The Sonoma Spiel

From Ohio to Sonoma: Broadway Performers Preview "Broadway in Sonoma" with Amy Miller and Tony Gonzalez

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 info@sonomavalley.com, 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!

Dash the Sloth! Plus Safari West Foundation with Classroom Safari

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 info@sonomavalley.com, 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

Talking Stars in the Valley of the Moon: Robert Ferguson Observatory's Stephanie Derammelaere

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 info@sonomavalley.com, 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 has No Chill: Sonoma restaurants, hikes and adventures with NoChillMustafa

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 info@sonomavalley.com, 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/SonomaTastingPassWant to see more of Mustafa, find him on: Instagram - www.instagram.com/nochillmustafaYouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@UCk0Hgty51unKxArW7kwFrowWebsite: https://thedailygrape.comIt'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/id1634467429Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4UuskGhmJ3EkWQk8DObR9bYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLiSa7rAVobsI8O_3xp7hIDPKRO9nBuvNF

Author's Festival Returns: Amy Tan, Doris Kearns Goodwin, David Grann et al in Sonoma talking ideas

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 info@sonomavalley.com, 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

Natural Sonoma: Caitlin Cornwall on ecology, native plants, bad idea trees & waterfalls

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 info@sonomavalley.com, 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

Some Blue Nun, a green valley and Laurel Glen Vineyards: Bettina Sichel

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 info@sonomavalley.com, 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

Hello Girls! Maeve Smith directs musical theater, sells wine & talks World War One

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 CenterHi! 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 textWhere’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 info@sonomavalley.com, 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