How to plan for Napa Valley trip?

Question

Hi All,
I'm thinking of taking my parent to Napa Valley for the weekend but not sure what to do. We are leaving from LA area on Saturday or Friday night and drive back on Sunday. Do you have suggestion on where should we stay and what to do. Which winery is the best?
Thank you for your help :-)

Answer 1

In terms of wineries, there are so many (both big and small). It's really a matter of choosing a few favorites... depending on which wines you want to taste and what interests you arthitecturally.

The San Francisco Chronicle recently did an article on the most unique wineries in Napa, including a replica of President Jefferson's Monticello in Virginia.

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/08/24/WIFTRA94F.DTL&type=travelbayarea

One of the places they didn't mention is Hakusan Sake Gardens, which produces rice wines. Their production is different from the European (grape) wines that predominate in Napa, so it's an interesting tour.

http://www.ilovenapa.com/jimwhite_article.php?articleId=20

Aside from the wine, Napa Valley -- and it's immediate neighbor, Sonoma Valley -- is kind of like a NorCal version of the Palm Springs area.

So, if you have money to burn... there are plenty of hot-air balloons, trains, spas, and golf courses to keep you busy.

http://www.napavalley.com/thingstodo/

http://www.winetrain.com/

http://www.sonomacounty.com/

Answer 2

Hi. OK, I don't know your budget, but it's cheaper to stay in Napa proper, it only gets more expensive the farther you go upvalley. There's a Best Western (that looks like a B&B) on California Blvd and Second St. A couple blocks from there is an Embassy Suites on California Blvd. Nice area. It's close to downtown (excuse the construction, but it does have a nice Town Center with shopping, dining, and tasting rooms.)

There are 17 tasting rooms downtown which serve a variety of wnes, not just one winery's. But first stop by the Visitor's Center and pick up a tasting card for $20. That's for 20 tastes at any of the 17 tasting rooms. Supposedly they may charge you a dime a taste, but they usually waive that.

While you're downtown you can also take the trolley to see the area. It used to be free, but it might be fifty cents or $1 now. But it's fun, and it also takes you up to the Napa Premium Outlets. That's always fun to shop at and they have a food court now.

My favorite winery is Sterling which is upvalley and has great wines. And it has a tram that takes you to the top of the hill to get to the tasting room. Beautiful views. I think a tram ticket is still $10. And you have to check out Mumms on Silverado Trail on your way back down the valley. Excellent sparkling wine, my favorite!

There's a ton of stuff to do here, just not nightlife so much. The only place is usually Downtown Joe's in Napa. They stop serving food around 10 and it turns into a dance club.

Um, my brain's stuck right now, but email me if I can help you more...I live in Napa! :)

Answer 3

Wow, that's a very long drive for just one night in Napa! Have you researched that part of the trip? You'd be much better off flying and renting a car.

We just got back from a weekend in Napa and it's a wonderful area. If you've never taken a winery tour, the best one I found is at Mondavi. Excellent information and their wine is very nice. Check to see if you need reservations, since a lot of wineries do now. A wonderful place to eat is Mustard's Grill (707-944-2424 - 7399 Saint Helena Hwy, Napa, CA) Make reservations there beforehand if you're eating on a Friday or Sat. night.

There are many, many places to stay - depends on what your budget is and what you're looking for in accommodations. Check out www.tripadvisor.com for ratings and reviews.

Answer 4

there is a site.. all the wineries are nice.. i lived north of Sacramento and there was one outside Colfax.. nice area..