Napa / Sonoma

[DalTexHornFan]

My wife and I are planning a trip to either Napa or Sonoma this summer and I was curious whether anybody on the board could give us some guidance about which may be the better vacation. We are basically just wanting to chill out, drink some wine, some nice dinners, relax. Any suggestions? Is July/August a good time to go? We were thinking we would want to escape some summer heat.

 

[Lone Star]

Napa -- higher end tasting rooms, more people

Sonoma -- more rustic, plenty of tasting rooms

Both can be done during a weekend

look at the link and come back with Qs

The Link

 

[tmiller3]

We went last summer in late July. The temps in the upper reaches of Napa valley were over 100- so Napa can get very warm, as can Sonoma. The closer you are to the water, the cooler it is. Normally July is a good time, but it can get warm.

I agree with last poster on difference between two valleys. Also, if you want cooler weather, look at the Sonoma Coast wineries, that are near the Pacific, not near the Bay. You can get the ocean, wineries and a very laid back scene.

Regardless of which valley, stay away from any wineries that take tour buses. In the summer Napa is crawling with visitors and it is not real relaxing to spend your time with 3 or 4 bus loads of people. Look for the small out of the way winreires, or the ones where you MUST schedule an appoirnment. You'll enjoy the experience alot more, you'll learn and enjoy.

 

[dfw75201]

Napa is definietly more commercial unless you find the "by appointment only" wineries. Sonoma has historically been more relaxed and friendly and the tasting rooms were more likely to take time to talk to you about the wine. That being said, last time I was in Sonoma, the rooms there were getting a bit crowded too, even the small ones. If you really want to just relax and stay cool, do Sonoma and spend time in the wineries in the Russian River. Drive out to the ocean. Western Sonoma is about as beautiful as it gets.