The 7 Best San Francisco Wine Tours (Reviews For 2024)
San Francisco, renowned for its iconic landmarks, beautiful bay, and culinary prowess, is also a gateway to some of the country’s finest vineyards.
If you find yourself in SF and are in any way at all interested in wine, you’re going to love heading out into the rolling hills of Napa Valley or the expansive views of Sonoma.
Balancing world-class wines with plenty of natural beauty and education, these tours are perfect for newbies just as well as wine connoisseurs. I’ve decided to detail the 7 top San Francisco wine tours that are well worth your time and money. Let’s jump right in!
Best Wine Tours From San Francisco
Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings | 8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service | San Francisco: Luxury Small-Group Wine Tour of Napa Valley | |
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Meeting Location: | Hotel pickup and drop-off included (select hotels only) | Hotel pickup & drop-off in South Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Napa | Hotel pickup and drop-off included |
Tour Length: | 9.5 hours | 8.25 hours | 10 hours |
Start Time(s): | 9:00 AM | Between 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM | 7:20 AM |
What’s Included: | Wine tastings at three wineries, Professional driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Alcoholic Beverages | Bottled water, private transportation, available predetermined wine tour itineraries, pre-travel consultation to plan and customize itinerary | Three wine-tasting fees included, tour of Castello di Amorosa’s medieval castle, small group tour, knowledgeable wine-enthusiast guide, photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge |
Our 7 Top Picks For The Best San Francisco Wine Tours:
- Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings
- 8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service
- San Francisco: Luxury Small-Group Wine Tour of Napa Valley
- Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
- San Francisco: Sonoma Wine Country Tour with Tastings
- San Francisco: Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour
- Small-Group Giant Redwoods and Russian River Wine Country Trip
San Francisco Wine Tour Reviews
1. Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Hotel pickup and drop-off included (select hotels only)
- Tour Length: 9.5 hours
- Start Time(s): 9:00 AM
- What’s Included: Wine tastings at three wineries, Professional driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Alcoholic Beverages
What to Expect on the Tour
Set off on an unforgettable wine expedition from SF that combines history, scenic beauty, and premium wine tasting. Start out with a convenient pickup from your hotel at 9 am and set off with the rest of your group to Sonoma Valley, enjoying the nice views and stories of San Francisco’s rich past.
This tour takes you to 3 meticulously selected boutique wineries in Sonoma like Peter Cellars, Homewood, and Mayo Family Winery.
The guided tastings at each were a fantastic way to convince me to explore Sonoma even more, as the quality was simply unparalleled! The staff (and occasionally, owners), were amazing, and eager to share their knowledge with us.
We then enjoyed a leisurely little lunch break in the historic Sonoma Square, where we discovered little boutiques (great for souvenirs) and a filling lunch.
After that, we had plenty of time to digest and enjoy a scenic detour through the picturesque little town of Sausalito. To head back to your hotel in San Francisco, select either a ferry ride (not included in price) or continue the return journey with a final stop for amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge!
What Makes This Tour Great
This tour is such a beautiful adventure in every way. Rarely do I see one that seamlessly combines great wine tastings with some of the most stunning sites in the surrounding area – especially Sausalito, which is worth going to no matter what you’re into!
If it’s your first time in San Francisco and you also love wine, I can’t recommend the Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings enough.
The wineries themselves were top-notch, with full guided tours at each, along with proper wine tastings of their local varietals and blends. Keep in mind that the options may vary a bit depending on availability, but they’re almost always within the same 5 boutique selections.
Our lunch in downtown Sonoma was quite nice as well, with a little stroll around the beautiful plaza and the chance to pick up some cool art and souvenirs.
A trip to Sausalito is always worth it – it almost feels like you’ve been transported to a charming little town in the Mediterranean or something!
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
2. 8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Hotel pickup & drop-off in South Sonoma, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Napa
- Tour Length: 8.25 hours
- Start Time(s): Between 9:00 AM & 12:00 PM
- What’s Included: Bottled water, private transportation, available predetermined wine tour itineraries, pre-travel consultation to plan and customize itinerary
What to Expect on the Tour
If you’re the type of person who doesn’t like going on tours with strangers, this next one is for you.
The 8-Hour Private Sonoma or Napa Wine Tour with Concierge Service takes the guesswork out of everything, lets you explore what you’re specifically interested in, and is exclusive to just you and your party.
This curated tour is perfect for everyone from the absolute novice to the seasoned wine aficionado, using a concierge service to preplan your journey.
This is definitely not a cookie-cutter tour where your guide will just give you pieces of knowledge you could easily find yourself. No need to deal with the hassle of driving and parking as roundtrip transportation is included, letting you focus solely on the tasting of wine and enjoying the journey.
Expect a well-organized, carefree day with a guide who knows this area like the back of their hand. We had a few adults and a couple of teenagers in our group, so don’t worry if you aren’t all 21+. There is plenty to enjoy on this tour that doesn’t involve drinking wine!
What Makes This Tour Great
For the price, this tour simply cannot be beat if you’re looking for a private, customized tour designed by an experienced professional. The concierge service pre-plans the journey out for you entirely, taking your specific interests into consideration to create a tour that you’re sure to love.
If you don’t have any selected, they’ll do that for you! It can be overwhelming or downright impossible to try and select winery visits on your own because there are virtually endless options out there!
Thanks to the fact that our guide knew all of the owners and staff at the wineries we visited, we were able to see plenty of inner workings and exclusive areas we probably wouldn’t have been able to otherwise.
After our wine tastings and tours, we stopped at Fort Baker for phenomenal photo ops right in front of the entire Golden Gate Bridge in the background!
The vehicle was clean, comfy, and our driver did a great job keeping us safe throughout the entire journey, too!
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
3. San Francisco: Luxury Small-Group Wine Tour of Napa Valley
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Tour Length: 10 hours
- Start Time(s): 7:20 AM
- What’s Included: Three wine-tasting experience fees included ($170 value), tour of Castello di Amorosa’s medieval castle, small group tour in a luxury vehicle, knowledgeable wine-enthusiast guide, photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, hotel pickup and drop-off in San Francisco, onboard Wi-Fi
What to Expect on the Tour
You should expect a day filled with luxury and relaxation in the middle of the gorgeous Napa Valley for some wine tasting and exploring some of the most stunning architecture in all of California!
If you’d like to also see more of the region outside of the city, the San Francisco: Luxury Small-Group Wine Tour of Napa Valley experience is a great opportunity to do so. With roundtrip transportation right to and from your hotel, it couldn’t be more convenient, either!
The tour is semi-private usually totaling around 8 people, which makes it a more comfortable and personalized experience so you’re not lost in a crowd of people. You’ll visit 3 different wineries, which were all varied enough that we got a different experience at each one.
Each stop is made to inform and delight, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the art and science of winemaking. Between each one we visited, we had plenty of stops to take photos and briefly visit other points of interest.
We took a pause for a nice lunch in the beautiful town of Calistoga, filling up on delicious food before heading to take some amazing photos in front of the Golden Gate Bridge!
What Makes This Tour Great
After being picked up at our hotel, we headed across the stunning Bay Bridge as our guide told us all about the different microclimates and soil types in Napa and how they produce some of the tastiest Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and other wines in the country.
Our first visit was simply stunning: the Castello di Amorosa is a medieval-type Tuscan castle winery complete with 13th-century materials and decor!
While the castle is perfect for photos (check out the moat and drawbridge!), their wines are equally as impressive, and our guide took us through a lovely wine tasting of different local reds and whites here.
After that, we stopped in the lovely Calistoga to check out the different stores and found a nice little lunch spot before heading to the impressive V. Sattui Winery.
This is one of the oldest family-run wineries in the nation, and we tried plenty of their award-winning wines while learning about each one’s tasting notes and pairing options.
Finally, we went to the renowned Carneros AVA which looked like something out of a painting! Their tasting salon is absolutely incredible, featuring Winn Slavin fine art! However, the highlight for me was their wrap-around porch where we savored our reserve flight of 3 complex wines.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
4. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Either Fisherman’s Wharf or Union Square
- Tour Length: 9 hours
- Start Time(s): 8:40 AM
- What’s Included: Transport by air-conditioned motor coach, certified professional driver and tour guide, winery and vineyard tours, wine tasting fees at 3 wineries
What to Expect on the Tour
You can expect to visit both family-run and big-name wineries to experience variety in how the wines are produced, along with the different varietals. It’s a great way to learn about how the different estates make their wines, in particular, utilizing methods ranging in age and modernity.
Each one reflects the unique character of its terroir, and the guided tours through lush vineyards and atmospheric cellars offer an insider look into the meticulous processes.
Sonoma not only offers incredible wine but is also a foodie haven, so enjoy the region’s gourmet offerings with a leisurely lunch right in the lovely Sonoma Square Plaza.
With all tastings and tours included, you’ll learn a ton about the local flavors and history of the region while enjoying fine wine tastings throughout. After all that exploration, drive over the Golden Gate Bridge for breathtaking views of the expansive bay on either side!
What Makes This Tour Great
I’ll be honest: something that makes me wary of many Napa and Sonoma wine tours not listed here is when the tour guide only takes you to the big, most commercial wineries.
There’s definitely a place for them, but I think what’s most valuable for many is exploring the smaller, more boutique producers, alongside the huge guys. That’s exactly what you get with the Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Full-Day Tour from San Francisco!
Our luxury coach was super smooth and comfortable, making it hard to choose between drifting off to sleep (they have reclining seats!) and enjoying the beautiful views outside.
Our guide regaled us with dramatic stories about the Spanish missionaries and the Gold Rush seekers which played a huge role in the development of the area, before arriving to Roche Winery. Here, we tried plenty of their best varietals during our tour before arriving to Jacuzzi Family Vineyards.
At JFV we tried their specialty, which is Italian-style wines, which were all memorable! After, we had a break for a tasty lunch before arriving at the renowned Madonna Estate for another classy wine tasting of their very best.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
5. San Francisco: Sonoma Wine Country Tour with Tastings
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Tour Length: 9 hours
- Start Time(s): 8:00 AM
- What’s Included: Wine tastings at the 3 wineries, pickup and drop-off from selected hotels in downtown San Francisco, professional driver/guide, live commentary on board, transport by air-conditioned van
What to Expect on the Tour
Are you looking to tour not only some of the most renowned wineries in the state but would also like to see more of the Bay Area, in general? If that sounds up your alley, check out the San Francisco: Sonoma Wine Country Tour with Tastings experience!
This is also a nice pick if you’re more interested in exploring boutique wineries rather than the large, commercial estates!
Roundtrip transportation was a breeze, with pickups right from our hotel and the luxury to simply sit back and enjoy the views while our driver kept us safe.
Our group was a ton of fun, lead by a passionate, entertaining, yet obviously very knowledgeable guide who was there to answer any of our questions. With small group sizes, you will feel like family by the end of the tour!
What Makes This Tour Great
This tour focuses on comfort and education, ensuring a personalized experience as you venture to 3 of Sonoma’s premier boutique wineries.
Guided by an expert, we learned a ton about the earned a ton about the region’s rich winemaking traditions while sampling an array of incredible wines that highlight Sonoma’s celebrated terroir.
Each stop offers new perspective into how they craft their wines, as well as the history behind how each got started.
In addition to amazing wine tastings, I loved the scenic interlude in Sausalito, where I soaked up wonderful waterfront views and quaint little shops filled with artisanal crafts and plenty of art!
Enjoy photo stops at Golden Gate as well as some free time in the historic Sonoma center, balancing free time with proper winery tours.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
6. San Francisco: Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Tour Length: 10 hours
- Start Time(s): 7:30 AM
- What’s Included: Guide, 1-hour stop in Muir Woods, winery tours, three wine tastings, transportation by air-conditioned bus, photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, free geo-based audio guides in 8 languages, 3-course lunch paired with wine at each course (if option selected)
What to Expect on the Tour
This region of North America is one of the most beautiful in the world, and one of the best ways to do so is on a guided experience like the San Francisco: Muir Woods, Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour.
This tour is the number one selection for those who are equal parts nature nerd and wine enthusiast, perfectly melding two major aspects that make the SF Bay Area as wonderful as it is.
Start off with a serene stroll through the majestic Sequoia Redwoods of Muir Woods National Monument before heading over to 3 distinguished wineries across Napa and Sonoma Valleys to indulge in curated wine experiences.
Learn about each location’s traditions and different approaches to craftsmanship, with sweeping views of vineyards and greenery surrounding you. For an extra bit of convenience, benefit from unique geo-based audio guides available in 8 languages, too.
What Makes This Tour Great
This is a tour I’d recommend to literally anyone, filled with gorgeous natural landscapes, stunning wine estates, delicious food and wine, and much more! It’s a tour that I feel does a great job of encompassing so much of what makes SF and the surrounding area such a magical place.
After our convenient hotel pickup, we headed over the Golden Gate Bridge en route to Muir Woods National Monument, where we were impressed by the towering sequoia redwoods.
We then went on a scenic drive into the heart of Napa and Sonoma Valleys while our guide shared captivating stories about the region’s winemaking history and how it got started.
At 3 carefully selected wineries, we not only got to taste amazing glasses of their products but learned about their specific ingredients, methods, grapes, etc. all required to make them.
At lunchtime, we took a break to refuel at a local Sonoma restaurant consisting of 3 courses and perfect wine pairings.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
7. Small-Group Giant Redwoods and Russian River Wine Country Trip
What You Should Know About This Tour:
- Where You Will Meet: Hotel pickup and drop-off included
- Tour Length: 10 hours
- Start Time(s): 8:00 AM
- What’s Included: Admission fee to Armstrong Redwoods State Park, wine tasting fees, driver/guide, roundtrip transportation
What to Expect on the Tour
This tour is quite similar to the previous one, so if you’re interested in seeing the tallest trees in the world and sampling some of the finest wines in the continent, this is a great alternative.
The Small-Group Giant Redwoods and Russian River Wine Country Trip will take you to the awe-inducing Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve that will have you gazing up at these gentle giants.
You’ll visit 2 distinguished wineries with plenty of time to wander through the lush vineyards and gain insight into their winemaking culture from the winemakers, themselves!
We tried a bunch of carefully-produced wines, with each winery offering something a bit distinct. Expect a leisurely picnic lunch in Santa Rosa, which was so good, I found that lunch alone was worth going for!
Our small group made the day feel intimate and more fun, with our fun guide there to point out the best spots and gave us little fun facts and tips that only an SF local would be able to provide.
What Makes This Tour Great
This is a tour I can’t wait to do again! Our guide was so friendly and informative the whole day through, and starting our tour off with a visit to Anderson Redwood Forest was so peaceful and hard to wrap my mind around!
Trips like this just aren’t the same with masses of people, so I truly appreciated our little group. The forest was tranquil, and our guide and group respected nature enough that we got to hear stories without disturbing the flora and fauna.
Our trips to the wineries later on were amazing, and I loved seeing how the more compact Hook and Ladder winery operated in comparison to the famed Kendall-Jackson winery.
I have to say that I’ve been a fan of Kendall-Jackson wines for quite a few years, but Hook and Ladder’s Chardonnay really had me impressed. Not to mention, they offered us a little olive oil tasting with those they produce in-house, which was really something special.
Reserve Tour Now and Pay Later / Free Cancellation Within 24 Hours of Tour Start Time
Wines Tasted
Wineries
Tour Guides
The Small-Group Wine Country Tour from San Francisco with Tastings is our Editors Choice for the best San Francisco wine tour.
Allison Sheardy came to wine as a second career in 2016 and has truly found her calling. She has created a niche for herself working in unique wine regions around the United States (Texas Hill Country, historic Livermore, CA, & Minnesota), where she specializes in hospitality for boutique, family-owned wineries. Allison is equally passionate about wine education. As such, she has earned her WSET Diploma in Wines and completed the French Wine Scholar program. Allison is currently pursuing her Master of Wine and teaches WSET levels 1-3.