Napa/Sonoma July 4th through July 6th
Jun 13th, 2013, 10:25 AM
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Napa/Sonoma July 4th through July 6th
I am overwhelmed...would appreciate a simple (tips) itenerary that takes us through the best scenic wineries with sugestions to eat along the way, we are staying at the Marriot in Napa Valley, not at all opposed to a day in Sonoma too. Heading to Jedidiah state Park the morning of July 7th.
Jun 13th, 2013, 02:25 PM
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The Marriot is located at the bottom of the Napa Valley.
It's easier to bop over to Sonoma Valley than to fight the humongous amount of traffic in Napa Valley.
http://www.sonomavalley.com/ http://sonoma.com/wineries/alphalistings.html
You can find maps on both links.
It's easier to bop over to Sonoma Valley than to fight the humongous amount of traffic in Napa Valley.
http://www.sonomavalley.com/ http://sonoma.com/wineries/alphalistings.html
You can find maps on both links.
Jun 13th, 2013, 04:30 PM
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rarely go to the Napa valley for wine tasting - too crowded.....Sonoma is a charming town but really like Healdsburg which is part of the Sonoma valley fabulous wineries all around it, especially the dry creek area. that would be my choice but since you already have reservations in Napa, check on line for wineries.....
Jun 13th, 2013, 09:27 PM
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In a way, I am always amused when folks complain on this forum about traffic in Napa Valley and recommend Sonoma Valley / Healdsburg instead. I live in Napa Valley and actually have experienced worse traffic trying to get to Healdsburg and back.
Fourth of July weekend is always busy everywhere, so do expect more cars on the road. Your hotel is well-located for doing whatever you like. You will be close to many restaurants (needing a car to get there, of course) but due to the holiday, you should try to get dinner reservations using Open Table. You are not far from Bistro Don Giovanni, which is excellent. In the town of Napa, we like Pearl and Celadon. At Pearl you can have a decent meal for $10 - $18 or try one of the specials for about $24. Celadon is a little more pricey but food is excellent, there's a full bar and a very pleasant outdoor dining area.
It only takes about 1/2 hour to drive from Napa to Calistoga without traffic or stops, so it is not that far from one end to the other. Of course, you will likely have slow-moving traffic during that holiday period. Don't stress. just enjoy the beautiful landscape!
Yountville- Visit Domaine Chandon, enjoy some sparkling wine on the patio, tour the wine cave, stroll through the lovely grounds.
Rutherford- stop at Peju Winery. The grounds are elegant and lovely, the staff is very friendly with some unique personalities in the tasting room. The wine is excellent, in particular the Savignon Blanc and the Cabs. You can walk upstairs while you wait for your tasting to start. I love the windows that look like framed artwork capturing the views of the vineyards outside. Go out on the upstairs balcony and take photos. Enjoy the sculptures in the gardens before you leave. If you buy a bottle of wine, the tasting fee is waived.
St. Helena - if you find a parking space, stroll Main St. And wander through the small shops.
Pick up sandwiches at Giuni's, and old-time deli which might be a better alternative to the popular and crowded Oakville Grocery. There are numerous places for a picnic. (Peju is nice for a picnic as is Rutherford Hill winery and numerous parks, eg. Crane Park on Main St St Helena, The Bale Grist Mill north of town, etc.).
Other wineries of interest: Beringer is an historic winery - at least get a look at the grounds. Of special interest is Schramsburg, where the caves were dug by Chinese workers brought in after building the transcontinental railroad. Their sparkling wine is the best! Quixote Winery is fascinating if you have an interest in art and architecture by Hunterwasser. The structure is very unique, the red wines rich and delicious, the tasting personalized and fun. You can tour the grounds and walk up the roof which is uniquely landscaped. Casa Nuestra Winery is casual and rustic, friendly with a terrific picnic area. I think an Elvis movie was filmed there years ago.
Really don't worry too much about your itinerary. Ask your hotel for a winery map, drive off and have fun! The area is not that huge and you can enjoy yourself without too many details before you get here. The town of Sonoma is very pleasant and only about 20 minute from your hotel. The drive to Healdsburg will take about an hour and a half. If you feel like going to either place, you can easily do it, but I would get my fill of Napa Valley first.
There are so many great restaurants in Napa Valley, both casual and elegant. I can give more suggestions if you let us know what interests you.
There are lots of non-winery things to do as well.
Oh. And you do know that Jedediah Smith State Park is many hours from Napa, don't you? You will be driving through Redwood National Park, so at the very least, take the scenic bypass road. If you stay on the highway you will miss a lot. Get out of your car and stretch your legs on one of the short walks. It's a fabulous park!
Fourth of July weekend is always busy everywhere, so do expect more cars on the road. Your hotel is well-located for doing whatever you like. You will be close to many restaurants (needing a car to get there, of course) but due to the holiday, you should try to get dinner reservations using Open Table. You are not far from Bistro Don Giovanni, which is excellent. In the town of Napa, we like Pearl and Celadon. At Pearl you can have a decent meal for $10 - $18 or try one of the specials for about $24. Celadon is a little more pricey but food is excellent, there's a full bar and a very pleasant outdoor dining area.
It only takes about 1/2 hour to drive from Napa to Calistoga without traffic or stops, so it is not that far from one end to the other. Of course, you will likely have slow-moving traffic during that holiday period. Don't stress. just enjoy the beautiful landscape!
Yountville- Visit Domaine Chandon, enjoy some sparkling wine on the patio, tour the wine cave, stroll through the lovely grounds.
Rutherford- stop at Peju Winery. The grounds are elegant and lovely, the staff is very friendly with some unique personalities in the tasting room. The wine is excellent, in particular the Savignon Blanc and the Cabs. You can walk upstairs while you wait for your tasting to start. I love the windows that look like framed artwork capturing the views of the vineyards outside. Go out on the upstairs balcony and take photos. Enjoy the sculptures in the gardens before you leave. If you buy a bottle of wine, the tasting fee is waived.
St. Helena - if you find a parking space, stroll Main St. And wander through the small shops.
Pick up sandwiches at Giuni's, and old-time deli which might be a better alternative to the popular and crowded Oakville Grocery. There are numerous places for a picnic. (Peju is nice for a picnic as is Rutherford Hill winery and numerous parks, eg. Crane Park on Main St St Helena, The Bale Grist Mill north of town, etc.).
Other wineries of interest: Beringer is an historic winery - at least get a look at the grounds. Of special interest is Schramsburg, where the caves were dug by Chinese workers brought in after building the transcontinental railroad. Their sparkling wine is the best! Quixote Winery is fascinating if you have an interest in art and architecture by Hunterwasser. The structure is very unique, the red wines rich and delicious, the tasting personalized and fun. You can tour the grounds and walk up the roof which is uniquely landscaped. Casa Nuestra Winery is casual and rustic, friendly with a terrific picnic area. I think an Elvis movie was filmed there years ago.
Really don't worry too much about your itinerary. Ask your hotel for a winery map, drive off and have fun! The area is not that huge and you can enjoy yourself without too many details before you get here. The town of Sonoma is very pleasant and only about 20 minute from your hotel. The drive to Healdsburg will take about an hour and a half. If you feel like going to either place, you can easily do it, but I would get my fill of Napa Valley first.
There are so many great restaurants in Napa Valley, both casual and elegant. I can give more suggestions if you let us know what interests you.
There are lots of non-winery things to do as well.
Oh. And you do know that Jedediah Smith State Park is many hours from Napa, don't you? You will be driving through Redwood National Park, so at the very least, take the scenic bypass road. If you stay on the highway you will miss a lot. Get out of your car and stretch your legs on one of the short walks. It's a fabulous park!
Jun 14th, 2013, 05:14 AM
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As to wineries...
I generally choose based upon the wine and do not really look for "charming". That being said, some that I would recommend...
- I thought Chimney Rock was a very nice setting and had very nice people and good wine. A cool Cape Dutch style building and nice gardens.
- Mondavi has some of the best educational programs around and it might be worth booking one for the "full" experience (e.g. a walk through vineyards, discussion of winemaking process, etc). This was the first winery we visited in Napa and did something similar. Very informative and, frankly, some of their upper-tier wines are really something.
- Pine Ridge has a cool setting inside the caves and might be worth a trip.
- For something with a nice little tour, try Pride Mountain. It is a bit out of the way, but it is beautiful up there and it is a very nice winery - appointment only.
- Our favorite people are at James Cole, which is a very small production winery with a very "young" feel to it.
I am always amused when folks complain on this forum about traffic in Napa Valley
Me too. It is obsession with some here. Where do these people live that they think Napa has bad traffic? There will be times when you are not moving as fast as you'd like, but to hear some tell it, it will ruin your trip. I say enjoy the chance to catch your breath before the next winery.
I generally choose based upon the wine and do not really look for "charming". That being said, some that I would recommend...
- I thought Chimney Rock was a very nice setting and had very nice people and good wine. A cool Cape Dutch style building and nice gardens.
- Mondavi has some of the best educational programs around and it might be worth booking one for the "full" experience (e.g. a walk through vineyards, discussion of winemaking process, etc). This was the first winery we visited in Napa and did something similar. Very informative and, frankly, some of their upper-tier wines are really something.
- Pine Ridge has a cool setting inside the caves and might be worth a trip.
- For something with a nice little tour, try Pride Mountain. It is a bit out of the way, but it is beautiful up there and it is a very nice winery - appointment only.
- Our favorite people are at James Cole, which is a very small production winery with a very "young" feel to it.
I am always amused when folks complain on this forum about traffic in Napa Valley
Me too. It is obsession with some here. Where do these people live that they think Napa has bad traffic? There will be times when you are not moving as fast as you'd like, but to hear some tell it, it will ruin your trip. I say enjoy the chance to catch your breath before the next winery.
Jun 14th, 2013, 10:19 AM
#7
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@elnap 29 and tracegourmet, a big Thank you! We have reservations at the Rutherford Grill July 4th and Brix July 5th. BTW we will be traveling by motorcycles (responsibly)I am guessing we will just learn as we go with your advice. What can we expect weather wise? We are aware of the long drive to Jedidiah.....5 hours?
Jun 14th, 2013, 12:33 PM
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The drive to Jedediah Smith will take about 7 hours without stops. Are you on a tight schedule? I'd try for a stop in Avenue of the Giants or Scotia or Ferndale or Trinidad or Klamath. If you haven't been in this area previously, it would be worth your time. Enjoy your holiday!
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