Choosing where to spend the night is as important as picking which vineyards to visit when touring California's wineries. Check out these top hotel recommendations

Millions of people visit California's wine country every year. Some are day visitors, but others spend a few nights, enjoying a vineyard vacation. There's lots of good accommodation in Napa Valley, Sonoma County, Mendocino and the other major and minor wine areas of California. But with so many people visiting, you'll need to do some research on where you want to stay, and also book ahead to get your best choices.

When you're visiting a vineyard, you may only be there for an hour or so, and there are plenty more down the road. But you may be spending several nights in your hotel, guesthouse, ranch or bed and breakfast accommodation, so you want to get it right. Here are some suggestions for Sonoma County hotels and other accommodation.

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EL DORADO HOTEL

The El Dorado describes itself as a contemporary wine country inn, and it has a cool, modern design with 27 bedrooms. It's situated on Sonoma Plaza, the perfect place to be.

405 First Street West, Sonoma, CA 95476. Tel: (707) 996-3220

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THE GAIGE HOUSE INN

Set in a 3-acre estate right in the Sonoma Valley, with spa facilties, there are luxury rooms in the main house, and tucked away in the gardens, with suites available too. For the ultimate, book one of their spa suites, giving guests their own private spa facilities.

13540 Arnold Drive. Glen Ellen, Sonoma, CA 95442. Tel: (707) 935-0237

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THE KENWOOD INN

One of only three Caudalie spas worldwide, using Vinotherapy techniques which originated in Bordeaux, the Kenwood is styled on a Mediterranean villa and located in Sonoma's Valley of the Moon. There are thirty rooms divided between three courtyards, and with 2.5 acres of land around providing seclusion.

10400 Sonoma Highway, Kenwood, CA 95452. Tel: (707) 833-1293

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THE LEDSON HOTEL

Right on historic Sonoma Plaza, you can't get a better location than this luxury boutique hotel with just six individually-designed rooms that has been hailed by Conde Nast Traveler magazine. The Ledson was designed and built by fifth generation Sonoma farmer and winemaker, Steve Ledson, and there are naturally opportunities to taste Ledson wines at the hotel.

480 First Street East, Sonoma, CA 95476. Tel: (707) 996-9779

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MACARTHUR PLACE

This 7-acre spa has lush gardens filled with fountains and sculptures, and 64 rooms, suites and cottages, all equipped with CD and DVD players with iPod connections, grape seed bath amenities Praised by just about every magazine on the planet.

29 East MacArthur Street, Sonoma, CA 95476. Tel: (707) 938-2929

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For more Sonoma Wine Country hotel and other accommodation options, click here.

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And for a select list of three Sonoma hotel options click here.

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