Arranging a trip to explore Northern California and indulge in the region’s wine treasures, it makes sense to choose a hotel that celebrates all aspects of wine. Positioned amidst a productive vineyard, Vintners Resort is a fantastic choice. Offering rural, expansive views of the surrounding vines, this Santa Rosa-based accommodation, owned by the Jackson Family of esteemed Jackson Family Wines, alongside Ensemble Investments, LLC, presents an authentic wine country experience. Keep reading to uncover the unfolding of my perfect overnight stay at Vintners Resort:
For my afternoon check-in, I enjoyed a sunlit stroll along the resort’s extensive hiking trail amidst the surrounding vines—a perfect prelude to my pre-arranged spa treatment at on-site Vi La Vita Spa. A luxurious sanctuary of well-being, the spa features a lavish relaxation lounge, indoor heated soaking pool, outdoor pool with chaises lounge, and separate male/female steam saunas. The seasonal special “Cranberry & Pomegranate Scrub” felt like a thorough full body exfoliation, leaving my skin glowing and fresh. The post-treatment offer of spiced nuts and lemon elixir, savored within the lounge, served as the ideal conclusion.
I then proceeded to take a leisurely walk back to my generously sized 2nd-floor king fireplace room, admiring the property’s 92 acres of red-tile roofed Italianate buildings, fountains, fire pits, various furnished terraces, a bocce ball court, giant chess set, and stunning gardens. The resort actually offers guided tours of its gardens conducted by landscape manager Chris Connell, who starts by offering guests a glass of sparkling wine and a fresh amuse-bouche before sharing his horticultural practices for delectable produce and beautiful flowers. The tour ends with a picnic lunch in the vineyard, overlooking which my vineyard-facing balcony was perfectly positioned—a superb spot to enjoy my half bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon amenity (a generous offering provided to all guests) while observing the setting sun.
An aperitif at the clubby and intimate Front Room Bar & Lounge, a popular spot among local professionals in the wine industry, preceded my dinner at John Ash & Co., one of Sonoma County’s most esteemed dining establishments. The atmosphere is refined, featuring a central fireplace, elegant table settings, and vibrant floral artwork. Celebrating almost 45 years, John Ash & Co. is considered a pioneer in the realm of farm-to-table cuisine. It was the first Sonoma County restaurant to introduce the concept of seasonal, locally sourced products, harmoniously complemented with regional wines. Today, Executive Chef Tom Schmidt upholds the legacy by selecting fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs from the resort’s own culinary gardens, which include fig and olive orchards, and by sourcing from local suppliers. Several discerning locals recommended the Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin, and I was pleased that I followed their suggestion. The tender cut, served with whipped mashed potatoes, paired splendidly with a glass of Kendall-Jackson Grand Reserve 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, chosen from the restaurant’s award-winning wine list. I also thoroughly enjoyed the warm Parker House rolls, served with salted butter. Delectable.
Returning to my room, where turndown service had been performed during my absence, I savored the warmth of my petite fireplace, enjoyed the Volo chocolate placed on my pillow, and watched a bit of late-night television on my oversized, flat screen, before drifting off in sumptuous bedding.
In the morning, I relished a cup of coffee from my in-room Keurig, while observing the vineyard fog dissipate. If I were one to indulge in breakfast, I would have reveled in the options at the resort’s River Vine café, open throughout lunch and serving all the morning favorites. (In more temperate conditions, an outdoor patio permits al fresco dining.) However, the 1.5-hour drive to the East Bay beckoned, and I set off, departing with an invigorated and refreshed sense of tranquility and well-being, courtesy of Vintners Resort’s delightful hospitality.
Image Source: VintnersResort.com
