50th Birthday Trip

Question

Hi! Thinking of coming for my 50th. The month that we visit will be June. There will be 4 of us ladies. Should we stay in Sonoma or Napa? We want to do the Napa Valley Wine Train. If we do that, should we bother doing the all day trolley tour on this trip as well? Whichever place you think we should stay can you recommend some of your favorite hotels that are not super expensive. I'm a fan of Hampton Inn, however I love a quaint boutique hotel. Which winery is a must-visit?

Answer

Hi! Sonoma and Napa are both fantastic choices for a celebratory trip, but since you specifically want to do the Napa Valley Wine Train, staying in Napa may be more convenient. Napa has easy access to the train, wineries, and the broader valley experiences, while Sonoma is a bit more relaxed and quaint but requires a short drive to reach the Wine Train in Napa. If your group enjoys a mix of wine tasting, dining, and scenic excursions, Napa would keep travel logistics simpler.

Regarding the all-day trolley tour, it may not be necessary if you’re taking the Wine Train. The Wine Train itself provides a scenic ride through Napa Valley with gourmet dining, wine tastings, and some historical narration. If you still want a broader overview of the valley and the ability to hop on and off at different wineries, then the trolley could complement the trip, but for a 50th birthday celebration with just four of you, focusing on the Wine Train and a few select winery visits might make for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Here are some hotel options that offer a boutique feel without being overly expensive:

Hampton Inn & Suites Napa – Classic and comfortable, reliable for amenities and central Napa location.
Archer Hotel Napa – Modern boutique hotel with stylish décor, rooftop bar, and great central location. Prices are higher than a standard chain but reasonable for the experience.
Napa River Inn – Quaint and historic hotel right in downtown Napa, charming and within walking distance of shops and restaurants.
Vintage House at The Estate Yountville – If you want a splurge, this boutique property offers a luxurious experience with a serene vineyard setting.
Hotel Indigo Napa – Boutique chain with colorful, artistic décor and a central location.

For wineries, a few must-visits in Napa Valley include:

Castello di Amorosa – A stunning castle winery with excellent tastings and memorable architecture.
Domaine Carneros – Famous for sparkling wines and a beautiful terrace with vineyard views.
V. Sattui Winery – Great for picnic-style lunches, casual tastings, and local charm.
Opus One – Iconic Napa winery with world-class wines, reservations required.
Robert Mondavi Winery – Classic Napa experience with both history and tasting options.

In Sonoma, if you choose to stay there for a more quaint vibe, you’ll be in charming towns like Sonoma Plaza or Healdsburg. The pace is more relaxed, and you can still drive to Napa for the Wine Train day. Boutique hotels in Sonoma include the Inn at Sonoma, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, and Sonoma Hotel, which offer a more intimate experience.

Ultimately, for convenience and minimizing driving, Napa is ideal for your group if the Wine Train is a priority. You can balance wine experiences, dining, and celebration without feeling rushed. If you want a quieter, quaint atmosphere with boutique charm, Sonoma is lovely, but it will require a bit more driving to access the Wine Train.

50th Birthday Trip

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