Let the Crush Begin

Ooo, exciting news here in glorious Sonoma County: the 2008 grape harvest has begun! This is an exciting time of year, wineries working often around-the-clock to crush, press, and store the grapes being rushed to their location by eager vineyard workers. Apparently this is one of the earliest harvests ever, too, brought on dry weather this spring and warmer-than-normal weather now.

Needless to say, the grape and wine industries are very important -- and large -- to Sonoma County. Here are a few facts and figures:

* Total 2008 Sonoma Country grape harvest: estimated to be 180,000 tons

* Last year's crop's worth: $417 million

This time of year, between now and the end of October, is truly beautiful, with heavy bunches of grapes in the vineyards, the leaves beginning to turn, and clear, hot days. Come stay with us to experience Wine Country living at its most exciting: harvest time!

Extras vs. Extras

Hi, it's me, Tina. I know that many of our guests have been "price shopping" more of late with the high price of gasoline and other economic factors. I want to share a story that struck home with me recently regarding how room rates can be deceiving. One of our daughters was in San Francisco recently for a business meeting. She was staying at a very high-end hotel and invited me to join her. How could I resist the thought of being pampered at a world-class hotel!

The stay was lovely and the view from her 40th floor room was fabulous.... But, while the rate was comparable to our suites, there were additional charges for all that we offer for FREE at the Inn. Consider these "little" add-ons: $51+ for parking, $12.95 PER DAY for Internet access, $25 per person for the full breakfast, and that's not including the gratuities. At the Inn at Occidental, we also include with your room rate a nightly wine and hors d'oeuvre reception, 24-hour coffee and tea, and daily sweet treats -- all complimentary! Such a bargain!

Next time you want to be pampered by world-class service... and not get surprised by costly extras -- think "Inn at Occidental".

Bobby Flay faceoff

Our very own chef friend Gerard Nebesky, who lives here in Occidental (that's him in the center in the pic below), will be on the television show "Throwdown with Bobby Flay" at 9 p.m. July 30 on the Food Network. Gerard, of course, served his wonderful paella at our recent 20th anniversary party (see previous posts). Gerard, we'll be rooting for you! Go, go, go!

Our Feathered Friends

Yes, Sonoma County has wonderful food and wine adventures. But it's also a beautiful place. At the Inn, for example, we're fortunate to be surrounded by towering redwood trees and wonderful plant life. And that means we get lots of visits from feathered friends. Here are a few recent pictures. Enjoy!

We hope to see you soon!

The Winner Is...

Congratulations to Patrick Mukaida, who is Director of Hospitality at Ferrari Carano Vineyards and Winery. Patrick attended our 20th anniversary celebration (we're STILL talking about Gerard's paella) and won a free room night. Congratulations, Patrick!

We hope you are doing well. We are enjoying the summer. Also, more info coming soon, but please note that a new restaurant has opened here in Occidental: the Barley and Hops Tavern. We'll check it out for you!

Happy Anniversary!

To us! Yesterday at the Inn, we had a wonderful celebration, recognizing both the Inn's 20th anniversary (on the very date) and our five-year anniversary (earlier this month) as owners of this wonderful romantic getaway. We treated our valued guests and local friends to paella from our friend Gerard, wine from our from our friends at Clos du Bois, and cake. It was a wonderful evening -- perfect weather, a great gathering of friends old and new, and of course highlighted by wonderful food and wine. The next time you visit our Sonoma County vacation spot, please ask, and we'll show you more pictures!

Jerry and Tina

Islands Deli

Yesterday the temperatures hovered around 90 degrees, which meant it was time to head for the beautiful Sonoma Coast beaches. We heard about another transplanted Hawaiian who opened a deli next to Lucas Wharf in Bodega Bay. We headed out to find "Islands Deli" as we also heard that they use mahimahi for their fish in the "fish and chips" entree. We met Mike Phillips who left Honolulu many moons ago and is now the proud owner of "Islands Deli." And FYI, he does use mahimahi and it was about the best we've ever had... nice light and crisp batter that does not detract from the wonderful flavor of mahimahi.

For those homesick Hawaiians, Mike serves daily specials which include beef stew, teriyaki beef or teriyaki chicken, and is serving plate lunches complete with macaroni salad. Grab a plate lunch and head to your favorite beach and just watch those waves crashing against the rocks... you'd almost think you were in Hawaii!

We hope to see you soon.