Recommendations for a 4day Napa/Sonoma vacation?
 

Hi.

My husband and I along with another couple are planning a trip to Napa/Sonoma Valley next June.
We are all 30 year old people looking for a one in lifetime experience. To be honest, I'm a litle bit frustrated because I'd always imagined staying at a 2 room cottage in the middle of a vineyard, but so far the only available cottages are in downtown Napa in a residential and crowded area. Not exactly the country/village air that we are looking for. Now we are inclined to stay at Yountville because all the good restaurants reviews but we also interested in visiting Healdsburg. However, we don't want to expend more than $200 per night.
Is recommendable to choose Yountville as our base? Any recommendation of a good and affordable hotel? I really want to plan a good itinerary so we can make the best of our 4 day stay. What's the best way to visit the most wineries in one day. We are also interested in a hot air balloon ride. A bike tour would be good also. Well, any activity that help us get to know the area better and that keeps us talking about it for years. Please recomendations, recommendations, recommendations. Thx.

With 4 days and your desire to do a balloon ride and bike tour too I would pick either Sonoma or Napa. There is plenty to explore on both sides and it will give you a reason for a return trip.

There are a lot of great wineries near Healdsburg. Dry Creek Road one day (don't miss Bella). Alexander Valley another day (make sure you hit Jimtown store). We stayed at the Fairmont Sonoma two days, and the Best Western Dry Creek Inn two days. I was very skeptical of the Best Western but I wish we'd spent all 4 days there considering the price difference and the small difference in amenities. In the new wing of the BW they have balconies, fireplaces, soaking tubs as well as complimentary breakfast, firepit, hot tub, and pool. We also ran into people that were staying in a B&B in the middle of a vineyard. Maybe investigate that too.

On the Napa side, Yountville is beautiful. It is also a quick 15 min drive to Napa so you could still eat out there and then return to your cottage. As far as wineries try the ones on Spring Mountain Road one day. I would do Calistoga area another day, Rutherford (liked the view at Frogs Leap) another, and Yountville ones another.

We ballooned and biked too. I have to look up those from my notes and will post them later.

Thanks a lot. I truly appreciate your information.

Lodging prices in these areas tend to be on the high side, but one particular bargain is in Calistoga at Washington Street Lodging. There are about 5 cottages on the property with a pleasant outdoor area under the trees. It's about a 2 block walk into the quaint Calistoga downtown. Some friends have stayed there and loved it. It is NOT a luxury accomodation but is quite clean and comfortable with 2 rooms and kitchen and outdoor deck/patio.
washingtonstreetlodging.com

I've also heard from family/friends that the Best Western in Healdsburg was comfortable and reasonable. It is next to the freeway and may require use of your car to get to restaurants.

Many people enjoy staying in Yountville due to the easy walking access to a variety of wonderful restaurants, but I don't think you are likely to find lodging under $200 per night.

What about two nights in yountville and two nights in healdsburg?

Check out the Napa Valley Lodge on the outskirts of Yountville. Some rooms have fireplaces and are quite large.

Another thing. Recommendations for an affordable private balloon and limo tour service. Please.