Central California's Greatest Hits

In this special episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson revisits highlights from interviews conducted across the center of the state. Follow along as Johnson travels up the Central Coast, learning about the hidden gems of Ventura County, getting a taste of the bounty of Paso Robles wine country, sampling Julia Childs–approved bites in Santa Barbara, and discovering where to find an unforgettable cattle-wrangling adventure. Johnson also gets the inside scoop on how to make the most of a trip to the world-renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium.

After that, the episode heads east into California's Central Valley, where our host gets a taste of the Bakersfield Sound at Buck Owens' Crystal Palace. The episode wraps up with a personal tour at Fresno's subterranean marvel, Forestiere Underground Gardens.

Guests

• Aida Mollenkamp, founder of Salt & Wind

• Jeff Gordinier, Food and Drinks Editor of Esquire

• Katie Hayward, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours

• John Varian, owner of the V6 Ranch

• Allison Soergel, Manager of Conservation Interpretation at the Monterey Bay Aquarium

• Jim Shaw, country musician with The Buckaroos

• Lauren Nikkel and Cami Suppola of Forestiere Underground Gardens

Resources

Food writer and travel expert Aida Mollenkamp takes us on one of her favorite food-forward excursions, discussing favorites in Ventura and Santa Barbara.

• Ventura

• The Jolly Oyster

• San Buenaventura State Beach

• Ventura Farmers’ Market

• Santa Barbara

Food writer Jeff Gordinier shares some of his best road trip bites across California.

• 2020 California Visitor’s Guide

• Paradise Cafe

• La Super-Rica Taqueria

Katie Hayward, owner of Uncorked Wine Tours, takes listeners on a wine-fueled adventure through Paso Robles.

• Uncorked Wine Tours

• Eberle Winery

• J Dusi Wines

• DAOU Vineyards & Winery

• Firestone Walker Brewing Company

• BarrelHouse Brewing Co.

• Paso Robles olive oil

• Downtown Paso Robles

Cattle Rancher John Varian, who runs the V6 Ranch, reveals how his little corner of California can provide an adventure for anyone—even city slickers.

• V6 Ranch

• Parkfield

• Paso Robles Wine Country

• Central Coast

Monterey Bay Aquarium Manager of Conservation Interpretation Allison Soergel recommends close encounters with the sea-dwelling residents of the aquarium.

• Monterey Bay Aquarium

• Kelp Forest

• Open Sea

• Seafood Watch Program

• See Monterey

Jim Shaw, who played alongside many country greats as a member of the Buckaroos, shares insights on Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

• Bakersfield

• California’s Central Valley

• Buck Owens’ Crystal Palace

• Bakersfield Sound

Lauren Nikkel and Cami Suppola reminisce about the origins of Forestiere Underground Gardens, a fascinating attraction in Fresno.

• Visit Fresno County

• Forestiere Underground Gardens

• Baldassare Forestiere

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, Calif., in 2016 and is just getting to know his surroundings. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson will use the California Now platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.