This cottage is ideal for two, and is not suitable for families or more than two guests.
On a sunlit ridge high above the valley of Sonoma, Above the Vines combines a romantic retreat that is country yet sophisticated. The private cottage is part of a 70-acre ranch and vineyard, which is encompassed by a pristine wilderness.
The soul of the ranch is revealed through its full-time residents, friendly miniature donkeys, emus, and llamas. Deer and fox often scramble across the hills and valleys with their babies at their side. From cooking in the cozy hearth-warmed kitchen of your cottage, to sipping wine during a candlelit dinner on the deck or relaxing in the spa tub, you will discover a welcome respite in this remote and unhurried environment.
Upon your arrival you will be greeted with a complimentary bottle of wine from the estate vineyard along with a basket of fruit and other homegrown treats when in season. The location is only 15-30 minutes from hundreds of wineries and four-star restaurants. Visit many of the local historic sites, or play at the nearby lakes or hotsprings. For your private enjoyment there is a swimming pool, bocce court and wilderness trails for hiking.
Your hosts are on property and may be available to assist in dinner or winery suggestions.
Above the Vines has, hands down, one of the best views of the Sonoma Valley I've ever seen –- and I've seen just about all of them.
The well-appointed cottage is beautiful and spacious, with views from every room. Specifically, the view from the bed through the French doors is a moving one -- you’ll most likely spy a very tame family of deer, who are willing to eat right out of your hand if you have something ready.
This estate backs onto the bucolic splendor of a 3,000-acre wildlife preserve. And on the domestic front, things are hopping! Be sure and say “Hi” for me to the very frisky Edwin, one of a pair of emus (Edwin and Edwina). Stop and feed Bahama and Rama the llamas, and pet the pair of very sweet donkeys. If you have any time left, stroll through vineyards, lounge around the pool, drink wine and relax.
An added bonus is your hosts. I make no promises as to their availability, since they very much want you to have a private retreat. But if you get the chance to sit with them a while, jump at the chance. Private time on your own, or moments with your new friends (human and animals), you’re in for a magnificent vacation you'll never forget.
If I lived more than a few minutes away, I'd book a trip there myself! Can you tell I love this property? I hope you do too!
"After an extensive search of cottages and places to stay in Sonoma/Napa we decided Above The Vines. We visited this absolute piece of heaven on Earth in May 2010.
It could not have been the more perfect setting for what we sought on our getaway. I don't view the three days up there as a "getaway" I view it as a dream. From the booking, to the peacefulness of the drive up, the views, to quite literally every minute of our stay including our time visiting with the delightful owners, Dan and Betsy, everything was perfect.
Upon arrival Betsy described the property as having a certain spiritual quality to it. While at first I knew it was tranquil and warm and going to be an incredible respite. Upon leaving- I couldn't bear to drive away. It is an absolute truth. I could not rave more about this property and the owners of it.
A very happy StaySonoma.com visitor.
Beth M. Via Email
I had to drop you a note to let you know what a great time we had last week in Sonoma & to confirm that "Above the Vines" as well as Dan & Betsy were absolutely FABULOUS! What a fantastic choice it was to stay at their property - I am so glad I found it on your site.
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