2023 Harvest & Vintage Festival Preview, Plus a Salami Toss: Laura McGilley & Bart Hansen

Two guests, one good time: we're talking the 2023 winegrape harvest and the upcoming Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival with Laura McGilley of the Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance and Bart Hansen of Dane Cellars (and the Winemakers podcast).



We figure out what a "cellar rat" is, how crush is the fun but busy time in California's wine country, and some insight into the cultural importance of a salami toss. Then Laura confesses that Tiger the pig couldn't make it to the fair to be auctioned off, but don't worry, she'll be taken care off.



Then they help answer YOUR questions during our segment, We Get Questions. This week:

• We are visiting from Orlando. I don’t like red wines- do any of the wineries have sweeter white wines? And do wineries usually have both red and white wines or just one of the other?


• Where can I get white merlot wine?


• What's the best place for pizza?


• I’m looking for a good place to ride bikes. Any idea?


• Are there any wineries/restaurants open on Thanksgiving or the Friday after?

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.



Valley of the Moon Vintage Festival: https://valleyofthemoonvintagefestival.org/

Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers: https://sonomavalleywine.com/

Dane Cellars: https://www.danecellars.com/

Winemakers podcast: https://radiomisfits.com/podcasts/thewinemakers/

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