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 115 episodes. That works out to roughly 100 hours of audio in total. Releases follow a fortnightly cadence.
Episodes typically run thirty-five to sixty minutes — most land between 50 min and 59 min — 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 5 days ago, with 27 episodes already out so far this year. 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 115 episodesMilitary Honor on Trial: General Joseph Hooker’s Sonoma Scandal | Travis Wagner
Codi Binkley on B&V Sonoma, the Codi Burger, Music and a Pirate Flag
Gundlach Bundschu: 168 Years of Sonoma Wine with Katie Bundschu
Free Live Music on Sonoma Plaza | Melissa Bingham of Music in Place
Postcards from Dvořák with Eric Zivian and Viola Player Rose Nellis | Valley of the Moon Music Festival
From Las Vegas Theater Kid to Sonoma Wine Host: Chris Schreiner of Platt Vineyard
Green Music Center’s Summer Concerts, Movies & Fireworks in Sonoma County
Escape the Wine Road: Beth Costa on Bubbles, Wine Events and Why Can't We Work Together, People...
Temptations Under the Stars: Broadway Bash in Sonoma with Mama Mia, Radio Recall & Ain't Too Proud
Cat Smith on the Sonoma Community Center, Scream, Pride, Art, and the Secret Garden
Bears, 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