San Francisco/ Napa

[Jefe]

My wife and I are planning to go to San Francisco for the Ghirardelli chocolate festival in Sept. Don't know if it's worthwhile or not. We want to include some time in Napa Valley too. Any input from those of you who live there or have been there? Where are good places to stay? Is that even a good time of year to visit? Any input would be appreciated.

[DonGately]

The Napa Valley is a gorgeous area. September should be ok (other than it may be hot).

It has beautiful scenery, interesting architecture, and a number of cool small towns (St Helena, Napa, Healdsburg, and others). If you're a wine drinker, there's tons of wine tasting. Not sure if the Wine Train is running in Sept, but that's one way that people spend the day wine tasting without having to drive.

There's a lot of great restaurants, including a Culinary Institute of America, and Taylor's Refresher (which is a drive-in type burger joint that's been featured on the Food Channel -- it's really good).

I'm not sure where to recommend to stay, but you can find the range of motel/hotel/spa/B&B at a number of different towns in the valley.

[SynthesizerMan]

Sonoma Valley is worth considering too. It is slightly closer to SF and it is less traveled. Both valleys have lots of places to eat drink and sleep. Having been to both many times I prefer Sonoma Valley because it is less crowded.

Outside of Healdsburg, which is in Sonoma Valley, is a great bed and breakfast called the Madrona Manor. Right down the road from there is a great local winery called Rafinelli's. It has the best Zin in California. They may be out of wine by then so call.

The Alexander Valley is right there too and no bad wine has ever come from it.

Sonoma itself is nice too. Good food and lodging there. Also an early Cal mission and barracks right off of the town square.

In either place you will enjoy the climate and surroundings, and the wine.

If you want to drop a $200 - 300 per person go to the French Laundry. It is considered the best restaurant in the country. Friends of mine were there last month and they said it was worth every dollar.

world of noise

[Jefe]

Thank you both for your input, it is very helpful.

I think we would prefer both a small town atmosphere and a less crowds. Sonoma Valley sounds great.

I will have to look into the Wine Train too. Avoiding driving would be a good thing.

After 7 years in Florida I don't think we would have to worry about heat. I have done a 180 degree swing from my Pittsburgh upbringing. I reach for the jeans & long-sleeved tee if it goes below 75 now.[:I]

[Frau_Blucher]

Just remember, if anyone orders Merlot, leave. Do NOT drink any fucking Merlot!

[Jefe]

Maybe I'm being dense, but what's wrong with Merlot?

[Frau_Blucher]

[quote][i]Originally posted by Jefe[/i]
<br>Maybe I'm being dense, but what's wrong with Merlot?
[/quote]
Sorry...

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0375063/quotes

[Jefe]

Ok, now I get it.

That particular scene makes me want to rent that movie. My wife & I started going to wine tastings about a year ago (trying to broaden my shot-and-a-beer upbringing). We laugh for weeks at some of the things said by the vendors. One very nice woman stated that whatever wine she happened to be pouring at the time was "very approachable".

My first thought was, "What, the others turn and run when I reach for the bottle".

[phillyidol]

Not my kind of movie and yet....I LOVED it. Very well done.




Worlds GREATEST Photographer!

[waldnorm]

I'd recommend Healdsburg, Bodega Highway and River Road, and also to go to the coast and see Bodega Bay--for the more Western Regions of Sonoma County, but Napa is beautiful, too. Wine Country has quite a huge range up there with all sorts of wine tasting available. I'm not much of a drinker--but I can say this--don't waste too much small money on regular wines you would get anywhere, unless you seriously want to buy some. Instead, spend more and get the taste of the reserves--you likely will not buy a bottle, but those sips are worth their taste! [:)]

[brock]

[quote]Originally posted by Jefe
[br]My wife and I are planning to go to San Francisco for the Ghirardelli chocolate festival in Sept. Don't know if it's worthwhile or not. We want to include some time in Napa Valley too. Any input from those of you who live there or have been there? Where are good places to stay? Is that even a good time of year to visit? Any input would be appreciated.
[/quote]Years ago I lived in SF and absolutely loved it. I've never been to that festival, but if you decide you need back-up plans, you will find lots of other events going on (probably a new wave show, too). Read on-line customer reviews to decide where to stay. Or just get a room at The Sir Francis Drake on Union Square. Or book a B&B in wine country. Weather should be great; there's usually no fog then. My choices for wineries are the Healdburg & Sonoma areas. Personally, I'd skip the Wine Train. Limit your consumption or just stick to certain varietals. Sept is harvest time, so you'll get a good look at the winemaking process. Lastly, make time for a drive out to Tomales Bay for a picnic at the Hog Island Oyster Co or a drink at Nick's Cove.
Hope this helps!

[Jefe]

waldnorm & brock, thanks to both of you for your help. There seems to be a consensus developing regarding Sonoma & Healdsburg. Those will both be places to visit. I'll have to do some research on the specific places you mentioned. Right after I rent and watch Sideways.[;)]