When making arrangements to explore Northern California and revel in the area’s vinous delights, it’s logical to opt for a hotel that honors all aspects of wine. Situated in the midst of a productive vineyard, Vintners Resort is an excellent selection. Providing rural, sweeping views of the encompassing vines, this Santa Rosa-based lodging choice, possessed by the Jackson Family of reputable Jackson Family Wines, in conjunction with Ensemble Investments, LLC, presents an authentic wine country experience. Read on to discover how my ideal overnight stay at Vintners Resort unfolded:
Upon my afternoon check-in, I relished a sunlit stroll along the resort’s extensive hiking trail amidst the surrounding vines—a perfect precursor to my pre-planned spa therapy at on-site Vi La Vita Spa. A luxurious haven of wellness, the spa showcases 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 radiant and fresh. The post-treatment offer of spiced nuts and lemon elixir, relished within the lounge, served as the perfect conclusion.
I proceeded to enjoy 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 led by landscape manager Chris Connell, who begins 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 concludes with a picnic lunch in the vineyard, overlooking which my vineyard-facing balcony was perfectly positioned—a superb location to savor my half bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon amenity (a gracious 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 ambiance is refined, featuring a central fireplace, elegant table settings, and vibrant floral artwork. Commemorating nearly 45 years, John Ash & Co. is regarded as a trailblazer in the realm of farm-to-table cuisine. It was the initial 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 encompass fig and olive orchards, and by procuring from local suppliers. Several astute locals recommended the Grilled Angus Beef Tenderloin, and I was delighted that I followed their advice. 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 relished the warm Parker House rolls, served with salted butter. Delicious.
Returning to my room, where turndown service had been conducted 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 sizable, flat screen, before drifting off in luxurious bedding.
In the morning, I savored a cup of coffee from my in-room Keurig, while observing the vineyard fog dissipate. Were I one to partake 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
