I have to book a package by this evening to take advantage of an airfare deal. We are staying two nights in SF and then one night in either Sonoma at the Inn of Sonoma or the Grape Leaf Inn in Healdsburg. I'd like to stay in one town and then visit the other for a few hours. Which one? I can always change hotels as well, just liked those from what I read. Please help!! I can also pay more and stay two nights in the wine country. Is it worth it???

That is a hard decision to have to make as both towns are wonderful. We have stayed at The Inn of Sonoma and enjoyed it. Beautiful cottage rooms and they have a shuttle into town for dining. I picked this inn and location for a big birthday celebration of mine, mainly because The Girl and The Fig is one of my favorite restaurants. Healdsburg is also a wonderful town and I have heard great things about The Grape Leaf Inn, although I haven't stayed there. I honestly think you can not go wrong with either choice. Have fun!

I would do Sonoma. You can drive to Healdsburg in less than an hour and a half, I believe. But Sonoma has more charms and the Inn at Sonoma is only a block from the lovely 11-acre Plaza, ringed by adobe buildings from the Mexican days, now housing interesting boutiques, etc.

AS Sonoma town and Healdsburg are a good hour apart-and that doesn't count AM & PM commute hours-I think you should spend one night in each to truly get the "flavor" of the whole of Sonoma county. Two days is barely enough, yet
I live here and am quite biased.

R5

I don't know where Razzledazzle lives, but I grew up in Sonoma. My daughter lives in Windsor, near Healdsburg...and, of course I know it well. I would still base in Sonoma and do a day trip to Healdsburg...FWIW

I would not want to have two separate hotel rooms to check in and out of, since the distance between the two towns is minimal.

Thanks so much for your suggestions. I could not decide, so we are staying one night in Healdsburg, one night in Sonoma. Any restaurant recommendations? I was thinking Girl and a Fig for dinner in Sonoma but not sure about Healdsburg.

Madame, I think you made a good decision. Do the wineries close to Sonoma Valley the first day, then the Russian River Valley the second day. Are you staying at Grape Leaf? We had a fabulous time there, Richard and Kae are the best hosts ever. Not to miss in town is the Rosenblum tasting room. Absolutely divine reds and a really fun place! My favorite restaurant in healdsburg is Willi's Seafood restaurant. Tapas-style. I also enjoyed Manzanitas and the Dry Creek Kitchen. I also loved the tapas-style dining at Ledson's Harmony Club in Sonoma. plus, they have live entertainment! Great place!

madamepetunia...not sure if you already took your trip...if you did, will you post a report? I'm having the same dilemma over how to spend four days at the end of March: Sonoma/Healdsburg split or all four days in Healdsburg. Grape Leaf and Inn of Sonoma are also on our list. Thanks in advance.

Uhang, I'm a big fan of Healdsburg and I don't think 4 days there is too much. There are so many wineries and good restaurants you could stay a whole week or more! Downtown Healdsburg has more going for it IMO than the downtown Sonoma area.

Some great restaurants in Healdsburg include Cyrus & Dry Creek Kitchen (both high-end), Zin, Ravenous, Bistro Ralph, Manzanita and more.