Honeymoon in Sonoma
I was wine touring with a lovely honeymoon couple today in the Sonoma Valley. They were staying at the Cottage Inn and Spa just steps from the Plaza which is a remarkably romantic place. When I came home I told Lahni that they were here for their honeymoon and she mentioned that Sonoma really was the best place for that special vacation. I have to agree with her for a number of reasons.
First of all it is a beautiful place. The great botanist Luther Burbank who helped shape many of the vegetables that we eat today called Sonoma the place on Earth most blessed by nature. It is diverse, tremendously fertile, photogenic and aromatic. Downtown Sonoma is such a classic American town with its big plaza, historic buildings, playgrounds and statues. Just the collection of trees on the plaza would be reason enough to visit here.
Surrounding the plaza are small, friendly and elegant restaurants that serve food that was probably harvested within twenty miles of their kitchen. The stores are unique, locally owned and peppered with some wonderful galleries. A number of small wineries have tasting rooms around the plaza and the stories that come with those pours are as good as the wine, which is saying very good.
It is barely an hour north from San Francisco, another remarkably romantic spot, and yet it is warmer, sunnier, sweeter and gentler. Unlike many tourist destinations downtown Sonoma doesn't rise or fall on its tourist trade. We have three economies here, farming, food production, AKA wine making and tourism and each one has its own demands and seasons.
Only during late December do all of them slow down. The vineyards are falling asleep, the wine is in the tanks and barrels or shipped out the door for the festive season, and the tourism has slowed to a comfortable trickle, but that is okay with everybody because Sonoma first and foremost is home and that is the time for family.
Being able to come here after the frantic activity of a modern wedding is a soothing, healing experience, and honestly if you come to Sonoma and it doesn't make you feel romantic you're not doing it right but keep at it!
Ralph & Lahni are the authors of numerous books on wine country and two smart phone apps. http://www.AmicisTours.com
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