Hi all,

I am going to San Francisco and California wine country this summer with my husband and another couple. I've been reading these forums for suggestions and tips, but I am unclear on our options for transportation and lodging.

We haven't worked out all the details, but we are arriving on a Friday, and have tentatively decided to spend Saturday, Sunday, and possibly Monday in SF, and then spend Tuesday and Wednesday (maybe Monday too) in wine country. We haven't decided where exactly to go in wine country.

I have a couple of questions about this plan. Is it absolutely necessary for us to rent a car? We'd all like to enjoy the wine tastings and not worry about having to drive in a strange place if possible. Also, is it possible to stay in hotels in San Francisco the whole time and make day trips to wine country through a shuttle or something? I've seen a few options but would like some opinions on the logistics and expense of this. Would it be better to stay in wine country for Tuesday and Wednesday?

Thanks in advance for your help!

There are some limo services etc. but they aren't cheap. I'd rent a car & stay up there a few days. There are several car rental outlets right in SF which makes your ability to do that, quite easy.

You can't commute to wine country. You could I guess, but you'd be doing 3 or 4 hours in the car every day. You can't walk it either.

Your plan sounds great. Do San Fran, then pick up a car and head out to wine country. I recommend a convertible as long as everyone likes the wind.

We stayed in Healdsburg, which was lovely back then and has grown into a very nice wine town I've heard.

Bed and Breakfasts are abundant in wine country and are nice and comfortable.

You will just have to take turns being the designated driver for the day. I would bring a gps or rent one with the car. Driving in that area is beautiful and you will have a great time!

A rental car is essential and the only practical way to do your trip. The wine country is too far a drive from SF for you to stay in SF and drive back and forth. Also, staying for a couple of nights in the wine country is a very peaceful, relaxing experience and will be welcome after a few days in hectic, congested SF.

I also recommend a rental car. In the Napa Valley you could also take a cab after choosing a few wineries. R5 may check in on this thread. I think the cab company is called "cabarnet". The beauty of spending a few overnights in wine country is you can do 1-3 wineries a day and then lounge by the pool or what not. You do not have to drink to excess (one does not really ever have to)and can negotiate the wineries as you wish.

Prefer the Healdsburg side(less corporate). BUT if you are going to Napa please make an appointment to taste at Failla & try the chardonnay at Rombauer.

Check out www.wineroad.com for the Healdsburg side of things. (On this side you will get some fabulous pinot noir and zinfandels).

Driving and getting around wine country is not difficult. I think the suggestion of a designated driver is a good one. On the other hand, you don't have to drink a lot when tasting. Dh and I shared tastings when we were there last fall. Also, you can spit out after each little taste. We never had a problem with drinking and driving. You can also opt for a day limo for one of the days that you're up north. We stayed one night in Healdsburg and three in Napa - loved both.

Thanks for the advice - it sounds like the consensus is to rent a car and stay in wine country for a few days.

One more question - I've seen some wine tour companies online that offer a full days tour of 3 or so wineries. They pick you up in a shuttle and San Francisco and return there at the end of the day. Generally, I don't like being on guided tours, but I was wondering about this option since it provides the transportation. Any opinions?

Thanks again!

I wouldn't go with the tours - they generally stick to the large wineries that can handle tour buses, and you'd miss out on the much more interesting (and better) boutique or smaller wineries.

Ditto to PamSF recommendation to the Wine Road web site. We had a great weekend in SF and 3 full days in Sonoma with a rental car. We stayed in Healdsburg at a B&B, and they helped with wine tasting reservations. Don't miss Ferrarai Carrano, looks like Tuscany and has a good tasting cellar! You can't miss in Sonoma.

There is public transport to some areas of SF from both airports, or shuttles and taxis are available.

There are also one-day tour buses from San Francisco to wine country. This is not transportation. This is a tour. You will be at the mercy of the tour guide.

There is also a tour bus to take you to/from Napa Valley wine train.

Public transportation may be there, but it's such a pain!

Rent a car for one days, go to Sonoma and Napa valleys for the views. In SF, go for tasting in a bar. SNOB on Polk, and I beleive there is one in Ferry building.