We have two couples heading to wine country for 2 nights before making the trek to Pebble Beach for some golf. I am leaning towards staying in Sonoma, but have never stayed there. We are all in our late 30s and enjoy good wine, food, and nightlife (lively bars - not clubs).

We are looking for a hotel recommendation, and will plan our tour of wine country from there. Ideally, we would like to stay in a town or walking distance of a small town. I don't think we would enjoy a secluded hotel/motel, although we'll consider that option if its the best way to stay.

I appreciate any recommendations or suggestions. Thanks.

Healdsburg seems livelier than Sonoma.

Healdsburg offers easier access to the Dry Creek, Alexander Valley, and Northern Napa vineyards.

Sonoma offers better access to Kenwood, Glen Ellen, and Carneros, as well as being closer to the Southern Napa vineyards.

Unfortunately, Santa Rosa sits between them, and it has lots of traffic, so neither town is particularly convenient for touring the vineyards near the other.

So, pick the vineyards you want to visit, then pick the base.

Except for Santa Rosa and some parts of Carneros, it is all gorgeous.

i recommend the vintners inn, in santa rosa. i recently returned (can look for my trip report)from a second stay there, and i just love love love it.

Plenty of postings on Healdsburg here... there is more to do that is varried compared to the town of Sonoma. Great restaurants, in every price range, good shopping and great wines to taste.

Stay in the historic town of Sonoma, in the Sonoma Valley....18 miles of pretty country with lots of wineries.

The town is built around an 11-acre Plaza from the Mexican occupation days and is ringed with some of the original adobe buildings.

Here are some lodgings within walking distance....not only of the Plaza but some great restaurants.

http://www.eldoradosonoma.com/splash.html

http://www.innatsonoma.com/

http://www.macarthurplace.com/?gclid...FQXOiQodATP-AA

We just returned from a trip to the Northern California Wine Country - we stayed in Healdsburg at a private vacation villa and the whole trip was one I'll remember a long time. The Villa and surroundings were specatular - it is an authentic tuscan villa estate situated among acres of vineyards. We loved dining outside and relaxing in the spacious rooms -- and the bathrooms and amenities were truly top of the line! The gourmet kitchen and media room were over the top! I would highly recommend it -- you can check it out at www.ceciliasvineyardvilla.com.

We loved the town of Healdsburg with its quaint square small town feel and equisite restaurants and shops - if you want advice, let me know. Our favorite wineries - Ravenswood, Gundlach-Bundschu and Ridge were all pouring sumptuous wines. There is so much to do I just wish we had more than a week - can't wait to go back!!

Andrea

We just returned from wine country. There were 2 couples, and we stayed at a lovely B&B, The Grape Leaf Inn. the rooms were very clean and comfortable, in fact, downright luxurious, with a wonderful breakfast and a short walk from the town center. We also dined at Mustards, and it was fabulous.

By the way The Grape Leaf Inn is in Heldsburg, a lovely and lively town, very close to all the wineries.