Because during the holidays too much family can sometimes be too
much to bare, Wine Country offers a relaxing alternative. I’ve
long advocated that the holiday season is one of the best times
of year to visit wine country. The short cool days, misty mornings
and chilly nights mean thinner crowds. Meanwhile, wineries have
slowed down from the insanity of harvest and restaurants are decidedly
much easier to get into. And, above all, there’s nothing like waking
up to the sound of a far-off rooster instead of a to a haranguing
visiting relative asking you where you keep your non-dairy creamer.
When
you’re in need of an escape—whether from the in-laws or from the
crush of too much holiday spirit—there are a few places in Wine Country
that offer all of the comforts of home without all the distractions.
In Sonoma, not far from the historic Square, MacArthur
Place (29
East MacArthur St., Sonoma; 707-938-2929; www.macarthurplace.com) is a charming, 64-room inn with historic ambience and modern amenities,
including a top-notch spa. Rooms feel like cozy miniature homes,
especially the cottages (recommended), which feature fireplaces,
walk-in showers, down comforters, sumptuous robes, and DVD players.
Select a movie from the surprisingly large library off the lobby
and you’ll be on your way to a like-home experience, although one
in which you don’t have to make the bed in the morning.
On the road between Sonoma and Napa is one of Wine Country’s most
welcome recent additions, Carneros Inn (4048
Sonoma Hwy, Napa, 707-299-4900; www.carnerosinn.com). If you had a rich, hip aunt,
this is what visiting her place would feel like. At once rustic
and sophisticated Carneros Inn is comprised of 86 cottages that
each live like individual homes. Each room is secluded and stylish,
offering all the comforting and hedonistic comforts of home, from
fireplaces to flat-panel televisions. Bathrooms feature big soaking
tubs and showers indoors and out. The two great restaurants on
property will cover day-round dining needs.
Also among the new
additions to Napa, The Poetry Inn (6380
Silverado Trail, Napa; 707-944-0646; www.poetryinn.com), a five-room only-in-wine-country
twist on the B&B. Perched on a hill overlooking the Stags Leap
District, the sophisticated inn presents guests with a becalming
atmosphere of luxury without pretense. Each room is spacious beyond
need and offers fireplaces, king beds with decadent linens, huge
bathrooms with jetted tubs and large balconies from which to soak
in the panoramic valley vineyard views. Each morning, guest are
treated to a gourmet, three-course breakfast while an attentive
staff makes sure you every whim is looked after.
Northward up the Napa Valley is a place you could genuinely call
home if you were so inclined and sufficiently endowed financially.
The elegant Calistoga Ranch (580 Lommel
Road, Calistoga; 707-254-2800; www.calistogaranch.com) is quintessentially Wine Country, situated
in the verdant hills among ancient oak trees and carved through
by a rocky stream. The 46-room resort, with a spa and private restaurant,
offers units for sale via fractional ownership, and features home-like
units with indoor and outdoor living spaces ingeniously designed
to mix the two while providing nothing short of be-all-end-all
luxury. Whether the Deluxe variety or one-bedroom, you can’t go
wrong with the accommodations here—rooms are large and appointed
with modern amenities that will make you rethink your personal
lifestyle. The outdoor showers are, surprisingly, more refreshing
in winter than summer and recommended especially with the knowledge
that soon afterward you can warm up in relaxation in front of your
indoor-outdoor fireplace. This place will no doubt lend new meaning
to the phrase “home for the holidays.”
Holiday
Sleepovers 