Vino Blanco

Vino Blanco sits in Bennett Valley, the small, cool-climate pocket on Santa Rosa's southeast side that became its own American Viticultural Area in 2003. Sonoma Mountain, Taylor Mountain and Bennett Mountain ring the valley, and Pacific air slips in through Crane Canyon, which is why its roughly 650 acres of vines lean toward Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. Matanzas Creek, the winery that petitioned for the appellation, was the first to open here in the twentieth century. The house is a ranch-style home with mountain and vineyard views and a quiet, rural feel, about ten minutes from the valley's wineries and a short drive into downtown Santa Rosa. It suits a group that would rather watch the light change on the hills than chase a packed itinerary.

Inside, about 2,600 square feet spread across four bedrooms and three baths, with room for ten. Three of the bedrooms have king beds, including the primary with its own bath, and the fourth holds two doubles. The kitchen is modern and well equipped, and a pool table anchors the indoor downtime. Most of the living happens outside, though: a large deck takes in the views, a patio pairs a barbecue with a long outdoor table, and an outdoor fireplace carries the evening on after sunset, when the valley cools. The lower level opens onto its own private balcony. There is no air conditioning and no swimming pool, so warm afternoons are best spent at the wineries or walking the lake trails at Spring Lake Park, a few minutes away by car.