NAPA VALLEY & MARIN COUNTY, CA — Some visitors to Northern California Wine Country tell me “it’s about the wine”…

…others insist “it’s all about the food”. 

The one thing I can tell you for certain is that when oenophiles and foodies alike hear the siren’s call and come together for a grand evening of good-natured camaraderie, it’s a “wine-wine” moment for everyone!

What a FABULOUS time we had last week at the Tyler Florence shops in downtown Napa and Mill Valley, California. These beautiful, upscale, stores are playgrounds for people who get great pleasure from artisanal food, fine wine and, of course, cooking.

Joy, Tamara, and the rest of the Tyler Florence staff spent weeks planning these events.

In order to insure a successful outcome, it was imperative that we had a wonderful assortment of wines from The California Directory of Fine Wineries on-hand to taste.

As I explained to the Tyler Florence team, I really wanted to encourage everyone who attended to try wines from wineries with whom they might not be familiar. Our books are designed to get people out into the world to visit and explore some of the Golden State’s wonderful “destination” tasting rooms. That was the mission of each night.

As people began to find their seats I challenged them with this request:

“If you see a wine tonight that is one of your favorites, I must ask that you avoid it and try something else that might be totally unfamiliar to you. That’s how your palate will continue to evolve and that’s how you’ll come to known exactly what you love best.”

When I learned that some local wine lovers lacked the adventurous spirit and preferred to stick close to home, I decided to test and tempt them, turning the focus toward the more rustic wine region of Mendocino Country.

Mendocino’s dramatic coastline has made it famous all over the world, but the county offers a lot more than ocean views and rustic coastal inns. Now inland Mendocino is getting it’s due, thanks to local winemakers who are proving that their grapes are on a par with those of nearby Sonoma and Napa.

An excellent selection of Mendocino County wines from Handley, Greenwood Ridge, and McFadden were presented. From Sonoma County Ferrari-Carano and Jordan shared the spotlight. My previous book signing/wine tasting events relied a little more heavily on Napa Valley producers featured in our books. This time, to mix things up, Frank Family was the lone representative from that renowned region… And, as a special bonus, toward the end of each night we compared pours of Foley Estate’s Pinot Noir from Sta. Rita Hills in Santa Barbara County.

But there was more than just wine on hand to ensure an enjoyable evening!

Jessica Blanco made sure that there were plentiful trays of fine cheese, fruit, crackers, and bread.

Doesn’t this look yummy?!

And, a new friend, Jerushah from TCHO joined us as an added surprise. She brought melt-in-your-mouth samples of their chocolate for all in attendance. Jerushah also happens to be a sommelier and was well-prepared to offer many different chocolates designed to go best with specific grape varietals. Jerushah, I can’t thank you enough for being such a integral part of the evening. The TCHO artisanal chocolates that you brought were “remarkably delicious”.

Before the tasting officially began, I gave some background on the featured wineries and wines being poured. Of course, I stressed the consistency and quality of the specific wines but I also described Rhonda Carano’s splendid gardens, featuring 10,000 tulips that bloom annually, at Ferrari-Carano Vineyards. I went on about food pairings at Jordan Winery in Alexander Valley and it’s classic French chateau clad with Boston ivy. There were questions about the history at Frank Family Vineyards and when asked about the significance of the dragon etched on the bottles from Greenwood Ridge, I told the story of Allan Green and his father who designed the tasting room which was built from a single, downed 400-year-old redwood tree. Milla Handley’s story brought many a smile to the room as they envisioned her eclectic Handley Cellars tasting room set amid the Anderson Valley Redwoods and vineyards.

Many people in attendance were fascinated by Guiness McFadden’s foresight at planting grapes, and farming organically, in Mendocino’s Potter Valley as early as 1970. They were also delighted to learn that his once seasonal employees are now able to work year-round growing herbs and crafting garlic braids and holiday wreaths. Many had never heard of McFadden Vineyard’s tasting room in downtown Hopland but they have now!

One highlight of the evening in Mill Valley was when Tyler came out from the wings to join me. Moments later he gestured toward a large cast iron pot. Heavens! He had specially prepared his famous French Onion soup for everyone in the room. It was topped with a very finely grated breadcrumb-horseradish mixture and, I think, shredded bacon (or panchetta) sprinkled on top. Thank goodness a serving was set aside for me!

Tyler also told about his latest passion—making wines—and his ongoing partnership with Michael Mondavi. Tyler is actively involved in harvest and blending.

So many terrific guests showed up to get their book signed and learn a bit about touring some of California’s most beautiful tasting rooms. My thanks to Rex, Sue, Gary, Stephen, Charz, Jim and Mary Sparks, Amy, Steve, Terry Mulgannon, publisher at WineMerchant.com, and the dozens of others who came to say hello.

It was my great pleasure to meet you all and spend some time together.

My heartfelt thanks go to Tyler and Tolan for their support, great attention to detail, and gracious hospitality. You are dear people!

NAPA, CA—Driving the Silverado Trail through the heart of Napa Valley, travelers are sure to notice the entrance to ZD Wines. A two-ton boulder, from one of their mountain vineyards, is adorned by the winery’s striking gold logo. The photo below is by my dear friend and photographer Robert Holmes. The rest are from me. :-)

The tasting room is somewhat set down below the highway and so the boulder really helps to mark the location.

Right beside the front door you’ll see the fountain that’s been there for as long as I can remember. There’s something so soothing about the gurgling sound of water…

I stopped in early one chilly morning last week to find a welcoming “real” wood fire in the fireplace. It was misty outside as a cold front was approaching and so this was a real treat. My first priority was to target the heat from the flames against my backside. Real fires can be infrequent, even during the winter months. Bay Area air quality officials often call for “spare-the-air” days which restrict burning of all kinds.

I was promptly greeted by Jorge who was gracious and well versed in the ZD line up.

They have two levels of tasting. Below are their current offerings which are due to change soon in February, 2012. Their 2009 Cabs are coming. The 2008’s are nearly gone. There are less than 40 cases left!

CURRENT WINES - $10 for a one ounce sample of each of these 4 wines.

2010 Rosa Lee Pinot Grigio (only available through the winery). This vibrant Pinot Grigio is from the Carneros region. (490 Cases produced.)

2010 Chardonnay, California. Their flagship wine… A wonderful Chardonnay with a long finish and imbued with delightful vanilla flavors and a bright natural acidity which stayed with me… As their hospitality staff is fond of saying: “It’s their bread & butter (without the butter.)”

2010 Pinot Noir, Carneros. (90 points in Wine Enthusiast). It’s drinking very well now and will age for many years to come.

2008 Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley.  This 2008 vintage marked ZD’s 40th harvest. One thing about this winery is that they are extremely consistent. This family winery is all about quality and you simply can’t go wrong with any of their offerings.

PREMIERE WINES - $15 for a one ounce sample of each of these wines.

2009 “Rosa Lee” Barbera (only available through the winery)
(490 Cases produced.)

2009 Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros.
An absolutely symphony of delicate fruit. Mid-palate was where it all came together for me. Just super! I wish I had a glass beside be right now while writing this! 

2008 Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon, Napa Valley
This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon is a blend of their best Napa Valley lots. Do not miss this one. I often find that it’s well worth the splurge to taste the “Premiere Wines”.

 My glass of the Founder’s Reserve Pinot Noir, Carneros. Ahhh!!! Heavenly!

Owned and operated by the deLeuze Family for more than four decades, ZD Wines is a true family business. Founders Norman and Rosa Lee’s three children are currently at the helm. The third generation now is also now part of the team.

I know several of these terrific folks and feel good supporting “good people”. I hope that many of you feel the same way.

FORESTVILLE, CA—Just north of Santa Rosa, California is one particularly choice spot in which to rest and rejuvenate. It’s a well-known and luxurious accommodation called The Farmhouse Inn. In 2009 Sunset Magazine gave it the #1 ranking in their list of “Top Ten Farm Vacations”. Let’s take a mini-tour…

A fully restored 1873 American farmhouse, complete with charming cottages, and a fairly new series of suites in the “Barn”. The 6 acre Sonoma County property is the stuff that dream vacations are made of.

It’s all been recently renovated. This is the Barn tucked in at the back of the property. 

Here is #18 — The spacious and plush Barn Suite. Featherbeds and down duvets upon pillow-topped mattresses… Ah! On a cold and day in January this is where you want to be!

Rooms have large jetted tubs and saunas or steam showers. Plus, a selection of complimentary bath salts, milks and sugar scrubs.

Barn Suite #18 is quite large. Here’s the comfortable sitting room.

A short walk around the grounds will take you past the on-site spa. Here you get “farm-to-table” services including massage, facials, hot stone and aromatherapy.

Sure, there’s a pool but who wants to hang out poolside when you’re just 5 minutes away from Russian River’s top wineries!

Around the corner by the pool are herb and flower boxes. This truly is a culinary Inn. In fact, the Farmhouse Inn restaurant has received rave reviews.

A Main Course might be: Wild Pacific Sea Bass, Roasted Elk Tenderloin, Roasted Colorado Lamb Rib Chop, Pancetta Wrapped Port Tenderloin… You get the idea. My advice is: make your dining reservation well in advance. In high-season they are often booked up weeks in advance. I’m hoping to eat there in the next month or two.

I took a quick peak at their cottage rooms too. Really charming.

Better than Grandma’s house! This is cottage room #4. All rooms here have fireplaces.

The cottage bathrooms are also so beautiful. I’m afraid this photo didn’t quite do it justice.

To me, Cottage Room #4 has a theme. I’d call it: “I’ll stay in bed all day long.”

Here is another Cottage Room. It is #7… Nice. Yes? Let’s see… What else can I say? Oh yes! I’ve been told that all rooms include a hot two course breakfast. I have not heard about any specials here but it’s always best to check their website. Wine Country specials often come up in January and February; especially mid-week.

The place is really country-gorgeous. (That’s right. I just made up that word. But don’t get any ideas—I have big plans to trademark it.)

If you’re looking for high-end intimacy and sophistication, minutes from the famed Russian River wineries, this is it. With a spa and top restaurant right on the grounds, there’s little else you would need.

Oh, by the way, yes there really IS a Russian River.

After this weekend’s heavy rains it should look much more impressive.

SONOMA, CA—California wine travel insider Tom Silberkleit will be signing copies of his latest book, The California Directory of Fine Wineries, 5th Edition at two Tyler Florence shops on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 in downtown Napa, CA and on Thursday, January 26, 2012 in Mill Valley, CA. A wine tasting, highlighting wines featured in the book, will also be held at each event.

“The book focuses on diverse wineries that not only produce excellent wines,” said Silberkleit, “but are incredible must-see destinations, from beautiful gardens and 100-year-old wine caves to museum-quality art exhibitions, bocce ball courts and local olive oil tastings.”

This new 5th Edition was written by travel writers K. Reka Badger and Marty Olmstead and illustrated by Marin County travel photographer Robert Holmes, whose photos have appeared in National Geographic and Wine Spectator.

A variety of wines from the new book will be poured at the two events: Handley Cellars, Greenwood Ridge Vineyards, and McFadden Vineyard, from Mendocino County; Frank Family Vineyards from Napa Valley; Jordan Vineyards & Winery and Ferrari-Carano Vineyards and Winery from Sonoma County. (A surprise bonus wine from Sta. Rita Hills will be sampled as well.)

Both events are scheduled to run from 6-8 p.m. For more information call the Tyler Florence shops: Napa 707-254-9977; Mill Valley, 415-380-9200 and visit the book’s Facebook fan page for event news or CaliforniaFineWineries.com.

Episode #129 - Originally aired on January 14, 2012 - Tom Silberkleit, award-winning editor/publisher for Wine House Press in Sonoma, guests on “Grape Encounters Radio” to discuss “How To Take a European Vacation right here in California Wine Country!”

Here’s where the podcast was originally broadcast:

1. KFWB News Talk 980, LA
2. KNEWS- 94.3 FM, Palm Springs
3. KUHL 1440 AM, Santa Maria, CA

SONOMA COUNTY, CA—One of my favorite Sonoma County wineries is located about 2 miles west of U.S. 101 via River Road technically in the town of Windsor just north of Santa Rosa. You can’t miss the bright red hop barn sitting only a few yards off the highway. Here’s how things looked this morning when I stopped by for a visit.

Their tasting room could well be the setting for an old-fashioned movie romanticizing rural life, but this winery is the real deal.

The Martinelli family has been growing grapes in the Russian River Valley since 1887, and successive generations have kept their immigrant ancestors’ dreams alive over the decades. 

On damp winter mornings, this corner wood stove keeps things toasty and warm.

They specialize in wines made from estate-grown grapes which include: Chardonnay, Muscat Alexandria, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and Zinfandel.

Although you’ll have to ask to see them, the tasting room staff have samples of the different vineyard soils for visitors to examine. You always hear winemakers say “It’s all about the soil”. Different soils impart different flavors to wine grapes. I encourage you to smell the differences in these samples. It’s fascinating…

Especially pungent was the soil from Gold Ridge Hill vineyard.

The staff here (thank you Linda!) is very personable and friendly—and their wines are consistently excellent. Their tasting fee is an extremely reasonable $5. Each week their tasting menu generally features: 2 chardonnays, 2 Pinots, 1 Syrah, and 1 Zinfandel. 

Of special note is the 2009 Jackass Hill Muscat Alexandria which I tried today. I noted strong, almost electric flavors of spiced apple jelly and golden honey. I’m a big fan of dessert wines and this one is well-made and stands out from the crowd. Strong flavors with a full finish.

Update: Martinelli tasting room is undergoing the final phase of a good-looking tasting room remodel. Don’t worry, the traditional hop barn atmosphere will remain intact. It should be complete by next month.

If you’re heading to the Russian River area of Sonoma County, CA, this is a must-see winery. I’ve been here many times before and I keep coming back. Don’t miss it or you’re sure to have regrets once you return home.

GEYSERVILLE, CA—It’s 29 degrees at 7 a.m. and I’m pouring water on my windshield trying to melt the frost. It’s a typical scenario for Sonoma County in January. My plan is to drive north and be in the heart of Dry Creek Valley by 9 a.m. to taste the wines at Dutcher Crossing Winery.

This winery exemplifies the low-key ambience of Dry Creek Valley, an appellation sixteen miles long and at most two miles across that has been home to generations of grape growers and winemakers.

No they’re not dead. These grapevines are dormant at this time of year. I find that there’s a haunting kind of beauty in these rows of brown tangles. 

At 9 a.m. there are no visitors and no noise except for the fitting sounds of bluegrass/folk music coming from a vineyard worker’s radio lost somewhere between the steel tanks.

Inside the tasting room, a fireplace on a morning like this, feels so comforting. It’s made from locally quarried rock. This is a spacious tasting room yet it also feels intimate. I like its vaulted beam ceiling, polished limestone tasting bar, and wide hickory plank floors.

What a treat it was to be the first visitor of the day. There’s a special event called Winter Wineland planned for the region this weekend and most tasting rooms are getting tasting rooms ready for what is expected to be a large crowd. The event is all about wine (indeed!), art, and education.

Midge was kind enough to pour their current offerings for me. On weekdays they have a $5 tasting flight. On weekends they add a second flight: The $10 tasting.

Here’s what’s currently being offered on the $5 flight (5 wines). I tasted these selections, which were all very good. They should be available for the next couple of months before the menu changes:

2010 Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc
(Gold Medal-2011 Critics Challenge International Wine Competition). I tasted honeysuckle. Nice citrus aromas. (708 cases produced)

2009 Costello Vineyard Chardonnay
(Gold Medal-2011 Sonoma County Harvest Fair) This vineyard is located in Alexander Valley. I smiled at the bright acidity found in this wine! (485 cases produced)

 2008 Maple Vineyard Zinfandel (Dry Creek)
(Best of Class-Gold Medal-2010 Pacific Rim Wine Competition)
(Gold Medal-2010-San Francisco International Wine Competition)
(Gold Medal-2010-Critics’ International Wine Competition)
This medium body Zin had very good fruit flavors on the mid-palate. Many people taste a hint of pepper. I did. I’ve heard that the Maple Vineyard owners are very selective about to whom they choose to sell their coveted grapes. Ducher Crossing is one of only five wineries who are on that very short list. (994 cases produced)

2008 Proprietor’s Reserve Syrah
This new release is from their selection of estate wines. Smokey and aromatic. (306 cases produced)

2008 Proprietor’s Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon
Another new release. A Dry Creek Valley blend made in a lighter style makes it food friendly. It won’t overpower a lighter dish. It was Rhone-ish and a touch softer than their previous vintage cabs. (1180 cases produced)

Outside, I found winemaker Kerry Damskey and assistant winemaker Ben Jordan. They seemed in good spirits. “We’re bottling tomorrow,” shouted Kerry as he come over to greet me with a good-natured slap on the back. “After that, let the rains come!”

This is the third driest winter here in the past twenty years. Kerry was referring to the optimistic weather report that predicts the possibility of rain sometime next week. We’ll see. The high today was about 64 degrees. Not what we’d expect for January.

I also must mention that, aside from the consistently good wine, Dutcher Crossing is an excellent place to have an outdoor seat and perhaps a picnic. From this spot, guests can enjoy panoramic views of the valley’s hillside beauty. It is gorgeous! I highly recommend a visit to this charming family owned winery….

By the way, they also made a 100% Cabernet Port. They like to change this one from year to year. Their last Port was a Cab-Syrah blend. This current Port is very distinctive. Not too viscous nor heavy. Good with chocolate. Yeah! The Port is not on their menu but it is available every day. Just ask.

So you ask “why the classic bicycle in the tasting room and on their wine label”? Owner Debra Mathy considers the bicycle a symbol of the timeless qualities of an artisan approach to life as well as to winemaking. As the last Christmas present she received from her late father, it also represents her journey to find Dutcher Crossing Winery. Mathy, an avid cyclist and lover of bicycles since childhood, spent ten years traveling with her father to discover the winery of their dreams. She can almost always be found during the day greeting visitors, with her golden lab, Dutchess, at her side. 

You’ll find this winery at the far end of Dry Creek Road not far from the town of Healdsburg, CA. It’s a perfect location and a magical place!

Napa/Sonoma, CA—It’s really all about the food, isn’t it? Okay. Throw in a little culture, architecture, antiques, and some country roads and you’ve got Europe. Tomorrow I’ll be taping an interview to let American Francophiles know how to save $1600 in air fare by having that European Vacation in Northern California.

I’ve heard it said that there are multiple similarities between Sonoma and Napa and their popular counterparts: Burgundy and Provence. Let’s begin to count the ways:

Artisanal Bread (Sonoma County)

I would rather have a good hunk of artisan bread and butter than a steak. Especially around midnight, before bed, when the bread’s still warm and fresh out of the oven.

Della Fattoria Breads: Loafs baked in brick ovens heated with wood fires. You’ll never get over them! You’ll never be happy again until you come back to Petaluma, CA and enjoy your second loaf.

Costeaux French Bakery: Downtown Healdsburg has more than one bakery but folks seem to come here for the award-winning French loafs. It’s an outdoor bistro cafe that boasts “breakfast anytime” and “handcrafted breads”. Their logo says: “Since 1923”. That’s a good sign.

Basque Boulangerie: Downtown Sonoma’s hotbed of excitement. It’s always crowded—and for good reason. It’s the home of Sonoma’s original sourdough and sweet French Breads. Locals and visitors flock to this all day bistro to grab their own award-winning baguette. You’ll often catch me strolling briskly down the sidewalk with one tightly tucked under my arm. The owners have been in the bakery and restaurant business since 1956. This bread is a staple of life in this charming town. Life in Wine Country just wouldn’t be the same with out it.

Artisanal Bread (Napa County)

The Model Bakery: An sanctuary of taste bud sanity in oh-so-touristy St. Helena. I heard that they’ve been featured somewhere on The Food Network. Well that makes sense. Quaint plus quality will get you noticed. Plus, after 90+ years in the Napa Valley you can’t help but get a little well deserved notoriety. “Artisan breads made with organic stone ground flours”. That’s all you need to hear! (They also have a second location in the Oxbow Market located in downtown Napa.)

Artisanal Cheese (Sonoma County)

Marin French Cheese: The oldest cheese company in the USA—since 1865! Their famous brand, Rouge et Noir, is widely available. But it’s more fun it visit their retail store. Technically they’re located in Marin County but it’s close enough to Sonoma to be included in this list. They specialize in soft-ripened cheeses from goats’ and cows’ milk. You know: Brie, Camembert, Triple Créme Bries, and Blues. It’s a serene setting with 700 acres of rolling hills, a huge duck pond, and great picnic area. This is a wonderful day trip. Do go and enjoy but beware the countless duck droppings on the lawn!

Joe Matos Cheese Factory: Located on the outskirts of Santa Rosa, Sonoma County’s business hub, I must confess I’ve never been here. It’s a very small, rustic cheese factory that I’ve heard good things about. Handmade cheese that’s reasonably priced. You’ll have to explore this one on your own. They don’t take credit cards and it’s not really a tourist stop. No website here but I’ve attached a fun video of a blogger making way there. If you plan your trip correctly, you could easily make a quick stop here while on your way to the Marin French Cheese store.

Vella Cheese Company: Cheese made by hand since 1931. Sustainably produced since 2003. Vella cheese rocks! There is no better. Try their Toma and you’ll be be hooked for life. The tradition runs deep here. This is my absolute favorite and I’m in good company. Famed Hollywood actor Cary Grant used to order Vella Cheese each year to give to his closet friends for Christmas. Everything here is great. Plus the factory is housed in an historic stone building.

More to come on my next post.

NAPA VALLEY, CA—Since yesterday morning, I’ve received numerous emails from friends and wine-loving strangers asking “Exactly what are your plans for New Year’s Day?” Folks who know me figured that I’d want to make today special. Certainly, for 2012’s premiere, I needed to start things off right. I knew that sparkling wine (aka Champagne) was A MUST—as was an elegant setting in which to enjoy it. Where to go on a cloudless, crisp January afternoon in Napa?

Nothing could be more breathtaking than sipping wine samplers on the terrace at the Domaine Carneros tasting room in Napa Valley. Nothing. Located in the renowned Carneros region in southern Napa, the winery is situated in what is prime growing area for the grape varieties that go into the best sparkling wine and sumptuous Pinot Noir.

The visually stunning winery is approached by a long series of steps that climb to a grand entranceway. French marble floors, high ceilings, and decorative features such as a Louis XV fireplace mantel imbue the interior with a palatial ambience.

I was surprised at the number of guests who had the same idea.

Table service is provided for guests who are welcome to order wines in the elegant salon, warmed by a fireplace on cool days,…

…or on the terrace. Here is the back terrace which was reserved for wine club members.

The views from the front and southern terrace were spectacular this afternoon. Everyone was having a splendid time. In this photo, you’ll see our waiter, Santos. He was so very polite, knowledgeable, and exceedingly helpful.

There was a myriad of tantalizing choices on the tasting and food pairing menus. For example:

Sparkling Wine Sampler (2 oz. each)
2007 Brut Cuvée
2008 Brut Rosé
2007 Vermíl Demi-Sec 

Red Wine Sampler (2 oz. each)
2009 Avant-Garde Pinot Noir
2009 Estate Pinot Noir
2007 Avant-Garde Merlot 

Grande Tasting (2 oz. each)
2007 Ultra Brut
2006 Le Rêve Rosé
2005 Le Rêve Blanc de Blancs
2007 The Famous Gate Pinot Noir 

Each of the above can also be ordered by the glass.

Artisan Cheese Plates on the menu included:
-Bellwether Farms “Carmody” (Sonoma County, CA)
-Cowgirl Creamery triple-cream “Mt. Tam” (Sonoma County, CA) 
-Cypress Grove, “Midnight Moon” (Humboldt County, CA)

Also available is a Charcuterie Plate: a selection of artisan sausages and patés served with baguettes. If you want to go all out, they also have caviar and smoked salmon or a pastry plate with an assortment of four European-style pastries. It all looked excellent.

We ordered the Sparkling Wine Sampler. All were lovely. My favorite of the three was the one on the far right: 2007 Vermíl Demi-Sec. It was a touch sweeter that the Brut Cuvée. The staff here was spot on. Everyone was welcoming and pleasant. To me, service and hospitality are equally as important to the quality of the product being served. Bravo!

The sparkling wine was SO good, in fact, that I had a large format bottle brought out!

My plans were to take it home. But, suddenly, the air held a scent of jealousy and the other guests became unruly. In order to save my skin I put the gigantic bottle down and slowly backed away… ;-)

It was an absolutely wonderful day at Domaine Carneros. You don’t need a special occasion like New Years Day to enjoy this opulent winery. It’s open from 10-6 daily. I’ve been recommending it to visitors for years. The next time you’re up to Northern California Wine Country don’t miss it!

Happy New Year to all!

SONOMA, CA—Though the City of Sonoma is a small town, it has an impressive selection of luxury hotels. Most are small to medium-sized with 4-80 rooms, but some larger area properties offer resort-style amenities.

At 182 rooms, cottages, and suites, The Lodge At Sonoma is one of the area’s few large resorts. But, of course, “large” in the town of Sonoma always means provincial and intimate. This hotel is one of my “preferred hotels” on www.CaliforniaFineWineries.com which means that I’ve walked around the grounds, probably made a pest of myself, and checked out the rooms on numerous occasions over the years. My most recent visit was just last week. Here’s my mini-report.

Grand amenities: The Lodge boasts a well-regarded, on-site spa, The Raindance Spa, a full service restaurant, Carneros Bistro Wine Bar, (which has a solid history of good food; their new Executive Chef, Peter Smith, just started 2 weeks ago. A good guy and talented chef. Keep an eye on him!!!) plus an outdoor pool and hot tub.

The Lodge At Sonoma has earned the AAA Four Diamond Award which means it’s a high-end joint with up-to-date, refined and stylish accommodations. Four Diamond hotels are also known for top-notch service and attention to detail.

To my taste, hotels with impressive yet comfortable lobbies are the basis for great holidays. The Lodge has one of the nicest lobbies in the town of Sonoma. (The strange fuzzy white blemish in the foreground to the right is actually the top of a flocked Christmas tree I climbed to get this photo.)

In winter, a lobby fireplace like this makes you want to cozy up on the sofa with a glass of local Syrah. It’s a great place to meet and compare notes with other travelers.

I had a look at this upper floor “pool view” room. It was very nice. Soft bed, attractive decor…

… good interior lighting, a 32” flat screen TV, and writing desk…

… a view of the bathtub from the bed. Modesty screen plantation shutters are included!

Richly appointed bathroom with fancy fixtures. The rooms are beautiful here!

And a really nice pool area. Though December isn’t the best time for relaxing outside on the chaise lounge, once summer comes around this will be the place to be.

A pool large enough for laps.

Yes, the hot tub is your perfect winter soak. My recommendation is to immerse yourself right before bed for a good night sleep so that you’ll have the strength to continue wine tasting and touring in the a.m.

In the near future I’ll take a tour their Raindance Spa. I’ll post my full report right here!