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

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.

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.

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

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

Happy New Year from the Sonoma Spiel! Tim kicks off “circle back week” with a wellness-focused episode featuring very special guest Jes Williams of Sonoma Yoga—and yes, this time we actually mean it.

Jes shares how Sonoma Yoga (formerly Yoga Community) has been a Sonoma staple for over two decades, how the studio found its home at the Lodge at Sonoma, and what’s new for 2026—including popular hybrid classes like Yoga Flow 40/20, Yoga Sculpt, and fitness-forward options that still keep yoga’s deeper purpose intact.

We also talk about yoga as a practice (not perfection), mindful movement in a distracted world, guided meditation hikes on the Sonoma Overlook Trail, and outdoor/community yoga possibilities.

Plus: a rapid-fire “We Get Questions” segment covering Safari West, real humans answering texts (not bots), Friday Farmers Market confusion, low-key Sonoma recommendations, and… where to buy local jam.

Info:

Sonoma Yoga Website: sonoma-yoga.com Email: hello@sonoma-yoga.com Text: 707-935-8600

(Classes are open to locals + visitors; mats/props provided.)

Plan your Sonoma Valley trip

Events, deals, and seasonal info: sonomavalley.com

Wellness season + Sonoma Sips (Feb 15–Mar 15): $15 wine tastings at 40+ wineries.

👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more Sonoma Valley stories, local tips, and visitor Q&A.

🍷 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

Welcome to the final Sonoma Spiel Podcast episode of 2025 — we’re closing out the year, cleaning off absolutely none of our desks, and rolling straight into 2026 with a very special guest… and this time we mean it: Bob Taylor of Sonoma TV.

Bob is the Executive Director of KSVY (Voices of the Valley), the nonprofit community radio + TV station right here in Sonoma, and the behind-the-scenes wizard who helps make a lot of our local recordings happen — including events like the Sonoma Plaza Tree Lighting, Lighted Tractor Parade, and more.

In this end-of-year edition, Tim (Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau CEO) and Bob:

✅ Share favorite highlights from 2025 in Sonoma Valley (music, festivals, community events, and more)

✅ Talk about what they’re hopeful for in 2026 (hint: more live music, more community energy)

✅ Dive into an extended “We Get Questions” segment — answering real visitor questions

✅ Discuss the Toscano Hotel (new SVVB home) and yes… whether it’s haunted 😄

✅ Debate important topics like: Where exactly does Sonoma Valley begin and end? and What’s “the Mission” in Sonoma?

“WE GET QUESTIONS” — INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE

Are there redwoods in Sonoma Valley?

Is the Toscano haunted? (and… can I just come in for the old building smell?)

Where is Sonoma Valley — and am I in it right now?

Is the Sonoma Valley Tasting Pass for one person or two?

What is Mission San Francisco Solano and why is it special?

Where can I get coffee near the Sonoma Plaza?

How do I volunteer with the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau?

Is there a fee to enter Sonoma Valley? (😆)

Gluten-free bakery options in Sonoma Valley?

When do the Plaza lights come down?

What to do in Sonoma Valley in winter / rainy days

When day do the mustard flowers bloom?

BottleRock shuttle between Napa & Sonoma? (we try!)

📍 MORE LOCAL LINKS

🌐 Plan your trip + events + offers: SonomaValley.com

📻 Listen to KSVY + learn more: KSVY.org

🏢 Visit KSVY in person: 680 West Napa Street, Sonoma, CA

🎉 Coming Up in 2026:

🍷 Sonoma Sips (Feb 15 – Mar 15) — $15 wine tastings

🎬 Sonoma International Film Festival

⛵ Yacht Club events

👗 Trashion Fashion

…and plenty more — check www.SonomaValley.com for updates.

👍 If you enjoyed the episode please rate us!

And tell us: What was your favorite Sonoma moment of 2025 — and what are you most excited for in 2026?

Happy New Year, Sonoma! 🎆🍷

This week Ryan Becker of Visit California is in the hot-seat for a wide-ranging, and often hilarious conversation about tourism, travel and what it really takes to promote one of the most diverse destinations in the world. We also tried to goad him into saying bad things about Florida, but he doesn't. A true gent, he.

Ryan shares his journey from a 15-year career in journalism to helping lead marketing efforts for Visit California, the state’s unique, privately funded tourism organization representing more than 18,000 hospitality businesses. Together, Tim and Ryan dig into why tourism promotion matters, how travel drives economic development, and why “people will just show up” is one of the biggest myths in destination marketing.

Along the way, they explore:

* How Visit California markets an incredibly diverse state (without overwhelming travelers)

* Why long-term tourism marketing matters more than ever

* The real economic impact of tourism on California communities

* How AI is changing trip planning—and what it gets right (and wrong)

* California road trips, visitor guides, and iconic ad campaigns

* The role governors, celebrities, and cultural storytelling play in destination branding

* Friendly debates on tacos, Napa vs. Sonoma, sparkling wine, and fish tacos

We also answer real visitor questions about traveling with a baby, holiday visits, shopping in Sonoma Valley, and how Sonoma compares to Napa for first-time visitors during "We Get Questions."

Whether you’re in tourism, marketing, hospitality, or just love traveling California, this episode offers behind-the-scenes insight, practical takeaways, and plenty of laughs.

Learn more about Visit California: www.visitcalifornia.com

Plan your Sonoma Valley trip: www.sonomavalley.com

🎧 Subscribe to the Sonoma Spiel Podcast for more conversations about travel, tourism, community, and what makes Sonoma—and California—so special.

🍷 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