The Sonoma Spiel

Of course we started the podcast with a report from our trip to the Sonoma Farmers Market, because this week we had a very special guest - and this time we actually mean it- Clark Wolf, the energetic, food-obsessed, speaking-a-mile-a-minute food consultant and radio show host. And cheesemonger. And writer. Clark rips rapid-fire into tales about Ig Vella, MFK Fisher, Alice Waters, Anthony Bourdain, Ruth Reichl and any and all other chefs, producers and food writers. And opines about Gravenstein apples, hotel restaurants and farms. AND - just ten minutes into the podcast - another VERY SPECIAL GUEST pops in, and this time we actually, actually mean it - Seth the College Student / The Potato Chip Guy stops by on his scheduled rounds with samples of his locally made artisan potato chips from Planetary Potato Chips. (https://planetarychips.com) Like all of our podcast guests he also answers YOUR Sonoma questions and this week he takes on: I am visiting Sonoma in early February, and I anticipate that I will be buying some wine to bring home. I know most of the wineries offer shipping of their bottles, however I will likely buy one or two bottles each from a few different wineries and I was wondering if there is a service in town where I can take the bottles to be packaged and shipped back to my home? - via email Beyond wine and winegrapes, what food or produce is Sonoma County identified with? Help- my bike tire is getting flat. Is there a pump nearby that I can use? - at Plaza visitor center I’m feeling a bit hungry - but I don’t need a full sit-down meal. Where are some good places for small bites or little dishes? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at 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

Dennis & Diane Mitchell won the Sonoma County "Visitor Center Volunteers of the Year" award and in spite of that pedigree, still came on the Sonoma Spiel podcast. Though they haven't been volunteering for a long time (two and a half years), they have deep experience working in the wine industry, starting in the Livermore Valley. But wait, they've also worked for several dot-com companies (in the 90's when it was the first wave,) a school bus manufacturer and even ran their own day care business. Oh, and Dennis moved 17 times before he got to high school because his dad was in the Navy. Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass This week they answer: Hi - I’m coming to visit for my 40th… love my sav blanc and champagne.. any events or music events or things you recommend ?? Staying at the inn in Sonoma … open to ideas - planning a hot air balloon … and saw there’s a champagne bar and looking at a few places but anything we must see/do… 7-8 of us coming! Is there a special code or something that I need to use the Sonoma Plaza tasting pass? How does it work? 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

The Napa to Sonoma Half-Marathon is one of the top runs in the United States, and includes the half-marathon and a 5K fun run, in addition to a food and wine celebration. Local runner Gretchen Schoenstein talks about the race and the route that takes runners from the vineyards of Napa (where you might see a hot air balloon!) past rustic barns to the farms and wineries of Sonoma Valley, ending up in the historic Sonoma Plaza. Gretchen says it is one of her favorite half-marathons, and she should know, as she has completed more than 100 such races. In addition to being a runner, Gretchen talks about her work advocating on behalf of those who have auto-immune disorders and how she raises funds for the Benroya Research Institute. More information about Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon and Rose 5K is at https://runnapatosonoma.com. Like all of our Sonoma podcast guests she answers YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week she takes on: I’m here for a bit of wine and food indulgence, but I still want to keep up with my exercise routine. What are some good runs to do in Sonoma Valley that have good scenery? I’m a coffee fiend - can you direct me to some coffee shops in Sonoma Valley - especially in Glen Ellen and Kenwood area? We’d like to come visit in February or March - what’s the weather like in Sonoma then? Should we come? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

"Wine supported my France habit..." Lori Varsames started in Vermont, studied French, ended up in France doing bike tours, learning about wine, then selling French wine, then moving to New Mexico in search of change, met her husband, and then landed in... Sonoma Valley. Not to strike it rich, but to strike it well. This week on the Sonoma Spiel podcast, Lori talks Sonoma Wellness, especially as it relates to visiting the famed wine country in the winter. Looking for ideas? Lori has more than 100 ideas for things to do in Sonoma Valley for wellness, part of the "100 Days of Sonoma Wellness" from January to April. She also helps us review healthy and delicious wellness juices from the fresh juice bar at Sonoma Market, using her skills as a wine taster to tell us about the citrus, kale and cardamon flavors of the nutritious beverages. Lori is a personal and professional coach and offers some tips on how to organize yourself for the year ahead. More info about her coaching services is at https://lorivarsames.com. Like all of our guests she answers YOUR Sonoma questions, and this week she takes on: What kind of tree is that in front of the Visitor Center? What fun & educational activities are there in Sonoma for families with kids? Are there places where kids and adults can learn together about the history and science and artistry behind winemaking? What are a couple of fun wine tasting festivals you recommend? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF I just started a BlueSky account - can I find Sonoma Valley information there? Which movies were made in Sonoma Valley?

He performed the intro music, he did the outro music, he edited the podcast AND he makes sure the mics are plugged in: Bob Taylor from Sonoma TV and KSVY is our Very Special Guest (this time we actually mean it) and we review the year passed and the year ahead. We debate whether or not chocolate chip cookies are actually Christmas cookies (no) and if Bob should eat cookies with nuts (also no, as he is allergic.) He also plugs his band, the Illegitimate AC/DC, which is available for gigs like weddings, baptisms, bar mitzvahs and all the usual places one would want 50-something men playing AC/DC. Details here: https://acdcsonoma.com/ Bob marvels at the fact that the recipes on SonomaValley.com don't have long, meaningless intros: they just have recipes. Find some wellness recipes: https://www.sonomavalley.com/food-wine/recipes-from-sonoma-valley/ And then we recap the "Top Podcast Moments" from 2024 according to our YouTube shorts channel. Did you catch them? https://www.youtube.com/@ExperienceSonomaValley/shorts Like all of our guests he answers YOUR Sonoma questions, and this week he answered: We love seeing the lights around the Sonoma Plaza. We want to come take some photos for a family picture - how long will they stay up? I’m looking for Oysters. Where’s a good place to get some? Good morning. We’re staying in Forestville, and are thinking of driving up to two hours out and then back to see some redwoods. Any suggestions on destinations for that? - via text We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Listen to Bob Taylor on Fridays on KSVY on the FM dial and also https://ksvy.org It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

George Rose is an award-winning photographer whose career has taken him from hard news in LA and celebrity portraits to in-house PR and photographer for some of the best wineries in California. He stops by the Sonoma Spiel podcast to discuss the convoluted way California allocates water and how many communities rely on shipping it from wet Northern California to drier Southern California through a series of canals, rivers, pipes and aqueducts. Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma: "We are visiting in the winter, and we noticed that in the vineyards there are groups of people working in long lines down the rows. What are they doing out there?" "We are looking for wineries with nice gardens - got any ideas?" "I hear there are mountain lions in the hills above Sonoma Valley. Is this true?" "Where can I find sweeter wines? And how do I know if a winery is making any?" "I'm visiting Sonoma from Solvang and like to take photos - should I use my iPhone or should I use my real camera?" We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass George Rose's book "California's Changing Landscape: The Way of Water" is available here: https://store.calnatureartmuseum.org/collections/featured-products/products/californias-changing-landscape-the-way-of-water 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Angie Sanchez started the Hola Vida Collective to showcase unique gifts and foods from and inspired by Mexico. Located "right next to the Red Grape (Sonoma's go-to pizza place)" the store has handicrafts and gifts and art that with a Latino flair. "Sonoma Valley is Michoacan, Oaxaca and Jalisco," Sanchez notes, rattling off the home regions for the majority of Mexican immigrants to Sonoma. In addition to finding out about the classes offered in the arts at her studio, Angie goes through some of her favorite items including: Danny Trejo's coffee Chocolate covered grasshopper snacks Churro flavored popcorn Oaxacan-made wool llamas She also details the work that goes into putting on regular festivals like Mexican Independence Day in September, Cinco de Mayo, Las Posadas and Dia de Muertos. Like all of our guests she also answers YOUR Sonoma questions, including: Where is the best place in Sonoma County to get a grilled cheese sandwich? What is the significance of the Sonoma Plaza- why is it a thing? - fourth grader from San Diego I’m a fan of the recipes on your website. What lessons did you learn in collecting these recipes and what have you seen in terms of interest about them? - Monica Poling, Cultural tourism consultant, New Mexico I saw videos online of salmon running up Sonoma Creek all the way in to town and up. Are these real? What are some good places to get a mocktail in Sonoma Valley? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at 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. More details about Hola Vida can be found here: https://holavidacollective.com/es https://www.instagram.com/vidaculturalarts It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Hey everyone - not your typical podcast this week. This is the recap of the brightest night in wine country: The Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza. Enjoy! If you want to watch the whole show, or some of the segments, find them on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsKpmmTmnfOjx5_W9mqu6xJq Sponsors for the Lighting of the Plaza: Sonoma Tourism Improvement District City of Sonoma Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau Sonoma International Film Festival: https://sonomafilmfest.org Pangloss Cellars: https://panglosscellars.com Highway 12 Winery: https://www.highway12winery.com Gehricke Wines: https://www.gehrickewines.com Cline Cellars: https://clinecellars.com Jacuzzi Winery: https://www.jacuzziwines.com Beltane Ranch Winery: https://beltaneranch.com Kunde Family Winery: https://www.kunde.com Viansa Winery + Marketplace: https://www.viansa.com MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa: https://www.macarthurplace.com El Pueblo Inn: https://www.elpuebloinn.com Sparc Cannabis Sonoma: https://sparc.co Mary’s Pizza Shack: https://maryspizzashack.com Sonoma Clean Power: https://sonomacleanpower.org Sonoma Botanical Garden: https://sonomabg.org Sonoma Springs Brewing Company: https://www.sonomaspringsbrewing.com Sonoma Market: https://sonomamarket.net The Lodge at Sonoma: https://www.thelodgeatsonoma.com

More than fifty years ago, forward-thinking farmers in Sonoma County created Farm Trails, the oldest organization of it's kind in the United States, dedicated to promoting local farms directly to customers. Carmen Snyder of Sonoma County Farm Trails talks about the origins of the group, their beloved Gravenstein Apple Fair and how visitors can best interact with their seasonal programs. Farm Trails: https://www.farmtrails.org/ Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. This week, Carmen Snyder takes on: Are there any year-round farmers markets in Sonoma? We are looking for Cabernet Franc? We’ve been staying in Napa, and are on our way to San Francisco tonight, and decided to stop in Sonoma and wow - this is a great place to visit! We’re looking for a great place to grab brunch in the cute town of Sonoma. What’s in Kenwood? It’s late fall and we still see some grapes on the vines. What is that? - Visitors from Quebec We have someone in our group that is under 21 - what should we do? Can they go to a winery? We want to take a walk in a vineyard- can we do that? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Jose Luciano oversees the visitor centers operations in Sonoma Valley and knows where to eat and drink. He started his schooling at Purdue with plans of becoming a veterinarian, but took a detour into hospitality and a career with Marriott Hotels. In this edition of the Spiel he talks about the joys of fried Puerto Rican treats (alcapurrias), as well as where to eat in the Springs (Sante at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, Sonoma Eats, and Spread Catering to name a few.) Jose is also in charge of literally lighting the historic palm tree in front of Sonoma City Hall during the beloved "Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza" event each year. (The Saturday before Thanksgiving.) This year's acts include the Tri-County Pomo Dancers, Sonoma Conservatory of Dance, The El Verano School Singers, The Cork Pullers and the Soul Section. Plus - it's all free. And like all our guests, Jose takes on answering YOUR Sonoma questions. This week he answers: There is an awful smell emanating from underneath a tree in the northeast corner of the Plaza. What is it? Is this the Visitor Center? - received via text We are going to the redwoods tomorrow, but want some ideas on things to see along the way. Got any ideas? We heard that there is a bike path that runs along highway 101. What is it and how far can we ride? I work with a guy who will sometimes - out of nowhere- loudly exclaim Wepa! What on earth does that mean and should I be concerned? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

"It's very stressful and I don't know what I'm doing." Everest, DJ for Sonoma K-pop Hour, thinks this applies to both life in high school as well as being a first time voter. While she is indeed a "very special guest star" and this time we actually, actually mean it, she is also a smart, witty and introspective young woman. In this episode she talks about her popular radio show, the Sonoma K-pop Hour, which may be the only K-pop show on the radio in the San Francisco Bay Area. She also covers what it's like suffering through her father's idea for a new band of dad's that sing and dance (Pop pop) and why J-Rock is not the same as K-pop. Exasperated, she also describes what Discord is and how it's different from reddit. And TikTok. Or something. And she admits the she is on the school e-sports team, where they specialize in Valorant. Like all of our guests she has to answer YOUR questions during "We Get Questions." This week she takes on: My kids keep saying things like, “Skibidi Ohio Rizz” and I am worried that they might be in to some bad things. Should I be take away their WiFi? We’re here from Washington, and I’m 50 years old and my teenage child keeps telling me they want a tattoo or a nose piercing. Should I let them and why or why not? What should I make for dinner? I’m visiting from Nevada, and I was walking around the Sonoma Plaza wondering: Who should touch the thermostat in the house? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

We're doing a pomme reading this week on the Sonoma Spiel with Rick from wine country's best cider shop - Pomme Cider. French for apple, Pomme has a selection of gluten-free ciders as well as champagnes and "pet-nat" wines. We taste three ciders of the 125 we has available, and go through his journey from beer-lover to cider-swiller and what makes his shop special. Rick also answers YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week he answers: We are visiting from Germany, but we’re here for an hour - what should we do? I hear the Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza 2024 is Saturday, Nov 23. Can you let me know what time it starts and who is performing? We are here from Canada and interested in wineries that have great vegetable gardens and farms. Any ideas? Vegan ice cream? We want to visit when the leaves are at peak color. When should we come? I heard there was a place to get Walnuts from a farm - is this true and where is it? - via text More info on Pomme Cider Shop here: http://www.pommecidershop.com We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Susan Gorin has been in political office for several decades (from school board to city council to county supervisor) and is nearing the end of her elected career. What's her take on California's crazy politics where we entrust voters with multiple ballot initiatives.? What did she want to accomplish and what was she able to get done? And does she know that one guy she just ran into at the restaurant who asked if he knew her? Susan is ready to let 'er rip as she only has a few months left in her term and she has a few things to say. But don't worry - we also make her answer some good questions from Sonoma Valley visitors during "We Get Questions." This week Susan Gorin answers: We are waiting to check in to our hotel, but it’s not until 3 pm. So we have four hours on the Plaza and want to taste some wine and have lunch - any ideas? We just got into town and someone said to go look at the Mission. What is the mission? And why should we visit it? What should we do with babies? I’ve been quite busy in my career, a demanding job that entailed a lot of decision making and scrutiny. Now that I’m retiring I would like some ideas on things to do in Sonoma Valley that don’t require me to attend meetings, adhere to budgets or hear complaints. Any ideas? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

While most of our guests on the Sonoma Spiel podcast are well-versed in what to do during a three to four-day visit to Sonoma Valley, this week's guest has customers that stay a bit longer. Forever, even. Carolyn Fulton got her start working in restaurants in Healdsburg after high school, and has had stops at Agilent and others before she came to the city of Sonoma as the new cemetery manager. She oversees Sonoma's three cemeteries: Mountain, Valley and Veteran's. During a wide ranging interview we talk what visitors can see in cemeteries, how to help with upkeep, interesting people buried here and even if you would like to leave your mortal remains in town, how to do it. Like all of our Very-Special-Guests she took a turn answering YOUR Sonoma questions during our segment, "We Get Questions." Hi- we are so excited to visit this week. Have one reservation with a tour. Otherwise sticking to wineries that accept walk-ins. Is winging it a bad idea? Cheers!🍷- SoCo Wine Imbibers on Facebook Hello! I am debating where to go in late December for two days. I quite enjoy Zinfandel and Shiraz. Would you recommend any wineries, vineyards or tasting rooms? Thank you- via Facebook Hi, interested in recommendations for a private driver to take four of us to wineries around Sonoma . We will be based in the town of Sonoma. Has anyone used a company that drives your car? We will have rental car and some say they use your car—but not sure how that works with the car rental company. Any experiences or recs appreciated.- via Facebook Dia de los Muertos altars around the Sonoma Valley? Yes! How do I find my relative's grave? I think they are buried in Sonoma. Find more information about Sonoma's Cemeteries here: https://www.sonomacity.org/departments/cemeteries/ Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF #sonoma #cemeterytour #halloween #winecountry #hospitality

Come take a few rounds on the diurnal swing - it's hot during the day, it's cool at night; harvest action is ripping along at a frenetic pace, and the Valley is abuzz with activity! What can calm us down? A kitten. Or a puppy. So Jody Purdom from Pet's Lifeline is on the podcast this week talking about how to adopt a pet in Sonoma Valley, the important work of Pet's Lifeline providing shelter, adoption and medical care services for the kitties and pups of wine country. Did you know that Sonoma was recently noted as being a "Better City For Pets?" Now you do. We also hear about Jody's formative years in New Jersey and her theory on why the bagels are better back east, hence why she smuggles suitcases of bagels back to Sonoma when she visits her old stomping grounds. And every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. Are the leaves in the vineyard pretty in fall? What’s the weather like in Sonoma in January? Need recommendations for dog-friendly breakfast, brunch, or bakery spots? Preferably with nice outdoor seating. We are staying in Sonoma - Where should we visit for nightlife? And live music? And cocktails? Traveling to Sonoma soon and can’t decide on a place to stay (so many) that would be convenient for both a visit to Sonoma and Napa wineries. Appreciate your recommendations. We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Find out how you can adopt a dog - or a cat- from Sonoma at www.petslifeline.org. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

We forgot to write down our introduction when we first thought of it, so our intro is about our lack of intros. Luckily we didn't sweat it too much, because Chef Cristina Topham of Spread Kitchen in Sonoma is a laid-back very-special-guest on the Sonoma Spiel. So laid-back she won't follow the recipes exactly as written (sorry, Grandma!) but rather it's a "riff on my own interpretations of Lebanese and Mediterranean cooking." Before she gets to answering questions from visitors, she talks about her life after culinary school where she admits she "got her butt handed to me" when she got her first kitchen job. From there it was anchors aweigh as she became a chef on yachts, traveling around the world. (And the time she had to jump ship to escape a crazy captain - who sailed them into a raging storm- for a better opportunity.) Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. Where can I go (visit, camp, etc.) if we are driving a motorhome? Do hotels have EV chargers? Where do I find EV chargers in Sonoma? Why is Sonoma Valley called “Valley of the Moon” - From a visitor from Missouri We are traveling to Sonoma County in early December. Any recommendations for wineries and restaurants that go all out decorating for Christmas? (Healdsburg to downtown Sonoma) - via Facebook What does Sonoma offer for the arts? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. See the amazing menus of Spread Kitchen at www.spreadkitchensonoma.com. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

The smell of harvest is in the air: open top fermenters, grapes being crushed and even the "Sonoma aroma" of fertilizer on the fields. And with harvest comes the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, when Sonoma Valley comes together to celebrate the hard work of the year's vintage. Robyn Sebastiani of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers details all the happenings at one of the oldest agricultural festivals in California: the tastings, the wonderful winemaker dinners, the grape stomp, the music and arts festival and a 5K fun run. Like all of the podcast "Very Special Guest Stars" Robyn gets a chance to answer YOUR Sonoma questions, including: We’re driving to Napa via Trinity Road and are looking for a beautiful winery to walk around en route. I will be in the area with a car for two weeks in November with my dog. I’d love help with suggestions for great Pinot Noir, rosè, white wine and bubbly spots, as well as any locations you recommend for pup to come along. - via Facebook We are researching our family history from the early late 1800s to the early 1900s here in Sonoma - how can we do that? - at the Visitor Center We are “van-lifing” it and in need of a laundromat. Where we can find one? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival: https://valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org/ It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Bernie the rescue dog brought Ryan Budlong with St. Francis Winery to the Sonoma Spiel podcast to talk about the Blessing of the Animals, how to take a Vineyard Adventure through their estate to learn about how their grapes are grown and why their culinary garden is now the culinary farm. While Bernie stays pretty quiet, Ryan also details the amazing food pairing experience for which St. Francis won "Best Restaurant in America" from Open Table as well as the bicycle pedal trolley that seats up to 15 visitors on a tour of the vineyards, with a stop at the famous "Welcome to Sonoma Valley" sign. Oh, and did we mention that they were just voted "Best Winery and Tasting Room" by SFGate? Well, we will. And we find out that St. Francis Winery - named after the patron saint of animals in the Catholic tradition, St Francis of Assist - raises funds for rescue animals and service dogs. Like all our guests, Ryan also takes a turn answering YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week he answered: We are coming to Sonoma to celebrate with 3 other couples for a 25th wedding anniversary. We are all in our early 50’s and looking for good vibes, great winery experiences, food and restaurant suggestions. - Facebook Wine Imbibers Group I heard that there may be mountain lions in Sonoma Valley? Is this true and can I see one? We are looking for good places to watch football - any ideas? When will the leaves be the most colorful? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Mark Bodenhamer with the Sonoma Valley Chamber is our VERY SPECIAL GUEST this week (and we actually mean it this time) and he has the updates on all things harvest and fall related in Sonoma Valley. Mark talks about fall events like Sundays Music in the Plaza from Music in Place (free concerts), Broadway in Sonoma's finale under the stars in the "Field of Dreams" near the Montini Open Space Preserve, and the 200th Anniversary of planting winegrapes in Sonoma Valley, which will be celebrated at the 2024 Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival. Mark takes a brief detour to wonder about West Virginia's wine industry- what is it? Should they send us a sample? Does it come as a clear liquid in a mason jar? Send us some! Before we take YOUR Sonoma questions, Mark also waxes poetic about the best parts about the harvest season in Sonoma Valley. When he does answer your question during WE GET QUESTIONS he takes on: What tree is that out there? - A visitor from the Plaza I was at Jacuzzi Winery last Monday and there was an impromptu church organ concert going on in the barrel room- no audience, and just a virtuoso performer playing. What is that all about? - at the south visitor center I'm hosting a wine pairing dinner and want to serve a charcuterie board featuring Sonoma County grown/made items. Any ideas of things I should include? I plan to visit Ovello for some meat choices and Vella for cheeses, but I'm hoping all your brilliant minds might have some other recommendations. - Sonoma County Foodies We’re planning on visiting Sonoma Valley to take in some wineries but are completely unfamiliar with the area. We’d like to visit wineries that don’t distribute nationally. If you can find it at Total Wine on the East Coast, we’re probably not interested. At the same time, I’d like to keep the price of a bottle to around the $40-50 mark. I’m not sure if that exists but we’re open to ideas and suggestions. - via Facebook Sonoma County Wine Imbibers We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

For more than 25 years, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art has been showcasing local and internationally-renowned artists in their intimate space on Broadway, just a half-block south from the Sonoma Plaza. Linda Keaton, Executive Director and Chief Curator, paints a picture of what the museum is about and why it's a great place for visitors to Sonoma. She also sketches her journey from a childhood in a farming community in the California Central Valley to a career teaching and curating art. Other topics include public art and the strong opinions the public holds of such art. As always, our guest answers YOUR Sonoma questions and this week she takes on: -Planning a honeymoon in Sonoma next summer. Curious about favorite upscale restaurants? Bonus points if you can help plan a good trip there! - Sonoma County Foodies page -When does the winegrape harvest start? When does it end? - via text -I’m from Fort Worth, Texas where there is a daily cattle drive down the streets of the stockyards. Do you do something similar here? - from the visitor center -We are coming up for the Broadway in Sonoma show from Transcendence Theatre Company and are thinking about dinner before somewhere, or maybe a picnic. Any ideas? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. More info about the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art: https://svma.org It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Many people know that Sonoma Valley has had two centuries of winegrowing. But a lot of people don't know that it was also the birthplace of the modern American microbrewery: New Albion Brewing Company. The brainchild of Jack McAuliffe, New Albion was founded by him and Jane Zimmerman and Suzy Stern in 1976, when a decision was made in the driveway of Jane's house in Sonoma. With $1000 each, Jane and Suzy became partners in the "crazy and fun idea" of starting a small brewery on the edge of town in an old fruit-processing plant. Jane recounts her days schlepping a kid to school and then another younger four-year old child to the brewhouse as she helped brew the stouts and porters and ales in a 55-gallon drum that Jack welded. "It's a miracle no one got hurt!" She recalls, "we were so enthusiastic and naive - we just did it!" Like all of our podcast guests, Zimmerman answers YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week she takes on: -Are there any hotels or lodging options in a vineyard? -We just got here from Wisconsin and we want to head out to Jenner, where the Russian River meets the ocean. How long does it take to get there from Sonoma? -We’re here for an hour and want to see something historic and interesting. What do you recommend? -Is there a way we can hire someone else to drive our car while we go wine tasting? Is that a thing? -Hello! My friends and I will be staying close to the Sonoma Plaza and looking for an outdoor restaurant that will accommodate our group of 8. It is for my friend's milestone birthday! We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

This week we have a very special guest, and this time we actually, actually mean it: Karina Garcia stops by the Sonoma Spiel podcast to talk about "The Springs," a collection of small former resort towns (Fetters Hot Springs, Aqua Caliente, Boyes Hot Springs and El Verano) with great food options and places to explore. Born in Mexico, raised in Boyes Hot Springs, Garcia details her life growing up in the neighborhood with parents who worked multiple jobs, including picking grapes at the end of summer. A proud graduate of Sonoma Valley High (Go Dragons!) and Santa Rosa Junior College (Go Bear Cubs!) and Sonoma State University (Go Seawolves!), Garcia also talks how she worked for a local Spanish-language television station (host of El Sabor de la Noche) and that eventually led to her career as part of the communications team for the County of Sonoma. She started the popular Charla Comunitaria (Community Chat) for Spanish speakers during Covid, and continued it as a way to connect with the Spanish-speaking community in the North Bay. Some of her memories of The Springs include watching Sunday soccer at Larson park and visiting with family, and then she talks some restaurants to check out in The Springs including Sonoma Eats Real Mexican Food (try to vegeterian mushroom or potato tacos,) La Hacienda (pitchers of margaritas on the patio) and Spread Lebanese Kitchen. And did you want taco trucks? We rattle through reviews of all of them... Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. This week Garcia takes on: I purchased the Plaza Tasting Pass. Do I now need to make reservations at the 3 wineries I am interested in? Are these tastings at the wineries or at the plaza? Thank you. - via text Hi- we’ve lived in Kenwood for 25 years, but never been down here to the Sonoma Plaza. What is this city party everyone’s talking about? How long does it take to get from SF airport to Petaluma/Sonoma? Where can I find a food truck in and around Sonoma Valley - especially one open later at night? We are heading back to San Francisco Airport tonight - any recommendations for things to see and do in San Francisco along the way? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Sean Gerrity with Sonoma Ballooning parked his colorful balloon right outside the KSVY studio and hopped off to talk about hot air balloons in Sonoma Valley. During the podcast we find out how to become a hot air balloon pilot, that the job has its ups and downs and landings are guaranteed. We also learn about a day in the life of a hot air balloon pilot, why the hot air balloons take off at sunrise and why Sean avoids delivering babies on hot air balloons (not that much space.) Also, the first hot air balloon pilots were French farm animals. Comme c’est intéressant! Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass This week he answers: How do you avoid your wine purchases from getting hot in the car while visiting wineries all day? - via Facebook Hi- I went to high school with your wife. We are visiting in October with another couple and want some ideas for where to stay and what to do? Got any ideas? - Suzy Sajoac from Wisconsin I’m retiring in a few months after a long career in the public realm. I still want to stay active and use my skills for helping people and problem solving. Is it possible to become a volunteer at the Sonoma Valley Visitors Centers? - Delaware Joe B via press conference I had heard somewhere that travelers could bring wine onto their Southwest airlines flight from SFO/OAK, as their carry on? - via email I am looking for a winery to sight-see by my own car, with NO TASTING, as I am a driver. But to no success. I would like to walk/drive between the grapevines, take some photos, etc. - via www.SonomaVallley.com Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Sonoma Ballooning info: https://sonomaballooning.com It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

On the eve of the Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon, the Sonoma Spiel podcast went to the farmers market to drag two farmers into the studio: Elizabeth Stein and Tucker Stein of Cassidy Ranch farm in Sonoma. The married couple took over the farm in 2021 and grow both grapes as well as flowers and crops. Elizabeth recounts how her time working at Ridge Vineyards in Santa Cruz attracted her to the world of food and wine, and they both wanted to start a farm that would have the experiences they wished existed in Sonoma, including classes on how to cut and arrange flowers, pick your own strawberries and - a pickleball court. Yes - you can play pickleball at their farm. (Reserve the court ahead of time!) Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. This week the Steins took on the following Sonoma questions: "I'm looking for activities other than Train Town for grandkids, ages two and a half, six and nine. Any suggestions? Also, are there any wineries where you can take the kids? Thank you" - via email "I am up to my eyeballs in plums. What should I do?" "I am interested in connecting with a wine industry artisan. Somebody who makes things from wine barrels or which are inspired by the wine industry. Any recommendations?" In the middle of the segment, Tucker Stein pulls out the uno reverse card and dares to ask us questions, including, "What's your idea for a great Sonoma Saturday?" "We're visiting from Florida - do you guys ever have clouds here?" - at the Visitors Center We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass We also covered June Gloom, No Sky July, Fogust and all the months where you can visit with San Francisco's wonderful summer guest, Karl the Fog. More details about Cassidy Ranch at www.cassidy-ranch.com Deals and events and wine tasting passes at www.sonomavalley.com Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

We're back on the Spiel! And this week we have a VERY SPECIAL GUEST: Lisa Pidge, from the Laugh Cellar and Crushers of Comedy and now her new gig - Pickleball and comedy! A repeat offender on the podcast, Lisa comes back to talk about what's happening with her popular comedy shows at wineries like Deerfield Ranch, Cooking With Comedians, and her new Pickleball and comedy show that supports an autism charity. As usual we riff on random topics like the roll of AI in comedy, the addictive quality of pickleball, and we try our hand at doing an ad for the Sonoma Plaza Wine Tasting Pass. (We did... ok.) Like all of our guests, she answers YOUR Sonoma questions on the Sonoma Spiel podcast. This week she answers: We are taking a tour on the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley- it departs from the Sonoma Plaza at 10 AM. Where can we park our car so we don’t get a parking ticket? Well, it's out-of-town visitor time. After 10 years, my niece drinks real wine. Her palate has matured, and we can enjoy a variety of whites. I need recommendations to go tasting for first-time relatives who like Moscato. - via Facebook on Sonoma County wine imbibers We are coming there from Kankakee, Illinois. We don’t know much about wine, just that we like sweeter wines. Do you know anything called “Bordeaux” wine? What does that mean? Where is pickleball around Sonoma? I’m visiting from NYC and run leagues in Manhattan and want to know! - via text Do you have bus schedules? Where can I find a schedule for the SMART train? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Kelly Conrad is with Farm to Pantry (www.farmtopantry.org), a local organization committed to rescuing food that would otherwise go wasted and getting it to people in need. "The food is out there; all we have to do is go get it. No one should be left behind." On her turn on the Spiel she dishes about working with SingleThread Farms, how visitors to Sonoma Valley can participate in harvesting crops from farms and gardens around Sonoma and help fight hunger, and her journey from Portland, Oregon to life in Sonoma Valley. Shout out to Haystack Farms in Sonoma Valley, one of their top local gleaning sites. And like all guests no the Sonoma Spiel podcast, she answers YOUR Sonoma Valley questions. This week she takes on: What is the difference between a tasting room and a winery? My daughter is getting married in Sonoma. The day after the wedding we would like to have bagels and coffee for friends on the Sonoma Plaza. Are we allowed to do that? What would you recommend? What is a wine slushie and where can I get one? We are visiting from the wine regions of Germany, so we are familiar already with vineyards. We would like to actually see some areas with scenic beauty and we only have one day. What do you recommend? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Returning Very Special Guest star Amy Miller brought fellow Buckeye Tony Gonzalez to the Spiel to preview the BRAND NEW season of Transcendence Theatre Company's summer series, and to detail how the new location - just steps from the historic Plaza - make this a truly magical moment for "Broadway in Sonoma." During a rather raucous chat we cover their journey from the shores of Lake Erie to the vines of Sonoma Valley, preview the four different shows and talk how there are special deals for groups and families. And, like all of our guests, the take a turn answering YOUR Sonoma questions, including: We are celebrating two 21st birthdays and their college graduations. Coming to Sonoma was my niece's birthday/graduation wish since she was 18. Our question- can I purchase multiple Plaza Tasting Passes for my group? - Via Text I went to the Tuesday Night Market and saw incredibly elaborate picnic set-ups and people coming with wagons and tables and chairs. Is this a normal thing? And what’s the best way to enjoy the Tuesday Night Market? - Visitor from Seattle Are there new bike racks on the Plaza near the playground and the bus stop? - Via email I’m coming to visit Sonoma soon, and I use a power wheelchair to get around. Is it possible to explore the Plaza and the Mission area with a wheelchair? Are there accessible paths to explore nearby? - Via email My young child has to learn the calendar: the number of days in the week, weeks in a month, and on and on. Sometimes it’s easiest to learn something if it’s used in a catchy tune. I was wondering if there is an easy way to remember just how many minutes there are in a year? - Via kick line We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Looking for a great place to stay in Sonoma Valley? Start here!

Safari West Foundation provides funding for programs like an "animals in hospitals" program for children who are hospital-bound, as well as a program that brings children to the Safari West, a 400-acre preserve with giraffes, gnus, lemurs and all manner of amazing African animals who are in conservation programs. The Foundation also focuses on education. Paula Johnson from the Foundation came by to talk, and although she is a Very Special Guest, she also brought Dash the Sloth, a cranberry-eating South American mammal who doesn't move that fast but is fast enough to wreak a little bit of havoc on the studio microphones. Dash is joined by Bonnie and Jolynn of Classroom Safari, a program that brings rescue animals into schools and youth programs and events. They talk sloths, fennec foxes, rattlesnakes, and all manner of their menagerie. Fun fact: Dash was born in her living room, and it was actually a quick birth. "Like a jet baby on a bungee cord." In addition to talking animals and habitat, our human guests and sloth take a moment to answer YOUR Sonoma Valley questions, during our segment, "We. Get. Questions." This week they answer: I’m seeking out a "hidden gem" winery. Can you recommend another winery that has amazing wines? No Pinot Noir. I love big reds (but my friend enjoys whites). I've done hundreds of Sonoma wineries already. I'm looking for someplace new for next year's trip. TIA. – Sonoma Wine Imbibers Facebook We’ve been to other missions in California – would you recommend we visit Sonoma’s mission and why? I last visited Sonoma thirty years ago and tastings were free. Is that still the case? If not, what are some options? Has anything changed in thirty years? We are interested in thrifting and resale shops? Can we do that in Sonoma Valley? We Get Questions is brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass: Save up to 25% off tasting fees and choose three great wineries around the historic Sonoma Plaza. Details at https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Not many places have a professional-level, volunteer-run observatory open to the public. But not many places have the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Luckily, Sonoma Valley does. Executive Director Stephanie Derammelaere explains the mission of the observatory, how it came to be, why Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a good place to see planets and stars and galaxies, and how visitors can come up and see the heavens during various events. She also details how visitors can take a walk that outlines the scale model size of the solar system. Like all of our podcast guests she also answers YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week she answers: Where can we find wineries that sell wine in stores where we are from? We are visiting from Switzerland and looking for some good hikes and walks? What would you recommend? My best friend and I will be coming to Sonoma over the summer. We have 4 nights to explore different restaurants. We thinking of the Girl & the Fig and would love any other recs. As far as our preferences--we are both adventurous and like most of everything. I am from Texas so I am picky about Tex-Mex, but everything else is fair game. Thank you in advance for any recommendations! I am looking for a romantic wine tasting, lunch or dinner - in a vineyard. – Call to the visitor center Does any vineyard in the area offer a dog hike or similar activity? (A walk/tour with your dog) I am moving away from California on Sept 1 so it would need to be before then. Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Mustafa Tolosa always "goes to eleven" - the local restaurant reviewer started off taking photos of his steak while on a date with his wife, and from there it has grown into a Wine Country go-to spot for locals looking for the low-down on food trucks, restaurants and more. "I'm not a food critic - I'm a highlighter. I like to highlight things," says Tolosa, who gets ideas for his reviews from his audience. His likes? Good experiences, polite service, fresh food. His dislikes? Vinegar. Not a fan. Allergies? Peaches, sadly. Mustafa's passion for the local food scene - as well as outdoor adventures - shines through in a passionate and wide-ranging interview, covering marketing, waiting in lines to get into a restaurant, the benefits of attending a community college, how to teach yourself a new subject and applying for a job by wearing an all-white suit you get at Marshall's (like a "tropical Colonel Sanders") and oozing confidence. "Shout out to everyone who owns a restaurant - it's super hard. I could never own a restaurant. My hats off to everyone who does it." And just like all our VERY SPECIAL GUESTS, Mustafa answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma during "We Get Questions." This week he answers: We heard that there used to be a ferry from San Francisco to Sonoma? Is this true? And is it still possible to take a ferry to Sonoma? What strawberry stands are open? Can I use my charcoal grill in the Plaza? Is it possible to see whales at Bodega Bay? When do they go by? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Looking for the Sonoma Plaza tasting pass, where you get your choice of three wineries for $69? Go here: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Want to see more of Mustafa, find him on: Instagram - www.instagram.com/nochillmustafa YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UCk0Hgty51unKxArW7kwFrow Website: https://thedailygrape.com It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

The Sonoma Valley Author's Festival is in it's seventh year in Sonoma, and founders Ginny and David Freeman come to the Sonoma Spiel and share their passion for books and the ideas expressed within. As Ginny notes, "It's an ideas festival - it's small and curated and intimate." This year we find out that among the many author's attending includes historian Doris Kearns Goodwinn, novelist David Grann ("Killers of the Flower Moon"), Amy Tan ("Joy Luck Club"), Akhil Reed Amar of Yale Law School, and rising star Anita Gail Jones ("The Peach Seed"). The Freemans detail how they came to the world of author festivals, and how neither of them had experience as conference or event planners. They also put on a free event, called "Authors on the Plaza" as well as bring the festival to local schools. (They've given away 15,000 books to students since the festival began!) Like all of our Sonoma podcast guests they also answer YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions" and this week they attempt to answer: I’ve noticed that the cover crops are mowed in every other row in the grapevines. Why is that? Why did they leave one row and then mow one row? I was asleep last night and heard a low buzzing sound in the early morning hours. Was that a helicopter, or an airplane or just the persistent intrusive thoughts reminding me of my mortality? Speaking of mortality, do any wineries offer the chance to dedicate a vine in memory of someone? Where's a good place to buy a book in Sonoma? Find more details about the Sonoma Valley Author's Festival at https://svauthorsfest.org. Don't forget to get your Sonoma Plaza Wine Tasting Pass at www.sonomavalley.com/food-wine/sonoma-wine-tasting-pass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Caitlin Cornwall of the Sonoma Ecology Center returns to the Spiel to give her review of the eclipse (thumbs up), talk redwoods as yard trees in dry valley floors (thumbs down, usually) and encourage us to create diverse ecosystems with native plants in your front yard to get the best birds. She also details the upcoming events at Sugarloaf State Park, the Sonoma Garden Park and other places where the Sonoma Ecology Center is doing their work and public demonstrations. As usual our guests answer YOUR Sonoma questions during We Get Questions, sponsored by the Sonoma Plaza Tasting Pass (three wineries for $69!), and this week Caitlin answers: We would like to sleep at a winery – is that possible? Where can I get some Sonoma Stompers baseball hats? – Visitor from Seattle We just flew in from Australia and we are staying here a few days. We’d like to go on a bike tour or rent some bikes – is that possible? Are there any parks nearby with outdoor exercise equipment? When should I plant my tomatoes? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. More information about the Ecology Center: https://sonomaecologycenter.org/ It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Bettina Sichel got her start with Blue Nun, one of the most famous wines of the past 100 years and the one that put German wine on the map (and which her great grandfather started) and is now with Laurel Glen Vineyards in Glen Ellen. Specializing in (and famous for) cabernet sauvignon, the winery is now branching out to rose and sauvignon blanc. Wait - did we mention Blue Nun? The special Liebfraumilch that was brought to the United States by Sichel's father, and advertised by Jerry Stiller & Ann Meara ("the delicious, imported, premium white wine that goes with everything") in a series of catchy and funny commercials. Did we mention Sichel's father, who fled Nazi Germany, then enlisted in the US Army and joined the Office of Strategic Services during World War II? Sichel recounts her start at college at Vassar (Go Brewers!), where she majored in English and her journey from selling Blue Nun to working for some of Napa's top wineries (Quintessa, Mt. Veeder), to choosing her present in Sonoma Valley at Laurel Glen Vineyards. Not content with just being a winemaker, Bettina is also a proud member of the elite Jack London Yacht Club, and owner of a sloop that sails down Sonoma Creek. (Granted, the yachts are 18-inches long and the Sonoma Creek is, well, a creek.) In addition to tasting some Laurel Glen Vineyards wines (a cabernet and their new rose) Bettina takes on the great challenge of answering YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week she answers: Where can I bring my well-behaved dog to eat in Sonoma Valley? Are there any dog-friendly hotels or lodging options in Sonoma Valley? Hello – I have a small travel agency in Virginia and would like to order a box of visitor guides. Is it possible to order more than just one at a time? Ah! My back hurts and I need a massage – got any recommendations? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Maeve Smith is the director of Sonoma Arts Live's latest musical, "The Hello Girls," which details the story of American women who answered the call to be switchboard operators for the US Army Signal Corps during World War I. They had to speak French, know how to operate specialized communications equipment and serve near the front lines - and yet when they returned, their time in the service was not recognized for six more decades. "It has everything - it's funny, it's silly, it's sad. they play their own instruments," says Smith. Maeve and her husband Andrew met while studying theater and traveled with a cruise line as on-board entertainment. As part of their time at sea they were in charge of the emergency drills for the passengers, no doubt because what better way to head to the lifeboats than with a kick line? When she's not directing plays (or acting in them), Smith is the general manager at Coursey Graves winery, located high above Bennet Valley between Sonoma and Santa Rosa. And, like all the guests on the Sonoma podcast, she answers YOUR Sonoma questions. This week she takes on: Heading out in October. Prefer cabs… any suggestions on where to go? – via Facebook What are those green structures that look like pawns that line the sidewalks on the Plaza? - at the Visitor Center Hi! We are looking into your Sonoma Wine Tasting Pass and I wanted to ask how it works: Do we make online reservations with individual wineries after purchasing the pass, or do we walk in this Saturday when we plan to visit? We will have a 9 year old girl with us, do we only purchase passes for the adults 21+? Will she be able to sit with us at the tastings or are there age restrictions? – via text Where’s a good place in Sonoma to take your dog on nature walk? - via email We are looking for smaller boutique wineries in the Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood area. Prefer Pinot Noir and Rhone varietals. Thanks! - via Facebook Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

They grew up on a dairy farm in West Marin, where the fog rolls in and grassy hills meet the rugged beaches of the Pacific Ocean, and now they are the force behind the California Cheese Trail. Vivian and Michael Straus left Marin for Portland (Vivian) and an ashram in India (Michael) but then came back to help save the family ranch and raise the profile of the cheese trail. Now the California Cheese Trail is a map and website of the 70-plus cheesemakers in California and how to visit them, take tours, buy their cheeses and learn about the culture of California cheese. This rollicking interview includes discussions on how to milk a water buffalo (carefully, and you can send them into ecstasy by brushing them), how to turn milk into cheese and includes a tasting of various local cheeses and how to put together a good cheese board. After we talk about how to cheddar a cheese, they take a turn answering YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions," and this week they answer: We have nine couples coming to Sonoma later and wanted to get together a little welcome packet for them. What do you think we should include? Are there any pretty mustard fields around? While Pliny the Younger from Russian River Brewery is famous as a local beer, I heard the first modern microbrewery was actually in Sonoma. Is this true? We are visiting from Northern Wisconsin and would like to find some California cheeses. Where would you recommend? Start your journey on the cheese trail here: https://www.cheesetrail.org/ Get the Sonoma Plaza Wine Tasting pass here: https://www.sonomavalley.com/food-wine/sonoma-wine-tasting-pass/ It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

From Kenwood to Carneros, to Santa Rosa and Petaluma and Napa and more - coming to you LIVE and IN YOUR HEAD at THOUSANDS OF WATTS of RADIO POWER - it's KSVY-FM! Bob Taylor and James Marshall Berry talk two decades of Sonoma radio and reminisce about how it connects community, provides a crucial link during times of duress and is a true taste of Sonoma wine country for visitors and locals. Did you know that KSVY-FM (91.3 FM on the radio dial, ksvy.org online and on the app store) has an incredible variety of shows with a diverse cast of hosts from Sonoma Valley? And that during the 2017 fires, KSVY was often the sole source of reliable information for residents because the cell phones weren't working? Bob and James recount their two decades working in community radio and how KSVY-FM is a great outlet for Sonoma Valley. Like all our guests they also answer YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions" and this week they take on: Is there a tasting pass for wineries that I can get? Dígame sobre la industria azucarera en California del Norte. (Tell me about the sugar industry in Northern CA.) – Visitors from Patagonia, Chile How long will the mustard flowers be in the vineyards? Sir- I am a loyal listener to the podcast – I love it. I am planning a visit to Sonoma Valley from North Carolina, and I have heard that there are two-for-one passes for tasting rooms. Where can I find them? Is there a good Easter service at a winery? Where is the Monday bakery? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Want to donate to help KSVY? Go here: https://secure.givelively.org/donate/sonoma-valley-community-communications-inc/ksvy-sonomatv-2023 Want to hear some of their shows? Check out: Uncle Dirtbag Show Sonoma Kpop Hour JMB's New Old Show Friday Morning Show With Bob This podcast brought to you by the Sonoma Plaza Wine Tasting Pass, the only tasting pass that gets you a choice of eight tasting rooms near the walkable Sonoma Plaza. Get up to 25% off tasting fees with the Sonoma Plaza Tasting pass. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Ginny Krieger from the Sonoma International Film Festival is back on the Sonoma Spiel podcast to talk all things film, food and wine. But this time, she's brought Carl Spence, artistic director and film fan, who gives the rundown on some of the major U.S. premiers of films at one of the best film festivals in the country. As always our guests answer YOUR Sonoma Valley questions, and this week they take on: Hi- we're visiting Sonoma later this year and looking for something on par to Ravenswood since they are no longer around . Any recommendations? - via Facebook Bon jour- I have a group coming to Sonoma from France and they don’t speak English. Are there places where we can go that people speak French? When does the Sonoma Tuesday night farmers market start up again? Where can we get some cat- or dog-themed souvenirs? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. More info on the Sonoma International Film Festival: https://sonomafilmfest.org More information about Sonoma Valley: www.sonomavalley.com NOW - get your Sonoma Wine Tasting Pass at https://www.sonomavalley.com/food-wine/sonoma-wine-tasting-pass/ It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Van Solkov of Happy Traveler's Tours came by the Sonoma Spiel podcast to talk cannabis growing in Sonoma Valley, how tours of farms and dispensaries serve to educate and dispel myths as well as update older traveler's about changes in the scene since the 70s and 80s. During a wide-ranging interview he also covers how he was one of the first cannabis tours in wine country and how we got into the business, transitioning from a "party bus" to an educational and refined experience like other wine tours. He also discusses how a serious bicycle accident in his 30s led him to cannabis for pain relief and balancing his career in the corporate world, which at the time in the 1980s, frowned on the practice. Part showman, part historian, part farmer, and all of the time an enthusiastic entertainer, Van offers great anecdotes and insight into this agricultural sector. Plus, Van hops into the visitor center chair and answers YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. This week he takes on: Who are those group of men who sit on the Plaza every Friday and what are they doing? I’m looking for a listing of wineries with their hours of operation, their addresses and what they offer- do you have such a thing? There is a tree on the Plaza with shocking pink, upright flowers that look like tulips that are blooming right now. What are those? I’m on the hunt for a good winery with farm animals. Any out there? I’m looking for recommendations on: - Wineries w/ an activity - Wineries w the best view - Winery w the best cave Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. More information on Happy Traveler's Tours at https://happytravelersweedtours.com It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Jeannie Perales, new director of the Sonoma Botanical Garden, put down her pruning shears and stopped by the Sonoma Spiel to talk about their new upcoming summer program of concerts and the Ribbit Exhibit that will bring whimsical frog statues to the garden. Perales talks about how she ended up leading botanical gardens from Florida to California, and her belief that there are four "natural therapies" for people: nature, movement, art and music. And how the botanical garden can incorporate those therapies for visitors to the sprawling land in northern Sonoma Valley. And like all of our guests, she answers YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week she takes on: I have an itinerary coming up...love any input! SALT N STONE, GLEN ELLEN STAR, Jack London bar, GOLDEN BEAR STATION, GIRL AND THE FIG... anything else in the area that I must get in? – via Facebook Is the fahmer’s mahket open already? – Guy from Boston I am considering a vacation to Sonoma in early March. Is there a wine pass that would cover tastings at multiple wineries? Besides wine tasting what other activities or events take place in March? – Robert from Washington, via text I’m visiting Sonoma Valley from Malawi, and I’m interested in permaculture – are there good places to learn about these practices in Sonoma Valley? Also, where can I see redwood trees? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

San Francisco is an hour from Sonoma Valley and the majority of visitors to Sonoma Valley usually make a stop in "The City" before heading up to wine country. This week, Lynn Bruni-Perkins of SF Travel talks what makes San Francisco special, from the culture of social movements, Burning Man, and the technology that brought us the iPhone, to the next phase of technology like AI and self-driving cars (Waymo, for good or ill) as well as social movements coming on the horizon. She also directly answers critics who deride San Francisco, offering some common-sense ideas and points about the City by the Bay. Before she good-naturedly answers visitor questions, she opines on the fact that "Dutch crunch" bread - a northern California invention - is making it's way south to LA, and reacts to a travel blogger's contention that you should choose your next destination by your astronomical sign. (We look forward to seeing all you Taureses/Tauri soon...) And when she does answer YOUR Sonoma questions, as all our podcast guests do, she takes on: What are all those yellow flowers in the fields? Can I just buy tickets to Alcatraz at the wharf? Can I get married at San Francisco’s City Hall? Do I need a car to get around San Francisco? Where can I find Pliny the Younger? (The beer, not the first century Roman author) How can I get to San Francisco Airport without uber or lyft? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. To plan your next visit to San Francisco, start with the official San Francisco Travel website here: www.sftravel.com Then get your wine country details from the Sonoma Valley website: www.sonomavalley.com It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Molly Spencer is with the Sonoma Community Center, a school building turned arts and culinary center complete with galleries and theater programs. She hops on the Sonoma Spiel podcast to talk ceramics, chili recipes, fiber arts happy hour, ballet and a secret garden that isn't that secret because we are talking about it. She then says that yes, the movie "Scream" was filmed at the Sonoma Community Center in 1996, thanks to Santa Rosa High School backing out of the production at the last minute. Yeah, "No thanks whatsoever to the Santa Rosa city school district governing board." And like all of our Very Special Guests, she answers YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week she takes on: Where is a beautiful winery? – Visitor from the UK What is that building that looks like a church over there? – Canadian visitor at the Plaza visitor center Looking for recommendations on wineries with tastings and paired lunches. (More than just charcuterie/snacks.) TIA!- - Facebook Sonoma County Wine Imbibers I’m going to be staying in Sonoma in March with five other gals. Would love some recs for restaurants for dinner in Healdsburg and anywhere back down to Sonoma. Also any bakeries or places to grab sandwiches or pastries before hitting the wineries would be great( prefer closer to downtown since staying down that way). We are very mixed in what we like for food but would be looking for more Italian, seafood and burgers or mix with most prices $20-40 for entrees. TIA! - Facebook Sonoma County Wine Imbibers Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

He was inspired to start cooking because his great aunt's awful Thanksgiving dinner spurned him to action, his first restaurant job was with three Lebanese brothers in Pennsylvania, and he left Manhattan for the excitement of Sonoma Valley: Ari Weiswasser of Glen Ellen Star talks his journey to having two restaurants and a catering company in California's wine country. And like all guests on the Sonoma Spiel, he answers YOUR Sonoma questions including: “Hello! We are planning a trip and I have a lodging question. Is there a local alternative to booking vacation home lodging that avoids using national websites like Vrbo and Airbnb? Trying to spend our dollars locally. (Via text to 707-996-1090 from Kathy) What do you know about the Hood house? (Via phone) Best places to go that offer free corkage for Sonoma county wines? Don’t mind paying corkage just interested to know what’s out there. (SoCo Wine Imbibers Facebook) Four of us (adults) will be in Sonoma 3/27-4/1. Are most wineries open on Easter Sunday? Are there other events (special brunches or lunches?) happening that day? (Via website form) Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Find Ari cooking at: Glen Ellen Star: https://glenellenstar.com Park Avenue Catering: https://parkavecater.com

Heidi Geffen founded Tiddle E. Winks just off the Sonoma Plaza as a place to find items of whimsy, fun and happiness. She stops by the Spiel to talk her journey from a rubber stamp saleswoman in LA to a sticker designer in Petaluma to the bringer of happiness to Sonoma. She also talks a bit about wellness and how being happy is part of the experience, and even brought in some home-made kale chips from her secret recipe. (Brewer's yeast is the secret, so saved you a click.) Like all our guests she also takes a turn answering YOUR Sonoma questions, during "We Get Questions," including: Any ideas for romantic and/or fun restaurants for Valentine's Day, which don't have jacked up prices?- via Facebook Where do the ducks go in the winter? - H. Caulfield via text Do you allow weddings in the park with less than ten people and no chairs? Guests just standing? Thank you – via email Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us (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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Lauren Feldman (Valley Bar + Bottle and Valley Swim Club) joins us in the new year to talk all things food, wine, wellness and how she ended up leaving fashion for running front of the house at her restaurant, that she started with her husband Tanner and two friends. In between running a new restaurant, Valley Swim Club which is a west coast take (vegan tartar sauce!) on an east coast clam shack, she also has a young child and teaches spinning classes at the local health club. And like all our podcast guests, she answers YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week she tackles: A friend is doing a retreat at Westerbeke Ranch, and before I drop her back at Sonoma County Airport, we’re looking for some good places for lunch in Sonoma Valley. Any recommendations? – via email I'm planning a visit around a concert in Santa Rosa on March 20th. Not my first trip to Sonoma so want “off beaten trail ideas”. Suggestions for wineries that have great white (not oaky chards), sparklers, interesting tours or settings. Other ideas for things to do as solo traveler welcome! – From Facebook I’m bringing a group of senior couples to Sonoma for a day and looking for an activity that doesn’t require too much walking, but incorporates history, or culinary classes or nature. Ideas? - From a phone call Oysters! Where is a good place to get oysters! - Via text Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Go to Valley Bar + Bottle at https://www.valleybarandbottle.com/ Find Valley Swim Club at https://www.valleyswim.club/ It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Lisa Carlsson with Euphoria Retreats brings people around the world to find wellness- and she even made us take some calming breaths before we started the podcast. Then she tells us about how she approaches wellness and health and brings wellness and adventure to travelers in Sonoma Valley and beyond. She also spends time answering YOUR questions during WE GET QUESTIONS where she helps us with: Hello. Friends are planning an event in Sonoma for Sept 28, 2024 and asked me to research if that’s a busy weekend in Sonoma, including if hotel rooms will be hard to come by. Do you have that information? I need a place for Birthday brunch! What do you recommend? Where’s a good place to find a whiskey distillery around here? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Ceja Vineyards makes high-end wines from world-class vineyards, but Amelia Ceja is remarkably approachable in her turn on the Sonoma Spiel podcast. She talks her journey from a young immigrant to America in 1967, following her father who worked in the fields, to her education at UC San Diego, to starting a Latino family-owned winery with her husband Pedro and his brother Armando and his wife Martha. Now a grandmother, and with her children in the business, Amelia talks about the tasting experiences and showcases two of her wines, all the while keeping up a patter of stories about wine, farming, cooking and how fortunate she is to have settled in the North Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area. And like all of our guests, she takes a turn answering questions from visitors. This week she takes on: Can I use Uber or Lyft to go between wineries in Sonoma Valley? What if I don't drink wine - are there things to do? I would like to buy locally-made crafts. Where can I find a place? We are going to a preview movie for the Sonoma Film Festival at the Sebastiani Theatre. We need to find a hotel nearby – any suggestions? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Find out more about Ceja Vineyards at www.cejavineyards.com. It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Margo Lowe moved her jewelry store from Berkeley (just outside the gates of Cal - Go Bears!) to Sonoma (just across from the Plaza - Go Dragons!) On a wide-ranging podcast she talks about her journey from Pittsburgh (good bagels) to Berkeley (neighbor to Alice Waters' Chez Panisse) and then to Sonoma. Then she takes on answering YOUR Sonoma Valley questions during "We Get Questions." This week she answers: 1) We are from Michigan, visiting our son who is stationed at Travis Air Force Base, and we heard about this place called the Plaza, but we don’t see a mall anywhere. What is a Plaza in California and where is it? 2) Where can I get a good hamburger? 3) Hi this is Brent here from San Diego. We will be up in the Sonoma County area for two weeks this winter. Are there any wine passes or are there any 2-for-1 coupons available for Bedrock and Kunde wineries, or a few others in the area? 4) Winter means fruitcake! Where can I buy a fruitcake? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

This week on the Sonoma Spiel we are looking back at some of the best of "We Get Questions" where we make our guests answer the questions we get from visitors. Featured guests include Michelle Lacy from Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and Mark Bodenhamer of the Chamber of Commerce, Chef Lauren Kershner from Songbird Parlour, and Laura McGilley of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Bart Hansen of Dane Cellars. The know stuff, and they are ready to share it with you! Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma Valley, California. Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us 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 Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

We've got goldengroves unleaving, as fall is here and the vines are changing colors and winter is coming and the holidays beckon. Luckily to help us navigate the change and talk about Sonoma Valley is Ryan Lely, the creative force and eye behind Pangloss Cellars and Repris Wines. He also knows about the secret winery, that is hiding - in plain sight mind you- at Pangloss. Ryan talks about how to create a unified look for a winery, photography and some of his favorite places in Sonoma Valley, some of which seem to employ his cousins and siblings, of which there seem to be many. He then lies and says that when he worked for Francis Ford Coppola's winery, which was cleverly named Francis Ford Coppola Winery, that his buddy Frank never asked him tips on photography or set design. So humble, Mr. Lely. Then he takes a turn in the hot seat, answering questions that we get from visitors during our segment, "We Get Questions." This week he tackles: Hola. We are visiting from Puerto Rico. We would like to get a fun t-shirt or hat that says Sonoma. Where can I find this? We have a whole lot of people coming for Thanksgiving – the inlaws, the cousins, the college kids, the college kids’ friends, that one neighbor who is angling for an invitation- and really I need to know- what are the best wines to serve for Thanksgiving? We just got here from Minnesota. Any recommendations on what to do today? Looking for a brunch spot with bottomless mimosas that can host a large group on a Sunday & wouldn’t be annoyed to do so. Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Thanks to Patricia & Scott from Stockton for listening! It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Kelly Bass Seibel from Sonoma County Tourism joins the Sonoma Spiel podcast to talk about the great and wonderful world that exists beyond the borders of Sonoma Valley, and disavows us of the notion that there be dragons there. Actually, there's a river, some beaches and a place called Rohnert Park. Kelly got her start in tourism via a circuitous route, but her start in Sonoma began with Sea Ranch and then a degree from Sonoma State University (Go Seawolves!) While we hear about her family drives up from LA, we also find out what there is to see and do in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, Guerneville, Jenner, Healdsburg and more. She also admits that her dad specialized in capturing sound for movies, so maybe we can hire him to help with our podcast. Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. This week she answers: Next week, we'll be doing a split stay between Downtown Napa and Healdsburg. I'm looking for recommendations on a winery to stop at on our drive to Healdsburg. We're thinking of visiting a tasting room and having lunch in Downtown Sonoma, but we're open to all suggestions! (via Facebook) Does anyone have any favorite bakeries and places to get cheese? I like going to farmers markets but would love to know of a good local place that i can always go to. Thanks! You keep trying to hand me booklets and information when I walk by here – are you Jehovah’s Witnesses? I have purchased a number of bottles of olive oil from Green String Farm, over the years. Suddenly, with their closing I am jonesing for a fix. Who has found an acceptable, and locally sourced alternative? Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers. Want more info about Sonoma Valley - go to www.sonomavalley.com Dare to go beyond the Valley into the greater, wider Sonoma County? Go to www.sonomacounty.com It's Sonoma Valley's top podcast and you find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF