I'm confused and would appreciate any clarification you guys can provide!

I am planning a weekend in Sonoma for some college girlfriends in June. I booked a cottage at the Lodge at Sonoma, which is near the square. Now, though, I'm hearing about Healdsburg and their plaza. I'm confused as to which is better, and near the best wineries. Help!

This is a good delima to have. I have stayed at the Lodge 4 times and it's always a great expeience. I like the fact you have 5-10 restaurants (and a grocery) all within a mile or two so you have choices for dinner after that long day of sampling wines.

I have not stayed in heldsburg but I do like the wineries up there in the Russian River Valley.

Again, you can't lose in this situation. Enjoy your trip!

I live in Sonoma County. I wouldn't change reservations. Both towns are charming. Healdsburg has had a lot of buzz the last few years due to revitalization. You can take a beautiful circle drive to Sonoma through Napa/Calistoga and come back through the Valley of the Moon. Both areas are maxed out with great wineries!

I meant to say "circle drive to Healdsburg" from Sonoma. Sorry

Thanks for the reassurance! Especially since I just finished researching lodging in Healdsburg and there don't appear to be any options as good as the Lodge at Sonoma.

We're thinking of getting a van/limo for Saturday wine tasting. Based on this, it sounds like we could pretty easily go up to wineries in Healdsburg/Russian River Valley and back?

The Hotel Healdsburg is very nice! www.hotelhealdsburg.com ***kim***

I had my bridal shower at the Healdsburg Inn, which is gorgeous, and I love the area...esp. the wineries (we were married at Trentadue winery-a wonderful location)...BUT for your situation I think you need more to choose from. Sonoma offers that, I think. Either way, have a wonderful time in a wonderful town-I miss them both.

Hi Jonesey
I agree with weimer-You'll be just fine at the Lodge-their
casitas are lovely ! We stayed there in September and got to enjoy their spa as well. I think a visit to Healdsburg via limo for winetasting is a great idea.
Welcome to Sonoma !
R5

Here's a link that will give you some ideas and recommended day trips. Click on the "Day Trip Maps & Travelogues" tab.
http://www.visitwineroad.com/index.htm

From Healdsburg, you could head up Dry Creek Road and down West Dry Creek Road (Trip #2). Lots of great places to taste. Don't miss A. Rafanelli. The best I've tasted in the area. You have to make a reservation, but it's worth it. Trip #5 has some nice wineries as you head down Westside Road from Healdsburg. Pezzi King has their tasting room in Madrona Manor. Their zins will knock your socks off.