“We’re part of Santa Rosa, yet we’re not a ‘city’ hotel. We’re surrounded by country, so it’s a different feeling.” —Percy Brandon
Asked what makes Vintners Inn in Santa Rosa a perennial BEST Of winner, General Manager Percy Brandon reflects, “Over the years, we’ve made some really incredible relationships within the community. So when it comes time to name a favorite place, we come up on top. They support us, because we support them.”
With more than one dozen wins in multiple categories over the years (making it among the all-time top honorees), it’s clear the VI team is doing something right. Then again, what’s not to love?
The intimate, 44-room Vintners Inn is nestled on 92 acres of mostly vineyard and open space, so even though it’s easily accessible from Highway 101, it feels worlds away. “Only 10 of our 92 acres are zoned for multiple businesses,” says Brandon, “so we have the hotel, restaurant [John Ash & Co.] and event center. We’ve also recently expanded our entertaining areas by installing bocce courts and multiple gardens.”
Upon check-in, guests will find a split (half-bottle) of Ferarri-Carano Vintners Inn Fumé (Don and Rhonda Carano own both businesses)—just the right welcome for weary travelers. All rooms feature king-size feather beds with turndown service (including fresh-baked cookies), bell service, room service, a soaking tub, Italian amenities and either a balcony or patio. There are also a few junior suites and one 900-square-foot family suite. Vintners Inn is certified at the Environmentalist level in the California Green Lodging Program, and all concierges and front desk staff are Certified Tourism Ambassadors (CTA).
Guests can enjoy Wine Country from the moment they arrive. A 1.1-mile walking/jogging trail (with a .5-mile loop so the trek can be extended if desired) winds through the surrounding vineyards and neighboring farmlands. “It’s just beautiful,” says Brandon. “We’re part of Santa Rosa, yet we’re not a ‘city’ hotel. We’re surrounded by country, so it’s a different feeling.”
Vintners Inn offers corporate programs, so many local companies use the hotel for their business travelers. And with 10,000 square feet of meeting space onsite, it can be an ideal location for corporate gatherings. “Mostly what we do are board retreats and things like that, because we only have 44 rooms, so we can’t accommodate larger groups overnight,” says Brandon. “For large gatherings, we usually work with local companies.”
The event center has also become a popular place for local nonprofits to host their fund-raising galas and auctions, and the Inn’s two wedding pavilions are in high demand year-round. “They’re both right next to the vineyards, so the views are stunning,” says Brandon, adding that, “When someone wants to have a destination wedding, we have everything here.
“It can be difficult, because weddings are big parties, and people want to let loose a little,” he continues. “Sometimes they drink a little more than they should. That’s why it’s great to have a place like ours, where everything is right here.”
Big news for locals is that Vintners Inn has expanded its catering program to include offsite events for up to 300 guests: “From our garden and kitchens to your table,” enthuses Brandon of the already growing addition.
“We ‘Celebrate Everything’ here—that’s our trademarked tag—and now we’re taking the celebration to you.”
