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

For a 50th birthday trip in June with four friends, both Sonoma and Napa offer wonderful experiences, but your choice depends on your priorities for lodging, pace, and wine-focused activities.

Staying in Sonoma vs. Napa:

Sonoma: Sonoma is quieter, more walkable, and has a charming town plaza with boutiques, tasting rooms, and restaurants. It’s ideal if you want a relaxed, boutique-style stay with a small-town feel. Driving to Napa for the Wine Train is manageable (about 30–40 minutes), so staying in Sonoma won’t hinder your plans.
Napa: Napa is livelier and more centrally located for many of the larger wineries. Staying here is convenient if you want less driving to the Valley Wine Train and other Napa-centric wineries, but it may feel more commercial and busy compared to Sonoma.

Given your group wants to do the Napa Valley Wine Train, staying in Sonoma can offer a charming boutique experience and still allow easy access to Napa for the train without feeling rushed.

Wine Train vs. Trolley Tour:

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a unique, immersive experience with scenic views, a gourmet meal, and onboard wine tasting. This typically takes half a day to most of the afternoon.
The all-day trolley tour is more of a guided overview of multiple wineries and scenic points, which may feel redundant if your Wine Train experience includes tastings. Consider skipping the trolley if you want a more relaxed trip with less transit and more time to explore Sonoma’s quaint town and tasting rooms.

Hotel Recommendations (modest to boutique, not super expensive):

Sonoma:
- El Dorado Hotel & Kitchen – charming, central location, historic feel
- Best Western Sonoma Valley Inn – reliable, clean, and budget-friendly
- MacArthur Place Hotel & Spa – upscale boutique feel, but still reasonable in Sonoma
Napa:
- Hampton Inn & Suites Napa – consistent quality, centrally located
- Archer Hotel Napa – boutique, modern, more upscale but still moderately priced
- Napa Valley Hotel & Suites – simpler, affordable option with good access to downtown

Must-Visit Wineries:

Sonoma: Kunde Family Winery – great views and historic property
Sonoma: Buena Vista Winery – California’s oldest winery, charming ambiance
Napa: Castello di Amorosa – stunning castle and fun tasting experience
Napa: V. Sattui Winery – picnic-friendly, casual vibe with excellent wines

Overall, for a birthday trip with a mix of boutique charm, relaxation, and a highlight experience like the Wine Train, staying in Sonoma seems ideal. Skip the trolley if you do the Wine Train, and enjoy Sonoma’s town center for dining, coffee, and casual wine tasting between adventures.

50th Birthday Trip

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