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| The Farmhouse inn lets guests explore the surrounding vineyards and sample some of the region’s finest vintages. |
Napa Valley and Sonoma are no doubt the royal courts of U.S. wine society. Experienced oenophiles and amateur imbibers from all over the world flock here annually to sip and savor the local crop. For your discerning wine lovers, we have selected wine trails in the region that are sure to deliver a VIP experience.
The Farmhouse Inn in Sonoma has a Master Sommelier Wine Tour that provides an exclusive look behind the scenes. Guests depart the hotel with Farmhouse Inn Master Sommelier Geoff Kruth and begin the day with a toast of champagne selected by him from the Farmhouse Inn’s personal cellar. Kruth then takes travelers to highly exclusive wineries based on their preferences. He will join them at each tasting to guide them through the wines and help make selections. Top touch: Guests may choose to have a wine country picnic at one of the hotel’s favorite wineries or to dine in one of the local restaurants.
For something a bit more active, The Farmhouse Inn also offers a bike tour through wine country, complete with a healthy lunch and a spa treatment. The Inn’s preferred bicycle guide, Dave Brazell of Adventures in Cycling, will take guests out on a day of biking Sonoma’s scenic back roads. Guests will stop at three wineries and enjoy a healthy wine country picnic at one of them. Upon returning to the Inn, they will indulge in a 60-minute Wellness Solution Massage, complete with steam and scrub, to relax after a hard day of sampling world-class wines.
To book these experiences, reach out to Lead Concierge Anna McPeck ([email protected]; 707-887-3300). Good to know: We hear McPeck can also help arrange reservations at hard-to-access restaurants (think French Laundry and Morimoto).
Guests staying at The Farmhouse Inn should book the Barn Luxury Suite, a 700-square-foot space complete with a private balcony. These rooms, located on main or second level, offer a jetted tub with large windows overlooking the woods and fireplace, separate steam shower, double vanity, radiant heated floors, indoor-outdoor fireplace, private outdoor deck with easy chairs and coffered or vaulted ceilings. Reach out to Meghan Smith, marketing and event coordinator for bookings ([email protected]; 707-887-3300).
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The Farmhouse inn’s accommodations reflect the Russian River Valley stye of Sonoma County, California. |
Another option for VIPs in Napa is the Andaz Napa. Located in downtown Napa, this is a great hotel option for travelers who want a little bit town and a little bit country.
Andaz Napa can take travelers on a luxury train ride through prime wine country. Guests can book a seat on a vintage Pullman car from 1915-17 and cruise through the vineyards. The journey includes tickets for the Gourmet Dinner package, as well as a welcome glass of wine and multiple course meal.
The Wine Wanderlust package begins at touchdown at the San Francisco International Airport. Travelers who book this excursion are greeted by a personal driver. Begin the morning with an over-the-top breakfast either in your suite or at the restaurant, Andaz Farmers Table. The day continues with an intimate vineyard experience with a personal tour guide. Lunch and wine will be provided at the private home of a vineyard owner or boutique wine producer.
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The Farmhouse inn’s accommodations reflect the Russian River Valley stye of Sonoma County, California. |
To book these excursions, reach out to Chef Concierge Juliette Christensen ([email protected]; 707-687-1234).
While at the hotel, wine enthusiasts will want to check into the Vintner Suite—a veritable palace at 1,000 square feet with one-and-a-half bath, living room and bedroom, private outdoor terrace and dining table for eight. But, if you are looking for something a little more modest, the Andaz Large Loft rooms measure at 500 square feet and have a sitting area, two televisions and a large soaking tub for two. Be sure to ask about which of these have dual-sided fireplaces. For bookings contact Aaron Feeney, director of sales, marketing and events ([email protected]; 707-687-1234).
Being situated in prime wine country, Andaz Napa’s bar scene is hopping. The bar serves up a wide range of cocktails that are sourced from local ingredients. There are also small batch spirits, and, of course, a long list of wines. Guests should also stop by the second floor Terrace, which has two firepits and cabanas. There is also full bar and food service. Note: The Terrace is open April through October.
Getting there: Fly travelers into either Oakland or San Francisco. VIPs can arrange a private car or limo through Napa Valley Tours and Transportation. If your well-heeled travelers are arriving via helicopter, they can land at Napa Valley Airport, which is just five miles from the hotels.