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The Sonoma Spiel

Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau

California’s Sonoma Wine Country is known as a feast for the senses - amazing food and wine, beautiful mountains and redwood forests, and charming small towns. Go deeper into the best of Sonoma Wine Country with the Sonoma Spiel, where we talk about what’s happening in and around Sonoma Valley with guests like farmers, chefs, wine makers, artists and interesting guest stars.

Plus, we answer YOUR questions about visiting California’s famed wine country during our recurring feature, ”We Get Questions.” Send us a question via email (info@sonomavalley.com) or tag us on one of our pages (From Facebook to IG to TikTok) and we might just answer your question

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S1 · E178
October 7 · 54 min
Feeling Like A Local: Kendall Comfort on 30 Years at Sonoma Valley Hotel
What makes a hotel feel like part of its hometown? For Kendall Comfort, General Manager of Sonoma Valley Inn, it starts with the people. This week on The Sonoma Spiel, Kendall joins Tim Zahner for a conversation about growing up in Sonoma, building a hospitality career, and helping visitors feel at home in wine country. Approaching 30 years with the same hotel, she shares how a front desk job became a career spanning meetings, events, and hotel management. Kendall takes us behind the scenes at Sonoma Valley Inn, discussing its family ownership, walkable location near Sonoma Plaza, and place within Hilton’s Tapestry Collection. We also talk about guest reviews, communicating special requests before arrival, and the joys—and occasional surprises—of welcoming travelers with pets. In “We Get Questions,” we tackle Thanksgiving visits, quieter-season travel, ferry connections for a Sonoma trip, California state park careers, stops in Forestville, and ideas for a Sunday in Sonoma. There’s also an unexpected detour into Kendall’s love of horses. Expect practical travel ideas, local stories, and a few very memorable animal encounters. IN THIS EPISODE • Travel inspiration from Rick Steves • Kendall’s journey from front desk to general manager • Staying near Sonoma Plaza and exploring on foot • Family ownership and Hilton’s Tapestry Collection • Making your hotel stay smoother through communication • Thanksgiving travel and quieter-season opportunities • Ferry travel and onward connections to Sonoma • Forestville stops and Sunday activities • Horses, hospitality, and hometown connections Plan your visit: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Explore the Sonoma Tasting Pass: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Send us your Sonoma questions: Call or text 707-996-1090 Email info@sonomavalley.com The Sonoma Spiel is presented by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. Follow the podcast for more conversations with the people who make Sonoma Valley special.
S1 · E177
September 30 · 1 hr 8 min
Bruncherias & Where Else to Eat in Sonoma: Restaurant Discoveries with Heather Irwin (plus Milkshakes!)
Come hungry: Sonoma Magazine dining editor Heather Irwin returns to The Sonoma Spiel for a lively conversation about Sonoma Valley and Sonoma County restaurants, food trends, and the people behind the plates. Heather and host Tim Zahner sip milkshakes from Smash while talking about Spread Kitchen’s dirty fries, burgers at Little Lou’s, Swiss Hotel’s back patio, and the pleasures of discovering a restaurant you’ve overlooked for years. Is brunch really dead? Heather makes the case for the “brunchería,” where Mexican-inspired breakfast dishes, family gatherings, and mimosa flights keep the brunch spirit alive. We also discuss early dinner reservations, later dining, and why Sonoma’s farms and local ingredients remain at the heart of its food scene. Heather shares the story of founding Sonoma Family Meal after the 2017 wildfires and its evolution into culinary training. She also explains why her food writing focuses on people and stories—and why supporting local journalism matters. In “We Get Questions,” we tackle seafood stops, restaurant ideas for a group of 10, and a wine-country outing that begins with the ferry and SMART train before meeting a local driver. One question remains: Where are the great nachos? Send us your recommendations! Read Heather’s work: https://www.sonomamag.com/ https://www.pressdemocrat.com/ Plan your visit and find Sonoma Valley restaurants, events, lodging, and special offers: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Explore the Sonoma Tasting Pass: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass The Sonoma Spiel is hosted by Tim Zahner, CEO of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau.
S1 · E176
September 24 · 1 hr 2 min
Jimi Good of Oak Hill Farm: Pumpkins, Produce & a Trebuchet
Jimi Good grows food at Oak Hill Farm in Glen Ellen, but around October, well all know him as “the pumpkin guy.” Jimi joins The Sonoma Spiel to tell the story of Pumpkin Day, including how a harvest gathering with pumpkins and fresh-pressed cider acquired a trebuchet. The conversation wanders through Oak Hill Farm’s history, Jimi and Melissa Bucklin’s approach to farming, New Mexico green chiles, winter squash, and a beloved fingerling potato. Jimi also joins Tim for “We Get Questions,” answering visitor questions about Sonoma Valley. Find Oak Hill Farm, its Red Barn Store hours, and event information at https://www.oakhillfarm.net/. Plan a Sonoma Valley visit at https://www.sonomavalley.com/.
S1 · E175
September 15 · 1 hr 2 min
Behind the Bell of the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley with Paul Hendricks
What does it take to drive a trolley full of wine tasters around Sonoma Valley—and keep everyone informed and entertained along the way? Paul Hendricks of the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley joins The Sonoma Spiel to talk about his 11 years as a trolley driver and guide. His unconventional journey includes living in Germany, working around the Los Angeles music scene, studying improv in Chicago and leading international travelers on multiweek adventures through America’s national parks. Paul explains how the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley combines local history, winery visits, lunch and plenty of humor. He also shares advice for new wine tasters, discusses the appeal of Sonoma’s family-owned wineries and answers practical visitor questions about shipping wine home, evening dining, nonalcoholic options, children at tastings and tipping a tour guide. Learn more or reserve a tour: https://sonomavalleywinetrolley.com/ Plan your Sonoma Valley visit: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Save up to 25% with the Sonoma Tasting Pass: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Questions about Sonoma Valley? Email info@sonomavalley.com or text 707-996-1090.
S1 · E174
September 9 · 1 hr 7 min
Sonoma Pumpkin Spice Episode 2026: The Revenge of AllSpice + Fall Preview | Michelle & Mark
Pumpkin patches, grape stomps, haunted wineries—and a pumpkin-spice taste test nobody asked for! Michelle Lacy of the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau and Mark Bodenhamer of the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce join Tim Zahner for a lively guide to fall in Sonoma Valley. Discover seasonal events, harvest experiences, fall hikes, Halloween celebrations and pumpkin patches around Sonoma, Glen Ellen and Kenwood. The group also shares recommendations for restaurants, breakfast, coffee, pastries and the best places to see fall colors. Meanwhile, Tim challenges Michelle and Mark to sample an increasingly questionable assortment of pumpkin-spice coffee, pretzels, rice cakes, snack cakes and protein bars. Plan your Sonoma Valley getaway: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Learn more about the Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce: https://sonomachamber.org/ Save up to 25% on wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass The Sonoma Spiel is produced by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. Visit one of our two visitor centers, email info@sonomavalley.com or text 707-996-1090 for personalized recommendations. Listen and follow: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 · E173
September 4 · 20 min
BONUS! 2026 Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival Guide with Robyn Sebastiani
The Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival returns September 24–27, 2026, and Robyn Sebastiani of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance joins Tim Zahner with everything you need to know. Sonoma’s signature harvest celebration includes a communal Harvest Dinner around City Hall, dueling pianos, a 5K and one-mile fun run, the Blessing of the Grapes, the historic grape stomp, a free daytime festival, live music, local artisans, family activities and the Sonoma Valley Grand Tasting at the historic Sonoma Barracks. Robyn also explains the festival’s “Year of Community” theme, its support for local nonprofits and student scholarships, limited-edition Sonoma Valley wines and the Lighted Tractor Parade coming after Thanksgiving. Festival details and tickets: https://valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org/ Plan your Sonoma Valley getaway: https://www.sonomavalley.com/
S1 · E172
September 4 · 56 min
Vintner, Vendor, Soldier, Spy: Peter Sichel's Journey from Nazi Germany to CIA to wine merchant | Bettina Sichel
Peter Sichel escaped Nazi Germany, joined the U.S. Army after Pearl Harbor, worked for the OSS during World War II and became a CIA station chief in Berlin at the dawn of the Cold War. He later returned to his family’s wine business and helped turn Blue Nun into an international phenomenon. His daughter, Bettina Sichel of Laurel Glen Vineyard, shares the extraordinary story behind the documentary “The Last Spy”—from her father’s work with the French Resistance and early Cold War intelligence operations to his growing concerns about the CIA’s involvement in overthrowing foreign governments. Bettina also explains why she created Laurel Glen’s PS Riesling as a tribute to her father, complete with a tiny blue nun on the label. The conversation also covers: • Peter Sichel’s Jewish family and their escape from Nazi Germany • His recruitment into the OSS, the predecessor to the CIA • The birth of the Cold War and his leadership in Berlin • The remarkable discovery of 250,000 cases of family wine beneath wartime rubble • His criticism of dangerous CIA covert operations • The marketing campaign that made Blue Nun famous • Laurel Glen Vineyard, Cabernet Sauvignon and PS Riesling • How winemakers use Brix measurements to decide when to harvest • Winery reservations, hidden-gem tasting rooms and Sonoma dining recommendations “The Last Spy,” directed by Katharina Otto-Bernstein, will be presented at Sonoma’s historic Sebastiani Theatre on October 22 and 23, 2026, with live Q&A programs. THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22: https://events.sebastianitheatre.com/the-last-spy/ FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23: https://events.sebastianitheatre.com/the-last-spy-with-live-qa/ WATCH THE OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX0DRUJ7pi0 LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FILM: https://www.menemshafilms.com/the-last-spy VISIT LAUREL GLEN VINEYARD: https://laurelglen.com/ PLAN YOUR SONOMA VALLEY VISIT: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ SAVE UP TO 25% ON WINE TASTING: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Listen to The Sonoma Spiel: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b #TheLastSpy #PeterSichel #SonomaValley
S1 · E171
August 26 · 1 hr
Pickles & Fermentation with Sam Paone of Golden State Pickle Works
What turns a cucumber into a naturally fermented pickle—and how is that different from simply adding vinegar? Sam Paone, founder of Golden State Pickle Works and Collective Cultures, joins Tim Zahner for a delicious tour of pickles, probiotics and Sonoma County farmers market culture. Sam shares how growing up in Hawaii, working in Bay Area kitchens and cooking with just-picked Sonoma produce inspired her to start preserving vegetables instead of wasting them. She also walks Tim through an impressive tasting menu: deli-style half-sour cucumbers, fermented ranch potato salad, Pepperonata Slaw, Allium Aioli, fermented strawberry-cucumber relish and probiotic gazpacho. They also discuss: • How salt, water and beneficial bacteria transform vegetables • The difference between fermented and vinegar pickles • Why pickling cucumbers can be surprisingly difficult for small producers to find • Sam’s hands-on fermentation workshops • Her food series, Jarring Everything • The best way to shop at a farmers market • The secret trades vendors make at the end of market day During “We Get Questions,” Sam helps answer visitor questions about places to eat before Broadway Under the Stars, boutique Sonoma Valley wineries, bringing children to wineries, the 30th anniversary of Scream and where to find fermented foods around Sonoma. SHOP, LEARN AND FIND WORKSHOPS Golden State Pickle Works: https://goldenstatepickleworks.com/ Watch Jarring Everything: https://www.youtube.com/@goldenstatepickleworks PLAN YOUR SONOMA VALLEY GETAWAY Events, lodging, wineries and special offers: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Save up to 25% on wine tasting with the Sonoma Tasting Pass: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass LISTEN TO THE SONOMA SPIEL Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b #SonomaValley #Fermentation #Pickles
S1 · E170
August 19 · 54 min
Military Honor on Trial: General Joseph Hooker’s Sonoma Scandal | Travis Wagner
Long before Joseph Hooker became a prominent Union general, he was stationed in Gold Rush-era Sonoma, where a bitter dispute with Army engineer and humorist George H. Derby led to accusations, arrests and two extraordinary courts-martial. Local historian and author Travis Wagner joins Tim Zahner to discuss his book, Military Honor on Trial: The Saga of Joseph Hooker and George H. Derby. Travis traces the conflict between the ambitious, notoriously prickly Hooker and Derby, a gifted satirist who wrote as John Phoenix and Squibob. Their feud involved a stolen horse, competing ideas about military authority and allegations that Hooker profited from selling Army supplies. It also drew in officers who would later become major Civil War figures, including Henry Halleck and William T. Sherman. The conversation ranges across Sonoma’s Mexican and military history, the Russian presence at Fort Ross, California’s early theater culture and a newspaper prank that changed San Diego politics. In “We Get Questions,” Travis and Tim discuss family-owned Sonoma Valley wineries, tipping tour guides, the Sonoma Plaza restrooms, the historical flags displayed around town and why locals call it the Sonoma Plaza—not the Sonoma Square. Order Military Honor on Trial: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/military-honor-on-trial-the-saga-of-joseph-hooker-and-george-h-derby Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Plan your visit: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Call or text: 707-996-1090 Email: info@sonomavalley.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceSonomaValley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonoma_valley/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sonoma_valley YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 · E169
August 12 · 52 min
Codi Binkley on B&V Sonoma, the Codi Burger, Music and a Pirate Flag
Codi Binkley grew up touring in a converted school bus, became a musician and eventually helped transform a long-vacant building on Sonoma Plaza into B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille. Codi joins Sonoma Spiel host Tim Zahner to share stories from his unconventional Sonoma journey. He explains how he and Executive Chef Carlo Cavallo built B&V, why its early days were filled with live music and how his experiences touring with The Whiskey Thieves shaped his approach to hospitality. And then the good stuff: an oversized burger bearing Codi’s name, the pirate flag that stirred up controversy, rumors of tunnels beneath Sonoma Plaza and a hidden wishing well. During “We Get Questions,” Codi and Tim answer practical wine-country questions, including what to wear wine tasting, where visitors can stomp grapes, whether Sonoma Valley has cooperative tasting rooms and which winery experiences may work well for families traveling with children. Learn more about B&V Whiskey Bar & Grille, view the menu or make a reservation: https://bvsonoma.com/ Find Codi Binkley’s music and upcoming performances: https://www.codibinkley.com/ SAVE ON SONOMA WINE TASTINGS Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass ABOUT THE SONOMA SPIEL The Sonoma Spiel introduces you to the people, places and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special destination. The podcast is produced by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau. Plan your Sonoma Valley visit: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Questions about Sonoma Valley? Email: info@sonomavalley.com Call or text: 707-996-1090 Follow Experience Sonoma Valley: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceSonomaValley Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonoma_valley/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experiencesonomavalley VISIT OUR SONOMA VALLEY VISITOR CENTERS Historic Sonoma Plaza 24 East Spain Street at the Toscano Hotel Sonoma, CA 95476 Jacuzzi Family Vineyards 24724 Arnold Drive Sonoma, CA 95476 WATCH AND LISTEN YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b #SonomaValley #TheSonomaSpiel #BVSonoma
S1 · E168
August 3 · 1 hr 2 min
Gundlach Bundschu: 168 Years of Sonoma Wine with Katie Bundschu
Six generations, 168 harvests and one unforgettable six-wheeled vineyard vehicle: Katie Bundschu shares the story of Gundlach Bundschu, California’s oldest family-owned winery. Katie explains how Rhinefarm was established in 1858, how the Gundlach and Bundschu families came together, and how the winery survived Prohibition and generations of change. She also talks about leaving Sonoma to pursue a career in college athletics fundraising—and what eventually brought her home to the family business. Today, “Gun Bun” combines wine, history, regenerative organic farming and live music. Katie takes us inside the Pinz Excursion through the vineyards, the Donkey Bar, the winery’s amphitheater and historic Redwood Barn. She also discusses an unusually early beginning to Sonoma’s 2026 grape harvest. Over a glass of dry estate Gewürztraminer, Katie and host Tim Zahner explore library wines, Chardonnay, Tempranillo, farming at Rhinefarm and the qualities that make Sonoma Valley feel like home. During “We Get Questions,” Katie helps answer questions about the Bear Flag Revolt, finding great Chardonnay, sweet and semi-sweet Sonoma wines, visiting during the fall, dog-friendly businesses and how to convince someone to move to Sonoma. VISIT GUNDLACH BUNDSCHU Website: https://www.gunbun.com/ Tours and tastings: https://www.gunbun.com/visit/ Concerts and events: https://www.gunbun.com/events/ PLAN YOUR SONOMA VALLEY VISIT Discover wineries, restaurants, lodging and upcoming events: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass GOT A SONOMA QUESTION? Email info@sonomavalley.com, text 707-996-1090, find us on Facebook, Instagram or TikTok, or stop by one of our two Sonoma Valley visitor centers. LISTEN TO THE SONOMA SPIEL Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 · E167
July 22 · 53 min
Free Live Music on Sonoma Plaza | Melissa Bingham of Music in Place
Every Sunday afternoon, Sonoma Plaza becomes one of Wine Country's best live-music venues—and the concerts are free. Melissa Bingham, Executive Director of Music in Place, joins Tim Zahner to discuss Sonoma Sundays on the Plaza, featuring live music from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Grinstead Amphitheater. The 2026 series runs from June 7 through October 4, with everything from funk, jazz and bluegrass to bossa nova, zydeco, swing and Oktoberfest music. Music in Place began during the pandemic as a way to keep musicians and production professionals working. Today, the nonprofit presents free community concerts, intimate ticketed performances, youth music education programs and the MIP Cabaret series. Melissa also explains how In Place Productions helps people book professional musicians for weddings, conferences, house parties and other events—with proceeds helping support free concerts, music education and paid opportunities for artists. Then it’s time for “We Get Questions,” including: • Which Sonoma Valley wineries should first-time visitors try? • When are Sonoma’s farmers markets? • Where can you find live music around Sonoma? • Where should someone go for authentic French food? • Why doesn’t Sonoma have many stoplights? • When does the wine-grape harvest begin? Learn more about Music in Place: https://musicinplace.org/ See the Sonoma Sundays on the Plaza schedule: https://musicinplace.org/sonoma-sundays-on-the-plaza/ Book musicians through In Place Productions: https://musicinplace.org/in-place-productions/ Plan your Sonoma Valley visit: https://www.sonomavalley.com Need help planning? Call or text the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau at 707-996-1090. Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Listen to The Sonoma Spiel: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b #SonomaValley #LiveMusic #SonomaPlaza
S1 · E166
July 14 · 52 min
Postcards from Dvořák with Eric Zivian and Viola Player Rose Nellis | Valley of the Moon Music Festival
Antonín Dvořák traveled from Bohemia to Vienna, England, Russia and the United States—and the people, places and musical traditions he encountered helped shape his work. Valley of the Moon Music Festival co-founder and artistic director Eric Zivian returns to the Sonoma Spiel with viola player Rose Nellis of the Amizia Quartet. Together, they preview “Postcards from Dvořák,” a festival season inspired by the composer’s travels around the world. Eric explains how Dvořák rose from modest beginnings in Bohemia to become an internationally celebrated composer. His curiosity led him to explore music from many cultures, including African American spirituals and Native American musical traditions during his time in the United States. Rose shares what life is like as a professional chamber musician, how the internationally based Amizia Quartet rehearses and travels together, and why the viola occupies such an important place inside a string quartet. She also answers a surprisingly complicated question: Is a viola simply a large violin, or is a violin an undersized viola? One of Rose’s favorite descriptions compares a string quartet to a bottle of wine: The first violin is the label, the cello is the bottle, and the viola and second violin are the wine. Rose also performs the Prelude from Bach’s Cello Suite No. 3 live in the studio. The conversation covers: • Dvořák’s travels through Europe and the United States • His connections to Harry T. Burleigh and American spirituals • The difference between a viola and a violin • Fortepianos, gut strings and historical performance • The Amizia Quartet’s international rehearsal schedule • The Festival’s apprenticeship and fellowship programs • Free, family-friendly and outdoor concerts in Sonoma Valley • Why arts education matters • Sonoma picnic supplies, sandwiches, coffee and bicycle parking The conversation concludes with another round of “We Get Questions,” featuring visitor questions about picnic provisions, Sonoma sandwiches, California maps and where to park a bicycle around the Sonoma Plaza. VALLEY OF THE MOON MUSIC FESTIVAL Festival information and tickets: https://valleyofthemoonmusicfestival.org/ SONOMA TASTING PASS Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass. Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass PLAN YOUR SONOMA VALLEY VISIT Visit: https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Email: info@sonomavalley.com Text: 707-996-1090 Or visit one of our two Sonoma Valley visitor centers. LISTEN AND FOLLOW Apple Podcasts: 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 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceSonomaValley Instagram and TikTok: @ExperienceSonomaValley
S1 · E165
July 7 · 58 min
From Las Vegas Theater Kid to Sonoma Wine Host: Chris Schreiner of Platt Vineyard
Chris Schreiner of Platt Vineyard joins The Sonoma Spiel for a conversation that starts with peaches in Sonoma Valley and winds its way through Las Vegas, theater kids, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, wine clones, toasted barrels, Sonoma Plaza tasting rooms, and the cool-climate vineyards of the West Sonoma Coast. Platt Vineyard’s new tasting salon is located just off the Sonoma Plaza on First Street West, while the vineyard itself sits far to the west near the coast, where fog, redwoods, ocean influence, and carefully planted Chardonnay and Pinot Noir shape the wines. Chris explains how Platt’s fruit became highly sought after by respected winemakers, why the estate now makes wines under its own label, and what visitors can expect from a tasting. Tim and Chris also keep things friendly for newer wine drinkers, breaking down terms like “stone fruit,” “buttery Chardonnay,” “toast,” “clones,” “terroir,” and “microclimate” without making anyone feel like they need a wine dictionary. Then Chris joins the “We Get Questions” segment for a Sonoma Plaza scavenger hunt covering ducks, the visitor center, the Bear Flag Revolt, Sweet Scoops, the Sonoma Mission, General Vallejo, and more. Learn more about Platt Vineyard at https://www.plattvineyard.com/en/ Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass: https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Find more Sonoma Valley travel ideas at https://www.sonomavalley.com/ Listen to The Sonoma Spiel on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and watch on YouTube.
S1 · E164
June 30 · 54 min
Green Music Center’s Summer Concerts, Movies & Fireworks in Sonoma County
Summer nights at the Green Music Center are built for picnics on the lawn, big-name concerts, family movies, fireworks, and that unmistakable feeling of hearing live music under the stars. Andy Shepherd and Erin Donohue from the Green Music Center at Sonoma State University join the Sonoma Spiel podcast to preview Summer at the Green 2026, a season that brings together the July 4th Fireworks Spectacular, Gin Blossoms and Blues Traveler with Spin Doctors, Wynonna Judd and Melissa Etheridge, Andy Grammer, NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!, Jake Owen, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue with St. Paul & The Broken Bones, TajMo with Taj Mahal and Keb’ Mo’, Boz Scaggs, chamber music, and family-friendly Movies at the Green. They also get into what makes the Green Music Center such a special Sonoma County venue: Weill Hall’s back wall opens to the lawn, giving guests the choice of sitting inside, reserving tables outside, or spreading out picnic-style on the grass. Bring the family, bring dinner, enjoy concessions and food trucks, and settle in for summer performances in Rohnert Park, just over the hill from Sonoma Valley. Then Andy and Erin are deputized for “We Get Questions,” answering real visitor questions about Mexican restaurants in the Springs, where to try Pinot Noir, gluten-free lunch options, wine shops, and where to find a pressed penny machine souvenir. Green Music Center Summer at the Green: https://gmc.sonoma.edu/summer-at-the-green-2026/ Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Listen to more Sonoma Spiel: 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 Have a question about Sonoma Valley? Email info@sonomavalley.com or text 707-996-1090. Find more things to do, places to stay, wineries, restaurants, events, and special offers at: https://www.sonomavalley.com
S1 · E163
June 16 · 1 hr 1 min
Escape the Wine Road: Beth Costa on Bubbles, Wine Events and Why Can't We Work Together, People...
Beth Costa brought bubbles, stories and 26 years of Wine Road wisdom to the Sonoma Spiel. After more than two decades leading Wine Road in Northern Sonoma County, Beth Costa has retired — just as Wine Road celebrates its 50th anniversary. Beth joins Tim from the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau to talk about how Wine Road grew from a hand-drawn map and a handful of wineries into one of Sonoma County’s best-known wine tourism organizations. On the road we discover Barrel Tasting, Winter WINEland, Wine & Food Affair, wine futures, winery collaboration, the early days of websites and fax machines, the rise of wine podcasts, and why sparkling wine belongs in your fridge every day — not just for celebrations. Beth also talks about Wine Road’s podcast, her career path from retail to Kendall-Jackson to Wine Road, the changing wine tasting experience, how wineries can stay approachable, and what retirement might look like: gardening, champagne, felt birthday crowns and absolutely no unnecessary meetings. Wine Road represents wineries and experiences across Northern Sonoma County, including Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley and Russian River Valley. Beth’s successor, Katie Ambrosi, stepped into the Executive Director role as Wine Road prepared for its 50th anniversary year. Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass
S1 · E162
June 10 · 47 min
Temptations Under the Stars: Broadway Bash in Sonoma with Mama Mia, Radio Recall & Ain't Too Proud
Summer in Sonoma already comes with a lot going for it. Add Broadway songs, live musicians, oak trees, a picnic, a glass of wine, and a stage under the evening sky, and you’re in Transcendence territory. Tony Gonzalez and Lace Scott stop by to talk about what’s ahead for Transcendence Theatre Company as it opens a new chapter in downtown Sonoma. This year’s season brings a fresh location, a new setup, and a major creative shift toward full musicals, beginning with Ain’t Too Proud: The Life and Times of the Temptations, followed by Radio Recall and Mamma Mia! later in the summer. They also talk about the artists coming in from Broadway and beyond, the excitement around this year’s cast, and why the company feels like it’s taking a big step forward without losing what people already love about Broadway Under the Stars. The conversation also wanders through hotel packages, picnics, partner restaurants, special seating options, Fourth of July with the Santa Rosa Symphony, and the kind of joyful summer arts scene that makes Sonoma Valley feel bigger than its size. It’s theater, music, hospitality, and a little bit of magic all bundled together into one very Sonoma experience. Learn more and get tickets at www.bestnightever.org. The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 · E161
May 20 · 59 min
Cat Smith on the Sonoma Community Center, Scream, Pride, Art, and the Secret Garden
The Sonoma Community Center is one of those places that keeps surprising people. It’s an old school building that became Woodsboro High in Scream, a place where horror fans still come looking for the staircase, and also a working arts and cultural center filled with ceramics, printmaking, cooking classes, dance, comedy, fiber arts, community events, and more creative energy than seems possible under one roof. Cat Smith joins Tim Zahner to talk about what makes the Center so special, from its history and architecture to the way it continues to evolve as a gathering place for Sonoma. They get into the annual Scream screening, Sonoma Valley Pride events, the Pride & Community gallery show, and the upcoming Priscilla Queen of the Center dinner and drag performance in the Secret Garden. Along the way, Cat shares her own Sonoma story, from growing up here to moving to San Diego, studying theater, and eventually coming back to see the town in a completely new way. There’s also talk of ravioli classes, screen printing, costumes, stage fright, cowboy boots, secret bakeries, and why the Sonoma Community Center is one of those places where there is always something happening, even if you had no idea you needed it in your life until someone mentioned it. Learn more at sonomacommunitycenter.org. The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 · E160
May 6 · 58 min
Bears, Bald Mountain, and Big Views at Sugarloaf State Park - John Roney Comes Down the Mountain
Head up Adobe Canyon Road and Sonoma starts to change. The valley floor drops away, the air cools off, and Sugarloaf Ridge State Park opens into one of the wildest, most beautiful parts of Sonoma Valley. John Roney joins Tim to talk about what makes the park so special: nearly 5,000 acres of protected land, about 30 miles of trails, campsites, glamping tents, redwoods, waterfalls, wildlife, and the kind of views that make you forget you’re still only about half an hour from the Sonoma Plaza. Along the way, John gets into the park’s partnership with the Sonoma Ecology Center, the volunteer energy that helps keep so much of it going, and the many ways people can experience Sugarloaf — whether that means a steep climb up Bald Mountain, a gentler walk through the redwoods, a first camping trip, a forest bathing session, or a night at the observatory under some very dark skies. There’s also plenty of talk about the wildlife up there, including black bears, mountain lions, badgers, minks, rattlesnakes, and the very real science of tracking animals through trail cams and scat surveys. Add in the Planet Walk, park living rooms, full moon hikes, the Sugar Shuttle, and the Fourth of July Bald Mountain fireworks hike, and you’ve got a mountain-sized conversation about one of Sonoma Valley’s great outdoor treasures. Learn more about Sugarloaf Ridge State Park at www.sugarloafpark.org. The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
S1 · E159
April 28 · 49 min
Justin Wilson of MacArthur Place on Luxury Hospitality in Sonoma Valley
Justin Wilson of MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa joins The Sonoma Spiel for a conversation about hospitality, local character, and what makes one of Sonoma’s best-known boutique hotels feel both elevated and genuinely welcoming. Justin talks about MacArthur Place’s roots as a historic ranch and vineyard, its evolution into a luxury property just off the plaza, and the philosophy behind making it feel like a place for both visitors and locals. Tim and Justin also get into the Porch coffee shop, Leila restaurant, the spa, weddings, poolside events, Music Mondays, Burgers & Bordeaux, and the newer Som Saturdays classes that bring a little wine and cocktail education into the mix. It’s a good look at how MacArthur Place has built a distinct Sonoma identity by combining comfort, style, and a strong sense of place. Along the way, Justin shares his own path through the hospitality world, from bussing tables at 15 to working with Four Seasons and Fairmont before landing in Sonoma Valley, where he and his wife decided they wanted to stay for good. It’s a warm, wide-ranging episode about service, community, and why genuine hospitality matters. Learn more about MacArthur Place at macarthurplace.com. The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b

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