signature varietals to serve as their ambassadors to the wine world. In Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley AVA, Zinfindel is the hallmark wine that [...]

JUNE 24, 2024 – Experience Rosé, a wine competition that focuses exclusively on expressions of pink wine — sweet, dry and sparkling — has announced results of the 2024 contest. Taking top prize this year is Breathless WInes’ NV Brut Rosé, which judges described as “Toasty, nutty”; “raspberry and exotic spice”; “elegant, balanced with a long finish.” In addition to Best of Show, the wine also took honors as Best Domestic Sparkling. “This wine is a blend of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier. This blending brings out the best of all three varieties and complexity to the finished wine,” says winemaker Penny Gadd-Coster. “Flavors of white cherry, lime and watermelon all wrapped up with an elegant style of Rosé. The fine mousse brings a creaminess that adds to the elegance in the mouthfeel of this beautifully crafted wine. I always want the grapes to be featured, but also give a nod to tradit

The 3rd annual Healdsburg Wine and Food Experience was a weekend-long celebration that featured the best of Sonoma County and world-renowned food and wines. This year's festival showcased the region's makers – farmers, growers, winemakers and chefs – alongside globally recognized wines, highlighting the vibrant culinary diversity, deep connection to agriculture, and sustainable farming practices of Sonoma County. HWFE is deeply involved in the Sonoma County community, making substantial donations from this year’s ticket sales and sponsorships to local organizations that make a meaningful difference in the lives of farmers and their families, including the Sonoma County Fundación de la Voz de los Viñedos. These funds will help support the Leadership Academy and workforce development for vineyard employees and their families, fostering future leaders in both the industry and the community. As well as being co-founders of HWFE, Sonoma County Winegro