MoPet

We are about to plan our first trip to SF/Sonoma this Fall. Plan is to head to Sonoma from SF upon arrival, spend three nights somewhere in Northern Sonoma, with perhaps one day checking out Napa from there. My husband has been to Napa, and Sonoma will be a first for us both. We plan to stay in SF the last two nights. Would Monday be a bad arrival day, or are wineries and restaurants generally open? Suggestions for accommodations? Also, when is the best time for Fall color? I am a photographer seeking photo ops.

We enjoy reds, especially Old Vine Zins, Pinot Noir, Syrah, and also dry sparklings and Port
Thanks!

NewbE

Very small producers are sometimes closed one day of the week, but the vast majority will be open. We usually arrive on a Monday, actually, because those areas are so crowded on weekends.

We love the Hotel Healdsburg, in Healdsburg, and have stayed there several times. For a change of pace, we recently stayed at the Gaige House in Glen Ellen, and it was very nice as well. Healdsburg is in the northern end of the valley, and near--as in, a stone's throw--from our favorite AVA, Dry Creek, so it remains my best recommendation.

For zin, Ridge is king and a must-visit, IMO. Very nice tasting room and patio. Zichichi is a very small zin producer that offers barrel tasting, which can be fun. And Merry Edwards makes wonderful, big, bold zins; she's a pioneer in the valley, as well. (I love the Sauvignon Blanc, too.)

For pinot, Hartford Family in Dry Creek is outstanding, and Schug is great. We found excellent Syrah at Dutton Goldfield.

You didn't mention Cab, but we really liked Hawkes, Medlock Ames, and, always, Alexander Valley Vineyards. For Chardonnay and Merlot, Robert Young Estate is very good.

Our favorite producer in Sonoma is Unti: small, sustainable, and simply gorgeous Italian varietals. Much larger but still very good is Ferrari-Carrano: if you like gardens, their grounds are a must-see.

In Napa, where cab really is king, Heitz Cellars and Bell (appointment only) are our favorites, and Chateau Montelena is always worth a visit, particularly if you've never been.

I'm sure I'm forgetting something--as you can tell, we love wine, and we love Sonoma!

NewbE

This is my very long (sorry!) trip report from last year, covering Napa and Sonoma Valleys:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...in-4-parts.cfm

NewbE

I forgot Silver Oak for cab! How could I do that?? OK, I'll stop now

janisj

I'd actually prefer to arrive on the Monday. Sure, some places will be closed but enough will be open to fill your time. I assume you are flying in longish-haul so your monday may be more low key because you'll probably be tired. IMO sticking to Healdsburg (would be my choice) or wherever you plan on staying and not doing a lot of driving around is a good way to spend the day.

MoPet

Excellent trip report NewbE- had actually found it already. Very good info there, and, as well, some great comments. I wish there were more detailed reports like this to ponder! Thanks to both you and janisj for your helpful replies. A friend had also recommended Healdsburg to us, so we've been looking at accommodation options around there.

Monday sounds like a good option for arrival. Heading out from SF, I was looking to possibly take in Vianesa or Jaccuzzi and check out Sonoma before we head to Northern Sonoma. Would this be too aggressive for arrival day? We usually head straight for our base to settle in, but it's tempting to jump right in. You say?

NewbE

I say jump right in, because that's what we do

Where are you flying from? Assuming you're coming from somewhere east of CA, the time difference will work in your favor, as you will likely land near midday and thus have at least 8 more hours of daylight.

MichelleY

As far as time of year for color, late October into November. If you stay in Healdsburg, you could do a nice loop thru the Alexander Valley then down into Napa.

tenthumbs

Jacuzzi is one of my favorite wineries. Not only are their wines yummy, The Olive Press (across the hall from the tasting room) has some wonderful olives oils you can sample. Cline, which is across the street from Jacuzzi, is also good. They offer snacks, like cheese and crackers, and have a picnic area where you can enjoy those with a bottle of wine.

MoPet

Yes- we're in Atlanta, so hope that works in our favor! Our check in isn't until 4 PM in Sonoma, so best to jump right in . Looking forward to stocking up on some nice wines for the holidays! Thanks for all the great advice!

NewbE

Have fun, and do post a report when you come back! I love to live vicariously