Sonoma Smart Splurges

Luxury boutique offering modern amenities (glass walk-in showers) balanced with small-town charm (many balconies overlook the town plaza). Expect spacious rooms, high-end perks, and world-class dining.

Vintners owning hotels seems to be the going trend in wine country, but this upscale six-room hotel also includes a highly-regarded restaurant and a jazz club that’s drawing name acts. The hotel is on the east side of Sonoma’s plaza, but double-paned glass keeps out unwanted noise. The rooms, all on the second floor, are not huge, but include wonderful details like inlaid walnut floors.

Sort, crush, and press your favorite grape varietal alongside a master winemaker; then design the bottle/label and attend a bottling party. They’ll even store your extra vino for two years.

After soaring high above Sonoma County’s patchwork of vineyards in a hot air balloon, enjoy a gourmet champagne brunch at the Kendall-Jackson winery.

Soar over Sonoma in a vintage open-cockpit biplane; 20- and 40-minute tours are available, starting at $150 for a single passenger.

Score a complimentary tasting pass on their website; or splurge on wine and food pairing classes, a sensory seminar to fine-tune your taste buds, or a class on creating your own wine blend; known for their chardonnays and merlots.

This intimate restaurant offers innovative yet accessible French/Asian cuisine from rising star...more