Napa Valley

[BrentJones]

Has anyone visited the region, Sonoma County? I'm planning an anniversary trip this summer and trying to do some research on where to stay and what to do, besides drinking wine 24/7.

 

[widowmaker]

I used to live in Sac and the Bay area and went frequently. Last year we visited the Sonoma Valley. Much more low key than Napa. Many wineries (Napa Valley) now charge a fee for tasting a flight of 5 wines but many in Sonoma Valey don't. Many also charge you for a glass, bring your own. Room rates were high in Sonoma $200+ so we stayed in the more urban Santa Rosa (Best Western) and commuted 15 minutes in.

We also went "over the hill" along the Russian River to the Coast and had a picnic off of Highway 1. In the summer the coast will be foggy and likely won't clear. The fall is the busiest time when "the crush" is on. We packed a soft sided cooler and stopped at a Trader Joe's grocery store in S- Rosa and loaded up on local meats, breads, cheeses and fruits. It is much cheaper than the local winery restaurants and roadside deli's for lunch. Don't mix the reds and whites when tasting cuz it comes up pink in the car. Have Fun!

 

[BrentJones]

Thanks for the valuable info Widowmaker. I talked to my grandpa last night and he thought that with the limited time I have, I should just stay in San Francisco. So I am thinking I will do that. Next time when I have more time I will visit Napa Valley. What do you think of San Fran?

 

[skolbe]

When my wife and I went on our honeymoon to Napa. My wife didn't want to make any reservations - not a good idea - not my style. But my wife was trying to encourage the romantic side. Somebody directed us to the local chamber after looking for a place to stay for 3 hours- they found us a room at a significant discount. You may want to also make restaurant reservations now. The wineries are different there than they are in MO. You are buying glasses of wine at each winery - so you can have a lot of wine fast. Which leads to afternoon naps. :smt015

This is where we stayed http://www.bordeauxhouse.com/

 

[BrentJones]

When my wife and I went on our honeymoon to Napa. My wife didn't want to make any reservations - not a good idea - not my style. But my wife was trying to encourage the romantic side. Somebody directed us to the local chamber after looking for a place to stay for 3 hours- they found us a room at a significant discount. You may want to also make restaurant reservations now. The wineries are different there than they are in MO. You are buying glasses of wine at each winery - so you can have a lot of wine fast. Which leads to afternoon naps. :smt015

This is where we stayed http://www.bordeauxhouse.com/

Not my style either. I like to plan and research as much as possible. Did you get a chance to spend any time in San Francisco?

 

[skolbe]

Yes we took a week and spent a few days in Napa, then went down to Carmel and Monterey for a day and then a few days in San Francisco. We had some great meals in Frisco. I personally would not want to spend an entire week in Napa. A few days was good for me.