All Aboard to Wine Country
The Hampton Windsor Welcomes Guests with the SMART Train
By Annamarie Buonocore
Wine country has long been a dream destination for travelers seeking rolling vineyards, charming towns, and unforgettable tasting experiences. Now, getting there is easier than ever. Thanks to the recent extension of the Sonoma-Marin Area Rail Transit (SMART) train to Windsor, visitors can skip the traffic and arrive just steps from the The Hampton Windsor, where warm hospitality, thoughtful amenities, and exclusive local partnerships await.
I recently spoke with Brandon Mrkvicka, General Manager of the Hampton Inn Windsor, along with his colleague, Marlow, [MB1] about how the hotel is embracing this new chapter in wine country travel. Together, they shared how the SMART train is transforming accessibility to Sonoma County, the unique offerings of the hotel, and the experiences awaiting guests once they arrive.
A Gateway to Sonoma County
The SMART train begins in Larkspur, connecting seamlessly to San Francisco via ferry, and winds its way through Marin and Sonoma counties before arriving at its northernmost stop in Windsor. “It’s a beautiful ride through rolling hills and vineyards,” Brandon explained. “And best of all, it allows guests to bypass commuter traffic. The Windsor stop is just about a 10-minute walk from our hotel.”
For visitors, the convenience means they can reach destinations like Petaluma, Santa Rosa, Healdsburg, and Windsor without ever needing to rent a car. Each stop offers its own charm—historic railroad districts, boutique shopping, dining, and, of course, wine tasting.
Local Flavor, Hampton Hospitality
The Hampton Inn Windsor prides itself on offering more than just a place to stay. Brandon highlighted the staff’s dedication to personalized, attentive service: “Our team truly cares about making each guest feel welcome.”
Amenities include a resort-style outdoor pool with hot tub, a renovated 24-hour fitness center with Peloton bikes, and pet-friendly accommodations. Guests also enjoy complimentary hot breakfast daily, with nearby options for dining ranging from southern-inspired fare at Sweet T’s to California cuisine at Kin Windsor.
Wineries, Breweries, and Bikes
For wine lovers, the hotel has built strong partnerships with local wineries such as Notre Vue Vineyards and Limerick Lane Cellars. These partners are featured in the hotel’s exclusive “Windsor the SMART Way” package, which combines train travel, lodging, and wine tasting tours. Guests can even enhance their visit with guided cycling tours through scenic vineyards or unwind with local craft brews at Barrel Brothers Brewing Company or the famed Russian River Brewing facility.
Aviation Connections and Added Perks
Located just a few miles from Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport (STS), the hotel has deep ties to the aviation community. Partnerships with Sonoma Jet Center, Kaiser Air, and veterans’ flight programs highlight The Hampton Windsor’s commitment to service beyond hospitality. As a special perk, pilots presenting a valid license at check-in receive a $15 nightly Lyft voucher, making transportation seamless whether guests arrive by train or plane.
Looking Ahead
Marketing efforts for the “SMART Way” package are already in motion, with cross-promotion from SMART’s PR team, social media campaigns, and targeted outreach to highlight Windsor as the new gateway to Northern Sonoma County. With harvest season around the corner, the Hampton team expects demand to grow as visitors embrace the stress-free travel experience.
As Marlow shared, “This package has legs. For anyone looking to access wine country without the hassle of traffic, Windsor is the perfect place to start.” For more information, visit Hampton Inn & Suites Windsor - Sonoma Wine Country in Windsor, California - ReservationCounter.com .
