Occasionally, even in paradise, it rains. This is good – grapevines need rain. Cows need rain. Redwoods need rain. Even delicious artisan pigs need rain before being turned into delicious artisan bacon.
So what to do when it’s raining here in Sonoma Wine Country? Five ideas:
1) Enjoy the fire. If you’re here with something you love, or can even moderately tolerate for a few hours, spend some time in front of the fire getting to know one another. As a lot of the inns, B&Bs and even some of the resorts like the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn and the Bodega Bay Lodge and Spa have rooms with fireplaces, it’s a good way to wait out the rain. How you spend your time doing this is up to you.
2) Check out the redwoods. The towering, 300-foot tall redwoods that forest the western mountains of Sonoma County are not only awe-inspring, they are also massive, 2000-year old umbrellas. While rain will of course fall through the canopy above, the oaks and ferns below are protected from the larger drops and are spattered with light, calm showers. In a light rain, the forest is quiet and mystical. The small streams that run through places like Armstrong Redwoods flow faster during the rainy season, and often salmon and trout can be spotted in their waters.
3) Visit a winery. I know this sounds odd – but you can taste wine in the rain. Of Sonoma County’s 260-plus wineries open for tasting, about (26o-plus minus one) have indoor tasting rooms. The outdoor room that is popular, Iron Horse Vineyards’ al fresco tasting area, has a decent enough overhang that I have huddled under during some massive squalls, comforted by the portable heater, Laurence Sterling’s witty banter, and a glass of wedding cuvee.
4) Experience the elements. Rather than hide from the rain and the wind, embrace the wild nature that makes Sonoma County unique among other well-groomed and placid wine regions. Standing along the coast, staring out at the Homeric “wine-dark sea,” with the full force of a thousand mile run squall from the north slapping you in the face, this my son, is proof that you are alive. Let out a barbaric yawp while you’re at it. You’ve earned it.
5) Forget the elements. Take your tail to a spa. Barbaric yawps can only do so much. A spa treatment is a pretty pleasant way to spend the day, too. The Vineyard Creek Spa has lavender from a local winery grown when days are sunnier, while the boon spa in Guerneville is quiet and tranqui. And for a classic, elegant spa day, the Kenwood Inn and Spa is a luxe treat.
That’s my five. Got any of your own?
Comments...
2 CommentsI saw down with the elements, I could name five wineries I would like to spend a rainy day enjoying! Not to mention getting a wood-fired pizza at Diavola’s or Rosso’s. Maybe a nice meal at Flavor Bistro or Mosaic near the fireplace. Visit Sonoma County and do what locals do – warm up with wine!
Catch up with a good friend at one of our local brew pubs over a glass of great beer. Every town has one…or two! Especially nice at the Blue Heron in Duncans Mills, which has recently opened up again.