Valley and Vineyards is a region of Sonoma Country. It encompasses communities like Boyes Hot Springs, Glen Ellen, Kenwood and Schellville.

Here you’ll find a wide range of wineries, acclaimed restaurants, and terrific places to stay. Three examples are the Fairmont Sonoma Misson Inn and Kenwood Inn and Spa, both on Highway 12 and the Gaige House Inn, an intimate luxury property in Glen Ellen.

All three are well located to visit the nearby wineries, shops and restaurants of Sonoma Valley. To really learn about how the grape goes from vine to wine, take the daily Biodynamic Vineyard Tram Tour between 11:30 and 3:30pm at the Benziger Family Winery.

Sonoma Country has something to offer everyone. How about someone who loves wellness spas, antiques and apple pie, all in a beautiful location. That’s easy. Let’s take them in order. A wellness spa in a serene setting offering unique treatments is part of the many charms of the Inn at the Willows on River Road in Guerneville. Besides comfortable rooms, the inn also offers camping, an experience they highly recommend. Now for antique fans, visit the Antique Collective on the Gravenstein Highway. It’s Sonoma Country’s largest with over 100 dealers. And for that pie? Also located on Highway 116 just four miles north of downtown Sebastopol you’ll find Mom’s Apple Pie.

In the 2008 Michelin guide you’ll find several one-star restaurants in Sonoma Country. One of those hard-to-get stars belongs to the restaurant at Madrona Manor.

Now I have a wonderful idea for a getaway. It includes a stay at the elegant Madrona Manor with enough time spent there to enjoy the food, garden and ambiance. Then an afternoon’s ice-skating at Snoopy’s Home Ice, the Redwood Empire Skating Arena and a hot chocolate in the Warm Puppy Cafe. The next day, lunch in the Alexander Valley at the eclectic Jimtown Store and a stop to taste Syrah at the Vineyard of Pasterick Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Then, perhaps, a visit to the magnificent tasting room and gardens at Ferrari-Carano. Now that’s a six-star getaway.

This Postcard is brought to you by the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau celebrating Sonoma Country; America’s Premier Wine, Spa and Coastal Destination.

The Rivers and Redwoods region of Sonoma Country is home to places like Cazadero, Duncan Mills, Guerneville, Monte Rio and Rio Nido. It’s also a haven for people attracted to outdoor adventures. It’s a terrific place to camp, hike, canoe and kayak. The region is also known for hosting great musical events. There are any number of welcoming places to stay like the Fern Grove Cottages and the Applewood Inn in Guerneville or the Inn at Duncan Mills in Duncans Mills. And, in Cazadero, you can stay in a bakery. But not just any bakery. Raymond’s Bakery, famous for its scones, breads and foccacia, now has two guest cottages. Imagine being surrounded by Redwoods and the aroma of baking bread.

No matter what part of Sonoma Country you wish to visit, there are plenty of wonderful places to stay. Here are three examples of what we have discovered in our travels.

On the Sonoma Coast the Four Diamond Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa offers marvelous views and it’s the perfect location for a romantic hideaway, family excursion or company retreat. Now in the scenic Alexander Valley, there is the welcoming Geyserville Inn and Hoffman House Cafe.

Not only is this a great place to stay but the inn is surrounded by seventy wineries. That’s not bad. And, finally, in the Sonoma Valley, there’s the charming Glenelly Inn and Cottages. Cozy comfort best describes this Glen Ellen inn. Built in 1916, and by the way, the inn is has some terrific Winter specials.

I have become quite a fan of good beer. That’s why I’m drawn to the Case Ranch Inn in Sonoma Country’s Russian River Valley. Innkeeper, Allan Tilton, is a beer aficionado and conducts tastings on a regular basis. By the way, this weekend is their annual Holiday Open House.

Now say the Russian River Valley to me and it conjures up music festivals, smile-inducing wine events, outdoor recreations galore, great lodgings and restaurants and fascinating history. Want to stay in a place that once was a speak-easy and stage coach stop? That’s the Santa Nella House, now a decorative bed and breakfast. Another inviting inn, located on the banks of the Russian River is the Village Inn with its ten rooms and popular restaurant. Oh, and wine-tasting in the region is made easy by using the resources of the Russian River Wine Road.

I read somewhere that most of us appreciate having experiences over having things. That’s certainly the case when it comes to Sonoma Country. Imagine the St. Valentine’s Day experience you can fashion for yourself and your loved one there. The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn has a Wine Country Winter Wonderland Package that is incredibly inviting. Add a romantic dinner at their restaurant Sante’ and a spa treatment at their world class spa and you have a great Valentine’s getaway. Or you can head to the coast and stay at the Jenner Inn in Jenner with its ocean and river view rooms. They are offering, among several interesting packages, one called the Romantic Interlude. Need I say more?

New is a big word these days at the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Rosa. They have just finished a major rejuvenation and they’re feeling very good about themselves. The hotel is adjacent to Historic Railroad Square, which means some ten restaurants within walking distance. The Prince Memorial Greenway is also nearby, affording joggers and runners with a beautiful creek side route. With the Amgen Tour of California finishing stage one near Railroad Square in Santa Rosa on Monday, February 19th, the Courtyard by Marriott Santa Rosa would be an ideal place to stay. And, as it’s the only city on the bike tour with a finish and a start, you’ll be there for the start of stage two.

Sometimes people want to go one more step from just drinking wine. They’d like to make it. There’s a lodging in Geyserville that can make that happen. The Hope-Merrill and Hope Bosworth Houses are two Bed & Breakfast Inns owned by Ron and Cosette Scheiber; who offer a 2007/2008 Crushing Good Time package that includes picking, pressing, blending and bottling your own wine. Now that will impress your friends. I can see it now: Chateau Cleary. Geyserville is a great spot from which to visit wineries on the Russian River Wine Road or in the Alexander Valley. There’s all kinds of recreations with Lake Sonoma nearby. And the whole area is a cyclist’s dream.

Highway 12 which cuts right through the middle of the Sonoma Valley is just full of great things to do. On the stretch between Boyes Hot Springs and Santa Rosa, there are wineries galore, terrific places to stay and dine and wonderful recreational areas for the outdoor enthusiast. One of our favorite hiking locations is Jack London State Park.

After working up an appetite, it’s fun to head into Glen Ellen for lunch and a little shopping. Two great places to stay in town are the Glen Ellen Inn and the Gaige House Inn. While there, we also enjoy visiting Landmark Vineyards and Chateau St. Jean, both on Highway 12 in Kenwood. As a matter of fact, Chateau St. Jean has an open house on the weekend of February 17th.

Case Ranch Inn is a delightful B&B located in Forestville. Allen Tilton and Diana Van Ry are the innkeepers of this utterly charming inn. The rooms are decorative and comfortable and the gardens are a delight. A special feature of the inn involves Allen’s love of fine beers. Like him, I do love Sonoma Country microbrews.

Allen will share his beer and extensive knowledge with Case Ranch Inn guests on special weekends in February, March and April. The beer tasting is on Saturday night and is part of your stay. A good example of the many microbreweries in Sonoma Country is Third Street Aleworks in Santa Rosa. There’s a brewpub on the property as well.

Yesterday I mentioned that St. Valentine’s Day isn’t too far away. This year it falls on a Wednesday. I like that because you can celebrate it midweek or on either weekend. Now I’ve applied all sorts of adjectives to describe Sonoma Country but let me add one more. It’s romantic. A great place to wow your partner.

There are so many ways to fashion a Valentine’s getaway. For instance, the Sheraton Sonoma County-Petaluma Hotel is centrally located to enjoy all Sonoma Country has to offer. Plus the rooms are stylish and romantic. I might add you might want to return in March as the hotel plays host to the first ever weekend-long Artisan Cheese Festival, March 9th through the 12th.

I love the expression “centralized location.” In Sonoma Country, the FountainGrove Inn gives new meaning to the phrase. Particularly during the Holiday season. Not only are you surrounded by all the major attractions of Sonoma Country; the wineries, restaurants, spas and other recreations, but you’re close to all of Santa Rosa’s premier shopping destinations. So that you can put more money into those gifts you’re purchasing, the FountainGrove Inn is offering an appealing Holiday “Shop and Sleep” Package through January first which includes a complimentary breakfast buffet, newly renovated deluxe accommodations and…. This is music to my heart: free gift wrapping.

One intriguing region for me is Western Sonoma Country. It’s home to colorful communities like Sebastopol, Graton, Freestone, Occidental, Valley Ford and Forestville. What I really like about this area is the emphasis on the arts. Western Sonoma Country has a rich variety of antique stores, gift shops with artisan products, galleries and lots of great dining like the Willow Wood Market and Cafe in Graton or the legendary Union Hotel and Negri’s in Occidental. When you’re in Sebastopol, try Infusions, an international Teahouse that’s new to the area. Lodgings are all topnotch from places like Avalon, a luxury B&B in Sebastopol to the Inn at Occidental.

Ever wonder where the term spa comes from. It’s an acronym for Solus Per Aqua which is Latin for healing through water. Well, what better place to take the waters than the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa with its natural thermal springs and beautiful setting. Speaking of spas and beautiful settings, you’ll find spas to fit every budget.

Many hotels and resorts have spas on the property and there are a number of excellent day spas. Break your routine this hectic Holiday period and treat yourself to any of a number of rejuvenating treatments. Spas today offer a rich variety of activities ranging from enzyme baths to yoga. Go ahead and pamper yourself in Sonoma Country.

This postcard is brought to you by the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau celebrating Sonoma Country; America’s Premier Wine, Spa and Coastal Destination.

There aren’t enough adjectives to truly describe the awesome beauty of the 76 mile-long Sonoma Coast.

It’s home to rugged headlands, charming sea villages, secluded coves, an historic fort and a community called Sea Ranch which lets its natural surroundings do all the talking. Part of that community is Sea Ranch Lodge, a fabulous place to stay when visiting the coast.

There’s a challenging golf course at Sea Ranch and the Lodge has a good-looking golf package. You might want to be there December 21st for a winemaker dinner featuring Schramsberg Vineyards. Sea Ranch Lodge is just one of many worthy attractions along the Sonoma Coast. In future postcards, we’ll put the spotlight on many of them.

The Hotel La Rose is located in Railroad Square in Santa Rosa’s historic Old Town. In early 2007, this charming hotel turns one hundred years old.

Imagine what it must have been like to check-in for a Sonoma Country getaway a century ago. My guess is the hotel guests did much the same thing we do today. Besides relaxing in a country environment, they probably went wine-tasting, hiking or biking.

Now this time of year, the Hotel La Rose is all dolled up for the Holidays with gingerbread houses, festive lighting and special rates that will make a stay even more attractive. You know, Santa Rosa would be a great place to get some Holiday shopping done. Oh, as well as wine-tasting and other fun pursuits.

This is Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. Women have long appreciated the restorative, soothing powers of spas. Now, men are interested. Understanding we males are entering unfamiliar territory, David Erlich, Director of Spa Operations at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, makes it easy for us with suggested treatments like sports’ massages and gentlemen’s facials. Also, for the still unconvinced, he recommends a couples’ package. Imagine, the opportunity to wear matching bathrobes. Here’s a tip. Spas are busier than ever. So, make your appointments in advance. Sonoma Country by the way, has more than 40 spas.

I’m Mike Cleary with a postcard from Sonoma Country. I even got a postcard. Judy writes, “You’re always saying Sonoma Country is the premier wine, spa and coastal destination. Is it a romantic destination as well?” Judy, that’s a great question. Imagine the works Shakespeare and Lord Bryon would have produced after a weekend stay at, let’s say, the Vintner’s Inn in Santa Rosa with it’s European style estate setting or the eclectic charm of the antique-filled Inn at Occidental. In fact, Mary Ann and I are celebrating our anniversary this very weekend and we’ll be in Sonoma Country. I booked a room with a fireplace and our restaurant reservations are made. I’d give you details but I’m not a kiss and tell kinda guy.