Episode
Harvest, Homecoming & Highway 12 Winery with Paul Giusto
- Podcast
- The Sonoma Spiel
- Published
- Oct 8, 2025
- Duration seconds
- 4201
- Processing state
not_requested
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Summary
Welcome back to The Sonoma Spiel from the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau! We kick things off fresh from a festive homecoming pep rally (electric-guitar National Anthem, tractors, the works—Go Dragons!) and welcomes returning guest Paul Giusto of Highway 12 Vineyards & Winery. We talk all things Sonoma Valley harvest—why 2025 is running a little late, what “crush” actually means, how rosé saignée works, and what happens when everything ripens at once (spoiler: 🚜🍇 organized chaos). Paul also brings a just-fermenting Pinot Noir rosé sample from Carneros and walks us through lees, jackets, presses, and why slow-and-steady seasons make beautiful wine. Plus: Sonoma Valley tasting tips, non/low-alcohol wine options, fun non-limo tour ideas (bikes, trolleys, sidecars!), where the Plaza Visitor Center moved, and a PSA on what locals do (and don’t) call San Francisco. Hint: It's not two rhyming words. What you’ll learn: What “late” harvest means and how wineries decide when to pick Crush 101: destemming, crushers vs. bladder presses How rosé is made via saignée vs. whole-cluster pressing Sonoma’s weather & why “slow and steady” = flavor depth Non- and low-alcohol wine realities (and good alternatives) The new address for the Sonoma Plaza Visitor Center (24 East Spain St) Creative wine touring ideas that aren’t limos Why locals say “the City” (and not “San Fran”) Super Bowl in the Bay Area: yes, you can (and should) day-trip to Sonoma Valley Shout-outs & mentions: Highway 12 Vineyards & Winery — Tasting barn on the Sonoma Plaza; friendly, approachable tastings + wine club exclusives. Details: www.highway12winery.com Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley, Sonoma Adventures (e-bikes), West Wine Tours (VW buses), Rides By Me (motorcycle sidecars), Destination Drivers (they drive…