1 rich Libsyn https://www.libsyn.com 90 600 (0:10 - 0:23) Introduction to Wine Road podcast, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the show. (0:24 - 0:48) Acknowledgment of financial support from River Road Family Vineyards and Winery, highlighting their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Visit RiverRoadVineyards.com for more details. (0:49 - 1:00) Celebrating episode 250 with guest Diane DiRoma, VP and General Manager of River Road Family Vineyards and Winery. (1:00 - 1:23) Excitement about the milestone episode and gratitude to Ron Rubin, whose winery, River Road, supports the podcast. (1:24 - 1:45) Diane introduces a new product: a white jasmine sparkling tea from the Republic of Tea, made with 100% white tea and jasmine blossoms. (1:46 - 2:30) Discussion of the tea's aromas, effervescence, and connection to the Republic of Tea, which shares ownership with River Road. The tea is part of the growing non-alcoholic beverage market. (2:31 - 3:17) Details on the tea's launch in 200 stores and its unique qualities, blending tea and sparkling elements. The tea is sourced from the Fujian province, known for white tea. (3:18 - 4:04) Diane reflects on her 20-year career with the Rubin family, emphasizing innovation, learning, and Ron Rubin's inspiring leadership. (4:05 - 5:14) Insights into Ron Rubin's philosophy of continuous improvement, innovation, and the importance of being a B Corp. Diane shares how this mindset drives the winery's culture. (5:15 - 6:28) Diane discusses fostering accountability and teamwork within the winery, emphasizing peer-to-peer accountability and cultural growth. (6:29 - 7:25) Overview of Diane's role overseeing bottled teas and the integration of tea and wine businesses under the Rubin family. (7:26 - 7:59) Recommendation of Ron Rubin's book Gold in Your Backyard, which shares his journey and principles for success, including mentorship and seeking advice. (8:00 - 9:23) Diane highlights Ron's emphasis on asking for help and how it has shaped her approach to challenges and opportunities. (9:24 - 10:28) Beth shares her experience asking Ron for podcast sponsorship, illustrating his supportive and approachable nature. (10:29 - 11:38) Discussion on the importance of innovation in the wine industry, not just in products but also in processes and culture. (11:39 - 13:56) Diane shares her coaching philosophy, rooted in her basketball background, and how it translates to leading a team at the winery. (13:57 - 15:55) Diane reflects on her basketball career, coaching experiences, and the life lessons she applies to business, including resilience and continuous improvement. (15:56 - 17:15) A story about Ron Rubin's perspective on responsibility and sustainability, emphasizing the importance of community and employee well-being. (17:16 - 19:12) Diane discusses the parallels between running a business and coaching a team, emphasizing fundamentals, education, and continuous learning. (19:13 - 20:44) Beth and Diane discuss the endless learning opportunities in the wine industry and Diane's East Coast roots. (20:45 - 26:07) Diane recounts her career journey from basketball to wine sales in Florida, emphasizing hard work, asking for help, and adapting to new challenges. (26:08 - 28:40) Diane shares how she joined the Republic of Tea, her first meeting with Ron Rubin, and her admiration for his innovative approach. (28:41 - 29:32) Reflection on the winery's focus on continuous improvement, community, and empathy, inspired by Ron Rubin's leadership. (29:33 - 31:05) Discussion on the importance of mentorship and how it has shaped Diane's career and personal philosophy. (31:06 - 33:02) Diane and Beth discuss changes in college sports and the importance of mentorship for young athletes transitioning to the workforce. (33:03 - 34:22) Brainstorming ideas for a mentorship boot camp inspired by Ron Rubin's philosophy. (34:23 - 35:02) Details on the launch of the white jasmine sparkling tea in Total Wine and More stores and on the Republic of Tea website. (35:03 - 36:03) Wine Road's 50th-anniversary celebration: Snap a selfie with a Wine Road sign, share it on Instagram, and enter to win a $200 credit for Wine Road tickets. (36:04 - 36:28) Closing remarks, gratitude to Diane for joining, and a lighthearted discussion about living in the area. &amp;nbsp; Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County. http://wineroadpodcast.libsyn.com/podcast <iframe title="Libsyn Player" style="border: none" src="//html5-player.libsyn.com/embed/episode/id/40782170/height/90/theme/custom/thumbnail/yes/direction/forward/render-playlist/no/custom-color/87A93A/" height="90" width="600" scrolling="no" allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen></iframe> https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/item/40782170