Cloverdale, California is a quite community nestled in the Alexander Valley just a short drive north of San Francisco. Centrally located (15 minutes north of Healdsburg and 15 minutes south of Hopland), The Shelford House is convenient for day trips to both Sonoma and Mendocino Counties. Even though we are located at the vineyards edge, we are only a few minutes from Highway 101.

Sonoma County Wineries - There are over a hundred world renowned Sonoma County wineries within a few miles of The Shelford House. You have easy access to the Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, and Sonoma Valley. Drive through acres of vineyards as you travel to the many small and large wineries and enjoy the hospitality at the local tasting rooms. Many times you can talk directly to the wine maker. Some wineries do charge a fee for wine tasting, but The Shelford House offers complimentary tasting tickets for our guests at a few select wineries.

Mendocino County Wineries – With 10 diverse wine growing regions, Mendocino County has many fine wineries that are available for daily wine tasting. Venture out through the Yorkville Highlands and Anderson Valley on your way to the Pacific Ocean and the quaint towns of Albion, Mendocino and Ft. Bragg. Head north through Hopland, Ukiah and Redwood Valley to find more wineries with an abundance of offerings. Wine, food, bocce ball, and lovely scenery are just some of what Mendocino County has to offer.

Local Brewing Companies - There are many micro breweries for those of you who would prefer an ice cold beer to a warm glass of red wine. Cloverdale has an excellent Brewery and Restaurant, Ruth McGowan's. Both the beer and food are favorites of our guests (and the Innkeepers too). Other breweries can be found in Hopland, Healdsburg, and Santa Rosa.

Russian River - Many activities await you on the river. From The Shelford House (only a stones throw from the Russian River) you can arrange a canoe trip down to the Alexander Valley Campgrounds through many spectacular vineyards and orchards. We will be more than glad to help you make reservations. Swimming is also very enjoyable in the shallow slow moving water of the river. Fishing is an excellent past time with large striped bass available to the tricky angler during season.

Restaurants - Within easy driving distance (some guests have even walked) is a wide range of excellent restaurants. From four star dining experiences to casual local favorites, Cloverdale has many great dining establishments to choose from. Review the large selection of Local menus in our dining room.

Lake Sonoma - Cloverdale is a gateway to Lake Sonoma / Warm Springs Dam. Located only seven miles from The Shelford House, the lake offers many recreational facilities open to the public, including a Visitors Canter / Fish Hatchery complex and an overlook with a view of the dam and newly filled lake. Boats can be launched at Lake Sonoma's Marina and you rent a Kayak, Canoe, Tubes and Paddle Boats as well as Sail Boats, Power Boats, and Jet Skis. There is fishing for bass, catfish, and trout. Picnicking, swimming, and hiking are also available at Lake Sonoma.

The Cloverdale Museum and Historical Society welcomes visitors November through February, Friday through Sunday, 11:00am to 3:00pm, March through October, Thursday through Monday, 11:00am to 3:00pm, and by appointment.

Ask your Innkeeper for ideas on additional sites to see or local destinations of interest. Stan & Anna will gladly help you plan a memorable day trip around Sonoma County.

Sonoma County Annual Events

Winter Wineland, January 14-15, 2006
Come to the Wine Country to enjoy this very special event with over 100 wineries participating in this annual party. Winter Wineland offers a bright, fun weekend of tastings throughout the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valleys. There will be wine & food parings, talks by Winemakers, and special Winery Tours.

The Cloverdale Old Time Fiddle Contest, January 27-28, 2006
This is the 31st year of the Fiddle Contest her in Cloverdale. This year it has been extended to a two-day event. Your feet will be tapping with a smile on your face. This is an indoor event so don’t let a little rain stop you from enjoying this unique event. See and HEAR it in the City of Cloverdale’s Website: www.Cloverdale.net.

Silver Oak Spring Release, January 27, 2006
Come sample the KING of RED WINES, Cabernet Sauvignon at one of the top 100 wineries in the Unites States. Silver Oak is an experience for any wine lover to appreciate. Tastings, which include a complimentary Silver Oak glass, cost $20.00.

Citrus Fair at Cloverdale, February 17-20, 2006
A small community Fair where exhibits are built out of Citrus in three dimensions that is not seen anywhere else. This is one of the first Fairs in the State of California and is celebrating it’s 114th year. Come check out if Anna’s baked goods, jams or jellies, or handmade items win a ribbon this year!

Barrel Tasting Weekend, March 3-5, 2006
This event is FREE to Visitors. Just bring your own glass or purchase a commemorative glass at one of the participating wineries for just $5.00. Enjoy the newest Vintages right out of the Barrel FREE. This is one of the Wine Country’s biggest values and very popular with over 100 wineries participating. Book your room early so you don’t miss out!

Passport to Dry Creek Valley Weekend, April 29-30, 2006
During Passport Weekend the Wineries all showcase the very best of their current releases, library wines and special bottlings that are only available during this weekend. Wineries up and down the Dry Creek Valley celebrate the magic of their valley with wine, food, entertainment, and the hospitality for which Dry Creek valley is famous. This is an invitation only event. To receive an invitation for this event, please send your name, mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address to: info@wdcv.com, or call Diane at 707-433-3031. This event sells out many months in advance, so do not hesitate. Call for this year’s price.

Taste of the Valley, June 3-4, 2006
Wineries across the Alexander valley invite you to enjoy world-class wines, tantalizing food, great music, and selected cave, cellar and vineyard tours. Call for more info: 707-431-2894.

Celebrate the Harvest!! September 16-17, 2006
The Alexander Valley wineries will have something special to provide each of you during this beautiful season. Some will be lighting up the BBQ grilling up your favorite foods, some will have “free run” grape juice at their wine bars, this is a sweet nectar like you’ve never had. Come for stories of the 250 year old history of the Alexander Valley, guided tours to learn about the wine making process, and sip your favorite wines.

A Wine and Food Affair, November 4-5, 2006
Join us on this extraordinary weekend in the Alexander, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valley’s for what has become the premier wine event for the Russian River Wine Road. Two days of wine and food pairing, receive our new “Tasting Along the Wine Road” cookbook and an event logo glass as part of your ticket price. Don’t miss this one, it’s a “Big Affair”. Check out Anna’s specially selected recipe in the Lodgings section.

Alexander Valley’s Red Velvet, December 9-10, 2006
This festive time of year makes you want to get into the shopping mode and visit the Alexander Valley wineries to indulge in their special discounts and gift ideas. Experience warm, decorated tasting rooms, crackling fireplaces, and friendly hospitality at the wine bars, while sipping the velvet texture of Cabernet. As a special treat, some wineries will even be pulling their library reserves during this weekend only. The local bakery’s decadent chocolate cookies and brownies, and the luscious aromas of the Alexander Valley’s red Wines will put you in the holiday sprit. The Spotlight is on Cabernet, so please come visit and enjoy the season!

Mendocino County Annual Events

Hopland Passport Weekends, May 6-7, 2006 and October (Dates TBD)
Held in the Spring and again in the Fall, Hopland Passport Weekends are 2 full days of fun tasting Mendocino County wines from wonderful Hopland Wineries. Includes tastings, appetizers, entertainment, and a souvenir glass. Enter to win the Passport Prize Giveaway or attend the Silent Auction on Saturday. Purchase your tickets on-line at www.hoplandpassport.com, or call 1-877-622-9563. Tickets will also be available at any participating Hopland winery before and on the days of the event.

Mendocino Wine Affair, June 23-24, 2006
Details not yet posted. Check at http://www.mendowine.com or call 707-468-9886.

A Taste of Redwood Valley, June 17-18, 2006
Bring Dad and all your friends to visit thirteen separate wineries in Mendocino County’s Redwood Valley appellation. Participating wineries will all be open to the public offering wine tastings (including barrel samples), entertainment, and food and wine pairings. Many of these small wineries are not generally open for tastings or tours. For more information on-line, go to www.atasteofredwoodvalley.com or call 1-800-760-3739.

Solfest 2006, August (exact dates TBD)
Even thought the Real Goods/Solar Living Institute was badly flooded in late December 2005, they are working frantically to clean up and rebuild so they can re-open for their weekly seminars and classes. They are confident that will be fully operational and ready many months before this event. Check back for the exact dates, as we will update this listing as soon as we have more information.

Calendar of Upcoming Events Links

Sonoma.com
Russian River Wine Road
Dry Creek Winegrowers
Alexander Valley Winegrowers
California Wine
Wine Country Inns
Mendocino Winegrowers Alliance
Mendocino County Alliance
Destination Hopland
Hopland Passport Association

Member of these Organizations

Wine Country Inns of Sonoma County
Cloverdale Chamber of Commerce
Russian River Wine Road
American Business Woman's Association
Historic Inns of Cloverdale

Links

Visit Sonoma
Sterba
Cloverdale Coordinated Website
Sky Dive Cloverdale
Historic Inns of Cloverdale
Local Wineries
Additional Local Wineries
Healdsburg Restaurant Menus
Santi Restaurant, Geyserville (Italian)
Wine Country Bikes