Napa?
 

Coming to CA from the east coast, first time. Is Napa a good place to stay on its own, with dining and entertainment, or should we stay in SF and come to wine country for a day trip? Looking to stay 7-10 days. Thanks in advance!

I'm no expert, but I could easily spend three days in Sonoma, two days in Napa, and a couple of days in Mendocino just looking at scenery without ever tasting a drop of wine.

The only circumstance in which a one day excursion would be worth it to me would be a tour of high end wineries that I couldn't easily get into on my own.

But any time is better than no time!

Yeah, it's hard to answer without knowing how into wine you are. We just spent 10 days divided between St. Helena (in Napa), Booneville (near Mendocino) and Healdsburg (in Sonoma), driving around, walking in towns and among redwoods, and tasting a LOT of wine. Dining options abound. But again, maybe you just want a quick dip into wine country? I'd suggest a couple of nights in that case. If you've never been to SF, you must spend at least a few days there.

I'd be bored silly after 3 days of wine tasting (actually after 1 - I'm being generous) but the area north of San Francisco is fabulous if you're looking for a combination of charming little towns, scenery/nature and wine and great food. Why not split it up differently - maybe 3 days in San Francisco and the rest north of the city?

I agree with sf7307. A day or two of wine tasting is enough for us. If you have never been to SF, then spend some time in the City.

with 7-10 days, I would definitely do at least 2-3 nights in San Francisco, one of the most amazing cities anywhere. I would spend the rest of the time exploring Napa, Sonoma, and the coast. Healdsburg would be one of my choices for a town to stay at in wine country.

What time of year are you going?

Hopefully not within the next few weeks. Currently they are having serious flooding.

'The best time to visit Napa is September through November or March through May. Napa's peak tourist season corresponds with the region's harvest season (August through October). During this busy time, expect high prices for everything, including food, accommodations and wine tours.'

DH and I went in December one year and loved it, it was very quiet no crowds, some light rain, some beautiful sunny but cools days. But the vines are cut back and barren.