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Old 06-05-2014, 04:22 PM   #1
_Q_
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So me and the girlfriend are heading to Northern California for about 9 days in August. We would like to do a 2 night portion of it in either Napa Valley or Sonoma County.

Question to anyone who's done this. Which one is better and why? Also any suggestions or general discussion about this would be much appreciated.
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Old 06-05-2014, 04:27 PM   #2
troutman
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Top Ten Differences Between Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley


http://fermentationwineblog.com/2011...sonoma-valley/
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Old 06-05-2014, 05:26 PM   #3
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If you ever find yourself in Calistoga (and there's not reason you shoudn't), I recommend staying at Dr. Wilkinsons Hot Springs Resort. Great little hotel with all sorts of pools and spas. Calistoga in general is a nice little town.
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Old 06-05-2014, 05:33 PM   #4
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Wife and I did Napa last year, it was beautiful. It's the only one I did though, so can't compare.
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Old 06-05-2014, 05:34 PM   #5
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I went to napa. Really enjoyed it. Went to three winery's.. The one I really enjoyed was the last one we visited. Beringer winery.. Wife and I had a great time.
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Old 06-05-2014, 06:14 PM   #6
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Napa tastings are bloody expensive ($20 for a flight, saw some for as much as $45) while Sonoma was much cheaper and sort of similar to what you'd pay in Okanagan: $5-10, waived if you purchase. Napa was also much busier and a nightmare to drive through at the end of the day.

Both were amazing though. Probably lots of packages out there that can make tastings in Napa more affordable
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Old 06-05-2014, 06:45 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by fotze View Post
Go to French laundry
Yeah I actually looked into that, but I couldn't find a menu online. How expensive is it?
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Old 06-05-2014, 07:00 PM   #8
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9 course meal = $270

http://blogs.ajc.com/food-and-more/2...rench-laundry/


2600 phone calls. Two days. Four phones.

And it didn’t work.

I’ve read the stories about how difficult it can be to secure a reservation at The French Laundry, Thomas Keller’s 16-table restaurant in Yountville, CA. The phone lines open each day at 1:00 p.m. Eastern time and the restaurant accepts reservations for meals two months from that date.

Last edited by troutman; 06-05-2014 at 07:03 PM.
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Old 06-05-2014, 07:20 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by troutman View Post
Top Ten Differences Between Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley


http://fermentationwineblog.com/2011...sonoma-valley/
This is very accurate from my experience. I might be wrong, but Napa seems geared toward restauranters looking to purchase wine by the case, while Sonoma was more relaxed and suitable for people that just want to buy a bottle or so for every vineyard they visit.
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Old 06-05-2014, 07:34 PM   #10
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I went to Sonoma and loved it. It was a cycling/wine tasting trip. Stayed at the Eldorado. The restaurant was great, hotel was nice, but thin walls. Got to listen to some shagging for a couple nights.
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Old 06-05-2014, 08:35 PM   #11
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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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Old 06-05-2014, 10:27 PM   #12
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did a hot air balloon ride in Napa. That was nice.
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Old 06-06-2014, 08:12 AM   #13
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I drove through Sanoma to find a local brewery.... I wasn't with wine drinkers
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