The Swiss Hotel is a Rare Vintage
Nothing beats a cool, crisp weekend in Sonoma, California. The hills are lush green, the vines are sleeping, and the streets around the square are lively, but not hectic with tourists, day -trippers, or traffic from Infinion Raceway.
The Swiss Hotel reopened this weekend after its yearly two-week repaint and refresh period. The hotel, a landmark in Sonoma, is one of the few places that visitors can hear how the Sebastiani grapes are doing, how Viansa is handling the frost, or, how the farmers in Schellville are coping with the lack of rain.
The Swiss has so much to boast about, but topping the list is that it is the only outdoor seating area on the sunny side of the street over looking the park. The hotel is the meeting place for locals and visitors.
Built between 1836 and 1840 by Don Salvador Vallejo, brother of General Vallejo, the home served as the family homestead for years. In 1892, the home was turned into a hotel and has operated since then.
Although the rooms at The Swiss Hotel are comfortable, quaint and romantic, the flavor t everyone gathers for comes from the kitchen and the landmark bar.
Mahogany walls - covered with photographs of town folk who have worked the land and produced the finest wines in California for decades- encompass the most historic bar in the county. Aside from photos of vintners, philanthropists, ranchers, cowboys and golfers, stars from another era join the wall of frames, as they would often commute to the community to enjoy the spas at Boyes Hot Springs.
Chef Nancy Brunner has led the kitchen at The Swiss into culinary notoriety for the past three years. Serving both lunch and dinner, Brunner is known for her nightly specials. The enormous outdoor patio off the main dining room is graced with the warmth of an enormous wood burning fireplace, along with heaters that fend off any frigidity.
The sidewalk café, in front of the hotel, is one of the best people watching spots in the county.
Aside from great food, quaint atmosphere, and historic memorabilia, the service at the Swiss is rivaled by none. Whether in the main dining room or enjoying a meal in the bar, the customer is the main attraction. It is one of the few restaurants that make visitors and locals feel at home. Plus, with a front row seat for the farmers market every Tuesday night beginning in April, The Swiss Hotel is a must visit while in wine country.
Country Italian Food and American Classics. Sonoma Valley's finest wines.
On The Plaza - 18 West Spain Street
707-938-2884
