A Day of Relaxation and Wine in Sonoma

This is the first in a new monthly collaboration with Erin Bose from Scout and Cellar. Scout & Cellar Clean-Crafted Wine sources organic, biodynamic, and vegan wines from small family-owned vineyards around the world that are producing wines naturally – without the use of added chemicals or excess intervention. Erin and I are going to talk about wine, vineyards, travel, and destinations. We will have some virtual wine tastings from some of our favorite regions and talk travel with my favorite river cruise line, AMA Waterways. Have a look at some of the great wines that Scout and Cellar sources here. 

The wine country of California offers so many great options for the exploration of vineyards, luxurious stays, and fine dining.  This week we explore the area of Healdsburg, CA, in Sonoma County.   Healdsburg is about an hour's drive north of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco.  This charming town in the heart of Sonoma County and offers first-class wineries and some great options for dining.  The town is also known for its thriving artist community and has many art studios and shops to find a favorite keepsake of your stay here.  

We are going to take you through a day in Sonoma Wine Country to experience a day of wine, dining, and luxurious relaxation in the heart of the historic downtown.   The Hotel Healdsburg is a charming hotel with well-appointed guest rooms, a relaxing garden pool to cool off in during the summer months, and a local favorite lobby bar, the Spirit Bar.  The hotel offers complimentary bikes to explore the town on.   The Dry Creek Kitchen is a local favorite with fresh seasonal ingredients and a wine list offering over 500 selections.  You can also enjoy a spa and dining credit along with extra amenities when booking your stay with Darby’s Destinations.  

While visiting wine country, you must make it a point to stop into at least a few vineyards and wineries. Benziger Family Winery has been among the top rated and most popular wineries in the Sonoma Valley for many years. Pioneers of Biodynamic farming practices, the Benzigers know that healthy, vibrant vineyards result in delicious wines with loads of character. Their estate on Sonoma Mountain showcases beautiful gardens, farm animals, and water recycling ponds designed to bring the vineyard into balance and create wines with layers of complexity. 

​To make the most of your visit, I recommend the Biodynamic Tram Tour & Tasting, where you will enjoy a close-up look at the picturesque vineyards and learn all about Biodynamic farming practices. On this tour, you will also visit the winemaking facility and explore a wine cave before completing your tour with a special tasting of award-winning wines.

Another great winery to tour is DeLoach.  The vintners at DeLoach are passionate about producing top tier wines using eco-friendly farming practices. Wines are produced using a combination of old-school French viticulture techniques and modern organic farming practices. When you visit DeLoach Vineyards, make sure to explore the Theater of Nature. This self-guided tour takes you on a journey through the estate’s idyllic 20-acre organic and biodynamic farm in the heart of the Russian River Valley. The half-acre culinary garden includes vegetables and herbs as well as medicinal plants such as yarrow, chamomile, and dandelion, which are used in Biodynamic compost preparations. You will see animals throughout the vineyard like sheep and cows – also a sign of a healthy eco-system! For a romantic picnic, grab a bottle of your favorite wine from your tasting to pair with a selection of local artisanal snacks and relax in the garden or under the shady sycamore trees.

After a long day of wine tasting, sit down to a relaxing dinner at The Girl & The Fig. The quaint and rustic atmosphere blends beautifully with the Sonoma vibe. Be sure to try their famous arugula & fig salad along with several shared small plates. We recommend calling ahead for reservations.

If you are looking for good food, great wine, and a relaxing stay, Sonoma County is a great domestic destination for a summer vacation. For a wine that showcases a true sense of place and captures the essence of Sonoma County, Erin recommends these wines that are both delicious and clean. The best part is these wines are shipped direct to your door, so you can enjoy a taste of wine country even if you cannot be there in person. For more information about Scout & Cellar wines or to join the wine club, please visit www.scoutandcellar.com/erinbose or reach out to erin.scoutandcellar@gmail.com