Exciting New Hotel Offerings in Sonoma County
Sonoma County hotel properties are rolling out new experiences and offerings. From outdoor concerts to an all-in-one Wine Country adventure package, here are a few things to look forward to in Sonoma County.
The Astro
The Astro motel in Santa Rosa recently launched Astro Adventures, week-long tours of Sonoma County led by local “experts in wine, beer, spirits and food.” The $1,599 per person tour charge (taxes included) covers five night’s lodging at the renovated midcentury motor lodge in downtown Santa Rosa, several meals at The Astro’s sister restaurant, The Spinster Sisters, tasting fees at wineries, breweries or distilleries, transportation and some goodies to bring home. Couples or friends traveling together can save an additional 10% if they share a room.
Itineraries are designed to introduce tour participants to the best Sonoma County has to offer with scheduled excursions and insider tips from local guides, but will also include some time for visitors to explore the area on their own.
Matt Levy, a self-taught mixologist and owner of the Covert Cocktail Club, lead the first Astro Adventure spirits tour and taught participants how to make better cocktails at home. Along with visits to Sonoma Brothers Distilling in Windsor and Elk Fence Distillery in Santa Rosa, he took visitors to the farmers market — to introduce them to local flavors — and on a whirlwind tour of local thrift shops for those in search of vintage bar tools and glassware.
The wine tour, set to take place the week of June 12, will be led by wife-and-husband duo Jane Lopes and Jonathan Ross, who are Master Sommeliers and authors.
“Though still cheaper than Napa, it is becoming increasingly hard to visit Sonoma without spending a fortune” said Lopes. “We love that The Astro is trying to make this tour as accessible as possible.”
Lopes and Ross, the founders and owners of Legend Australian Wine Imports, have close to 40 years of experience in the wine industry between them and have worked at some of the top restaurants in the world, including Eleven Madison Park in New York. They will be sharing their knowledge and insight into the wine world and introduce tour participants to classic Sonoma County grape varietals, like Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Syrah. But more unusual grapes, like trousseau gris and gamay, will also make an appearance.
Astro Adventures will only include 10 to 20 participants and all activities will be scheduled on weekdays to ensure smaller crowds at breweries, wineries and distilleries.
“We want this to be a conversation. We want people to talk to each other. We want there to be education, and we want people to learn in a happy convivial space that is a vacation,” said Anderson.
323 Santa Rosa Ave., 707-200-4655
Geyserville Inn
Geyserville Inn is hosting a series of live concerts this summer in its Doyle Clifton Gardens, next to onsite restaurant Paul's Kitchen. The series kicks off May 28 and concerts will be held the fourth Sunday of every month through August. North Bay band Eddie and the Fog will play the first three shows. Concerts will be free and open to the public.
21714 Geyserville Avenue, 877-857-4343
Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa
Sit down to dinner with some of Sonoma County's best-known winemakers at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa. The 2023 Winemaker Dinner Series by Santé kicks off April 26 with Convene founder Dan Kosta. Held once a month through September, the event series also features local winemakers Michael Sebastiani of Highway 12 Winery (May 31) and Alison Smith Story of Smith Story Wines (June 28). Every event kicks off with a sparkling wine reception, followed by a four-course dinner paired with wines.
100 Boyes Blvd., 707-938-9000
