Napa or Sonoma (Brea, Healdsburg, Vineyard: buy, restaurants, price)

[wolfcub]

Any first hand recommendations on a B&B in either locale that is not over the top on price. Been to all the review sites, there are just so many was hoping for some first hand experiences.

Coming in September for a conference in San Fran but plan to stay (2) nights in the Napa/Sonoma area before staying in San Fran for the rest of week.

Thanks for any input. Price range is $150-$200 per night.

[bmw335xi]

Napa, but they are nearby, so it doesn't really matter. I prefer Napa though.

[wolfcub]

Originally Posted by bmw335xi

Napa, but they are nearby, so it doesn't really matter. I prefer Napa though.

Any first hand knowledge on any of them?

[Finger Laker]

I personally preferred Sonoma - but they are close by

This is where my wife & I stayed .... we had the Vineyard View Suite

Sonoma Valley Bed and Breakfast

Whole experience was great and loved being just a short walk from the square area in sonoma

unfotunately it looks like you are going on "high season" so the lowest priced room would exceed the top part of your budget

so I guess that while I have some first hand experience it's not the most relevant ..... I can say that what I liked about the place was that the staff was great, the room was nice and most important to me it provided a nice jumping off point ... we had some nice walks, bike rides, meals and even able to visit a couple of wineries without having to turn on the ignition

wherever you end up you should have a fanstastic time though - it's a nice area and should be fantastic in the fall

[dmode]

I prefer Sonoma over Napa. To be honest, I actually prefer the Russian river area the most. I have stayed at a B&B in Healdsburg within walking distance to downtown Healdsburg. It was a great experience. I also feel that the wineries in Sonoma are just better - in terms of quality of wine, lack of tourists, and of course free wine tasting. Visit Merry Edwards and Gary Ferrell wineries - two of my favorite wineries in the region.

One thing that Napa has an edge over Sonoma is high end restaurants. You can go to Yontville for some upscale dining at one of Thomas Keller establishments.

[wolfcub]

Originally Posted by dmode

I prefer Sonoma over Napa. To be honest, I actually prefer the Russian river area the most. I have stayed at a B&B in Healdsburg within walking distance to downtown Healdsburg. It was a great experience. I also feel that the wineries in Sonoma are just better - in terms of quality of wine, lack of tourists, and of course free wine tasting. Visit Merry Edwards and Gary Ferrell wineries - two of my favorite wineries in the region.

One thing that Napa has an edge over Sonoma is high end restaurants. You can go to Yontville for some upscale dining at one of Thomas Keller establishments.

Great Info. I was actually thinking maye Russian River as well. Any B&B's you know of over there that you can recommend.

[NYC809]

Sonoma>Napa

I feel that the commercialization in Napa is just annoying. Think of Napa as the Times Square of NY. Sonoma is much more chill and the folks at the wineries have been much more pleasant to speak with in comparison to the rush rush of Napa.

[dmode]

Originally Posted by wolfcub

Great Info. I was actually thinking maye Russian River as well. Any B&B's you know of over there that you can recommend.

I stayed at the Haydon Street Inn at Healdsburg. I would recommend it. The owner was very friendly and organized wine and cheese events every evening.

[04kL4nD]

Sonoma is much nicer, laid back, and less pretentious. The wine might be better in Napa, but unless you're willing to spend a hundred bucks on a bottle and pay $20 for a wine tasting, Sonoma is the better choice.

Downtown Sonoma kicks ass. Downtown Napa? Well...

[dalparadise]

Napa is great, once you get past it, into the northern towns in the valley. Napa itself is sorta lame. I echo the reco of Sonoma, though. Very nice and unpretentious. You can find a lot of friendly tasting room staff and good places to eat, too. Take a walk on Sonoma Square and buy some fresh bread, cheese and things from the shops. Then head to a winery and purchase a bottle to enjoy on their grounds and make a picnic. It's a great and inexpensive way to enjoy Wine Country.