Napa/Sonoma Valley on a budget?

[rnorwo1]

Hi,
I am unexpectedly taking my MIL on a trip to Napa Valley for her birthday in less than 2 months I know nothing about this area. Can anyone give me some ideas on where to stay that is nice and preferably with great views, but is not $400 a night? I've been looking at vrbo and there are a few possibilities, but I'm not sure I want just the two of us in a remote location. She will not want a hotel, so a condo or B&B will be preferred, and I'm open to any area. we will likely fly into SFO.
Also, any recommendations for great wineries would be so helpful... She would really like some that perhaps had hands-on activities. Dining and other activity suggestions will be wonderful also! This is a bucket list trip for her, and my FIL will pay her expenses, but I haven't had any time to save for my share! I want it to be a dream trip for her, but not bankrupt us, any help much appreciated!

 

[Gigi22]

So you are going to the Napa Valley in late Aug. or early Sept.? I am deeply envious, visiting this area is definitely on my own bucket list.

I do know that there is a wine train that goes roundtrip from San Francisco to Napa. You might want to check this out as an activity.

Do you know what wines your MIL likes? What her comfort level is with wines? Can you talk to your FIL about this? He should be able to tell you which wines your MIL likes, so that you can search out those wineries in particular.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

You have many choices of wineries and lodging options. I suggest that you get a good travel guide and start doing some internet research. Start here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g580460-Napa_Valley_California-Vacations.html

http://napavalley.com

http://www.napavalley.org

You will need to rent a car at SFO to get to Napa and the various wineries.

I'm not sure what you mean by hands-on activities, unless you are talking about lifting glasses of wine to your mouth!

 

[MAJPLO]

FUN!!!! The Napa Valley Wine Train is fabulous. Go for lunch in the Silverado car; I think it's a little bit cheaper. I am told they offer a military discount and possibly AAA.

Cakebread is one of my favorite wineries to go to. You get a tour, souvenir wine glass, and tastings for $15 (there's a more expensive tasting flight too I think). Luna is also a good one. There are big ones like Mondavi and Beringer but they are always very crowded. Folie a Deux is in the same building as.... Napa Cellars maybe? and that is a good one too. Artesa, Grgich Hills and Franciscan are nice as well. There is one that is a popular picnic spot, V Sattui, where you can get lunch or cheeses and wine and sit out on the grass at picnic tables. When we go we try to mix a couple of the more expensive tasting spots with a few of the less expensive ones.

The Oxbow Public Market has some great things in it from cupcakes to wine tasting to the most fabulous oysters and oyster dishes (Hog Island Oyster Company). Across the street is the Model Bakery which has great inexpensive breakfast items and is famous for their English Muffins.

Some of the places we have stayed where we have found great deals were the Napa River Inn and the Silverado Resort. They aren't B&B's but they have a smaller feel to them even though they are big. At the Silverado we stayed in a cottage with a little kitchenette.

LOVE Napa. Check out winetrain.com and napavalley.com

If you have any questions about specific wineries, hotels, areas, or restaurants, ask away!

 

[rnorwo1]

It'll be mid sept. I am an obsessive vacation planner, and I'm freaking out at about how little time I have and how little I know. I've discovered that this is prime time, so most of the places I've looked at are already booked. I have found a couple of B&Bs, but if my SIL joins us that won't work. Need to make her commit one way or the other!

Lol, by hands on activities, I meant like participating in making the wine or something (seriously, I know nothing so feel free to mock, but I thought I saw a pic of people mashing grapes on one website!).

Thanks so much for all of the suggestions, I'm off to look at them. Once I settle on a place to stay, I'll get to the other activities and restaurants! I'll prob have more questions once I can focus on that more. Thanks again!

 

[barkley]

So you are going to the Napa Valley in late Aug. or early Sept.? I am deeply envious, visiting this area is definitely on my own bucket list.

I do know that there is a wine train that goes roundtrip from San Francisco to Napa. You might want to check this out as an activity.

Do you know what wines your MIL likes? What her comfort level is with wines? Can you talk to your FIL about this? He should be able to tell you which wines your MIL likes, so that you can search out those wineries in particular.

heads up-any "wine train" trip from San Francisco to Napa will be a shuttle from san Francisco to Napa and back because the wine train terminal is in downtown Napa and the train only does a trip (with no stops)up valley and then back on the same rail route (there is no train transportation to or from Napa unless you're freight).

 

[Showpony]

Can't help with a B&B recommendation but V Sattui is my favorite winery! Also the Rutherford Grill is right down the road on the same side of the street and they have wonderful food. Also, if you bring your own bottle of wine for your meal they do not charge a corkage fee. Lots of well known wineries in the area, you just have to find one you think you like. Also, I believe September/October is when they do the grape crushing so the wineries may be more crowded on the weekends as many like to come up and watch. This is when we get our best weather and it may be warm, so just plan accordingly. Have fun!

 

[barkley]

Hi,
I am unexpectedly taking my MIL on a trip to Napa Valley for her birthday in less than 2 months I know nothing about this area. Can anyone give me some ideas on where to stay that is nice and preferably with great views, but is not $400 a night? I've been looking at vrbo and there are a few possibilities, but I'm not sure I want just the two of us in a remote location. She will not want a hotel, so a condo or B&B will be preferred, and I'm open to any area. we will likely fly into SFO.
Also, any recommendations for great wineries would be so helpful... She would really like some that perhaps had hands-on activities. Dining and other activity suggestions will be wonderful also! This is a bucket list trip for her, and my FIL will pay her expenses, but I haven't had any time to save for my share! I want it to be a dream trip for her, but not bankrupt us, any help much appreciated!

I'm a 'napa-kin' (born, raised there, worked in hospitality industry in my younger days there).

find out what you mil means by 'the napa valley'. most people envision the vinyards and quaint stores/cafes-that's NOT napa proper. if she wants something like that either head for st. helena, calistoga or sonoma.

you will need to rent a car b/c short of privately arranged shuttles/pricey 'tours' there's no good options for public transportation. when we go home we do transport from the airport (we prefer sacramento but sfo can be cheaper depending on where you're coming from) to napa where we pick up a rental (usually budget is the best deal). as far as lodging-it's going to be expensive, especially if she's not willing to do a hotel (we usually do the embassy suites in napa proper b/c it's got the easiest access to go up valley to st. helena or calistoga, or over to sonoma-it also offers reasonable rates, has nice rooms, wonderful staff, includes a hot made to order breakfast, and 2 hours of free cocktails in the evenings-it's also a lovely, well kept hotel).

the napa valley convention and visitors bureau is a great resource-also check out tripadvisor. always look at the websites for individual b&b's and lodging b/c they sometimes offer decent discounts through aaa, aarp and other associations. private rentals will probably be VERY pricey, napa housing is expensive period so people who rent out for vacationers (vs. ongoing tenancy) charge a premium.

I honestly can't think of anything hands on or activity wise. there may be some places that are doing some kind of cooking things-but they will probably be very basic and very expensive. there are the basic winery tours that places do (primarily see the vineyard, see the barrels, taste the wine-VISIT OUR SALES SHOP). I LOVE visiting dr. wilkinson's hot springs in Calistoga!!!! the have a phenominal mud baths, facials and massages (and charge very reasonably as compared to other spas in the area). they have a couple of private cottages on their property that you might look into renting-they also have standard rooms, but the cottages don't have a hotel like atmosphere. in calistoga there's an awesome little café called 'all seasons'-when the mondavi winery used to do food tour packages it was always on the schedule. it is VERY reasonably priced-and great food.

some of the 'resort' type lodgings might offer activities-but I suspect they are strictly for guests. some of the b&b's might offers some as well-but I'm not big on b&b's because I like more space than the average offers for a bedroom, and more privacy than most afford.

 

[melissalee]

I'm in the east bay now and have been up there a few times. I love Cakebread wine! (So much we are members!) also Heitz has free tastings (misty cabs). Rutherford has a great tour in their caves that are carved into the big hills.
We always say at the Days Inn (I think) right off 29.

 

[DizMe]

FUN!!!! The Napa Valley Wine Train is fabulous. Go for lunch in the Silverado car; I think it's a little bit cheaper. I am told they offer a military discount and possibly AAA.

Cakebread is one of my favorite wineries to go to. You get a tour, souvenir wine glass, and tastings for $15 (there's a more expensive tasting flight too I think). Luna is also a good one. There are big ones like Mondavi and Beringer but they are always very crowded. Folie a Deux is in the same building as.... Napa Cellars maybe? and that is a good one too. Artesa, Grgich Hills and Franciscan are nice as well. There is one that is a popular picnic spot, V Sattui, where you can get lunch or cheeses and wine and sit out on the grass at picnic tables. When we go we try to mix a couple of the more expensive tasting spots with a few of the less expensive ones.

The Oxbow Public Market has some great things in it from cupcakes to wine tasting to the most fabulous oysters and oyster dishes (Hog Island Oyster Company). Across the street is the Model Bakery which has great inexpensive breakfast items and is famous for their English Muffins.

Some of the places we have stayed where we have found great deals were the Napa River Inn and the Silverado Resort. They aren't B&B's but they have a smaller feel to them even though they are big. At the Silverado we stayed in a cottage with a little kitchenette.

LOVE Napa. Check out winetrain.com and napavalley.com

If you have any questions about specific wineries, hotels, areas, or restaurants, ask away!

I highlighted the above to mention that Silverado was started by Diane Disney Miller, Walt's daughter, and she ran it with her husband Ron until her death last year.

There is also a winery in the Sonoma Valley--Lasseter Family Winery--that is owned and run by John Lasseter.

I enjoy those little Disney connections

 

[TnTWalter]

I've only been once and loved it [Calistoga]. I looked up some stuff for you.....

Most wineries take advance reservations.

Plan 3-5 wineries in a day

Some detailed itineraries:
http://www.cntraveler.com/daily-traveler/2013/05/napa-a-to-z

http://www.visitnapavalley.com/itinerary_girlfriends_getaway.htm

http://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUserReviews-g580460-r10826783-Napa_Valley_California.html

http://theaccidentalwineguy.blogspot.com/2011/08/three-days-in-napa.html

http://www.napatouristguide.com/agenda.html

We stayed in Calistoga for 2 nights for a friend's wedding so had limited time for touring...but we did some and really loved it. I would love to go back.

our fave winery was the Castle...so cool. Book in advance.
http://www.castellodiamorosa.com/

Do Sterling for the tram ride.

We did not enjoy Del Dotto [the candles in the barrels was cool]...do Frog's Leap instead.

Vincent Arroyo was another favorite of ours but we only did 4-5.

if she's active: sip n cycle is really popular
http://getawayadventures.com/tour/calistoga-sip-n-cycle/

some hotels offer AAA discounts and/or senior discounts.

LODGING:

All lodging below have 2 bed options and are around $250 or less and are at least 4 stars on both tripadvisor and yelp.

NAPA LODGING:

http://embassysuites3.hilton.com/en/hotels/california/embassy-suites-napa-valley-NAPVLES/index.html

http://bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-plus-elm-house-inn

you might check your dates for this one. Dates I plugged in were not available. The standard has 2 double bed options.
http://www.napariverinn.com/

Hilton Garden Inn [$299]
http://www.napahiltongardeninn.com/

CALISTOGA LODGING:

Indian Springs
https://www.indianspringscalistoga.com/

Best Western Stevenson
http://book.bestwestern.com/bestwes...on-Manor/Hotel-Overview.do?propertyCode=05571

Mount view Double Twin Guestroom
http://mountviewhotel.com/

I checked online some dates in November but couldn't find availability for the double pool room at Dr Wilkinson, you might check your actual dates.
http://www.drwilkinson.com/


Yountville/St Helena are more expensive.


Enjoy!

 

[Soulsearching]

this sounds like a wonderful trip, must keep in the loop.

 

[Gigi22]

The website for the wine train I was referring to is http://winetrain.com The do a three hour trip with a meal. According to the website, you can connect to the train from San Francisco by ferry or bus.

Have you checked Trip Advisor for suggestions?

 

[MAJPLO]

The website for the wine train I was referring to is http://winetrain.com The do a three hour trip with a meal. According to the website, you can connect to the train from San Francisco by ferry or bus.

Have you checked Trip Advisor for suggestions?

OP if you are staying in Napa there is no need for this connect by ferry or bus from San Francisco. The wine train leaves from downtown Napa and returns to the same spot in downtown Napa. I'm assuming you will be renting a car or arranging some other form of transportation from the airport to Napa.

 

[rnorwo1]

I cannot thank all of you enough! Here are a few more details, as I think our trip will have to be a bit different than most people's. my MIL is NOT in good shape, so we will have to limit the walking. I was thinking we would stick to just 2-3 wineries total. We (my SIL committed to coming today, so there will be 3 of us) all like wine, but we are not knowledgeable about it at all, and probably do not have the palates to appreciate the finer ones I think she has always just believed this to be a beautiful part of the country and just wants to explore it. Since she won't be able to go,go,go, I am looking for a place with a balcony and a nice view, since I think we will need down time to just relax. I've found a few places on vrbo that will work and are much more affordable than the nicer hotels and B&Bs.

I think the castle is a must. I'm trying to decide on the train.... Will the scenery be much different than what we will see driving to and fro? I will decide on lodging in the next couple of days, but I'm leaning towards Calistoga or Healdsburg. Also, since it is prime season, I'm guessing we should tour the wineries on the weekdays?

Last night My FIL came over and generously offered to pay for a good bit of the trip (he was so thankful he didnt have to go ) so we may throw in a spa experience, lol! Are there any that may be outdoors with a view, or are otherwise amazing?

What would be the best town to explore, small walking area and quaint?

I'm off to look at each of the suggestions above, thank you thank you thank you!

PS: I'm also stalking the tripadvisor forums, but I feel too ignorant of wine and this area to ask questions there!

 

[pixiewings71]

I would suggest looking at the Meritage Hotel, yes it is a hotel but it is very nice. But I'll be honest, I have no idea what the nightly rates are. They also offer a free shuttle downtown so you could go to Oxbow or to eat and take the shuttle.
The wine train is located in Napa, no need to take transportation from SF if you are in Napa. It is $$$ but it is supposed to be fun, I've never done it. We like going to Oxbow to eat, we also like Rutherford Grill (a lot), we ate at Mustard's and while we enjoyed it we felt it was a bit too pricey for what we received so we probably won't do that again for a while. We also really enjoyed a great meal at Allegria in downtown Napa, that was delicious!
My favorite wineries are Castello di Amarosa, we went when my Mom was here, we didn't do the tour ($$$$ and I had just gone back to work after a year of looking) but we walked all around the grounds and took pictures. I also love Sutter Home, free tastings and plenty of good wines to try, V Sattui (across from Sutter and owned by the people who own the castle), Menage a Trois and we love to have sparkling wines at Domaine Carneros (pair with a small plate of cheeses for a great experience) and Domaine Chandon (free glass with your tasting!). I'm about 20 minutes from Napa and DBF's parents live there so we go about once a month.

 

[barkley]

I cannot thank all of you enough! Here are a few more details, as I think our trip will have to be a bit different than most people's. my MIL is NOT in good shape, so we will have to limit the walking. I was thinking we would stick to just 2-3 wineries total. We (my SIL committed to coming today, so there will be 3 of us) all like wine, but we are not knowledgeable about it at all, and probably do not have the palates to appreciate the finer ones I think she has always just believed this to be a beautiful part of the country and just wants to explore it. Since she won't be able to go,go,go, I am looking for a place with a balcony and a nice view, since I think we will need down time to just relax. I've found a few places on vrbo that will work and are much more affordable than the nicer hotels and B&Bs.

I think the castle is a must. I'm trying to decide on the train.... Will the scenery be much different than what we will see driving to and fro? I will decide on lodging in the next couple of days, but I'm leaning towards Calistoga or Healdsburg. Also, since it is prime season, I'm guessing we should tour the wineries on the weekdays?

Last night My FIL came over and generously offered to pay for a good bit of the trip (he was so thankful he didnt have to go ) so we may throw in a spa experience, lol! Are there any that may be outdoors with a view, or are otherwise amazing?

What would be the best town to explore, small walking area and quaint?

I'm off to look at each of the suggestions above, thank you thank you thank you!

PS: I'm also stalking the tripadvisor forums, but I feel too ignorant of wine and this area to ask questions there!

Healdsburg is not in wine country-you would either have to go about 40 minutes (in decent traffic) to get back to Calistoga (kind of the top of the valley), or at least an hour to Sonoma. one would involve somewhat curvy mountain type roads, the other down the freeway which can get heavy commute traffic. if your mil wants scenery-of the two choices Calistoga would be the place.

Calistoga, St. Helena and Sonoma are all neat places to walk around. in Yountville you could go to Vintage 1870-it's a 144 year old winery that's been made into shops, galleries and dining (does entail stairs, and the walking surface is somewhat uneven). across the freeway from vintage 1870 is domaine chandon, which is a popular stop. there's a veteran's home by the entrance to domaine, and it's traditionally been one of the most popular places for the area hot air balloons to take off in the morning. even if you don't have a desire to do a balloon ride, you can call them to find out what time/what days they are flying when you are there-and make sure you will be outside one of those mornings (they take off early) to sit and watch them floating overhead. I haven't been there in years, but the stunning old Christian Brother's winery was converted into a Culinary Institute and they do cooking demonstrations-and I hear the food is fantastic (check out the CIA website).

if you stay in Calistoga, then when you travel from San Francisco you will come up highway 29 which will take you through Napa, then Yountville, then St. Helena then Calistoga-the wine train route would only differ by coming through the city of Napa before it runs along side the highway (so you would see the same good scenery on the drive).

 

[Cupcakey78]

I don't have much to add, but I have friends that work at some wineries in st Helena and healdsburg. September is harvest/crush season, so I am sure it will be extra exciting during your time there.

Have fun!

 

[rnorwo1]

Hi again! I mapquested some distances and agree that we need to stay no further than Calistoga. Is Santa Rosa nice? I found a nice cottage there. The Meritage is all booked, but it does look wonderful! I'm scared of crowds because practically every hotel and B&B I've been interested in is booked!

Are tastings included in tours? I'm thoroughly confused by the different options I'm seeing on all of these winery websites. We will probably do one tour and then maybe just explore the grounds of one more on our own. I don't think she will be able to be on her feet for hours. The hot air balloon ride sounds like an amazing idea, I'm going to check that out!

 

[MAJPLO]

Hi again! I mapquested some distances and agree that we need to stay no further than Calistoga. Is Santa Rosa nice? I found a nice cottage there. The Meritage is all booked, but it does look wonderful! I'm scared of crowds because practically every hotel and B&B I've been interested in is booked!

Are tastings included in tours? I'm thoroughly confused by the different options I'm seeing on all of these winery websites. We will probably do one tour and then maybe just explore the grounds of one more on our own. I don't think she will be able to be on her feet for hours. The hot air balloon ride sounds like an amazing idea, I'm going to check that out!

Too far. Santa Rosa is about an hour away from Napa. Usually a tour includes a tasting. I have found the best help has been to narrow things down from napavalley.com info on certain wineries then go to those websites of the individual winery. What are your dates?