Vine, Wine & Dine is a radio show hosted by Larry Van Aalst, Michael Haney and Dustin Valette broadcasting live from The Matheson, a Sonoma Farm-to-Table Restaurant & Bar. Sponsored by Sonoma County Vintners, the show offers listeners a unique opportunity to explore the world of wine and culinary excellence in Sonoma County.
Listen to Vine, Wine & Dine Wednesday 6-7 pm pacific time on CRN1.
Dustin Valette
Chef Dustin Valette began his restaurant career at the age of thirteen washing dishes at Catelli’s in his hometown of Geyserville, California. Two years later he took an apprenticeship at Chateau Souverain, a Francis Ford Coppola Estate, where he worked under Executive Chef Martin Courtman, – beginning the twenty-plus year culinary journey toward his dream of opening a restaurant dedicated to showcasing the rich bounty and beautiful ingredients of his Sonoma County roots.
Larry Van Aalst
Larry Van Aalst is a highly esteemed figure in the world of wine, boasting over four decades of experience in the food and beverage industry. His career as a sommelier in Santa Rosa’s Equus Restaurant spanned more than 25 years, during which his passion for wine and exceptional palate earned him a place in The Book of American Sommeliers. Larry’s excellence extends beyond the restaurant, with accolades from The Sonoma County Harvest Fair and Wine Spectator Magazine.
Notably, Larry is a devoted educator, imparting his wine knowledge to students at local universities and colleges. He is also a certified International Wine Judge, evaluating wines in numerous competitions. Larry’s dedication to the wine community is evident in his role as the Northern California Auctioneer for the PBS Wine Auction, a position he held for 15 years.
In 2007, Larry ventured into radio as a Talk Show Host for CRN Digital Talk Radio, where he shares his profound wine expertise with a broad audience. His life journey has been dedicated to appreciating, understanding, and celebrating wine, leaving a lasting legacy as a sommelier, educator, and wine advocate.
Michael Haney
Executive Director, Sonoma County Vintners Executive
Michael Haney oversees the Sonoma County Vintners and Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. In these roles, Michael leads a fantastic team of dedicated professionals whose mission is to promote Sonoma County wineries and wines around the world while giving back to the community.
With nearly 30 years as a professional in the wine industry, Michael has extensive experience in fundraising, government relations, marketing and administration. He previously served as director of membership for the Sonoma County Vintners. As a member of the Martinelli family of Martinelli Winery and Vineyards, he has made Sonoma County his forever home. In 2009 he created his own wine brand, Black Dog Cellars, specializing in small boutique case lots of Russian River Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Syrah and Chardonnay.
Michael has served on the board for numerous wine-related organizations and is often invited to act as a wine judge at various events and festivals across the United States. He also has had the pleasure to act as Master of Ceremonies at numerous industry and charity wine auctions across the Country.
