- Blog
- Bios
- Boards
- Classifieds
- DIY
- Gallery
- Vendor Reviews
- Shop Weddingbee
Weddingbee boards
You MUST go to V Sattui, have a tri tip sandwhich {if you eat meat} or have one of their fabulous fruit and cheese platter and a bottle of Gamay Rouge.
here's the link
Good luck and Congrats! 
If you will be staying in SF I would suggest going to Sonoma. There are TONS of wineries there and wine is pretty affordable. Napa is ok...it is just very overpriced and not too many quaint vineyards for tasting. If you want to venture out to the east bay there is always Livermore. They have some great places for tastings and most of them are free of charge.
Viansa is at the base of the Sonoma Valley (runs parallel to the Napa Valley), so I'd stick to Sonoma wineries. Very near Viansa is Cline, which is pretty good and the Gloria Ferrer champagne caves. I'd definitely recommend going there.
For a little bit of geography, Sonoma is about 45 minutes or so north of San Francisco. The great thing is that you'll have to driver over the Golden Gate Bridge to get there, which is kind of fun. On your way out of town, there is a vista point on the other side of the bridge. Make some time to stop off. There's a parking lot and it's on the right side, so getting off and on will be easy. If the weather cooperates, you'll get an amazing view of the skyline. It's been foggy here the last week or so, so maybe not. Oh yeah--bring cold weather clothing! "The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco."
Have a great honeymoon. This is such a great city--I know you'll have a fabulous time!
galina.jpg (121.7 KB, 92 downloads) 2 years old
if going to Carmel, your best bet for a winery is the Montebello wine.
I'm a big fan of V. Sattui and Beaulieu
damask.jpg (17.3 KB, 85 downloads) 2 years old
Here are some of my favorites in Napa: Hall, Peju, Miner Family Vineyards, Nickel & Nickel,Franciscan, Merryvale, Rombauer, Salvestrin, St. Supery, Stag's Leap, Tres Sabores ( yummy zinfandel!) Cakebread Cellars some of the best white wine!,Domaine Chandon is a champagne house and has beautiful views and you can sit outside.
In Sonoma... I second Gloria Ferrer (they are also known for their sparkling wine and they have gorgeous views on their patio) Also, Ferrari-Carano, Kunde, La Crema,Nicholson Ranch,Meeker, and Gary Farrel.
I know I have listed alot, but this way you have options. You will realistically only visit a few of these but at least you have options. Also, some of these are by appointment only so you may need to call ahead. Have fun and feel free to PM me if you have any questions.
I'm a bit late, but if anyone else wants to know suggestions I have some.
Someone mentioned that it's better to check out Sonoma rather than Napa, and I second that wholeheartedly. It's much more laid back and less crowded, not as touristy as Napa. Most wineries around there don't charge a fee for tastings.
Favorites (all in or near Healdsburg):
Seghesio, Frank Family Vineyards, Armida, Hop Kiln (mostly for the location), Sausal
It's also fun to travel to Glen Ellen, where Jack London lived. There's a tasting room somewhere around there?
If you want to venture further north on a very beautiful drive towards Mendocino, some of the best ever wineries are right along Hwy 128 in the Anderson Valley.
Favorites: Navarro, Lazy Creek, Husch, Handley, Scharffenberger, Roederer
Ah... I moved to Southern California and truly miss those places!
I am piping in. Mr. Peep has worked in Sonoma in wine and olive oil for the last 12 years so we spend a lot of time up in this area.
I'd recommend Larson Family after Viansa (very close by), and Domaine Carneros for a little bubbly- it is on the way to Napa and well worth a visit- a totally romantic spot (and I've seen a few engagements on the deck).
If you make it up to Napa- you Must visit the Vintner's collective- you could have lunch across the street at Pizza Azuro where Mr. Peep and I went on our first date. I second Frank Family, and also recommend a small winery called VJB.
If you have a second day: I'd most highly recommend visiting Healdsburg and check out Unti, Dutcher's Crossing, J, and the Family Wineries of Dry Creek. And check out the square and eat at Scopa for dinner!! One of the best/romantic meals EVER!!
Whatever you do, don't plan on more than 4 wineries in one day. And choose an area: Sonoma, Napa, Healdsburg, or Anderson Valley (Navaro may be my favorite of all time).
It's a huge area with tons of places to go, so pick a small area and stick with it.
Finally, if you go to Carmel you have to stay the night- otherwise it will just be too much driving. And eat at Casanova or La Bicycletta!! Amazing!! And totally romantic.
PS if you want some olive oil after Viansa take a quick trip to the Olive Press next door ;)
wedding_012.JPG (1063 KB, 94 downloads) 2 years old wedding_011.JPG (1116.5 KB, 64 downloads) 2 years old wedding_008.JPG (1268.7 KB, 55 downloads) 2 years old wedding_010.JPG (913.7 KB, 49 downloads) 2 years old wedding_009.JPG (1426.7 KB, 51 downloads) 2 years old wedding_007.JPG (1153.5 KB, 59 downloads) 2 years old
Oooh, great suggestions everyone. I live in Sonoma and did a rundown on local spots for winetasting, as well as lodging and food, on my blog here. Hope it helps!
I second Sonoma. The area around Healdsburg is my favorite. And Ferrari-Carrano is by far the most beautiful vineyard, with the best wines. It's an absolute must.
second try on the photo...
101308sonoma303A.jpg (75.3 KB, 128 downloads) 3 years old You must log in to post.
| Visit our sister sites | eHarmony Online Dating |
eHarmony Advice Dating Advice |
Project Wedding Wedding Songs |
JustMommies Pregnancy Calendar |
Create the honeymoon of your dreams.
| User | Posts Today |
|---|---|
| ellisrobertson | 24 |
| fishbone | 22 |
| ndreighton | 18 |
| Brielle | 17 |
| mypinkshoes | 17 |
| Samantha7 | 16 |
| ladyartichoke | 15 |
| takemyhand | 15 |
| lionskitty | 15 |
 rdownie1 |
15 |
Sorry, there are no users yet.
Hi Hive!
I am getting married in TWO days and we need help picking out which vineyards to go to for the honeymoon! We are staying in downtown SF and have rented a car for the day to visit Viensa Vineyard and now need to think of one more - any recommendations? We are also hoping to do the drive down to Carmel so hopefully somewhere in that vicinity would be great (I have no idea where anything is located as FI is planning it!). We are looking for something romantic and not too expensive if we decide to eat or buy wine there. Thanks in advance!
(PS. I am already feeling the pangs of Wbee withdrawal - nooo!!)