As the summer crowds fade and golden leaves begin their slow dance across Sonoma Valley, a quieter kind of magic takes over: Cabernet Season. From late fall through winter, this is Wine Country at its most enchanting — crisp mornings, intimate tastings, and bold reds savored fireside. For those craving a luxurious retreat wrapped in seasonal beauty, there’s no better home base than the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa.

Here’s how to spend four unforgettable days in Wine Country, where vineyard elegance meets geothermal wellness.

Day 1: Arrival and Autumn Indulgence

Check in to your sanctuary: Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, where old-world charm meets modern luxury. Surrounded by towering oaks and fiery foliage, our storied resort offers the perfect mix of relaxation and refinement. Settle into a Fairmont Room or upgrade to a Mission Spa Suite with a fireplace — ideal for chilly fall evenings.

Evening:
Ease into the weekend with a twilight soak in Fairmont Spa’s geothermal pools, fed by natural hot springs that have drawn wellness seekers for centuries. Then dine on-site at Santé, where the seasonal menu celebrates local produce and of course, perfect Cabernet pairings.

Day 2: Icons of Cabernet

Begin your day with fresh-pressed juice and artisanal coffee at Santé before heading out for a curated day of bold reds and fall views.

Morning & Afternoon:

• Hamel Family Wines – Just a short drive away, this architectural gem offers private, elevated tastings of structured, elegant Cabernets in a sleek, modernist estate overlooking biodynamic vines.
• Stone Edge Farm Estate Vineyards & Winery – An exclusive tasting at their downtown Edge location introduces you to small-lot, age-worthy Cabernets in a sophisticated salon setting.
• Stonestreet Estate Vineyards (Alexander Valley) – For the adventurous palate, this high-elevation vineyard showcases mountain-grown Cabernet Sauvignons with dramatic valley views.

Return to Fairmont for a spa refresh or fireside rest before dinner.

Evening:
Make a reservation at SingleThread in nearby Healdsburg — a three Michelin-starred dining experience rooted in Japanese precision and Sonoma terroir.

Day 3: Vineyards & Views

Morning:
Book a private hot air balloon flight at sunrise with Sonoma Ballooning. Few experiences match the serenity of floating above quilted fall vineyards, the early light brushing rows of russet and gold.

Midday:
Indulge in a late brunch at The Girl & The Fig, a Sonoma classic, then meander through Bartholomew Park for a crisp autumn hike among oak woodlands and vineyard vistas.

Afternoon:

• Ram’s Gate Winery – Sip structured reds and seasonal small plates on their architecturally stunning terrace overlooking rolling vineyards and the changing landscape.
• Pride Mountain Vineyards – Perched atop Spring Mountain, straddling Sonoma and Napa, this hidden gem offers a serene escape with powerful Cabernet blends and panoramic views.

Return for one last mineral soak at the Fairmont Spa, perhaps with a glass of Pinot or a warm spiced cider in hand.

Day 4: Slow Morning & Departure

Savor a slow morning wrapped in a spa robe, then enjoy in-room breakfast or take one last walk around the tranquil grounds. If time allows, visit Viansa Winery on your way out. Their hilltop tasting room offers farewell views of the Sonoma wetlands, a final glass, and maybe a bottle or two for the road.

Why Cabernet Season at Fairmont Sonoma?

• Exclusive access, no crowds – Enjoy top-tier wineries without the bustle of harvest.

• Seasonal romance – Cooler temps, glowing vineyards, and intimate fireside moments.

• Geothermal luxury – Fairmont Sonoma’s mineral pools and full-service spa offer deep rest and wellness.

• Wine-forward refinement – From elite tastings to sommelier-led pairings at Santé, every detail is designed for the discerning traveler.

Ready to escape to Sonoma this Cabernet Season?
Uncork the ultimate fall getaway with the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa as your luxurious retreat.