Hotel Stay – Auberge on the Vineyards

Sept. 12 & 13, 2012

Nestled amongst a very rustic Oak Tree is the mighty splendor of this very old Victorian Inn. It boasts one of the very few Inns in Sonoma to actually be on a vineyard. When I was there you can walk right out of your room onto a very lush vineyard with grapes about to be harvested. I even tasted one of the grapes, it was sweet and juicy, and seemed just right for the picking. I was there in September, but the main crush is usually in October, so their grapes were a little early.

The most amazing part of this Inn is it’s Inn Keeper, Roxanne. She will kill you with kindness all the while snapping very lively comments that will crack you up. She actually called me a little monkey; I know she meant it to be endearing. She pays such close attention to every detail here. The building itself has such history, and charm that her stories and wit just add to the glorious overall experience.

My room, The Sancerre was in the carriage house, which is nicely appointed, with lots of great amenities. The views from The Carriage house are very surreal, coming from the city of Angels to be able to do business looking out over the vineyards made me think of what is possible. Honestly I had some amazing moments digging into to my creative juices, all because of looking out over the wonderful lushness of Alexander Valley, and being on a conference call.

Roxanne is a genius of sorts; she is turning Cloverdale into a high-end marketplace for wine lovers all over. Her Inn is still affordable, but it is by far a very elegant attraction, in what is still a small town experience.

The breakfasts are so yummy; the first day I had caramelized onion and prosciutto crepes with crispy potatoes on the side. She started us off with yogurt, fruit and granola parfait. There was a cerebration for two couples that had renewed their vows, so Roxanne fired up some Mimosas with an extravagant caramel cake. The next day was equally as great; kiwi banana smoothie, then onto spinach soufflé, and peach berry strudel, all made from scratch. What an accomplishment!!

The décor was so much fun, lots of animal prints, and very comfy mattresses. The common area has a large flat screen TV, as well in each room, and is equipped with WIFI. For all of its history and antiques there are some very modern amenities happening at The Auberge on the Vineyards.

Roxanne also invited me to a Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce meeting, where I was able to meet lots of local business owners, and experience local flavor.  My favorite meeting was with Cloverdale mayor Bob Cox, what a nice guy. Roxanne is a PR machine, she just happened to mention about her Inn being featured on a segment Today Show http://tinyurl.com/http-today-aubergevineyard, wow could not get better exposure if you paid top dollar for a publicist, believe me I know.

It is so close to town, as well as many of the wineries, that it really is a gem amongst this wonderful area. Next time you want a good laugh, make a reservation with Roxanne, and don’t be surprised when she hits you with her very subtle humor, she is guaranteed to make you chuckle, and put a big sparkle in your day.

The Auberge on the Vineyard

29955 River Road

Cloverdale, CA 95425

Local: (707) 894-5956

www.sonomabedbreakfastinnwinecountry.com

 

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