The mantra the Sonoma County Tourism folks chant is
”
good wine, good food, good nature.
”
It is a most accurate description of a delightful area that fits
that old cliche
”
something for everyone,
”
with beautiful rolling hills, outdoor activities, spas, prima
wineries, glorious food and accommodations fit for the most
discerning traveler.
The mantra the Sonoma County Tourism folks chant is “good wine, good food, good nature.” It is a most accurate description of a delightful area that fits that old cliche “something for everyone,” with beautiful rolling hills, outdoor activities, spas, prima wineries, glorious food and accommodations fit for the most discerning traveler. A short plane ride and a drive from San Francisco or Oakland that takes the traveler away from the hustle bustle of life’s everyday pressures, this Eden offers one of the most relaxing, enjoyable and affordable places to clear the mind and luxuriate.
A little history
Sonoma is a Wintun Indian word for “nose.” No one has figured out why the Spaniards named the area with this word, but legend has it that Sonoma was a nickname of a Wintun chief who lived in the Sonoma area with a particularly large proboscis.
Russian otter fur traders were the first white settlers to create fortified outposts at Fort Ross in 1813. With docks and storehouses in Bodega Harbor, and their scattered farms and orchards in Sonoma County’s hills and valleys, they were the first long-term European colonists on the North Coast. The Spaniards had control over the Sonoma region and stemmed the Russian’s ventures by letting the Franciscans found California’s northernmost Spanish mission in 1822.
Politics, the gold rush, lumber, farming and ranching were all a part of this historic, bucolic region where much of the landscape retains the same pastoral quality it had a century ago. Luther Burbank, Jack London and Charles Schulz were a few of the famous personalities who lived in the surrounding areas.
For information, call The Sonoma County Tourism Program at (800) 576-6662 or visit www.SonomaCounty.com.
The ultimate in class
The Vintners Inn and John Ash & Co., 4235 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa, is considered one of the finest luxury hotels in the wine country. Located in the heart of Sonoma County and situated on 92 acres of vineyards, this hotel boasts 44 luxurious, spacious rooms and suites with private patios or balconies and – upon request and availability – fireplaces. Housed in three separate villas, each room enjoys a view of the glorious lush vineyards or the flower-filled central courtyard and stunning fountain.
The John Ash & Co. dining room mixes refinement with grace and gentility. The ultimate in wine country cuisine and service is presented and served to perfection. All dishes feature products grown in Sonoma County and complemented by a wine list featuring more than 600 selections.
Weddings, conferences and meetings receive special handling by an expert staff.
The “event center” offers an upscale, luxurious 13,000-square-foot conference and meeting center and can be configured to a maximum of nine rooms.
There is a stunning 3,150-square-foot rose ballroom for weddings and a 600-square-foot executive board room.
All are equipped with state-of-the-art audiovisual and videoconferencing equipment.
For information, call (800) 421-2584, (707) 575-7350 or visit vintnersinn.com.
A unique experience
The Benziger Family Winery, 1883 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen, is a choice destination for wine enthusiasts.
Located next door to the delightful town of Glen Ellen, the Benziger estate offers a Sonoma County wine experience unlike any other. Several times a day, visitors can join one of Benziger’s knowledgeable guides for a 45-minute presentation on wine growing by riding in a tractor-pulled tram tour of the family ranch. Visitors are given a firsthand look at the vines, an informative glimpse of biodynamic (organic) winegrowing and breathtaking views of the land. The tour completes with a fascinating visit to the estate’s 27,000-square-foot underground caves, followed by a tasting of the superb Benziger wines.
For more information, call (888) 490-2739 or visit www.benziger.com.
Something different
When you think unique food, think Sandra Bernstein, the creator and driving force for “the girl and the fig,” that makes dinner an experience beyond just dining out. Here the food has a singular, subtle taste. Each bite creates a desire for more. The liberty duck confit with French green lentils is a wonderful amalgam of delightful taste surprises. The dish was paired with a 2002 Malm Cellars cross blend wine. For dessert, a warm fig and thyme crisp – fig and port ice cream topped with black mission fig syrup – was accompanied by a fantastic 2001 Castle Syrah port. This is only a small sample of the thought and detail that fills the menu and makes “the girl and the fig” a truly unique dining experience.
For information, call (707) 938-3634 or visit www.thegirlandthefig.com.
The cheese is delicious
The Spring Hill Cheese Company, 4235 Spring Hill Road, Petaluma, offers a fascinating look at estate cheese making at its simplified best. The Spring Hill cheese is made from 400 Jersey cows that are bred and raised by owner Larry Peter. Spring Hill is one of the most surprisingly interesting experiences you can encounter in Sonoma County. Try their lemon Quark.
For information, (707) 762-3446 or visit www.springhillcheese.com
Just a thought to keep in mind: this is Jack London Country. (But that’s a whole different article.) Anyone who has an interest in this fascinating man and the Jack London State Park should e-mail or call the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau at (800) 567-6662 or log on to www.sonomacounty.com.
Considering how expensive fuel and travel expenses are, Sonoma County is a nearby getaway for the family that won’t break the bank.
