Sonoma/Napa Itinerary - Please Comment - R5?
Sep 23rd, 2004, 03:21 PM
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Sonoma/Napa Itinerary - Please Comment - R5?
OK, here's the closest thing to a final itinerary I think we will get.
We've had to do alot of juggling, and are trying to be flexible....
Guys at the local wine merchant we've gone to tastings at are trying to set up a few tours. Mentioned Chalk Hill, Chapallet, and Contessa (can't find this - perhaps I heard the name wrong. I haven't finalized these yet).
Day 1 - Monday, Oct 4
Travel Day
Get into SFO from BOS at 12:47pm
Drive to house to unload
Grocery shop for week
Quick dinner near house - ?Breakaway Cafe
Day 2 - Tuesday, Oct 5
Drive to Cloverdale to check out town
Head to Geyserville
Ferrari-Carano Winery
Head to Healdsburg
Chalk Hill Winery
Tour town/shops
Lunch in Healdsburg
Head back to Sonoma Plaza for Farmer's Market
Day 3 - Wednesday - Oct 6th
Drive to Windsor/Santa Rosa to check out towns
Head to Kenwood
Chateau St. Jean Winery
Head to Glen Ellen - tour town
Day 4 - Thursday - Oct 7th
Drive North on Hwy 29 to Calistoga
See town/shops
Drive South on Silverado Trail
Beringer Winery - St. Helena
Tour St. Helena town/shops
Lunch in St. Helena
Chappellet Winery
Head South to Rutherford
Niebaum-Coppola Winery
(There are 3 wineries on this day, so we are going to need to cut one. We want to do 1, 2 at the most per day to leave time for other things.)
Day 5 - Friday - Oct 8th
Head South to Carneros region
Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves
Viansa Winery
Head to Petaluma
Tour town/shops/victorian district/riverwalk
Lunch at Dempsey's
Day 6 - Sat - Oct 9th - Friends Arrive
Drive to Napa - see town/shops
Drive to Yountville
See town/shops
Domaine Chandon - Yountville
Drive to Oakville and meet friends at Opus One for 2pm tour
Copia
Lunch in Napa - ?Don Giovanni??
Friends back to house with us
Day 7 - Sun - Oct 10th - Last Full Day
Brunch with friends at Cafe La Haye - Sonoma Plaza
Head to Sebastapol
See town/shops
Iron Horse Winery
Duncans Mills - see shops
Head to Sonoma Coast
Jenner
Bodega Bay
Goat Rock Beach
Day 8 - Oct 11th - Travel Home
Pack
Flight leaves SFO at 1:55pm
Any comments appreciated. Also, suggestions for lunches in towns noted would help.
Would also like suggestion for dinner spot for Sat. night with friends close to our place - Sonoma or Glen Ellen. Moderate price, and not dressy or "fussy" but not burgers and fries either. Upscale casual sort of.
We've had to do alot of juggling, and are trying to be flexible....
Guys at the local wine merchant we've gone to tastings at are trying to set up a few tours. Mentioned Chalk Hill, Chapallet, and Contessa (can't find this - perhaps I heard the name wrong. I haven't finalized these yet).
Day 1 - Monday, Oct 4
Travel Day
Get into SFO from BOS at 12:47pm
Drive to house to unload
Grocery shop for week
Quick dinner near house - ?Breakaway Cafe
Day 2 - Tuesday, Oct 5
Drive to Cloverdale to check out town
Head to Geyserville
Ferrari-Carano Winery
Head to Healdsburg
Chalk Hill Winery
Tour town/shops
Lunch in Healdsburg
Head back to Sonoma Plaza for Farmer's Market
Day 3 - Wednesday - Oct 6th
Drive to Windsor/Santa Rosa to check out towns
Head to Kenwood
Chateau St. Jean Winery
Head to Glen Ellen - tour town
Day 4 - Thursday - Oct 7th
Drive North on Hwy 29 to Calistoga
See town/shops
Drive South on Silverado Trail
Beringer Winery - St. Helena
Tour St. Helena town/shops
Lunch in St. Helena
Chappellet Winery
Head South to Rutherford
Niebaum-Coppola Winery
(There are 3 wineries on this day, so we are going to need to cut one. We want to do 1, 2 at the most per day to leave time for other things.)
Day 5 - Friday - Oct 8th
Head South to Carneros region
Gloria Ferrer Champagne Caves
Viansa Winery
Head to Petaluma
Tour town/shops/victorian district/riverwalk
Lunch at Dempsey's
Day 6 - Sat - Oct 9th - Friends Arrive
Drive to Napa - see town/shops
Drive to Yountville
See town/shops
Domaine Chandon - Yountville
Drive to Oakville and meet friends at Opus One for 2pm tour
Copia
Lunch in Napa - ?Don Giovanni??
Friends back to house with us
Day 7 - Sun - Oct 10th - Last Full Day
Brunch with friends at Cafe La Haye - Sonoma Plaza
Head to Sebastapol
See town/shops
Iron Horse Winery
Duncans Mills - see shops
Head to Sonoma Coast
Jenner
Bodega Bay
Goat Rock Beach
Day 8 - Oct 11th - Travel Home
Pack
Flight leaves SFO at 1:55pm
Any comments appreciated. Also, suggestions for lunches in towns noted would help.
Would also like suggestion for dinner spot for Sat. night with friends close to our place - Sonoma or Glen Ellen. Moderate price, and not dressy or "fussy" but not burgers and fries either. Upscale casual sort of.
Sep 23rd, 2004, 03:49 PM
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Too much trapsing all over the county for me-here's how I would group you
more geographically
Day 2
AM Santa Rosa
(lunch)
PM Hwy 12/Kenwood(Chateau st. Jean)/Glen Elen(Benzinger or Valley of the Moon)
To Farmers Market in Sonoma
Day 3
Cloverdale/Geyserville/Healdsburg
(lunch)
Windsor/Cotati/Rohnert Park
Day 4
Mostly Napa-that's fine-I would cut Beringer, the grounds are pretty,
no need to drink.
Day 5
Fine-where are you buying me that drink?
Day 6
Coppia
then Napa
lunch (Don Giovanni)then Yountville
then Opus One
or better yet, do Yountville AFTER
Opus One.
Day 7-
Fine
what did I miss?
R5
more geographically
Day 2
AM Santa Rosa
(lunch)
PM Hwy 12/Kenwood(Chateau st. Jean)/Glen Elen(Benzinger or Valley of the Moon)
To Farmers Market in Sonoma
Day 3
Cloverdale/Geyserville/Healdsburg
(lunch)
Windsor/Cotati/Rohnert Park
Day 4
Mostly Napa-that's fine-I would cut Beringer, the grounds are pretty,
no need to drink.
Day 5
Fine-where are you buying me that drink?
Day 6
Coppia
then Napa
lunch (Don Giovanni)then Yountville
then Opus One
or better yet, do Yountville AFTER
Opus One.
Day 7-
Fine
what did I miss?
R5
Sep 23rd, 2004, 04:08 PM
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Day 2 - I would have a picnic lunch at Chateau St Jean. I would also visit the nearby St Francis winery. I was very disappointed at Neibaum-Coppola - it is very commercial and feels like a tourist trap. I think it is a great idea to get yourself a limo tour or designated driver. Worrying about driving can put a damper on the tasting.
Sep 23rd, 2004, 07:52 PM
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Since you're already doing Cafe La Haye for brunch ( we had an excellent dinner there) how about the girl and the fig for dinner?
We have also enjoyed the Swiss Hotel a few times for dinner out on their back patio with the fire going, very nice. ***kim***
We have also enjoyed the Swiss Hotel a few times for dinner out on their back patio with the fire going, very nice. ***kim***
Sep 24th, 2004, 12:42 PM
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We really enjoyed Piatti just off the Square - Relaxed place with great patio and very good food.
Also be sure on one night at your house to walk to the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa for a night cap or desert - they have big fire pits and even sell smores kits!
Good dinks and deserts at the bar off of the main lobby!
Overall I think you schedule looks pretty good. I think I could fit more into some of the days and have less overlap, but it doesn't look terrible.
I also find that it is nice to have an idea of a few places to go on the way and if something looks better then do that instead!
Also be sure on one night at your house to walk to the Sonoma Mission Inn and Spa for a night cap or desert - they have big fire pits and even sell smores kits!
Good dinks and deserts at the bar off of the main lobby!
Overall I think you schedule looks pretty good. I think I could fit more into some of the days and have less overlap, but it doesn't look terrible.
I also find that it is nice to have an idea of a few places to go on the way and if something looks better then do that instead!
Sep 24th, 2004, 01:09 PM
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Good suggestion for the SMI, I love that place! We haven't seen the complete remodel yet, last March they told me it would be compelted in July.
It's always my first choice when in Sonoma area. I love their Apricots N' Cream body lotion they sell there.
How about Carnaros for dinner? At the Lodge at Sonoma? Haven't been there, but hear it's really good! ***kim***
It's always my first choice when in Sonoma area. I love their Apricots N' Cream body lotion they sell there.
How about Carnaros for dinner? At the Lodge at Sonoma? Haven't been there, but hear it's really good! ***kim***
Sep 24th, 2004, 02:08 PM
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Since it appears you'll be in the St Helena area on a Friday, you might want to visit their Farmers Market in the morning. It's pretty amazing.
Another option for dinner on Sat night is La Poste in Sonoma. It's a small French Bistro and very good.
Another option for dinner on Sat night is La Poste in Sonoma. It's a small French Bistro and very good.
Sep 24th, 2004, 02:51 PM
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Montyw - Please give suggestions about filling in and expound on "overlap".
We've read that the roads in Sonoma are difficult to drive at night (I assume not well lit?) and to stay close to home for dinner. Is this accurate??
Can anyone answer the airport question? How much time should we plan to get to SFO airport from Agua Caliente early Mon AM? We will have a rental car to drop off. Have e-tickets, and only carry-ons.
We've read that the roads in Sonoma are difficult to drive at night (I assume not well lit?) and to stay close to home for dinner. Is this accurate??
Can anyone answer the airport question? How much time should we plan to get to SFO airport from Agua Caliente early Mon AM? We will have a rental car to drop off. Have e-tickets, and only carry-ons.
Sep 24th, 2004, 04:23 PM
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IMHO I think you have some "overlap"
due to the fact that you are researching the majority of Sonoma county as a future place to live-with that knowledge
you may see the some of the same town/road countryside more than once, but not spend an equal amount of time in in it-yes some "overlap", but not unecessary redundancy considering your "mission".
Now as to your airport question
Mr. R5 travels Hwy 101 to Pt.Richmond (crossing the San Rafael bridge) 5 days a week. The traffic in this corridor is
miserable.To arrive at 8AM he leaves Petaluma at 6:30-6:45. It is not unusual for him to be later if an accident screws things up.If you are continuing on to SFO via 19th Ave./280
I would allow no less than an additional hour. 2.5 hours minimum.
Now, because there are 2 of you, you can
travel in the carpool lane from the
Sonoma/Marin County line (just North of Novato) into Corte Madera (I think)and
that will help your time.
You just never know what's going to happen on the Bay area freeways.
I had 2 clients meeting with me up here
at 10 AM this morning traveling 2 different routes from the south and no one got here until 10:45-in a reverse commute flow.
In addition, Hwy 101 is well-lit,Hwy 12
116,121 are not. I don't know that I would stay home, but because of their
curvy nature in places, I wouldn't drink and drive!
R5
due to the fact that you are researching the majority of Sonoma county as a future place to live-with that knowledge
you may see the some of the same town/road countryside more than once, but not spend an equal amount of time in in it-yes some "overlap", but not unecessary redundancy considering your "mission".
Now as to your airport question
Mr. R5 travels Hwy 101 to Pt.Richmond (crossing the San Rafael bridge) 5 days a week. The traffic in this corridor is
miserable.To arrive at 8AM he leaves Petaluma at 6:30-6:45. It is not unusual for him to be later if an accident screws things up.If you are continuing on to SFO via 19th Ave./280
I would allow no less than an additional hour. 2.5 hours minimum.
Now, because there are 2 of you, you can
travel in the carpool lane from the
Sonoma/Marin County line (just North of Novato) into Corte Madera (I think)and
that will help your time.
You just never know what's going to happen on the Bay area freeways.
I had 2 clients meeting with me up here
at 10 AM this morning traveling 2 different routes from the south and no one got here until 10:45-in a reverse commute flow.
In addition, Hwy 101 is well-lit,Hwy 12
116,121 are not. I don't know that I would stay home, but because of their
curvy nature in places, I wouldn't drink and drive!
R5
Sep 25th, 2004, 11:35 PM
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R5, thanks for the airport info. I never would have guessed 2.5 hours! And I thought Boston traffic was bad!!
We really like Cafe La Haye, and are thinking dinner there with friends Sat as it is close and menu looks great.
That takes our Sunday brunch pick. Can anyone recommend a good place in Sonoma/Glen Ellen for Sunday brunch? We will be heading to Sebastapol from there, and our friends heading back to Sacramento.
One more week - can't wait!! R5, what do you like to drink??
We really like Cafe La Haye, and are thinking dinner there with friends Sat as it is close and menu looks great.
That takes our Sunday brunch pick. Can anyone recommend a good place in Sonoma/Glen Ellen for Sunday brunch? We will be heading to Sebastapol from there, and our friends heading back to Sacramento.
One more week - can't wait!! R5, what do you like to drink??
Sep 26th, 2004, 02:31 AM
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I just found Meritage - menu looks pretty good for brunch. Anyone eaten there?
We are unsure of Domaine Chandon for Sat. AM, as we are already doing a Champagnery (Gloria Ferrer). Can anyone suggest another winery in Napa/Yountville/Oakville/Rutherford?
We will be touring Opus One later that day, so don't want a tour, just a winery with some ambience, architecture, etc. or something unique.
We are unsure of Domaine Chandon for Sat. AM, as we are already doing a Champagnery (Gloria Ferrer). Can anyone suggest another winery in Napa/Yountville/Oakville/Rutherford?
We will be touring Opus One later that day, so don't want a tour, just a winery with some ambience, architecture, etc. or something unique.
Sep 26th, 2004, 01:51 PM
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Yep, it's that bad,especially Monday AM. We have no
mass transit in Marin/Sonoma/Napa
counties (like your "T"-I lived in
the Back Bay for a year, BTW) so it's pretty much HWY 101 or 580/80 to the
City.
Meritage is fabulous-we had lunch there
Sept.2nd-I do believe they moved Labor Day weekend, so do call them first.
Probably on their website.
I can give you (3) of my favorite wineries. There will be no mob scene/gift shop/tour buses/mass picninicking at any of these.
A lovely gem of a winery, beautiful architecture and wine,
Robert Sinskey on the Silverado Trail.
Rombauer, also on the silverado Trail
is equally gorgeous-I LOVE their
Chardonnay.
If you want truly unique architecture and grounds then, on your way over to Napa, off Hwy 12 on Dealy Road-then
Artesa is a MUST.
Websites have all the directions.
R5
mass transit in Marin/Sonoma/Napa
counties (like your "T"-I lived in
the Back Bay for a year, BTW) so it's pretty much HWY 101 or 580/80 to the
City.
Meritage is fabulous-we had lunch there
Sept.2nd-I do believe they moved Labor Day weekend, so do call them first.
Probably on their website.
I can give you (3) of my favorite wineries. There will be no mob scene/gift shop/tour buses/mass picninicking at any of these.
A lovely gem of a winery, beautiful architecture and wine,
Robert Sinskey on the Silverado Trail.
Rombauer, also on the silverado Trail
is equally gorgeous-I LOVE their
Chardonnay.
If you want truly unique architecture and grounds then, on your way over to Napa, off Hwy 12 on Dealy Road-then
Artesa is a MUST.
Websites have all the directions.
R5
Sep 26th, 2004, 02:01 PM
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Strongly agree about Sinsky and Rombauer. Also on Silverado is Joseph Phelps - beautiful setting and there are picnic tables but I think you have to call ahead and reserve one. The tour and tasting is also on a reserved basis.
