nappa-sonoma?

Question

Any suggestions on places to stay in Nappa-Sonoma...also any ideas of which vineyards to visit.

Many thanks to all who reply.

LW

Answer 1

There are plenty of places to stay at Napa and Sonoma. If you were to visit both at the same time, you can just stay at one location, since they are less than 1 hour apart.

My favorite place to stay are:
* Napa Valley Embassey Suite: 1075 California Blvd, Napa (707-253-9540); about $220/night for a suite - fits about 4
* Eagle and Rose: 1431 Railroad Avenue, St. Helena (707-963-1532); heart of Napa Valley, cheaper and nice
* El Bonito: 195 Main Street, St. Helena (707-963-3216); off St. Helena highway and adjacent to at least 5 vineyards and some good restaurants, including Tra Vigne and Go Fish

As for places to visit, for starters, big wineries are fun - Robert Mondavi (Oakville), Beringer (St. Helena), BV (Rutherford), Neibum Copola (Oakville), Sterling (between St. Helena and Calistoga) V. Sattui (Rutherford), Kenwood (Sonoma) - and they all will take walk-in's (so no appointment necessary, much better for first timers). They will give excellent education on wine and samples some cheaper wines for reasonable price.

If you want something more boutique, try Frank's Family (St. Helena), Revana (St. Helena), Von Strasser (Diamond Mountain), Far Niente (Oakville), Plumjack (Oakville), Jordan (Sonoma), Ridge (Sonoma). Please call for reservation for those.

Also remember that most vineyards has 10-5 hour. However, Silver Oak (Oakville) and Twomey (St. Helena/Calistoga) opens at 9 AM, while Merryvale (St. Helena) and Peju (Oakville) closes at 6 PM.

Lastly, there are plenty of grocery stores and wine stores that are fun to visit as well. Personally, Groezinger's (Yountville) is a must stop for me - tell them Dr. Jeff send you. Also love St. Helena Wine Center (St. Helena), Dean and Deluga (Rutherford), and Oakville Grocer (Oakville).

If you go to Napa, go to the Napa Outlet Mall. At the food court, there is a bunch of information. There is also a free wonderful map of Napa with a bunch of wineries listed, and that is a must for traveling through Napa.

Answer 2

I would agree with carneros inn, also Villagio in Napa if you want to drink and be able to walk to dinner.
My favorites are Regusci and Silver Oak for vineyards, both amazing views and fabulous wine.
Cakebread is a great experience and an excellent first stop if you haven't been to Napa before because their tastings are really detailed but friendly and not overwhelming.
Frog's Leap is fun, Caymus is AMAZING but you need to call in advance to get a tasting.
For dinner try Bistro Jeanty in Napa if you don't have a reservation they have a community table you can sit at, but try and make a reservation.
Also look at www.opentable.com French Laundry is amazing but expensive. Not sure of your budget.
If you want to do inexpensive lodging so you can spend more on wine, the Best Western or Travelodge that show up will do but you have to seriously not care where you are staying.
Hope you have fun, its an amazing time!!!

Answer 3

Carneros Inn in napa is great. Macarthur Place in Sonoma is also nice. there are also some great B&B in napa. Beazley House, Daughter's Inn, Blackbird inn.

As far as wineries to go to, I would suggest places like mumm napa, domaine carneros, sterling, robert mondavi, beringer, sutter home, schramsberg.

I believe all of these, except Schramsberg are just first come first serve for tours. Schramsberg requires reservations to be made in advance.

One thing about Sonoma vs. Napa, Napa tends to charge more for their wine tasting and tours. Which is an ongoing battle. Sonoma County does not charge as much. however it is all relative to where you are going.

If you are looking for tours of winery, the best in my opinion are Mumm, Robert Mondavi, Rubicon (formerly niebaum coppola).

for just strictly wine tasting with not a lot of frills, I like Silverado, Luna, Schramsberg.

Sonoma County covers a lot more ground and the wineries are more spread out.

also if you are looking for some nice restaurants, I love Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen in St. Helena, Uva's in Napa.

Answer 4

We absolutely loved the Carneros Inn in Carneros, Napa. It's easily accessible to both counties. Beautiful place, exquisite architecture and wonderful bungalows.

Answer 5

Only 1 "p" in Napa. Check this for a map of wineries http://napavalleyvineyards.org/