Archives: Episodes

The Good Stuff – Woodhawk Vineyards

In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Michael & Kara Busselen, Co-Owners of Woodhawk Vineyards.

 About Michael and Kara

Both Michael and Kara come from families of educators.  Michael graduated from Santa Clara University and built a 30+ year career in public relations/corporate communications, including leadership roles at major agencies and chief communications officer positions at a number of large publicly traded companies.  Kara, a UC Santa Barbara graduate, also had a career in public relations, but with the arrival of their twins transitioned to the fitness industry where she continues to coach part-time.

In pursuit of a 20-year dream to own a vineyard, the Busselens purchased their Cabernet Vineyard in Alexander Valley in 2020, primarily growing for Silver Oak and producing their own small-production wines as Woodhawk Vineyards.

About Woodhawk Vineyards

Woodhawk Vineyards is located on a 70 acre hilltop property looking south over the Alexander Valley and Russian River at the northern end of Sonoma County.  At 1000 feet above sea level the 21 acre world-class Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard sources water from more than a dozen wells located across the property that support both the vineyard operations and the living accommodations.

The inaugural vintage of Woodhawk Vineyards was 150 cases of 2023 Woodhawk Vineyards Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.

And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!

 

At The Table – Year In Review

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Host Clark Wolf talks with Producer Jeff about the new Quail & Condor, Troubadour, what they did for Thanksgiving, the Dining Out For Life event, Dr. Marion Nestle's new book "What To Eat Now", the rise in solo dining, the baby formula recall, cheese cocktails and more!

 

ROCK’nVINO – Get to Know Michelle and Coco

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During this episode of ROCK’nVINO, hosts Coco and Michelle interview each other to reveal the paths each took to combining a love of music, wine, and food into their respective careers. This look behind the curtain explores a friendship spanning more than two decades, and a passion for the way these creative worlds crossover.

ROCK'nVINO is sponsored by American AgCredit.

 

THANKFUL…HOLIDAYS GOOD TIME TO BUY?

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To reach Allison and Stephanie off the air

Call or Text 707-799-3617

Email: normanhometeam@gmail.com

https://www.happeningsonomacounty.com/

WHAT TO BE THANKFUL FOR

HOLIDAY GOOD TIME TO BUY OR SELL

NUMBERS

 

Ask The Expert: Recovery Radio with Dr. K – The Treatment Gap

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In this episode, Dr. K & Chris Geiger of Center Point DAAC, talk about "The Treatment Gap" and who still isn't getting help in Sonoma County. The pair define the treatment gap, who falls through the cracks, systemic barriers & county coordination and what DAAC is doing when it comes to local solutions.

Center Point DAAC of Santa Rosa has been serving Sonoma County since 1969, offering free or low‑cost addiction treatment for Medi‑Cal members. Their Dr. Sushma D. Taylor Recovery Center provides medically supervised detox and long‑term residential care, plus outpatient and specialized programs for teens, families, and individuals facing court involvement—all backed by mental‑health counseling and medication‑assisted treatment. For support with substance use recovery, visit cpdaac.org or call (707) 544‑3295.

 

The Good Stuff – Emeritus Vineyards

In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Riggs Lokka, Vineyard Manager, Emeritus Vineyards, & Emily Lokka, Agriculture Teacher at Analy High School.

About Riggs Lokka

Born and raised in Sonoma County, Riggs Lokka was raised in the wine industry—from going to work with his dad at Sonoma-Cutrer to going with his mom to Glen Ellen Winery. When Emeritus Vineyards was established, he planted vines alongside the vineyard crew and has been a piece of the puzzle ever since.

When the Lokkas moved to the ranch in 2004, Riggs enrolled at El Molino High School and took an agriculture class, where he discovered a love for animals. This also planted the seed for teaching. He actively participated in 4H as a member, and flourished in FFA where he excelled in career development events. While in high school, Riggs competed in Livestock Judging and Grapevine Pruning. His skills and hard work paid off there, propelling him towards being a State Champion Livestock Judge in 2007 and three-time Sonoma County Pruning Champion.

After completing high school Riggs moved on to Santa Rosa Junior College, where he earned associate degrees in Animal Science and Vineyard Management, and then to Fresno State for a degree in Teaching as well. While at Fresno State he managed the vegetable crop unit, sheep unit, and in his spare time would also cut meat in the 100% student-run Fresno State Meat Lab.

Riggs went into teaching in 2013 at Santa Rosa High School, instructing students in Animal Science and Viticulture. Three years later he decided to try something different; he moved south to Stockton and taught Agriculture Mechanics (welding and woodshop). Every summer, when not attending fairs and helping kids with projects, Riggs returned home to work alongside his father Kirk at Emeritus.

In July of 2020, Riggs decided that while teaching for seven years had been incredibly fulfilling, he was ready to transition to his final career. He moved back to Sonoma County and joined the Emeritus Vineyards crew full time, and these days can be found either out in the vineyards, popping into the tasting room to provide a laugh, or with his wife Emily, Mini Heeler dog Jade, and cat Ivy.

About Emily Lokka

Emily Lokka is currently an agriculture teacher at Analy High School, and has deep roots in ag and education. Growing up in Oregon on a sheep and grass hay farm, she is a proud product of 4-H and FFA programs. Emily fell in love with showing and judging large animal livestock at a competitive level, which she continued throughout her childhood and into college at Chico State.

After moving to Sonoma County with her husband, Sonoma County native, Riggs Lokka, Emily reflected on her passions and began teaching at El Molino High School. In the years since, Emily has worked with colleagues to form the new Sebastopol-Analy Ag Program and strengthen ag pathway classes. She coaches students to show animals and compete in livestock judging and public speaking. This past February, she led the students of Sebastopol FFA to a state championship in the 2025 FFA Grapevine Pruning Championship, held at Fresno State. She recently received the Outstanding Leader in Agricultural Education award from the Sonoma County Harvest Fair in 2025!

About Emeritus Vineyards

Emeritus Vineyards was founded in 1999 by Brice Cutrer Jones, the same year he sold Sonoma–Cutrer Vineyards. The story begins at Hallberg Ranch — a remarkable ridgetop property in the cool, fog-kissed Green Valley region of the Russian River Valley. Today, Emeritus is proudly led by Brice’s daughter, second-generation President Mari Jones, continuing the family’s dedication to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir.

Under the direction of Winemaker Keith Hammond, every step of the process — from vineyard to bottle — is guided by a deep respect for the land and a commitment to sustainability. The result is a collection of elegant, place-driven wines that reflect the character of each vintage and the vineyards they come from.

And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!