To experience the essence of Sonoma, one must venture beyond the tasting room. For the spirit of Sonoma is also in the tranquility of vineyards at dusk, tractors working the fields at midnight, and the surrounding wilderness. Gracianna Winery’s farm stay exemplifies this incredibly real, intimate, and rural side of Sonoma.
Nestled in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Gracianna Winery lies seven miles away from the bustle of downtown Healdsburg. Most visitors stop by to taste Gracianna’s limited-production Pinot Noir. What remains somewhat of a secret is that the entire upper floor of its farmhouse tasting room can be rented out for a farm stay.
Photo courtesy of Gracianna Winery
We had the opportunity to speak with Gracianna founder Trini Amador about the farm stay experience. What we learned? Whether you’re looking for a private, romantic, and socially-distanced getaway for two, or simply a closer look at winery life, Gracianna’s farm stay promises the warmest of hospitality.
“We love entertaining and seeing people,” says Amador. “Folks come here and they relax, because they know they’re in a place that’s super welcoming.” This hospitality is further evidenced by Gracianna’s status as an Airbnb Super Host, 4.97 out of 5 star rating, and nearly two hundred and fifty glowing reviews.
Photo courtesy of Gracianna Winery
“The space is very special,” says Amador. “It’s 800 square feet, with high ceilings and a beautiful view of the vineyards. Most of the time, guests are out, and there are constantly happy voices and laughter. You feel like you’re a part of something.”
One of the highlights of the stay: while guests are renting only the loft, they also have access to the rest of the property. They may enjoy meals or wine on the patio, picnic tables, or deck at the back of the vineyard. Guests are also free to wander the three acre estate, planted to Pinot Noir. “It’s like booking the place to yourself,” says Amador.
Photo courtesy of Gracianna Winery
A stay at Gracianna essentially grants guests private access to the estate, even after tasting hours have ended. It is in these after hours that another side of Sonoma comes to life. “It’s a whole different soundscape,” says Amador. “You’ll hear the coyotes outside chasing a rabbit. Since Sonoma is a right to farm area, a lot of farming is done at night. You might hear a tractor roll by your window.”
It’s no wonder guests have chosen Gracianna as the destination for everything from Thanksgiving dinners in the vineyard to proposals. Gracianna offers a truly intimate glimpse of life in wine country. During a stay, guests often meet the winemaker or members of the Amador family. And all guests will have the opportunity to learn about the history of the estate and its farming practices.
Photo courtesy of Gracianna Winery
The Gracianna farm stay has a capacity of two people, with a charge of $125 per additional guest. Larger groups should consider the Gracianna Winery Lodge and Bunkhouse at Sea Ranch. Their Sea Ranch property, designed by architect Malcom Davis, accommodates up to 8 people in four bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms. It is a two minute walk from the ocean, along the Sonoma coastline. While this property is not part of the Gracianna vineyards, guests can arrange for vertical tastings and winemaker dinners after they book a stay.
As we resume travel post-pandemic, Gracianna Winery’s winery and farm experience strikes the perfect balance between elegance, comfort, and safe social distancing. To learn more or book an experience, visit Gracianna.com.
Photo credit: Gracianna Winery