Wine Country north of San Francisco

[klr650goldwing]

Can anyone recommend some nice wineries out in the country north of San Francisco? We don't know that area at all. On this trip we'll see the giant General Sherman Sequoia tree, Yosemite NP, San Francisco and north of there some. Not sure how far we'll go north of that area yet. DW wants to see the wine country and take a tour or two.

[mike_kellie]

If you do the Calistoga tours, you can stay at the local fairgrounds. Pretty close to the most recent considerations given by others. We're fond of Frank Family wines just outside Calistoga

[bikendan]

Sjm9911 wrote:
I haven't been there in 20 years, lol. But i do remember at the end we went to see the old faithfull Geyser, one of 3 in the world with that designation. It was small but fun to go do, like saying you saw the worlds biggest ball of string. There were fainting goats there also. For wineries, i remember Chandone, and freemark abby? Not sure on spelling or even if they are still there.

Domain Chandon is in Yountville and Freemark Abbey is just north of St. Helena. There's also the Petrified Forest outside of Calistoga.

[Sjm9911]

I haven't been there in 20 years, lol. But i do remember at the end we went to see the old faithfull Geyser, one of 3 in the world with that designation. It was small but fun to go do, like saying you saw the worlds biggest ball of string. There were fainting goats there also. For wineries, i remember Chandone, and freemark abby? Not sure on spelling or even if they are still there.

[bikendan]

CA Traveler wrote:

Blazing Zippers wrote:
As of 9/19/21, there are large wildfires at the trees. It probably will be shut down for the fall. Sorry.

Are you referring to the Sequoia NF fire? That's not North of SF.

The OP mentioned visiting Sequoia NP in the first post before heading to SF.

[CA_Traveler]

Blazing Zippers wrote:
As of 9/19/21, there are large wildfires at the trees. It probably will be shut down for the fall. Sorry.

Are you referring to the Sequoia NF fire? That's not North of SF.

[Blazing_Zippers]

As of 9/19/21, there are large wildfires at the trees. It probably will be shut down for the fall. Sorry.

[mileshuff]

Many years ago we used to visit Napa Valley frequently. Nice wines, wasn't crowded and was affordable. Not any more. So many are up to $50+ to taste. Couple of our favorites are Sequoia Grove and Plumpjack.

Instead, try Sonoma area wineries. Some are expensive but plenty are $25 or less to taste.

East of San Francisco is Livermore with quite a few good wineries.

I agree with many who love Paso Robles wineries. If anyone needs a list of recommendations I have been to the majority of wineries in Paso. Many excellent ones and few to avoid.

Further south we also love the Buellton/Solvang wineries.

[CA_Traveler]

profdant139 wrote:
Just don't do what we did -- we toured the Dry Creek area near Healdsburg on bikes. Wine tasting and hilly terrain do not mix. (Great Zinfandels, though.)

The narrow West Side Rd, drinking drivers and bikes aren't a good mix. :S

[bikendan]

profdant139 wrote:
Just don't do what we did -- we toured the Dry Creek area near Healdsburg on bikes. Wine tasting and hilly terrain do not mix. (Great Zinfandels, though.)

That's a great bike ride to do. If it's open, the Dry Creek General Store is a great place for lunch. It was built in 1881.

[charlestonsouth]

profdant -- LOL! So funny! I can picture it in my mind!

[profdant139]

Just don't do what we did -- we toured the Dry Creek area near Healdsburg on bikes. Wine tasting and hilly terrain do not mix. (Great Zinfandels, though.)

[bikendan]

I grew up in the Sonoma Valley and my wife and I lived in Napa Valley for 12 years. She worked at 3 Napa Valley wineries as a wine educator.
Napa Valley can be overpriced but the Valley is gorgeous, especially in the spring.
A lot depends on your level of wine experience and tastes. In Napa Valley, We recommend Castello d' Amorosa, Sterling, V. Sattui, Rombauer, Chateau Montelena, Hagafen and Darioush. Most of these are recommended for the experience, as well as good wine.

[CA_Traveler]

Some many Dry Creek area. Some better ones - Rodney Strong, Rafaneli, Esterlina, Forchini.

[mike_kellie]

Not sure about any campgrounds existing in Sebastopol, however Rivers End campground in Forestville can handle your rig and Is 3 miles +/- to Korbel winery. Westside Road is also very close offering some of the best Pinot and Chardonay around rivaling Oregon and the central coast. Campground can be busy during the summer and harvest is in full swing now.