Yes. It is like picking your favorite child.

I agree -- either is fine. <i>Most</i>, but by no means all, locals (meaning Northern Californians) prefer Sonoma. But Napa is perfectly fine. (Generally more crowded because it is more 'famous')

And there is a big (huge) difference between Sonoma <i>County</i> and 'Sonoma'. Gualala and Sea Ranch are 100 miles/2.5 hours from Sonoma.

Napa is "perfectly fine", eh? Good to know that a valley that produces some of the world's most acclaimed wines, year after year, gets janisj's tepid approval!

<i>I agree -- either is fine. </I>

Agreed.

<i>Most, but by no means all, locals (meaning Northern Californians) prefer Sonoma. </I>

I suspect you are extrapolating from your own opinion and assigning it to others without basis. And even if true, that statement conflicts a fair bit with the rest of your post.

<i>Generally more crowded because it is more 'famous'</I>

Aside from a handful of ultra-popular wineries (of which there are some in Sonoma, as well), crowds are simply not a huge issue in Napa. I'be certainly been in some crowded tasting rooms in Napa, but I've also been to some in Sonoma as well. In general, though, I simply don't find crowds to be much of a problem. I would also note that even at some of the more popular wineries, staffing levels are often pretty high, such that you still get pretty much a one-to-one experience.

As for Napa being more 'famous'... Well, nobody that is remotely familiar with wine would have that opinion. Saying that Napa is more 'famous' than Sonoma, while probably technically true, is really picking flies out of horse manure.

Moreover, Sonoma receives roughly twice as many visitors each year as Napa, Sonoma generates roughly double the tourism revenue of Napa, and Sonoma even has higher occupancy rates than Napa. Less 'famous' or not, Sonoma is simply not the undiscovered idyll that it is routinely misrepresented to be on this board. And Napa is not the overly crowded, overly commercial counterpoint it is misrepresented to be on this board either.

>>crowds are simply not a huge issue in Napa. <<

I'm not talking about crowded tasting rooms actually (especially since many of the best require reservations) . I'm talking about the <u>serious</u> traffic along Hwy 29 which is a bear especially on weekends.

OK travelgormet, but most inquiries here are for just for an enjoyable, fun time winetasting and probably don't give a rat's a&$ about the minute details of which area is better. I am sleepy and going to take a nap.

<i>OK travelgormet, but most inquiries here are for just for an enjoyable, fun time winetasting and probably don't give a rat's a&$ about the minute details of which area is better. I am sleepy and going to take a nap.</I>

Yes, most inquiries are for an enjoyable, fun time wine tasting. That is why I don't understand why every question about Napa is met with "Sonoma is better than Napa". Heck, in this case, the OP asked specifically about Napa and the second "answer" was to tell the OP to go to Sonoma instead.

But, hey, I recognize I'm the bad guy because I pointed out that Sonoma isn't quite as it is portrayed here and is not necessarily better than Napa. Both areas have their strong points - Sonoma is stronger for Pinot and Zinfandel, for example - but the advice given should be factual, not lazy cliches about Sonoma being some insider secret.

<i>I'm talking about the serious traffic along Hwy 29 which is a bear especially on weekends.</I>

If traffic is bad on Hwy 29 (I don't think it that bad normally), just cut over to the Silverado Trail.

To me, Travelgourmet, you aren't the bad guy because you defended Napa over Sonoma. You just came off a bit hoity toity and rude when you did it. That's all.

You are obviously well versed in the area. You just don't sound that nice here.

Why don't we do this. While Christina takes a nap, you go uncork something special. When we are all in a better mood, lets reconvene.

<i>Why don't we do this. While Christina takes a nap, you go uncork something special. When we are all in a better mood, lets reconvene</I>

I think we will be drinking a 2009 Williams Selyem Westside Road Neighbors from Sonoma County tonight. Hoping it goes well with the lobster & uni pot pie.

We shall see what it does for my mood.

It sounds like a perfect choice, Travelgourmet! I hope you enjoy it....

Is blowhard one or 2 words?

It can be either, Mme Perdu, but the meaning changes.

Let's be nice....

<I>Is blowhard one or 2 words?</I>

And I'm the bad guy...

Basque lamb stew and a Twisted Rivers Clarksburg Petite Sirah tonight.

Oops, sorry Michelle! I knew you were napping (not Christina). Now this could be a fun post for all the California wine experts. What's for dinner and what are you pairing with it....

JulieEC lol! I am much more fun than Christina!