planning trip....2-4 days wine country(northern?) california

[IceBergSLiM]

Goals of trip....See northern part of cali. Explore some vineyards enjoying good foods and better wines.

When is best to go?

Where is best to go?

Where can I find out more?

Thanks.

 

[blipblop]

Hey, you are JUST in luck. I am going to San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma Valley the first week of June. What specific questions do you have? I have done a lot research regarding the restaurants and the vineyards in that area.

If there is anything you want to ask, PM me or just ask.

First off, you are most likely going to be flying into SFO. Napa/Sonoma is about an hours drive away. Depending on where you want to stay and what your price range is, there are a lot of Inns and B&B's.

In regards to wineries and vineyard tours, is there a specific one you would like to go see? Most wineries have tours and tastings for about 10-25. The experience, depending on the winery will last about 1 - 1.5 hour. When are you planning on going?

 

[blipblop]

Another thing is if you are going with a lady friend would be to spend some time in Calistoga. It's at the northern part of Napa Valley. The entire stretch from Calistoga to Napa is about a 36 mile drive.

The reason I ask if you are going with a lady friend is that Calistoga is famous for their mud baths and mineral water that comes out of the ground.

Some of the vineyards that I recommend are...

Joseph Phelps
Schramsberg*
Rutherfurd
Artesa
Domaine Carneros*

The ones with an * are the ones I plan on going to. We are going to be spending 1 night there.

 

[zoiks]

Take the wine train while you're there. I've been on it once and its not a bad trip for 3 hours. I live about 1.5 hours away and while I don't drink, I sometimes go there for the beautiful scenery.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

Originally posted by: blipblop
Hey, you are JUST in luck. I am going to San Francisco and Napa/Sonoma Valley the first week of June. What specific questions do you have? I have done a lot research regarding the restaurants and the vineyards in that area.

If there is anything you want to ask, PM me or just ask.

First off, you are most likely going to be flying into SFO. Napa/Sonoma is about an hours drive away. Depending on where you want to stay and what your price range is, there are a lot of Inns and B&B's.

In regards to wineries and vineyard tours, is there a specific one you would like to go see? Most wineries have tours and tastings for about 10-25. The experience, depending on the winery will last about 1 - 1.5 hour. When are you planning on going?

I was thinking sometime in august so I can book a flight well in advance cheaply. I have no idea what the weather is like that time of year. I am not on a tight budget but I don't need 5 star accommodations. I do want something that somewhat caters to a younger crowd as I am still in my 20's and would prefer not to be rubbing elbows with the retired.

I dont know if that makes sense to you....

My priorities:

1) Drink a lot of good wine!

2) Eat a lot of good food

3) Relaxation

 

[SKC]

how far in advance are you planning the trip? Are you a foodie? (questions leading to recommendation on trying to book French Laundry)..

 

[E equals MC2]

Originally posted by: zoiks
Take the wine train while you're there. I've been on it once and its not a bad trip for 3 hours. I live about 1.5 hours away and while I don't drink, I sometimes go there for the beautiful scenery.

ahhahhhhaha be sure to take the WHAAAAAAAMbulence after you get off the WHINE TRAIN.


hhahahahahahaahah

i crack myself up.

 

[zoiks]

It'll be very pleasant in August. I think it only gets really hot here for about 3 weeks out of the year. I dunno about the eating stuff since I'm not very picky. I could point you to the outdoors stuff like the areas to visit and such but don't know nuthin about food.

 

[zoiks]

Originally posted by: E equals MC2

Originally posted by: zoiks
Take the wine train while you're there. I've been on it once and its not a bad trip for 3 hours. I live about 1.5 hours away and while I don't drink, I sometimes go there for the beautiful scenery.

ahhahhhhaha be sure to take the WHAAAAAAAMbulence after you get off the WHINE TRAIN.


hhahahahahahaahah

i crack myself up.

 

[IceBergSLiM]

Originally posted by: SKC
how far in advance are you planning the trip? Are you a foodie? (questions leading to recommendation on trying to book French Laundry)..

August/september time frame. I am a foodie.

 

[blipblop]

Don't worry, I'm in my early 20's as well. As to fine dining explosion, have a read at this thread over at FlyerTalk. Check out all of the restaurants they mention in this thread.

Link


In regards to weather, the bay area and such usually have a micro climate as I have been told. The temperature would be in the 70's in August and at night might cool down to the 50's.

Will you be driving? I just ask because if you are going to be drinking a lot of wine, it may be better to get a driver and/or go on a tour so you don't endanger yourself and others on the road. We are going up there in a rental car and I'm not much of a drinker.

 

[blipblop]

The French Laundry has a set menu and is priced at $240/pp. 9 course tasting usually. It's absolutely exquisite.

It's a one in a lifetime experience treat if you're up for that =)

 

[IceBergSLiM]

Originally posted by: blipblop
Don't worry, I'm in my early 20's as well. As to fine dining explosion, have a read at this thread over at FlyerTalk. Check out all of the restaurants they mention in this thread.

Link


In regards to weather, the bay area and such usually have a micro climate as I have been told. The temperature would be in the 70's in August and at night might cool down to the 50's.

Will you be driving? I just ask because if you are going to be drinking a lot of wine, it may be better to get a driver and/or go on a tour so you don't endanger yourself and others on the road. We are going up there in a rental car and I'm not much of a drinker.

I will have a car...the extent of my driving has as of now unknown.