Any must to dos in Napa or Sonoma?

Check out Healdsburg
- Cool downtown won't be as crowded as Napa
- Ferrari Carano winery
- Bear Republic Brewery
- Armstrong Redwood State Park

On the way to Sonoma, stop by Muir Woods and check out the 2000+ year old California Redwoods. Visit Benziger Winery and others, taste, drink etc. On the way back down, turn right and work your way down the twisty road that leads to Stinson Beach and watch the sunset on the Pacific.

You won't regret this itinerary.

Agree, bring a jacket the Redwoods are freaking cold in the morning. Hardly any light gets in there in the morning and it's chilly.

A few wineries off the beaten path that I really enjoyed:

Repris on Moon Mountain is absolutely beautiful. Their wines are great and can't be bought retail (they only distribute through membership). If the weather is nice, they will take you through the vineyards on ATVs. The vineyard reminds me of Ravello on the Amalfi coast of Italy.

Caspar does a tasting in the Owners house and it is set up with a stunning view. Wines are very nice and they also do olive oil and honey.

Far Niente which IIRC is the oldest continuously operated winery in Napa because they made sacremental wines during prohibition. Stunning place with incredible Cabs and the owners like to show off their car collection.

Food wise, in Sonoma on the square is a restaurant OSO that does small plates. Great food.

Have a nice trip.

Thanks for all the replies...

Re: BlackenedOut's question, my wife and I really enjoy wines of all types (looking forward to trying the California Pinots though), and we love good food. Don't think we want to do a French Laundry type place (missed 30 day window anyway), but welcome any other suggestions.

There are just so many wineries, so we are looking to try to narrow it down.

Also, did most of you guys hire a personal driver, do group tours, use Uber? I don't really want to be driving around drunk off wine.

i'll add russian river brewery in santa rosa

i did the french laundry thing. it was good but i won't do it again.

if you're looking for something unique, check out Peju's cooking class. you basically have the winery to yourself for about 4 hours and learn how to cook something. you're treated like royalty. we had a group of 4 and did a pizza class. it was a blast.

Sonoma > Napa.

Russian river area is not to be missed.

The wineries, to be frank, start to blend together. They are all gorgeous, they are all making drinkable if not great wine, and all issue same spiel. I wouldnt worry too much about making sure you hit the right spots.

Hire a driver who knows whats up. They'll know classic wineries and when to hit them, ip and coming spots, and other places based on what you like.

Foodwise loved Girl and the Fig and Redd. Bouchon worth a visit. Rent a house in sonoma and feel free to cook a meal or two (if you like to cook) at home with great products and killer wine.

I just got back from 3 nights in Napa/Sonoma area.

I will second the recommendation for tour with the owner of Hendry's Vineyard. It was a very informative tour and his wines were very good also.

If you like beer, definitely hit up Russian River Brewery in Santa Rosa. I visited around 10 breweries in Cali on a 2 week trip recently and Russian River was one of my favorites.

Muir woods were really nice also. Make sure you go early there or you will have to park and walk a good ways to get to the park. The website said most lots fill up around 9-10am.

Ledson winery was the best experience we had. Still order a case every year or two. All of them are beautiful, and make Sonoma a great experience.