A New 'Culinary Hotel' Just Opened in Sonoma County, California-and We Were the First to Stay

"Appellation Healdsburg-the newest outpost in the Appellation Hotels portfolio, created by celebrated chef Charlie Palmer and Christopher Hunsberger, the former chief people officer at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts-bills itself as a "culinary hotel." It's the kind of trendy hospitality turn of phrase that sounds like an empty promise, similar to describing a resort as "wellness-centric" because it has a well-equipped gym. What exactly is a culinary hotel?"

"In lieu of a standard welcome drink, my 15-month-old son, Rai, and I were offered an amuse-bouche as we checked in: radishes from the garden with beurre escargot (garlic herb butter) and lemon zest for me, sliced kiwi and local cheddar for Rai. The check-in desk resembles a butcher block island with a built in wine fridge stocked with local Knights Bridge wines."

Appellation Healdsburg is a culinary hotel from Appellation Hotels, created by chef Charlie Palmer and Christopher Hunsberger. The hotel places food and wine at the center of the guest experience. The lobby functions like an open kitchen with amuse-bouche check-in offerings, a butcher-block check-in desk with a wine fridge, a glassed-in wine room, and a garde manger station stocked with charcuterie and cheese. The on-site garden and planters supply produce for the restaurant Folia, which features a wood-fired open hearth. The property hosts winemaker tastings in an olive grove and showcases local Knights Bridge and Cast Wines.

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