In this episode of The Good Stuff presented by the Sonoma County Winegrowers, hosts Virginie Boone and Karissa Kruse talk to Kevin Bersofsky, Owner and winemaker of Montagne Russe Wines, and Steve Sangiacomo, Third Generation Winegrower and Partner at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards and Winery, about the Petaluma Gap!
Kevin Bersofsky’s dad was a “rocket scientist,” who designed control systems for ballistic missiles and spy satellites. As a kid, Kevin was challenged to “think deeper” and not just settle for an easy answer. Taking that cue, he went on to graduate from Cornell with a BS in Mechanical Engineering. One of his first jobs was to design make-up mixing tanks for Estee Lauder, but he didn’t find satisfaction in this as a career. After being introduced to a garagiste winemaker, he decided to pursue winemaking and began making Syrah. Life as a winemaker almost came to an end when he was paid a visit by the ATF, ABC, and the Napa DA after a neighbor complained about his garage-shop operation. Now he owns Montagne Russe Wines, so named because of the roller coaster ride he’s taken by choosing to be a winemaker.
Montagne Russe/Vino and Vinyls Record Shop
Montagne Russe was not the original name of the garage winery. It was “Three Balls In” which was a bocce ball reference. No one got it. Montagne Russe (Russian Mountain) is the name the French gave to roller coasters. The Russians brought fancy ice sleds to Paris, the Parisian were very literal, and hence from there on, in Latin-speaking countries a roller coaster is called a Russian Mountain. If you visit our tasting room in Healdsburg, we have the poster from the 1977 movie “Roller Coaster” from 9 different countries. He describes a rollercoaster as the perfect metaphor for describing the winemaking process and starting his own winery.
It all started when owner and winemaker of Montagne Russe, Kevin Bersofsky, began his own personal record collection at the tasting room. As it grew, everyone kept asking to buy his records... And so began the idea of creating a record shop inside the tasting room.
Vino & Vinyls offer a collection of over 2,000 vinyl records, and they range from $5 to $40 each: with everything from Miles Davis, to the Eagles, to Taylor Swift. There is something for everyone.
Steve Sangiacomo is a third-generation partner at Sangiacomo Family Vineyards, located in Sonoma, California where his family has farmed since 1927. He grew up on the ranch and began learning the ropes from his father and extended family at a young age. As far back as he can remember, he clamored to tag along with his father and uncles during early morning frost protection after which he enjoyed a special treat — doughnuts. He took to the fields early and recalls jumping off a tractor to race to seventh-grade orientation. In his early 20s, he began learning the family business from the ground up and in his 30s he and his brother Mike took over the reins.
Today Steve shares responsibility with his brother for managing the family’s 1600 acres of vineyards as well as grape sales to more than 70 premium wineries, many of whom vineyard-designate their wines with the Sangiacomo name. He also oversees his family’s own newly-released wine label, Sangiacomo Family Wines. He flat out loves his job, particularly the wide variety of responsibilities spanning the agricultural, strategic, and operational aspects of the business.
He has lived his entire life in Sonoma Valley with the exception of his college years at St. Mary’s where he studied business and economics and an internship at the Xerox Corporation. He never wavered, however, in his desire to return to the ranch. Steve is a board member of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Association, the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation, and the Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation.
And finally, Virginie and Karissa share their Tuesday Night wine picks!
