Wine Country Honeymoon Escape to Sonoma County
Couples, who envisage a romantic escape to verdant hills of grapevines and days spent sipping delectable wines, only have to travel 30-miles north of San Francisco to Sonoma County. A leisurely, hour-long drive will bring you into this distinctive region that is truly an excellent choice for honeymoons. Sonoma wine country is simple, and elegant. You will find some of the friendliest locals that make wine tasting enjoyable for amateurs, as well as connoisseurs.
The Pacific Ocean cradles Sonoma County on the West and the Mayacamas and Sonoma mountain ranges on the east. Some of the best terrain exists in this temperate climate. This is one of the most unique wine regions, with the majestic ocean, Lake Sonoma, Russian River, breathtaking Red Woods, and the most important feature, the acres of lush, rolling hills covered with grapevines. Unlike some regions that specialize in one particular wine, you can find many different types of wines here, including their most well known Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah and Zinfandel.
Start your honeymoon off with the unsurpassed overview of the county. One of the best ways to see the beauty of Sonoma County is from the air. Take a tour on a hot air balloon for a peaceful journey above the vineyards. For a little more excitement, hop aboard a 1942 WWII open cockpit biplane. You will never forget this adrenaline rush, and for a little extra, they will even do stunts and acrobatics.
Next, combine wine tasting with gourmet dining at J Vineyards & Winery. They have a wonderful tasting menu with delectable samplings in their Bubble Room or outdoor terrace. The scenery is stunning and the staff will make this meal a romantic memory.
For those do it yourselfers, several wineries have delis where you can purchase a sandwich and a bottle of wine, and head outside to have an intimate picnic surrounded by vines. The gothic structure of Ledson Winery is a fantastic picnic location, where you will feel like romantics strolling around a medieval castle. If you want to be royally waited on, have a private reserve tasting in one of their rooms overlooking the grounds and fountains.
Sonoma County’s biggest lure is its wine tasting, but the grapes aren’t the only reason to visit. The hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts are impressive. Couples can find accommodations that fit their style and budget, from simple inns to lavish bed and breakfasts to luxury resorts. 
Crowds are also drawn to the excellent restaurants, shopping and spa treatments. Relax in the ancient thermal mineral waters at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa or experience vinotherapy treatments at the Kenwood Inn & Spa, where wine grapes are used to restore your skin. And don’t miss a rejuvenating massage by the excellent staff at the Coldwater Creek Spa. Also, enjoy a Japanese-style cedar enzyme bath at Osmosis, where the heat treatments invigorate your body (Photo to right).
When you’re done with all the eating and drinking, head to one of the picturesque locations to spend some time with nature. The dramatic coastline has wonderful villages for fresh seafood, whale watching and shopping. Canoe or kayak down the Russian River, hike in the Armstrong Redwood State Reserve, bike through the vineyards, or horseback ride in the Mayacamas mountain range for marvelous views of the vineyards. Visit one of the many small farms or farmers’ markets to sample some of Sonoma County’s fresh local produce.
A trip to Sonoma wine country would not be complete without a visit to Glen Ellen. Sample olive oil grown and produced in Glen Ellen at Figone’s Olive Oil. Stop by Raymond & Co. Cheesemongers to sample some of the smelliest cheeses around. John, the owner, can teach you a lot about cheese and whose passion and knowledge will leave you wanting more. Don’t leave without dessert from Wine Country Chocolates. This truffle shop has gourmet chocolates and will make your mouth water, even making truffles with Sonoma wine inside. Buy a box of chocolate and head back to your room, chocolates and wine is all you need for a little romance.
End your night at the perfect spot for a romantic dinner, Glen Ellen Inn Oyster Grill & Martini Bar. This quaint restaurant offers indoor and outdoor seating, a martini list to distract from all the wine you’ve been drinking, or a huge local wine selection, if you can’t stray.
