The Sonoma Spiel

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

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

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: 707-996-1090Email: info@sonomavalley.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceSonomaValleyInstagram: 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

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.comCall or text: 707-996-1090
Follow Experience Sonoma Valley:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ExperienceSonomaValleyInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/sonoma_valley/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@experiencesonomavalley
VISIT OUR SONOMA VALLEY VISITOR CENTERS
Historic Sonoma Plaza24 East Spain Street at the Toscano HotelSonoma, CA 95476
Jacuzzi Family Vineyards24724 Arnold DriveSonoma, CA 95476
WATCH AND LISTEN
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNFApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b
#SonomaValley #TheSonomaSpiel #BVSonoma

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/id1634467429Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b

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

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.comText: 707-996-1090Or 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

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.