|
|
The Internet Travel and Fun GuideIn winter, the fall crush-of both grapes and visitors has subsided in both the Sonoma Valley, and the Napa Valley. The back country roads that I have meandered since my early man-hood lead to uncrowdwed wineries and secluded inns and restaurants.Start this three day, (100 mile), route in the town of napa, where Trancas Street leads east to the Silverado Trail and leads north to many wineries. Named for a once-celebrated silver mine, the Silverado Trail meanders North nearly 30 miles along the valley's eastern rim, passing vineyards, olive trees, and about two dozen, small, premium wineries. Don't forget to stop at Grgich Hills Winery while in Napa. For Japanese food Yoshe Shige is the spot, for gourmet pizza or Italian food stop at Pietros. Plan several stops to sample wines and have lunch. Plan to spend the night at the Chateau Hotel in Napa. If you don't want to drive to a massage place, just call Massage to Go to get you feeling perfect.
The town of Calistoga, located on highway 128 north of Napa, is known for its springs and mud baths, and lies at the end of the trail. Don't forget to stop at the quaint, often forgotten winery with great wine, Graser Winery. Plan several stops to sample wines and have lunch or sample the massage or mud baths at Calistoga.
Next, follow route 128 from Calistoga and don't forget to stop at Alexander Valley, one of my favorite places in Sonoma County. Sample wines at Tom Johnson's winery, and stop to have some adult beverage spirits, or some of the best sandwiches or soup at The Alexander Valley Bar and Grill.
Keep following the 128 until Highway 101 leads south about 8 miles, until you get to The town of Healdsburg, a river town surrounded by more than 50 wineries. Continue on to the Dry Creek appellation to sample excellent award-winning wines from Foppiano Vineyards, Plan to stay at the Dry Creek Inn tonight.
The next day, continue following 101 south 15 miles to Santa Rosa. In Santa Rosa restaurants and wineries abound. Plan to spend the night at the Flamingo Hotel tonight, or if you are now thinking budget, stay at the Good Nite Inn in Rohnert Park.
Santa Rosa, where College Avenue and 4th Street lead east to Highway 12, which then wends its way southeast 15 miles to the town of Sonoma, passing rustic wineries tucked into the hillsides. Along Sonoma's historic plaza, deli's sell foods for picnics on the grass, and Sonoma Mission awaits exploration daily 10 am - 5 pm, exect major holidays. Don't forget to taste and take some legendary Sebastiani wines and the delightful wines from Ravenswood in the Sonoma Valley area. Plan to stay at the Sonoma Valley Inn tonight.
Return To Napa/Sonoma Index
Return To Funvacations Home Page
You are visitor number since January 15, 1997
You can reach us by e-mail at: winearea@funvacation.net 
This web page was brought to you by Fun Vacation dot Net and created by Rod & Laura Porteous. You can mail Rod at: rod@funvacation.net