Travel Answers

Hello! Taking my wife to Napa for our 15th anniversary next month. We've never been there. I've read up a bit on things to do (Wine Train sounds cool), but would appreciate if anyone had a 2-3 day itinerary they could share. We will have a rental from SFO. Thanks in advance!

Hello, Similar to Lemonpie's post last month, I'm looking for tips on where to stay in Napa. My boyfriend and I are in our late 20's and are making our first trip out to the area. We prefer to stay in an active area with things to do that are within walking/biking distance, but also plan to use a rental car to get to worthwhile destinations that we cannot walk to. We're looking for a vacation rental with outdoor space and a kitchen; we love to cook and I'm really looking forward to checking out some of the farmers markets and gourmet shops I've read about. We also like to wine-and-dine out, and hope to stay someplace where we won't have to rely on a car to do so. After reading books and checking out websites for weeks, I could really use some advice! We will be spending 4 days in Napa and 3 in Sonoma. Thanks for any input!

Hello again.....is there such a map that will show all the wineries in Napa? Thanks VT Friends!

I've heard there are coupons availble on-line for various wineries/restaurant. Where do I find them? Thanks!

Hello VT Our first time to Napa will be this summer...we want a hotel/resort in the "heart of Napa" near wineries...I have researched and cannot seem to find one that has a central location. Perhaps hotels in the "heart of Napa" don't exist and they are scattered or I am not looking in the right place. Help! Any suggestions would be appreciated. Price does not matter. Thanks everyone! :)

We've decided to add on two days in the Napa Valley to a long, CA trip. I've been there before, but it was quite awhile ago. Calistoga looks like a good destination, but we are open to any suggestions. I'd like a nice inn or B&B - maybe about200 or so a night. Anyone have a favorite spot? We'll have a car.

I am in the midst of planning a 2 week vacation in CA for my boyfriend and I in August. Our first stop is for five days in San Fran (See post—VT Forum temporarily unavailable and then we head to the Napa/Sonoma region for another five days/four nights. We have booked four nights at Churchill Manor but I am considering shorting that to two so that we can have two days in Sonoma—is this a good idea? Is Sonoma worth a stop over, or should we remain based in Napa and simply drive over for a day's visit in Sonoma? We plan to visit Robert Mondavi winery and possibly La Crema—other suggestions are welcome. We would also like to do the Napa Valley Wine Train. Other than that, we have no official plans in the area and would love some advice. Maybe a spa, some shopping, and just general relaxation. The two of us are also foodies and hope to eat at some great restaurants in the area. I know that there are some "celebrity chef" restaurants in the area and think that might be cool to try one night. We also love to take pictures, so if you recommend any picturesque locations, we would love that. We wouldn't mind going on a light hike in the area if there are good places to do so. Finally, for the drive to and from Napa/Sonoma and San Fran, we would like to know of any places worth a stop. Thank you in advance to those who post suggestions—I've supported California wine country in the comfort of my South Louisiana home for some time now and am excited for my first trip to the area!

Can anyone suggest a couple of nice restaurants in the Napa Valley (we're staying in Napa) that won't set me back a months mortgage, like French Laundry will? Thanks in advance!

Hi! I've been reading Tripadvisor, and lots of great reviews on a number of places in the Napa area.... but my girlfriend and I are looking for relaxation and a nice social scene/hotel bar, or reasonably close access to shops and restaurants. I noticed a lot of the reviews were posted by couples... and we're a couple of busy working moms getting away... any suggestions?? Thanks in advance!

My wife and I are heading to Napa in March, our first trip to the region. Any suggestions for can't miss winery tours/tastings? We'll most likely take the "wine train" during the day at some point, but looking for other suggestions. Thanks in advance!

My husband and I are going on a bike tour and spending 2 nights in Calistoga. Anyone know of reasonable but charming nice B&B there?

My wife and I will be spending 2 nights in mid-August in the Napa-Sonoma area to visit some wineries, yet to be determined. Where would be a good place to stay? Napa or Sonoma valleys? What are some interesting wineries to visit. Thanks.

Just thinking ogf going here this summer among other places. Is a car mandatory? What is suggested for maximum number of days without going bonkers with boredom. Are their many tours in differrent directions or most go to the same places Any help and advice is appreciated.Thanks-gene

The winery is closed and it was one of our favorites. Does anyone know where Tony from the tasting room works now? Thanks, Cindy New Orleans

I'm thinking of taking my wife to Napa Valley for Valentine's day. Any suggestions for hotels? Thanks, HB

We are heading to Napa (actually staying in St. Helena) in a couple of days. Can anyone suggest some low-key restaurants and some nice restaurants to go eat?

Hi everyone!!! I am trying to figure out where is a better location to stay, Napa or Sonoma downtown area. I want to visit the wineries during the day, and I am not sure which of the two will offer beter and more things to do after. Will wait for your reply to make my hotel reservation. Thanks!

We live in San Diego and will be flying into SF to visit Napa and Sonoma this fall and then fly to Seattle. I hope to buy some wine (not all from the same winery. Any suggestions on how to get the wine back to San Diego? Many thanks in advance!

I have spent a whole day on the computer going through wineries in Napa and Sonoma and they all have Tours and Wine Tasting. Given 4 days, it's impossible to tour all of them. I'll appreciate some recommendations on the wineries that are a 'must see' for scenery, 'must try' for their wine and food pairings and 'must tour' for their beauty. Are the tours necessary? Are we able to visit the wineries without booking a tour but still be able to enjoy it. Of course, there are some wineries that are well worth paying for a tour. Also, my last question... my boyfriend is not a huge fan of wine...do the wineries mind if I pay for a tasting for myself but I shared the wine with him or are they really strict?

I'm trying to plan a fun weekend for my boyfriend and myself, and would like to do something great for both of us. He's really outdoorsy and loves camping, and I am more excited about the idea of a wine tasting bed/breakfast type weekend. I was hoping to get in the best of both worlds, with a night or two of camping, followed by a night or two in a more luxurious atmosphere in Napa or the like. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'd also like to get some biking in there if possible. I know this is pretty specific, but thanks for any help that I can get!

We are still on the fence regarding a bed and breakfast or Hotel. I am considering the "Dry Creek Inn" or a local B&B?? Any suggestions? We like to be comforatable and were concerned about being at a B&B and having it be a bit less privet. Any suggestions

Can someone please give me some advice about our up coming trip to Napa. We will be traveling from SFO to the Napa region this May. I was told by my friend that Sonoma is better end less crowded?? Can some recommend a place to locate ourselves and a few spots/wineries not to miss. thank you for your help.

Hi! My husband and I will be staying in the Napa area next Sat and Sun and need a place to stay that's inepensive Also, any suggestions for free wine tastings on my birthday would be nice :) Thanks!

Can any VT member suggest a good place to stop for lunch on our way to Napa from San Francisco International Airport? Background Info: My husband and I will be arriving at SFO on a Tuesday at 12:14 PM. Assuming the flight is on time, we estimate that by the time we pick up the rental car it'll be about 1:00/1:15 PM. I would prefer to get out of the San Francisco area and cross the bridge before stopping for lunch. Where is a good place to stop? Is Sausalito a good place? We don't have any preferences as far as cuisine, but would like something good. We don't care for chain restaurants or fast food. We like to sample local flavors and are always willing to be adventurous when it comes to food; but also appreciate good sandwiches, salads, or a good diner-style pie. The place can be a hole in the wall or a fancy shmancy restaurant. The only rule is the food has to be good. (Also, we have to be able to walk-in w/o reservations due to uncertainty of arrival time.) Suggestions?

Hi - gonna need a few jouneys by taxi while staying in Napa - need a top quality sedan to impress - not a stretch but real top quality - any suggestions

Gonna have 3-4 hrs spare for a drive around Napa - staying close to Napa - awesome views, opportunity to sit and stare with someone special - shade, water, you get the idea I'm sure

i'm not staying in the wine country this trip but passing through. I'm looking for the perfect lunch . Any suggestion??? A few that have been suggested were ....... Brix, zuzu, wappo, rutherford grille, celadon . An ideal place would have good food ( light but usual meal),deserts and good scenery . Any help would be appreciated!!!!!!!!!

Hey all, I'm trying to figure out if any Napa wineries offer on-site accommodations. I'm planning a client retreat where we'll have both working sessions and recreational activities over 2 days for about 5-10 people. Any suggestions? Thanks!!! K

Where do you find a great hamburger, or, to get fancy, French bakery type sandwiches, or Thai food, or, gado gado?

My husband and I are planning a trip to Napa in mid-November. Although we are driving and will have our own car, we would like one day where we can both enjoy wine country without worrying about who is driving. I've checked out some limo websites but the costs seem a bit extravagant for two people. Are there any suggestions for something a little more affordable? Thanks!