Sonoma Valley Awarded First “Cittaslow” City in U.S.

Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa

Beautiful Sonoma Valley, home to the iconic Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn, is honored to become the first US City designated a member of the Cittaslow global network.

Sonoma Valley now proudly joins the Cittaslow International Network of 129 towns in 29 nations around the world accredited since 1999.

Cittaslow towns are sometimes referred to as “slow towns” but the meaning is deeper: a town that takes its time to plan, care, communicate, and experience its quality of life.

The requirements for Cittaslow designation are rigorous, and application is by invitation from the international headquarters.

Prospective Cittaslow members have populations of less than 50,000 and are evaluated in six topic groupings and 54 areas of excellence. Strict criteria includes environmental management, infrastructure, quality of local historic buildings, parks, new use of technology, local produce, products, craft, and availability of healthy eating, hospitality, civic awareness, communication, and individual involvement in a variety of activities.

Also necessary for membership is local involvement participation of the City Council and the local Slow Food chapter. The organization’s philosophy is all about maintaining local character, living simply and authentically on a human scale.

“Over a century ago Fairmont Hotels & Resorts was founded on an enduring connection to the land, communities and people where we do business. We are proud to support and further Sonoma ’s Cittaslow movement. As community partners we back environmental initiatives that encourage local alliances and learning while addressing universal issues in a way that hits close to home,” shares General Manager, Kelley Cosgrove. “ Sonoma is an excellent example of Cittaslow’s emphasis on connecting members of the community for local action following shared vision, and for preserving our town’s quality of life and culture.”

Renowned for natural mineral waters, unparalleled service and gracious accommodations, the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, is located 40 miles north of the San Francisco Golden Gate Bridge in the heart of the Sonoma Valley.

Home to the Michelin rated Santé dining room and a 40,000 square foot spa acclaimed by Travel +Leisure magazine as one of the Top 25 facilities in North America .

The resort is a recipient of both the AAA-Four Diamond and Mobil-Four Star Awards and consistently provides the country’s finest European destination spa experience.

For reservations please phone 1-800-441-1414 or (707) 938-9000, or visit the Inn ’s website at www.fairmont.com/sonoma

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