2007-05-25
VINTNERS INN
by Sue Straight, The Wine Wench
The Vintners Inn should be listed in the dictionary under serenity.
Understated elegance, comfort and delightful amenities abound at this 92-acre European-style estate in the heart of Sonoma County’s Wine Country.
This oasis of relaxation is conveniently located just off of Highway 101, but you would never know it. The hotel, restaurant and visitor’s center sit in a small dell, surrounded by a thick earthen wall, and outside that, acres of vineyards and trees.
Let’s take a tour.
You cruise up the winding, tree-lined driveway into what looks like a small European village and start to leave the outside world behind. You enter the beautiful, earth-toned lobby, where you are greeted by a smiling concierge, who escorts you up to your second floor room. Your room and all of the other second floor rooms have open beam ceilings, fireplaces and wrought-iron balconies that overlook the beautiful grounds. There is a basket of snacks and a bottle of wine waiting on a table next to the big, cushy, comfortable looking bed, which is afloat with down pillows and a fluffy down comforter.
If you had chosen a downstairs room, all the cushy comfort would still be offered, plus your own private patio. All of the Inn’s 44 elegantly appointed guest rooms offer big soaking tubs, super comfortable overstuffed furniture and beds, big fluffy towels and bathrobes, fully stocked mini bars, in-room safes and room service from the Inn’s fabulous restaurant, John Ash & Co..
The gently winding walkway is flanked by gorgeous, well tended gardens and tasteful tile roofed stucco buildings. Olive trees and vineyards stretch as far as you can see. You catch a glimpse of the new jogging trail that meanders through the grounds and vineyards.
The restaurant lobby has a distinctly Mediterranean feel, complete with mosaic tiled floors. You glance into the bar, which has a cozy, English gentlemen’s club appeal.
The patio tables beckon, so you decide to sit outside, where you are surrounded by vineyards and twinkling lights. John Ash & Co. is a wonderful restaurant and it is a local favorite. Specials like “Martini Mondays,” “Crush the Rush” on Wednesdays and executive lunches are all available.
Celebrity chef, John Ash offers monthly cooking classes, where for $95 guests explore a different food theme every month and then get to enjoy their culinary efforts. These classes always sell out.
After a delicious dinner, you walk over and investigate the newly minted event center.
It is truly magnificent. From the outside, it looks like a European town hall or village center, complete with clock tower, working bell and a gurgling hand-carved marble fountain.
You stroll through the doors and are taken by the sheer size of the event center, where 13,000 square feet were artfully designed to accommodate any type of event. There is a grand ballroom that opens up to a huge a private patio with a large barbeque and rotisserie. Off to the side is a private boardroom with a long gleaming table and 18 chairs, complete with wireless internet access.
With your curiosity about the visitor’s center now sated and your stomach full, you head back to your room to settle in for a peaceful evening. Good night!
Vintners Inn is the perfect place to stay for everything - including a romantic getaway for two, events for large groups and corporate events.
Vintners Inn is located at 4350 Barnes Road, Santa Rosa. For more information, visit on-line at www.vintnersinn.com or call 1-800-421-2584.
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