Passport Weekend 2009 in Dry Creek Valley

We finally got tickets to this  annual, fun event and now we know why the tickets have been on a lottery system. A weekend pass is $120 and Sunday only is $70. This fee entitles entry into all participating wineries in Dry Creek, a souvenir glass and much more. The wineries offer tastings of their wonderful wines, put out delicious food, many have great entertainment, and some hand out little souvenirs.  The "Passport" is a handy little ticket to the wineries, with each winery's story and the wines they are known for.

We started at Papapietro Perry where Mardi Gras was the theme, including beads! They poured their world-class wines of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Syrah.  There are several wineries sharing the same driveway so we headed to Family Winery, Kokomo, Peterson and Amphora. Each offered great tastings and we started to understand why Passport Weekend has always been a sell-out. We also tasted delicious olive oil at Dry Creek Olive Oil Co. 

Plan now for the 2010 event. It will be a big anniversary celebration.

Green

Of course people love to stay at our Inn at Occidental because of the nearby access to Sonoma County's wonderful food and wine options. But there's also the natural beauty, too. Some of our garden-loving guests love to make the short trek to the nearby Occidental Arts & Ecology Center (OAEC). In fact, the OAEC has its fall plant sale this coming weekend, August 23-24, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. both days. Folks can choose from hundreds of organically grown heirloom vegetable, flower, and herb varieties. Even if you can't make this weekend's sale, the OAEC is still a fun place to visit.

http://www.oaec.org/

707-874-1557

Bobby Flay faceoff

Our very own chef friend Gerard Nebesky, who lives here in Occidental (that's him in the center in the pic below), will be on the television show "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" at 9 p.m. July 30 on the Food Network. Gerard, of course, served his wonderful paella at our recent 20th anniversary party (see previous posts). Gerard, we'll be rooting for you! Go, go, go!

The Winner Is...

Congratulations to Patrick Mukaida, who is Director of Hospitality at Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery. Patrick attended our 20th anniversary celebration (we're STILL talking about Gerard's paella) and won a free room night. Congratulations, Patrick!

We hope you are doing well. We are enjoying the summer. Also, more info coming soon, but please note that a new restaurant has opened here in Occidental: the Barley and Hops Tavern. We'll check it out for you!

Happy Anniversary!

To us! Yesterday at the Inn, we had a wonderful celebration, recognizing both the Inn's 20th anniversary (on the very date) and our five-year anniversary (earlier this month) as owners of this wonderful romantic getaway. We treated our valued guests and local friends to paella from our friend Gerard, wine from our from our friends at Clos du Bois, and cake. It was a wonderful evening -- perfect weather, a great gathering of friends old and new, and of course highlighted by wonderful food and wine. The next time you visit our Sonoma County vacation spot, please ask, and we'll show you more pictures!

Jerry and Tina

Farmers Market About to Open

We're excited to share that this Friday, June 6, marks the opening of our summer Occidental Bohemian Farmers Market. Vendors from around the area come to share their food products, drinks, artwork, and more. It's a great time to browse, nibble, taste, try, and... people watch! The Farmers Market runs June through October, every Friday, from 4 p.m. till dusk. Don't miss it -- it's fun!

Our Anniversary

Our romantic Sonoma County getaway is a great location for engagements, weddings, anniversary celebrations, and birthdays. We have great fun making our guests' special day even more romantic and memorable. Now, though, we're excited to share that WE have an anniversary. (In fact, TWO!).

That's right. June 5 marks our five-year anniversary of owning the Inn. It's been rewarding, fun, and, at times, interesting (ooooo, wait'll our tell-all book comes out someday!). And what makes this June even more special, June 24 marks the 20th anniversary of the Inn itself. Wow! Twenty years of helping people relax and discover Sonoma County's bountiful food and wine options.

To kick-off our celebration, all guests who stay with us Monday through Thursday during the month of June will receive a 20% discount off published room rates. And all those who mention "anniversary special" when booking a June stay will receive a complimentary split of Korbel champagne when you arrive. Both of these our special ways of saying "thank you" to all those who have visited us in the past... and to those about to join us soon!