If you’re looking for a vacation that lets you relax with a great glass of wine and amazing scenery, consider a trip to Sonoma, California. It’s a perfect couples retreat that is far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, and there are many great experiences to choose from.
Where to stay
If you’re looking for a boutique hotel, take a look at the Ledson Hotel. With only six well-appointed rooms, this lodging is located right on Sonoma’s main plaza and has a great restaurant downstairs. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn is another classic hotel with great accommodations, and it also has a natural mineral hot spring and luxury spa to help you enjoy your weekend.
If you’re looking for a resort experience with all of the extras and a lot of space, check out MacArthur Place. It was once a 19th century estate and winery that has been transformed into a perfect hotel to experience all of Sonoma and Napa Valley wine country. The resort has even recently remodeled 29 luxury suites with everything from hydrotherapy tubs to original artwork.
For more information, visit http://www.fivestaralliance.com/.
What to do
You can’t visit Sonoma without venturing out into the Sonoma and Napa Valley wine country. Named the number one Wine Destination in the United States by TripAdvisor, nearby Napa Valley offers plenty of wineries to choose from. You can start with Buena Vista Winery, the oldest commercial winery in the state, which has been making wine since it was founded in 1857 by Count Agoston Haraszthy. Rodney Strong Vineyards has a great Summer Music Festival to accompany its small-lot wines, and the Marijke’s Grove sculpture garden at Paradise Ridge Winery is a great sight while you are sipping.
Looking for something to do that doesn’t involve wine? Sonoma has a great shopping district for some retail therapy, and a visit to the Charles M. Schulz Museum is sure to put a smile on your face as you learn more about the beloved cartoonist and his famous “Peanuts” characters. You can also visit the Vella Cheese Company in Sonoma and see how its popular cheese is made.
For more great ideas and a calendar of events, visit http://www.sonomacounty.com/.
Where to eat
When you’re staying in Sonoma, great food is an essential pairing with good wine. The Basque Boulangerie Café’s claim to fame is being the home of Sonoma’s original sourdough. The café also offers breakfast and lunch fare. LaSalette Restaurant opened in 1998 on the central plaza and offers Portuguese cuisine with a modern twist that combines European sensibility with fresh California ingredients. If you want to learn a great recipe that you can take home, visit Ramekins in Sonoma for cooking classes that include courses in dishes from the French Riviera, Italy, Thailand and more.
Since there are so many dining options, you may want to make your decision easier by taking one of several Sonoma Food Tours that will take you around the city for tastes of all of the amazing delicacies available. For more of the best places to eat, check out http://www.tripadvisor.com/.
We hope you make time to visit Sonoma soon. This retreat in California is a great way to recharge your batteries and spend time together enjoying good food and exceptional wine.
