Sonoma/Napa - 1 hotel for both?
 

I will be in CA wine country in August and just reserved a room at Inn at Sonoma (Four Sisters Inn) for 3 nights. Is it possible to visit both Napa and Sonoma in this time frame or should I consider booking a hotel in Napa for a couple of nights as well?

It is absolutely possible to visit both Napa and Sonoma from your Inn. I would actually prefer it rather than packing up and moving.

You might have an hour or so driving time at the end of the day if you are up at the northern part of the Napa Valley.

No, you can see some of Napa easily. There are several ways to cross from one valley to the other, it's about 14 miles across Trinity/Dry Creek Road from Glen Ellen to Oakville. The traffic on 29 is always terrible, I suggest visiting the Silverado trail unless you have a specific winery in mind. But 3 nights in Sonoma, you can really concentrate your time and do different parts of the valley each day and not deal with crowds, traffic or tasting fees (usually) Suggestions are Sonoma/Glen Ellen area, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley and Alexander Valley.

Thanks saps and llindac!

No for my next question - should we spend more than 3 days in Sonoma/Napa area, or is 3 days sufficient?

We'll probably tour some wineries (We prefer white, but are up to exploring reds as well.), dine, shop, and wander. Is there anything else that you recommend we check out in that area?

It totally depends on your interests...

Hard core wine enthusiasts may tell you to stay for a week in each place. For me personally a weekend is enough. If you really want to enjoy the region and "discover" the hidden gems then maybe you should stay a few days in each region. If you want a nice broad overview then 3 days is probably enough.

The towns in both regions are great to wander around in. If you stay for more than few days then you might want to take a day trip to the coast (Point Reyes), Muir Woods, or Mount Tamalpais. Get a spa treatment and hot mud bath.

I've been tossing around the idea of hitting a spa....any recommendations for a good spa that has hot mud baths?

Those would mostly be found in the Calistoga area. Try www.osmosis.com. It is quite interesting, & when you move (in the , it actually creates heat. I heartily recommend it.

If you search on here this topic has been argued quite hottly. I'm of teh school that I'd prefer not to drive back over the mountain after drinking wine all day. If you do a search you can see many pros & cons to each. W/the time frame you mention, I'd probably just stick w/Sonoma, & save Napa for next trip. The stuff at Osmosis Spa is almost like a mulch but I will (again) suggest you view their website.