vacation/house rental in Bodega/Russian River area?

Hey guys, long time no talk. I've been out of the 'nor cal' area for 3 years now but still keep tabs on how ya'll are doing. I'm hoping to head up from SD over Veteran's day weekend (Nov 11-13) for a little birthday escape and was wondering if anyone had a bead on a place I could rent that would be good for 12-16ppl or so. I'm looking either at places along the Russian River or Bodega area and can't make up my mind. River area looks like it's pretty laid back with some breweries close enough and Sonoma is about an hour away (group will probably want to try some wine). Seems to be a bit cheaper than Bodega stuff. The pro's for Bodega are slightly closer to Sonoma and if d-crab season doesn't get closed this year I could potentially drop some traps @ Doran and pull them once or twice a day (rented yak).

Any suggestions or thoughts in general? I'm basically looking at getting in two dives over the weekend. Unless I hear about something better closer, I'll probably just head up to Anchor Bay where I used to dive. Also depends how many newbies I bring with me. I know there's plenty of historical reports on crabbing at Bodega so I won't ask about that.

Cheers guys.

I believe There are lots of vacation rentals in sea ranch area some pretty big. From there Is a trip to the boonville area feasible?I'm not sure how far from there to boonville for wine tasting /sight seeing if the family wants to do that. Maybe an hour drive or a smudge more?

I'd go Russian River / Guerneville area.  Not to far from the coast.  Not to far from the wine tasting.  I like to head up Westside road from there to go wine tasting.  You get some pretty good Pinot Noirs not too far up.  You can keep travelling up the road as far as you want into the Dry Creek area and get into more Zins, Cabs, and Chards.  And you do have some nightlife/breweries/bars close by.

-Allen

I'd go Russian River / Guerneville area.  Not to far from the coast.  Not to far from the wine tasting.  I like to head up Westside road from there to go wine tasting.  You get some pretty good Pinot Noirs not too far up.  You can keep travelling up the road as far as you want into the Dry Creek area and get into more Zins, Cabs, and Chards.  And you do have some nightlife/breweries/bars close by.

-Allen

yep

Wassup Mitch.  Funny, I face same dilemma every year at same time of year.  i've looked at every rental listing in those same areas that would accommodate double digit guests during first or second week of November.  (We're only 4 adults/1 child but don't like getting crammed, always get bigger place).  Will be up same week as you here in Alexndr Valley.

Between Anchor Bay and Jenner, there's only one vrbo listing for 12+ .  It has no reviews, but good Sea Ranch area location.  I'd pass on it. 

U consider staying even further inland and day tripping it out for your dives?  Dining/entertainment options improve with proximity to Healdsburg Plaza, from which its 1hr to fort ross and 45 to Doran.  Less driving after your winery visits, which is always good.  If yes, email Andrew at Oak Leaf Retreat and see if he'll accommodate.  Its near Westside Road, lists 8 max, but can fit 2x that (maybe 2.5x if Asian ), there's an upstairs great room suite with multiple beds that is no joke huuge. 
 
This house in Gville is well reviewed.  I personally avoid places with lots of decks bc we're clumsy and injury prone.

For Bodega, really only two rental places your group would consider.  Both w meh electric ranges, but nice views, and ok pricewise.

https://www.vrbo.com/353414
https://www.vrbo.com/332236

See this prior post for some area tips.  Happy to help spec out your wine/dine itinerary.  Its the best time of year to visit.  If there's any runners in your group, you can literally go for miles through the vineyards in total solitude. 

I'd look in Guerneville.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Going all the way to East Sonoma County when we have some awesome wineries here in the West County ? And not to mention all the custom breweries and better dining 

Thanks for the info everyone. I didn't mean to imply that I'm not scouring VRBO and AirBnB myself, I was just wondering if anyone had first hand recs or that inside line.

Allen- I was leaning towards RR/Guernville area as I find it prettier than anything at Bodega. Good info on the wineries right there. I'm not too concerned for night life as it'll just be relaxing at the house with some ab bbq hopefully.

Sanchez- Good info on those places. I'm thinking about keeping it a little more towards the coast even though there'll only be 2-3 divers probably. There's a number of people coming from the bay and I figure it'll be nice for them to get somewhere a little new to them and not just down the 101 valley.

Vk- any good suggestions then for a nice place for reds and whites in west county? i'm all about discovering new wineries and would love a shorter drive.

Honestly I do not have a favorite ,but that's the cool " thing" you can get on River Road cross over to Eastside or Westside roads wander into the Dry Creek Valley towards Healdsburg  and beyond and find some great wines ..journey is the goal kinda thing .stopping  and tasting along the way .I know it might not sound helpful but to me it's more fun to wander and see where it leads ..

As long as there are a few decent ones that way I'm fine with the journey.  I'm just trying to minimize potential issues with larger groups.

Personally I love just cruising and tasting as I go.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

Makes sense.  Flowers and La Crema are both on the coast, but neither has a tasting room at the winery operation, only in Healdsburg (I think).  Korbel complimentary tour tasting might b good for your group, esp if your staying in GVille, and any wine nerds intersted in methode champenoise  You guys could prolly polish off a jeroboam back at the crib.  While overwhelmingly known for bubbly, Korbel's 2014 Pinot Noir compared favorably against Flowers and La Crema (at least among our pinot noir blind tasting last night...)   

I haven't hit any of the really small places, so can't comment there

Here's three I hit with family ; right down the road from my house so their easy plan for on short visits ..first two I enjoy the Pinot the 3rd good for sparkling wine

De Loach , Olivet Rd
Inman  , Piner Rd
Iron horse , Ross Station

All near the Russian Rvr.  area

Thanks guys you're awesome.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

http://www.winemag.com/2016/06/13/way-out-on-the-west-sonoma-coast/

If you end up in the river area check this place out!

http://www.thejuicypig.net/menu/