The Sonoma Spiel

Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
  • 5.0 (19)
  • PLACES & TRAVEL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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

  1. Show your bib! Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon + Rosé 5K (w/ Gretchen Schoenstein)

    1D AGO

    Show your bib! Napa to Sonoma Half Marathon + Rosé 5K (w/ Gretchen Schoenstein)

    Gretchen Schoenstein returns to The Sonoma Spiel for a third appearance—host of the Finish Line Moments podcast and a key part of the team behind the Napa to Sonoma Wine Country Half Marathon + Rosé 5K. Tim and Gretchen talk about what makes this race weekend feel like a true Sonoma Valley celebration (not a “fly-in, fly-out” event), including the popular Show Your Bib program that encourages runners to explore local businesses, wineries, and neighborhoods throughout the weekend. Gretchen also shares what Finish Line Moments is all about—how running stories (and life stories) connect us—and what she’s covering next in the running world. In “We Get Questions,” they answer quick visitor FAQs about the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley, what to do with a 20-year-old in Sonoma, wine tasting costs for groups, where to find hot cross buns, when the Plaza roses bloom, and fun nighttime ideas (speakeasies, shows, stargazing, and more). Race info: runnapatosonoma.com Finish Line Moments: finishlinemoments.com  🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, 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

    59 min
  2. Wine Country Concierge Explains: The Lodge at Sonoma with Laurie Noble & Evan Purslow

    MAR 4

    Wine Country Concierge Explains: The Lodge at Sonoma with Laurie Noble & Evan Purslow

    Think you know Sonoma Valley? Sonoma podcast host Tim Zahner will be the first to tell you… he’s “expert-adjacent.” 😄 On this episode of The Sonoma Spiel podcast, Tim hangs out with two pros from The Lodge at Sonoma who 'actually' know how the magic happens: Lori Noble — Hospitality Coordinator & Concierge (she can build your perfect Sonoma day in about 90 seconds)   Evan Perslow — Marketing Manager (former Vans shoe-store guy who can basically guess your shoe size on sight) We talk concierge myths (“Do I have to pay extra?” “Is it fancy?” “Can they really get me in?”), how travelers plan trips now (spoiler: a lot of people arrive with zero reservations), and what the Lodge at Sonoma offers—from cottage-style rooms and spa vibes to on-site dining and an easy shuttle to the Plaza. Then we jump into "We Get Questions” with quick, super-local tips on: Best bar seating for solo travelers   Easy 60–90 minute hikes (Sonoma Overlook Trail + more)   Mustard flower baby photos… without trespassing   Sparkling wine picks   Great patios for lunch with a small group   Where to find beer options if not everyone wants wine   More info: The Lodge at Sonoma: thelodgeatsonoma.com Sonoma Valley events: sonomavalley.com    🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, 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

    1h 1m
  3. Sonoma Valley E-Bike Rentals + Self-Guided Winery Routes | Vine & Vista Tours (Dog-Friendly!)

    FEB 24

    Sonoma Valley E-Bike Rentals + Self-Guided Winery Routes | Vine & Vista Tours (Dog-Friendly!)

    Host Tim Zahner welcomes Jeremy Noland of Vine & Vista Tours, an e-bike rental experience based in Kenwood that’s helping visitors explore Sonoma Valley in a fun, self-guided, eco-friendly way—often with dogs along for the ride (including sidecar setups for larger pups). Jeremy shares how the idea started, what makes their premium e-bikes different, how routes are curated with safety in mind, and the best ways to experience Kenwood and Glen Ellen by bike—wineries, parks, and great local food stops included. In the “We Get Questions” segment, Jeremy helps answer visitor FAQs about self-guided winery biking, Sonoma food gifts that travel well, and buyout options for high-end corporate groups and private events. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, 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

    50 min
  4. Sonoma’s Tattooist Talks Trends, Travel Tattoos + “Sonoma Questions” | Jessie Marioni

    FEB 18

    Sonoma’s Tattooist Talks Trends, Travel Tattoos + “Sonoma Questions” | Jessie Marioni

    It’s late winter in Sonoma Valley—mustard in bloom, trees blossoming, and citrus everywhere—and Tim Zahner welcomes Jessie Marioni of Rosa Grande Tattoo to The Sonoma Spiel. Jessie shares how she became a tattoo artist, what’s changed in tattoo culture over the years, and why tattooing is as much about meaning, memory, and community as it is about art. They also talk trends, styles, and some of the most common “Sonoma visitor” tattoos. In the “We Get Questions” segment, Jessie helps answer real visitor questions about Swiss connections in Sonoma, a (wild) idea to rebuild Jack London’s Wolf House, planning Sonoma Sips for a large group, and what happened to the famous “LOVE” sculpture near Sonoma City Hall. More info: Rosa Grande Tattoo: rosagrandetattoo.com Events + Sonoma Sips details: sonomavalley.com 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, 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

    1h 2m
  5. From Sonoma to London and Back Again: The Kearsley Story of Fabrics, Linens and Craft

    FEB 11

    From Sonoma to London and Back Again: The Kearsley Story of Fabrics, Linens and Craft

    Host Tim Zahner (Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau) welcomes Sonoma local Heather Kearsley Wolf of Kersley for a wide-ranging conversation that blends design, entrepreneurship, history, and travel tips. Heather recounts the origin story of Kersley—how she went from construction and interior design to launching luxury linens and textiles produced with expert makers in Italy (and later the UK), navigating retail and trade showrooms, and evolving into custom work and hospitality collections. Along the way, she shares a fascinating look at textile craft and why bedding comfort comes down to fibers, weave, and real-world use—not just thread count. Then Heather joins Tim for the fan-favorite segment “We Get Questions,” answering real visitor questions like: • Best Italian restaurants in Sonoma • What to do if you only have a few hours in town • What the little “smoke puffs” in vineyards are (controlled burns?) • Where to buy Sonoma t-shirts locally Plus: a show-and-tell of Kearsley products (cashmere pillows, linens, and a beautifully made tote sewn right in Sonoma). 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Plan your trip + events: sonomavalley.com Don’t miss Sonoma SIPS (Feb 15–Mar 15): $15 wine tastings at 50+ wineries More info about Kearsley: www.Kearsleyhome.com Youtube: @kearsleyofficial https://heatherkearsleywolf.substack.com/ https://www.instagram.com/kearsleyofficial/ https://www.facebook.com/KearsleyLinens https://www.linkedin.com/company/kearsley-linens Blog: https://kearsleyhome.com/blogs/kearsleys-threads Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers.

    1h 10m
  6. What Most Visitors Miss in Downtown Sonoma: California State Parks

    FEB 3

    What Most Visitors Miss in Downtown Sonoma: California State Parks

    Host Tim Zahner welcomes California State Parks’ Peter Ostroskie for a deep dive into Sonoma Valley’s state parks—especially Sonoma State Historic Park in downtown Sonoma. They explore what visitors can see across the park’s historic sites (including Mission San Francisco Solano, the barracks, Blue Wing Inn, and more), what’s free vs. ticketed, and how the park interprets Sonoma’s layered early history. Then Peter jumps into a rapid-fire listener Q&A—covering everything from those mysterious white boxes in vineyard fields (spoiler: bees) to where to take a friend who doesn’t drink wine, plus concerts and jazz in September and ways to learn more about women’s history in Sonoma Valley (including the Women’s History Crawl). A fun, practical, story-filled episode for locals and first-time visitors alike. Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, text us at 707-996-1090 or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers.

    58 min
  7. Brittany Lee (Cluster Funk Studios): Art Lounge, DJ Sets, and Building Community Through Conversation

    JAN 28

    Brittany Lee (Cluster Funk Studios): Art Lounge, DJ Sets, and Building Community Through Conversation

    Tim Zahner (Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau) welcomes Britney Lee, founder of Cluster Funk Studios, for a wide-ranging winter conversation about art, music, and community. Britney shares how her signature paint parties are evolving into the “Art Lounge”—a casual, social creative event built around original designs and creative freedom rather than step-by-step instruction. They also dive into Britney’s journey from a first sip-and-paint experience in San Diego to building a full event setup—DJ booth, speakers, and all—plus the launch of her newest project, Conversation Club, designed to help people reconnect through in-person dialogue and long-form writing outside traditional social media. Plus: Tim’s visitor center “We Get Questions” segment (wildlife photography, winter activities, and more) and a reminder about Sonoma Sips (Feb 15–Mar 15) featuring $15 wine tastings. 🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3Ek3EkWQk8DObR9b

    1h 8m
  8. Kenwood’s Comeback: Hamilton Family Wines, Local Tours & Winter-Perfect Sonoma Valley

    JAN 21

    Kenwood’s Comeback: Hamilton Family Wines, Local Tours & Winter-Perfect Sonoma Valley

    Tim Zahner welcomes Lindsay and Greg Hamilton of Hamilton Family Wines in Kenwood for a conversation about Sonoma Valley’s winter beauty, Kenwood’s small-town revival, and the Hamiltons’ path from garage winemaking in Berkeley to launching a winery after losing their home in the 2017 fires. They dig into what makes Kenwood special, the village’s new energy (including eye-catching roadside sculptures), and ways to experience the area beyond a standard tasting—like PushPak electric trike tours that end with a wine tasting and charcuterie. Plus: kid-friendly tasting tips, label/appellation decoding, winter experience ideas, and a wild scavenger hunt question you have to hear. Hamilton Family Wines: hamilton.wine Sonoma Valley info + deals: sonomavalley.com  🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, 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

    55 min
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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

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

Information

  • Creator
    Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Sonoma Spiel

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