Destination-Worthy California Wine Country B&Bs & Inns

  • Lodging
  • by HANA-LEE SEDGWICK
  • on JUNE 25, 2019
  • 10309
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Lodging

Destination-Worthy California Wine Country B&Bs & Inns

By Hana-Lee Sedgwick June 25, 2019

California has no shortage of beautiful resorts worth checking into, but there’s something a little more personal about staying at a smaller bed and breakfast or inn. And, while there’s certainly nothing wrong with the traditional B&Bs of yesteryear, today’s modern version of the bed and breakfast inn offers so much more than just breakfast.

Yes, you can expect to nosh on daily gourmet breakfasts, but you’ll also get to take advantage of beautifully-appointed rooms, luxurious amenities, and little details such as afternoon wine hours. From Sonoma and Napa Valley all the way down to Santa Barbara, here are our top picks for best Wine Country B&Bs and inns throughout the Golden State.

French Flair in Napa

Lavender Inn
Photo Courtesy of Lavender Inn

Originally a country farmhouse from the 1850s, this historic property is one of the oldest homes in Napa Valley and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Though the house and its cottages have since been renovated with modern details like peaked ceilings and private outdoor courtyards, it still retains its historic charm from its early days as a B&B. Each guest room features a fireplace, king-sized bed, spacious bathroom, and a color palette that adds a touch of Provençal flair. Outside, a lavender garden further adds to the feeling of being in the French countryside. Each morning, you’ll get to savor the inn’s signature breakfast buffet, featuring hot items, baked goods, granola, fruit, coffee, and tea. Feeling like staying in bed? Breakfast can be delivered to your room for $10.

2020 Webber Avenue, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-1388

A Moment of Zen in Glen Ellen

Gaige House + Ryokan
Photo Courtesy of Gaige House + Ryokan

Just a short drive from downtown Sonoma is the quaint community of Glen Ellen, where the zen-like retreat of Gaige House + Ryokan awaits. Featuring 23 guest rooms set amongst the tranquil property, this one-of-a-kind B&B is accented with modern Asian elements — think private zen gardens and bamboo lined paths — to help one to fully embrace a feeling of serenity. To enhance your experience even more, make time for the inn’s wellness treatments, such as the in-room spa services, outdoor private meditation classes, and private yoga sessions. Jasmine green tea service and matcha cookies at check-in further the inn’s homage to Japanese traditions, while locally-inspired breakfasts and artisan wine and cheese happy hours remind you that you are indeed in California Wine Country.

13540 Arnold Drive, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, (707) 935-0237

Romantic Napa Valley Escape

Poetry Inn
Photo Courtesy of Poetry Inn

Perched on a hillside and nestled amongst cabernet sauvignon vines in the heart of the Stags Leap District, this quaint, five-room inn is a welcome respite for those seeking a romantic escape in Napa Valley. Designed by the famed Wine Country architect Howard Backen (and owned by the team behind Cliff Lede Vineyards), Poetry Inn offers spacious rooms outfitted with king-sized beds, large soaking tubs, indoor and outdoor showers, and private balconies with picturesque views. Further adding to the peaceful vibe at this adults-only inn are plush amenities such as Italian robes, a heated pool and Jacuzzi, twice daily housekeeping, personalized concierge service, and gourmet three-course breakfasts prepared daily. It’s the perfect hideaway for those seeking serenity and romance just minutes from downtown Yountville.

6380 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 944-0646

Sophistication in Santa Ynez

Fess Parker Wine Country Inn
Photo Courtesy of Fess Parker Wine Country Inn

The Fess Parker Wine Country Inn, founded by the late actor turned vintner, Fess Parker, is located in the heart of downtown Los Olivos in Santa Barbara Wine Country. Each of the 19 rooms at this welcoming inn displays tasteful décor, along with an in-room Keurig coffee maker, gas fireplace, and a King-sized, pillow top bed. Included with a stay here is a delicious, made-to-order breakfast at the inn’s on-site restaurant, The Bear and Star, where most of the offerings are sourced from the Fess Parker ranch just a few miles away. After breakfast, lounge beside the inn’s heated pool or venture down the street for a 2-for-1 tasting at sister winery, Epiphany Cellars. The Fess Parker is an especially convenient place to stay if you enjoy tasting wine, as there are over 30 tasting rooms within walking distance.

2860 Grand Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 93441, (805) 688-7788

Historic Luxury in Calistoga

Napa Valley Register
Photo Courtesy of Napa Valley Register

This restored historical hotel offers a welcome dose of Parisian elegance right in the heart of Calistoga. Built in 1886, the five-room, adults-only luxury inn occupies a gorgeous chateau — listed on the National Register of Historic Places — and though it was abandoned for more than 50 years, extensive renovations have brought this Calistoga landmark to a state of polished refinement. Inside the inn’s stone walls, you’ll find meticulous guest rooms featuring antique furniture and custom headboards, as well as posh amenities like heated toilets and floors. A gourmet breakfast highlighting locally-sourced ingredients will start your day off right, but don’t think you need to venture off property to experience a magical day in Wine Country. Though intimate, the inn offers a variety of amenities to keep you occupied, such as billiards, an infrared sauna and salt room, a heated outdoor pool, gardens, and a fire pit.

1403 Myrtle Street, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 341-3536

Riverside Retreat in Napa

Milliken Creek Inn & Spa
Photo Courtesy of Milliken Creek Inn & Spa

Situated on three acres overlooking the Napa River just outside of downtown Napa, Milliken Creek Inn & Spa is an inviting place to rest your head in Wine Country. Each of the 11 guest rooms offer a taste of relaxed sophistication, with thoughtful amenities that add to the inn’s peaceful ambiance. Expect king-sized beds, in-room fireplaces, oversized hydrotherapy tubs, separate sitting areas, and river views, as well as the option for in-room massages (while the spa undergoes renovations). In true Wine Country B&B style, breakfast is included with your stay, featuring eggs, pastries, waffles, and more — available to be delivered to your room, balcony, or anywhere else on the property you wish to start your day.

1815 Silverado Trail, Napa, CA 94558, (707) 255-1197

Vineyard Views in Paso Robles

SummerWood Winery & Inn
Photo Courtesy of SummerWood Winery & Inn

Located in the middle of a vineyard a few minutes outside of downtown Paso Robles, SummerWood Inn is a welcoming, peaceful place to stay in Wine Country. This contemporary farmhouse-style inn offers nine comfortable rooms overlooking the vineyard, with inviting in-room amenities that make it easy to cozy up at night — think pillow top beds and fireplaces. A stay here means you’ll have access to the grand living room and dining room, as well as an outdoor dining space overlooking the gardens, where farm fresh breakfasts, seasonal appetizers, wine, and desserts can be enjoyed (on the house!) each day.

2175 Arbor Road, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 227-1365

Southern-style Hospitality in Sonoma

Beltane Ranch
Photo Courtesy of Beltane Ranch

This Southern-inspired bed and breakfast inn on a beautiful ranch in Glen Ellen is operated by fourth and fifth generation owners, who work hard to ensure a stay at the resorted 1892 Victorian is anything but ordinary. Highlighting the house’s original architectural charm, updated guest rooms offer private entrances, plenty of natural light, organic in-room amenities, and vineyard or garden views. Not surprisingly, breakfasts here feature a selection of items straight from the ranch, including eggs from heritage breed hens, homemade jams, and fresh produce. You can even take your farm-to-fork experience one step further by booking one of the wine and food experiences offered exclusively to guests, such as gourmet picnic baskets prepared by the chef and more elaborate al fresco dinners overlooking the vines.

11775 Sonoma Highway, Glen Ellen, CA 95442, (707) 833-4233

Country-style Charm in Santa Ynez

Ballard Inn | Tenley Fohl Photography
Communal living room at Ballard Inn, Courtesy of Ballard Inn | Tenley Fohl Photography

This inviting, farmhouse-style inn is located in the sleepy township of Ballard, in the heart of Santa Barbara Wine Country. Originally built in 1985, the inn has since been extensively renovated to reveal a cozy, contemporary space complete with inviting communal areas, a super charming wrap-around porch, and simple yet comfortable rooms (some with in-room fireplaces). While on the quaint side, little details like afternoon wine and cheese, cookies at turn-down service, and complimentary tea and coffee all day make a stay here feel special. Complimentary breakfast is enjoyed in the inn’s popular on-site restaurant, The Gathering Table, where the menu includes a short list of homemade egg dishes, oatmeal, and tasty daily specials.

2436 Baseline Avenue, Ballard, CA 93463, 805-688-7770