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:
Our Stay at Classic Timber Cove Resort on the Northern California Coast + Notes on Travel During Covid-19
There was a birthday on the horizon and I wanted to surprise my husband with a destination that would suit our quarantine-induced need for sea air, ocean views, beach walks, foodie cuisine, and most importantly, Covid hygiene protocols. On this trip, no fancy clothes or heels were required but hiking boots, a picnic basket, and his guitar were on the packing list. You get the ultra-relaxed vibe I was looking for with this getaway for my premiere travel client.
There was a birthday on the horizon and I wanted to surprise my husband with a destination that would suit our quarantine-induced cravings for sea air, ocean views, beach walks, foodie cuisine, along with, most importantly, Covid hygiene protocols. On this trip, no fancy clothes or heels were required but hiking boots, a picnic basket, and his guitar were on the packing list. You get the ultra-relaxed vibe I was looking for with this getaway for my premiere travel client.
Just as I hoped, Timber Cove Resort, a classic California Coast seafront lodge was just the place. Not only was Scott surprised by the laidback charm and beach feel, he appreciated the gourmet dining, firepits, wine tasting, and retro record players in each rustic room. Also noteworthy were the private entrances and windswept balconies with cove views equally stunning at sunrise and sunset. And who can resist those outdoor firepits??
“Timber Cove is proud of its rich lineage. Built in 1963 as a place of meditation and tranquility, Timber Cove was designed by famed architect and original owner Richard Clements Jr., who was inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s organic architectural style. Envisioned as a dramatic A-Frame structure, the original Timber Cove generously incorporated redwood and stone materials to create a timeless space that complements the local surroundings. ”
Outdoor dining was allowed during our visit to Timber Cove Resort so we made the most of our cool fall evenings with lap blankets we brought from home. The Coast Kitchen restaurant was a welcome relief from months of home-cooking and we enjoyed the fresh fare with indulgent notes. Cheers to the birthday boy!
For our second day, we ordered a picnic from the kitchen and took it to the beach on the bluff. Despite a chilly day, it was warm in the sun and the perfect perch to enjoy tapas and a chilled sauvignon blanc above the sea.
notes on traveling during the Covid-19 chapter:
Scott tells me I am by far the “most cautious person” he knows regarding Covid-19. We have taken 2 short road trip overnighters since the pandemic and only traveled and dined outdoors in our ‘safety bubble’ of two a handful of times. Here are the guidelines I use to prepare to travel safely.
Check case numbers and recommendations in your destination before booking a hotel and check cancellation/postponement policies.
Check hotel/lodging for outdoor living spaces rather than enclosed lounges & lobbies.
Read reviews and ratings on how well the resort implements the hygiene plans and protocols.
Pack all the gear: an assortment of masks, hand-sanitizer, anti-bacterial wipes (for wiping down touchpoints in your room), disinfecting air spray, and blankets/picnic ware for outdoor dining.
Most restaurants use a QR code rather than a paper menu for touchless ordering, but if they don’t you can ask for a new single-use paper menu.
Before you travel plan out comfortable rest stops where you can use the facilities. While I’ve NEVER been a fan of gas station restrooms now is not the time to start. We plan our travel time frame around a stop for lunch at a trusted restaurant or coffee shop.
Take a moment to appreciate your staff and servers who are working harder than ever to make your experience safe and enjoyable. In our experience, they are doing an amazing job!
Thank you to the wonderful staff at Timber Cove Resort who went above and beyond to make sure the birthday boy was celebrated and that we felt comfortable the entire stay. Truly, a road trip in your local region can be the safest way to travel when the time is right for you.
Contact us to learn more and to book your next getaway.
All photos were taken on my iPhone.
Read more on our travels to 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:
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.
Postcard from Wine Country - Fall Edition
Early last week Scott and I retreated to wine country in Sonoma to celebrate his birthday. It was just a quick two-day getaway and a much-needed change of pace. Wine country is beautiful in the fall, with autumnal colors, and a crisp, woodsy chill in the air. We seem to make it to wine country for a fall visit every year. Last year we stayed at Sonoma Mission Inn for a surprise birthday getaway.
Postcard from Wine Country - Fall Edition
Early last week Scott and I retreated to wine country in Sonoma to celebrate his birthday. It was just a quick two-day getaway and a much-needed change of pace. Wine country is beautiful in the fall, with autumnal colors, and a crisp, woodsy chill in the air. We seem to make it to wine country for a fall visit every year. Last year we stayed at Sonoma Mission Inn for a surprise birthday getaway.
Where to Stay.Dine.Taste in Wine Country
This visit we chose to stay at the El Dorado Hotel on the edge of Sonoma Square. We've eaten at El Dorado Kitchen several times but this was our first stay at the charming inn on the top floor. As you can imagine, it is wonderfully convenient to stay right in the heart of historic Sonoma. We dined at the hotel for Scott's birthday dinner and had brunch the next day at the Sunflower Caffe next door. We also got a jump on our holiday shopping by visiting the charming boutiques lining the square. For more on shopping in Sonoma Valley.
Winetasting in Wine Country
We spent an afternoon at one of Scott's favorite wineries in Dry Creek Valley, Wilson Winery, from our earlier trip here. Another favorite winery is in Kenwood at Mayo. We enjoyed a private tasting a couple of years ago at Mayo here.
Update on the Wild Fires
Despite the beauty of fall in wine country, it does not go unnoticed that the October wildfires caused tremendous devastation, yet only in specific areas. Parts of Glen Ellen, Kenwood and Santa Rosa were especially hard hit, but most of wine country feels completely untouched by fire.
During Scott's birthday dinner we ended up chatting with a lovely couple at the table next to us. They eventually shared that their Bennet Valley home had burned to the ground, in a matter of a few minutes, on that terrifying night in October. While they are making the best of an abrupt life change, they also shared how devastating this kind of loss can be. Rebuilding your life from the ground up takes tremendous effort, patience, resolve and finding moments of humor whenever possible. I was especially touched by my new friend showing me her beautiful black boots. She said she had owned a pair of the same brand in brown. When the fire took everything but the clothes on their backs, she started to rebuild a wardrobe and was thrilled to find a pair of the same boots online, though in a different color this time. These boots represent just a small block in the rebuilding a life.
How to Support Wine Country?
The best way to support wine country is to visit--and often! Take your cash or credit card and stay, dine, shop, taste, tip and purchase wine to take home. Share your appreciation and your well wishes with the locals who are truly #sonomastrong.
Contact me at Curated Travel for wonderful deals in wine country.
Wine Country Fires Bring Devastation, Heartbreak and Resolve.
I'm nearly at a loss for words watching the devastating fires in our beautiful wine country. We are hearing reports of family and friends who have lost their homes. This image from iconic Signorello Estate a couple of years back that burned to the ground last night. Thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by the firestorms.
Update: It's been nearly a week since the catastrophic firestorms exploded in wine country and it still feels surreal. This is a place where I have both lived and visited regularly for most of my life and it always feels like home. Praying that winds calm for brave firefighters and predicted rains help put an end to the destruction. Sending love and prayers to family & friends who have lost homes and livelihoods.
I'm nearly at a loss for words watching the devastating fires in our beautiful wine country. We are hearing reports of family and friends who have lost their homes. This image from iconic Signorello Estate a couple of years back that burned to the ground last night. Thoughts and prayers for everyone impacted by the firestorms.
Update: It's been nearly a week since the catastrophic firestorms exploded in wine country and it still feels surreal. This is a place where I have both lived and visited regularly for most of my life and it always feels like home. Praying that winds calm for brave firefighters and predicted rains help put an end to the destruction. Sending love and prayers to family & friends who have lost homes and livelihoods.
Before and after images of wine country.
This story simply breaks my heart:
Resolution in wine country.