Episode Details

Not many places have a professional-level, volunteer-run observatory open to the public. But not many places have the Robert Ferguson Observatory. Luckily, Sonoma Valley does.

Executive Director Stephanie Derammelaere explains the mission of the observatory, how it came to be, why Sugarloaf Ridge State Park is a good place to see planets and stars and galaxies, and how visitors can come up and see the heavens during various events.

She also details how visitors can take a walk that outlines the scale model size of the solar system.

Like all of our podcast guests she also answers YOUR Sonoma questions during "We Get Questions." This week she answers:

Where can we find wineries that sell wine in stores where we are from?

We are visiting from Switzerland and looking for some good hikes and walks? What would you recommend?

My best friend and I will be coming to Sonoma over the summer. We have 4 nights to explore different restaurants. We thinking of the Girl & the Fig and would love any other recs. As far as our preferences--we are both adventurous and like most of everything. I am from Texas so I am picky about Tex-Mex, but everything else is fair game. Thank you in advance for any recommendations!

I am looking for a romantic wine tasting, lunch or dinner - in a vineyard. – Call to the visitor center 

Does any vineyard in the area offer a dog hike or similar activity? (A walk/tour with your dog) I am moving away from California on Sept 1 so it would need to be before then.

Got questions about Sonoma Valley? You can email us at info@sonomavalley.com, 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