Winter Wellness in Wine Country
Photo Credit: sonomabud42069
Sonoma County offers so much more than wine tasting and indulgent culinary experiences, and is especially a destination for the winter months. The hills are vibrant green set behind the rows and rows of sunny, yellow mustard blooms. It really is a sight to behold, and a sight to slip you into relaxation and revelation of the natural beauty we are blessed with. Check out our tips for enjoying Wine Country this winter and beyond.
Yoga Experiences
Full day retreats, private yoga experiences, and a variety of classes are abundantly available. When I travel, I always look for opportunities to practice a morning wellness routine and that usually means attending a yoga class. Sonoma Yoga is located within the Lodge at Sonoma and offers classes every day, morning and night. You can check out their schedule and book a class on the MindBody App. Their instructors are top-notch and offer a variety of modalities. Have you found yourself booking a gorgeous villa with your closest girlfriends? Consider booking a private yoga class! I recommend reaching out to Andrea Bogart, and then adding on a champagne brunch with Goodness Gracious!
Photo Credit: Stanly Ranch Auberge Resorts
Stay at a Wellness-centered Resort
Sonoma Wine Country is home to some resorts offering cutting edge wellness activities and amenities, as well as more traditional resorts that are centered around wellness but in a more organic way. Either way, you can surely spend your weekend at a place that realigns and nurtures you. Stanly Ranch in the Carneros region boasts amentities that will “optimize the performance of your body and mind; find restoration in the exploration of sleep, hydration, mindfulness, and recovery with targeted and intentional treatments”. Their facility is state-of-the-art and well worth a visit for those looking to leave Wine Country in better condition than when they arrived. For those of you needing to immersed in nature, the Boon Hotel + Spa will do the trick. Just steps away from the Russian River amidst the redwood forest, simply being here will be rejuvenating. Their spa features a saltwater pool, full body zen massages, detoxifying tea, and LED light therapy.
Photo Credit: John Burgess/ The Press Democrat
Eat Healthy
It’s no secret that Northern California grows some of the most beautiful, delicious, and nutritious produce. There are several farms dotted throughout Sonoma Valley that grow fruits and vegetables to local restaurants so that we can all enjoy a colorful and healthy meal. I recommend stopping at Baker and Cook for breakfast for gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian fare, though they offer a ton of “regular” dishes, as well! For the most farm-to-table experience, go with their seasonal quiche, scones, avocado toasts, and juices. For lunch, hit up Spread Kitchen, a casual Lebanese experience featuring grandmother’s recipes and farm produce. I go for their grain bowl of saffron rice, hummus, tabouleh, pita, and chicken shawarma. The vegan chocolate-tahini brownies are a MUST! For dinner, you should make a reservation at Valley Bar + Bottle. This spot has an eclectic, global, natural wine list alongside dishes like wok-fried peanuts, bitter green salad with green goddess, shrimp rolls, and noodles with soft boiled egg. This restaurant is right on the Plaza, making it an easy place to stop while out wine tasting.