Will be in SF & Napa Valley in June.Would like some suggestions on must see things to do. Already have tickets to Alcatraz. Maybe some suggestions for off the regular tourist stuff.Which winery would be good to tour. Is the Winchester House worth the trip to San Jose? TKS

When you are in Napa make sure to call and make reservations for at least one tour at a smaller winery. You might get a private tour, or special tastings if you do this, even though most of the vineyards are open for tours and tastings anytime. we made an appointment when we went to Stags Leap and got a private tour with the head winemaker's son, and were able to taste at least 3 different wines that were not open for the regular tastings. You also might want to reserve a picnic area at Chateau Montelena, although this needs to be at least a few weeks in advance. They have two lovely gazebos, a great place for a picnic.

The Winchester House is moderately entertaining, but I would only go if you were going to San Jose for some other purpose. There must be many more interesting things to do in San Francisco.

My choices - rollerblading thru Golden Gate Park, a walk and a meal in China Town, a meal in North Beach, a hike up to Coit Tower. Walk from Fishermans Wharf to Pier 39 for view, and shopping. In Napa, I like the Beringer Tour, and grabbing picnic stuff a V. Sattui (theres a deli across the street). If you can get in, theres a Culinary Institute of America campus in Napa for a great meal as well. The Exploratorium is pretty fun as well.

June is a great time to visit the Bay Area. If you're into sports, check out a Giants game, this is their last year in Candlestick Park. Shopping in the Union Square area is a good as it gets. If you're already going to Alcatraz, look into a ferry ride to Sausalito. It's a nice little town just north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Mostly, enjoy the unique attractions that S.F. has to offer - cable cars, Lombard Road, BART. Take a jaunt into Berkeley for a slice of Blondie's pizza off Telegraph Rd., it's worth the trip. San Jose has much more to offer than Winchester House. Not worth the trip if that's all you intend to do. Make sure to bring an empty suitcase for all the souvenirs.

Another stop when in the Napa area is the Square in Sonoma. Nice strolling around a lovely square. Good restaurants to choose from. Old book store (Chanticleer)(spelling?) ; antique shops; Pricey dress shop (Champagne Taste); British Pub & Store serves teriffic Irish Stew and has entertainment in evenings; really good Italian Restaurants. Sonoma Mission Inn for Spa Tx....ohhhhhh such a nice spot for a vacation!

The Winchester Mystery House is definitely NOT worth a trip to San Jose. There's a lot to see in the South Bay, but I think you will be happier sticking to Napa and San Francisco. There are two wineries in the Napa Valley I would highly recommend--V. Sattui and Schraumsburg. V. Sattui because there wines are relatively inexpensive and distinctive (and accessible, meaning most people like them). The place is a zoo on the weekend, but their Gamay Rouge is definitely worth purchasing to save for the perfect romantic picnic. Their wines are only sold in the winery. Schraumsburg is a totally different experience. You must call at least the day before to register for a tour. The tour is very personalized, but the best is the optional tasting at the end. For $7.00 you get to sit in this very elegant mahogany tasting room, and you get three full glasses of sparkling wine. It's very good (served at presidential dinners) and affordable ($20.00 or so a bottle). Stock up for the millenium!

We rented a car, drove up Rt One through Muir Beach, Stinson Beach, Pt. Reyes, absolutely gorgeous country. Planned this to end up in Sonoma (Healdsburg) for an overnight. Visited many wonderful wineries. The country is quite lovely. Not as flat and (rather uninspiring) as Napa. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. We took the Sausilito Ferry from Pier One -- not overcrowded like the ferries from Fishermans' Waarf, but you have to visit there, too, just to see the sea lions. Ride the trolley car to/from Union Square. It's hokey and touristy but how often do you get the chance? Golden Gate park is lovely, especially if the weather in nice. The arboreatum is special. Expect to walk a lot! I had shin splints after the first day. Take one of the refurbished street cars up to Noe Valley and back. The public transportation is so wonderful, you'll be glad you don't have a car with you.

Visit Sausalito. Have bouillabaise at the Seven Seas. Don't eat the day before.