Fall in Sonoma means harvest, friends—and great drinks. Tim sits down with Liz Takeuchi-Krist, co-owner of The Starling, a beloved neighborhood cocktail bar in Sonoma, to talk about building a welcoming, safe space (yes, even for solo guests) and the magic behind a truly great drink. Liz shares her path from Chicago music venues and wine auctions to bartending at the girl & the fig and finally opening The Starling, plus why the bar’s name gives grape growers a playful wink.

Expect plenty of practical tips: how to mix a White Negroni (and batch it for parties), why clear ice matters (and how to make it at home), the case for bitter elements, and The Starling’s house-made goodness—from tonic syrup to fermented ginger beer. We also dig into spirit-free options that feel adult, the legend of “Joji’s Old Fashioned” with candy-cap mushroom bitters, and crowd-pleasers like the Black Walnut Manhattan, Bacon Bourbon Sour, and Bourbon Blossom.

Beyond the bar: happy hour and Martini Monday deals, live music and events (burlesque on Halloween!), hosting wedding after-parties, plus local tips for easy hikes and bike paths. Oh—and what grape-stomping actually feels like.

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More on the Starling at www.starlingsonoma.com

Episode highlights:

* The Starling’s “coffee-house vibe” and hospitality ethos

* White Negroni 101, batching, and clear-ice hack

* House-made mixers, fermented ginger beer, and spirit-free spritzes

* Candy-cap mushroom bitters in an Old Fashioned

* Happy hour, Martini Mondays, live music, and private events

* Quick recs: Sonoma Mountain & Sonoma Valley Regional Park, Plaza bike path

Pull up a stool—this one’s equal parts neighborly and nerdy (in the best cocktail way). 

Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at [email protected], 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

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Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sonoma-spiel/id1634467429

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

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