thewest.travel Meetings with a perfect blend of sophistication and relaxation

Sonoma County

Where can meeting planners earn their “CMP” (Certified Morale Pleaser), turn their attendees into “Sonomads” (those who wander Sonoma County in search of new adventures), and learn how to use a “fork- screw” (a multipurpose utensil facilitating wine and food pairings)? In Sonoma County, a destination so unique it had to create its own language. Learn to “speak Sonoma,” and experience

Cash back Hold a meeting in Sonoma County before May 31, 2014, and receive a cash incentive of up to $4,000 to the hotel master account. For eligibility rules, visit sonomacounty.com/meeting.

AT A GLANCE Meeting facilities • Sonoma County’s meeting facilities vary from luxury hotels to intimate inns, all with flexible meeting spaces to accommodate groups of every size.

Hotel rooms • 6,600

Attractions • Beyond the 300 award-winning wineries and 55 miles of Pacific shoreline, local attractions include the Sonoma Raceway, Jack London State Historic Park, Petaluma’s Victorian-era downtown, Safari West Wildlife Preserve and African Tent Camp, and more.

Sites that excite Meeting and event venues in Sonoma County go beyond basic ballrooms — private estates, luxury resorts with lavish spas, wineries with private rooms, and wildlife preserves, to name just a few.

a host of other “sonomacentric” activities in this laid-back destination that lies just 30 miles north of San Francisco. With 370-plus award-winning wineries, 18 golf courses, more than 40 spas, historic towns, redwood groves, and 55-plus miles of Pacific Ocean coastline, Sonoma County offers plenty of options for group outings as well as leisure- time activities. And no matter where a group stays in Sonoma County, they are never far from an award-winning winery. Wine tastings are just the beginning. Often, winemakers are on hand to discuss the latest varietals in private tasting classes, and groups can even learn to blend and create their own wines. Beyond its renowned wineries, Sonoma

County is home to an exceptional culinary scene, much of it based on its own locally grown or produced ingredients. In fact, farms in Sonoma County have been sup- plying some of San Francisco’s most elite restaurants since the days of the Gold Rush. Many of the destination’s 500-plus restau- rants include private spaces for groups, from Michelin-rated restaurants to alfresco cafés and cozy roadhouses. The professional staff of sales managers

at Sonoma County Tourism, most of whom are CMPs, can assist planners with their meet- ing from start to finish — including leads, site inspections, spousal programs, and itineraries.

For more information: Sonoma County Tourism — (707) 522-5800 or (800) 576-6662; sales@sonomacounty.com; sonomacounty.com

94 PCMA CONVENE MARCH 2013

PCMA.ORG