guamgirl

What to see, what to avoid???

My hubby is taking me to SF/Napa for my 40th. We fly into SF and drive to Napa. Where to eat that evening: SF or Napa?

We are staying at the Embassy Suites in Napa, it looks nice on the web. Anyone been there?

Which wine tours are best? which are worst?

Any suggestion for an eatery in SF near the airport?

What to wear on the tours??? I'm a casual gal who loves to wear sneakers!

We're thinking of doing a limo or van(group) for the wine tours. Don't wanna drink and drive!

Please help soon.

Thanks to ya'll.

Otis_B_Driftwood

If you are going to do a limo tour of the valley, you may consider taking the airporter service up to Napa. Then, you don't have to rent a car for the next day.

http://www.evanstransportation.com/s...irporter.shtml

The Embassy Suites ia a big place right on the freeway, but it's pretty nice inside. It's one of the best bets in the city of Napa.

The wineries are another 15 to 30 minutes north. The best wineries to visit are the ones that you already like the wines from. If you don't have a favorite and have never been to a winery, probably the first stop should be Robert Mondavi. You'll need reservations there but the tour is first rate. If you have the time, take one of their special, small group tours. See their website.

For sparkling wine, tour Domaine Chandon if it's your first time. If you do the limo tour, they will take you to the best places. Among my favorites are Schramsberg, Hess, Silverado, Chateau Montelena, and Clos Pegase. In the late afternoon, try sipping some Mumm's on their outside patio.

For the tours, wear casual clothes and shoes, you will be tripping over hoses and might need a sweatshirt in the cool cellars.

mwessel

We loved Sterling's wine tasting. You take a sky lift type thing up to the winery which is high atop a hill. Sit out on a shady veranda and sip multiple wines. Nice tour too, self-guided.

Also enjoyed V Sattui. Awesome gift shop and deli. We bought sandwiches, fruit, bread and wine and had a picnic there. Also did wine tasting and saw their cellars.

We were very casual (slacks, nice top, sneakers) when we did wine tastings and it was not a problem.

What an awesome way to spend your 40th!!!!! Enjoy!

ilovetulips

Hi, Went to Northern California several years ago, it is truly a magical place. I really enjoyed the Mondavi tour in Napa. I am a fan of his wine, but the tour is great they take you through the whole process and then you finish in the gardens with wine tasting. We spent the rest of our time in Sonoma County because that is where we stayed. I enjoyed driving around the little roads and coming upon a winery. The atmosphere in Sonoma reminds me more of a family owned and operated business and Napa is more corporate (just my impression). We really liked Ferari-Carrano sp? and they had gorgeous grounds. We also really enjoyed Korbel Champagne. Another really good tour. And I know what you mean about drinking and driving, it doesn't take very long to get a buzz. Anyway so many of the wineries are wonderful so you won't go wrong. Enjoy!

guamgirl

Thanks for the suggestions everyone!

I"m rethinking our accomodations. AT 180-200/night, I think a nice B&B would be better. Any suggestions?

One post on another thread suggested Petit Logis, about the same price. But wonder if I can get reservations for next week.

Other than that, going to do a limo group tour on day two. Day one is arrival in SF (late) and drive to Napa. Where to eat that evening??? It'll be late when we get to Napa, about 9pm.

Day three is possible wine tours in Sonoma, with some local sights.

Day four is drive to SF after check out, sight see, Muir Woods, Golden Gate, maybe the coast, then check in to airport convenient hotel for last night. We have a very early flight out. Ugh!

There are so many tours and restaurants, too many to choose. I know I will love N. CA. I was there once, back in 1990. But TDY in the AF doesn't count for much.

Any suggestions for dinner our last night in SF?

THanks again, Fodors is great! I'm looking forward to some cooler weather, hope it stays moderate in SF.

Paula

Otis_B_Driftwood

If you stay in Yountville, there are restaurnats galore. If you are staying in Napa, dining at 9 may be a challenge depending on the night.

Why not stop in Berkeley? There's the cafe' at Chez Panisse

http://www.chezpanisse.com/reservation.html

Or, if you want something simpler, cheaper, and with a view, try Skates at the Berkeley Marina

http://www.berkeleyhomes.com/neighbo...ey/marina.html

Skates is where we often go with friends that have just flown in. After a long flight, most people don't want to sit down to a serious meal. But, both of the options above would be perfect depending on what you are looking for.

Of course, there are many, many other choices.

mikemo

Sterling Winery is physically very attractive, but their "regular" wines are among the worst in CA, IMHO and I've been an avid wine buyer and drinker for more than 40 years. Sterling's 1972 Merlot, harvested before the deluge, was perhaps their best ever, but the corp squabbles have resulted in downhill quality since.
I would stay in Sonoma County as well - the traffic and hot. prices in Napa are worse than SFO.
Bistro Jeanty in Yountville and Terra in St Helena are VG restaurants.
Ch St Jean and the second story (premium)tasting room @ Beringer are VG - they rebate the tasting prices with a purchase.
Dim Sum before LV SFO @ Yank Sing would be my 1st choice.
Mondavi's tour is VG if you have never been to a winery, but their LaFamilia winery is more interesting and serves "better" wines.
I'll be in NW Portugal and Galicia, SP drinking Alvarinhos/Albarinos next week.
M
PS THe Yountville Inn was nice, but a bit expensive in April '02 - their B'F was great.

guamgirl

Woohooo! That is the second recommendation I've seen for the Dim Sum, it sounds great! Thanks mikemo!

And what a great idea Otis, Skates sounds great. HOw far is it off the path from SFO to Napa? Hubby is already frowning, thinks we should mmake a beeline to Napa from the Airport.... LOL, its a surprise that he's springing for this little treat! Stopping in Berkeley for our dinner after arrival in SF, a wonderful idea!

Being that we will only be in SF/Napa for four nights, I'd like to get the most in seeing the area.

Thanks for all the suggestions, our itinerary is still pending, keep 'um coming!

Paula
I hope to check out some redwoods, and take home some cool souveniers too!

Mikemo, thanks for the tip on Sterling, we don't want to waste time. I think we're going to stick with Napa for this trip. My hubby would be hurt if I tried to change everything. Just pray the traffic isn't too bad, it'll be during the week.

guamgirl

Ok, this is what I plan to do:

Day one: arrive SFO 6pm, dinner at Skates.

DAy two: Organized wine tour with California Wine tours. 10-4. Dinner???

Day three: do some wine tours on our own, Maybe drive to Sonoma or Monterrey . Check out some of the local sights. Drive Hwy 1??? Is Old Faithful close enough for a quick drive? Lunch and Dinner Suggestion welcome.

Day four: check out at noon. Drive to SF, checking out Muir Woods, and the coast. Check in for last night. Dinner at Yank Sing. Are reservations necessary? Is the dress casual? Just planning my packing...

Day five: depart 0700! Ugh.

All good things must come to an end. I just hope I don't love Cali too much or I'll want to move there, and its waaaay too far from friend and family! It'll be a great time, I just know it!

Mikemo, have a great time in Portugal, business or pleasure?
P

loveopera

Dim Sum is served for lunch only. Though I haven't been to Yank Sing for dinner, I second that they have the best dim sum in downtown. I imagine they'll be open for dinner but check first. Another good place would be Slanted Door in the Ferry Building. It's the best Vietnamese restaurant in San Francisco. Not cheap but you get waterfront view, too. Reservation for dinner is a must there. I think they are booked about two-three weeks. Many of the top restaurants in the Bay Area are booked for a few weeks.
Napa and Sonoma would be warm and sunny perfect shorts weather, but it cools off in the evening. In the city of San Francisco, the temperature drops quite a bit from Napa. You can never predict weather. But generally it's cool to cold. So as Monterey. We have natural air conditioning called fog and the wind from Pacific. Bring layers. Sweaters and jackets, be prepared to put on or peel off. Shorts weather is rare. So be prepared. Any restaurant you mentioned here don't need dressing up. Nice sweater and pants would be fine. I wouldn't show up in those places with sweatshirt, though. Have fun. I hope you can see the Golden Gate Bridge. It's been foggy lately.

travelisfun

I just want to say that if you can get a reservation at Petit Logis, you should!!!! We stayed there last month and absolutely loved it--great location, great room, great breakfasts, great! Walking distance to many restaurants and more centrally located in Napa Valley. It's worth a try to see if they have an open room.

guamgirl

Aarg! My husband poo-poo'd my idea for Petit Logis, and it was available. He's not into quaint B&B. Who's birthday is this anyway??? Oh well, I'll just plan the rest of the trip.

Otis: Skates won't work on the arrival. After looking at the map, Berkeley is on the other side of SF, maybe we'll catch it on the way back into SF on Saturday.

Next question: California Wine Tours or Wine Shuttle?????? Anyone had any experience with either? We want to avoid tasting and driving.

I think day two we will go to Sonoma. We really don't have enough time to see everything.

DAy 1: arrive SFO 6:30, rental car. Drive to Napa, find dinner along the way.

Day 2: Napa wine tours. Dinner still up in the air, better make reservations, huh?

Day 3: Sonoma or points East? I'm half tempted to suggest another hotel for this night so we don't have to go back to Napa.

Day 4: make our way back to SF, dinner at Skates or Chez Panisse, or maybe somewhere in the city.

Day 5: Leave very early.

STill lots of holes to fill, any suggestions appreciated.

Last question: Would shorts and nice top be appropriate for the wine tour? Here in Atlanta, we are shorts people 8 months a year!

Thanks to all. P.

PamSF

Given the choice between Skates and Chez Panisse, I'd opt for the Chez. They do serve both lunch and dinner in the cafe upstairs. You can(and should) reserve for both. Upstairs is quite a bit less expensive. They have a a la carte menu or you can choose the set price which is usually three courses(salad, entree and dessert). Right across the street from the Chez is the Cheeseboard. You will be in frommage heaven. You might pick up some great bread(they bake their own) some cheeses and do try their mixed marinated olives. This could be a very good light dinner that last night. Or if you hit Berkeley on the way up to Napa it will be closed. It's a good 1 1/2 hours to Napa so you might save Berkeley for the trip back. I'd reserve in Napa for dinner that first night. Ask your hotel. There are many good restaurants now in downtown Napa which I think is where you will be.

You are too far to drive to Monterey or to see Old Faitful. Check out Sonoma. You might enjoy a walk around the plaza in the town of Sonoma. You could also have spa treatments in the town of Calistoga. Golden Haven has couples treatments, Indian Springs does not. Either would be fine. Indian Springs has a wonderful olympic sized mineral water pool which is yours to use and lounge by if you have a spa treatment. I think if you have a spa treatment you can pay an extra $10 for hubby to use the pool. Good lunch is to be had(casual) at Taylor's Refresher in St Helena or even grab a good sandwich at the Palisades Market in Calistoga and dine by the pool.

If you want an eatery by the airport, we usually meet family there before long trips and eat at Kuletos.

LindaSus

Here's a trip for your return trip to SF from Napa:
Give yourself longer than you think it will take! We drove from napa through Petaluma, to Point Reyes area, visits Muir Woods then to SF. I was planing on getting into SF around 3-4pm and did not make it until 6pm! We left Napa area around 11:15am. The roads are very curvy and the trip took alot lionger than I anticipated! It is VERY beuatiful and would highly recommend it, just give yourself plenty of time to enjoy it!

Some of out favorite wineries in Napa Valley:
--V Sattui-good wine (free tastings, nice picnic area)
--DelDotto--great tour!! barrel tastings in the caves--very unique and informative
--Joseph Phelps--again, a great experience--we did a "wine appreciation" class. Beautiful vineyards and views!! Exquisite wine!
--Chateau Montelena--excellent wine, beautiful grounds!!!
--Sterling--the tram is very cool. Incredible views of the valley

HAVE A GREAT TIME!!!!!!!!!!

coolcamden

OK, here's my suggestion:

You arrive at SFO at 6:30 PM, you get a car and you'd be lucky to get into S.F. in an hour. Almost 40 minutes to get out of the city. If you go 101 N to Napa, try to fight through the North Bay traffic in less than another hour! Nornally, at 3AM on a sunday morning, it takes 1 to get from SF to Napa... it takes significantly longer with traffic. Going to Berkeley for dinner, you'd have to cross the Bay Bridge during traffic hour... Argghhhh.

So a btter paln is to get dinner in S.F. on your first night. Then drive to Napa after the traffic dies down.

Why do the wine tour when you have your own car in Napa? Drive up and down Silverado road and Highway 29. Have lunch at the French Laundry and dinner at Jeanty.

Sonoma is great. Drive to Sonoma on the 3rd day, AND DRIVE ON DOWN TO STAY THE NIGHT IN S.F. Have dinner at the Fifth floor.

Have dim sum for brunch on the fourth day, do S.F. and have dinner at Gary Danko, then you're ready to go home.

You'd be too broke to do anything else, this is a "really" expensive itinerary.

Don't do too much, otherwise all you'll end up seeing will be the great S.F. Bay Area highway traffic.