9/6 - Kate MacMurray, Brett Munselle, Janine Falvo

 Kate MacMurray  - MacMurray Ranch

For Kate MacMurray, the hillside vineyards and tree-lined meadows of the historic MacMurray Ranch are home. "This a timeless place," says Kate. "You can feel the rich history here, and you can taste it in our wines."  Kate was just six weeks old when her parents, famed Hollywood actors Fred MacMurray and June Haver, brought her to the incredible ranch that had been in the MacMurray family since 1941. She grew up here, riding horses and playing amid the oak trees. Following a Hollywood career in acting, screenwriting and film production, Kate returned to the Russian River Valley, where she now lives in a cabin built by her father. As an integral part of MacMurray Ranch wines, Kate has a deep appreciation for viticulture and winemaking. She is actively engaged in Sonoma's thriving wine community, carrying on her family's legacy and the heritage of MacMurray Ranch.


Brett Munselle - Munselle Vineyards

More than 130 years ago, our family arrived in the Alexander Valley with a vision of producing fine wines from the rich soils the Valley has become known for. Shadrach Osborn was the proprietor of Alexander Valley's first winery, Lone Pine Cellars, and Broder Frellson, the manager and winemaker for the second, simply called Red Winery. As generations passed, our family stepped away from winemaking to focus their efforts toward cultivation of the land. Their industry varied from farming grapes to dairy cattle, then prunes and orchards and finally, back to grapes in 1972.   For more than three decades we've produced premium grapes that have contributed to a multitude of award-winning and notable wines. Now, five generations later, we've come full circle with a return to winemaking. With every grape and bottle we produce, we honor the vision of our ancestors, and the heritage and hard work of our family.

Janine Falvo -  The Fresh Face of Wine Country Cuisine

Janine Falvo’s passion for food stems from a family deeply rooted in culinary tradition. Today she enjoys being the Chef de Cuisine of Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar for The Lodge at Sonoma. Raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, her childhood years were filled with memories of berry picking, seasonal harvest canning and celebratory holiday feasts. After years of showcasing her culinary prowess to her family and friends at such gatherings, she decided to hone her skills and make a career out of her life long passion.  Arriving at Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar in April 2005, Janine had a strong commitment to using only the finest farm fresh ingredients. This dedication was quickly recognized and in January 2006 as she was promoted to the position of Chef de Cuisine. Janine has taken the menu and restaurant to a new level by offering up contemporary yet approachable “Sonoma Wine Country Cuisine”, with a touch of whimsy. She's also created quite a buzz and local following since she took over the reigns and was recently named "Rising Star Chef" for Restaurant Hospitality magazine in 2007.  Whether it is the Alaskan Halibut with lobster home fries and truffle hollandaise, or the Wood Roasted Mussels with roasted garlic, Hobb’s Ham Hock, Red Rocket Ale and chilies, Janine offers a fresh approach to the restaurant’s culinary mission while keeping in line with the Carneros tradition of celebrating the finest local artisan meats and cheeses, organic produce, and fresh herbs from their chef’s garden. Her signature dishes highlight the distinct flavors and rich tastes of Northern California’s Wine Country and complement the restaurant’s exclusive Sonoma County wine list.   A graduate of the Pennsylvania Culinary Institute, Janine completed the comprehensive and rigorous training necessary to become a skilled chef. Prior to joining the Lodge at Sonoma, she launched Molive restaurant in Chicago’s Whitehall Hotel with noted Bay Area Chef Bart Homser and was the opening Executive Sous Chef at Bradley Ogden’s fine dining restaurant, Parcel 104 in Santa Clara, California. This spring’s Wine Country.com Exclusive Experience with the Sonoma Valley Film Festival invites you to indulge in the luxurious property at The Lodge at Sonoma as part of the wine, food and film festivities. Nestled in Sonoma Valley, this California wine country resort is less than an hour north of San Francisco and located among the country’s finest wineries. Plus round out your VIP weekend with star status dining at their Carneros Bistro & Wine Bar!


Chris Sawyer, Lead Sommelier, Sonoma Wine Country Weekend

An internationally-renowned sommelier, wine journalist, consultant, critic and public speaker, Christopher Sawyer travels the world following trends in wine and participating as a judge in international wine competitions, and has been featured in a wide array of national media, including USAToday, MSN, NBC, ABC, CNN, Redbook, Maxim, National Geographic Traveler and Esquire. Sommelier Star: Christopher Sawyer with Gina Gallo.  Taste the best of the best when Gina Gallo leads this exclusive tour, sponsored by Visa Signature focusing on luxury wines of Sonoma County. You'll sip and savor your way through coveted selections from our benchmark producers.




Eva Bertran -  Gloria Ferrer

“Gloria Ferrer reliably produces some of California best sparkling wines, from the fruit-forward blanc de noirs to the richly structured Carneros Cuvée. On a warm day, step out onto the terrace of the visitors center as you sip your bubbly or one of the winery's Pinot Noirs or Chardonnays…” Wine Spectator, Travel to California Wine Country, June 15, 2008. For more than 20 years, Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards—the first sparkling wine house in the Sonoma Carneros region—has invited visitors to discover cool-climate wines served with warm Spanish hospitality. Owned by the Ferrer family, whose wine experience is rooted in 19th century Spain, our winery is a vibrant blend of Catalan and California mission design. We cultivate fruit for our premium quality sparkling and still wines in our 335 acres of estate vineyards distinguished by warm days, cool nights, summer fog and a long growing season that coaxes grapes to maturity slowly and consistently, with balanced sugar and acidity. Our Vineyard Manager Mike Crumly and Winemaker Bob Iantosca, both of whom have worked for Gloria Ferrer from its inception, have devoted more than two decades to identifying the diverse soil types, microclimates and specific needs of every vine in their care.