In celebration of the harvest season, my mother and I recently ventured on a girls’ getaway to Northern California’s majestic wine country region, as it’s an ideal time of year to explore the sun-kissed hillsides, verdant vineyards, and bucolic beauty of this dream destination.

During our vacation, we had the pleasure of discovering a spectacular boutique hotel (situated a block away from bustling Healdsburg restaurants) that not only creates a warm and welcoming refuge but is also a great place to delve into the gastronomic bounty of Sonoma Valley.

Discover Old-World European Charm in the Heart of Healdsburg Wine Country

Nestled in the picturesque town of Healdsburg, California, Hotel Les Mars is an elegant and sophisticated hotel that exudes class, glamour, and a dash of opulence. As part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux collection, this luxurious boutique hotel transports you to a world of old-world European charm blended with the comforts of modern-day luxury, all while being steps away from Healdsburg Plaza and surrounded by lush vineyards at top wineries.

Reminiscent of a European estate, with its French-inspired 17th-century style architecture, plush furnishings, and intimate setting, the Forbes’ Travel Guide–verified luxury hotel stands out as one of the most desirable travel destinations in Sonoma Valley. Upon entering the stately hotel, you’re immediately greeted by a calm, inviting ambiance that feels both warm and elegant, while still exuding a sense of refinement and serene luxury.

The hotel boasts 16 exquisitely designed and spacious rooms that are decorated with gorgeous pieces, including antique hand-crafted mahogany furniture, a writing desk, sumptuous armchairs, and ornate sconce lighting. At the heart of the 550-square-foot Grand King room (which I stayed in) is a dramatic four-poster bed crafted from dark wood, with intricate detailing that evokes a sense of timeless flair, enhanced by Parisian décor and original works of art.

In addition to a comfortable seating area and fine Italian linens on the bed (which beckons you to relax), the room also features an impressive gas fireplace, which is a perfect place to retreat with a book when the weather gets chilly. If you book a 3rd-floor room, you’ll be happy to learn that they boast 20-foot-high beamed ceilings, which adds to the majesty and grandeur of the space.

To inspire you to pamper yourself during your wine country getaway, the spacious en-suite bathroom features a step-in marble shower, a polished marble countertop, and an elegant antique vanity that’s reminiscent of yesteryear. After a long day of wine tasting and fine dining, you can soothe your muscles in the hydrotherapy jet soaking tub (along with the soaking salts).

These intentional and thoughtful decor elements create a space where you can unwind and enjoy a stately hotel room that’s chic, comfortable, and timeless.

While I could delve further into the hotel’s design (as evidenced by my enthusiasm to capture photos of every nook and cranny), beyond the impeccable interior space and guestrooms, I also learned that Hotel Les Mars is dedicated to curating exclusive guest experiences.

With a passion for showcasing the region’s best wines, cuisine, and artisanal products, the hotel’s relationship with renowned, local vineyards (under the umbrella of Foley Family Wines & Spirits) enhances the new bespoke events and gourmet tastings that the hotel recently commenced.

Hotel Les Mars Unveils New Events with a “Whiskey, Wine & Cheese Tasting”

During my recent visit for our “Mother-Daughter” getaway, we were invited to attend an intimate “Whiskey, Wine, and Cheese Tasting”, which was an expertly curated 2-hour event held in the hotel’s elegant Library Room, along with other Hotel Les Mars guests and visitors (from Texas, Chicago, the Monterey Peninsula, and elsewhere).

With its rich wood paneling, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves, and plush seating, the setting exuded warmth and sophistication, making it the perfect atmosphere for an exclusive gathering of approximately 12 guests. This event, which was both educational and indulgent, was led by a knowledgeable Sommelier, Billie Rolla, and Irish Whiskey Expert, Andrew Healy, who guided us through a sensory exploration of carefully chosen pairings.

The tasting began with a focus on wine, as the Sommelier (Billie, pictured above) introduced the 2022 Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay, a crisp wine with notes of golden apples, green pears, citrus, and vanilla. We were encouraged to observe the wine’s texture, acidity, and flavor notes, learning how malolactic fermentation contributes to the creamy, buttery texture of the Chardonnay.

Paired with Carmody cheese from Bellweather Farms—a buttery, caramelized cheese that becomes more crumbly as it ages—Billie taught us that the acidity of the Chardonnay highlighted the richness of the cheese, creating a perfectly balanced pairing. On that note, she also explained that cheese is always changing day by day. So, it’s important to think about when planning for an event, as it will affect how the wine and cheese flavors complement each other.

Next came the 2022 Ferrari-Carano Dry Sangiovese Rosé, a wine with berry notes and medium acidity, matched with the renowned Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog®, an award-winning goat’s milk cheese with tangy, creamy textures. She explained how the wine’s acidity whisked away the creamy texture of the cheese, allowing for a fresh, palate-cleansing sensation.

After the wine & cheese tasting, the event then shifted to whiskey, where the Irish Whiskey Expert (Andrew) guided us through the complexities of Irish whiskey pairings, which was a first for me.

In addition to learning various ways to serve and taste whiskey, we also were given an overview of how it’s produced (utilizing different types of ingredients such as corn, barley, wheat, oats, rye, etc.) and also were taught about what each word means. For example, we were informed that the term “Double-Barrel” refers to the fact that the whiskey has been aged in two different types of barrels. He continued by explaining that when the whiskey spends most of its aging process in ex-bourbon barrels—used as finishing barrels to enhance its profile—this maturation imparts nutty and subtle spice notes, along with earthy tones reminiscent of a forest floor.

The initial pairing featured the Two Stacks Double-Barrel Single-Grain Irish Whiskey, which he explained offered notes of butterscotch, orange fruits, and light spices, enhanced by its double-barrel aging process. To start with, the whiskey was served with Carmody cheese, alongside a schmear of apple butter, which made the whiskey’s spicy notes play off the creaminess of the cheese, resulting in a rich and enjoyable tasting experience.

Andrew (pictured above) remarked, “When pairing the Irish Whiskeys from Two Stacks and Killowen Distillery with cheeses in this experience, we’re looking to work with the aromas and flavors of the whiskey. The layering of the flavors from the apple butter and brûléed Demerara Sugar with the Carmody and Humboldt Fog cheeses combine to create an elevated tasting experience.”

The final whiskey, Killowen Rum & Raisin Single Malt Irish Whiskey, was paired with Demerara Sugar-brûléed Humboldt Fog and Carrs Wheat Round. This final pairing showcased the indulgent combination of rich cheeses and full-bodied whiskey, leaving guests with a newfound appreciation for the interaction between fat, flavor, and spirits.

Through this expertly led and spirited tasting, we enjoyed decadent pairings while learning about the nuances of flavor profiles, the impact of production processes, and the significance of terroir in crafting these exceptional products. Not to mention – they also shared expert insights into crafting elevated tastings at home (which is especially helpful for holiday entertaining).

After the event concluded, the Sommelier (Billie Rolla) exclaimed, “I was so excited to be part of this innovative event hosted by the Hotel Les Mars. It was a privilege to work closely with Andrew Healy, a certified Irish Whiskey specialist and wine expert in his own right, and hear his expertise as we designed this dynamic food and beverage experience. Wine and cheese are old friends in the world of pairing, but layering in whiskey adds a whole new dimension.”

She continued by saying, “This first event found two wine and cheese combinations that focused on matching textures and the wonderful palate-cleansing properties of wine. The Chalk Hill Estate Chardonnay matched the buttery flavors and soft textures of Bellweather Farms Carmoday, while the Ferrari-Carano Rose of Sangiovese whisked the mouth-coating creaminess of the Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog from the palate allowing guests to indulge in another bite this wonderful, local cheese.  We then took the same cheeses and changed the textures, adding more flavors to match the complexity and intensity of our paired Irish Whiskeys. I love how Hotel Les Mars is thinking outside the box in food and wine experiences, and I look forward to seeing what events guests can sign up for next.”

Hotel Les Mars Debuts New Culinary, Wine & Spirits Events

Speaking of what’s next… their team informed me that the “Whiskey, Wine, and Cheese Tasting” marks the beginning of a series of elevated food and beverage-forward experiences planned at Hotel Les Mars.

As an example, an upcoming event (on October 17, 2024) is “HOWL at Arandas”—a spirited celebration aligned with the full moon that will be hosted at the hotel’s new upscale Mexican restaurant, Arandas. The special evening will include live music, tarot card readings, specialty cocktails, and curated menu items, offering an immersive and entertaining night out. In addition to this, the hotel plans to continue to offer wine tastings, spirits tastings, and more, as these enchanting events have captivated epicurean enthusiasts visiting Sonoma Valley.

As evidenced by this event and the inviting atmosphere that the property creates, the hotel is dedicated to crafting unforgettable, indulgent experiences that blend luxury, education, and entertainment. Whether enjoying a cozy stay in one of their tastefully appointed rooms or participating in an engaging event, this delightful hotel offers a truly memorable experience for travelers looking to explore the beauty, charm, and flavors of the region.

From family getaways to girls’ trips, solo adventures, and romantic vacations, there are so many reasons why Sonoma Valley is an enthralling region to visit in Northern California’s wine country. If you enjoy discovering inspiring destinations, top-ranked hotels, outstanding restaurants, and unparalleled vacation spots, explore the Travel section on Inspirations & Celebrations.

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[Disclosure: Hosted accommodations and event access provided by Hotel Les Mars. All opinions are my own.]