SF, Sonoma & Napa

We are jsut back from 10 days in California, and I loved every minute

We flew AA, got the tickets through Orbits, I think they were about $400 RT.
Our TA booked the hotels - Best Western, Fishermans Wharf in SF, and Doubletree in Rohnert Park, close to Sonoma, I think it was $1436 for both hotels per couple for 9 nights
Both hotels were great - the SF one was really central to the tourist spots and the Sonoma one was close to both Napa and Sonoma - The SF one had a pool and hot tub, and a golf course. We were in the hot tub every night, becuase we played golf most days, then did wine tasting

DoubleTree Rohnert Park




In SF, we went to Chinatown. It was listed in the frommers book as a must do for a walking tour, but we didn't think it compared to NY's Chinatown.
We rode the cable car (lots of fun), went to Alcatraz (booked the ferry in advance), took the open top bus tour and got off at the Ferry Market (Farmers market) for lunch foods for a picnic in Presidio park. We stopped by the painted houses (also know as the houses in Full House), Haight Ashbury and the Golden Gate Bridge...its mighty impressive.

a few photos

cablecar uphill


cablecar downhill


Ferry MArket




Painted Ladies - unfortunately it was overcast



great Victorians


the obvious


the bridge


Dessert at Fluer de Lys


Sea Lions (SMELLY!)


photo taken on Alcatraz - it feels 'desolate' me


Muir Woods


Me in a tree



Us in a tree


Sonoma / Napa ... wine / golf....hot air balloon.

We used a company called up and away ballooning - they offered brunch at Kendall Jackson after the balloon ride. $245 per person, but worth every penny, and I highly recommend them. They brought along a full crew for set up and breakdown




there were three balloons the day we went up..these are the other 2



a few random photos from the balloon




Wines

In all we hit 18 wineries, and tasted over 100 wines
Each winery a $10 - $ 25 tasting fee, and a few we couldn't get to needed reservations. My favourites were Rodney Strong, J Wines, Duckhorn, Cline and a barrel tasting in the caves of Del Dotto. I highly recommend Del Dotto (or as it was referred to us later as Del Blotto!)
The barrel tasting was of the same wine aged in different barrels, and there was an amazing difference in the different barrels
A few random shots

J Wines


Rodney Strong


Silver Oaks


Del Dotto caves


my fascination with the American Flag - I think this is from Stags Leap


We also played 3 rounds of golf
7.30 am tee time



Coming back through SF to the airport the GG bridge was covered in fog... it was so thick...amazing. these photos don't do it any justice





thats it - it was a great trip

We also ate at the Girl and the Fig, Sonoma and Cole Chophouse, Napa - both exceptional

Message edited 9/28/2008 7:35:09 PM.

Re: SF, Sonoma & Napa

adding the PCH ... what a drive




and the chickens in teh Walgreens parking lot...which obviously answers the question..why did the chicken cross the road? To get to Walgreens, of course.... except attparently these are roosters ... ...thanks Lisa

Message edited 9/28/2008 7:38:00 PM.

Re: SF, Sonoma & Napa

these are the wineries we went to

Kendall Jackson
Martinelli
J Wines
Rodney Strong
Silver Oak
Simi
Del Dotto
Stags Leap
Plumjack
Cakebread
Saint Suprey
Sebastiani
St Francis
Cline
Rubicon
Chateau St Jean
Duckhorn
Franks Family

Re: SF, Sonoma & Napa

everything looks amazing!!!

so glad you enjoyed your trip!!!

Re: SF, Sonoma & Napa

great pics, makes me want to go back. Dh & I took a pic in that tree too. And I LOVED alcatraz.

Oh and the coast drive, we drove from SF all the way to San Diego. Talk about scary!

Re: SF, Sonoma & Napa

Great pics!!!

Glad you had a great time

Re: SF, Sonoma & Napa

WOW Helen what a great trip!! And your photos are awesome!

Re: SF, Sonoma & Napa

Welcome home! We really missed you! Looks like you and Dh had a terrific time. The pics are great!

Re: SF, Sonoma & Napa

GREAT pics Helen!!

Glad you had a good time!!