California
Farmhouse Inn
Sonoma, California, United States of America
At a Glance
Romantic boutique hidden away within the Sonoma Valley just 90 minutes from San Francisco
The valleys best restaurant with One Michelin Star and Estate Wine Director
Hundreds of boutique vineyards and fine restaurants within easy reach
Luxurious and private accommodations ideal for couples or older families looking for a retreat
Impeccable concierge service to arrange unique and special activities for your stay
Why not twin a stay in Sonoma with Napa to see the best of both valleys?
Sommelier led wine tour experiences highly recommended
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Best time to Visit
Good time to visit
Average time to visit
Like most California destinations, you can’t go wrong when picking a time of year to visit. Being inland, Sonoma County benefits from much higher summer temperatures than the cool coast, and is a year-round destination but best from April to October.
At the vineyards, September is typically the harvest month, although some varieties may be picked through October and November. Vineyards will be bare from December through February, with new buds returning in March and coming into full bloom by June.
Summer temperatures reach up to around 80 degrees Fahrenheit during the day, and cool off to about 50 in the evenings, so you’ll want to bring a variety of clothes and dress in layers. Winter highs are around 60 degrees with lows occasionally just below freezing. The region averages around 200 days of sunshine per year, so you should have plenty of good weather to enjoy the outdoors.
Insider's View
A highlight of a stay here is the incredible 3-course breakfast. It is a true experience and one to be savoured!
In the reception of Farm House guests will find their "spa bar" where guests can pick up beautiful locally made bath bombs, soaps and soaks to enjoy a decadent bath! It's a very unique idea and a really wonderful treat that is on the house!
Farm House is located in wonderfully sleepy Forestville but only 15-minutes in a taxi you'll find Healdsburg with its town square, tasting rooms and some of the valleys most acclaimed restaurants!
Call us on 858 523 9000 to start planning your vacation to Farmhouse Inn or take a look at our itineraries to California
Description
Set amongst the country lanes and boutique vineyards around Forestville in the heart of the Sonoma Country wine growing region, the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant offers a wonderfully romantic escape in discreet luxury, perfect for a few days away.
The vision of fifth generation farmers, winery and vineyard owners, brother and sister team Joe and Catherine Bartolomei, the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant offers a taste of the Sonoma County lifestyle. Just 90 minutes from San Francisco, this delightful luxury inn is in the hub of the Russian River Valley, literally minutes from hundreds of world class wineries and restaurants. With a Michelin starred restaurant, wonderfully romantic accommodations and a spa of its own, this really is the ultimate romantic escape for those who love to indulge in fine food and wine.
Hide yourselves away in one of the cosy cottages or indulge in the decadent barn suites, complete with indoor / outdoor fireplaces, four poster beds, snuggling lounges and luxurious bathrooms with picture windows overlooking the gardens. Enjoy complete privacy in your very own hideaway for two. Venture out for a treatment in the spa, a dip in the pool or an evening warm in front of the outdoor fire pit.
For those who wish to take full advantage of the fine food and wine to be experience you will be spoiled for choice. Take a private tour of a local vineyard, dine in superb nearby restaurants or simply enjoy the humble elegance of the inn's own Michelin starred restaurant. Small, intimate and a treat for the taste buds.
Whether you come to Sonoma for a relaxing break at the end of a trip along the coast, as part of a gourmet food and wine tour of this wonderful part of California or as a romantic escape after much fun in the city, the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant is sure to delight, inspire and revitalise you.
Accommodation
With only 25 beautifully appointed rooms and cottages, personal service, attention to detail and pampering are at the forefront of a stay at the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant.
King Luxury: 850 sq ft, king beds, double sided fireplaces, private outdoor space, jetted tub, steam shower, radiant heated marble floors
King Deluxe: 650 sq ft, junior suite configuration, all same amenities as King Luxury
King Cottage Suite: 600 sq ft, historic cottage rooms, wood burning fireplace, jetted tub, dry sauna
King Standard (cottage and main house options): 350 sq ft, king bed, fireplace, luxury bath
Facilities
A stay at the Farmhouse Inn and Restaurant is all about the food, wine and pampering. Enjoy a treatment in the spa, take a dip in the outdoor pool or relax in the 6 acres of grounds.
The heart of the inn is the restaurant. A cornerstone of the property it offers an inspiring combination of a Michelin starred chef, world class maitre d'hotel and master sommelier. Included for all guests is the hotels signature 3-course breakfast that is an experience in itself.
Imaginative menus are drawn on local ingredients sourced from artisan farmers as well as Joe and Catherine's own Bartolomei ranch taking whatever is in season into culinary treats for guest to savour and enjoy. Service is friendly yet sophisticated and is complimented by wines to complete the gourmet experience.
Activities
The inn offers the ultimate in personal concierge service. With 6 on staff, your stay can be designed to fit in with your wants and desires. Personally tailored wine experiences are their specialty and whether you are a novice or expert, each will be sure to enlighten and surprise you. Recommendations for local restaurants and reservations can be made on your behalf.
Beyond the vineyards, spend a day kayaking and taking in the scenery of the Russian River Valley, hire bikes and pedal along the picturesque country roads, hike into Armstrong Woods and admire the giant Redwood trees, go horseback riding or head out to the coast for beachcombing and whale watching. For those who enjoy a round of golf, there are 7 golf courses within easy reach of the inn and your concierge can arrange tee times and club rental if required.
Reviews
Maudie Tomlinson (Staff)
The Farmhouse Inn epitomizes Sonoma, embracing its agricultural roots, it is the perfect base from which to explore wine country in style. Sonoma is the laid-back cousin to Napa and Napa tends to be hailed for having the best accommodation. The Farmhouse I think is among the best (if not "the best") of the regions hotels.
After undergoing significant renovations last year (2014), the Spa is now incredibly country chic (very Soho House "Cow Shed") and the pool area that is surrounded by a walled garden complete with Jacuzzi tub invites guests to simply lie by the pool and sip cool chardonnay.
In terms of how to choose a room here, there is no bad room in the house but there are some that are incredibly "bijou". The cottage rooms that are picture postcard are on the tiny side, with everything you could possibly want but not an awful lot of living room. They are also a little closer to the road. I'd recommend those to guests who plan to be out and about exploring vineyards and tasting rooms and who would rather spend their money elsewhere. The King Deluxe Rooms are a great choice with more space and located in the beautiful Barn and for a splash out, go for the Luxury Suites for a real slice of country-living in style with four poster beds, sumptuous living space and a private terrace with woodland views from which to sip wine chosen from your in-room wine fridge.
My three favorite things about staying here were:
Breakfast, a 3-course extravaganza made with seasonal produce from the garden and nearby Bartolmoei ranch. The house-made pastries were divine. I blended my own tea blend from the Tea Bar, but the table next to me ordered morning Mimosas. Why not!
Relaxing in the gardens by the pool watching the gardeners busy at work picking fresh figs to use in the kitchen and apples from the trees. Sonoma is all about the food and it was so beautiful to see in full bounty!
Arriving back from dinner in nearby Healdsburg and picking up some Sumbody bath soaks from the reception to relax and unwind in the tub - and then finding a freshly-made cookie and a glass of cold milk by my bed!
Experiences
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Fly High above the Napa Valley
Soar 2000 ft above the sun-dappled valley during a sunrise hot air balloon ride. After a wake-up coffee and pastries, board your colorful balloon for a guided tour with a difference - your pilot will point out Napa's best vineyards and places to visit.
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Napa Valley Sip and Cycle Experiences
The Napa Valley Sip & Cycle tour is a fun and unique way to experience the beautiful wine country. Each tour can be customized to include a hike into the hills, a stop or two at various wineries and accommodate varying degrees of difficulty.
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Napa Wine Train
Guests aboard the Wine Train enjoy a freshly prepared lunch or dinner inside a fully restored 1915-1917 Pullman Dining Car or 1952 Vista Dome car on a three-hour, 36 mile round trip through the sun-dappled vineyards of the Napa Valley.
Location & directions
Sonoma, California, United States of America
Close to the village of Forestville in the Russian River Valley area of Sonoma.
How to get there
11-hour direct flight from London to San Francisco followed by 2.5 hour drive to Sonoma.