Timeless Contentment
in the Heart of Wine Country
Chanticleer Vineyard Bed & Breakfast, Paso Robles
805-226-0600
$$ / $$
Acres of rolling vineyards dotted with wineries have earned the Paso Robles area the reputation of “early Sonoma.” Award-winning vintages are crafted in the more than seventy wineries, many of which open their doors and welcome guests for nominal tasting fees. For even the most elegant wine dinner held in the wine caves of Eberle Winery, you need only bring dress-casual attire. Down-home comfort coalesces with quiet sophistication as visitors enjoy the country roads and breathtaking ocean vistas along the western route of Highway 46.
Situated amidst acres of verdant countryside you’ll discover a little-known secret hideaway offering three sumptuous guest rooms. A flagstone path leads past an Italian fountain as the inn’s labs greet their guests. Deep soaking tubs for two, plush robes, toasty fireplaces, fine linens, a bottle of local wine and a scrumptious breakfast are standard amenities at the Chanticleer Vineyard Bed & Breakfast. Room Three is the most elaborate choice for a romantic weekend for two.
Try a bottle of lover’s wine, Moscato Allegro, at Martin & Weyrich; take in a few stories from the wine servers at Bonny Doon Vineyard after selecting herbs at Sycamore Herb Farm; stop for a gourmet sandwich at Jankris Winery; sample an apple flip and some fresh cider at Cider Creek; or soak in an outdoor hot tub while taking in the views at Paso Robles Hot Springs and Spa. For a casual yet exquisite Italian dinner, stop in at Buona Tavola in downtown Paso followed by a glass of wine at Vinoteca wine bar. For expectant mothers-to-be, you’ll find a delicious Zinfandel grape juice at Castoro Cellars and pasteurized cider at Cider Creek. If you’re not in a hurry to return to the bustle of daily living, head over to Highway 1 and take in the rocky oceanfront, the elephant seals and the sea otters.
A Spa Respite
The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma
707-938-9000
$$$ / $$$
You'll be checking into one of the only luxury Spa resorts in the country with its own source of thermal mineral water. And this state-of-the-art Spa, surrounded by exquisitely manicured grounds, just happens to sit in the heart of the Sonoma Wine Country.
On your first night, relax in the lavish guest room. Snuggle under a down comforter before a roaring fire, and rent a movie through the hotel’s in-room pay TV system. What a treat to sit and watch a movie through to completion—without interruption! Tomorrow is all about being pampered together in the resort's amazing spa.
In the morning, order up room service. Then slip into your bathing suits and pull on the thick terry robe for your walk across the landscaped grounds. You'll begin with the signature (and co-ed) bathing ritual: an exfoliating shower, ten minutes in each of two mineral pools, a quick stop in the herbal steam room, and time in the sauna before experiencing a ‘rainfall’ in the cool down shower. You'll enjoy a relaxing side-by-side couple's Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa Massage in one of their specially designed deluxe couples treatment rooms. Take your Spa experience home with you by learning basic techniques for massaging your partner. After your treatments, lounge poolside and order lunch from the The Water Tower.
The next day, it is time to discover Sonoma's wine country with Napa Valley Wine Country Tours. The limo will arrive stocked with champagne, soda and water. Just sit back on the high leather seats and allow your tour guide to chauffeur you through wine country. They'll tailor the trip to your requests, so include Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves, where you may take your generous taste into the underground cave and learn the art and secrets of aging the sparkling wine. Or, the tile-roofed villa of Viansa Winery & Marketplace for lunch and wine tasting. Kunde Estate Winery & Vineyards begins with a wine tasting and tour of the wine caves. Schedule a reserve tasting at Chateau St. Jean, where you are invited to get comfy in the side sofa, while their Hospitality Specialist guides you through the tasting and educates you on some great wine basics.
A Napa Wine Indulgence
Villagio Inn & Spa
707-944-8877
$$ / $$
Walking past the water fountain, a statue of Venus as its centerpiece, a bellman warmly greets you, offering his assistance and a bottle of chilled water. You step inside the impressive European-styled lobby and discover a small line has formed at the registration desk. As if on cue, additional employees arrive to greet incoming guests. You are warmly welcomed, offered a chilled Belini, swiftly checked in, and whisked off to your room.
Since your arrival coincides with Villagio's complimentary Afternoon Tea, you'll want to stop there before heading to the spa for your treatments. You dress in luxurious robes and mosey past blocks of sparkling fountains to the place where dreams are made--and vacations begin.
You'll want to be sure to rise in time for the extravagant, and free, breakfast buffet at the Villagio in the morning. Since most people head to the Napa Valley for wine, begin your first day with a Wine Tasting 101 class at Copia, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa. After boning up on your wine etiquette and vocabulary, you could easily spend the remainder of the day here attending classes and exploring the changing exhibits.
If you are in Napa on the day of the Chef’s Market (Friday), stroll through to eye up the fresh baked goods, plump produce, and handmade items. You'll be particularly intrigued by the chef’s demonstration. Finally, stop at the Wineries of Napa Valley to sample a flight of wines before dinner. Carrying on the wine theme, head over to the Napa Wine Train, where you'll ride in a fully restored vintage car running on original track. Guests are encouraged to explore the string of cars, but don't be surprised if you are transfixed to the changing landscape as the sun slips behind the lush vineyards.
While in town, consider joining Napa Valley Wine Country Tours’ daily wine tour. They’ve pre-selected some of the best wineries and because you are joining others, it is an economical alternative to driving-under-the-influence.
For dinner, return to the culinary center of the valley and your home base, Yountville. Park your car back at the hotel to freshen up before walking over to Hurley’s, where owner and Executive Chef Bob Hurley creates artful delicacies from local producers. Too much wine? No problem, you're walking.
Make an appointment to tour di Rosa Preserve after breakfast, and before hitting the road home. Located just outside of Napa proper, more than 2,000 works of art by more than 900 artists are displayed throughout 217 acres, creating one of the most extensive gatherings of contemporary Northern California art available anywhere.
Napa Valley Visitors Information
Paso Robles Visitor and Conference Bureau
Sonoma County Tourism Bureau
