Things To Do
Napa
NOTE - Memorial weekend is Bottlerock in Napa. That is a super fun 3-day music festival with lots of great performers in a great environment. Several performances happen at the same time on different stages. I believe the line up comes out in January when you can buy a 3 day pass or a single day. They have GM and VIP tickets available. They offer outstanding food and wine booths too, as you would expect. However, if you do travel to Napa during this weekend expect extra traffic and book your accommodations and dining and wine reservations early! I would suggest staying north in St. Helena or Calistoga to avoid some of the crowds. There are so many wineries to visit! Best value – Rombauer! Plus, you can picnic on their grounds. Best Cab – I suggest Hall or Sequoia Grove both are off of Hwy 29. Best views – Davis Estate (yummy food pairings too) and Spring Mountain – but keep in mind these places can get pricey! Expect average tastings here to run about $75-100 per person.
Sonoma
Square (Plaza) – This is a cute downtown that has several shops, restaurants and wine tastings. I recommend El Dorado kitchen or The Girl and the Fig for lunch or dinner. There’s a fun bubble lounge called Sigh that samples champagne and sparkling wines from all over the world. However, my favorite bubbles tasting room is at the base of the valley off Highway 12 as you leave Petaluma and head to Sonoma. It’s called Domaine Carneros and is the French label Taittinger’s California production. They also have some very nice Pinot Noirs. For those not familiar with Sonoma County, it is home to some spectacular wines. I recommend heading north on the Sonoma Highway from the square to the small town of Kenwood. Two worthy wineries to visit there are Chateau St. Jean and Landmark. They both have exceptional Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. The Chateau also has some lovely Cabs and red blends.
Healdsburg
This is another charming town in Sonoma County and has a smaller downtown square. Known for its breweries, most notably The Russian River Brewery known for its Pliny the Elder and Younger, with tasting rooms in Santa Rosa and Windsor. While in that area if you want to try a variety of outstanding local beers, stop in at the Rincon Valley Tap Room, where Catherine's cousin is in the ownership group. I also recommend visiting the Baca winery just outside of downtown Healdsburg for those who enjoy spectacular Zinfandels. On the square, you’ll find a new Foley Family tasting room where they offer a number of well-known wines in their portfolio including Chalk Hill, Ferrari-Carano, and Foley Johnson.
Bodega Bay
Lastly, if you just want to see the beautiful Pacific coast and try some amazing local seafood head to Bodega Bay just a 30 minute drive west of Petaluma. Meander north or south on Highway 1 for a gorgeous scenic drive. Fresh oysters are best at Hog Island or Tomales Bay Oster Company. For the golfers, the Links at Bodega Harbour is an impressive and affordable Coastal golf course. Additionally, In Petaluma, there is a public course called Rooster Run Golf course.