With the Agriturismo trend in full swing (a style of vacationing that allows travelers to sample the bounty of rural life in the Italian countryside), it makes sense that the proprietors of the Kenwood Inn and Spa would create their own version of it at an urbane Italianate farmhouse in the heart of California’ s wine country. The Kenwood Inn, recognized as a top small resort in the U.S., inspires guests through all of their senses. From the vineyard vistas, to the lush estate grounds landscaped with lemon, olive, pomegranate and fig trees, to the manicured flora decorating the public spaces and even to the scent of rosemary, mint and basil growing in the garden, this Mediterranean style inn and spa has been heralded by visitors and wine aficionados near and far. In fact, guests from Italy have been heard to say that they ‘feel right at home.’
With only 29 rooms and suites, the secluded 2.5 acre property was constructed with privacy in mind and in-room luxuries include fireplaces, featherbeds, Rivolta Carmignani Italian linens and plush cotton bathrobes. To maintain a sense of tranquility, soothing music plays on your in-room sound system (rooms do not have televisions) and windows are kept slightly open to allow the fresh breezes to circulate. With exquisite custom furnishings, sophisticated country décor, marble benches in the over-sized Jacuzzi baths and private patios with arched entrances overlooking one of three charming courtyards, the villa-like atmosphere evokes a scene from Romeo & Juliet.
There are also the saline swimming pools, fountains and Koi fish pond surrounded by an original wooden water wheel which creates a symphony of natural sounds. A quaint old wheel house was repurposed into an antique-looking steam room with a heated indoor plunge pool. With ivy trailing up and down the honey-colored walls of the hotel’s facade and secret resting places waiting for guests seeking relaxation, the property abounds in beauty and comfort.
Then, after all, the Kenwood Inn is located in Sonoma’s Valley of the Moon where fine wine and gourmet food are a part of everyday life. The exclusive Restaurant at the Kenwood, open to hotel guests only, serves rustic Italian fare sourced from the regions’ best local farmers, ranchers, cheese makers and fishermen and features a menu robust with fresh produce and herbs grown on site. British-born Executive Chef Steven Snook, is the artist behind this culinary ‘tour de force’, bringing a dynamic resumé with stints at Gordon Ramsay restaurants in New York City and London as well as the flagship three Michelin starred ‘Restaurant Gordon Ramsey’ where he served as Sous Chef.
But Snook’s roots are down to earth; he’s humble to a fault and a joy when he describes how he cures and smokes his own bacon. First, the pork belly is brined for seven days in red wine, spices and the pomace from HKG Estate Pinot Noir (Kenwood’s sister property). Then it’s rubbed with a homemade spice mixture composed of red wine salt, coffee, more pomace and more Pinot Noir flavors and left for another seven days. After that, red wine barrel pieces are soaked in more red wine and used to smoke the bacon in a smoker at a low temperature for four hours. It is left to sit overnight, then sliced and served. Needless to say, it’s quite the process!
As a result of the partnership with Kenwood’s Wine Director, Ann Davis, guests will delight in dishes such as the Filetto di Maiale (a house made pancetta rolled pork tenderloin with spring baby carrots, asparagus, shallot puree, fresh tarragon and pan jus smoked polenta) accompanied with a glass of Pinot Noir from the Hopkin Kiln Winery in neighboring Russian River Valley or the Pesce del Giorno (pan roasted filetto of halibut, with baby potatoes, wood-fired lobster, fresh fennel and lobster and basil cioppino) matched with a glass of award winning Zinfandel from the Seghesio Family Vineyard. What’s more a complimentary gourmet breakfast is included in your stay at the Kenwood with scrumptious delicacies, homemade breads & pastries, fresh juices and farm fresh eggs. And let’s not forget that ‘to die-for’ bacon to wake-up your palette.
More indulgences await in the hotel’s on-site spa, specializing in vinotherapy: a technique of using oils extracted from grape seeds along with red wine extracts to promote healing and rejuvenation. For ultimate pampering, guests can enjoy treatments like the Kenwood Harvest Sugar Scrub and Kenwood Wine Body Wrap with Wine Bath Soak.
Indeed, all guests at the Kenwood Inn and Spa will certainly have their own moment ‘under the Tuscan sun.’