Your travel specialist on: The Farmhouse Inn

As a favor to a friend who is a top executive for the Preferred Hotel group in Chicago, I said I would go visit the Farmhouse Inn in Forestville, Sonoma County, since it is a new member for them and within my area. I normally do hotel reviews for overseas, but since this was two hours from home, I agreed to go and do a report on my visit to share with the travel industry. (www.farmhouseinn.com) All Horizons Travel is part of the Signature Travel Network, which has 1000 hotels around the world in it’s hotel directory and I am sent on assignment each year to write a report on hotels in different parts of the world. Our clients are given a room upgrade, a free breakfast, and other amenities which amount to a great savings.

This is an ideal location for a few days away. Just an hour from San Francisco. Easy to get to, 101 to River Road just past Petaluma. Owned by a fifth generation vineyard family. There are 100 wineries within 15 minutes of the Inn. They can arrange private tours for you. Even if you aren’t a wine buff, there is plenty to do. Hiking in a State Park ten minutes away, rafting on the Russian River, golf, riding, ten minutes from the coast, bikes on property but you do need a car. The area was settled in the 1820’s by Italian, German, French and Spanish settlers. Over a million visitors a year visit Sonoma County.

They have non stop flights into Sonoma Airport 10 minutes away from Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, Seattle, so it’s a convenient destination.

Sonoma is an old historic town, close to lots of interesting little hamlets, farmers markets, art galleries, antique shops, and good restaurants.

The Inn has 25 rooms and suites. They have two cottages and two rooms in the farmhouse. Small rooms, but nice. I preferred the suites in the new extension which had over $8 million spent on it. Elegant, luxurious suites, each with a private patio, or deck, complete with a fireplace. My favorite was No.15 downstairs, and No 22 upstairs. The bathrooms are stunning, with heated floors and steam showers. Gorgeous surroundings, in the woods, flowers, and privacy. They have a wine fridge in each room, with bottles you can buy and another fridge with soft drinks , milk, water which are complimentary.

They have a wonderful spa building, offering l7 different treatments. You can even have a spa treatment on your private deck or patio. Nice pool, and surrounding area. This is not a property for children, or groups.
The restaurant , in the old farmhouse, has a Michelin Star. Chef Steve Litke is famous in the area, with an army of well trained staff . Two fixed price menus. Make a reservation. Spectacular presentation, and outstanding food. Expensive, but worth it. One room holds 20 people, and the other 16. Wine and beer only.

The Inn does not serve lunch, and the concierge recommended a place a few miles away in Forestville. Fantastic, outstanding, best lunch we have ever had. The Backyard Restaurant (www.backyardforestville.com) owned by two young chefs, who worked for the famous French Laundry restaurant in Yountville. Lovely restaurant and courtyard, reasonable prices and well trained staff. Great lunch and dinner menu. Recommend it highly. Both the Inn and the Backyard Restaurant are members of the Sonoma County Farm Trails organization so they buy produce from each other and everything is locally grown.

The Inn just won the Sunset Magazine award for the Best Accommodation in the Wine Region, as well as Bride’s Magazine, No.l. Place to Elope in the Wine Country, Foder’s Magazine, Best Honeymoon Location. For a small wedding, this would be a lovely place to hold it.

On Monday evenings, the Wine Director, Geoff Kruth, a Master Sommelier, gives a lecture to the guests, on Wednesdays, the owners, Joe and Catherine Bartolomei host a wine tasting gathering, and on Thursday evenings, a different winery in the area gives a tasting and lecture.

A lovely property which I recommend highly. A romantic destination good any time of year. A well run operation with friendly staff.

Maureen Jones

Maureen Jones is president of All Horizons Travel at 160 Main Street. Members of her staff are experts in business travel, cruises, and all types of leisure.