Sonoma County Wine Country: A Guide to Accommodation and Experiences for Every Budget
Few experiences are more magical than a wine country weekend. Sampling the premier offerings from viticulture experts, who proudly share their winery's heritage on a gorgeous Sonoma Saturday…what could be better? Only staying at the winery itself.
Voilà: Roche Winery Vineyard Retreat. By staying right at the winery, you'll be able to savor fine Chardonnay or Pinot Noir with no concerns about driving home, or getting to another location for the night. Our well-appointed retreat is nestled among a 20-acre vineyard estate, with views from every room and two indoor fireplaces, yet just minutes to Sonoma Plaza and a cornucopia of restaurants, galleries, spas and shops.
But you may not want to leave the property at all. Did we mention the large hot tub and solar-heated pool, the spacious kitchen and al fresco dining area? The fire pit to keep you warm while gazing at the stars? When you stay with us here at Roche, it will be hard to leave.
Of course, in a location replete with award-winning wineries, there are also a variety of accommodations and experiences to suit every taste and budget. Here are some of our other favorites:
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn
Located on the site of an ancient hot springs, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa has been a destination resort for decades. This Spanish Colonial Revival luxury hotel draws on Sonoma's rich history. With geothermal mineral pools, exquisite dining, and adjacent golf at the Sonoma Golf Club, you may want to visit more than once after your inaugural wine country weekend getaway.
The Fairmont Sonoma offers a variety of tempting packages as well, such as the Mission Spa Experience, which includes breakfast for two and Sonoma Apothecary bath amenities.
Creekside Inn and Resort
If you prefer a more rustic atmosphere, the Creekside Inn in Guerneville may be perfect for you. These exceptional cabins and cottages will have you feeling like you just stepped back in time, except you won't need to churn butter by hand or get up before dawn to milk the cows. Each cottage radiates charm and comfort, whether you book the Tree House, which can sleep up to six adults, or the Apple House, sheltering under an ancient apple tree with its own pool behind a clematis-covered privacy fence.
If you're bringing your pup, choose pet-friendly Quail, a bright studio that, like all the Creekside accommodations, includes WiFi, a kitchen, and even an ironing board, so you can look your best for a sumptuous Sonoma County brunch (best to fill your tummy before the tastings!)
Sonoma Valley Inn, Best Western
Bringing the kids to your wine country weekend? The Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn might be your best bet for a reliable, affordable night's stay that will keep them entertained, with free WiFi and a 38" flat-screen TV that boasts premium channels, pay movies and a video game console. We all have our priorities. Wine and relaxation are yours, and until the kids can enjoy tasting wine with you, this is an excellent option.
Gray Line Tours
When you've had your fill of wine tasting and the kids are starting to get antsy, consider booking a Gray Line Tour. For more than a century, Gray Line has been leading sightseeing tours to the Bay Area's most sought-after locations.
From Alcatraz to Muir Woods to a full-on San Francisco grand tour, there's bound to be more than one experience the entire family will love in addition to wine tasting and delightful accommodations.
Up & Away Ballooning
If you've ever looked up early in the morning and seen those spectacular hot air balloons floating colorfully over Sonoma County, you've surely said to yourself, "Someday I'm going to do that!"
Up & Away Ballooning is your ticket to the skies, bringing you up close and personal panoramic views, from serene countryside to rolling vineyards to the rugged ocean coastline.
El Dorado Kitchen
El Dorado has a page on its website labeled, "For the Curious." It's a curated list of what to do during your Sonoma Stay—after you've enjoyed their award-winning breakfast, lunch, or dinner, of course.
Are you a knitter? Check out the textile dyeing workshop at Olema House. Want to kick up your heels? There's live music at Due West. And if you've got a hankering to learn to make the best cocktails, cocktail master Christian Baker at The Restaurant at North Block will teach you how to properly shake things up. Who says lifelong learning isn't fun?