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Russian River Redux
A region springs to life
by Courtney CochranSonoma County’s westerly Russian River Valley is like no other place in Northern California’s storied wine country.
One need only drive down winding, pine tree-dotted Highway 116 hugging the Russian River to feel transported to another place. The towering redwoods and river-side clapboard cottages seem to belong to another time as well, a time when lazy days spent dangling your feet in the cool river while sipping a glass of one of the region’s award-winning Chardonnays or Pinot Noirs were commonplace.
Fortunately, these experiences are alive and well right here in the present, and not far off the beaten path from what most of us considers the heart of Sonoma’s wine country. Read on for highlights of some of the best places to stay, dine, and taste in the Russian River Valley. And whatever you do, don’t forget your spirit of adventure: This is a whole new kind of wine country experience.
Stay + Eat
Travelers looking for an authentic Russian River lodging experience
will feel tucked away from reality at the 100-plus year-old Village Inn.
With 10 guest rooms, an on-site restaurant and bar, and easy access to
nearby activities like tennis, fishing, swimming, canoeing, and
kayaking, the recently renovated inn is ideally situated right on the
river. Over 100 Russian River-area wineries are located within a half
hour’s drive, but you may not want to leave this comfy spot that
appeared in the Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire flick “Holiday Inn”, now
famous for Irving Berlin’s classic song “White Christmas”.
(20822 River Blvd., Monte Rio, CA 95462 Tel 707-865-2304 www.villageinn-ca.com)
Apparently,
good lodging comes in tens in Russian River – ten rooms, that is. A
touch further inland from our Crosby and Astaire haunt is the
well-hyped ten-room Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant. In
their short tenure as owners (they bought the spot in 2001), siblings
Catherine and Joe Bartolomei have created a veritable oasis of food,
drink, and luxurious spa treatments in the heart of Russian River.
With an emphasis on top-quality local products – many ingredients at
the spot’s Michelin starred-resto are sourced from Farmhouse’s own
organic farm – and comfortable wine country elegance, this is
definitely the most haute way to enjoy the best of western Sonoma’s
spoils.
(7871 River Rd., Forestville, CA 95436 Tel 707-887-3300 www.farmhouseinn.com)
Taste
A visit to Pinot powerhouse De Loach Vineyards’ recently
redesigned tasting room now includes barrel tasting and a tour of
winery facilities including an organic garden and estate vineyards,
which are in transition to being biodynamically-farmed. Tours are
offered daily at 10am, 12pm and 2pm. Travelers with a hankering for
some eats can partake in a reserve tasting with food pairing, also
offered daily at 11am, 1pm and 3pm. And folks with a passion for yoga
AND wine can sign up for DeLoach’s new private Yoga Retreat Weekends,
which include lodging at the winery and all sort of other perks.
(1791 Olivet Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95401 Tel (707) 526-9111 www.deloachvineyards.com)
Russian River legend Gary Farrell’s winery offers one of the best intimate tasting experiences in the valley. Situated on a stunning hillside amidst a grove of ancient redwood trees, Gary Farrell Vineyard & Winery pours its award-winning Pinot Noir and other selections for small groups (those traveling with more than 10 will need to make an appointment) in order to allow ample attention for each guest. Be sure to allow adequate time, because this is a spot meant for lingering. Open daily from 11am to 4pm. (10701 Westside Rd., Healdsburg, CA 95448 Tel 707-473-2900 www.garyfarrellwines.com )
Author
WineCountry Admin
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