Sonoma over New Years

[lya]

H and I are throwing around the idea of going to Sonoma over New Years.  We have been to the area individually before, but not as a couple.  We would mostly be interested in drinking wine and possibly seeing some Redwoods. 

Is this a crazy idea?  Has anyone done California wine country during the winter?

[orangello]

We were there last Jan. 2 - 4. It was gorgeous - 70s/80s during the day. It really just depends on luck, sometimes it can get rainy and chilly that time of year, but I think it's usually pretty temperate and cool at night. It's a good time of year to drive out to the coast if the weather's nice - the fog is usually gone, so it's clear and gorgeous. Added bonus - maybe not on NY Day, but winter everything is less crowded up there, which I love.

Armstrong Redwoods SNR is nice if you're looking for some nearby hiking - we stay in Healdsburg, and it's about 30 minutes away.

[definitelyO]

we were there for NY several years ago. We spent NYE in San Francisco at a football game then went up to Sonoma. It was nice - not cold or rainy (in Sonoma)

[protozoa]

We went up shortly after New Years a few years ago and it was amazing. Granted, I think we had unusually nice weather. But there were no crowds and we got personal attention nearly everywhere we went. We split our time between Napa and Sonoma and our experience in both was wonderful. Like, I hear people say Napa is crazy with crowds and I think literally the only somewhat crowded places we went were a couple of wineries in Sonoma with free tastings.

[cheezer]

I've been for Christmas, in January, and in February. Great weather on all 3 trips.

Last year for Christmas we drove around in a convertible and I went to the pool one day. We were coming from the crazy Chicago winter so it was not cold to me at all but it's definitely love and beautiful weather.

As an added bonus, it's not as busy that time of year (although NYE may be) so not as much traffic and easier reservations.

[daisypaloma]

I did NYE in Napa. The Meritage Resort before you enter Napa hosts a NYE party if you want to do something like that.

I think layers and jeans would be just fine weather-wise.