Best time to visit wine country?
 

We've never been to Napa/Sonoma and would like to visit the area in 2007. April is a possibility, but is there a best time to go? We were thinking about 7-10 days, including a few days in San Francisco. Any advice would be appreciated.

HenryR:
I was there first week of June and it was great, the weather was great not too hot/cold days were all clear, and best of all not too crowded. I am not sure what you mean by best time? are you referring weather, less people or low season? I looked around a lot before I went and I honestly think we made a great decision as far as time to be there. We were there for 12 days and I have to admit it did get a little cold but we did not see one cloudy day. Hope this helps have fun.
p.s. I did a trip report if you want to take a look.

We went to Sonoma in December last year, in icy temps and pouring rain and mudslides. And we loved it. The staff at Benziger gave us all wool blankets and took us on a tractor tour of their vineyard. It would have been nice if it were a little warmer but honestly, even if you hit bad weather, don't worry -- you'll still love it! :)

Each season has a lot to offer but for grape viewing - early September and the weather is very very good. We were just there for a private tour at Lancaster Winery. Nothing on the vines but a great tour with a "library" tasting - no crowds to push and shove to the counter. We had lovely couches to sit on and 4 wines poured for us to taste - very civilized....We also prefer the Sonoma side for wineries - up toward Healdsburg which in itself is a lovely little town with - dry creek area and Anderson Valley.

Napa tends to be a bit touristy... we here in Sonoma think we're more serious about wine. Any time of year brings its own pleasures. When school is out, there are more tourists. In Jan/Feb is cold and rainy and you'll have the area to yourself. Sonoma is both a town and the name of the county. Healdsburg is in Sonoma County. Lots of places to stay, and VERY good food!
Check out Madrona Mannor, Dry Creek Kitchen, Cyrus Restaurant. For different places to stay check out www.HealdsburgRentals.com, and Hotel Healdsburg. You should make reservations as soon as you decide when you're coming, in order to have the most choice.

we went towards the end of april a couple years ago. the weather was gorgeous, low 70s during the day and cooling off at night. try to hit napa during the week, we were virtually alone in tasting rooms on wednesday and thursday. by friday afternoon, the bars were 6 deep with people. went over to healdsburg area on saturday and it was still pretty crowded but not as bad as napa on a weekend.

Thanks for the information. In terms of best time, I meant for the scenery and weather. Sorry, I should have been more specific. Also, am I better off staying in one hotel during the length of my stay and driving to various areas, or changing hotels?

You could pick one location and use that as a base. But if I were you, I'd pick either Sonoma or Napa counties and then visit the area around that. From Healdsburg to the town of Napa its a good hour and a half..depending on traffic and the road you choose. That doesn't count wineries you'd like to stop at along the way. Wine tasting is hard work (!)... they don't open until around 10 am and close between 4-5. You'll need time for lunch. Usually 4 tasting rooms is pretty much max for the day, I think. You have to drive to the ones you want to see/taste. There are LOTS of wineries in both counties... you have to choose which ones to visit, and still leave time for shopping, sight seeing and enjoying the area and the beautiful landscape around here.

April through October are the best months for scenery and weather. Mid-week is best for avoiding crowds and traffic. September and October are the highest season months - the most popular. This is during the harvest and the weather is gorgeous. However, weather can be unpredictable. Some people really enjoy January and February, but the vines are bare and it is colc, cold, cold. I am referring to Napa.

We did Sonoma (Russian River area) in June of 05. The weather was perfect. If you can handle a cabin nestled in the redwoods, I reccommend www.springhillcabin.com We're going again this year and staying a little longer. It's a slice of heaven.

we've driven through napa and sonoma at thanksgiving time and the colors and crisp air and warm late afternoon sunlight was just beyond beautiful.

Dear Henry,
I've done a lot of driving on the back roads of both Sonoma and Napa counties. April, if we have our usual winter rains, is a lovely time for scenery - it's all green and you could see some meadows full of wild iris and poppies.

The Dry Creek region someone suggested above is a great drive. If you continue west after going through the wine area, Dry Creek Road turns into Skaggs Springs / Stewarts Point Road and will take you (eventually) to the coast. Slow, twisty driving but very scenic.

Thank you all again. It sounds like San Francisco on the weekend and wine country mid week is the way to go. I'm starting to research wineries and hotels, but any suggestions are always appreciated. I'm looking for an upscale hotel/resort.

We visited Napa/Sonoma the first week of this past November. The weather was perfect, and the colors of the vineyards were beautiful. Loved staying in Calistoga (Cottage Grove Inn) and Occidental (Inn at Occidental). Also, loved the Inn Above Tides in Sausalito (queen deluxe room).

Check out Hotel Healdsburg or The Mars Hotel...possibly Madrona Manor... all in Healdsburg.....or the Vintners Inn in North Santa Rosa.. www.vintnersinn.com