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-   -   San Fran winery day trip - help (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/san-fran-winery-day-trip-help-544213/)

4sammy Jul 14th, 2005 01:17 PM

San Fran winery day trip - help
 
I keep seeing this question posted and I'm not getting a really clear idea of what the best solution would be! We're only in SF for a few days. I like wine but I'm not very sophisticated about it (if it tastes good, I like it, that's about it). My travel companion doesn't but likes scenery (as do I), we both really want to see wine country but aren't interested in spending a lot of time learning all the details of the winemaking process. Can anyone suggest scenic wineries that we could do in a daytrip from SF? We're also hoping to see the redwoods on the same day, even if just for a quick stop.

Thanks for the help!

FainaAgain Jul 14th, 2005 01:22 PM

Go to Muir Woods early in the morning (early because of the parking) then continue on to Napa and take the Napa Valley Wine Train with or without lunch or dinner. Or instead of the train you can visit the museum "Copia".

peaches1 Jul 14th, 2005 01:50 PM

You can visit many wineries in Napa these days without taking a tour to learn about winemaking, just be prepared to pay the tasting fee. Some wineries in the Napa area with views include Chateau Potelle (on Mt. Veeder) and Rombauer on the Silverado Trail. Mumm, which is also on the Siverado Trail, is a nice place to visit; sit out on the patio overlooking a vineyard and enjoy some bubbly!

CAGirl2 Jul 14th, 2005 02:20 PM

There a many wonderful wineries along the Napa Valley, but when I have visitors I usually take them to Beringer or Sterling. Beringer has a guided tour of actual cellars and charges a fee, which is applied to any wine purchase after the tour. Sterling is a self-guided tour of a "modern" facility and charges a fee for the gondola ride up the hill (very nice view). One redwoods area that is nearby is Armstrong Woods in Guernville. The park has well marked trails for an easy stroll for all ages. If you park in the parking lot just outside the entrance (restrooms available) there is no charge to enter the park on foot. Picnic tables are available. Also, Korbel Champagne Cellars, and a few wineries, are on the way to Armstrong. I'd say that from Napa, over to the 101 freeway (north), then to the woods (River Road exit)is about 1 1/2 hr drive, but returning to SF is via 101 South, so might not be too out of the way, providing you don't attempt the return trip weekdays from 4-7 pm (heavy traffic). Enjoy!

TransitBuddie Jul 16th, 2005 06:26 AM

Off of 101, a little bit more North than Healdsburg is the Chateau Souverain. Their restaurant is excellent, but I'm not quite sure what their wine is like (I'm not old enough to drink...)

4sammy Jul 16th, 2005 07:12 AM

Thanks for the advice!! I think we're going to Muir Woods early, then aim for Sterling, then play it by ear on the way back (stop in where we feel like it). Thanks again!


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