Wine Tasting and Walking (instead of driving)

If you'd like to avoid the issues with sampling wines and driving there is an alternative -- you can walk.

Where to go
Healdsburg, Sonoma and Napa each have about 20 tasting rooms in their small downtown areas. They all have lots of restaurants, shopping, and lodging choices.

Healdsburg
"Mayberry with wine" as it's called contains a town square and a top-of-the-line brewery (in case you get tired of wine). It's a very short drive to several other wineries such as Alderbrook, Davis Family, Holdredge, J, and Seghesio. For eats there's everything from Willi's Seafood Bar to the Wurst Grill.

Sonoma
There's a beautiful town plaza and lots of California history here. It's a short drive to some other wineries that shouldn't be missed, such as Buena Vista and Gundlach Bundschu. Check out Vella Cheese just a couple blocks off the plaza.

Napa
Some of the tasting rooms may qualify more as fancy wine bars. A decent nightlife scene. Don't miss Gott's Roadside for lunch in the Oxbow Market.

Healdsburg Plaza

Pluses of tasting in town

No DUI to worry about
You won't get lost
Usually very small producers
Some are open in the evening

Minuses

You don't see the beauty of the vineyards.
No winery tours available
Carrying your purchases around