We're finally taking a trip without the kids and decided to make California's wine country our destination. After reading through the posts we're strongly leaning towards Healdsburg. Since we're pretty fleixble we can go almost anytime between mid June and mid August so when is the best time to visit? Coming from Florida I'd like to avoid the hottest time. My guess is that mid-week travel/stays make more sense. Also, several spoke highly of the Healdsburg Inn but they have limited availability so what other loding should we consider that would have similar quality, location, service, ammenities, etc? Does anyone have any favorite wineries? We're also planning a hot air balloon ride (if my fear of heights allows it) - any tips in that area? Thanks in advance for your help!

I am going to Healdsburg for 5 days in April with my husband. We are staying at the Honor Mansion. I have read wonderful things about this Inn.

We're going to stay at Hotel Healdsburg for 3 nites in early August. I really wanted to stay at Honor Mansion but it is too pricey for us. Last year we stayed at the Kenwood Inn and Spa in Kenwood (Sonoma Valley) and it was a great hotel in a wonderful location (right next to the bypass to Napa). We wanted to try something else this year and heard good things about Hotel Healdsburg.

We've stayed at the Camellia Inn and the Grape Leaf Inn in Healdsburg. I also have heard many good things about the Haydon Street Inn. The Honor Mansion is rather pricey and a lot longer walk to town, which is a negative for me. For that money, I'd choose Grape Leaf. I much prefer Sonoma County over Napa. Favorite destinations are Dry Creek, Russian River and Alexander Valleys. There are some beautiful drives around there....be sure to visit some of the small, family wineries such as Johnson Family Winery in Alexander Valley or Wilson in Dry Creek. Stop by and meet Rick at Amphora for a good laugh. It's always fun to meet the owners and winemakers. Definitely go midweek and avoid places where you see tour buses and limos.

I think Healdburg is a wonderful little town and if you are mainly touring Sonoma Valley wineries then it's great. Sonoma is a great valley with less traffic and lower key wineries.

It's a one hour drive from valley to valley on a curvy narrow road after drinking wine.

If you are wanting to tour Napa then I would stay in St. Helena (El Bonito is nice) or Yountville.

Weather is great in June July and August. 80's in day and 45's at night... which is why grapes grow so well there. It is always a little warmer the further south you are in the Valley.

Thanks for the words of wisdom. We booked 4 nights at the Healdsburg Inn the end of July. Besides the obvious (wine tasting) what else should be be sure to see or do? We enjoy outdoor activities and look forward to taking in some interesting scenery. If we spend a couple more nights in the area - where would you suggest we go/stay? We're considering staying in San Fransisco for a night or two before heading home. Also, being wine country/tasting newbees we're not sure of the "routine". If anyone has any tips or advice for getting the most out of our tasting experience, please send them our way!

We loved our side trip up the coast. Left EARLY in the AM, starting in Jenner (or was it Bodega Bay...) and drove alllll the way North to Ft. Bragg. Stop in Elk along the way and eat at Queenies. (I had a glass of wine with my omlette) Take some time in Mendocino. Heck, spend the night there if you can. Coming back, take 128 and stop at wineries along the way.

Come to Napa Valley in the spring & taste the fine wines.

Come at any time..... just come!

Any suggestions for lodging in Mendocino? What about San Fransisco?

Many great places in Mendocino but check out the Harbor House Inn in Elk just outside Mendocino....right on the water; great views.

In SF, I like to stay at the Sir Francis Drake. Great location, great prices (if you find it under $200)....many other good choices: the Argonaut in Fisherman's Wharf, the Westin St.Francis, The Palace Hotel, etc. All are safe bets; pick the best deal.

Be sure to vist the Jack London State Historical Park in Glen Ellen. Even if you have no interest in his writings, the houses where he and his wife lived are fascinating, and it is a good place fo kids to get out and exercise.

Check temperatures on one of the weather website, but locals told us last week that it gets hotter and hotter the farther you get from the ocean/bay, and Healdsburg is about as far as you can get. But it won't be humid like FLA. Lots of charm, though, very upscale.