A Springtime Getaway to Sonoma Valley Wine Country and the Idyllic Montage Healdsburg
Earlier this spring Scott and I had the pleasure of returning to Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, the site of our first romantic getaway 22 years ago. We always enjoy a walk down ‘memory lane’ in this classic wine country town and this trip we stayed at a sparkling new destination, the idyllic Montage Healdsburg. The spacious resort, with 130 bungalow-style suites sprinkled throughout, is eco-friendly with a contemporary design style enhanced by native oak trees and vineyards. We thoroughly enjoyed the fire table on our balcony during chilly evenings, golf cart rides around the grounds, tasty cuisine at some old and new Healdsburg favorites, sampled delicious wines and enjoyed springtime drives through the vineyards. Just a friendly reminder that springtime in wine country is not to be missed!
Earlier this spring Scott and I had the pleasure of returning to Healdsburg, in Sonoma County, the site of our first romantic getaway 22 years ago. We always enjoy a walk down ‘memory lane’ in this classic wine country town and this trip we stayed at a sparkling new destination, the idyllic Montage Healdsburg. The spacious resort, with 130 bungalow-style suites sprinkled throughout, is eco-friendly with a contemporary design style enhanced by native oak trees and vineyards. We thoroughly enjoyed the fire table on our balcony during chilly evenings, golf cart rides around the grounds, tasty cuisine at some old and new Healdsburg favorites, sampled delicious wines and enjoyed springtime drives through the vineyards. Just a friendly reminder that springtime in wine country is not to be missed!
“With its captivating blend of wine country charm, rustic natural beauty and impeccable flavors, Healdsburg consistently ranks as one of America’s favorite small towns. Whether sipping your way through world-class tasting rooms or unwinding amid understated luxury, this historic enclave is certain to suit your palate.”
Twilight views of Mount St. Helena
From our Curated Travel Instagram post:
“Let’s face it, one of our favorite things about travel is the food 🍽 (and it’s something we’ve been missing with our year spent mostly at home). In Healdsburg, a well-known foodie haven, we enjoyed old favorites (Bravas de Tapas!🥂) and discovered new delights (Barndiva, Hazel Hill at Montage, Guiso, and Campo Fina). Simply said...travel is delicious!”
P.S. - Isn’t it surprising and fun when your order matches your outfit? ;) Thank you, Barndiva!
A quintessential drive through wine country embellished with vibrant yellow mustard, blue skies, green grasses, and white puffy clouds of spring.
We stopped in at Ferrari Carano, a walk down memory lane from our first visit, for a private wine tasting on their Mediterranean-style terrace overlooking the pool. The gardens, landscape, and rose’ here are extraordinary. We even stopped by the first b & b where we stayed 22 years ago and discovered the old Adirondack chairs still in place on the lawn.
Thank you to Montage Healdsburg for the warm welcome and exceptional experience in wine country.
Montage Healdsburg is a preferred partner and a member of the Virtuoso Luxury Network.
For more information and to book online here or contact us to book for you.
Virtuoso travelers receive:
Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
Daily Breakfast Credit for two guests per bedroom ($30 per person, daily)
$100 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
Early Check-In / Late Check-Out, subject to availability
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Read more posts on visits to wine country:
A ‘Suite’ Stay at Auberge du Soleil In Napa Valley for our 20th Anniversary
Though our trip to Bora Bora was postponed due to COVID, Scott and I were excited about our reimagined plans to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in the Napa Valley. This was our first trip in seven months, and from the moment we arrived at Auberge du Soleil we knew we had found the perfect place to celebrate.
Though our trip to Bora Bora was postponed due to COVID, Scott and I were excited about our reimagined plans to celebrate our 20th wedding anniversary in the Napa Valley. This was our first trip in seven months, and from the moment we arrived at Auberge du Soleil we knew we had found the perfect place to celebrate. We were treated to exceptional service, a tour of the beautiful property, a review of the included amenities, an update on rigorous hygiene protocols, and a glass of sparkling wine. We were graciously upgraded to the Saint Remy deluxe suite (1254 sq. ft.) with a private terrace, living space with a fireplace, soaking tub, and a separate powder room which made our stay even more luxurious and comfortable.
“
Inspired by the south of France. Infused with California soul.”
We enjoyed the beautiful french style grounds at Auberge including the classic swimming pool with yellow striped loungers. It felt like a getaway to Provence with only a three hour drive.
Our suite included a fresh made to order breakfast each day. The menu contained a QR code which, when photographed, displayed a menu on our phones to keep our ordering experience hands-free.
My tour of the Saint Remy suite with a toast by Scott
The first night we enjoyed a delicious fireside dinner on the patio at one of our favorites, Solbar, at Solage Resort (also an Auberge Resort).
On September 10th, our 20th anniversary, the concierge at Auberge set us up with a private tasting at Crocker & Starr Winery in St. Helena. Lauren, our knowledgable wine guide, hosted a fantastic tasting of bold reds, views of the vines, and stories of the history of the winery.
Dressing for dinner, exchanging gifts, a little bubbly by the fire, and dinner on the balcony at Auberge du Soleil.
It turned out to be très romantique, just as we had hoped.
I created a hardcover book of our 20 years together for my husband’s gift. In the second photo below we were goofing around trying to recreate the image from our 5th anniversary on the cover. It was harder than we thought but this one turned out fairly close. US….15 years later.
I use BLURB for my personalized books and I love to use Greeting Card Universe for my personalized greeting cards (owned by my cousins!) like the one I made for Scott above.
Thank you to the team at Auberge du Soleil, especially Carol, Sharon, and Keith, for making our stay so memorable. As it turns out, Auberge du Soleil was the perfect place to celebrate our 20th anniversary in comfort and style. We were reminded how romantic a few days away from all this ‘home time’ can be and can hardly wait to return!
Cheers to my love, Scott, and another 20 years! x
Contact us for more info and to book your stay at Auberge du Soleil in Napa Valley.
To view and/or book other preferred resorts in Napa Valley with Virtuoso amenities.
Coming Soon on the Blog: Our visit to RH in Yountville
Throwback Travel: Our Honeymoon in Zihuatanejo
Previous Posts on the Wine Country:
A Mediterranean Style Getaway: the Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley Wine Country
If you zip around the corner too fast on the Sonoma Highway you may miss it, but if you slow down you will see a charming glimpse of the Mediterranean in Kenwood that may make you blink twice. I typically travel to Italy a couple of times a year and this place has a similar feel without risking those uncertain international flights right now. Vine-covered Mediterranean style architecture, wrought iron embellishments, gurgling fountains, pergolas wrapped with fragrant blossoms, and terracotta pots filled with citrus have that quintessential Med feel. On Valentine’s Day weekend, not long before the two months quarantine began, my husband gifted me with a 3-day stay at the old-world style Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley, California.
If you zip around the corner too fast on the Sonoma Highway you may miss it, but if you slow down you will see a charming glimpse of the Mediterranean in Kenwood that may make you blink twice. I typically travel to Italy a couple of times a year and this place has a similar feel without risking those uncertain international flights just now. Vine-covered Mediterranean style architecture, wrought iron embellishments, gurgling fountains, pergolas wrapped with fragrant blossoms, and terracotta pots filled with citrus have that quintessential Med feel. On Valentine’s Day weekend, not long before the two months quarantine began, my husband gifted me with a 3-day stay at the old-world style Kenwood Inn & Spa in Sonoma Valley, California.
A video tour of our spacious suite at the Kenwood Inn
On Valentine’s Day we indulged in 80-minute massages at the newly reimagined Kenwood Spa located just off the pool lined with luxurious private cabanas. We also enjoyed the largest spa (complete with waterfall) we’ve ever seen located just off our suite. Sunbathing on a cool day in February felt truly luxurious.
That evening Chef Sam Badolato was the featured chef for the private Pop-up Valentine’s Day Dinner. He and his staff served up a delectable five-course prix-fixe menu and wine pairing, locally sourced with an Italian twist and we enjoyed every foodie bite.
The Kenwood Inn is located near wineries, cafes and some of the most beautiful scenery in the state. We enjoyed an extensive tasting at Kunde, just a hop, skip and a jump from the Inn, as well as a delightful alfresco lunch at Salt and Stone. Other favorite wineries include Deerfield Ranch Winery, Wellington Cellars, St. Anne’s Crossing, Ledson and the Mayo Reserve Room.
If you live in Northern California as we do, the wine country is an easy road trip from just about everywhere. A short trip to this ‘Mediterranean’ escape may be the perfect getaway for you. To learn more about wine country and The Kenwood Inn and Spa please contact us to book your next wine country getaway. Thanks to my sweet husband for the perfect gift for this travel advisor who loves the Mediterranean and wine country. x
Ciao!
Heather
More blog posts on California:
Valentine's Day Eye-Candy Plus Our Favorite Kind of Surprise
With the cold, damp, often drab days of February upon us, I thought it would be fun to share a little Valentine’s Day themed eye-candy to warm us up.
With the cold, damp, often drab days of February upon us, I thought it would be fun to share a little Valentine’s Day themed eye-candy to warm us up.
Anything strike your fancy?
Ready for Valentine’s Day? Hearts, roses, chocolates, bling, a spa day (this has my vote), a movie night, a walk in the park, homemade chocolate chip cookies or a takeout dinner for two at home?
Romantic, kitchy, chill, skip it…..whatever strikes your fancy is what Valentine’s Day should be about.
Valentine’s Day View From Home
For the last several years Mr. C.T. and I have skipped the crowds and celebrated at home with a gourmet take-out dinner from our favorite Bacio Catering here in Chico. Dinner is always delicious and the weather sometimes cooperates for an usually warm al fresco dinner on the terrace.
A fabulous sunset was an extra bonus! More at Valentine’s Evening at Home.
As it turns out we will be changing it up this year. My husband thoughtfully tucked a Valentine’s Day weekend getaway to wine country under the Christmas tree for me. It must be challenging to surprise a travel advisor with a trip, but Mr. C.T. nailed it!
The Kenwood Inn is a charming old-world style spa hotel in the Sonoma Valley wine country and it’s been on my list to experience for many years. We are looking forward to spa treatments, wine tasting, world-class dining plus an ‘aphrodite dinner’ event during our 2-night-stay.
Follow along with us in wine country on Curated Travel Instagram.
By the way, if you are considering a romantic movie or two here are some ideas. Roman Holiday is one of my favorites for obvious Italy based reasons. :)
Do you have any fun plans for Valentine’s Day?
xx
If you are considering giving the gift of travel (or a gift certificate!) contact us at Curated Travel to help make your travel dreams come true.
More from the Curated Travel Blog
A Quick Weekend Getaway to Wine Country
We were initially on the fence as to whether we should book a weekend getaway to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. With our Mediterranean Cruise on the horizon we thought it might be a bit decadent, or at the very least, travel overkill.
Wine Country Getaway
We were initially on the fence as to whether we should book a weekend getaway to celebrate our 19th wedding anniversary. With our Mediterranean Cruise on the horizon we thought it might be a bit decadent, or at the very least, travel overkill. The stresses of life be what they may, we decided a break from the routine would be the perfect antidote.
Once we decided to make the short trip to Sonoma Valley, we booked a hotel (more on that later), and made the difficult decision of where to dine for lunch. Pro Tip: Wine country is very busy on the weekends and restaurants book up so plan ahead. I booked on Open Table and we scored a lovely patio seat at one of our favorites, El Dorado Kitchen, on Sonoma Square. It was a picture perfect wine country day. Wasn’t it nice that they even personalized our menus? The food at El Dorado Kitchen is super fresh and the service was friendly and impeccable.
Though it’s difficult to find an available reservation in wine country for a late summer weekend we discovered a new boutique hotel, Hotel e, right in the heart of downtown Santa Rosa. The hotel is brand spanking new, sparkling clean and colorful with an energetic, accomodating staff. They have specialized touches like luxury linens and clothes steamers in each room. Hotel e is in the perfect location for exploring the up and coming downtown area.
For our anniversary dinner we chose Willi’s Wine Bar. We had dined at the original location previously but it burned down in the wine country fire two years ago. The new location is fresh and modern in the Town & Country Shopping Center. They had me at sparkling rosé, goat cheese balls and a decadent chocolate with candle.
This was a quick trip so we enjoyed a hearty breakfast, a leisurely walk and a stop at a beautiful winery on the way home. Matanzas Creek is a verdant spot with lavender fields, classic wine country landscaping and sweeping views. We enjoyed their prize winning sauvignon blancs and lush reds.
In the end, we were glad we made the decision to book a getaway, enjoy a change of pace, and explore some new views and flavors. Even a quick getaway can be stress relieving and restorative. Plus, a wedding anniversary is always worth celebrating!
For more on travel to wine country and travel ideas contact me at Curated Travel. I’d love to put a dream trip together for you.
The Napa Valley Winery Experience
Napa isn't just known for the winery selection within the valley, but it's definitely one of the drawing points. This area is referenced as one of the top spots to vacation in the country. The weather is generally gorgeous, the small businesses are booming, and the people are friendly! Maybe it's the wine talking, but there's no better place to be a lover of all things vino. It can be a challenge to narrow down the wine community into a manageable list of wineries to visit in one go. We're here with some hidden gems and other popular options for a memorable winery trip in Napa Valley.
The Napa Valley Winery Experience
Napa isn't just known for the winery selection within the valley, but it's definitely one of the drawing points. This area is referenced as one of the top spots to vacation in the country. The weather is generally gorgeous, the small businesses are booming, and the people are friendly! Maybe it's the wine talking, but there's no better place to be a lover of all things vino. It can be a challenge to narrow down the wine community into a manageable list of wineries to visit in one go. We're here with some hidden gems and other popular options for a memorable winery trip in Napa Valley.
This winery is appointment only as far as tastings are concerned. That is interesting considering this estate focuses on a single wine, a Bordeaux style Cabernet Sauvignon. They're definitely experts in this variety! It has more of a formal atmosphere and bookings are often booked solid a month in advance. For those who have high standards, this is a luxurious option to consider checking out.
Here is another winery that requires reservations due to popularity! This facility is newly remodeled, complete with a massive pendulum in the center of the wine caves. This makes it feel like you're in an art museum instead of a wine cellar. The patio outdoors features gorgeous views and comfortable furniture to relax on.
The French architecture of this estate is eye-catching from miles away! They're known for their sparkling wine and Pinot Noir varieties. Their tour ends with samples of each of their wines as well as cheeses, fish, fresh caviar, fruit, and charcuterie meats. All three of their terraces deserve to be viewed when you visit, each offer different views of the estate.
There are over sixty wines available at this Italian style winery! It's open seven days a week and there is no appointment necessary. The grounds are perfect for having a picnic, as there is an onsite deli here with food options including a large variety of gourmet cheeses! It's children and dog-friendly, and the customer service is outstanding. This is a fitting choice whether you're new to the wine tasting process or you're a pro!
This is a smaller estate and vineyard that's extremely close to the downtown area of Napa. The busy atmosphere makes it feel more like a bar than a tasting room. They produce the largest amounts of Pinot Grigio in Napa Valley, so don't leave without trying a glass or two!
Utilizing professional transportation guarantees safety, and it opens up your options. It's a lot easier to visit multiple destinations in one day with a chauffeur who is familiar with the area. Check out Napa Wine Tour Transportation for a well-rounded experience!
For more on Wine Country.