Just got back from about 8 nights here. Had a conference in Sonoma at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. Visited Rodney Strong, Jordan (highly recommend - reservations only), Chateau St. Jean and St. Francis (excellent wine + tasting menu). Definitely appreciated different varietals more in Sonoma (i.e. Cab Franc, Pinot Noir) than in Napa.
Then stayed at the Hyatt Vineyard in Santa Rosa after my conference but spent most of the time in Napa (about a 40 minute drive through twisty forest roads). Visited Robert Mondavi (great tour), Beaulieu Vineyards (joined wine club), Frog's Leap, Beringer (highly recommend and also joined wine club), Caymus (definitely recommend booking private tasting), Duckhorn, and Castello di Amarosa.
Ate at Ad Hoc in Yountville (Keller's more affordable restaurant than French Laundry). Came back there for lunch for fried chicken (so-so). Went to the Oxford Market in Napa for breakfast - great breakfast tacos. Also ate at a couple random joints in Santa Rosa that were both really good. If you're staying around Sonoma, check out the Sonoma square - lots of shops and great restaurants. We ate at El Dorado Kitchen, LaSalette (Portuguese) and Saddle (steakhouse).
Enjoy! I already want to go back.
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