Sit In Front Of The Fire In Sonoma County

  • Travel
  • by WINECOUNTRY COLLECTIVE
  • on NOVEMBER 28, 2016
  • 909
  • 0
While the rest of the country shivers from head to toe, Sonoma County enjoys a spectacular winter season. Even though we get our fair share of rain, in between storms the weather is crisp, sunny and just begging for boots and a light sweater. In our 10 Things To Do in Sonoma County During the Winter we suggested cozying up in front of the fire. Nighttime in the valley can get chilly however, causing one to find the closest fireplace to cozy up to. From hotels with personal and romantic ambience, to eating and drinking by the fire, there are plenty of places to snuggle up with a blanket, your honey and a warm fire in Sonoma County this Fall.

Eat

Drakes Fireside Drake’s Fireside Lounge
103 Coast Highway One
Bodega Bay, CA
707-875-3525

Situated on the Sonoma Coast within the Bodega Bay Lodge, Drake’s Fireside Lounge is the perfect accompaniment to a cold Sonoma County Day. On clear days, the lounge offers views of Bodega Bay, along with the wild, untamed landscape. On foggy days, you’ll feel socked in by a thick blanket of white swirling mist. Either way, cozy up to the fire and taste the fruits of the county and the bay; fresh local Tomales Bay Oysters and a glass of the Gloria Ferrer Blanc de Noirs. Nothing is cozier than local.

Insider Tip: Make a weekend of it by booking a room at the Bodega Bay Lodge and indulge in their spa services on the bay. Just make sure to book in advance!

Hopmunk Hopmonk Tavern – Sebastopol
230 Petaluma Ave
Sebastopol, CA
707 829 7300
While the Hopmonk Tavern is indeed a * gasp * chain restaurant, in Sonoma County it’s a beloved and very, very locally oriented chain. The Sebastopol branch of Hopmonk is no different, with excellent local beers on tap (Pliny anyone?) and an array of farm-fresh and delicious local fair. This is the best kind of tavern, centrally located in the quirky hippy-town, with a spacious beer garden and a lovely fire-pit in the center. Grab a group, stake your claim to a few fireside chairs and enjoy.

Insider Tip: Check the website for the live music schedule at Hopmonk Tavern – Sebastopol. Attached to the beer garden is The Abbey, a live music hall, where you can jam to a variety of bands passing through town and even a weekly dance club. Rock on!

Drink

Lambert Bridge Pls Give Photo Credit Craig Lee SF Chronicle Lambert Bridge
4085 West Dry Creek Road
Healdsburg, CA 95488
800 975-0555

Nestled in the heart of redwood trees and misty hills, Lambert Bridge has been making beautiful wines for over 40 years. But in addition to the wine, the location is perfect for those crisp or even damp winter days in Sonoma County. With the wood-beamed, vaulted ceilings, the massive wood burning fireplace and the curly oak tasting bar, Lambert Bridge is the epitome of cozy-comfort, especially during those cold winter months. Enjoy a Bordeaux-varietal tasting, warm up next to the stone fireplace and maybe pat a winery dog. It doesn’t get more wine country than that.

Insider Tip: Make a RESERVATION, especially if you’re going to bring more than 6 people tasting (then it actually becomes mandatory). There are several unique tasting experiences that you can access when you plan ahead and make a reservation, for while slightly off the beaten path, Lambert Bridge is very popular with the wine-tasting crowd.

Rams Gate Ram’s Gate
28700 Arnold Dr
Sonoma, CA 95476
707 721 8700

Showcasing the diverse terrain of Sonoma County, Ram’s Gate lies on the hills of the Carneros Appellation, a wind-driven, rustic piece of farmland close to San Pablo Bay. The winery itself is an homage to the farmsteads of years past, with exposed weathered wood and a blend of antique and modern décor. Two fireplaces are at your disposal to curl up in front of and enjoy the delicious wine. The atmosphere is elegant yet relaxed and the wine experience only available by appointment.

Insider Tip: As stated above, you MUST make a reservation to taste at Ram’s Gate. The Tasting Bar Flight is ideal for the first-time visitor and gives you access to the gorgeous outdoor fireplace and tasting area. For a more intimate look behind the scenes, book the Vineyard’s Table Tasting, and experience all that the luxurious vineyard has to offer.

Stay

Dry Creek Inn Best Western – Dry Creek Inn
198 Dry Creek Dr
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707 433 0300

Nestled between the Russian River, Alexander Valley and Dry Creek Valley Regions, the Best Western – Dry Creek Inn, is a comfortable and elegant wine country experience. Within the Villa Toscana, one of two buildings on property, suites are appointed with jet tubs and in-room fireplaces, all overlooking the elegant piazza below.

Insider Tip: Grab an Uber or Lyft and take the 5 minute ride into Healdsburg Square. There you’ll find an array of incredible restaurants, tasting rooms and shops. Look for Moustache Baked Goods for delicate and delicious French macarons, and Hawley Winery Tasting Room for their juicy Viognier and beautiful artwork.

Hotel Les Mars Hotel les Mars
27 North Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
707 433 4211

One block north of Healdsburg Square, the Hotel les Mars harkens back to an era of opulent European luxury. Only 16 rooms on two floors means attentive service, as well as well-appointed rooms complete with a fireplace in each room. Cozy up during wet, damp weather and enjoy the fine Italian linens, hand carved mahogany furniture as well as the French-style breakfast each morning. Truly a luxury location in the heart of wine country.

Insider Tip: If staying in the lap of luxury makes you yawn, liven things up with a zipline tour through the Coastal California Redwoods. Packages are available through the hotel, and include wine and cheese receptions each evening, as well as a 2.5 hour tour through Sonoma Zipline Adventures.

Kenwood Kenwood Inn & Spa
10400 Sonoma Highway
Kenwood, CA 95452
707.833.1293

Located in the Valley of the Moon, amongst oaks, fruit trees and vineyards, this adult only (18 years and older) retreat is the epitome of comfort and luxury. In each room you’ll find not only a fireplace, but featherbeds, Italian linens and luxurious robes in which to lounge. With all this opulence, why leave to wine taste or even eat? The Inn features Sonoma-inspired Italian cuisine at the Restaurant and a wine bar, featuring the best and most rare of the local wines.

Insider Tip: Sonoma County isn’t just known for its wine! Check with the concierge at the Kenwood Inn, or online for their list of recommended activities. You’d be surprised at all the things you can do in Sonoma County… even if it involves canoeing down the Russian River or racing at Sonoma Speedway!

Sonoma offers a variety of choices when it comes to cozying up this fall and winter, from food and wine, to opulent accommodations. But whatever you choose to do, drink or eat, just remember… get cozy.


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.