Archives: Episodes

The Good Stuff – Benziger Family Winery

In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Lisa Amaroli, Director of Winemaking at Benziger Family Winery.

About Lisa Amaroli

Lisa began her journey in the wine industry in 1996 shortly after graduating from Sonoma State University with a degree in Biology and Chemistry. Having lived and worked in Europe before college, Lisa gained a perspective into “living” a food and wine lifestyle, which sparked her passion for wine. Lisa’s career in wine started in the vineyards, later working in the lab and operations, before joining the team at Benziger Family Winery in 1999. She is dedicated to cultivating Certified Biodynamic and Organic wines, believing they reflect both the land and the people who bring them from grape to bottle. When not making wine, Lisa is an avid horseback rider, traveler, and is forever looking for the perfect wine and food combination.

About Benziger Family Winery

Benziger Family Winery is a Sonoma County pioneer in sustainable, organic, and biodynamic winegrowing, with roots in the Sonoma Mountain estate vineyard. Family-owned and operated, Benziger is known for crafting expressive, site-driven wines that reflect the unique ecosystems of their vineyards. Through a holistic approach to farming and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, the winery produces balanced, vibrant wines that showcase Sonoma County’s diverse terroirs while honoring the land for future generations

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

 

At The Table – Michele Anna-Jordan: “The Exit Interview”

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Host Clark Wolf talks to Chef & Author Michele Anna-Jordan about her 40th anniversary of writing about the Sonoma County food scene, how she got into writing, her early career and how she got discovered. The two also discuss where she's heading off too, what she's taking with her and what she'll be cooking until she moves away!

 

Ask the Expert: Real Change presented by Redwood Gospel Missions – Episode 5

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In this episode of Real Change presented by Redwood Gospel Missions, Host Jeff Gilman (Executive Director of RGM) sits down with Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan, to talk about his law enforcement career, growing up in Louisiana, his educational background, serving on the NAMI Board of Directors and inRESPONSE. The two also discuss SRPD's collaborative approach to mental health episodes and combatting "compassion fatigue".

 

The Good Stuff – Future Farmers Of America

In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Emily Lokka, Agriculture Teacher at Analy High School, Bailey Cassady, North Coast FFA Region President, member of the AHS Grapevine Pruning team and Harlyn Menendez, Analy High School student, FFA member, member of the AHS Grapevine Pruning Team about Future Farmers of America!

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 Bailey Cassidy

Bailey is a senior who is currently serving as the North Coast FFA Region President and is an officer (student advisor) in Sebastopol FFA. She's a key member of the pruning team and has done many public speaking contests and completed leadership conferences at high levels (state and national). She shows market hogs at the Sonoma County Fair and has interned with SRJC Shone Farm for her student SAE projects.

About Harlyn Menendez

Harlyn is a Sophomore student who is extremely active in our chapter in many ways. She just won the Saralee Sonoma County Pruning Contest. She won the Ulises Valdez Sr Award for the top overall pruner and won the very first Kirk Lokka Memorial Award for having the highest quality vines. Outside of pruning, she is a key member on our livestock judging team, competes in public speaking contests, and attends almost all of our chapter events and volunteer work. For her SAE project, she has a job at Sonoma Equine Rescue Rehab & Adoption, works with her mom at Farmer's Markets, and volunteers at the Humane Society Youth Program.

About Future Farmers of America (FFA)

FFA is a national youth organization dedicated to preparing students for leadership and careers in agriculture. Through hands-on learning, classroom instruction, and real-world experiences, FFA helps students develop skills in agriculture, science, business, and public speaking while fostering personal growth, responsibility, and a strong connection to their communities.

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

 

At The Table – All Things Chocolate

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Host Clark Wolf talks with Jeff & Susan Mall, Co-Owners of Volo Chocolate, about what they did before they got into making chocolate, how they got into the chocolate business, their style and the inspiration behind it. They also talk about the changes in the chocolate economy, other chocolate producing scandals, their "Chocolate Holiday" offerings and where you can find all of their products!