You could travel north from Yosemite via Hwy 49 to Hwy 50 (Hwy 50 becomes I-80). This route would take you through the Gold Country which is steeped in history and small towns. It also would take you through the Sierra Foothills wine appellation. I live in the Sierra Foothills. Wineries and area are what Napa and Sonoma was 30 years ago. Here you can meet the owners and wine makers. Most wineries have no tasting fees. Many of the local wines have won awards around the world. The area is well worth the slight detour.

"<i>You can drive from Yo to the Napa Valley in about 3 plus hours </i>"

No -- one can't - unless the 'plus' is 90 minutes/2 hours . . .. Not if one leaves in the morning and hits bumper to bumper traffic on I-5. And you've sent them via hwy 12. It is called Blood alley for a good reason. It is one of the most dangerous roads in the state.

Tom - you have admitted before that your experience in Northern CA traffic is decades old.

Geesh: I have driven in Northern CA on average at least twice a year since we moved to SD. Four times last year actually. Can still get around pretty good. :)

And I drove this route - at least the part from Yo over to Interstate 80 - as recently as about 5 years ago. If one leaves from the Valley Floor at a reasonable time, say 8 AM, by the time you get over to the Freeway/-5 - the commute is over. And I didn't see any pileups in the dreaded "blood alley".

http://www.distance-calculator.co.uk...o-yosemite.htm

Absolutely not 3+ hours. It's gonna be 4+ hours from the Valley to Napa. No question. Not even an item for debate. The CHP is all about generating revenue. Expect to get a ticket for driving over 80 which is what it would take to get to Napa in 3+ hours.

OK - so drive very carefully and take 4 hours. What's the big beef? Leave Yo at 8 am or so - don't try to pass any big rigs in the "Blood Alley" - and be in Napa by lunch time.

It ain't rocket science.

No it's not rocket science that's why it's so surprising you got it wrong, tom.

And BarbAnn: We love going to/from the Folsom area/Sacto over thru Gold Country (along 49) when traveling to Yosemite. Probably driven that more than half a dozen times over the years. If you go in the fall - the Blackberries along the road are great. :)

One of my sister's college roommates recently moved/retired to Gold Country/Sierra foothills - and they love it, as do their grandkids when they come to visit. So many cute little towns and yes, the wineries are still small and charming and friendly - much like the ones in Napa/Sonoma were way back when....................

Suzie: Are you still wondering in the forest? :)

Interesting troll comment, tom. Not entirely unexpected coming from you though. Not very good at playing in the sandbox are you?

So you're not working for the Forest Service anymore?

Evidence that you do have a reading comprehension problem. Totally explains your nonsense posts that are unresponsive to the OPs needs. After "watching" you goad other long time well-traveled Fodorites it is now quite clear that you are a troll here.

Melissa, if you have further questions, ask away. I will let tom carry on in the background like a peksy yippy dog. I shall ignore his comments, attempts to distract. You should ignore him as well, if you your goal is to have a pleasent trip through northern CA.

I'm sorry for my contribution to this silly detour.

So you are not working for the Forest Service anymore?

Yes since you already have your rental car, visit one of several other wine regions in California.
I don't think the wine tastes any better in a tasting room than it does from the bottle you buy less than 10 miles from home.
No, I have not worked for the Forest Service since October 2010.
I do have my application in to work as a Lookout again.

Tomf - the Q was directed at Suzie - but hey - did you get at all lonely up there as a lookout?

The fun of visiting a winery - IMO - is to get to try some of their different wines and have a nice chat with the resident wine expert, about not only their wines but also that particular region.

New2CA: Unfortunately, info/advice based on visits from 50+ years ago just isn't that helpful. You'll have to decide who is giving legit advice and who is blowing smoke.