Napa in October -- Too crowded too bother?
 

Hi all,

I'm planning a day trip to wine country on a Thursday in early October. I've never been and am trying to decide where to go. I'm wondering if it's crazy to try to do some of Napa and some of Sonoma in one day, and also I read in some other posts that Napa is a parking lot in October. Does this apply to weekdays or just weekends? I would like to get one of the recommended tours in (Mondavi?), a picnic lunch, nice dinner, and maybe three or four other wineries in between. Help please!! Thanks :-D

I would choose either Napa or Sonoma for one day or you will be doing a lot of driving and quick trips into wineries. I would rather spend a little more time in one place...

In Napa area, try V. Sattui for supplies for a great picnic lunch. Tra Vigne is one of our favorite restaurants (Italian). Also, if you are looking for a smaller vineyard with some great wines, Cakebread Cellars--tastings require an appointment, if I remember correctly.

In Sonoma, I always recommend J Vineyards--lovely sparkling wines and wine and food pairings available.

Have fun and drive safely!

How fun..great time of year. Weekdays are the best. To get the best of both I would stay in Sonoma and go wine tasting in Napa only about 30 min drive away. Sonoma has a town square that you can walk around at night and have dinner there. Cafe La Haye is one of my favorites in Sonoma (make reservations early). Swiss Hotel is a good stand-by for dinner and Depot Inn.

Thank you both for your input! I was thinking about Tra Vigne but got scared off by the user reviews. I thought Celadon might sound good. I'm looking for something classy and romantic but not stuffy, and preferably something without a fixed price menu.

In Sonoma: The Girl & the Fig, Cafe La Haye, Swiss Hotel are all very good. I used to recommend the General's Daughter, but have heard it has gone downhill the past year or so.

In St. Helena: Terra is very nice and I'm also a big fan of Tra Vigne! I just love the excitement there and the nice large dining room. Food and service has also been excellent each time we dine there. Bon appetit! ***kim***

The restaurant at Domaine Chandon has recently been renovated and reviewed as romantic. There's an extensive menu.

But if you want the charm of a small French bistro, head to Bistro Jeanty in Yountville. Ask for a table in the back room.

Celadon is just what you are looking for. They post their menus on the website, if you are curious.

The restaurant section Fodors.com has reviews of this and most of the other restaurants people are recommending here. It's worth checking out. Also put the restaurant name into the search box and see what other posters have said.