Wine Road Podcast – Episode 250, Diane DiRoma

click to listen – Episode 250

(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.