Napa or Sonoma?

Question

Which is closer to Los Angeles? What are good wineries and hotels to visit? Planning a surprise getaway for my husband and I.

Answer 1

They're right next to each other, so there's only a difference of 20-30 minutes (after the grueling 6-8 hour drive north from L.A., it will seem like nothing). If you take U.S. 101, you'll end up closer to Sonoma. If you take I-5, you will be a bit closer to Napa.

Both valleys are quite romantic, beautiful, and expensive. However, Napa is more crowded. For that reason, most San Franciscans prefer to go to the smaller Sonoma Valley. Though I'd certainly visit some of Napa's big-name wineries (Mumm, Robert Mondavi, Sterling Vineyards, Niebaum-Coppola) and the spas of Calistoga are the best anywhere, I do think staying in laid-back Sonoma is more relaxing.

By far, the most unique accomodations in Sonoma is Safari West (think of it as the San Diego Wild Animal Park as a Hotel rather than a Zoo):

http://www.safariwest.com/

The Fairmont Mission Inn and Sonoma Coast Villa are also good high-end options. Both are built in the Spanish colonial style:

http://www.fairmont.com/sonoma/

http://www.scvilla.com/

Answer 2

Napa is closer, but they are within 25-30 minutes of eachother. I stayed in Napa and drove to Sonoma. You can visit both places and not have far to drive. You really do need to see the whole area. It is fun and beautiful. Awesome restaurants too. Have fun.

Answer 3

They are right next to each other, I think theoretically Napa county may be a few miles closer......both of those are counties a little north of San Francisco.. both are very nice....but a FULL days drive north of L.A. No real significant difference in distance...Are you driving or Flying???