Hotel Spotlight: Vintners Inn July 24, 2018
Many people travel to Wine Country to get that feel that they’re truly in Tuscany, that’s the great thing about America, being so diverse in cultures and landscapes, we have so many different places to see, eat, and explore that makes one almost feel as though they’re actually in that country. That’s what I loved most about Vintners Inn. The French and Tuscan inspired sophisticated charm made this place hard to leave, if even for a wine tasting! The vine-wrapped balcony with sweeping vineyard views and chirping birds was peaceful and divine, and there was not one moment spent where I wasn’t sipping on a mimosa in the morning or a glass of Pinot Noir in the evenings.
The beds were incredibly comfortable, to say the least. We had been registered to go sunrise hot air ballooning, which required us to get up at 4am. As an early riser myself, I didn’t see this being much of an issue, until the moment came when my alarm went off and I had to disembark that cozy, warm, plush bed. It wasn’t easy, I’ll tell you that much. And in all of the beds I’ve slept in across 196 countries, the one at the Vintners Inn was most definitely at the top of my list. What’s better, was the fireplace right across from it, which truly calmed me to sleep after a long day of biking and wine tasting. The rooms were overall spacious and sophisticated, and the jacuzzi tub was icing on the cake!
In all honesty though, what takes the cake is the cuisine. I tasted many dishes paired with wines, beers and whiskeys during my trip to Santa Rosa, and the cuisine at John Ash & Co. was absolutely delectable. Their cheese board was one for the books, and the best I’d tasted in Santa Rosa. Give their Lobster Risotto a go. Truffle oil, lobster and parmesan… how can you go wrong? And let’s not forget their breakfasts and brunches. Bloody Mary’s topped with candied bacon, home made scones and the freshest, piping hot beignet’s with a homemade chocolate dipping sauce (better than any beignet I’d had in France or New Orleans, and that says a lot!). Yes please.
What I loved the most was their care for the environment and sustainability. Vintners Inn really takes initiative towards their “Green Philosophy” through waste management, energy efficiency, cultivating an organic garden to supply their restaurant, among many other things. That’s tough for a luxury, sophisticated hotel in Santa Rosa to do!
The overall rating that I gave Vintners Inn is a 9/10.
What I loved: Sophisticated luxury, Tucscan meets Paris feel, cuisine, Green Philosophy/sustainability initiatives, bedroom comfort and bathtub, balcony… #views
What Set It Back: The only thing my friend and I wanted to make our stay divine was a massage. While we called several days in a row for the concierge to try to secure a masseuse, they were unable to. Their massive, beautiful spa is currently under construction so until it’s final completion October of 2018, they outsource massage therapists. Will be back in October to fully immerse myself in their plentiful spa!
Overall: The number one place to hang your hat in Santa Rosa/Sonoma for a truly authentic Wine Country experience.
What makes a sustainable or regenerative hotel? A reverse osmosis water system, farm to table produce, supporting local dairy and meat farmers, engaging with local non-profit or community organization endeavors to address an issue within the country or community, energy efficient lighting, low pressure water systems, recycling, employing locals and offering fair and equal pay, replanting what was lost during the construction, use of biofuel (for boats), engaging guests in local cultural experiences and making them aware of environmental and cultural needs, LEED Certification, educating staff on importance of sustainability (turning off lights, observing for wasteful practices, etc.), reducing bathroom amenities waste (using bamboo toothbrushes instead, locally made/organic soap, shampoo and conditioner that help the environment), the list goes on.
Leave a Comment