The Sonoma Spiel

In this episode of The Sonoma Spiel, Tim talks with Kim Jones of The Future Collective and Aaron Brown of Arable about storytelling, land, farming, housing, and the future of Sonoma Valley.
Kim shares how The Future Collective grew out of a desire to bring younger community members into deeper conversations about the big issues shaping local life, from housing affordability and food insecurity to labor, mental health, and what it means to build a community that can actually sustain the people who live and work here. Aaron talks about Arable, a storytelling project exploring natural wine, cider, farming, and the people who are rethinking the relationship between agriculture, place, and community.
The conversation also touches on Sonoma Valley Collaborative, the emerging Sonoma Valley Commons, heirloom apples, hybrid grapes, documentary storytelling, and the creative overlap between nonprofit work, agriculture, branding, and local identity. It’s a thoughtful, wide-ranging episode about what it means to care for a place — and how culture, land, and collaboration all shape Sonoma Valley’s future.
Learn more:The Future Collective: thefuturecollective.orgArable / Earth and Sky Studio 
About The Sonoma Spiel
The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit.
🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley:👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass
Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at 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, includingYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNFApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b

This week on the Sonoma Spiel, Tim sits down with Amanda Doherty and Jason Palter from Sonoma Golf Studio to talk about Sonoma’s indoor golf scene and why it’s changing the way people practice, play, and connect.
They get into TrackMan simulator technology, lessons with PGA pros, memberships, beginner-friendly practice, and how the studio creates a low-pressure space to improve your game without the long drive to a course or range. The conversation also covers private events, corporate outings, wedding weekend activities, and why Sonoma Golf Studio is a great fit for both locals and visitors looking for something active and social to do in Sonoma Valley.
Plus, Tim and his guests answer a few classic visitor questions covering quirky Sonoma sights, local history, and community creativity.Sonoma Golf Studio Website: https://sonomagolfstudio.comEmail: info@sonomagolfstudio.comPhone: 707-938-7248Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPassPlan your Sonoma Valley trip: www.SonomaValley.comQuestions? Contact us at info@sonomavalley.com or text 707-996-1090. Follow Sonoma Valley on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Stop by our Visitor Centers at the Sonoma Plaza and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. Watch and listen to the Sonoma Spiel on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify.

In this episode of The Sonoma Spiel, Tim talks with Ronnie Cotter of West Wine Tours about one of the most memorable ways to explore Sonoma Valley: riding through wine country in a vintage Volkswagen bus.
Ronnie shares what makes West Wine Tours special, from its fleet of colorful classic VW buses to its focus on family-owned wineries, boutique tasting experiences, and a more laid-back, off-the-beaten-path feel. They talk about some of the stops guests might enjoy, including Bartholomew Estate Winery, Winery Sixteen 600, and Anaba, along with the stories, scenery, and local flavor that make the ride part of the experience.
The conversation also covers Ronnie’s path into hospitality, growing up in Sonoma, learning to drive stick, working as a farmer before becoming a tour guide, and why he enjoys helping visitors see what Sonoma Valley is really all about. Along the way there are detours into deli sandwiches, music playlists, local golf, pizza memories, and visitor questions about burgers, hostels, mashed potatoes, and hot springs.
It’s a warm, funny, local episode about classic vehicles, Sonoma hospitality, and the joy of taking the scenic route.
In this episode:
Vintage VW bus tours in Sonoma Valley
Family-owned wineries and boutique tasting experiences
Ronnie’s path from farming to hospitality
Bartholomew, Winery Sixteen 600, and Anaba
Local stories, visitor questions, and Sonoma favorites
Learn more:westwinetours.com
About The Sonoma Spiel
The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit.
🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley:👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass
Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at 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 can find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNFApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b

Spring has arrived in Sonoma Valley, and in this episode of The Sonoma Spiel, Tim sits down with Kenneth “Kenny” DeAlba of Songbird Parlour in Glen Ellen for a wide-ranging conversation about food, hospitality, cocktails, community, and what makes Sonoma Valley such a special place to gather.
Kenny shares the story behind Songbird Parlour, the cozy and beautifully designed restaurant located in historic Jack London Village, and talks about its evolution into a full restaurant known for seasonal, farm-forward cuisine, warm hospitality, and memorable special nights like Prime Rib Wednesdays and Epic Fried Chicken Sundays.
Along the way, Tim and Kenny talk about Kenny’s background in hospitality and bartending, his years working in Sonoma restaurants, his upbringing between Mexico and Sonoma, and his passion for creating experiences that make people feel at home. The conversation also takes a few fun detours into cocktail culture, motorcycle rides through Wine Country, local history, and even Napa’s mysterious “reebobs.”
It’s a fun, local, heartfelt episode full of great stories and plenty of Sonoma personality.
In this episode:
The story behind Songbird Parlour
Kenny’s journey in hospitality and bartending
Seasonal California fusion cuisine in Glen Ellen
Prime Rib Wednesdays and Epic Fried Chicken Sundays
Sonoma Valley visitor tips and local recommendations
Cocktails, community, and the joy of gathering around good food
Learn more:songbirdparlour.com
About The Sonoma Spiel
The Sonoma Spiel is brought to you by the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau, sharing the people, places, and stories that make Sonoma Valley such a special place to visit.
🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley:👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPass
Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at 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 can find it wherever you find fine podcasts, including:YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNFApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b

What do beer cruises, Sonoma theater, travel planning, and UFOs have in common? Chelsea Smith. In this episode of The Sonoma Spiel, Tim chats with Chelsea Smith about her journey through travel, beer, performance, and life in Sonoma Valley. From Germany and Lagunitas to the Sonoma visitor center and local stage productions, Chelsea shares insider tips, great stories, and plenty of personality. Find out: Sonoma travel recommendationsWinery and lunch ideasBoutique hotel suggestionsA look at Chelsea’s hosted beer cruise on the RhineBehind-the-scenes stories from Sonoma Arts LiveAnd a completely reasonable amount of talk about cryptids and UFOsVisit sonomavalley.com for more Sonoma inspiration.🍷 Save up to 25% on Sonoma wine tastings with the Sonoma Tasting Pass! Choose three great wineries in Sonoma Valley: 👉 https://bit.ly/SonomaTastingPassGot 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_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNFApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b

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.comFinish 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

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.comSonoma 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

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/SonomaTastingPassGot 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_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNFApple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9b