The Sonoma Spiel
Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
Show overview
The Sonoma Spiel has been publishing since 2023, and across the 3 years since has built a catalogue of 105 episodes. That works out to roughly 95 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 50 min and 1h — and the run-time is fairly consistent across the catalogue. None of the episodes are flagged explicit by the publisher. It is catalogued as a EN-language Society & Culture show.
The show is actively publishing — the most recent episode landed 1 weeks ago, with 17 episodes already out so far this year. The busiest year was 2024, with 40 episodes published. Published by Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau.
From the publisher
California’s Sonoma Wine Country is known as a feast for the senses - amazing food and wine, beautiful mountains and redwood forests, and charming small towns. Go deeper into the best of Sonoma Wine Country with the Sonoma Spiel, where we talk about what’s happening in and around Sonoma Valley with guests like farmers, chefs, wine makers, artists and interesting guest stars. Plus, we answer YOUR questions about visiting California’s famed wine country during our recurring feature, ”We Get Questions.” Send us a question via email ([email protected]) or tag us on one of our pages (From Facebook to IG to TikTok) and we might just answer your question
Latest Episodes
View all 105 episodesBears, Bald Mountain, and Big Views at Sugarloaf State Park - John Roney Comes Down the Mountain
Justin Wilson of MacArthur Place on Luxury Hospitality in Sonoma Valley
Spring Blooms, Spirit Guides, and Sonoma Botanical Garden with Jeannie Perales
Kim Jones and Aaron Brown on The Future Collective, Arable, and Sonoma Valley’s Future
Sonoma Golf Studio: Indoor Golf, TrackMan Lessons, Group Events & Better Practice in Sonoma
S1 Ep 155Cruising Sonoma Valley in a Vintage VW Bus with Ronnie Cotter of West Wine Tours
In this episode of The Sonoma Spiel, Tim talks with Ronnie Cotter of West Wine Tours about one of the most memorable ways to explore Sonoma Valley: riding through wine country in a vintage Volkswagen bus. Ronnie shares what makes West Wine Tours special, from its fleet of colorful classic VW buses to its focus on family-owned wineries, boutique tasting experiences, and a more laid-back, off-the-beaten-path feel. They talk about some of the stops guests might enjoy, including Bartholomew Estate Winery, Winery Sixteen 600, and Anaba, along with the stories, scenery, and local flavor that make the ride part of the experience. The conversation also covers Ronnie’s path into hospitality, growing up in Sonoma, learning to drive stick, working as a farmer before becoming a tour guide, and why he enjoys helping visitors see what Sonoma Valley is really all about. Along the way there are detours into deli sandwiches, music playlists, local golf, pizza memories, and visitor questions about burgers, hostels, mashed potatoes, and hot springs. It’s a warm, funny, local episode about classic vehicles, Sonoma hospitality, and the joy of taking the scenic route. In this episode: Vintage VW bus tours in Sonoma Valley Family-owned wineries and boutique tasting experiences Ronnie’s path from farming to hospitality Bartholomew, Winery Sixteen 600, and Anaba Local stories, visitor questions, and Sonoma favorites Learn more: westwinetours.com About The Sonoma Spiel The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 154Fried Chicken, Fine Cocktails, and Songbird Parlour with Kenny DeAlba
Spring has arrived in Sonoma Valley, and in this episode of The Sonoma Spiel, Tim sits down with Kenneth “Kenny” DeAlba of Songbird Parlour in Glen Ellen for a wide-ranging conversation about food, hospitality, cocktails, community, and what makes Sonoma Valley such a special place to gather. Kenny shares the story behind Songbird Parlour, the cozy and beautifully designed restaurant located in historic Jack London Village, and talks about its evolution into a full restaurant known for seasonal, farm-forward cuisine, warm hospitality, and memorable special nights like Prime Rib Wednesdays and Epic Fried Chicken Sundays. Along the way, Tim and Kenny talk about Kenny’s background in hospitality and bartending, his years working in Sonoma restaurants, his upbringing between Mexico and Sonoma, and his passion for creating experiences that make people feel at home. The conversation also takes a few fun detours into cocktail culture, motorcycle rides through Wine Country, local history, and even Napa’s mysterious “reebobs.” It’s a fun, local, heartfelt episode full of great stories and plenty of Sonoma personality. In this episode: The story behind Songbird Parlour Kenny’s journey in hospitality and bartending Seasonal California fusion cuisine in Glen Ellen Prime Rib Wednesdays and Epic Fried Chicken Sundays Sonoma Valley visitor tips and local recommendations Cocktails, community, and the joy of gathering around good food Learn more: songbirdparlour.com About The Sonoma Spiel The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 153Beer Cruises, Sonoma Secrets & UFOs | Chelsea Smith
What do beer cruises, Sonoma theater, travel planning, and UFOs have in common? Chelsea Smith. In this episode of The Sonoma Spiel, Tim chats with Chelsea Smith about her journey through travel, beer, performance, and life in Sonoma Valley. From Germany and Lagunitas to the Sonoma visitor center and local stage productions, Chelsea shares insider tips, great stories, and plenty of personality. Find out: Sonoma travel recommendations Winery and lunch ideas Boutique hotel suggestions A look at Chelsea’s hosted beer cruise on the Rhine Behind-the-scenes stories from Sonoma Arts Live And a completely reasonable amount of talk about cryptids and UFOs Visit sonomavalley.com for more Sonoma inspiration. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 152Show your bib! Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon + Rosé 5K (w/ Gretchen Schoenstein)
Gretchen Schoenstein returns to The Sonoma Spiel for a third appearance—host of the Finish Line Moments podcast and a key part of the team behind the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon + Rosé 5K. Tim and Gretchen talk about what makes this race weekend feel like a true Sonoma Valley celebration (not a “fly-in, fly-out” event), including the popular Show Your Bib program that encourages runners to explore local businesses, wineries, and neighborhoods throughout the weekend. Gretchen also shares what Finish Line Moments is all about—how running stories (and life stories) connect us—and what she’s covering next in the running world. In “We Get Questions,” they answer quick visitor FAQs about the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley, what to do with a 20-year-old in Sonoma, wine tasting costs for groups, where to find hot cross buns, when the Plaza roses bloom, and fun nighttime ideas (speakeasies, shows, stargazing, and more). Race info: runnapatosonoma.com Finish Line Moments: finishlinemoments.com 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 151Wine Country Concierge Explains: The Lodge at Sonoma with Laurie Noble & Evan Purslow
Think you know Sonoma Valley? Sonoma podcast host Tim Zahner will be the first to tell you… he’s “expert-adjacent.” 😄 On this episode of The Sonoma Spiel podcast, Tim hangs out with two pros from The Lodge at Sonoma who 'actually' know how the magic happens: Lori Noble — Hospitality Coordinator & Concierge (she can build your perfect Sonoma day in about 90 seconds) Evan Perslow — Marketing Manager (former Vans shoe-store guy who can basically guess your shoe size on sight) We talk concierge myths (“Do I have to pay extra?” “Is it fancy?” “Can they really get me in?”), how travelers plan trips now (spoiler: a lot of people arrive with zero reservations), and what the Lodge at Sonoma offers—from cottage-style rooms and spa vibes to on-site dining and an easy shuttle to the Plaza. Then we jump into "We Get Questions” with quick, super-local tips on: Best bar seating for solo travelers Easy 60–90 minute hikes (Sonoma Overlook Trail + more) Mustard flower baby photos… without trespassing Sparkling wine picks Great patios for lunch with a small group Where to find beer options if not everyone wants wine More info: The Lodge at Sonoma: thelodgeatsonoma.com Sonoma Valley events: sonomavalley.com 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 150Sonoma Valley E-Bike Rentals + Self-Guided Winery Routes | Vine & Vista Tours (Dog-Friendly!)
Host Tim Zahner welcomes Jeremy Noland of Vine & Vista Tours, an e-bike rental experience based in Kenwood that’s helping visitors explore Sonoma Valley in a fun, self-guided, eco-friendly way—often with dogs along for the ride (including sidecar setups for larger pups). Jeremy shares how the idea started, what makes their premium e-bikes different, how routes are curated with safety in mind, and the best ways to experience Kenwood and Glen Ellen by bike—wineries, parks, and great local food stops included. In the “We Get Questions” segment, Jeremy helps answer visitor FAQs about self-guided winery biking, Sonoma food gifts that travel well, and buyout options for high-end corporate groups and private events. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 149Sonoma’s Tattooist Talks Trends, Travel Tattoos + “Sonoma Questions” | Jessie Marioni
It’s late winter in Sonoma Valley—mustard in bloom, trees blossoming, and citrus everywhere—and Tim Zahner welcomes Jessie Marioni of Rosa Grande Tattoo to The Sonoma Spiel. Jessie shares how she became a tattoo artist, what’s changed in tattoo culture over the years, and why tattooing is as much about meaning, memory, and community as it is about art. They also talk trends, styles, and some of the most common “Sonoma visitor” tattoos. In the “We Get Questions” segment, Jessie helps answer real visitor questions about Swiss connections in Sonoma, a (wild) idea to rebuild Jack London’s Wolf House, planning Sonoma Sips for a large group, and what happened to the famous “LOVE” sculpture near Sonoma City Hall. More info: Rosa Grande Tattoo: rosagrandetattoo.com Events + Sonoma Sips details: sonomavalley.com 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 148From Sonoma to London and Back Again: The Kearsley Story of Fabrics, Linens and Craft
Host Tim Zahner (Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau) welcomes Sonoma local Heather Kearsley Wolf of Kersley for a wide-ranging conversation that blends design, entrepreneurship, history, and travel tips. Heather recounts the origin story of Kersley—how she went from construction and interior design to launching luxury linens and textiles produced with expert makers in Italy (and later the UK), navigating retail and trade showrooms, and evolving into custom work and hospitality collections. Along the way, she shares a fascinating look at textile craft and why bedding comfort comes down to fibers, weave, and real-world use—not just thread count. Then Heather joins Tim for the fan-favorite segment “We Get Questions,” answering real visitor questions like: • Best Italian restaurants in Sonoma • What to do if you only have a few hours in town • What the little “smoke puffs” in vineyards are (controlled burns?) • Where to buy Sonoma t-shirts locally Plus: a show-and-tell of Kearsley products (cashmere pillows, linens, and a beautifully made tote sewn right in Sonoma). 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Plan your trip + events: sonomavalley.com Don’t miss Sonoma SIPS (Feb 15–Mar 15): $15 wine tastings at 50+ wineries More info about Kearsley: www.Kearsleyhome.com Youtube: @kearsleyofficial https://heatherkearsleywolf.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kearsleyofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/KearsleyLinens https://www.linkedin.com/company/kearsley-linens Blog: https://kearsleyhome.com/blogs/kearsleys-threads Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers.
S1 Ep 147What Most Visitors Miss in Downtown Sonoma: California State Parks
Host Tim Zahner welcomes California State Parks’ Peter Ostroskie for a deep dive into Sonoma Valley’s state parks—especially Sonoma State Historic Park in downtown Sonoma. They explore what visitors can see across the park’s historic sites (including Mission San Francisco Solano, the barracks, Blue Wing Inn, and more), what’s free vs. ticketed, and how the park interprets Sonoma’s layered early history. Then Peter jumps into a rapid-fire listener Q&A—covering everything from those mysterious white boxes in vineyard fields (spoiler: bees) to where to take a friend who doesn’t drink wine, plus concerts and jazz in September and ways to learn more about women’s history in Sonoma Valley (including the Women’s History Crawl). A fun, practical, story-filled episode for locals and first-time visitors alike. Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers.
S1 Ep 146Brittany Lee (Cluster Funk Studios): Art Lounge, DJ Sets, and Building Community Through Conversation
Tim Zahner (Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau) welcomes Britney Lee, founder of Cluster Funk Studios, for a wide-ranging winter conversation about art, music, and community. Britney shares how her signature paint parties are evolving into the “Art Lounge”—a casual, social creative event built around original designs and creative freedom rather than step-by-step instruction. They also dive into Britney’s journey from a first sip-and-paint experience in San Diego to building a full event setup—DJ booth, speakers, and all—plus the launch of her newest project, Conversation Club, designed to help people reconnect through in-person dialogue and long-form writing outside traditional social media. Plus: Tim’s visitor center “We Get Questions” segment (wildlife photography, winter activities, and more) and a reminder about Sonoma Sips (Feb 15–Mar 15) featuring $15 wine tastings. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3Ek3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 145Kenwood’s Comeback: Hamilton Family Wines, Local Tours & Winter-Perfect Sonoma Valley
Tim Zahner welcomes Lindsay and Greg Hamilton of Hamilton Family Wines in Kenwood for a conversation about Sonoma Valley’s winter beauty, Kenwood’s small-town revival, and the Hamiltons’ path from garage winemaking in Berkeley to launching a winery after losing their home in the 2017 fires. They dig into what makes Kenwood special, the village’s new energy (including eye-catching roadside sculptures), and ways to experience the area beyond a standard tasting—like PushPak electric trike tours that end with a wine tasting and charcuterie. Plus: kid-friendly tasting tips, label/appellation decoding, winter experience ideas, and a wild scavenger hunt question you have to hear. Hamilton Family Wines: hamilton.wine Sonoma Valley info + deals: sonomavalley.com 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 144Wellness in Sonoma Valley: Classes, Hikes & Yoga Tips | Jes Williams (Sonoma Spiel Podcast)
Happy New Year from the Sonoma Spiel! Tim kicks off “circle back week” with a wellness-focused episode featuring very special guest Jes Williams of Sonoma Yoga—and yes, this time we actually mean it. Jes shares how Sonoma Yoga (formerly Yoga Community) has been a Sonoma staple for over two decades, how the studio found its home at the Lodge at Sonoma, and what’s new for 2026—including popular hybrid classes like Yoga Flow 40/20, Yoga Sculpt, and fitness-forward options that still keep yoga’s deeper purpose intact. We also talk about yoga as a practice (not perfection), mindful movement in a distracted world, guided meditation hikes on the Sonoma Overlook Trail, and outdoor/community yoga possibilities. Plus: a rapid-fire “We Get Questions” segment covering Safari West, real humans answering texts (not bots), Friday Farmers Market confusion, low-key Sonoma recommendations, and… where to buy local jam. Info: Sonoma Yoga Website: sonoma-yoga.com Email: [email protected] Text: 707-935-8600 (Classes are open to locals + visitors; mats/props provided.) Plan your Sonoma Valley trip Events, deals, and seasonal info: sonomavalley.com Wellness season + Sonoma Sips (Feb 15–Mar 15): $15 wine tastings at 40+ wineries. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Sonoma Valley stories, local tips, and visitor Q&A. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 143Best Sonoma Questions and End-of-Year Episode (2025) | Sonoma Podcast Guest: Bob Taylor
Welcome to the final Sonoma Spiel Podcast episode of 2025 — we’re closing out the year, cleaning off absolutely none of our desks, and rolling straight into 2026 with a very special guest… and this time we mean it: Bob Taylor of Sonoma TV. Bob is the Executive Director of KSVY (Voices of the Valley), the nonprofit community radio + TV station right here in Sonoma, and the behind-the-scenes wizard who helps make a lot of our local recordings happen — including events like the Sonoma Plaza Tree Lighting, Lighted Tractor Parade, and more. In this end-of-year edition, Tim (Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau CEO) and Bob: ✅ Share favorite highlights from 2025 in Sonoma Valley (music, festivals, community events, and more) ✅ Talk about what they’re hopeful for in 2026 (hint: more live music, more community energy) ✅ Dive into an extended “We Get Questions” segment — answering real visitor questions ✅ Discuss the Toscano Hotel (new SVVB home) and yes… whether it’s haunted 😄 ✅ Debate important topics like: Where exactly does Sonoma Valley begin and end? and What’s “the Mission” in Sonoma? “WE GET QUESTIONS” — INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE Are there redwoods in Sonoma Valley? Is the Toscano haunted? (and… can I just come in for the old building smell?) Where is Sonoma Valley — and am I in it right now? Is the Sonoma Valley Tasting Pass for one person or two? What is Mission San Francisco Solano and why is it special? Where can I get coffee near the Sonoma Plaza? How do I volunteer with the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau? Is there a fee to enter Sonoma Valley? (😆) Gluten-free bakery options in Sonoma Valley? When do the Plaza lights come down? What to do in Sonoma Valley in winter / rainy days When day do the mustard flowers bloom? BottleRock shuttle between Napa & Sonoma? (we try!) 📍 MORE LOCAL LINKS 🌐 Plan your trip + events + offers: SonomaValley.com 📻 Listen to KSVY + learn more: KSVY.org 🏢 Visit KSVY in person: 680 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA 🎉 Coming Up in 2026: 🍷 Sonoma Sips (Feb 15 – Mar 15) — $15 wine tastings 🎬 Sonoma International Film Festival ⛵ Yacht Club events 👗 Trashion Fashion …and plenty more — check www.SonomaValley.com for updates. 👍 If you enjoyed the episode please rate us! And tell us: What was your favorite Sonoma moment of 2025 — and what are you most excited for in 2026? Happy New Year, Sonoma! 🎆🍷
S1 Ep 142Visit California? As long as you're going to Experience Sonoma Valley, too. With Ryan Becker.
This week Ryan Becker of Visit California is in the hot-seat for a wide-ranging, and often hilarious conversation about tourism, travel and what it really takes to promote one of the most diverse destinations in the world. We also tried to goad him into saying bad things about Florida, but he doesn't. A true gent, he. Ryan shares his journey from a 15-year career in journalism to helping lead marketing efforts for Visit California, the state’s unique, privately funded tourism organization representing more than 18,000 hospitality businesses. Together, Tim and Ryan dig into why tourism promotion matters, how travel drives economic development, and why “people will just show up” is one of the biggest myths in destination marketing. Along the way, they explore: * How Visit California markets an incredibly diverse state (without overwhelming travelers) * Why long-term tourism marketing matters more than ever * The real economic impact of tourism on California communities * How AI is changing trip planning—and what it gets right (and wrong) * California road trips, visitor guides, and iconic ad campaigns * The role governors, celebrities, and cultural storytelling play in destination branding * Friendly debates on tacos, Napa vs. Sonoma, sparkling wine, and fish tacos We also answer real visitor questions about traveling with a baby, holiday visits, shopping in Sonoma Valley, and how Sonoma compares to Napa for first-time visitors during "We Get Questions." Whether you’re in tourism, marketing, hospitality, or just love traveling California, this episode offers behind-the-scenes insight, practical takeaways, and plenty of laughs. Learn more about Visit California: www.visitcalifornia.com Plan your Sonoma Valley trip: www.sonomavalley.com 🎧 Subscribe to the Sonoma Spiel Podcast for more conversations about travel, tourism, community, and what makes Sonoma—and California—so special. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 Ep 141Winter in Wine Country: Fairmont Sonoma’s Swiss Chalets & Hot Springs Magic
The persimmoning has begun in Sonoma Valley! Host Tim from the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau kicks off this week’s Sonoma Spiel with fall fruit fever and a deep dive into Sonoma’s own winter wonderland — the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. Tim sits down with Devon Hawkins to talk geothermal hot springs, the spa “bathing ritual,” the Watsu pool, and the cozy Swiss Chalets (fondue, alpine fries, hot toddies) — aka Tahoe vibes without the chain controls. In This Episode: Persimmon season explained The Fairmont’s 100-year wellness legacy & geothermal pools Watsu therapy and day-pass “bathing ritual” Swiss Chalets: alpine pop-up dining, perfect for groups & date nights Holiday highlights: Thanksgiving buffet, lobby tree, New Year’s party Devon’s path in luxury hospitality (Napa roots ➜ Sonoma) Side tangents: Toblerone, tiki bars, tattoos & more Listener Q&A: cioppino picks, where to fish, biking to Napa, bus to Healdsburg 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass 🧖♀️ Links & Info Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa — fairmont.com/sonoma Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau — sonomavalley.com 🗓️ Event Shout-Outs Holiday in Carneros (Nov 16) • Sonoma Plaza Lighting (Nov 22) • Sip & Shop + Lighted Tractor Parade (Nov 29) • Sonoma Arts Live’s Scrooge: The Musical (holiday run) #SonomaSpiel #SonomaValley #WineCountry #FairmontSonoma #SwissChalet #SpaDay #HotSprings #SonomaHolidays #Persimmons #VisitSonoma #sonoma