Russian River Valley in the Off-Season

  • Guides
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on JANUARY 20, 2017
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While the Russian River Valley is often known for it’s lazy days by the river, soaking up the glorious sunshine in the summer, the off-season is a time to indulge in the true beauty of the region. With small, quaint towns tucked into the lush backdrop of the redwood forests, the Russian River Valley region has more to offer than just a day at the beach.

Where to Stay

While visiting the Russian River Valley it helps to embrace the nature of the place… literally. Stay off the beaten path at one of the region’s famed inns, bed and breakfasts or lodges to enjoy the quiet and seclusion that only the Russian River can provide.

The Farmhouse Inn
7871 River Road
Forestville, CA 95436
707-887-3300
1-800-464-6642
concierge@farmhouseinn.com
Tripadvisor : 4.5 Stars 663 Reviews

This luxurious inn and spa is nestled in the redwood forests of Forestville and provides an intimate and personal experience with only 25 rooms. The Farmhouse offers spacious and elegant rooms, with vaulted ceilings and views of the forest beyond. Owned by a 5th generation Sonoma County family, this inn was voted the #1 Best Resort Hotel in California by Travel+Leisure Magazine!

Insider Tip – Grab a reservation at the Michelin-starred Farmhouse Restaurant, where they serve a dynamic menu of locally sourced Sonoma cuisine using ingredients from local artisan farmers and ranches.

Inn at Occidental
3657 Church Street
Occidental, CA 95465-0857
1-800-522-6324
707-874-1047
Tripadvisor : 5 Stars 338 Reviews

Visit the Inn at Occidental, a quaintly located in the charming, bohemian town of Occidental. The town itself is tucked into the redwoods and located only a few miles from the ocean. The Inn is actually a luxurious Bed and Breakfast, with themed rooms for each guest and a hot breakfast served every morning. The Inn also offers a cottage in addition to their rooms, with 2200 square feet of space to enjoy the roaring fireplace with friends on a weekend getaway.

Insider Tip – Mix and mingle with the other guests every night at 5pm during the free wine reception.

The AutoCamp
14120 Old Cazadero Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
(888) 405-7553
Tripadvisor : 5 Stars 18 Reviews

For a truly unique experience in the Russian River Valley, stay in a luxuriously appointed Airstream Trailer at The AutoCamp. Considered a “modern retreat in the Sonoma Redwoods” AutoCamp takes “glamping” to a whole new level. Each Airstream trailer has flatscreen tvs, wifi, and modern spa-inspired bathrooms. Enjoy the cold winter nights around your own fire pit with friends or head to the Clubhouse, the centrally location where you can get local beer and wine and enjoy their indoor and outdoor fire pits.

Insider Tip – Grab a bite to eat at the Garden Grill, only a stone’s throw away from the AutoCamp and where they serve breakfast until 3pm!

Where to Eat

boon eat+drink
16248 Main St
Guerneville, CA 95446
707-869-0780
Tripadvisor : 4.5 Stars 395 Reviews

This simple and tasty grill in Guerneville showcases the things that Sonoma County is best known for; fresh ingredients from local farms and only locally made wine and beer from Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Boon eat+drink is known for it’s impressive boon burger and flash fried brussel sprouts, give them both a try!

Insider Tip – If you’re feeling adventurous, stay the boon hotel+spa, where you can camp in luxury tents under the redwood trees. Bring your fuzzy slippers and warm blankets!

Canneti Roadhouse Italiana
6675 Front St.
Forestville, CA
(707) 887-2232
Tripadvisor : 4.5 Stars 85 Reviews

Visit the Canneti Roadhouse in Forestville, CA to experience simple Tuscan flavors, influenced by the local ingredients available in Sonoma County. Each item on the menu is made fresh and in-house, from the Foccacia bread to the pasta, the cured meats and the desserts. Canetti is truly a gem in the middle of the redwoods.

Insider Tip – You can take a cooking class from the owner and chef, Francesco Torre on Mondays and Thursdays where you will learn to cook rosemary foccacia, gnocchi, pork loin and other delicious Italian dishes.

Russian River Vineyards Restaurant
5700 Hwy. 116 N. Forestville, CA 95436
(707) 887-3344
info@russianrivervineyards.com
Tripadvisor : 4.5 Stars 202 Reviews

Visit the Russian River Vineyard and experience the only winery-based restaurant in the Russian River Valley. The Russian River Vineyards Restaurant offers its meals in a historic 1890’s farmhouse, and features food grown and raised on the winery’s farm.

Insider Tip – They play live music every night from 5:30-8:30pm and during Saturday and Sunday Brunch 12:30-3:30pm.

What to Do

Sonoma Zipline Adventures
6250 Bohemian Highway
Occidental, CA 95465
1-888-494-7868
info@sonomacanopytours.com
TripAdvisor : 5 stars 476 reviews

Even in the off season you can enjoy the beauty and splendor of the redwood forests… just from a completely different vantage point. Sonoma Zipline Adventures offers a unique and exhilarating experience with two unique courses, each a two-and-a-half hour Guided eco tour that include multiple zip lines, sky bridges, a majestic spiral staircase and finishes with a rappel to the forest floor.

Insider Tip – Sonoma Zipline Adventures operate year round, rain or shine. Make sure to book well in advance as this is one of the most popular attractions in the Russian River Valley!

Korbel Winery
13250 River Road
Guerneville, CA 95446
707-887-2294
Tripadvisor : 4.5 Stars 387 Reviews

A staple in the Russian River Valley, Korbel Winery was founded in 1882 and has been creating award winning sparkling wines ever since. The Winery Tour offers an hour long insider’s view into the history and the process of making Korbel Wines. Take a walk through the champagne cellars and finish with a free tasting, something that is rarely offered these days in wine country.

Insider Tip – Don’t skip the Korbel Delicatessen, which offers hand crafted sandwiches and salads. If the weather permits, sit outside, sip some bubbles and enjoy!

Osmosis Day Spa
209 Bohemian Hwy
Freestone, CA 95472-9294
707-823-8231
Tripadvisor : 4.5 Stars 117 Reviews

Osmosis Day Spa was founded in 1985 by Michael Stusser, a student of Zen meditation and traditional Japanese landscape gardening. These experiences have helped to create an experience at Osmosis Day Spa that creates for its guests a “unique feeling of equanimity, timelessness, and peace”. The spa is the only location in North America that offers the Cedar Enzyme Bath, a fermentation bathing ritual from Japan that is said to relieve joint and muscle pain.

Insider Tip – Osmosis Day Spa offers packages with several local hotels, including the Inn at Occidental. Try and sneak away for a midweek stay and take advantage of these deals.

Off season is a gorgeous time to visit the Russian River Valley, allowing you to escape the summertime and harvest crowds. Take advantage of the beautiful surroundings and enjoy the rest and relaxation… or get your heart racing with a thrilling zip line through the treetops, it’s all there in Russian River.


Author

WineCountry Collective

WineCountry is made up of a dedicated and passionate team of wine, food, and travel aficionados. We diligently explore regions, both near and far, to curate the best ideas and resources. Whether you're musing over your next wine escapade, planning a romantic weekend away, embracing the Wine Country lifestyle at home, or are simply looking to be entertained for a moment, trust us to be your comprehensive guide.