When you think of wine country, Santa Rosa, California doesn’t always come to mind, but it should. Vinarosa Resort, formerly known as Vintners Inn, located conveniently off Highway 101, is the go-to place for a wine country getaway or romantic Russian River Valley holiday. The AAA four-diamond green hotel is surrounded in vineyards, and is home to John Ash & Co restaurant, as well as The Parlor.
Surrounded by 92 acres of vineyards, fruit and olive trees, this eco-friendly oasis, five miles north of downtown Santa Rosa, is the perfect place to celebrate everything. I was in Sonoma Valley wine country to celebrate the opening of The Parlor, a seasonal fare restaurant serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, overlooking Vinarosa gardens and vineyards.
This was my first time to stay overnight at Vinarosa Resort and I was quite pleased with the entire experience. I met a friend for dinner at John Ash & Co where we settled in at the outdoor patio.
The wine country cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Tom Schmidt showcases the farm-to-table concept with bright cherry tomatoes, sweet corn, baby squash and thumbalina carrots served up fresh from the onsite garden. I ordered Chef Tom’s Lamb trio; a spiced sumac chop, along with house made sausage and braised boneless shank, this paired with a bottle of Ferrari-Carano Siena red wine, was certainly something to celebrate. But enough about dinner, let’s talk the Inn.
There are 44 rooms divided into three, two-story buildings, in addition to the main lodge that is also home to The Parlor, as well as poolside dining. Another building features John Ash & Co restaurant. The Parlor is the place for happy hour, signature cocktails and small plates. Read more about the “Crush the Rush” Happy Hour below under Insider Tips!
Vinarosa Resort in Santa Rosa, California
After an easy check in, I was shown to my junior suite fireplace room. Vinarosa Resort is a green hotel, so the electric fireplace may be used 24/7, even on “spare the air” no burn days because the fireplace is environmentally-friendly.
My room, 309, featured a Cal king-sized bed, double French doors that opened to a private patio looking out to the vineyards & sitting area with sofa. There was a combination shower/tub in the bathroom.
I was busy catching up with my friend, so I didn’t have time to put on the bathrobe and relax in the soaking tub or turn on the 42″ television. However, I did enjoy the complimentary bottle of Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc that is offered to all hotel guests in-room, as well as the delicious homemade chocolate chip cookies that were waiting for me after turn down service. And to think I wasn’t even celebrating anything special. Imagine what amenities must be available for special celebrations? It seems like they celebrate everything at Vinarosa Resort.
As I mentioned initially, my trip to the Russian River Valley was to check out The Parlor. This lovely wine country space is where guests enjoy breakfast, but it would also be a great place for a private party or small wedding reception. I’m told Vinarosa Resort is very popular with brides and grooms.
I was very happy with my Eggs Benedict with Shiloh Hill Farm poached eggs, toasted Village Bakery English muffin, Meyer lemon hollandaise sauce and country potatoes with Hobbs’ Canadian bacon. If you are here for lunch, order the carrot cake or the brownie – the pastry chef makes killer creations!
Next time I visit the Sonoma Valley I hope their new hotel wing is open, as well as the brand new spa. I imagine coming here for a girls spa weekend or a romantic wine country escape with my husband!
Vinarosa Resort & Spa details
Check in: 4:00 p.m.
Check out: 11:00 a.m.
Hotel rates range from $275-$515, depending on season and room type. My fireplace room #309 with king bed, soaking tub & a balcony looking out to the vineyard rented for $305. plus tax, mid-week Sunday – Thursday. Rates are higher during the weekend and peak season. The property is not pet-friendly. Rates include complimentary WiFi, Baronessa Cali Oliva shampoo, conditioner & massage soap, in room safe, flat screen tv, a complimentary half bottle of Ferrari-Carano Fume Blanc and, my personal favorite it, chocolate chip cookies (or oatmeal) at turn down. Some rooms have environmentally-friendly electric fireplaces. There’s also Bocce ball & a two mile vineyard loop. Check out the onsite culinary garden, too.
Breakfast is served from 7:00 – 11 a.m. Monday – Friday, weekday lunch from 11:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. and weekend brunch from 7:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Vinarosa Resort has been awarded the Environmentalist Level in the California Green Lodging Program by the State of California’s Department of General Services.
Insider Tips:
Check the website for specials on different days of the week, as well as wine country offers and Honeymoon Hideaway escapes.
Looking for something to bring home from your Sonoma Valley wine country vacation? There are plenty of family-owned Olive Oil producers offering hand-picked and cold pressed olives from locally grown trees olive trees. There’s also a charging station for electric vehicles. For additional insider tips follow luxury travel writer @Nancydbrown on Twitter and Instagram @Nancydbrown and @vintnersinn on Instagram and Twitter.
If You Go:
Vinarosa Resort & Spa (707) 575-7350
4350 Barnes Road
Santa Rosa, California 95403
Vinarosa Resort review, YouTube video and all photography by travel writer Nancy D. Brown. As always, all opinions are my own.