California Now Podcast

With more than 425 wineries located within its borders, Sonoma County is truly a dream destination for wine lovers. But as Soterios Johnson discovers during this episode of California Now, this wine region offers more than just great Pinot Noir and Cabernet Sauvignon. Johnson’s first guest, Wine Road Executive Director Beth Costa, shares suggestions in and around the Alexander Valley viticultural area—with multiple recommendations in the towns of Healdsburg and Geyserville. Costa also points listeners toward five area wineries, each with its own distinctive style and approach to winemaking. After that, Kyle and Katina Connaughton of the three-star Michelin restaurant Single Thread talk about some of their favorite local haunts in the northern half of Sonoma County. The husband-and-wife team—he’s the chef, she’s the farmer—discuss their mutual love for hiking in Armstrong Redwoods Natural State Reserve, buying baked goods in Freestone, and enjoying IPAs at Russian River Brewing Company’s massive brewpub in Windsor. The episode concludes with a discussion of Petaluma, an up-and-coming town in the southwestern corner of Sonoma County. Sara Sass, owner of Boulevard Barbers, is an unofficial tour guide for this irresistible town and shares some tips and tricks for making the most of your next visit there.

The Golden State’s astonishing variety is on full display in this episode of the California Now Podcast. Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Jacqui Gifford kicks things with off with a preview of a family trip she has in the works. Gifford, her son, and her husband are planning a getaway that includes attractions in San Diego, Orange County, Los Angeles, and the Central Coast—and she shares some of her planned stops (and a few essential strategies) for keeping everybody happy and entertained. After that, podcast regular Ann Marie Brown shines a light on Idyllwild, a tiny mountain village in the Inland Empire that is a big draw for hikers, artists, and discerning diners. Brown, an outdoor enthusiast and author who knows the area very well, recommends some essential experiences in this mile-high city located just a short drive from Los Angeles. The episode wraps up with a road trip that includes stops in Mendocino, Fort Bragg, Eureka, Trinidad, and Redwoods National Park. Jessica Wright, aka Bon Traveler, shares some of the discoveries she made while embarking on a recent road trip up the Wild North Coast.

California is known for its surf culture, certainly, but come wintertime, thrill-seekers look to the mountains to ride the slopes on skis, snowboards, and other vehicles. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to a few folks who know just where to go for some epic winter adventures. First up is Mike Reitzell, who helms Ski California. Next up, Johnson speaks with Olympic gold medalist and professional adventurer Jonny Moseley. Finally, Johnson chats with Heavenly Ski Resort instructor Mike Allen.

California distillers have become pretty crafty with their spirits in the last few years. With award-winning distilleries now dotting the state, you're likely to have the chance to try a sip wherever you go. On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson talks to Ryan Friesen, head distiller at the Blinking Owl distillery in Santa Ana. Friesen is also the vice president of the California Distiller's Guild and has no shortage of recommendations for the adventurous imbiber. Johnson is next joined by California Cheese Trail founder Vivien Straus. This self-described “cheese girl” grew up on the West Coast's first organic dairy farm, and has a lot to say about the sights, smells, tastes, and sounds of a California creamery. Finally, Johnson chats with Lucas Kwan Peterson, host of the Los Angeles Times’ new video series, Off Menu, which chronicles his culinary explorations of Southern California—particularly the rich Asian culinary scene he discovered there.

When you think of your dream job, does it involve playing with LEGO bricks? It certainly does for P.J. Catalano, who joins California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson on this week's episode. In it, Catalano describes his working life as a Master Builder at LEGOLAND California in Carlsbad, north of San Diego. From constructing North America’s tallest LEGO tower to trading minifigures with guests, it's fair to say that his job is pretty unique. Johnson is next joined by Mark Larabee, who knows the 2,653-mile Pacific Crest Trail like the back of his hand. He's the Associate Director of the Pacific Crest Trail Association and the author of The Pacific Crest Trail: Exploring America's Wilderness Trail. Larabee shares a few tips for finding hidden gems along the iconic trail that runs down the Golden State’s spine. And finally, Johnson talks shop—literally—with lifestyle blogger Erica Chan Coffman. From quirky horticulture shops to cushion stores to shoe wonderlands, the HonestlyWTF creator takes Johnson to her favorite spots in San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Marin County, and beyond.

Millennial-favorite Ctrl Alt Delete Podcast host Emma Gannon regales host Soterios Johnson with tales of her latest road trip down Highway One from San Francisco to Huntington Beach. Travel blogger Jessica Wright shares Gold Country hidden gems from the farm-to-fork capital Sacramento to the heart of the state's “golden” history in Coloma to the vineyards of Amador County. Author and ghost-hunter Richard Senate gives few recommendations for those bold travelers who are seeking a little scare.

Rick Schwartz, spokesperson and ambassador for the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park, shares his love of animals and a few pro-tips for visiting the zoo. Travel writer Ann Marie Brown uncovers the off-the-beaten-path town of Bishop in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Mount Shasta tour guide Andrew Oser describes the spiritual side of one of the most iconic peaks in California.

Cattle rancher John Varian tells listeners how they can spend a couple days driving cattle in the Central Coast. The Food Network host Aida Mollenkamp describes her ideal road trip down Highway One, including the best fresh fish restaurants, farmers markets, beaches, and even a special “bee” experience. Bikes & Hikes LA tour guide Elizabeth Conway takes listeners on a virtual hike up Mt. Hollywood and describes what it’s like to cycle around town, with stops in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and Venice.

As the state’s official sport, surfing is integral to California culture. There’s never a bad time to catch a wave in the Golden State, but thanks to warmer waters September is one of the most popular months to hang ten or otherwise go for a ride. In preparation for California Surfing Day on September 20, host Soterios Johnson welcomes Izzy Tihanyi, a former pro surfer and co-owner of the La Jolla school Surf Diva onto the podcast. Tihanyi shares what to expect from a lesson, while assuring Johnson, a self-proclaimed surfing novice, that anyone can learn to ride. According to Tihanyi, the only risk is falling in love: “Everyone will always remember your first wave. It's like your first kiss, you'll never forget it.” Johnson is next joined by Ryan Robinson, an adventure athlete fresh off an epic Northern California road trip. The professional highliner and American Ninja Warrior alum shares his favorite moments from his journey through Gold Country, Shasta Cascade, and Humboldt County. The stoke is high as Robinson regales Johnson with tales of rappelling down waterfalls and chasing the sunset through redwoods along the Lost Coast. The episode also includes a discussion with Glamping Hub founder Ruben Martinez. Johnson learns why glamping has become a red-hot travel trend, while uncovering a few hidden gems across the state. As an added bonus, Martinez offers California Now Podcast listeners an exclusive $50 discount on their first booking—just use the code CANOW at booking to save on a Glamping Hub vacation from now through October 31, 2019.

In celebration of harvest season, this episode of California Now Podcast is dedicated to vintages and vineyards. Host Soterios Johnson learns the best way to swirl, sip, and savor from Anna McPeck, co-founder of the tour operator West Coast Wine Country. McPeck shares essential tips on making the most of a wine country excursion, and highlights some of her favorite stops in the Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Anderson Valley, and beyond. Katie Hayward, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours in Paso Robles, delivers a customized itinerary for this buzzy Central Coast city, offering tips on what to see, where to stay, and how to get around town. Listeners looking for more info on great wine experiences should check out the California Wine Month hub.

Meet an anonymous Michelin inspector and learn how he helped anoint 90 California restaurants with coveted stars In an unprecedented move, California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson does not introduce listeners to one of his guests during this episode. That’s because Johnson’s first interview is with a Michelin inspector—an anonymous restaurant critic who goes undercover to determine which establishments receive one, two, or three stars. It’s a fascinating look behind the scenes at a revered restaurant establishment, and the timing couldn’t be better since Michelin recently released its 2019 California Michelin Guide, the first statewide collection of restaurant reviews in its long history. Our guest—we call him “Mr. Inspector”—shares all sorts of insights about what it takes to make the grade, and why California is such a dynamic dining destination. Food is a focal point for his second guest, too. Aida Mollenkamp, the host of Food Network’s Ask Aida and the editorial director of Salt & Wind Travel, leads listeners on a Central Coast road trip that begins in Los Angeles, stops in Ventura and Santa Barbara, and ends in Paso Robles. Along the way she points out the best places to grab strawberries, oysters, Pinot Noir, tri-tip, and much more. The episode also includes an insightful conversation about LGBTQ travel in California. Scott Gatz, the CEO and founder of the travel site Gay Cities, discusses the Golden State’s long history as a welcoming destination. He and Johnson talk about some of California’s most popular gay-friendly cities—including the Castro in San Francisco, West Hollywood, and Palm Springs—as well as some lesser-known locales.

Join host Soterios Johnson as he explores America’s largest urban cultural park: Balboa Park in sunny San Diego. Jennifer Davies, a Director of Cultural Tourism for the San Diego Tourism Authority, shares insights about the park’s 17 museums and 1,200 acres, putting the entire experience into perspective. Davies maps out an ideal itinerary for a fun-filled, family-friendly day. Think model trains, organ music, and a sculpture garden picnic. Plus, she shares insider tips to get the most Balboa bang for your buck. The episode shifts to a blissful note thanks to John Wogan, Special Projects Editor for Travel + Leisure, who discusses the burgeoning trend of wellness vacations. Find out his selections for California resorts focusing on self-improvement, spiritual awakening, spa luxury, and more. Wrapping things up, Johnson is joined by David Sobon, founder of Wide Open Walls, an annual outdoor arts festival in Sacramento. Sobon shares why the 11-day celebration in August is a must-see, and he explains how to best experience Sacramento’s 85-plus murals any time of year. Pro tip: Subscribe to the Visit California e-newsletter to stay abreast of all the latest updates in California travel.

Join California Now Podcast host Soterios Johnson on this special road trip edition as he drives along Highway 99 through the heart of the Central Valley. His journey begins in Bakersfield, located on the Kern River two hours north of Los Angeles. Bakersfield is the home of a true country music mecca—Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace—and has the highest concentration of Basque restaurants in the United States. Johnson samples both during his time there. His next stop is Fresno, where he tours a one-of-a-kind garden where citrus trees grow 25 feet underground. After an award-winning Fresno taco or two, Johnson continues north to Stockton, where he enjoys just-picked cherries and peach pie from a family-owned farm stand. Johnson then drives to Lodi, a historic wine region and home of Jessie’s Grove Winery, founded in 1889. After sampling some Zinfandel and Cinsault, Johnson settles in for the evening at Wine & Roses, a scenic hotel located just down the road. To order a copy of California Road Trips: 50 Life-Changing Adventures, a high-end publication that includes more about this itinerary (and 49 others), please visit Amazon.com.

On the first-ever road trip edition of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson gets out of the studio and explores Southern California’s awe-inspiring night sky. His stargazing adventure begins in sunny San Diego: After selecting the perfect set of wheels, Johnson jets to the Fleet Science Center to get a sense of our solar system and learn the best practices for star sighting. Then it’s time to dig into some earthly delights (hold the hot sauce) at Roberto’s Taco Shop before heading east toward the desert. A stop in the mountain town of Julian provides the opportunity to visit a bed-and-breakfast, that caters to amateur astronomers. Just before sunset, Johnson arrives in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, the only International Dark Sky Community in the state of California, to enjoy a guided tour through the universe. After a luxurious night at La Casa Del Zorro, Johnson drives through Joshua Tree National Park—he takes the less-traveled Southern Entrance and as a result enjoys relative solitude—as he continues on to learn about a star party in Twentynine Palms. To order a copy of California Road Trips: 50 Life-Changing Adventures, a high-end publication that includes more about this itinerary (and 49 others), please visit Amazon.com.

In episode 20 of the California Now Podcast, we set off to sea with Patti Schick of Hornblower Cruises as she discusses whale watching with host Soterios Johnson. Schick shares what to expect when embarking on a whale watch and her favorite ocean life experience of all time.Next up, Erin Ballinger of BringFido.com shares her quick tips for making the most of traveling with your pup. Then we head to Calaveras County, which may not be the best-known wine region in California, but its roots run deep. In fact, it was the state’s largest producer of wine from 1890 to 1900. Johnson discusses the region’s winemaking traditions with Stephen Kautz, President of Ironstone Vineyards. Kautz, a true insider, explains why the area in and around Murphys creates some of the country’s best grape-growing conditions. Kautz takes us on a virtual tour of Ironstone’s operation as well as some of his favorite places to visit in Gold Country.

Forbes Travel Guide recently released its Star Awards Winners, and California spas landed at the top of the rankings. In episode 19, Amanda Frasier, Executive Vice President of Standards & Ratings, shares some of her top choices for pampering in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Napa Valley, and more. Get ready to discover hidden gems like California’s “Serengeti” and a park with more than 700 caves with travel writer Ann Marie Brown. For our final stop, the Executive Director of Mission San Juan Capistrano, Mechelle Lawrence Adams, joins the podcast. Learn about the Orange County property’s rich history and why March is the best time to visit. Hint: It involves some very famous songbirds.

Episode 18 of the California Now Podcast begins in the epicenter of Mid-Century Modern design: Sunnylands. The center’s director, Janice Lyle, guides host Soterios Johnson through a tour of the estate’s rich history. Next up, Johnson breaks out the horseradish and lemon wedges for an oyster-themed lightning round with Hunter Lewis, Editor in Chief of Food & Wine. From picnic tables to high-end restaurants, Lewis dishes on the best spots to enjoy bivalves on the half shell. Travel insider Pauline Frommer rounds out the episode by highlighting her favorite free—and nearly free—activities in California.

Join host Soterios Johnson as he gets to know a Northern California region that has shown incredible resilience: Butte County. This corner of the Shasta Cascade region is recovering from last year’s Camp Fire—and your vacation dollars will play a huge role in helping it bounce back. After that, our host learns about Temecula from a local: Thom Curry, co-owner of the Temecula Olive Oil Co., reveals his favorite things to do and places to go in this Inland Empire mecca. Curry recommends places to go for dinner, wineries that are worth a visit, and an essential activity in the region: hot-air ballooning. The episode wraps up with San Diego magazine editor-in-chief Erin Glenny, who encourages visitors to get outdoors, hit the beach, do some yoga, and enjoy the vibrant cultural scene.

Our podcast guests often rave about one very special way to experience California: a classic road trip, where the destination and the journey are one and the same. We’ve compiled some of our favorite chats from the past six months, covering everything from great dining to epic views to quirky diversions.

We’ve had so many fascinating food experts on the podcast that we decided to assemble a greatest hits album of sorts—a collection of tip-filled snippets with some true insiders. The episode starts off with host Soterios Johnson’s conversation with Jeff Gordinier, Food and Drinks Editor for Esquire magazine. Gordinier tasted his way through some of the top restaurants in San Francisco and discovered that there was much to love at the high end of the culinary scene, including three-star spots like Saison, Atelier Crenn, and Benu.

Hunter Lewis, editor in chief of Food & Wine magazine, explains what California cuisine is, how it took shape four decades ago, and where visitors can experience it today. After that, acclaimed rock climber Kevin Jorgeson shares some of his favorite things to do and places to go in his native Sonoma County, including spots in Petaluma, Sebastopol, and Santa Rosa. The episode ends with author Ann Marie Brown, who helps listeners hack their next visit to Yosemite National Park. Her best suggestion: Get out of your car and experience the park from the passenger seat, and on your feet.

Atlas Obscura’s Dylan Thuras gives us a tour of strange sites that are perfect for families or anyone young at heart. Architecture expert Sam Lubell shares his picks for the most impressive contemporary California structures built in the last decade. We end our journey with an insider’s guide to San Francisco's East Bay with Travel + Leisure Executive Editor Jesse Ashlock.

Stephanie Rosenbloom, a New York Times travel writer, discusses the merits of solo travel. Eater L.A. senior editor Farley Elliott lists his five favorite street food purveyors in Los Angeles. Thom Curry helps us understand California’s vibrant olive oil industry.

Alison Bing explains why Lonely Planet named California’s Redwood Coast the top destination in the country. Next up, Travel + Leisure Editor in Chief Nathan Lump shares his top California hotels for best splurge, best oceanfront, best value, spectacular service, and more. Then Sacramento dining critic Kate Washington highlights splurge-worthy meals and up-and-coming ethnic spots in the Farm-to-Fork Capital.

We begin with a conversation with Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley and his new video series Wildest Dreams. The always-engaging Moseley shares insights about a few of the locations he discovered while filming, including the beautiful scenery in Siskiyou County and the raw wilderness of Catalina Island.Then, Mission San Juan Capistrano Executive Director Mechelle Lawrence Adams takes us on a jam-packed tour around Orange County. And, the episode closes with Tasia Duske, CEO of Museum Hack, who brings tons of energy and a healthy dose of irreverence, to two of California’s best museums.

Kevin Jorgeson joins host Soterios Johnson for a breakdown of California’s best climbing—from pure beginner to expert-level adventures. Author Ann Marie Brown takes the outdoorsy theme up a notch by revealing her top five campgrounds in the Golden State. And, InStyle editor Ruthie Friedlander goes on a hunt for the best boutiques in Los Angeles.

Host Soterios Johnson and Travel + Leisure’s Nathan Lump take an audio road trip from Calistoga to the Mendocino Coast visiting friendly wineries, enjoying memorable meals, and walking in a majestic redwood grove. Rock critic Fred Schruers reveals his top five music venues in Los Angeles. And, Pauline Frommer offers up some family-friendly destinations in the Golden State.

When Curtis Stone decided to showcase Central Coast wines at Maude, his 24-seat Beverly Hills hotspot, he knew he had to hit the road. Stone and his culinary team ventured north from Los Angeles—tasting wines in Santa Barbara, visiting farms in San Luis Obispo County, and even riding along with a sea urchin diver. Also, host Soterios Johnson talks with Olympic Gold Medalist Jonny Moseley about his favorite experiences in Lake Tahoe and maps out the perfect Death Valley National Park itinerary with author Matt Jaffe.

Dennis Mammana lives in Borrego Springs, an International Dark Sky Community located two hours east of San Diego that just happens to be one of the best places in the world to experience the night sky. Former pro cyclist Phil Gaimon explains why California is his favorite place to ride (his rationale involves sunshine and dolphins) and architecture expert Sam Lubell raves about the Mid-Century Modern buildings worth visiting in the Golden State.

What happens when an intrepid food critic is asked to consume 13 Michelin stars worth of cuisine in the space of four days in San Francisco? Amanda Frasier pulls back the curtain on Forbes Travel Guide’s influential luxury ratings program and describes California’s three triple Five-Star rated properties. Author Ken McAlpine shares insights on Channel Islands National Park, an archipelago off the Central Coast that’s rich in wilderness and isolation.

Episode No. 2 of California Now kicks off with a conversation with Atlas Obscura co-founder Dylan Thuras, a man who specializes in surfacing curious and wondrous travel destinations. Pauline Frommer offers up a few packing tricks she has assembled over a lifetime of travel as co-president of Frommer’s. Acclaimed wine writer Jon Bonné talks about his latest book on wine culture, The New Wine Rules and shares some of his favorite wine destinations in the Golden State.

Samantha Brown, PBS host of Samantha Brown’s Places to Love talks about the gorgeous views along Highway One and raves about the area’s iconic destinations and also celebrates some of the hidden gems in the region and shares her insights about how to experience them. Outdoor expert and author Ann Marie Brown, offers essential advice on chasing waterfalls in the Golden State, including what to wear and where to go. And finally, acclaimed chef Tanya Holland takes listeners on a tour of her restaurant, Brown Sugar Kitchen, and shares her favorite places to see in the vibrant, diverse city of Oakland.