Romantic Bed and Breakfast in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley

About 75 miles north of San Francisco lies the Russian River Valley, which was nominated as one of the Wine Regions of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine in 2011. In this up-and-coming wine country you’ll find the Applewood Inn, an upscale bed and breakfast surrounded by massive redwoods. With one of this Getaway’s options, you’ll receive a winery passport for tastings and tours at 100 nearby vineyards—you’re welcome to stop by as many as you like during your visit. You’ll also be treated to welcome glasses of wine and a three-course dinner for two at the inn.

The Applewood’s main building is the nearly century-old Villa Casa Grande, a Spanish-mission-style mansion with exposed wooden beams, thick stucco walls, and river-rock fireplaces. Seven more guest rooms can be found in the three-story La Piccola Casa, and the Casa di Campo has three spacious suites of its own. All accommodations are airy and modern, with thoughtful touches such as european down comforters and plush bathrobes. Venture to the inn’s backyard terrace to take a dip in the swimming pool or hot tub.

Sample California cuisine at a candlelit table for two in the Applewood Restaurant, awarded a Michelin star in 2011 and 2012. Chefs Michelle Cerneant and Ty Taube use fresh herbs and vegetables from an onsite organic garden to craft entrees such as pan-seared california white sea bass and cocoa-nib-crusted rack of California lamb. Pair your eats with a bottle of wine from the restaurant’s extensive collection. Each morning, the chefs whip up breakfast entrees such as Grand Marnier french toast, scrambled eggs with smoked salmon and avocado, and huevos rancheros.

Russian River Valley, California: Trendy Wineries and Historic Towns

An up-and-coming wine region in Sonoma County, the Russian River Valley is located about 30 miles east of Napa Valley. Wine Enthusiast magazine praises the Russian River Valley for its “great wine, stunning landscapes, and friendly people.” It’s known for producing stellar chardonnays and pinot noirs.

In the heart of the valley lies the town of Santa Rosa, a former railroad outpost founded in the mid-19th century. Many early settlers were of Italian descent, so the area around the railroad depot became known as Little Italy. Today, Santa Rosa’s Railroad Square retains its old-fashioned ambiance, except the historic brick buildings now house modern restaurants, specialty shops, and antique stores. Visit the Charles M. Schulz Museum to learn more about the life of the Peanuts cartoonist, who called Santa Rosa home for the latter half of his life. The museum’s exhibits range from an in-depth look at animation to the largest collection of Peanuts strips in the world.

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