We will be in SF for a conference from 9/17 until 9/20. We have the 20 to the 24 to go to the wine country and I would sure like to slip over to Yosemite. I don't want to be rushed. Is it worth it to try to get Yosemite in?

Any suggestions on lodging in the wine country? It is just my wife and I and we would like some place RELAXING since we are away from the kiddos. Thanks!

Sept is a very busy time in the wine country and you are talking about a weekend - so I'd book ASAP - like yesterday. What is your budget?

Also - accommodations in Yosemite book up months in advance. I'd actually try for rooms in Yosemite Valley first. Find out what's available and then build your itinerary around that.

The Sonoma wine country is lovely and probably more relaxing and the hideous Napa traffic isn't an issue.

It will take you at least 4 hours to and from Yosemite - if you don't run into traffic. It is fabulous, but probably not worth the time and effort, even if you could get lodging. Another time!

It depends how much time you want to spend in wine country four days would be too much for me. We just drove thru coming from northern cal. spend a day in wine country and stayed in Pleasanton. From Pleasanton it took us 31/2 hours to get to Yosemite. We spend two days in the park and saw a lot.

The Ironstone Vineyards are at Murphys CA. http://www.ironstonevineyards.com/

Also, there is an interesting railroad museum that we enjoyed in Jamestown.
http://www.californiastaterailroadmu...wn/default.asp

These places are in the area for a trip to Yosemite. You may want to visit this winery, and railroad museum and visit Yosemite. The scenery is fantastic.

Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley have beautiful vineyards. Most are starting to charge higher prices for wine tasting. We were there last October and went to the new castle winery. The tour was $25. Very expensive tour.
http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/

Thanks for all of the great information. We will skip Yosemite on this trip to relax. Anybody have any feedback on the Vintage Inn? It sounds nice but is $450/night!

Bratsandbeer is on the right track. Just north of Calaveras County is Amador and El Dorado Counties. They has wonderful wineries. Most do not charge to taste; at many of them you can talk to the owner and winemakers. Much more personal. Check out:

www.amadorwine.com www.calaveraswines.org www.eldoradowines.org

Everyone raves about Napa/Somoma but I would not go there on a weekend. Way too crowded and it costs to taste.

My parents live in Mendocino county and I have to travel through the wine country to visit them. I have not stopped at the wineries in the past couple of years. The Amador/El Dorado/Calaveras wineries are what Napa/Sonoma wineries were 25 years ago.