Because of the overwhelming response I received on my "She's Got Legs [1]" article right here on greenfaucet.com, I thought I would give you a more in-depth look at my Sonoma, California favorites. I know many of you will disagree with my assessment of Sonoma because you are Napa lovers...that's fine. If you are nice, I may write an article on Napa one day. It's not that I dislike Napa, I actually love a lot of their wines, I just prefer the laid-back unpretentious attitude in Sonoma County. Did I say I like unpretentiousness? I am the Lifestyle Whisperer for God's sake!
Let's explore some of the wineries, hotels and restaurants.
Wineries: If you read my "She's Got Legs" article you already know one of my favorites is Imagery Winery. Here are some of my other favorites. Viansa, Chateau St. Jean, and Kunde.
I have a bias towards Viansa - I got married there. 
With that said, if you love Italian wines you cannot find a better place. Viansa comes from the Sebastiani Family of Sebastiani Winery and focuses on the true Italian heritage. It sits high above the Sonoma Valley on a hilltop surrounded by olive trees and vineyards. If you didn't know any better you would almost think you were in Tuscany. Viansa is the premier producer of Italian varietal wines in the United States. The wines include Sangiovese, Barbera, Dolcetto, Aleatico, Arneis, Pinot Grigio, Primitivo, and Tocai Friulano, among others. In 2007 alone, Viansa was awarded over 85 medals - including 23 gold or double gold.
Chateau St. Jean not only has exquisite wines, but the winery itself is amazing. Chateau St. Jean has been a Sonoma County favorite since its founding in 1973. Surrounded by vineyards and lush gardens, this winery produces some of the best Cabernets and Chardonnays anywhere. The 2003 Cinq Cepages Cabernet Sauvignon is a must-have. This classic Bordeaux blend, rated 94 by the Wine Enthusiast, is a powerful wine for being so youthful. It is full of black fruit and hints of dried herbs, olive and sage aromas. This Cabernet has flavors of currant, plums, blackberry and roasted oak. It is a bit pricey at $75.00 a bottle, but you should dare to dream and try it.
The 2003 Chardonnay Sonoma County Reserve is a favorite among wine lovers. Rated 96 by the Wine Enthusiast and ranked number 2 out of 100 wines tasted. Chateau St. Jeans wine maker describes this wine as "Tropical fruits with hints of smoke and citrus on the nose lead to a medium - bodied entry. Unctuous notes of peaches and kiwi are backed by subtle hints of oak and mineral notes that are supported by balanced acidity. This wine has a lengthy finish, leaving bright citrus on the palate."
http://www.chateaustjean.com/stjean/home.jsp [3]
Kunde is one of my favorites simply because the winery itself is so beautiful. If you ever visit this winery, take a private tour. On the tour you will be taken into the wine caves deep inside the hills of Sonoma County and can sample some of their famous wines straight from the barrel.
The vineyards were first planted in 1879 with imported cuttings from Chateaux Margaux and Lafite Rothschild. Yes, I said Chateaux Margaux and Lafite Rothschild! The winery produces a number of great wines but my favorites are the Viognier, Reserve Century Vines Zinfandel and the 2004 Barbera. This winery is easy on the wallet. These wines range from $18.00 to $40.00.
Hotels: As far as I am concerned, there are only two places to stay while visiting Sonoma County. For those who like to splurge, you have to stay at the Kenwood Inn and Spa. You will literally feel like you are in Tuscany. The Inn offers guests a selection of twenty-nine luxurious guestrooms and suites. According to the Inn keeper, "all rooms and suites have featherbeds, Italian linens, fireplaces, full baths, and private entrances. 
Many of the furnishings are one-of-a-kind, crafted in Italy expressly for the Kenwood Inn and Spa." The Inn is directly across the street from Kunde and close to a handful of others. The rates range from $300.00 per night for the small rooms up to $850.00 for the largest suite. Be a tiger and go for it....stay in the Umbria or Amalfi suites. Even though I adore this place, I will be honest - only the Amalfi suite has a television. If you want to catch up on the latest game or a re-run of "Good Times", you will be out of luck. Trust me - the wife will love you if you pull the trigger on the Kenwood Inn and Spa.
http://www.kenwoodinn.com/ [5]
If you are looking for something a little more casual and in the middle of everything, I love the El Dorado Hotel. Located in the heart of Sonoma square, this rustic hotel mixes old world charm and chic Hollywood style. It also has one of the best restaurants in Sonoma County. The Hotel has about 27 rooms and is within walking distance of charming shops, boutique wineries and most importantly, a sports bar. Rates range from $160.00 to $200.00 per night. The drawback to this place is that it is not handicap accessible. If you are traveling with someone who is handicapped, the El Dorado has two floor level bungalows, but those rooms seem to go first.....so book ahead of time.
http://www.eldoradosonoma.com/splash.html [6]
Restaurants: As I said above, the El Dorado has one of the best restaurants around. Executive Chef Justin Everett describes his food as "farm driven". He says "the menu is a collection of earthy yet sophisticated, complex yet straightforward dishes that showcase the essence of the fresh seasonal produce." The cool thing about this restaurant is that you can eat inside by the fireplace, underneath the fig tree in the garden courtyard or you can be pampered in your own private cabana - complete with chandelier. The menu offers anything from filets, fish even pizza. My favorites are the white truffle french fries and the jalapeno peach martini.
My other favorite restaurant is the Girl and the Fig. Located in the Sonoma square, the restaurant features an awesome antique bar with French aperitifs and cocktails, an award-winning "Rhone Alone" wine list, cheese and charcuterie platters, and one of the best hamburgers I have ever had. I would also suggest the steamed mussels and the Fulton Valley chicken. The prices are relatively inexpensive with entrees starting at around $19.95.
http://www.thegirlandthefig.com/html-sonoma/index.html [7]
If money is not an issue, stay at the Kenwood Inn and Spa, hire a driver and go wine tasting to Imagery, Kunde, Chateau St. Jean and Viansa, and finish the night off at the El Dorado. Good times....
"The Real" Todd Harrison
Originally published on 4-24-08
