Sonoma Valley A Gateway to the Wine Country

A September 2001 trip to Sonoma by FLTravelAgent

SonomaMore Photos

Well having come off our short two day cruise the wife and I decided on Sonoma Valley CA. We had previously toured the Napa Valley area but found Sonoma Delightful as an alternative. The Lodge at Sonoma a Renaissance Resort hotel became our home of luxury living.

  • 4 reviews
  • 7 photos
Sonoma
Two not to be missed highlights include the Raindance Spa and the Cellar Door Wine Tasting Center both right on the property of the Renaissance. The Cellar Door features wine from Sonoma's Artisan Wineries: Laural Hill Estate, Loton Cellars, Mayo Family, Robert Hunter, Richardson Vineyards and Topolos. The tastings take place from 11am-6pm.

Quick Tips:

Start your wine touring at the Buena Vista Winery and enjoy a complimentary tasting. Another place to have indepth wine country induction is the Sonoma County Wine and Visitors Center in Rohnert, just off Hwy 101 where 100 wineries are covered. The Benziger Family Winery is of much interest and their tractor trailer tour is an event in and of itself.

Best Way To Get Around:

Definitely to be relaxed and get the most out of your visits, rent a car, but if you prefer a chauffer in Napa the Napa Winery Shuttle is great.
Huge Bathrooms!
Absolutely the most romantic and beautiful cottages in all of Northern California. A wonderful resort featuring the deluxe Raindance Spa. The Raindance Spa is a sophisticated world class facility featuring the Watsu in water massage and the purfying kur in the Raindance suite. In my opinion the most extensive portfolio of treatments and opulent services of any California spa.

You should definitely request a cottage the units are romantic and have huge bathrooms and room to relax both inside and outside on your own lanai. The resort also features an excellent health spa (equipment) and pools and jacuzzi outside. Many of the cottages also have a fireplace and on TV internet and pay per view movies! Service is prime here and the warm greeting and greeting of a glass of wine top off anybody''s visit! Cameros restaurant is also worth a visit but a bit pricey.

  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by FLTravelAgent on October 8, 2001

Lodge at Sonoma
1325 Broadway Sonoma, California
1(888) 710-8008

Pizzeria Capri RistoranteBest of IgoUgo

Restaurant | "Pizzeria Capri"

Superb service with delightful gourmet pizza, pasta, cappucino and delightful ice cream bar! Absolutely the best lasagna in Northern California and superb service to boot! Well worth the visit and reasonable in cost for the budget-minded!
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by FLTravelAgent on October 8, 2001

Pizzeria Capri Ristorante
1266 Broadway Sonoma, California 95476
(707) 935-6805

The Cellar DoorBest of IgoUgo

Attraction

Cellar Door
What a novel idea combine the local smaller wineries into one location for tastings from 11am-6:00pm you can feature and sample Laurel Hill Estate (Varietals with handcrafted local flavor), Loxton Cellars (Zinfandel), Mayo Family Winery, Robert Hunter, Richardson Vineyards, and Topolos.
  • Member Rating 4 out of 5 by FLTravelAgent on October 8, 2001

The Cellar Door
1395 Broadway Sonoma, California 95476
(707) 938-4466

About the Writer

FLTravelAgent
FLTravelAgent
Jacksonville, Florida

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