More than fifty years ago, forward-thinking farmers in Sonoma County created Farm Trails, the oldest organization of it's kind in the United States, dedicated to promoting local farms directly to customers. Carmen Snyder of Sonoma County Farm Trails talks about the origins of the group, their beloved Gravenstein Apple Fair and how visitors can best interact with their seasonal programs.

Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma. This week, Carmen Snyder takes on:

We are looking for Cabernet Franc?

We’ve been staying in Napa, and are on our way to San Francisco tonight, and decided to stop in Sonoma and wow - this is a great place to visit! We’re looking for a great place to grab brunch in the cute town of Sonoma.

What’s in Kenwood?

It’s late fall and we still see some grapes on the vines. What is that? - Visitors from Quebec

We have someone in our group that is under 21 - what should we do? Can they go to a winery?

We want to take a walk in a vineyard- can we do that?

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

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

Jose Luciano oversees the visitor centers operations in Sonoma Valley and knows where to eat and drink. He started his schooling at Purdue with plans of becoming a veterinarian, but took a detour into hospitality and a career with Marriott Hotels. In this edition of the Spiel he talks about the joys of fried Puerto Rican treats (alcapurrias), as well as where to eat in the Springs (Sante at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, Sonoma Eats, and Spread Catering to name a few.)

There is an awful smell emanating from underneath a tree in the northeast corner of the Plaza. What is it?

Is this the Visitor Center? - received via text

We are going to the redwoods tomorrow, but want some ideas on things to see along the way. Got any ideas?

We heard that there is a bike path that runs along highway 101. What is it and how far can we ride?

I work with a guy who will sometimes - out of nowhere- loudly exclaim Wepa! What on earth does that mean and should I be concerned?

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 [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

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

"It's very stressful and I don't know what I'm doing." Everest, DJ for Sonoma K-pop Hour, thinks this applies to both life in high school as well as being a first time voter.

My kids keep saying things like, “Skibidi Ohio Rizz” and I am worried that they might be in to some bad things. Should I be take away their WiFi?

We’re here from Washington, and I’m 50 years old and my teenage child keeps telling me they want a tattoo or a nose piercing. Should I let them and why or why not?

What should I make for dinner?

I’m visiting from Nevada, and I was walking around the Sonoma Plaza wondering: Who should touch the thermostat in the house?

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 [email protected], 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

We're doing a pomme reading this week on the Sonoma Spiel with Rick from wine country's best cider shop - Pomme Cider. French for apple, Pomme has a selection of gluten-free ciders as well as champagnes and "pet-nat" wines. 

We taste three ciders of the 125 we has available, and go through his journey from beer-lover to cider-swiller and what makes his shop special.

We are visiting from Germany, but we’re here for an hour - what should we do?

I hear the Lighting of the Sonoma Plaza 2024 is Saturday, Nov 23. Can you let me know what time it starts and who is performing?

We are here from Canada and interested in wineries that have great vegetable gardens and farms. Any ideas?

Vegan ice cream?

We want to visit when the leaves are at peak color. When should we come?

I heard there was a place to get Walnuts from a farm - is this true and where is it? - via text

More info on Pomme Cider Shop here: http://www.pommecidershop.com

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 [email protected], 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

Susan Gorin has been in political office for several decades (from school board to city council to county supervisor) and is nearing the end of her elected career. What's her take on California's crazy politics where we entrust voters with multiple ballot initiatives.? What did she want to accomplish and what was she able to get done? And does she know that one guy she just ran into at the restaurant who asked if he knew her?

We are waiting to check in to our hotel, but it’s not until 3 pm. So we have four hours on the Plaza and want to taste some wine and have lunch - any ideas?

We just got into town and someone said to go look at the Mission. What is the mission? And why should we visit it?

What should we do with babies? 

I’ve been quite busy in my career, a demanding job that entailed a lot of decision making and scrutiny. Now that I’m retiring I would like some ideas on things to do in Sonoma Valley that don’t require me to attend meetings, adhere to budgets or hear complaints. Any ideas?

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

While most of our guests on the Sonoma Spiel podcast are well-versed in what to do during a three to four-day visit to Sonoma Valley, this week's guest has customers that stay a bit longer. Forever, even.

Carolyn Fulton got her start working in restaurants in Healdsburg after high school, and has had stops at Agilent and others before she came to the city of Sonoma as the new cemetery manager. She oversees Sonoma's three cemeteries: Mountain, Valley and Veteran's. 

During a wide ranging interview we talk what visitors can see in cemeteries, how to help with upkeep, interesting people buried here and even if you would like to leave your mortal remains in town, how to do it.

Like all of our Very-Special-Guests she took a turn answering YOUR Sonoma questions during our segment, "We Get Questions."

Hi- we are so excited to visit this week. Have one reservation with a tour. Otherwise sticking to wineries that accept walk-ins. Is winging it a bad idea? Cheers!🍷- SoCo Wine Imbibers on Facebook

Hello! I am debating where to go in late December for two days. I quite enjoy Zinfandel and Shiraz.  Would you recommend any wineries, vineyards or tasting rooms? Thank you- via Facebook

Hi, interested in recommendations for a private driver to take four of us to wineries around Sonoma . We will be based in the town of Sonoma. Has anyone used a company that drives your car? We will have rental car and some say they use your car—but not sure how that works with the car rental company. Any experiences or recs appreciated.- via Facebook

Dia de los Muertos altars around the Sonoma Valley? Yes! 

How do I find my relative's grave? I think they are buried in Sonoma. 

Find more information about Sonoma's Cemeteries here: https://www.sonomacity.org/departments/cemeteries/

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

#sonoma #cemeterytour #halloween #winecountry #hospitality

Come take a few rounds on the diurnal swing - it's hot during the day, it's cool at night; harvest action is ripping along at a frenetic pace, and the Valley is abuzz with activity! What can calm us down?

A kitten. Or a puppy.

So Jody Purdom from Pet's Lifeline is on the podcast this week talking about how to adopt a pet in Sonoma Valley, the important work of Pet's Lifeline providing shelter, adoption and medical care services for the kitties and pups of wine country. Did you know that Sonoma was recently noted as being a "Better City For Pets?" Now you do.

We also hear about Jody's formative years in New Jersey and her theory on why the bagels are better back east, hence why she smuggles suitcases of bagels back to Sonoma when she visits her old stomping grounds.

And every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma.

Are the leaves in the vineyard pretty in fall? 

What’s the weather like in Sonoma in January?

Need recommendations for dog-friendly breakfast, brunch, or bakery spots? Preferably with nice outdoor seating. 

We are staying in Sonoma - Where should we visit for nightlife? And live music? And cocktails?

Traveling to Sonoma soon and can’t decide on a place to stay (so many) that would be convenient for both a visit to Sonoma and Napa wineries. Appreciate your recommendations.

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 [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers.

Find out how you can adopt a dog - or a cat-  from Sonoma at www.petslifeline.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

We forgot to write down our introduction when we first thought of it, so our intro is about our lack of intros. Luckily we didn't sweat it too much, because Chef Cristina Topham of Spread Kitchen in Sonoma is a laid-back very-special-guest on the Sonoma Spiel. So laid-back she won't follow the recipes exactly as written (sorry, Grandma!) but rather it's a "riff on my own interpretations of Lebanese and Mediterranean cooking."

Before she gets to answering questions from visitors, she talks about her life after culinary school where she admits she "got her butt handed to me" when she got her first kitchen job. From there it was anchors aweigh as she became a chef on yachts, traveling around the world. (And the time she had to jump ship to escape a crazy captain - who sailed them into a raging storm- for a better opportunity.)

Every week our podcast guests answer YOUR questions about wine country and visiting Sonoma.

Where can I go (visit, camp, etc.) if we are driving a motorhome? 

Do hotels have EV chargers? Where do I find EV chargers in Sonoma?

Why is Sonoma Valley called “Valley of the Moon” - From a visitor from Missouri

We are traveling to Sonoma County in early December. Any recommendations for wineries and restaurants that go all out decorating for Christmas?  (Healdsburg to downtown  Sonoma) - via Facebook

What does Sonoma offer for the arts?

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 [email protected], text us or contact us through Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or just walk into one of our two visitor centers.

See the amazing menus of Spread Kitchen at www.spreadkitchensonoma.com.

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

The smell of harvest is in the air: open top fermenters, grapes being crushed and even the "Sonoma aroma" of fertilizer on the fields. And with harvest comes the Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival, when Sonoma Valley comes together to celebrate the hard work of the year's vintage.

We’re driving to Napa via Trinity Road and are looking for a beautiful winery to walk around en route.

I will be in the area with a car for two weeks in November with my dog. I’d love help with suggestions for great Pinot Noir, rosè, white wine and bubbly spots, as well as any locations you recommend for pup to come along. - via Facebook

We are “van-lifing” it and in need of a laundromat. Where we can find one?

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

Bernie the rescue dog brought Ryan Budlong with St. Francis Winery to the Sonoma Spiel podcast to talk about the Blessing of the Animals, how to take a Vineyard Adventure through their estate to learn about how their grapes are grown and why their culinary garden is now the culinary farm. While Bernie stays pretty quiet, Ryan also details the amazing food pairing experience for which St. Francis won "Best Restaurant in America" from Open Table as well as the bicycle pedal trolley that seats up to 15 visitors on a tour of the vineyards, with a stop at the famous "Welcome to Sonoma Valley" sign.

Oh, and did we mention that they were just voted "Best Winery and Tasting Room" by SFGate? Well, we will.

And we find out that St. Francis Winery - named after the patron saint of animals in the Catholic tradition, St Francis of Assist - raises funds for rescue animals and service dogs.

Like all our guests, Ryan also takes a turn answering YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week he answered:

We are coming to Sonoma to celebrate with 3 other couples for a 25th wedding anniversary. We are all in our early 50’s and looking for good vibes, great winery experiences, food and restaurant suggestions. - Facebook Wine Imbibers Group

I heard that there may be mountain lions in Sonoma Valley? Is this true and can I see one?

We are looking for good places to watch football - any ideas?

When will the leaves be the most colorful?

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 [email protected], 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