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California Wine Country
Great wine is grown throughout the state of California, and the popular Napa and Sonoma Valley areas to the North of San Francisco make a great add-on to a break in the city, or as part of a longer California fly-drive. Wineries abound and at many of them you can just turn up and sample some of their wines. Alternatively why not try a 'Sip'n'Cycle' tour through one of the regions popular wine areas, or take the Napa Valley wine Train and relax with a great meal as the beautiful countryside slips past. As well as great wines, the area produces fantastic local food and there are plenty of restaurants offering wine and food pairing menus. If you like outdoor activities, you can hike, kayak or play golf, or take to the skies in a hot air balloon.
Located just 45 minutes north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge and within easy access to four international airports: San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento and San Jose, Sonoma County provides a genuine and adventurous California Wine Country experience; combining the perfect blend of sophistication and relaxation.
Sonoma County has more than 425 wineries, 25 microbreweries at last count, 40-plus spas, 55 miles of stunning Pacific Coast, farm-to-table restaurants and some of the most fertile earth in California; Sonoma County embodies the organic, natural and deliberate life that typifies Wine Country.
Home to more than 425 award-winning wineries, Sonoma County barrels a varietal for everyone. Down-home hospitality resonates from small family run wineries to internationally heralded wine houses. Visitors can immerse themselves in a complete range of experiences, from wine tastings, vineyard tram tours, picnics in a vineyard, cave tours, barrel tastings, wine-blending classes, wine-and-food pairings and wine-and-chocolate tastings — the options are endless.
Sonoma County is much more than just wine and food. The rugged mountains of western Sonoma County, where the Russian River flows past redwood-topped ridges, stand over the 55 miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, offer stunning views along California’s famed Highway 1. There are more than 50 state and regional parks that offer miles of hiking and cycling trails, horseback riding, camping, bird watching, or simply taking in magnificent views. Pick your pleasure: from the Mayacamas Mountains on the eastern border to the Pacific Ocean, the amazing redwood trees to family friendly beaches along the Russian or Gualala rivers.
Holiday Ideas
Click the image below to download Coastal Living's article on the Timber Cove Inn, Sonoma
Our Favourite Stays - Healdsburg & Calistoga
Camellia Inn, HealdsburgBed & BreakfastFrom £165 per room per night
Located in the town of Healdsburg, the Inn has more than 50 varieties of camellias on the landscaped grounds and surrounding the villa. 150 wineries are located within 15 minutes drive, Healdsburg town centre is less than 1 mile away, Charles Schultz Museum is 15 miles away and Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve is 40 minutes’ drive away.
This charming 1869 Italianate Victorian Healdsburg inn offers lush camellia gardens and combines old-world charm with modern amenities, including rooms with free Wi-Fi. The individually decorated rooms at Camellia Inn feature antique furnishings. Rooms offer 4-poster or canopy beds and include tea and coffee-making facilities. Select rooms offer fireplaces and spa baths. Breakfast is included and there is a seasonal pool on site.
Mount View Hotel & Spa, CalistogaModerateFrom £183 per room per night
Situated in the heart of Calistoga, Mount View Hotel Spa is close to Calistoga Hot Springs, Old Faithful Geyser, and Sharpsteen Museum. Also nearby are Vincent Arroyo Winery and Close Pegase Winery.
Mount View Hotel Spa has a full-service spa, an outdoor pool, and a hot tub. The hotel offers 2 restaurants along with 2 bars/lounges and breakfast, parking and Wi-Fi is included.
Calistoga Ranch, CalistogaDeluxeFrom £762 per room per night
Calistoga Ranch is a luxury resort nestled in a secluded Upper Napa Valley canyon on 157 lush, oak-lined acres.
Luxurious Napa lodges with warm furnishings, natural textiles and original artwork accent the beautiful wooded setting; each lodge features welcoming fireplaces, private patios and expansive views. The rooms come equipped with Wi-Fi, flat screen TV, safe indoor and outdoor living space and outdoor shower. Resort amenities include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga deck, spa, restaurant and a heated pool featuring views of the resort's private vineyard and oak groves, and 140 acres of land dedicated to hiking and active pursuits.
Our Favourite Stays- Santa Rosa
Flamingo Conference Resort & SpaModerateFrom £152 per room per night
The Flamingo Conference Resort and Spa, in the Sonoma County Wine Country, is a Santa Rosa historic landmark
This hotel features the classic charm of the 1950s but has all the contemporary amenities. There are two Olympic sized pools, five tennis courts, golf, spa and winery tours. The hotel has 170 spacious rooms equipped with Wi-Fi, hair dryer, refrigerator, coffee maker and in-room dining.
Hotel La RoseModerateFrom £97 per room per night
Housed in a stone property built by Italian masons in 1907, this charming hotel is in Railroad Square, Santa Rosa’s historic district, and situated near shopping and dining. Refined, individually decorated rooms have antique furnishings and marble bathrooms, plus free Wi-Fi and cable TV, flat screen televisions, coffee makers and air conditioning. Some are arranged around a garden courtyard and some have private patios or balconies.
Free perks include parking and continental breakfast.
Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine CountyDeluxeFrom £156 per room per night
The Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country is located in the epicentre of Sonoma Country with easy access to wineries, the coast, breweries, shopping and dining options. The hotel amenities include a fire pit, Wi-Fi, local wine tasting, full service restaurant, café, bar, hot tub, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool and lounge.
The hotel has been recently renovated and offers 155 guestrooms and suites with contemporary decor and amenities including coffee maker, TV, iron and ironing board, mini-fridge, in-room safe and air conditioning.
Best Western Garden InnModerateFrom £87 per room per night
This hotel is located just off Highway 101 near downtown Santa Rosa and is conveniently located for shopping, dining, entertainment and sightseeing.
The Best Western Plus Garden Inn offers its guests many amenities including two swimming pools, a breakfast café. The room amenities include Wi-Fi, refrigerator, TV, air-conditioning, iron and ironing board, hair dryer and coffee/tea maker.
The Sandman Hotel, Santa RosaModerateFrom £110 per room per night
With the convenience of a roadside inn and the character of a vibrant Wine Country hotel, The Sandman invites guests to experience the best of Sonoma County. The traditional rooms offer free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs with premium cable channels, as well as kitchenettes with minifridges and coffeemakers.
There is complimentary continental breakfast and parking, an outdoor pool, hot tub and an exercise room.
Our Favourite Stays - Sonoma & Occidental
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma Wine CountyFirst ClassFrom £255 per room per night
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa is just a short drive from downtown Sonoma, a charming small town offering year round outdoor activities, events, festivals, dining and shopping.
The hotel contains 5 dining options, swimming pool, gift shop and babysitting service. All of the luxury rooms feature flat screen TVs, a selection of bathroom amenities, mini-bar refrigerator and air-conditioning.
Inn at Occidental, OccidentalFirst ClassFrom £205 per room per night
Set in English-style gardens, this bed-and-breakfast in the quaint artists' community of Occidental is 6.6 miles from the Russian River, 14 miles from Bodega Bay and 15 miles from Santa Rosa.
Classic, individually decorated rooms have antique furnishings and feather beds, plus fireplaces, sitting areas and free Wi-Fi. Most rooms include TVs. Some have private decks, 2-person whirlpool tubs or 4-poster beds. There's also a 2-bedroom cottage that sleeps up to 6.
Our Favourite Stays- Coastal Sonoma
Inn at the TidesModerateFrom £254 per room per night
The Inn at the Tides in Bodega Bay is located on scenic Coast Highway, nestled amongst secluded, natural surroundings.
The hotel has a restaurant, a fitness centre, heated swimming pool, fish market, spa and gift shop. The rooms are spacious, casual yet elegant with sweeping views of the bay and harbour. Room amenities include TV, hair dryer, in-room coffee and tea, wireless Internet. A complimentary full American breakfast and parking are also both included.
Timber Cove InnFirst ClassFrom £225 per room per night
Located on the rugged coastline, the Timber Cove Inn offers guests an extraordinary Sonoma Coast hotel experience with stunning views.
It offers 49 rooms with either forest or ocean view, and features an ocean view restaurant and a fitness centre. The majority of the guest rooms feature flat screen TVs, mini-fridge, complimentary WiFi and coffee maker.
Our Favourite Stays- Napa & Vallejo
Napa Valley Marriott, NapaFirst ClassFrom £229 per room per night
Experience the charm and beauty of Napa, California’s world-famous wine country from the area’s premier hotel. Conveniently located in the heart of California’s renowned Napa Wine Country, just off Highway 29, the hotel offers the ideal setting.
The hotel offers complimentary Wi-Fi in public areas, spa, salon, gardens, fitness centre, outdoor swimming pool, restaurant and bar.
River Terrace Inn, NapaFirst ClassFrom £185 per room per night
This upscale boutique hotel overlooks the river and is just 12 minutes from downtown with its antique stores, wine tasting rooms and gourmet restaurants.
The rooms are stylishly furnished and have flat screen televisions, coffee makers and air conditioning. Upgraded rooms offer whirlpool baths and private balconies with river views. Onsite, there is also an exercise room, outdoor pool and restaurant serving locally sourced dishes.
Quality Inn VallejoTourist ClassFrom £78 per room per night
This Quality Inn is centrally located between San Francisco, Sacramento, Berkeley and Napa Valley wine country. Just a short drive away include attractions such as the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Mare Island, Sears Point Raceway and the California Maritime Academy.
The hotel offers free hot breakfast, free WiFi, a seasonal outdoor pool as well as a fitness centre. All of their well-appointed guest rooms feature standard amenities, with select rooms offering a refrigerator and microwave.
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