Wine country getaways savored

With all the hype you read in travel brochures and all the creative writing that finds its way to the Internet, it’s satisfying when you come across someplace that is actually as good as advertised.

Such is the case with these three accommodations in California Wine Country, special places stretching from Santa Barbara to the Napa Valley.

Paso Robles

Paso Robles wineries are fast becoming a rewarding alternative for sophisticated travelers who are often surprised to find such an exquisite getaway so close to home.

Perched on a hill near Highway 101, La Bellasera Hotel and Suites might look from the freeway like it’s just a nice, modern hotel at an easy exit point. But get a little closer and you realize somebody has spent a lot of money creating a true luxury hotel. Using a blend of Mediterranean and Italian architecture, this hotel truly stands out.

The feeling is classic, yet contemporary with special attention given to spot lighting and the hotel’s stylish but comfortable couches. Along one side of the room, wrought iron doors open to the elaborate wine Wine Cellar while nearby is the entrance to the hotel’s locally acclaimed Enoteca Restaurant & Bar.

We could go on and on about our two-room suite, like the signature bedding, high thread count linens, the luxury bath products, the availability of spa services either in-room or in their special treatment room — but we think you get the idea. The quiet town of Paso Robles now has a luxury option for even the most pampered of guests.

For more information on La Bellasera Hotel and Suites, call (866) STAY-NOW or visit www.labellasera.com.

Napa Valley

A trip to Napa Valley is an almost spiritual journey that presents you at once with the beauty of 63,000 acres of vineyards and the industry that has brought a European elegance to the Valley lifestyle.

If you want to be based in Napa during your stay, there are many options for an unforgettable experience. The most recent we sampled is the Westin Verasa Napa. The resort hugs the banks of the Napa River, and is within three blocks of the plentiful shopping, arts activities, music, wine bars and other attractions located in downtown Napa.

Our suite was like a small condo unit with a complete kitchen. The bathroom with its generous use of marble was small but elegant.

While the river beckoned just outside our suite, the highlight of our stay had to be the dinner we had at La Toque, the renowned French restaurant right on property.

We were seated at a table that felt private, yet had a good view of the restaurant’s “show kitchen.”

The menu choices were amazing and included such items as Seared Artisan Foie Gras with Bacon-Wrapped Medjool Dates and Toasted Brioche or West Texas “Nilgai” Antelope with Leek and Black Trumpet Potato Terrine. and Roasted Root Vegetable Red Wine Reduction.

The sommelier at La Toque is quite knowledgeable about wines from all regions, not just Napa. With each pouring you get a detailed explanation of where the wine came from and why it is being paired with the entrée you have chosen.

For more information on the Westin Verasa Napa, phone (707) 257-1800 or visit www.westinnapa.com.

Santa Barbara

Santa Ynez Valley is an idyllic and pastoral region of small towns, ranches anda few dozen wineries that are scattered over an incredibly picturesque countryside.

The Santa Ynez Inn is an unusual Victorian bed-and-breakfast because it was built from scratch in 2001. That offers the advantage of everything being new.

Entering the lobby, one notices the carved wood stairway regally reminiscent of the grand staircase in the movie Titanic. The hallways are decorated with portraits of former presidents. In our second-floor over-sized room we found a sanctuary filled with antique-inspired furniture and such luxurious accents as crystal chandeliers and crystal-based lamps. The floral curtains parted to reveal a view of the countryside and small balcony with table and chairs.

We added the Santa Ynez Inn to our list of “finds” because it has a unique combination of impeccable new furnishings, classic design and a location in the same California Wine Country that made so many people fall in love with this region when it was used as the backdrop for the hit movie “Sideways.”

For more information on Santa Ynez Inn, phone (800)643-4774 or visit www.santaynezinn.com.

• For more information on travel in California, visit www.californiaweekend.com.