The podcast begins with hosts Marcy Gordon and Beth Costa introducing the show and expressing gratitude to their sponsor, Ron Rubin, for supporting the podcast. They also thank River Road Family Vineyards and Winery for their financial backing, which allows them to keep sharing stories and sipping wine.

Just like in elementary school...we talk about what we did on our summer vacation :-)

The episode, number 236, focuses on recapping their summer adventures in Sonoma County and beyond.

Richard Ross, their engineer, kicks things off by sharing his first-ever road trip in an electric vehicle through the Eastern Sierras. He recounts stops at South Lake Tahoe, Bridgeport, Bodie ghost town, Mono Lake, and Mammoth Mountain, highlighting the beauty of the snow-covered Sierras and the challenges of finding EV chargers in remote areas. Along the way, he enjoyed local wines, quirky dining experiences, and even visited the Western Film Museum in Lone Pine.

Beth shares her summer highlights, including frequent trips to Eureka to visit family, where she enjoyed the zoo, a stunning dahlia garden, and local wine.

Marcy on the other hand, attended major events like Taste of Sonoma, the Sonoma County Fair (featuring the chaotic and hilarious Corgi races), and the Gravenstein Apple Fair in Sebastopol, which showcased local apples, cider, and artisan goods. She describes the fair's expanded layout, bustling crowds, and delicious treats like apple fritters. Marcy reflects on her summer filled with wine-related activities, including the Big West Wine Fest, which focused on natural wines, and the Sonoma County Fair's grape stomp. She also enjoyed beach picnics, hiking at Jenner Headlands, and participating in a summer reading program, where she read 15 books.

The hosts also discuss their efforts to deliver updated Wine Road maps to local wineries, with Beth noting the beauty of driving through Sonoma County's wine regions.

They highlight Guerneville's Dawn Ranch as a charming lodging option surrounded by redwoods, perfect for weddings or family reunions.

Marcy shares her experience taking a pickling class in Sebastopol, adding to her growing list of homemaking skills, and encourages listeners to explore similar workshops.

The episode wraps up with a shoutout to Ron Rubin for sponsoring another year of the podcast, ensuring they can continue sharing their love for Sonoma County wine and culture.

The hosts encourage listeners to visit the region, sip Sonoma wines, and enjoy all the unique experiences the area has to offer.

Mentions:

Dawn Ranch

Gravenstein Apple Fair

Gather in Sebastopol

Taste of Sonoma

Sonoma County Fair

Big West Wine Fest

Jenner Headlands

Western Film Museum in Lone Pine

Bode (Ghost town)