Wine Road Podcast – Episode 246 – Janae Franicevic / Sunce Winery

Beth Costa on Feb 12, 2026

Wine Road Podcast – Episode 246 – Janae Franicevic / Sunce Winery

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Welcome to Wine Road with hosts Marci Gordon and Beth Costa. Thanks to Ron Rubin for supporting the podcast.

(0:24 – 0:48)
Special thanks to River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their support. Explore their wines at RiverRoadVineyards.com.

(0:49 – 0:57)
Episode 246 features Janae Franicevic from Sunce Winery.

(1:03 – 1:16)
Janae introduces Sunce’s 2021 Pinot Noir, made from estate-grown clone 777.

(1:30 – 1:48)
Sunce Winery is a backyard winery on Olivet Road, Santa Rosa, with a vineyard planted in 1998.

(2:16 – 2:29)
Janae shares the story of buying and transforming the property into a winery.

(3:06 – 3:17)
Starting a winery required risk, passion, and resourcefulness.

(5:00 – 5:10)
Janae emphasizes her role in building the business, pioneering direct-to-consumer sales and wine clubs.

(6:16 – 6:37)
Sunce produces small-lot wines, including single-clone Pinots and diverse varietals.

(9:02 – 9:18)
The tasting room offers a global wine experience, featuring unique varietals like Dornfelder and Teran.

(11:00 – 11:09)
Sunce’s adaptability allows them to thrive in a challenging wine economy.

(15:37 – 15:42)
Wine remains a comforting tradition, especially in changing times.

(22:18 – 22:29)
Janae highlights the importance of barrel tasting as a tradition and business cornerstone.

(24:05 – 24:09)
Sunce offers flexible futures purchases, starting at three bottles.

(27:00 – 27:22)
Barrel tasting supports wineries and growers while offering customers exclusive wines at a discount.

(32:01 – 32:23)
Barrel tasting allows customers to experience wine’s development and connect with its story.

(36:42 – 36:57)
Janae stresses the importance of wineries supporting each other during challenging times.

(37:35 – 37:40)
Visit Sunce for barrel tasting, charcuterie, and a welcoming atmosphere.

(37:50 – 37:53)
Barrel tasting is March 7-8. Don’t miss it!

Links from today:

River Road Family Vineyards

Sunce Winery

Posted by Beth Costa

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