Sonoma County Hotels

Recently reopened after major renovation, the Sea Ranch Lodge is built to blend with the nature—miles of cliffy northern California coastline—that surrounds it. And it invites guests to do the same. (Sea Ranch is a sustainable-lifestyle legend; the community was planned under the ethos of “living lightly on the land” in the ‘60s.) This is where people go to spend their morning in the sunroom with an especially engrossing novel, take a hike along ocean bluffs in the afternoon, and lounge by a crackling fireplace and sip cocktails as the sun sets. It doesn’t hurt that the on-site restaurant, helmed by chef Eric Piacentine of Big Sur Bakery fame, is fantastic—or that the rooms look like that, with Brooklinen sheets, Bathing Culture toiletries, and a pair of binoculars in lieu of a TV.

Founded over a century ago as family estate, vineyard, and working ranch, this newly remodeled property is a bucolic, low-key-luxurious landing spot for visiting oenophiles. Each of its sixty-four rooms—which are nestled in private (socially distanced!) farmhouse-style cottages—is appointed with custom furnishings, cloudlike linens, art by local artists-in-residence, and in some cases: a stunning outdoor shower. But the true beauty is in the grounds, which boast lush lawns and gardens, winding flagstone paths, verdant archways, and cozy firepits to unwind by after a day of tastings. Don’t skip the on-site dining at Layla (locals flock to this Mediterranean-meets-farm-kitchen spot every day of the week) or the spa, which offers an extensive menu of relaxing facials and massages featuring essential oils made from local flowers, herbs, and plants.

Buried deep in wine country, “a retreat for the modern age” is an apt descriptor for the new-ish Montage. Less than two hours from San Francisco, the property is as much a wellness destination as it is a wine-centric one. The spa is next level, with a roster of both traditional and more cutting-edge treatments available. Meanwhile, yoga happens outside amongst the vineyards. At its core, the Montage Healdsburg is a classic California resort: Understated, aesthetically respectful of the natural surroundings, and resolutely upmarket. Given the property sits on 250 acres, you are saturated in vines, oak trees, and native flowers at every turn—the level of space and isolation is total bliss. And the hotel has every amenity you can think of (with great activities for kiddos). The concierge crew are whizzes at arranging private tastings, tours, and bespoke dining experiences throughout the Sonoma Valley. Images courtesy of Christian Horan.

Located in Santa Rosa’s up-and-coming arts district, The Astro, a recently renovated 1960s motel, offers the essentials for an outdoorsy wine country stay–proximity to the region’s vineyards, closeness to the city’s restaurants–at a much more accessible price point. Everything in the space is considered, from the authentic mid-century pieces that outfit the thirty-four rooms (its owners sourced incredible finds, from Danish church light fixtures to Robert Arneson sculptures to iconic prints of Mohammed Ali and Joni Mitchell, all of which are shoppable), to the genuine warmth of the staff who will give you insight into the best places–and ways–to see the Sonoma Valley. Within striking distance from the airport, it’s a convenient, easy spot to book a few rooms and call basecamp for the weekend. And if you’re looking to burn some extra calories, the motel comes stocked with shiny Shinola Bikes on-the-ready to rent.

Inside a family-owned working ranch that dates back to 1892 and shaded by local oak trees, this five-room B&B is packed with charm.

Tucked into Healdsburg, SingleThread Farm is located on a stretch of five acres between the Russian River and San Lorenzo Ranch.

Located on the west side of Healdsburg, this hotel puts you within walking distance of all the downtown wineries and restaurants. (You can also borrow one of the hotel's PUBLIC bikes to explore.)

Owners Don and Rhonda Carano, second-generation Italian Americans, acquired the Vintners Inn after spending more than 20 years honing their craft as winemakers in the Russian River Valley.

For years, this quaint hotel has earned a reputation for being one of the Russian River Valley's best, for both service and its gorgeous grounds.

Sonoma takes a lot of its cues from Tuscany, and this boutique spot, which occupies what could only be described as an Italian farmhouse, is an excellent embodiment of that aesthetic.