Farmhouse Inn Ranked #3 Inn in the US by Travel + Leisure

From the farm-to-table organic food served in the Michelin-starred restaurant, to the relaxing and energizing spa featuring botanical massages and wraps, everything at Farmhouse Inn is designed to make each visit to the wine country memorable (https://www.farmhouseinn.com). Now, satisfied guests have had their say, voting Farmhouse Inn onto the short list of Travel + Leisure's best hotels.

Farmhouse Inn not only earned a #3 ranking among inns in the U.S., but also ranked 38th among the world's best hotels. That's truly rarefied air, and it speaks to the elite experience enjoyed by guests. Not only that, but 2013 marks the first year in which Farmhouse Inn has achieved a ranking. The little inn with big ambitions leapfrogged several more established destinations to reach #3 on the inns list. Not to be outdone, Sonoma County received its own remarkable distinction: Trip Advisor readers rated Sonoma County the #2 wine region in the world, behind only Tuscany (and yes, ahead of Napa).

The mission of this unique inn is simple: to provide an authentic, "insider" experience of California Wine Country. Naturally, food and wine are the essential bookends of any Farmhouse Inn getaway.

Master Sommelier Geoff Kruth brings his exquisitely honed talents to Farmhouse Inn's signature wine program. The inn curates a list of not only the best wines of Sonoma County, but the entire world of viticulture. Meanwhile, in the kitchen, Chef Steve Litke and Pastry Chef Pattie Taan create flavorscapes from locally sourced ingredients, with a menu that evolves to reflect the seasons.

Hidden treasures abound in this large and diverse region, just an hour's drive north of San Francisco. Tamera Taylor and her team of 6 concierges at Farmhouse Inn have their fingers on the pulse of Sonoma County. Their goal is to ensure that no guest ever feels like a mere "tourist." Through connections with local vintners and an intimate knowledge of the community, guests can expect a one-of-a-kind experience every time.

Farmhouse Inn guests are a diverse bunch, from young honeymooners to retired world travelers and celebrities. They all share one thing, however, and that's a deep appreciation for the gentler pace of life one finds in California Wine Country. Likewise, guests quickly fall in love with the inn after the first visit–which explains the high praise bestowed by Travel + Leisure readers.

The passion of sibling team Joe and Catherine Bartolomei comes through in a myriad of little details, like the fresh eggs on the breakfast table. As fifth-generation Sonomans, the Bartolomeis have deep roots in the community. Farmhouse Inn has been their opportunity to share the life of Sonoma County with guests from around the world.

"Where other people saw a humble, rustic farmhouse, I saw an opportunity to create a vital Sonoma County destination. Our dedicated staff has spent ten years literally building Farmhouse Inn up to its current incarnation--both as a physical space, and as the embodiment of a culture and a community. Our guests can see and feel the love that have gone into our boutique inn; that's how we've created such a sense of loyalty, with many of our guest returning time and again," said owner Catherine Bartolomei. "The recent accolades from Travel + Leisure are just more evidence that we're doing something quite special.'

Farmhouse Inn is including their guests in the celebration, with each guest checking in through August to receive extra-special treatment. Visitors will be greeted with a glass of champagne (instead of the usual glass of wine) and receive a complimentary Travel + Leisure issue along with a $38 resort credit.

Travel + Leisure worked together with consumer insight specialist ROI Research Inc. to develop the reader survey, which was available from December 1, 2012 to April 1, 2013. Hotels and accommodations were rated on five criteria: rooms/facilities, location, service, restaurants/food and value.

More information: www.farmhouseinn.com