California - Advice needed for fall Honeymoon-ish weekend in Napa/Sonoma area

Hello all,

My wife and I got married over Memorial Day weekend, though sadly I had to work right afterwards and in this market you don't turn down work. :(

We've yet to have a proper honeymoon, and that's probably a little ways off, but in-between, I'm thinking of taking an extended weekend and coming out to Napa/Sonoma and perhaps doing a bit of San Francisco while we're at it.

I've been to Napa/Sonoma, though not extensively. I'm looking for some great suggestions that's high on the romance factor, but something a bit less crowded than the norm. Is there a time of year that's best? At the moment, my thinking is Labor Day weekend, though I imagine things will be crowded around then. Otherwise, we can push that out a few weeks to the end of September perhaps. What I'm aiming for:

- 3-4 days total
- Vineyards...we both love visiting (and my wife is French, so bonus points for anything remotely French)
- Great restaurants...already have the French Laundry on the radar...any other can't-miss places?

Suggestions on hotels (whether we should stay in Napa/Sonoma or SF) would be appreciated, as would suggestions for vineyards and restaurants and timing.

Thanks a bunch,

-H.

Hello all,

My wife and I got married over Memorial Day weekend, though sadly I had to work right afterwards and in this market you don't turn down work. :(

We've yet to have a proper honeymoon, and that's probably a little ways off, but in-between, I'm thinking of taking an extended weekend and coming out to Napa/Sonoma and perhaps doing a bit of San Francisco while we're at it.

I've been to Napa/Sonoma, though not extensively. I'm looking for some great suggestions that's high on the romance factor, but something a bit less crowded than the norm. Is there a time of year that's best? At the moment, my thinking is Labor Day weekend, though I imagine things will be crowded around then. Otherwise, we can push that out a few weeks to the end of September perhaps. What I'm aiming for:

- 3-4 days total
- Vineyards...we both love visiting (and my wife is French, so bonus points for anything remotely French)
- Great restaurants...already have the French Laundry on the radar...any other can't-miss places?

Suggestions on hotels (whether we should stay in Napa/Sonoma or SF) would be appreciated, as would suggestions for vineyards and restaurants and timing.

Thanks a bunch,

-H.

I'd suggest post-Labor day, and check out the Kenwood Inn in Sonoma (www.kenwoodinn.com) for a very romantic, no-kids place to stay. It's not cheap, but it's considerably less than Auberge de Soleil or Meadowood, and my wife and I both like it better than either of those.

It is farther from most of the "name" wineries, but not too bad.

If you do get into the French Laundry, then I'd suggest staying that night at the Vintage Inn. If you ask for a room in the northeast corner of the property, you'll actually be closer to the French Laundry than to the front desk. And after a dinner at the French Laundry, being able to just stagger back to your room is much more pleasant than riding in a car, no matter who's driving.

Bob

You know, at first blush I also thought of the Vintage Inn. We really have enjoyed staying there. The grounds are fabulous.

But I went on the website quickly, and I don't know if money is an issue, but geez....the prices seemed to have nearly doubled since we've been there. I'm sure you can get some specials...but holey toledo....that is very expensive.

We stayed at another place that we thoroughly enjoyed last year. We went when they were having some sort of festival that we love....I think it was in April and it may have been the mustard festival....I can't remember, but there were street vendors, food everywhere, more wine that you can drink and great brews! Excellent live bands.

Anyway, sorry...got carried away with some fabulous memories....this time though, we stayed at http://www.petitlogis.com/index.html and just LOVED it! It was so quiet and peaceful. Everything about the location was excellent! But like I said, very quiet too. We liked the room closest to the parking lot....that was even more private. Excellent amenities and just 5 or 6 rooms, not sure. I would stay here again in a New York second. So many places to walk to and grab breakfast/pastry/dinner.

Also, for a special treat, you might want to make a reservation at the Greystone Culinary Institute in St. Helena. It's not far away. It is very special. I can't wait to go there again as well. I will give you the link from yelp.com so you can read a little bit about it. The website to the restaurant is near the top. We loved this place!

http://www.yelp.com/biz/wine-spectator-greystone-restaurant-saint-helena

Lot's of great wineries around...and nothing, and I mean nothing like Napa. Take that how you want to, it's just night and day.

Dawn