{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"Wine Road Podcast - Episode 244 with Bruce Marinace, a private tour driver in Wine Country.","description":"  Welcome to Wine Road, hosted by Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa, with thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast. &amp;nbsp;  (0:24 - 0:48) Thanks to River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. Explore their Chardonnay and Pinot Noir at riverroadvineyards.com. (0:49 - 0:59) Episode 244 features Bruce Marinace, a tour driver and guide in Sonoma County. (1:03 - 1:15) Beth met Bruce at Alexander Valley Vineyards during their cave expansion event, leading to his podcast invitation. (1:32 - 1:47) Bruce transitioned from IT in Silicon Valley to wine tours in Sonoma after moving for his wife. (2:08 - 2:23) Bruce humorously recounts joining the Santa Rosa Mother's Club and adjusting to life as a stay-at-home dad. (3:11 - 3:31) Inspired by a TV show, Bruce began driving for wine tour companies, eventually joining Private Wine Drivers. (4:23 - 4:43) Private Wine Drivers offers intimate experiences at boutique wineries, connecting guests with winemakers. (5:05 - 5:15) Bruce prefers driving smaller vehicles for personalized tours and enjoys building relationships with clients. (6:15 - 6:30) Bruce helps clients navigate Sonoma\u2019s 490 wineries, tailoring tours to their preferences. (7:17 - 7:25) Bruce creates lasting connections, acting as a driver, guide, and even a photographer for his clients. (10:02 - 10:14) He ensures guests experience more than wineries, incorporating local food and attractions into tours. (13:53 - 14:13) Bruce balances education and enjoyment, tailoring tours to guests\u2019 interests and pacing the day thoughtfully. (17:52 - 18:02) With years of experience, Bruce curates unique itineraries, ensuring no two tours are the same. (20:22 - 20:26) Bruce stays updated on wineries through driver appreciation events and industry connections. (23:47 - 24:10) He emphasizes the importance of planning tours logistically to maximize enjoyment and minimize travel time. (27:08 - 27:20) Bruce often incorporates local markets, food spots, and scenic stops into his tours for a well-rounded experience. (33:32 - 33:43) Guests appreciate Bruce\u2019s photography skills, leaving with memorable pictures from their tours. (37:04 - 37:10) Bruce loves his job, meeting new people, and being part of their happy memories in wine country. (38:05 - 38:15) Find Bruce and Private Wine Drivers at privatewinedrivers.com or on TripAdvisor.   &amp;nbsp; Links from today: River Road Family Vineyards and Winery Private Wine Drivers Bruce - direct: 707 - 975 - 3773&amp;nbsp; bmarinace @ comcast.net&amp;nbsp;   &amp;nbsp;   ","author_name":"Wine Road: The Wine, When, and Where of Northern Sonoma County.","author_url":"http:\/\/wineroadpodcast.libsyn.com\/podcast","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39721620\/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>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/content\/197469070"}