wine country
 

We're planning a trip from San Francisco to Portland, OR. Would like to spend 2-3 days in CA wine country, then head north along the coast, stopping along the way for 2-3 nights. Would appreciate any suggestions for places to stay, things to see and do. Which is better...Napa or Sonoma?

Napa...stay at Auberge Du Soleil and have dinner there. Visit St. Helena and the wineries nearby including Shafer, Hartwell, Caymus, Stags Leap et al.

Sonoma. Been there 4 times. Stay in Healdsburg and visit Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys. More charm, gorgeous drives, less traffic and fewer tourists. Most don't have tasting fees, or at least the outrageous ones charged in some of Napa wineries.

The Auberge du Soleil has become so expensive that we no longer stay there. A very nice alternative in Yountville is the Vintage Inn; rooms are done in French-country style--ask for one upstairs. The bufft breakfast would feed a football team with food left over, and the hotel is within easy walking distance to restaurants.

Sonoma - There are a ton of threads on here debating this topic. Sonoma has just as good (if not better wines) & it tends to be cheaper, more friendly, & less pretentious, w/fewer tasting fees.

I can't compare, having only gone to Sonoma.
However, we went to Sonoma because we were vacationing with my sister who HAD been to both and preferred Sonoma for the above reasons.

We just got back from yet another trip to wine country and had a marvelous time. I will always say Sonoma in answer where to go. We have family in Napa and visit often. It is simply so corporate there and so overrun. The wineries and tasting rooms of the Dry Creek area are relatively small and the ride through the countryside is lovely. You are not behind an endless line of cars. Some of the tasting rooms do have a $5/tasting fee but many are free. The town of Healdsburg itself is still small although it has gotten a tad commercialized as well. That being said here of some of my recommendations:
Have breakfast at the Downtown Creamery-a bakery favored by locals. I had a delicious Croque Madame there only yesterday morning.

Pick up sandwiches at Oakville Grocery and head out to the wineries for a picnic. We began our day at Preston which is all organic and does have picnic tables. It is a relaxed tasting room. Their whites are particularly good and well suited to picnic fare.
You can also pick up sandwiches at Bovolo which is also on the square in Healdsburg. Everett Ridge also has a fabulous view and picnic tables. Most wineries request you buy a bottle of their wine to enjoy the picnic spot.

Pick up a copy of www.wineroad.com for full info on what wineries are open, have picnic facilities etc. If you are really a wine fan call ahead to A. Rafanelli for a tasting. They have some very good reds.


Perhaps my favorite of all tastings this past weekend was @ Gary Farrell. It is a $5 tasting fee and worth every penny. His zinfandels are the kind that knock your socks off!

The Russian River Valley also is the source of some very good pinot noir as well as zins.

We have stayed a variety of places in Healdsburg over the years from quaint b&bs, to Best Western and a place called the Geyserville Inn. We just returned from the Geyserville Inn again. It is $115 week night with AAA discount. The rooms are big enough, very clean and very quiet. There is AC, a hot tub and a pool. We were the only ones in the pool area. If you have the choice I'd opt for an upstairs room in the back(overlooking the garden). All rooms are the same price and these seem to be the nicest. Many of the rooms have friges and some also have gas fireplaces. The weekend rate in the Summer is $169. You have instant access to Canyon Road which will lead you on a nice trip out to
Dry Creek and W. Dry Creek. There is a cafe next door (The Hoffman House) that serves a very dcent breakfast.

If you want to be right in Healdsburg
check out the Healdsburg Inn on the Plaza(not Hotel Healdsburg), This is a Four Sisters establishment. It has 12 rooms and all recently redone. They do serve a full breakfast. We looked at two of their rooms and they were lovely. The price is more than $200 up to $300 night.

Make reservations early. October can be very busy on either side given the crush. If you are heading up later in the year or early in the Spring it will be easier to book.

How are the views at the Geyserville Inn?

My boyfriend and I will be in Healdsburg in September. Can you recommend some drives we should take to see the beautiful scenery in the area?

oh, sure. The Dry Creek valley, Russian River Valley and the Alexander Valley. Easy driving, incredible views/scenery. Easy to get around, many directional signs. Have fun!!!

Thanks for all the good info.

Views are ok but remember this is a good affordable place to stay. The views will come with your drives and at various wineries.To tell you the truth, I can't think of anyplace to stay on the Healdsburg side that really has "great views".