We are planning a trip in October to San Fran. and the wine country. We have never been, so where do we stay? Looking into the Argonaut but have not ideas in wine country. There too many areas to try and narrow it down. Is there anywhere th

Sorry... Is there anywhere we can walk to wineries from a nice hotel? We will rent a car and maybe even get a limo one day to see wineries, we love wine.. but we also like to walk around.
We only have 4 days total, so should we split it 2 and 2? What are not to miss things?

Here's a link to the wine country in Sonoma: www.wineroad.com

Sept/Oct should be wine crushing time. Might be fun.

Lots of great information. We went to SF for a 4-day weekend and only spent 1 day in wine country in Sonoma. Actually headed to the Healdsburg area. That would be a nice base for 2 days. We rented a car in SF and rode around several different wineries.

Do a search on this site and type in Healdsburg or Sonoma and you find lots of great stuff.

My husband and I went to the wine country several years ago. We stayed in Santa Rosa. We stayed at a great b and b called The Gables. The rooms were great and they have a wonderful breakfast. We liked the fact that the place was quiet but a convenient drive to both Napa and Sonoma. It is important to have a car when going. Napa's wineries are close together, but I wouldn't say walking distance. The area can get congested with traffic. Sonoma on the other hand has wineries more spread out on winding roads, so it is nice to get a taste of both. I highly recommend- Robert Mondavi Winery (Napa) and Korbel and Ferrari-Carano (Sonoma). They all 3 have great wineries and tours!

If the wineries aren't the main attraction for you--I would split the time 2 and 2. I would do 2 days in Healdsburg and 2 in Calistoga. That gives you taste of Sonoma and Napa--and enough "town" to have things to do in each. Have a great time

A hot-air balloon ride over the wine country is great fun. Rides include breakfast and/or a wine-and-cheese brunch after the early morning "flight". We have flown with both Above the West Ballooning and Adventures Aloft. The narration during the flight is great, the "ride" is very peaceful, and the views over either Napa or Sonoma valleys are wonderful.