John wouldn’t tell me where we were headed for our romantic getaway, but once we crossed the Golden Gate Bridge I had a hunch it might be Napa Valley.

That went right out the window once we passed the exit for Highway 37. Definitely not Napa.  Probably Sonoma, CA.  Possibly Mendocino.

He’s been calling this my Wife Weekend so I’m prepared to be spoiled no matter where we end up.

Napa Valley Massages - Booker and Butler ConciergesJust north of Santa Rosa we ease into the right-hand lane. The River Road exit looms in the windshield. Now we’re headed west. We wend our way down redwood-lined roads and the farther we go the more my anticipation builds. What’s out here? I mean, what’s out here that qualifies for a Wife Weekend??

Just then pull up to . . . the Farmhouse Inn. The Michelin-starred Farmhouse Inn. Good job, honey!  I’ve read about this place in T&L. It’s got the solitude and romance of a B&B with the services and comforts of luxury hotel.

Wine Country Weekends - Booker and Butler Concierges

But first: adventure.

I throw on my bathing suit and fleece (it is the Russian River after all) and we head out for some kayaking. Being that it was a Saturday morning in July, the river was chockablock with moms and dads and lots of little ones splashing about. By the time we’d made our way down to Forestville we’d worked up an appetite for lunch. Forestville has several adorable cafes and bistros, but we settled on one our concierge recommended. It was just what the doctor ordered.

Bellies full, we took the long way home back to the hotel so we could stop at some of our favorite wineries.  We drove south to Graton to Merry Edwards and Red Car. Red Car was what drew us to Sonoma in the first place. I first had their rosé at Giorgio Baldi in LA, where I’m from, and just had to track them down.

red-car-winery-tastingThat evening we had dinner at the Farmhouse Inn restaurant and it truly did live up to the hype. It was beyond delicious. Knowing that all of the food is sourced from the owners’ gardens and local purveyors made it even more special.

The next morning we headed out to the coast for a picnic. The morning fog was thick and eerily quiet, but by 11:00 it had pulled back and sunshine flooded the valley. We took the long way again, again at the behest of our concierge, who recommended we stop at the Oakville Grocery in Healdsburg to shop for provisions. So many cute shops here but not enough time to peruse. We must swing back through here before we head home Sunday so I can do a little damage. John can cool his heels at Banshee’s tasting room – it looks hip and our pantry can always use re-stocking.