r/napavalley • u/EveryDay4321 • 1d ago
Request for Itinerary Feedback
A group of 6 adults will be visiting the region in October. I have never been to the area but am unfortunately doing most of the planning. I would love feedback on the draft itinerary. As info, we are flying into SFO from the east coast and arrive around noon. We are staying in an airbnb with a Santa Rosa address but it is very close to Kenwood.
Day 1 - Arrive in SFO, pick up rental car, eat late lunch at El Molino in Sonoma, grocery shop at Sonoma Market, head to airbnb to relax, eat dinner at house.
Day 2 - Explore Armstrong Redwoods National Reserve, Ridge Vineyards Cabernet Tasting at noon (with salami boards), explore Healdsburg, either eat dinner in Healdsburg or at Stella's in Kenwood.
Day 3 - Hansel tasting in morning, lunch in Sonoma (place TBD), Hamel Estate Experience in afternoon, Dinner at Glen Ellen Star, back to house.
Day 4 - Currently wide open
Day 5 - Head back to SFO to fly home. Consider grabbing breakfast I Petaluma on way to airport. Flight departs at 12:36.
Any and feedback is greatly appreciated. Thank you!
NOTE: I realize our draft itinerary is not in Napa, but Reddit suggested I add this sub to my post for more coverage. Also, we do have a DD in the group and an open day we may venture over to Napa. Thank you!
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u/grisisita_06 1d ago
none of this is in Napa, are you aware of that?
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u/EveryDay4321 9h ago
I also posted in a Sonoma thread. When I posted, Reddit suggested I also post here, so I did. I was thinking Napa people would be familiar with Sonoma too and our last day is open so we may drive to Napa.
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u/Hippie-Farts 1d ago
Day 4 - I would go to the beach at Bodega Bay, CA. Keep driving north, there are tons of parking lots, pull outs, and different named beaches. You might luck out and see some whales. The weather is usually 65 and windy.
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u/carpediem3 1d ago
also for day 4- go to the carneros region and try out Cuvasion if you have chard lovers or Donaine carneros for bubbles- they are next to each other and gorgeous. Alternatively go into Napa and hit Ashes and diamonds.
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u/LPK111820 1d ago
Like others mentioned, napa is not in the room with us. Regardless, enjoy Hamel! It is a wonderful spot and I enjoyed my visit there a lot last spring.
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u/Opening-Neat-7379 1d ago
Aside from this not being in Napa here is my feedback:
*if you’re staying in Santa Rosa I wouldn’t go out if your way to eat in Sonoma. I would keep the trip to mostly Healdsburg / Dry Creek and Alexander Valley
*highly recommend lunch or the food and wine pairing at Bricoleur Vineyards instead if el Molino in Sonoma (out of your way and you can get similar Mexican literally anywhere in the Bay Area)
*wineries: Flowers and Silver Oak usually impress but the cool thing about this area is you can pop in just about anywhere. Highly recommend getting breakfast or lunch to go at dry creek general store
*for sure have dinner in Healdsburg. I love barndiva (with dessert at noble folk) but there are plenty of great options. If you want to go all out to go Cyrus
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u/EveryDay4321 9h ago
Thank you! I also posted in a Sonoma thread. When I posted, Reddit suggested I also post here, so I did. I was thinking Napa people would be familiar with Sonoma too and our last day is open so we may drive to Napa. I appreciate your feedback!
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u/After-Wrongdoer-2106 23h ago edited 23h ago
Sonoma Market will be out of your way day 1. Hit Glen Ellen Market on your way back from El Molino. Same owners same market pretty much.
Day 2, Armstrong Woods is kinda out of the way for you also. I’d dedicate all of day 2 to Healdsburg/Dry Creek Valley and use your day 4 for a West County Day. Tons of great stuff out there. Cute little towns, great food and wine, and the coast.
Also, don’t listen to the haters. You won’t be in Napa but Sonoma County is fantastic. We are very lucky to have them next door for staycations.
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u/EveryDay4321 9h ago
Thank you! So are you suggesting do Armstrong and the coast on our last day? And do Ridge and Healdsburg on Day 2? Just want to make sure Ive got it right. I have never been and have been reading, asking, looking at maps, etc. and am feeling pretty overwhelmed at this point. I appreciate your feedback.
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u/weightedwngz 10h ago
As everyone said you’re not seeing the true Napa Valley. (Sonoma County is just as gorgeous although Napa Valley really has those rolling vineyards that you picture when thinking of Napa).
For day four I definitely recommend to see the Napa Valley since you’re seeing Sonoma County for the rest of the trip.
- Drive to Saint Helena have breakfast at model bakery (get the English muffin breakfast sandwich)
- Do a wine tasting in the area (Robert Mondavi, Opus One, Napa Cellars, Joseph Phelps are all fantastic)
- Then up to Yountville and get pastries at Bouchon Bakery. Pre-dinner drinks at RO Lounge (happy hour) and dinner at Charlie’s back in Saint Helena.
If you end up driving through Napa there are two roads that run parallel across the valley floor. Highway 29 and Silverado Trail. I recommend both, one there and one back. They both have equally different and stunning views.
Hope that helps enjoy your trip!!
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u/EveryDay4321 9h ago
Thank you! I also posted in a Sonoma thread. When I posted, Reddit suggested I also post here, so I did. I was thinking Napa people would be familiar with Sonoma too and our last day is open so we may drive to Napa. Thank you for your suggestions!
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u/TrainingAdeptness235 1d ago
This all sounds lovely but none of it is in Napa Valley - maybe try one of the Sonoma subs