Scenic drive through wine country?
 

Hi, I am considering a scenic drive through wine country (Napa or Sonoma?) on my way back to San Francisco from Mendocino in August. We are not going to taste wines, we are only considering this for the scenery, maybe some shopping, eating. Is it worth it? If so, any suggestions for the most scenic route?

Thanks!

Sure. I think it is worth it. If for no other reason than to see something other than the freeway.
Hwy 29/175? (Sorry look at a map) through Calistoga/Napa is beautiful.

OK, so I guess exit 101 to 128 then to 29 for Calistoga and Napa etc. The other option is to take Route 12 to Sonoma then return to 101. Is one route more scenice/interesting than the other?

Thanks

I would prefer the Napa route. 12 is not particularly interesting but it does get you to Bodega Bay which I think is cool and the drive south on Hwy 1 from there is beautiful too.

Sorry I'm going the wrong way. I would cut and head down through Napa assuming you went north on HWY 1 to get to Mendocino in the first place. The drive down HWY 1 is worth doing if you haven't yet.

I'd probably go 128 to 101 to Healdsburg, poke around Healdsburg, then head over to Occidental (a beautiful drive), then back down to SF on 1 or 101 depending on how much time you have left. If you go on 1, stop in Marshall for some oysters, or Point Reyes Station to eat. If you have time, go up to Mt. Tam too.

You will be driving right through wine country if you take Hwy 128 through Philo and Boonville. This is the Anderson Valley where fine wines are made and great beer is brewed. You will also find an abundance of great fruit farms here. There's also some beautiful redwood groves you can walk around in. Take your time and enjoy the beautiful area.

If you do just drive through, you can always stop in the Alexander Valley right along Hwy 101 near Healdsburg. Francis Ford Coppola Winery is worth a visit and there's a nice restaurant there if you visit at lunchtime.

Or, go to Healdsburg where there's lots of tasting rooms, restaurants, shopping and another fine brewery.

I would avoid the Napa Valley especially if this is a weekend. August is very busy and traffic would be an issue.

The coast is probably not a good choice either unless you have a clear, sunny day. Those are rare in August on the coast.

Thank you for all the replies! This has given me a lot of new ideas. Anderson Valley is an interesting alternative to Napa... I was concerned about traffic too as our drive through the area will be on a Friday afternoon.

Sound like lovely drives! Bookmarking for future use......