I'm still planning my trip to San Francisco and Sonoma Valley. I'm now thinking about stopping by Muir Woods on my way to Sonoma. I didn't realize how close we'd be, and I think it would be amazing to see. My question is timing. Our flight arrives at SFO at 12:30 on a Wed, we're picking up a rental car, and then driving out of the city. If we arrive at Muir Woods in the middle of the afternoon, how bad exactly will parking be? I was planning on spending about an hour there (does that sound ok?), but will it take that long to find a parking spot?

Another question I have is about the tour at Benziger. I'd really like to take this tour, and I've heard that tickets sell out fairly quickly. Is it usually very busy during the weekdays in Sept as well? If we arrive first thing in the morning, should we have a problem?

Also, is there anywhere that we could participate in a grape stomp? I’ve always wanted to do one ever since seeing that episode of “I Love Lucy”. It just looks like so much fun! We’ll be there Wed, Sept 20-Friday, Sept 22.

Last question, I really appreciate all of the valuable information I've found on this board. I've made notes of many of the recommended wineries to visit. But is there some sort of comprehensive list of all the Sonoma Valley area wineries with reviews? I've found lists, but they don't seem to have ratings or reviews on the wines themselves.

Thanks so much!

Check out this website for wineries (courtesy of Paula1470, she gave me the URL)

http://inetours.com/PagesWT/Wine_Trails.html

keep clicking on the "wine trail guides" column

Thanks, FainaAgain. That's a great link. The only thing is, we're pretty much going to stay in the Sonoma Valley and Carneros region. I could be missing it, but I didn't see a link that had information on those wineries. That's exactly the kind of information I looking for though!

Anyone else have any advice?

I promise this is the last post

Carneros (on the same link above)

http://inetours.com/PagesWT/WTareas/Carneros.html

and also Bezinger (on the same link above)

http://inetours.com/PagesWT/WTareas/Glen_Ellen.html

yellowjacket.

Are you aware that September is the beginning of grape crush season. That is usually one of the most busy times for the wine country. If you possibly can, get reservations for your Benziger tour ASAP. Can you do it online?

As for lists of the Sonoma Valley wineries try the Sonoma Valley Visitor's Bureau. I think it is svvb.com, but if not you can google it. I know they have wine maps and lists of the wineries, but probably not reviews. If you want a little history, go to the little historic Buena Vista Winery, a mile or so east of the town of Sonoma. That is where the Hungarian count Harazsthy brought the first European wine grape cuttings to California. It is charming.

Kunde winery, which is north of Benziger on Highway 12 has tunnels in the limestone hill to store and age its wine barrels. It was built with the same technology that built the Chunnel between England and France, and at the end has a banquet table with a lighted stained glass "window".

Thanks for the links, FainaAgain. Great info!

JTRandolph, I'm actually looking forward to being there during the crush season, but not looking forward to the crowds! I keep thinking that since we'll be there in the middle of the week that the crowds won't be bad. But that's probably just wishful thinking! I've actually seen the Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau website. It's great, and I actually found our B&B on there. And we're interested in visiting both Buena Vista and Kunde. Thanks!

Does anyone else know anything about Muir Woods or have any other tips?

bump. (am i allowed to bump my own post?)

Hi yellowjacket. I have been to Muir Woods. We headed out there in the morning and it wasn't too crowded, but it got more crowded as the morning wore on. It is a little challenging to find because you drive down a 2 lane winding road and the sign seemed kind of small ( this was back in 1998). I will say that it is so awesome and I think you will rush yourself in this beautiful place with only 1 hour. I would recommend giving yourself at least 30 minutes to find it after passing the Golden GAte Bridge and plan to spend 2.5 hours there, you won't regret it.

ilovetulips, Thanks for the tips. I would love to spend more time there. I'm keeping my itinerary pretty flexible, so if I'd like, I can stay longer. The problem is there is so much I'd like to see and I won't have enough time. I'm already planning on second trip to the area!

I have been following this post as we too are going to Napa/Sonoma this fall. jtrandolph, you are very knowledgeable about the area - can you give me an idea of how long it will take us to drive from San Fran to Napa on a saturday in October (10/21)?
Thanks to all and I hope it is not considered rude to jump onto someone elses post with a related question.

boruboru-
I live in Sonoma County so I'll jump in-
From SF to Napa(town of) will take you about an hour - hour and a half on a Saturday. Are you traveling via the Bay Bridge or the Golden Gate ?

R5

Thanks for jumping in! All of the directions tell us to take the Bay Bridge to I-80. We are staying in the town on Napa (would prefer Sonoma, but couldnt find anything available, even way above our budget!). I am also wondering if it is reasonable to try to do a few wineries in Napa and a few in Sonoma? Should we dedicate one day to each? This seems most logical to me as we have saturday and sunday and fly out monday.

Hmmm....from San Francisco I prefer to go to Napa via Golden Gate Bridge, 101-37-and 121. East Bay traffic can be horrific and the one I gave you is a prettier drive. I notice that some of the software programs give the 880 route. I just prefer the other.

For lodging in Sonoma did you try El Pueblo Inn? Their "adobe rooms" were quite reasonable the last time we stayed there, and breakfast is included...(make your own waffles). They have a pool and attractive gardents.

I agree with jt that the 101/37/121/12
route is more scenic (by far!) I would however check with Infineon Raceway to inquire if there is a race your weekend.

Some kind of a race is happening Oct.21-22, per there web site, not a big ticket event such as NASCAR, but some event. If this race is at all likely to draw crowds,the intersection of Hwy 37 & 121 ( where Infineon is)is NOT where you want to be-give them a call at 1-800-870-RACE, 8A-5P PDT.

If you do go via Hwy 37/121 you'd be able to stop at a few wineries in the area of Sonoma town prior to driving to
Napa.

R5

Thanks to both of you for the travel tips, I will definately check it out before leaving on sat. morning. I will also check out the el peublo inn to see about availability this late in the process. I will keep you posted. Right now we will try to see Domaine Chandon, Peju, Cakebread, Chateau St.Jean and hopefully Kunde. We are still in the organizational stage so this is subject to many changes and input is always welcome!

Oh, Kunde sounds like a great place. I love their Chard.

Oh, yes, Kunde.

They originally only had vineyards, but now have their own winery.

Ask for the tour which takes you into the limestone caves in the mountain.

I grew up in the Sonoma Valley and went to high school with the daughter of the Kunde family.

Kunde sounds great, we are getting really excited for the trip now, only 3 more weeks! I would love some advice about Sushi in The City. My husband does not partake, but maybe I will sneak off for lunch on friday. We are staying at the Argent (about 3 blocks from Union Square per their website) I am willing to walk anywhere for good, fresh suhsi!