Enjoy a craft cocktail at the bar at the Restaurant at CIA Copia (Photo: Victor M. Samuel)
The Restaurant at CIA Copia offers seasonal, shareable cuisine (Victor M. Samuel)
The Culinary Institute of America’s (CIA) new facility at Copia is quickly becoming a must-see hot spot for food and drink geeks. The 80,000 square foot facility, located next to the Oxbow Market in downtown Napa, brings culinary and beverage education to the people – up close and personal. Here are five reasons to geek out at the CIA at Copia.
Learn from the best: culinary and beverage classes from CIA instructors The CIA is considered one of the world’s best culinary schools and now the public can tap the knowledge of CIA chefs and instructors through daily classes. Taking place in the 72-seat Napa Valley Vintners Theater, upcoming classes include how-to cook with wine, how to pair wine with food, the history of coffee, and a family-friendly, hands-on mac and cheese class. Classes start at $15.
The newly opened CIA at Copia, in Napa, offers daily cooking classes for the food-loving public (Victor M. Samuel)
Sharing is caring: indulge, with friends, in shareable seasonal cuisine
The Restaurant at CIA Copia offers seasonal, shareable cuisine created by a team led by French chef, Christophe Gerard. The dining experience is unique: cooks create shared plates and present them to your table, discussing each dish and helping you select what appeals to your palate and eyes. Menu offerings include Jerusalem Artichoke Crisps ($8), a 34 oz. Cowboy Ribeye ($95), and a cheese plate that is unlike any other you’ll ever experience (ask to meet Bessie!). They’re open for lunch and dinner.
Shop your way to the ultimate culinary lifestyle
After learning how to make your own cheese, you’ll need all the tools to do it and the Store at CIA Copia has it all. Many of the store’s offerings are hand-crafted in the US and Europe, including pottery from St. Helena ceramicist, Amanda Wright, gardening tools from UK-based Haws, and cutlery from Germany’s Messermeister. The store has a huge selection of culinary-themed books and also locally made wine and food.
The Store at CIA Copia (Victor M. Samuel)
Enjoy craft cocktails and wine from around the world
The bar at the Restaurant at CIA Copia includes an expansive beverage program, including wine and craft cocktails. They barrel-age their own bitters and make their own infusions. Cocktails include a Barrel Aged Sazerac (Sacred Bond Brandy, absinthe, bitters) and the Apple Blossom (Spring 44 Gin, Calvados and apple). Beers and wines from around the world are also offered, including from throughout Northern California and France. Grab a drink and wander the manicured gardens of the property, which provide ingredients for the restaurant and classes.
Enjoy a craft cocktail at the bar at the Restaurant at CIA Copia (Victor M. Samuel)
Check out the art and history of the food and wine world
The property includes a selection of commissioned artworks, including Fork by sculptor Gordon Heuther and a tribute to Bob and Margrit Mondavi, titled Is that Bob and Margrit?, which resides on the tower on the outside of the building (look up!). Check out the sparkle of the Gutenstein Family Decanter Collection and check back later this year for the opening Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum and the Wine Hall of Fame.
The CIA at Copia is open daily. 500 1st St., Napa.ciaatcopia.com.
Sonoma Springs Brewing Company offers two new beers in March at their Sonoma taproom. (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Springs Brewing Company)
Tim Goeppinger isn’t afraid to experiment. As the head brewer at Sonoma Springs Brewing Company, the only brewery located in the City of Sonoma, Goeppinger continues to expand his lineup of California and German style beers – and he’s prolific in his production. This month’s upcoming release of “Sonoma S.M.A.S.H.” marks his 7th release in 2017 – yes, that is seven beers in two months, two in March alone.
The beginning of March saw the release of “Duck Duck Joose,” a Northeast-style IPA. A hazy IPA, “Duck Duck Joose” has seven types of hops that create a smooth, refreshing beer with berry notes. On March 20, Sonoma Springs will release “Sonoma S.M.A.S.H.” It’s a single malt, single hop beer made with Huell Melon hops. This beer showcases the distinct flavor of the German hops it uses, which is known for it’s delicate melon and strawberry flavors.
Visitors to the Sonoma taproom on Riverside Drive can taste these two new beers alongside Sonoma Springs standard’s such as their Kolsch and Subliminal Gold IPA, and recent releases such as the pineapple-y “Juicy in the Sky” and aptly named “Women Are Smarter” saison. 19499 Riverside Dr., Suite 101. sonomasprings.com
The brisk, sunny days of springtime are upon us. If you’re flying off to warmer climates to celebrate spring, check out these season-perfect items from around Sonoma County.
NOT YOUR ORDINARY SANDAL
Pull off your winter shoes, put on a pair of OluKai Mea Olasandals and head to a sunny, warm destination. With original artwork inspired by the octopus, canoe lash stitching, high-quality materials and comfortable arch support, these sandals are a far cry from your ordinary pair of flip-flops.
$120, Kane Menswear, 31 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-996-3453, kanewear.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
PACK UP IN STYLE
Whether you’re catching the next plane to Palm Springs for the weekend or taking a long-haul flight to Bali, you’ll travel in style with this lightweight suitcase with four multidirectional wheels from Lipault of Paris. It will hold everything you need for fun in the sun, and it’s a breeze to roll either behind or beside you.
BEACH READING
Find a comfortable place on the beach or by the pool and dive into “Nine Island,” an autobiographical novel by Jane Alison. This quick and personal read set in Miami Beach has a unique writing style and tone. The novel is by turns both funny and sad, and it’s always enthralling.
BEAUTY ON THE BEACH
Stand out in the spring break beach crowds in this unique, hand-embroidered bikini by Agua Bendita of Colombia. Intricate details, textures and brilliant colors make this artisancrafted two-piece the one you’ll want to wear in the sun all season long.
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
$195, Sunkissed by Sunsations, 205 5th St., Santa Rosa, 707-595-1458, visit on Facebook.
The brisk, sunny days of springtime are upon us. If you’re getting busy digging in your garden, check out these season-perfect items from around Sonoma County.
FOR THE BIRDS
Many of us are lucky enough to have orioles visit us in early spring. Welcome these bright yellow birds with a feeder made just for them. This diamond shaped feeder comes with orange-slice decorations, the oriole’s favorite sweet treat. It includes perches with built-in bee guards and feeding ports, and it’s a cinch to clean and refill with nectar.
$22, Prickett’s Nursery, 5875 Sonoma Highway, Santa Rosa, 707-539-3030, prickettsnursery.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
HEIRLOOMS TO GROW
It’s early spring and time to plant vegetables like beets, lettuce, spinach and carrots. Try heirloom seeds this season, choosing rare varieties like Beet Chioggia, dating back to 1840s Italy, and Strawberry Spinach, which is traced to the 1600s in Europe. Use ceramic stakes made by Petaluma artist Lou Sparks to keep track of your seedlings.
ROCK YOUR PLANTS
Your plants will feel right at home in this sturdy pot made with Indonesian river rock that’s been hollowed out. Each pot is unique in size, shape and natural color. Usable indoors or out, it’s ideal for plants with heavy foliage.
$29 for the small size, Artefact Design & Salvage, Cornerstone Sonoma, 23562 Highway 121, Sonoma, 707-933-0660, artefactdesignsalvage.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
JUST LIKE OLD MACDONALD
You may not have a farm in the true sense of the word, but this charming “FARM” sign will make your backyard garden feel like one. Made by artists in Mexico using recycled metal, it will look great on your shed, garden fence or house. It’s meant to be outside in the elements and measures roughly 19 inches tall by 38 inches long.
The brisk, sunny days of springtime are upon us. Breathe fresh air into your home in less time with these four season-perfect items from around Sonoma County.
BEAT THE DUST
Forget those fluffy feather dusters and greasy sprays. Dust your surfaces instead with a silky soft goat-hair bristle brush, handmade in Germany. It won’t scratch glass and can access smaller areas with ease. This lightweight duster has a pearwood handle that fits comfortably in your hand. To store, simply hang it from its leather strap.
$36, Healdsburg SHED, 25 North St., Healdsburg, 707-431-7433, healdsburgshed.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
KITCHEN SMARTS
TheStick-em Handy Kitchen Towel by Full Circle with a built-in magnet will have you asking yourself, “Now, why didn’t I think of that?” When not in use, stick it to your oven or fridge for quick access. Machine-washable, made with organic cotton and bamboo, this soft and absorbent cloth is also free of toxic dyes.
$11.25, Sebastopol Kitchen + Table, at The Barlow, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-634-0333, sebastopolkitchentable.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
POWERFUL CLEANING, NATURALLY
Feel good about yourcleaning products with Better Living, a line of all-natural cleaners that work. Using plant-derived ingredients and scented with essential oils, their products are nontoxic, eco-friendly and made in the US with solar energy.
Choose from a variety of cleaning solutions to spring-clean the natural way. Ranging from $5.99 to $6.79, Pharmaca, 303 W. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-938-1147, pharmaca.com
Photo Credit: Sarah Deragon
UNCLUTTER YOUR CAR
When checking off that spring-cleaning list, don’t forget your car. Gather your re-usable shopping totes, maps, emergency supplies, pet toys and tools and organize them in thisstorage bin made for your trunk. Designed to hold heavy items like grocery bags, it has two large compartments, three mesh side pockets and stitched-in handles.
$14, Friedman’s Home Improvement, 1360 Broadway Ave., Sonoma, 707-939-8811, friedmanshome.com
Reservations for pool passes at Coppola Winery start March 9. (Photo: Chad Keigh)
Start shopping for that swimsuit because the pools at Coppola Winery opens Saturday, April 1, with reservations for pool passes and cabines starting March 9.
When film director and winery proprietor Frances Ford Coppola opened Coppola Winery he wanted to create a “a wine wonderland, a park of pleasure where people of all ages can enjoy all the best things in life: food, wine, music, dancing, games, swimming and performances of all types. A place to celebrate the love of life.”
And he’s done just that. Coppola Winery was the first winery in Northern California to install a swimming pool and a bocce court. The 3,600 square-foot pool has 32 cabines, European-style changing rooms with all the necessary amenities.
Cabine rentals have all the necessities for a perfect pool day (Photo: Chad Keigh)
Cabine reservations (starting at $135) include pool passes and lounge chairs for four guests. They have their own private showers, towels and playing cards. Cabines also have two Coppola signature perks: four bottles of Sofia Mini sparkling wines and a copy of the award-winning Zoetrope: All-Story magazine, published by Coppola himself.
The pool at Coppola Winery offers poolside service, four bocce courts, and board games (Photo: Chad Keigh)
Individual pool passes are also available (starting at $12 for children and $28 for adults) and include access to poolside service, two restaurants, four bocce courts, game tables featuring backgammon, card games and board games, and a children’s lending library. Individual passes are first come first serve, but reservations are available and highly encouraged.
Coppola Winery’s pool operates April 1-May 29 (Fri-Sun), May 30-October 1 (open daily) and October 6-28 (Fri-Sun). Pool hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Reservations can be made by phone at (707) 857-1471 or at francisfordcoppolawinery.com.
From world-famous wineries and rolling golden hills to majestic redwood forests and Pacific Ocean shores, Sonoma County offers a variety of scenic backdrops for engagement photos. Now, as the sun begins to peak through the clouds and winter rains have turned the hills emerald green, the lighting and setting is just right for capturing that special moment and making your big announcement. Here are our favorite engagement photo spots in Sonoma County:
Five acres of gardens make for a perfect place to sneak at kiss at Ferrari-Carano (Photo courtesy of Ferrari-Carano)
Ferrari-Carano Winery – Healdsburg
10,000 tulips and daffodils in bloom, 2000 species of shrubs and trees, waterfalls that flow into fish-filled ponds, highlighted by bronze sculptures from renowned artists — what else could a coupe in love need for their Facebook feed? This, and the Villa Fiori, is all yours to enjoy come spring at Ferrari-Carano. 8761 Dry Creek Road, Healdsburg 95448, 707-433-6700, ferrari-carano.com
The Ledson Winery in Kenwood.
Ledson Winery – Kenwood
If you’re looking to create a fairytale feel in your engagement photos, Ledson Winery in Kenwood is the location for you. This gothic-style winery castle features cathedral windows, turrets, coffered ceilings and sweeping staircases; the garden, overlooking vineyards and Sonoma hills, has fountains and carefully manicured lawns. 7335 CA-12, Kenwood 95409, 707-537-3810, ledson.com
The Bodega Head in Bodega Bay. (Kent Porter)
Bodega Head – Bodega Bay
Those looking for an alternative to the typical wine country engagement photo should head to Bodega Head, a small promontory on the Sonoma coast. Sandy beaches and a scenic shoreline will add drama to your photo and, since this is a relatively secluded spot, you don’t need to worry about photo bombers ruining the Pacific backdrop. 3799 Westshore Rd. Bodega Bay, 94923, 707-875-3483
Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa.
Matanzas Creek Winery, Santa Rosa
Matanzas Creek Winery in Santa Rosa offers a casual French countryside vibe, with fields of lilac and purple lavender. Pack a picnic basket, pick up a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc in the tasting room, and set up a sweet engagement shot on the property. 6097 Bennett Valley Rd Santa Rosa 95404, 707-528-6464, matanzascreek.com
Sunlight filters through redwoods on to oak leaves at Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve in Guerneville. (Kent Porter)
Armstrong Redwoods, Guerneville
For a rustic, bohemian feel, with a touch of a Midsummer Night’s Dream, make your way into the Guerneville redwoods. Lean against a friendly leafy giant with your beloved one, or pose near a creek waterfall in lush green surroundings. 17000 Armstrong Woods Rd Guerneville, 95446, 707-869-2015
Sonoma County is well-known to tourists as a destination for wine sipping and food tasting. Its locals have different, possibly more engaging, ways to pass the time, however. Here is a list of some of the more unusual attributes that make Sonoma County such a vivacious place to live.
Astronomy students Marcos Indalecio, left, and Melanie Queiroz view the stars through a telescope at the Ferguson Observatory in Sugarloaf Park. (John Burgess)
Stargaze at Robert Ferguson Observatory
Located at Sugarloaf Ridge State Park, Robert Ferguson Observatory is the largest observatory in the Western United States wholly committed to public viewing and astronomical education. The observatory has several telescopes, including a new, 40-inch instrument. It is open to the public once a month, usually on Saturdays. Daytime solar observation is free, while attending the nighttime Star Parties costs $3.00 for anyone over 18. To check the schedule and sign up for classes, visit rfo.org.2605 Adobe Canyon Rd, Kenwood 95452, 707-833-6979.
View Whimsical Junk Art on Florence Avenue
Take a drive or go for a stroll down Florence Avenue in Sebastopol, the coolest street in Sonoma County. Mounted in front-yard gardens behind picket fences, colorful sculptures salute the passersby. These funky and whimsical art pieces are made by sculptor Patrick Amiot out of old pieces of tires, headlights, bicycles, and anything else that can be dug out of the dumpster. Some of his street sculptures include a dog with a mailbox nose, a surfer girl with speedometer eyes, and a milkman with a trash can torso. Florence Avenue, Sebastopol. Patrick Amiot Studio, 2371, Gravenstein Highway South, Sebastopol 95472, 707-824-9388, patrickamiot.com
Patrick Amiot’s distinctive sculptures decorate Florence Avenue in Sebastopol. (Rebecca Chotkowski)
See a Play by The Imaginists Theater Company
The Imaginists is an experimental theater company that creates and performs original works. The subject material is centered around the themes of art, activism, and community, and the company actors are people of different ages and backgrounds. The Imaginists travel to various locations within Sonoma County to perform. In the summer, the actors bicycle from park to park for their tour “The Art is Medicine” or “El Arte es Medicina.” This annual summer tour is free to the public and performed in both English and Spanish. For more information about current and upcoming performances, call 707-528-7554, or visit theimaginists.org.
The Imaginists Theater Company performs The Butterfly’s Evil Spell/ El Malefic de la Mariposa, a play by Federico Garcia Lorca at Martin Luther King, Jr. Park in Santa Rosa. (Crista Jeremiason)
Visit Luther Burbank Home and Gardens
Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is Santa Rosa’s most special city park. It is a National Historic Landmark and a California Historical Landmark. The park is named after legendary horticulturist Luther Burbank, and contains his old home, gardens and greenhouse. Burbank is also buried on the property. Ramble through the array of plant creations that Luther Burbank introduced, such as the Shasta daisy and the spineless cactus. Luther Burbank Home and Gardens is located at 204 Santa Rosa Avenue, Santa Rosa. Admission is free to the public. Call (707) 524-5445 to attend a tour. 204 Santa Rosa Ave, Santa Rosa 95404, lutherburbank.org
Luther Burbank Home & Gardens in Santa Rosa. (Christopher Chung)
Dance the Night Away at Ellington Hall
Ellington Hall is a ballroom dancing hall in Santa Rosa. It offers classes in styles such as tango, salsa, and East Coast Swing. On Friday nights it opens its doors to the public for a $15 swing-dancing party. Dance the night away with the ballroom and swing dancers in the area from 8:30pm to 11:30pm. Attend the $15 beginner swing lesson beforehand from 7:30pm to 8:30pm, and the dance party is free. Bring a partner or come solo; everyone is welcome. Come on your birthday, and you get to dance in the birthday circle. For more information on dance classes, visit ellingtonhall.com. 3535 Industrial Dr, Santa Rosa 95403, 707-545-6150.
Ellington Hall in Santa Rosa. (Charlie Gesell)
See Sonoma from Above with Up and Away Hot Air Ballooning
Sonoma County climate is ideal for ballooning. Take a scenic ride above the vineyards and rolling hills, or along the rugged coastline. The Up and Away hot air balloons are colorful state-of-the-art creations, ranging from 150,000 to 315,000 cubic feet. Balloon occupation is limited to one pilot and up to sixteen additional guests. Visit up-away.com to book a balloon ride. 2200 Airport Blvd, Santa Rosa 95403, 707-836-0171.
Up and Away Hot Air Ballooning. (Courtesy photo)
Go Foraging for Local Produce at Santa Rosa Farmers Market
Held at the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts, the Santa Rosa Farmers Market is the largest farmers market in Sonoma County. It is also California Certified, meaning that all products sold are produced solely in California and that the sellers of the products are directly related to their production. Meander past the vendors, and nibble some cheese from Two Rock Goat Cheese, suck on a honey stick from Hector’s Honey, and sample some fresh fruit from The Peach Farm. Markets are held from 8:30am to 1:30pm on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The Luther Burbank Center for the Arts is located at 50 Mark West Springs Road in Santa Rosa.
Mandarin oranges at the Santa Rosa Farmers Market. (Kent Porter)
Hit the Rink at Cal Skate
Tighten your laces, and go roller skating at Cal Skate in Rohnert Park. Take a class, host a party, or free skate at the rink. Bring your kids for Kid Skate, or hire a babysitter and attend Adult Night. Cal Skate is also home to the roller derby league Resurrection Roller Girls. Admission is under $10, and skate rental is $4. 6100 Commerce Boulevard, Rohnert Park 94928, 707-585-0500. For a schedule, visit calskate.com.
Cal Skate in Rohnert Park. (Jeremy Portje)
Travel Back in Time at Hot Couture
Step into this Santa Rosa shop, and feel transported to a hundred different places in time. Located in the Historic Railroad Square, Hot Couture is one of the most impressive locally owned and operated vintage clothing store in all of Sonoma County — and beyond. Its vibrant and eye-catching collection contains clothing from the 1890’s to the 1970’s, all carefully curated and in excellent condition. Browse the store and be dazzled by the overwhelming displays of beaded dresses, fur coats, elegant hand bags, and jeweled gloves. Hot Couture also runs a clothing rental service, and is always able to provide a costume for any of the most fantastical parties or events. 101 Third Street, Santa Rosa, 101 W 3rd St, Santa Rosa 95401, 707-528-7247, hotcouturevintage.com
Marta Koehne, center, owner of Hot Couture in Santa Rosa, dressed Katherine Pitts, left, and Kyle Adamiec, right, in outfits for Wunderkammer Tuesday. (Crista Jeremiason)
The Randy Sidecar, a new craft cocktail offered at Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant, uses organic apple brandy (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cider)
Brandy Oh Fashion is one of many apple brandy cocktails being served at Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant in Healdsburg (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cider)
Sonoma County isn’t just known for its fabulous grapes – but also for its fabulous cider, and Sonoma Cider is one of the nation’s premier cideries. In fact, Sonoma Cider, located in Healdsburg, produces the only organic and gluten free ciders in the country – and now they also produce brandy.
A new twist on a Moscow Mule, the Brandy Mule uses Sonoma Cider Apple Brandy as a core ingredient (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cider)
Available at the newly opened Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant in Healdsburg, this organic apple brandy is crafted by David and Robert Cordtz, the father and son duo behind Sonoma Cider’s award-winning ciders.
Inspired by Calvados, the famed apple brandy of France, Sonoma Cider’s brandy is smooth, with notes of cinnamon, baked apples, and a touch of honey and vanilla on the finish.
The apple brandy’s warm flavors make it a perfect mixer for craft cocktails, which are being offered at the Taproom & Restaurant, alongside Sonoma Cider’s 23 craft ciders on tap.
The Randy Sidecar, a new craft cocktail offered at Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant, uses organic apple brandy (Photo courtesy of Sonoma Cider)
Cocktail offerings include new twists on old classics, such as the Randy Sidecar, which comprises Sonoma Cider Apple Brandy, fresh orange juice & lemon juice, and simple syrup with a lemon twist, and the Brandy Mule, which stars their apple brandy partnered with fresh lime juice and house-made sarsaparilla bitters, topped with ginger beer and garnished with a lime wheel.
Their cocktails are primed to pair perfectly with the New American cuisine served at the Taproom. Sonoma Cider Taproom & Restaurant is open Wed-Sun, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., 44 F Mill St., Healdsburg, (707) 723-7018. sonomacider.com.
Tired of staying in traditional hotels and vacation rentals on your Wine Country visits? To make your next weekend trip special, rent a unique space that lets you feel like you live here, often for less money than a hotel room. Sonoma County offers a vibrant AirBnB scene with options like tiny houses tucked into backyards, Wine Country villas, country cottages, moderns design homes – even treehouses.
Here are 10 of the most popular local AirBnB listings, all top rated by guests.
The Loft Under the Oaks – Windsor.
The Loft Under the Oaks – Windsor
This 600 square foot Windsor rental is located in the Russian River Valley, close to some of the best wineries Sonoma County has to offer. Guests can enjoy 50% off wine shippings while staying at the loft and a private deck, overlooking vineyards, to sip the wines on.
Weekdays $89 per night, weekends $119 per night. More info here.
Poolside view at Vineyard Estate – Healdsburg.
Vineyard Estate – Healdsburg
This private guest house is located at a gated vineyard estate in Healdsburg. A stay includes a private VIP tasting at Mazzocco and their sister winery Wilso, and views of vineyards and Mount St. Helena. The pool (pictured above) is open April through October, and the Healdsburg farmers market is an eight minute drive away. Weekdays $159 per night, weekends $185 per night. More info here.
View from the hot tub at La Bella Cabina in Jenner.
La Bella Cabina – Jenner
This restored 1930s cottage is located in the seaside town of Jenner. There is direct access to the Russian River, with a kayak and canoe available for guests. Adventure-loving visitors will enjoy a day at Goat Rock State Beach, after paddling their way down the river. Evenings can be spent by the fire, or in the hot tub overlooking the river. $275 per night. More info here.
Casita Vista – Sonoma
This 1000 square foot Italian-style cottage is located ten minutes away from the Sonoma Plaza, in Lovall Valley. The house is surrounded by 16 acres of “pristine terrain” – like vineyards, rolling hills and gnarly oak trees – and there’s a pool. $300 per night. More info here.
Cabin at Peek of Mt Veeder in Glen Ellen.
Cabin at Peak of Mt Veeder – Glen Ellen
This two bed cabin, located on over 50 acres of mountain range, features a wrap-around deck and double sliding glass doors. Fruit trees line the back deck and, in summer, guests are welcome to take home pears, nectarines, plums and apples they pick. With nearly no neighbors, there is plenty of space and quiet time for relaxing here. $105 per night. More info here.
Tree House Swallowtail Magic Grove – Petaluma
This Petaluma house takes Wine Country living to new heights or, more exactly, 30 feet up a eucalyptus groove. A spiral staircase wraps around the tree trunk and leads to a deck, which overlooks the surrounding countryside. Prices start at $195 per night. More info here.
Architect cabin in the Redwoods – Cazadero
This newly remodeled cabin offers an open loft space in the middle of Sonoma County Redwood trees. This is a good place to escape the summer heat, or cozy up by the wood stove during winter. Ocean views on the Sonoma Coast and forest hikes in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve are nearby. $140 per night. More info here.
Cozy Russian River Vineyard Cottage – Guerneville
This one bedroom Guerneville cottage is located three miles from Korbel Winery and overlooks a vineyard. Bring back a bottle of bubbly, and an inner tube, and have yourself a romantic Russian River getaway for two. $145 per night. More info here.
Sun Drenched Neighborhood Flat – Sebastopol
This apartment, located just minutes from the heart of downtown Sebastopol, is located above a garage, but don’t let that fool you. The rustic and outdoorsy property sits in middle of an open driveway and a well taken care of patio. The best part, according to the owner, is the neighborhood: “I’ve never seen so many friendly people in such a lovely spot.” $120 per night. More info here.
Scenic Neighborhood Garden Cottage – Santa Rosa
This modern, one bedroom apartment, is a good rental for beer lovers – with Russian River Brewing Co. a mere mile away. Brunch at the Naked Pig or Spinster Sisters and check out the SOFA art district. The cottage comes with a sunny patio, and downtown Santa Rosa is just a stroll away. Weekdays $105 per night, weekends $125 per night. More info here.
