Travel Tips from NorCal Locals

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson hits the beverage trifecta, connecting with beer, wine, and coffee experts who share a passion for Northern California.  

First, Johnson speaks with California craft beer pioneer Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. Grossman shares tales of how his empire took shape and offers insights into some of his favorite activities in and around Chico—including mountain biking, fishing, and taking a behind-the-scenes “Beer Geek Tour.”

After that, our host chats with winemaker Chris Turkovich about the charming Yolo County town of Winters. Turkovich discusses where to go for private wine tastings, sunflower field tours, and eclectic dining. He also breaks down must-see stops along Highway 128’s Wine to Waves road trip, which runs from Winters all the way to the Mendocino coast.

Finally, Johnson speaks with Sam LaRobardiere, founder of the award-winning Theory Coffee Roasters in Redding. The pair discuss a variety of outdoor experiences, ranging from swimming in Whiskeytown Lake to waterfall hikes to mountain biking along the Sacramento River.

GUESTS

Ken Grossman, founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Chris Turkovich, owner of Turkovich Family Wines

Sam LaRobardiere, founder of Theory Coffee Roasters

RESOURCES

Ken Grossman is the influential founder of Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and is one of the founding fathers of the craft beer movement.

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.

Chico

Sierra Nevada Brewery Tours

Sierra Nevada Brewing Company – Sustainability

Bidwell Park

Downtown Chico

Big Chico Creek Ecological Preserve

Lassen Volcanic National Park

Pacific Crest Trail

Sacramento River

Lake Oroville

Fort Bragg

Mendocino

Lake Tahoe

Chris Turkovich is a third-generation farmer, winemaker, and owner of Turkovich Family Wines in Winters.

Turkovich Family Wines

Winters

Yolo County

Sacramento

Turkovich Family Wines – Wine Tastings

Hotel Winters

Carboni's Ristorante

Buckhorn Steakhouse

Putah Creek Café

Ficelle

Lake Berryessa

Sunflowers

Highway 128 – Wine to Waves

Napa Valley

Cloverdale

Sonoma County

Mendocino

Sam LaRobardiere is the founder of Theory Coffee Roasters, an award-winning coffee shop in Redding.

Theory Coffee Roasters

Redding

Shasta Lake

Whiskeytown Lake

Headwaters Adventure Company

Brandy Creek falls

Mossbrae Falls

Dunsmuir

Mount Shasta

Sundial Bridge

Redding Sports LTD

Jefferson State Adventure Hub

Shasta Dam

Eden Bakery

Moonstone Bistro

Canelo’s

Mosaic Restaurant

Americana Modern Hotel

Turtle Bay Exploration Park

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.