Sonoma Healdsburg Wine Country Bed and Breakfast Inn, Hotel Lodging in Cloverdale, California CA

Having fun at and around The Shelford House is easy! It is our good pleasure to help you with activity planning, Sonoma Wine Country *wine touring, dinner reservations, theatre and event tickets. Just ask when booking your stay. Below you will find a wealth of ideas ... a totally relaxing place to begin. And be sure to check out the Travel Planner Links - here!

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.

*As a special service to our guests, we can arrange to have your wine purchases shipped anywhere in the continental United States - fast!

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 19-20, 2008
Come to the Wine Country to enjoy this very special event with over 105 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. More information/tickets: www.wineroad.com/events/winterwineland.asp

The Cloverdale Old Time Fiddle Festival, January 26-27, 2008
This is the 32st 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. For more information: Phone 707-894-2067 or www.cloverdalehistoricalsociety.org/fiddle/.

Silver Oak Spring Release, February 2, 2008
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. For more information: www.silveroak.com/events.asp?l=FN&id=91

Citrus Fair at Cloverdale, February 15-18, 2008
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 115th year. Come check out if Anna’s baked goods, jams or jellies, or handmade items win a ribbon this year! For more information: Phone 707-894-3292 or www.cloverdalecitrusfair.org/2007fair/

Barrel Tasting Weekends, March 1-2 and March 8-9, 2008
By far the most popular wine tasting event of the year, and it has been extended to two weekends to keep the crowds smaller and make your experience more enjoyable. Enjoy the newest Vintages right out of the Barrel. This event is no longer FREE, but is one of the Wine Country’s biggest values at only $10.00 per weekend and very popular with over 100 wineries participating. Book your room early so you don’t miss out! For more information/tickets: www.wineroad.com/barreltasting.asp

Passport to Dry Creek Valley Weekend, April 26-27, 2008
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. For more information www.wdcv.com

Taste of the Valley, June 7-8, 2008
Wineries across the Alexander valley invite you to enjoy world-class wines, tantalizing food, great music, and selected cave, cellar and vineyard tours. For more information: www.alexandervalley.org/taste/

Celebrate the Harvest!! September 13-14, 2008
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. For more information: www.alexandervalley.org/events

A Wine and Food Affair, November 1-2, 2008
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 the newest“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. This is Stan and Anna’s favorite event, so you will probably run into them at one or more of the wineries! For more information: www.wineroad.com

Alexander Valley’s Red Velvet, December 6-7, 2008
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! For more information: www.alexandervalley.org/events/

Mendocino County Annual Events

Hopland Passport Weekends, May 3-4 and October 25-26, 2008
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 1-800-433-3689. Tickets will also be available at any participating Hopland winery before and on the days of the event.

Mendocino Wine Affair, June 2008
Details not yet posted. Check at http://www.mendowine.com or call 707-468-9886.

A Taste of Redwood Valley, June 14-15, 2008
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 - Speakers, Workshops, Music and more, August 16-17, 2008
Solfest is the world’s premier two-day celebration of renewable energy and sustainable living. Each summer Solfest transforms the rural hamlet of Hopland, California, into the global epicenter of Green Living. The main stage, family stage, and six workshops tents are filled with world-renowned speakers (you may see Daryl Hannah), musicians and artists, offering keynotes, panels, performances, and over fifty one-hour workshops. For more information: www.solarliving.org/display.asp?catid=17.

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
Wild Women On Wine