I want to bring my wife to SF area for our 30th anniversary. I would like to spend a couple of nights in San Francisco, rent a car to drive north to the wine country and south down the Pacific Coast Higway to Monterey/Big Sur area and then back to SF for flight home. Ideally, I'd like to use a knowledgeable local travel agent to take care of the details -- car rental, lodging, vineyard tours, advice, etc. I'd appreciate any advice about what not to miss, where to stay and a good travel agent. Thanks.

A meal at Sierra Mar/Post Ranch Inn would be very nice. We enjoyed a birthday dinner there in September.

The Tickle Pink Inn is very nice and we have also enjoyed the Highland's Inn. In Monterey, the Plaza Inn & Spa was wonderful.

Which part of the wine country are you interested in? Napa Valley or Sonoma? ***kim***

Probably Sonoma, just because I envision grapes growing on oceanside cliffs, but I'm really looking for scenic and convenient. Just a nice drive, winery tour and pleasant place to eat and spend the night. I'm open to suggestions.

I love the Sonoma area. We really enjoy the Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa. They have recently renovated and the property is just beautiful. It's a Fairmont property now.

We have enjoyed the girl and the fig for lunch. Try the crab cakes with the Imagery Viognier. They also have a really nice lavender creme brulee there.

Many wonderful wineries there. Valley of the Moon, Blackstone, Kunde, and Chateau St. Jean are a few nice ones. Ledson is also very nice and their wines are exclusive to their winery.

Enjoy Sonoma! Cheers! ***kim***

Well, you won't find grapes on oceanside cliffs! There are many areas for wines in CA. I love Sonoma, can pass on Napa, but you are going way out of your way for no reason. There are fabulous wineries and scenery around Monterey. Either you do a northern route and return to SF, or a southern one. No need to backtrack, plus the traffic on the interstates can be frustrating and time consuming. Check out this link: http://www.gomonterey.com/
then peruse the rest of the site to find wineries in the area. Personally, I don't think you need a travel agent. Start with a good tour book and online sites to find what you like. When are you traveling? If it's off season, there are great bargains on line from auction companies, such as luxurylink.com You really only need one winery tour. If you want to do tastings, research various wineries, check out wine ratings at Wine Spectator and come back to Fodors with specific questions.

You can enjoy grapes growing on the
cliffs above the ocean at
Pacific Star Winery in Mendocino
County, yet I agree with Linda,
go North or South
unless you just want to visit both
areas. Each has it's own merits.
I would certainly search LLindaC's
amd my nickname for a start on your
Sonoma research. In the Monterey
area,well, the "expert" will find you.
R5

The Bodega Bay coast is gorgeous. We really like the Bodega Bay Lodge & Spa there. Gorgeous property, we stayed in the Trumpeter Swan Suite which was very spacious and beautifully decorated.

The Duck Club at the Lodge has very good food. ***kim***

I've lived in the Bay Area for 30 years of my 45 year long life. These days, I take weekend trips. Many people here are like me. Just tell us a little more about you - do you like to drive or not? Are you up for >$500/night fabulous or not? Do you like mainstream (Ritz Carlton type) or boutique? Do you like to hike or shop?

You probably don't need a travel agent, I agree. Those of us who live here are passionate about our recreation, we love to eat and stay at incredible hotels and hike the perfect trail and shop at the killer shop. So give us some demographics and we will be so happy to give you the benefits of our knowledge. Especially if you have been married for 30 years and are treating your wife

OK, you guys have convinced me. I'll go south. I really want to show my wife the PCH, which I drove 30 years ago. Our anniversary is May 31, so we'll probably travel sometime in mid- to late-May. We love to sightsee, and my wife loves to shop. Hiking -- not so much, but walking/strolling in nice areas would be great. Would it be feasible to just pick out one inn in the Monterey area (3 nights or so) and venture out from there? We're probably looking at $400/night tops for accomodations. Would love a great view and dining nearby.

I would say the Highland's Inn in Carmel Highlands. We have spent a couple of anniversaries there. Gorgeous property, Pacific's Edge is excellent for dinner and the views of the coast in this area are amazing. ***kim***

Read the recent reviews of Highland's Inn on Tripadvisor- not great!! There is a new property- L'Auberge Carmel which is supposed to be very nice. I spoke with them today and pictures should be on line any day now (I'm a travel agent and this is why we come in handy!). It's in your price range. If you decide on Sonoma look at the Gaige House. Best in the area, in my opinion (and many others). I wish people would realize what travel agents can add to the mix, if experienced!

If I'm looking for a nice village atmosphere with great views and shopping, restaurants and entertainment within walking distance, is Carmel the best choice? If so, what specific properties would anyone recommend there?

I'd say that you're correct and Carmel would be the "village" you are looking for. A bit of a sophisticated village, especially in the prices, but very charming.

Since I live only an hour away, I haven't stayed in any "romantic" places in the area, only ones that are big and for conferences.

Here are a few suggestions to look into:

Along the coast - Post Ranch Inn, Ventana Inn, Highlands Inn, and Tickle Pink Inn

Inland: Quail Lodge (within the 17 Mile Drive),Carmel Valley Lodge, Carmel Valley Ranch

Doris Day runs a charming small place in Carmel. Forgot it's name ... "Cottage" Something or the other? Clinton Eastwood has the Mission Ranch, don't know much about this property.

Not in Carmel:Chaminade (Santa Cruz), Monterey Plaza Hotel (Monterey)

I'd suggest narrowing down to a few and visiting their websites to get an idea of which one most fits your tastes.

The Doris Day property is the Cypress Inn, located in downtown Carmel. We have also stayed at the Tickle Pink, which was very nice.

Our room had gorgeous views, they send champagne and chocolates with a rose to your room upon arrival. No turndown service, tho.

They do a wine and cheese reception in a gorgeous terrace room that we enjoyed. Local wines are featured. ***kim***

kim, were you referring to the Cypress Inn or Tickle Pink in your previous post?

Tickle Pink Inn. The Cypress Inn does not have ocean views. www.ticklepink.com I believe is their website or your could google the property. ***kim***

Both the Highlands Inn and the Tickle Pink Inn are right next to each other - a dozen or so miles south of the village of Carmel. Their views are amazing and it is at the true beginning of the Big Sur Coastline.

Staying in Carmel is good especially for a few nights as a base since you will have more dining options, shopping, the beach at the bottom of the hill - plus you are central to the other great destinations of the area including Monterey/Pacific Grove, Carmel Valley, Big Sur, and the 17 Mile Drive.

I would suggest and evening dinner or sunset cocktail at the Highlands Inn if you do choose to stay in Carmel Village...

Dont miss Pt. Lobos State Park and the 17 Mile Drive. If you have a meal at Roy's, which is excellent, they will reimburse your entrance fee.

At sunset the bagpiper plays which is very nice and the property is beautiful with the ocean all around. ***kim***