We are considering either Healdsburg or Sonoma to base ourselves for our first wine country trip.

We will be visiting the Sonoma Valley for 5 days (2 of them travel days) and skipping Napa this time.

Both of these towns sound nice. What would the differences be between Sonoma and Healdsburg?

We want a place that's near to things,to eat at some good casual restaurants (nothing pricey or fancy), visit some wineries, tour the Sonoma Valley, walk around the town center and visit some quaint (but not pricey or snobby) shops.

Which place would suit us best and be a best spot for a first-time visit?

Also, we are considering Belle de Jour in Healdsburg, or Brick House Bungalows or Cottage Inn and Spa in Sonoma. Can anyone provide info on any of these places, in particular the ones in Sonoma? I could only find one write-up on both of these.

My husband and I stayed in Sonoma at the Brick House Bungalows. I can't say enough about this place. Beautiful courtyard ( the website picture doesn't do it justice) and the bungalows are large with antiques and cumfy beds. The bathrooms are somewhat small, but the rest was so great I didn't mind. Sonoma is a beautiful town. Lots of wineries close and yummy restaurants. It seemed to be a little bit more upscale than Healdsburg. We stayed at the Brick House for 3 nights and Hotel Healdsburg for 3 nights. This is a gougeous new hotel. Beautiful and very modern. Beautiful rooms, large bathrooms with the coolest walk in showers big enough for 2, beautiful pool, wonderful breakfast. Its right in town off the square as is the Brick House Bungalows. Healdsburg has lots of wineries close and Lake Sonoma is about 40 minutes away- beautiful drive. I did lots of research before we went and was not disappointed. If you play golf the Hotel Healdsburg has a relationship with a beautifu country club. I believe my husband played there for

contining ....$65 which included the lunch and cart. That's a very good deal for the area. Hope this helps!

I just found that Brick House Bungalows are for sale - the whole place.

How big a deal is that?

I worry about owner interest in their guests - if they are trying to sell maybe the wouldn't be as attentive (don't care about repeat guests), or that someone will purchase after we book, and then what happens?? Rates could rise, place could take a different turn, etc.

Is it too risky to book here????

I think of Healdsburg as less developed and a little more rural in feeling than Sonoma. Sonoma would have more to choose from, but personally I think Healdsburg is more charming. You can't go wrong either way, it's just a matter of what you value. Both are just as easily accessible.

we just returned, stayed 2 nights in Sonoma at MacArthur Place and can't say enough about this great place. Stayed 3 nights in Healdsburg and I'm ready to move there. Such a quaint, wonderful place, stay downtown & walk to dinner, go to Bistro Ralph for lunch and go to the bakery on the plaza in the morning for the best sticky buns you will ever have. We stayed at the DuChamp, walked everywhere, even to Seghesio vineyards!! A bit "urban" chic, but great breakfast and so quiet and nice. Lovely view of the pool & hot tub at night. Either one would be great, both towns are lovely.

Agree with Mary...I would move to Healdsburg in a heartbeat. So charming and friendly. Tasting rooms, restaurants, nice shops.You can walk to anywhere from here, and it is accessible to many wineries. We're going back there next year.

I'm from the area. Take Sonoma over Healdsburg.

I vote for Healdsburg. I think it's quieter. I recommend staying near the square so you can walk. We have stayed at the Camellia Inn several times and like it. I can say, wthout a doubt, have dinner at Ravenous. It's a good local place with good food and lots of charm. Also the Healdsburg wine shop does tastings on Friday nights..check their schedule. The Mexican restaurant across the street from the Oakville Grocery is great food...cheap! If you stay over on the Sonoma side and want a non-wine experience..reserve at the Da Rosa Preserve. It's a private collection of modern art from the bay area. A docent led 2 hour tour is $10.