Parent Trip

Question

I am taking my parents on a last minute trip to

Sonoma and Napa in April. We are flying into San Francisco on Friday night and flying out Tuesday night. We are renting a car so we can drive anywhere. My parents enjoy wine, food, relaxing and shopping, but they can’t do a lot of walking. I also want to take them on a hot air balloon ride. We are staying two nights in Sonoma and one night in Napa.. I need to narrow down wineries to visit- maybe two a day. Restaurant options would be helpful. Can you help me create a last minute itinerary.

Answer

Here’s a suggested last-minute itinerary for your Napa and Sonoma trip that balances wine, food, relaxation, and minimal walking, while including a hot air balloon experience.

Friday Night – Arrival:

Arrive in San Francisco, pick up rental car, drive to Sonoma (approx. 1.5 hours).
Check into your hotel in Sonoma. Options include the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn for a comfortable stay with a spa, or a boutique option like the El Dorado Hotel.
Dinner near your hotel: try The Girl & The Fig for French-inspired Californian cuisine in a cozy setting.

Saturday – Sonoma Wine & Food:

Morning: Hot air balloon ride over Napa/Sonoma. Companies like Balloons Above the Valley offer sunrise flights with transportation.
Late morning / lunch: visit Ledson Winery & Vineyards – beautiful views and minimal walking required; enjoy a light wine tasting.
Afternoon: Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards – known for sparkling wines; tasting area is accessible.
Optional shopping in Sonoma Plaza – plenty of boutique stores and cafes.
Dinner: El Dorado Kitchen or Sunflower Caffé for seasonal Californian fare.

Sunday – More Sonoma & Drive to Napa:

Morning: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards – beautiful vineyard views, easy to navigate, and accessible for less walking.
Lunch: The Fremont Diner or nearby casual spot.
Early afternoon: drive to Napa (approx. 45 min to 1 hour).
Check into Napa hotel – consider Andaz Napa or Archer Hotel Napa for central location and comfortable amenities.
Afternoon winery visit: Domaine Carneros – iconic estate with sparkling wines, wheelchair-friendly, minimal walking.
Dinner in Napa: Oenotri for Italian cuisine or Morimoto Napa for a stylish option.

Monday – Napa Wineries & Departure Prep:

Morning: Castello di Amorosa – castle winery with beautiful architecture; tours available, but consider just enjoying the accessible tasting areas.
Lunch: Gott’s Roadside in nearby St. Helena for casual, classic California-style meals.
Afternoon: Optional stop at a nearby winery like Artesa Vineyards & Winery – art and wine combined, and short walk required.
Return to hotel, relax, and prepare for evening flight if needed.

Tuesday – Departure:

Leisurely breakfast in Napa or San Francisco depending on flight timing.
Drive back to San Francisco (approx. 1.5 hours), return rental car, and catch evening flight.

This itinerary allows two wineries per day, includes a hot air balloon ride, and balances relaxation with food and light shopping, minimizing walking for your parents.

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