Sponsored content by The Madrona Hotel
No matter how you define “romance,” its aura surrounds every aspect of experiences at The Madrona Hotel in Healdsburg including its Restaurant.
The iconic Madrona, built as a private residence in 1881, welcomes and pampers lovers, whether for the perfect romantic dinner or an unforgettable wedding site. The property was established just after the end of the great era of romance, enshrined in the Aesthetic Movement – one which celebrates beauty for beauty’s sake, and it has lost none of that alluring ambiance.
Diners celebrating a first date, an engagement, an anniversary—or an especially memorable date night—will find a beautifully designed room, with candlelit tables and exquisite service. Or, on a lovely evening, choose the wrap-around outdoor patio, with its dreamy view of grounds adorned by soft lighting augmenting the moonlight.
The estate’s own gardens provide the freshest produce, which is featured in salads and in dishes such as Grilled Local Black Cod, with carrots, caviar cream, fennel and kawa, and Smoke River New York Strip, with hash brown, leeks, brassica, and estate chimichurri. Fresh orange juice comes from the citrus garden.
Champagne from a local Sonoma winery might be an ideal accompaniment, or, one of the carefully selected red or white wines The Madrona sources both from local and global vintners. Or perhaps one of the specialty cocktails from Hannah’s bar, named after the wife of the estate’s founder. The many options include the “La Sirena,” made with blanco tequila, mezcal, cucumber, aloe, estate bay laurel and club soda, and “The Veranda,” combining gin, finochietto, dry vermouth, green chartreuse, and dill.
Dinner is not the only possibility for romantic dining. The “Decadent Brunch,” offered Saturdays and Sundays, might be the choice for the dining credit included with an overnight “date night” booking at the hotel. The Madrona has just begun serving High Tea as well, part of its commitment to unique experiences, and will shortly begin offering a charming idea for a summer date night, “Movies on the Lawn.” A classic film will be paired with wines from local winery partners, a lovely time to snuggle and sip.
Yet another way to take full advantage of the romantic prospects provided by the estate is a pre- or post-meal wander through the gardens, sharing intimate moments, and perhaps capturing a few with photo or video to remember forever.
Couples seeking a truly memorable site for weddings have long found their dream come true at The Madrona. Although most dates are booked out at least a year in advance, staff can possibly accommodate earlier requests if dates are available. Phil Scheidler, whose own wedding was celebrated there, said, “The Madrona is a quintessential wedding venue, with romance woven throughout the lush gardens, boutique lodging and culinary delights. Our friends and families were captivated by our wedding, and my brother-in-law chose to host his wedding there after attending our wedding.”
So, if romance is in the air, from the first hearts’ flutter to the treasured bond of a long love, lovers will find the seductive charm of The Madrona and The Restaurant at The Madrona to be an enchanting aphrodisiac.
Make your dining reservations
The Madrona
1001 Westside Rd., Healdsburg 95448
707.395.6700
