Depends on the flight availability and $$. I’d say the same.
SFO has a ton of flights but they often delay flights due to some runway construction and possibly shortage of air traffic controllers. My husband travels there often, and it is a 50-60 percent chance the flight would be delayed at least 30 minutes, especially during busy times. Also, car rental pickup and return at SFO is a train ride away and that can take a while, so plan to add at least 30-40 minutes for that adventure. Fueling is easy though - there is a Costco gas 5 minutes from the car return garage. My husband ubers everywhere from SFO but that would not work as it would be prohibitively expensive for a 5 day trip to Napa/Sonoma. Also, traffic in and out of SF can be a beast.
Personally, I’d pay more for convenience and fly to Santa Rosa if that is an option!
ETA: a little further south, SJC is a really nice airport. Car rental pickup is a breeze.
Speaking of Ubers - we took an Uber from SF to very near the square in downtown Sonoma, and it was a very reasonable $60. Getting back to SF was an unreasonable $150. We didn’t reserve ahead of time, and had to pay it or not make our flight.
I’ve only been to Sonoma recently, so I can’t compare the 2 places, but moving from place to place when they are really pretty close together may not be worth the effort. I feel like you always lose much of a day when you have to transition.
My sister lives in Napa and my other sister used to live in Sonoma county. My sister lives walking distance to downtown Napa and they have fixed up that area. Lots of dining and shops. With that said I prefer the quaintness of some of the smaller towns. I wouldn’t move lodging. I’d pick one location with the plan to drive to spend time in the other. In Sonoma I’ve stayed at the Sonoma Mission Inn. The sp is nice but it’s not walkable to downtown Sonoma. My relative used to work for Fairmont hotels so we got great deals. Sonoma also has some historic California history parks.
I’d consider Healdsburg, I’ve had several friends rave about the Montage. My in-laws like that they will drive you into town for dinner, avoiding having to search for parking. The other nice thing about Healdsburg is the proximity to the coast. It’s an easy drive out to Bodega Bay along River Road. Armstrong Woods is a nice spot to take a walk and see some redwoods.
My sister mainly uses SFO. She uses Santa Rosa if the routes work. One of my kids uses the Sacramento airport regularly and it’s an easy airport to fly out of.
If I remember correctly (was there maybe 7 or 8 years ago), you need to make a reservation for the Hess Art Collection. It is worth a visit. I haven’t been wine-touring in ages, so I would defer to folks like @mom§0 who are more current. I recall liking Healdsburg and the Russian River. We did a bike trip from SF through Napa, Sonoma, Alexander Valley, Mendocino and down the coast. Many amazing spots and great meals and great wine many nights.
I remember making reservations for Hess years ago (pre-Covid anyway), and the Di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art makes a nice visit as well. We also like the wine and the collection of art labels at Imagery Wine (Sonoma). We really enjoyed the Jack London Museum at the State Park of the same name in Glen Ellen (Sonoma). It’s a nice place to stroll around as well for a little exercise.
I’m revisiting this thread as we’ve made our airline and hotel reservations. We are staying in Napa for 4 nights. Arrival Day we just just stay in town.
Day 2 is a small group wine tour. They go to 3 smaller places and have lunch at one, that’s fine.
Day 3. I think we will drive to Yountville and shop around and have lunch. Then go to Beringers Vineyard for their wine tasting. I know we need a reservation . I don’t like to day drink, as it makes me lethargic later and I don’t enjoy my evening. I’m fine being the driver. I’ll just sip and spit! Ha! My understanding is it’s right by St. Helena’s. Is it worth stopping there after since we were in Yountsville a few hours?
Day 4. I’m thinking Sonoma. Not sure how to do it. Drive ourselves and visit the Square? Another wine estate? Something else! Take another tour. That day will be our anniversary.
We always enjoyed visiting Imagery Estate Winery in Glen Ellen (Sonoma). They have an art gallery with their very pretty original paintings for their labels. They grow a lot of uncommon varietals.
Not sure what days of the week you will be there, but if you are in Napa on Tue, Wed or Thursday, Sattui winery is now offering free tastings on those days and you can buy food in their shop and picnic on their lawn.
We will actually be there on a Tuesday, so you’d to know! Thanks! I’ve also read alot of recommendations for A Girl and a Pig. I wonder if you need lunch reservations.
Yes lunch reservations are definitely advised at Girl and the Fig, or you can show up around opening time and get bar seats which is also pleasant. If it’s nice weather they have a cute patio.
If you make it to Sonoma and are after some delicious Mexican food, El Molino is about a 5 min drive from the square and is worth a pilgrimage.
I think we may have had a great weekend brunch at Layla, outside, but I’m not 100% sure. People here gave great recommendations for food. I impressed the others on our trip by knowing of many good places to go
My husband ubers everywhere from SFO but that would not work as it would be prohibitively expensive for a 5 day trip to Napa/Sonoma. Also, traffic in and out of SF can be a beast.