Sonoma County has a special place in my heart.
In this beautiful place seven years ago, I first saw what
wine can bring into the lives of myself and others. It
was my very first real trip abroad and I was hooked.
From that moment on, I knew wine was my calling.
I was recently blessed to go back, and Sonoma pulled
me in even further. It was better than I remembered,
and my moments of reflection were met with feelings
of inspiration. In Sonoma, there is so much passion for wine and life it is impossible not to feel it,
and even more impossible to let it go. You will find
exceptional restaurants and fun personalities driving
the culinary and wine side, not to mention beautiful
landscapes. Relax and unwind at The Farmhouse Inn
located in Russian River Valley. This incredible place
is the epitome of luxury. With a Michelin star restaurant that will blow your mind, decadent suites, on-site
spa, and house-made soap for your bathing pleasure
– you won’t be able to stop smiling. Plan at least
three nights for the ultimate getaway. Minutes from
downtown Sonoma, The Fairmont Sonoma Mission
Inn & Spa is the absolute perfect wine country getaway. Beautiful rooms, a delicious restaurant on-site
(Santé), and stellar staff, this hotel is nothing short of
pure bliss. Spend the day shopping and sampling in
Sonoma Plaza, with 100+ shops, wine tasting rooms
and more. Could you imagine a better way to spend
the day?Arrive right before sunset at The Girl & The
Fig and have a cocktail at the bar while you wait for
your table. With a great local wine menu, your server
will recommend the perfect pairing with your meal.
Head to Buena Vista Winery and blend your own
wine, design your own label and enjoy one of California’s pioneering wineries. This place is simply
gorgeous, so allow enough time to see the sights and
taste at the bar. Visit Sebastopol and see the cool
things going on at Spirit Works Distillery. From Sloe
Gin to music-inspired whiskey, this place is really
amazing. I ended up buying a sweatshirt, I loved the
experience so much! Get in touch with nature during
a visit to Jack London State Historic Park. Whether
you’re riding horses, taking a historical house tour,
hiking or picnicking under Sonoma Mountain, it is
not to be missed. Stop at Benzinger Family Winery
for a tasting of seriously awesome wines. These wines
are available for purchase in Canada, and I buy them
by the case load. Organic and biodynamic, they are
simply mind-blowing. I personally love the merlot.
In the mood for pizza and beer? Stop in at the Russian River Brewing Company and try their beers in a
tasting flight. This was great to share with my fellow
travellers. We tried 22 different brews, from sour
beers to stouts. Stop into Wind Gap Wines located
in Sebastopol. Their open concept tasting room is
designed to look and feel like wine country.
With its eternal sunshine, booming culinary and
drinks scene, and majestic natural landscapes, it is
no wonder why California draws many of us in. The
West coast has a vibe of its own, with a bit less structure, more vitamin D, abundant creativity and an
undeniable ease of life. What does California Wine
Country do so well that touches the soul of so many
visitors? Well for one, the wine is out of this world.
Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and other notable varietals
are made by talented and spiritual individuals who
are connected to the land and the environment. The
people are generous, kind and gracious, and above all
they are happy. This graciousness floods from heart to
heart and the feeling is simply magical. I’m getting all
excited here, but if you’re like me and choose to spend
money and time traveling, you will understand how
a place can truly change you. Wine country travel is
picking up pace around the globe, and for good reason. It offers the finest foods, welcoming people, delicious wines, and photo opportunities at every angle.
I often find that wine country is where my purest
moments of reflection occur. I am close to nature,
surrounded by positive energy, well fed and incredibly
relaxed with a glass of wine in my hand. These are the
moments when the busy world stops and I have time
to hear the birds sing, feel warmth around me and
bask in gratitude.
I encourage everyone to visit California and bring a
little bit of sunshine back with you.
CHLOE Magazine
Wine & Cuisine Editor Angela Aiello