Nestled into the rolling vineyards of Sonoma wine country lies the #12 hotel in the world. When Travel + Leisure bestowed this 2016 award to the Farmhouse Inn, they also crowned it the #1 hotel in California. These accolades are well-deserved, as the luxury boutique hotel delivers on every front. From the Michelin starred restaurant to the in-room steam showers, the Farmhouse experience is simply world-class from start to finish.
Across the road from endless rows of grape vines in the Russian River Valley, the Farmhouse Inn property is nestled into the trees and only marked from the road by a simple sign. Rose-lined pathways weave through the grounds connecting the yellow, barn-style buildings that are laid out like a little village. Upon checking in, the welcoming staff offer you a glass of wine (of course!) and show you to your room as the bellhop grabs your bags from the car.
There are only 25 rooms at the Farmhouse Inn, each luxuriously appointed. Our King Deluxe room had a bed with the finest lines and pillows next to a cozy living space with two-sided fireplace. The sitting area opened to a private deck space with two white adirondack chairs, a perfect spot to enjoy the quiet, woody setting and roast s’mores by the fire at night. The bathroom was complete with a steam shower, large jetted tub and heated marble floors. And – as you are in wine country – the minibar area here includes a wine fridge with quality selections from local wineries.
The inn’s crystal-blue pool sits in the heard of the property with shaded loungers for guests and a hot tub off to the side. It’s the perfect place to catch the late afternoon sun after a day of wine-tasting. Equally relaxing, the Farmhouse Inn’s farm-to-table spa cannot be missed. Located in the Carriage House, the crisp white space is adorned with hand-woven fabrics and grand rustic lanterns. Each treatment room, designed like a private stable, is its own sanctuary with outdoor space. We recommend ‘The Farmhouse Massage’ or ‘Catherine’s Favorite’ massage.
Whether staying at the hotel or not, people flock from all over wine country for dinner at the Farmhouse Inn’s Michelin Star restaurant. The intimate space is elegant yet comfortable and much of the food is sourced from the owners Joe and Catherine’s ranch. Each farm-to-table dish is paired superbly with wines selected by the sommelier. We can easily say it was one of the best meals of our lives and completely unforgettable.
Every night at the Farmhouse Inn should be capped off with s’mores by the fire pit. The s’mores bar, located in the lobby cottage, is stocked with all the necessary ingredients and utensils, including house-made marshmallows from the Michelin Star kitchen next door.
Compass + Twine was a welcomed guest of Farmhouse Inn and thanks them for the wonderful weekend spent Upstate. All opinion are our own.
