Trip to San Francisco and Wine Country
Apr 19th, 2004, 01:16 PM
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Trip to San Francisco and Wine Country
Hi all,
I have enjoyed reading all of your posts on San Francisco and Napa and Sonoma Valleys. My husband and I will be heading to California for the first week of June. Below is our tentative itinerary, which incorporates many suggestions from this board!
I would appreciate any additional comments/suggestions you may have.
In addition, what do two twenty-somethings wear while touring wine country? I can't imagine wearing sandals in the vineyards, nor Nikes.
Lastly, we do not care about fancy lodging- we just want clean, convenient rooms and to save our money for the food and wine!
Thanks much in advance!
Day 1) Arrive in SF in the evening. Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf. (Any tips on getting here from the airport? I know there are shuttles but I am confused by BART).
Day 2) 9:30 am tour of Alcatraz, followed by a couple rides on the cable cars. Rent a car and drive to Napa, possibly stopping at Matanzas Creek Winery if time permits. Dinner at Bistro Jeanty in Yountville, lodging at the Wine Valley Lodge in Napa.
Day 3) Mondavi, Plumpjack, Frog's Leap Wineries. Poking around the small towns. Dinner on the wine train. (Do you recommend the regular seating or the "champagne vista" car at an extra $25pp?) Wine Valley Lodge overnight.
Day 4) Schramsberg and Sterling Vineyards. Lunch in Calistoga. Mud baths and massages at the Lavender Hill Spa. Where to have dinner? Terra or Tra Vigne? Lodging at the Golden Haven Spa.
Day 5) Hit any remaining wineries. Drive to Fort Bragg and stay at the Surf and Sand Lodge outside Fort Bragg. Explore parks if time permits.
Day 6) Drive up to Leggett and Humbolt Redwoods State Park. Explore coastal parks. Lodging at the Surf and Sand Lodge.
Day 7) Explore coast, possibly visit Fetzer vineyards, on the way back to San Francisco. Take the Red-Eye flight home.
Thanks again,
Liz
I have enjoyed reading all of your posts on San Francisco and Napa and Sonoma Valleys. My husband and I will be heading to California for the first week of June. Below is our tentative itinerary, which incorporates many suggestions from this board!
I would appreciate any additional comments/suggestions you may have.
In addition, what do two twenty-somethings wear while touring wine country? I can't imagine wearing sandals in the vineyards, nor Nikes.
Lastly, we do not care about fancy lodging- we just want clean, convenient rooms and to save our money for the food and wine!
Thanks much in advance!
Day 1) Arrive in SF in the evening. Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf. (Any tips on getting here from the airport? I know there are shuttles but I am confused by BART).
Day 2) 9:30 am tour of Alcatraz, followed by a couple rides on the cable cars. Rent a car and drive to Napa, possibly stopping at Matanzas Creek Winery if time permits. Dinner at Bistro Jeanty in Yountville, lodging at the Wine Valley Lodge in Napa.
Day 3) Mondavi, Plumpjack, Frog's Leap Wineries. Poking around the small towns. Dinner on the wine train. (Do you recommend the regular seating or the "champagne vista" car at an extra $25pp?) Wine Valley Lodge overnight.
Day 4) Schramsberg and Sterling Vineyards. Lunch in Calistoga. Mud baths and massages at the Lavender Hill Spa. Where to have dinner? Terra or Tra Vigne? Lodging at the Golden Haven Spa.
Day 5) Hit any remaining wineries. Drive to Fort Bragg and stay at the Surf and Sand Lodge outside Fort Bragg. Explore parks if time permits.
Day 6) Drive up to Leggett and Humbolt Redwoods State Park. Explore coastal parks. Lodging at the Surf and Sand Lodge.
Day 7) Explore coast, possibly visit Fetzer vineyards, on the way back to San Francisco. Take the Red-Eye flight home.
Thanks again,
Liz
Apr 19th, 2004, 01:40 PM
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Do not miss Grgich Hills Cellars, where they make some of the finest Chardonnay in the world - it is right on the main road in the Napa Valley.
Mustards Grill is a pretty cool place for lunch, too. Tra Vigne is lovely - it is where my wife THOUGHT I was going to propose to her, but I beat her to the punch and did it when
she got off the plane.
Our favorite restaurant in SF is pretty downscale and lacks ambiance but absolutely AWESOME blow-your-doors-off Hunan cooking - it is Hunan Restaurant, 924 Sansome Street.
Have fun!
Mustards Grill is a pretty cool place for lunch, too. Tra Vigne is lovely - it is where my wife THOUGHT I was going to propose to her, but I beat her to the punch and did it when
she got off the plane.
Our favorite restaurant in SF is pretty downscale and lacks ambiance but absolutely AWESOME blow-your-doors-off Hunan cooking - it is Hunan Restaurant, 924 Sansome Street.
Have fun!
Apr 19th, 2004, 03:19 PM
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Matanzas Creek is probably not a good choice to visit on your way from SF to Napa. It's up near Santa Rosa. You're better off stopping at Viansa, Gloria Ferrer, or Domaine Carneros which are on the way.
Your choice of Bistro Genty is a good one but it is in Yountville a 15 minute trip north of Napa.
Do not expect too much from the Wine Valley Inn. It's a very old property located right next to a major construction project for a new bridge over the river. I'm surprised that it's still open. However, I'm sure the rates are very reasonable.
If you are interested in the fine restaurants that Napa has to offer, I would skip the wine train. If you are more interested in what the tourists do, then it will be fine. Of course, I am biased. Many Napa residents like myself, HATE the wine train.
If you are staying in Calistoga, you should dine there. Wappo is probably the best but there are many others right on the main street.
When you are up in Ft. Bragg, I would remain on the coast and not take a day trip up to Leggett. The mighty redwoods of Humboldt State Park such as the Rockefeller Grove are much further north. There are more than enough fine state parks near Mendocino and Ft. Bragg to occupy your time. And besides, Hwy 1 after it leaves the coast going towards Leggett is not very interesting.
There are also fine redwoods along Hwy 128 and the Narvarro River on the way to Boonville from Mendocino. There are also excellent wineries in Philo so you don't need to go all the way to Fetzer. I would recommend Roederer Estate if you like sparkling wine. They make one of the best.
June can have some very beautiful days on the coast. Nights in Napa can be very cool but Calistoga usually has very balmy nights. You are choosing a good time for your trip and I am sure you will have a great time.
Your choice of Bistro Genty is a good one but it is in Yountville a 15 minute trip north of Napa.
Do not expect too much from the Wine Valley Inn. It's a very old property located right next to a major construction project for a new bridge over the river. I'm surprised that it's still open. However, I'm sure the rates are very reasonable.
If you are interested in the fine restaurants that Napa has to offer, I would skip the wine train. If you are more interested in what the tourists do, then it will be fine. Of course, I am biased. Many Napa residents like myself, HATE the wine train.
If you are staying in Calistoga, you should dine there. Wappo is probably the best but there are many others right on the main street.
When you are up in Ft. Bragg, I would remain on the coast and not take a day trip up to Leggett. The mighty redwoods of Humboldt State Park such as the Rockefeller Grove are much further north. There are more than enough fine state parks near Mendocino and Ft. Bragg to occupy your time. And besides, Hwy 1 after it leaves the coast going towards Leggett is not very interesting.
There are also fine redwoods along Hwy 128 and the Narvarro River on the way to Boonville from Mendocino. There are also excellent wineries in Philo so you don't need to go all the way to Fetzer. I would recommend Roederer Estate if you like sparkling wine. They make one of the best.
June can have some very beautiful days on the coast. Nights in Napa can be very cool but Calistoga usually has very balmy nights. You are choosing a good time for your trip and I am sure you will have a great time.
Apr 19th, 2004, 04:20 PM
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Hi Liz!
What to wear-capri's and slides if it's warm (and you'd be just fine in Nike's,
shorts or sandals-it's a pretty casual
experience. (I'm curious as to why this would surprise you.)You'll most likely spend more time in Tasting Rooms than actual vineyards. I agree about Matanzas
Creek-out of your way-what are you looking for?-perhaps I can suggest an on-the-way-alternate. Skip the wine train and eat at Bouchon,Gordon's,
Don Giovanni (Yountville) or Martini House or Roux (St. Helena).
On your spa day-Lunch at Wappo or the Calistoga Inn or Brannan's-Dinner
@Terra! Your last day I would come down
Hwy 1 and...
A) Take Hwy 128 over to 101
Many wineries along the way on 128 OR
B)Continue down PCH1 and make stops in Elk, Pt. Arena(lighthouse) and Gualala for lunch (Pangea Cafe). Continue on
1 through the Sea Ranch and at Jenner
either hang a left and follow the
Russian River through Duncans Mills,
Guerneville and over to 101 at Santa Rosa or (if your not tired of driving PCH1)
C)continue on and make stops at Goat Rock
Beach, any of the Salmon Creek beaches,
through Bodega Bay, into Pt. Reyes
(Pt. Reyes National Seashore is destination in itself), on down to Stinson Beach and on into Mill Valley
to Hwy 101.
R5
What to wear-capri's and slides if it's warm (and you'd be just fine in Nike's,
shorts or sandals-it's a pretty casual
experience. (I'm curious as to why this would surprise you.)You'll most likely spend more time in Tasting Rooms than actual vineyards. I agree about Matanzas
Creek-out of your way-what are you looking for?-perhaps I can suggest an on-the-way-alternate. Skip the wine train and eat at Bouchon,Gordon's,
Don Giovanni (Yountville) or Martini House or Roux (St. Helena).
On your spa day-Lunch at Wappo or the Calistoga Inn or Brannan's-Dinner
@Terra! Your last day I would come down
Hwy 1 and...
A) Take Hwy 128 over to 101
Many wineries along the way on 128 OR
B)Continue down PCH1 and make stops in Elk, Pt. Arena(lighthouse) and Gualala for lunch (Pangea Cafe). Continue on
1 through the Sea Ranch and at Jenner
either hang a left and follow the
Russian River through Duncans Mills,
Guerneville and over to 101 at Santa Rosa or (if your not tired of driving PCH1)
C)continue on and make stops at Goat Rock
Beach, any of the Salmon Creek beaches,
through Bodega Bay, into Pt. Reyes
(Pt. Reyes National Seashore is destination in itself), on down to Stinson Beach and on into Mill Valley
to Hwy 101.
R5
Apr 19th, 2004, 04:33 PM
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We did a shortened, but similar trip like this last Memorial Day weekend. We took a cab from SFO to the Sheraton, I think it was $40-50. You know there's a car rental office right in the Sheraton?? maybe Hertz? That was very convenient.
Have a fabulous trip!
Have a fabulous trip!
Apr 19th, 2004, 06:09 PM
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We just got back from a 4 day weekend in Napa/Sonoma - check our trip report. If you have detailed questions, just let me know. BART was very easy - follow the signs, ask the lady at the desk and you'll be fine.
Apr 19th, 2004, 07:00 PM
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Hi Liz
BART is easy, as cmeyer posted. Google "Bay Area Rapid Transit" for a tutorial. BART doesn't go near the Wharf though, so you'd need a short cab ride to get you to the Sheraton.
Matanzas Creek is a beautiful winery when the lavender is in bloom in early summer. You may want to phone to see if it's blooming when you get here, otherwise I'd skip it for some of the other recommended wineries.
Sandals will be fine in the vinyards, restaurants, almost anywhere. Bring layers, as it may be cold and foggy in SF. On the other hand, if you're cold, you'll have a good excuse to shop!
Enjoy SF!
BART is easy, as cmeyer posted. Google "Bay Area Rapid Transit" for a tutorial. BART doesn't go near the Wharf though, so you'd need a short cab ride to get you to the Sheraton.
Matanzas Creek is a beautiful winery when the lavender is in bloom in early summer. You may want to phone to see if it's blooming when you get here, otherwise I'd skip it for some of the other recommended wineries.
Sandals will be fine in the vinyards, restaurants, almost anywhere. Bring layers, as it may be cold and foggy in SF. On the other hand, if you're cold, you'll have a good excuse to shop!
Enjoy SF!
Apr 19th, 2004, 07:30 PM
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cmeyer54-- thanks for the trip report! Looks like you had a great time. I will avoid the Oasis Spa. Lavender Hill received good reviews on tripadvisor.com
Yes, I wanted to go to Matanzas Creek because of the lavender. I will definitely call ahead and see if it will be blooming, otherwise we'll skip it.
Thanks again for all of the posts. I really appreciate all of your ideas!
Yes, I wanted to go to Matanzas Creek because of the lavender. I will definitely call ahead and see if it will be blooming, otherwise we'll skip it.
Thanks again for all of the posts. I really appreciate all of your ideas!
Apr 19th, 2004, 07:38 PM
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there are several ways to see the wineries. If its your first visit, you'll probably want to see the bigger places like Sterling, Mondavi, Coppola. We hit some smaller places like Benzinger thru serendipity loved it. also - check our Ferrari for gorgeous scenery. One our limo driver suggested and we really liked was goose cross - chiminey rock was great. We skipped Opus - $25 for a taste and it seemed like a lot of folks went there for the sake of saying 'we went to opus'. Duckhorn was the absolute best for a full starter with personalized service and good info on the wine. Its right by Calistoga so you could stop there after the mudbath....be ready for those!! Both of our guys are in very good physical shape - run, triathletes, etc and their hearts were pounding after about 10 minutes due to the heat and pressure of the mud. you might also want to take your own shampoo and soap - the spa's might be a little perfume-y for your hubby.
Apr 19th, 2004, 07:47 PM
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just a little FYI:
Lavender Hill is not a traditional
"thick mud" bath like Oasis-it is a much refined, toned down ash and sea salt bath. Very lovely, just not really a mud bath. I think hubby will love it!
R5
Lavender Hill is not a traditional
"thick mud" bath like Oasis-it is a much refined, toned down ash and sea salt bath. Very lovely, just not really a mud bath. I think hubby will love it!
R5
Apr 22nd, 2004, 07:21 PM
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All good advice. We went on a "guided" tour with California Wine Tours in a limo. Driver didn't give any information and the service was misleading. They didn't make it clear the tip was included. The brochure said the included lunch - which really meant, we will stop for lunch and you will pay for it. Every place they stopped was short and involved extra charges, or it was a tourist trap!
Apr 22nd, 2004, 08:43 PM
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Wunnerful! Wunnerful!
You have gotten some GREAT advice on this thread! I'm saving meself for further trips.
razzledazzle is one of my favoritest tour guides for that part of the country. You can't go wrong with her advice.
The others aren't too far behind. Avoid California Wine Tours.
Enjoy the wine country! Raising my glass of La Crema Chardonnay to you! (Don:t recommend you visit their winery, a bit out of the way, but the chardonnay is very good). razzledazzle has also advised getting the wine at the local Safeway's or Trader Joe's (?), better prices.
Enjoy! Enjoy!
You have gotten some GREAT advice on this thread! I'm saving meself for further trips.
razzledazzle is one of my favoritest tour guides for that part of the country. You can't go wrong with her advice.
The others aren't too far behind. Avoid California Wine Tours.
Enjoy the wine country! Raising my glass of La Crema Chardonnay to you! (Don:t recommend you visit their winery, a bit out of the way, but the chardonnay is very good). razzledazzle has also advised getting the wine at the local Safeway's or Trader Joe's (?), better prices.
Enjoy! Enjoy!
Apr 22nd, 2004, 10:08 PM
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Please skip the Wine Train. It is way overpriced, mediocre food, and goes absolutely nowhere! You ride at a snails pace looking out at nothing, it stops for 30 minutes, and then heads back. With so many wonderful restaurants in the Napa/Sonoma area, it is a crime to spend big bucks on such a tourist trap!
