Jeangail

I was in Napa for 2 days this past October as part of a girls weekend away which included a night in San Francisco. I loved Napa but didn't get to venture out of the immediate area due to time constraints. I will be returning to CA this summer with my husband and want to spend 2 nights again in the wine country. Napa seems like a safe bet since I already know how nice it is, but I am wondering if I should stay in Sonoma this time to experience something different. I have Marriott points which I can use at the Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma. I know there has been discussion in the past re. the Sonoma vs. Napa decision but would like some feedback from people who have stayed in both places or have strong feelings one way or the other. Any opinions on this particular hotel would be appreciated as well. I'm sure I can't go too wrong but since I'm planning well in advance I want to explore all options. When I went in Oct. many hotels were already booked so I didn't have as many choices as I have now. I will also be there during the week when crowds will be lighter.

beanweb24

We went to Napa over Memorial Day and Sonoma over the holidays...we much preferred Sonoma (particularly in terms of scenery and fewer crowds). Our favorite time this trip was driving the Dry Creek loop. We loved the tasting in the wine caves at Bella, were sorry Preston was closed, and had a fantastic visit with tiny (and nearly unmarked) Hawley. Loved the zins at Wilson.

kleroux

I certainly agree that the Healdsburg area is beautiful (this is where Dry Creek is located), with wonderful wineries and restaurants. Remember that there is the town of Sonoma, in the county of Sonoma. If you stay in Sonoma, where you said you have hotel points, you will need to drive North for at least an hour to get to Healdsburg. There are lovely wineries and restaurants in the Valley of the Moon, which is where the town of Sonoma is located. I don't know anything about the Renaissance Lodge, but I'm sure someone will post something.

raceloughren

I would vote for Sonoma. We go to CA wine country every year for our anniversary and after going to Sonoma for several years, decided to give Napa a try last year. We are going back to Sonoma this year. Napa was nice but much more crowded (a lot of tour groups) and we spent SO much more money in tasting fees. We've stayed in the town of Sonoma and Healdsburg and really liked both. You can't go wrong either way. We really liked the wines at B.R. Cohn and the art gallery at Imagery is very interesting north of Sonoma. If you make it to the Dry Creek Valley definitely check out the Zins at A.Rafanelli.

Jeangail

Thanks for all the replies so far. Sounds like there are no bad choices so I'm leaning towards Sonoma but still keeping my options open.

bill_boy

SONAPA !

heatherfife

I have lived in San Francisco for 10 years and visit the wine country at least 2 x per year. Usually went to Sonoma as Napa is a little too corporate for me, but great as an introduction to the area since all the big labels are represented. That being said, my husband and I just last year started going to the Russian River wine area which has been mentioned by other posters as northern Sonoma/Healdsburg area. I would absolutely hands down recommend a stay in Healdsburg and putter around the wineries here. Someone mentioned Bella which is absolutely amazing - wine and atmosphere. There are few crowds, quiet bucolic country roads, much to recommend. Hop Kiln is cool for the actual building, also, a new winery just opened 6 months ago near that called Arista - gorgeous property, excellent wine - nice people. You won't be disappointed. My only <minor> compliant is with the food - and I know this is going to cause a controversy! But living in SF, the food doesn't get any better than here. I guess I am just a snob that way! If you're not spoiled like we are, the food in wine country will be awesome. Especially the more you drink <wink>

tcfwine

If you visit Napa, be sure to make an appointment to visit Lewelling Vineyards in St. Helena. Dave Wight, the winemaker at Lewelling, is a great host and it was the highlight of our recent napa trip.

bill_boy

Good recommendation, Lewelling.

Their cabs are terrific, worth the sub-&50 prices and consistently good in every vintage. Dave Wight is very nice, knowledgeable and accomodating.

tcfwine

Yup. It's a hidden gem of Napa Valley. The wines are truly excellent and a great value, especially for Napa Valley cabernet.

For anyone considering a visit, you have to make an appointment:

http://www.lewellingvineyards.com/index.shtml

weimer

We always stay at the lodge when we visit wine country. It is wasy access to Sonoma winieies and if you need to do Napa, there is a mountain pass about 5 miles north of the hotel. I also believe Sonoma is more friendly than napa but i do have my favorites in both valleys.

Be sure to book one of the bungalow rooms at the Lodge

abhodges

If you end up returning to Napa this Summer be sure to check the website for the Mondavi Winery...... they have a great summer concert series every year!

abhodges

Rodney Strong Vineyards (in Sonoma) has a great Summer Concert series as well so, check their website too!

Jeangail

Thank you for all your suggestions; I am taking good notes. I did book the Renaissance Lodge at Sonoma using my Marriott points. I have time to make a change if I decide on another location. Hopefully it's not too out of the way. Any good restaurant suggestions? Last trip I ate at Redd in Yountville and loved it.

tlucey

Jeangail, I would recommend any of the following places to dine in Healdsburg, Cyrus, http://www.cyrusrestaurant.com/ We did the tasting menu and paired it with the wine they suggested. However, either come starving or select maybe the 3 or 5 course menu. We did the 7 course which ended up being 11-12 with all the other little things the chef brought out...wow...food was good, but I would have been happier chosing the 5 course.
Dry Creek Kitchen which is Charlie Palmers restaurant, http://www.charliepalmer.com/dry_creek/home.html. The duck is amazing! We've also dined at Bistro Ralph, Ravenous and Madrona Manor, http://www.madronamanor.com/ Madrona Manor is very romantic and the service was great.

kleroux

Wonderful place for a simple lunch (or dinner) is Charcuiterie (sp?) right on the square in Hbg. Great salads and daily specials. A favorite of the locals. Also try Willies Wine Bar... small plates, mostly fish, tapas sort of restaurant.

LucieV

Napa=Hollywood movie
Sonoma=indie film

(sort of!) (Not meant to be a criticism either way, btw.)

beanweb24

Another vote for Dry Creek Kitchen. The ahi tuna appetizer is fantastic.

LLindaC

another vote for Willi's! And if you get to Geyserville, Santi's.

napamatt

Sonoma has the advantage of being quite large with a number of distinct geographic areas. However for sheer breadth of accomodation, food, and winery experiences in a tight geographic location it can't touch Napa. However if your touring is limited to Highway 29 in Napa, everything will seem very busy and crowded, if you take the time and trouble to research some alternatives and get of the beaten path, you will have some amazing experiences in Napa.

It was all summed up best for me when I visited Kunde a number of years ago, the excellent staff member commented when I said I came from Napa that Npaa was where they made autoparts. For me that has always been a feature of Sonoma, a big chip on the shoulder, Napa tends to be more confident in its position. The guy in question later became one of my staff (at a Sonoma winery I run) and recently passed away to everyone's sadness.
I have a commercial foot in both counties, but live in Napa, and hate to hear it dismissed so easily.
Hands down the best tour anywhere is that at Robert Mondavi Winery, and the summer concerts are brilliant.