The northern San Francisco Bay Area is one of the world’s premier wine-growing regions. Wine tasting can be enjoyed in various ways in this famous Wine Country. This location has more than 400 wineries and 90 urban tasting rooms, making it one of many favorite excursions in the United States.
For the ultimate experience in this vibrant city, here are some of the best wine tasting in San Francisco tours that are great for young couples and professionals.
Highlights:
Know before you book:
San Francisco is located between San Francisco Bay and the Pacific ocean. It is one of America’s most cosmopolitan cities offering breathtaking scenery of the Bay and Napa Valley. It is a financial and cultural center of the western United States and is home to the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
San Francisco is not short of things to do, with the historic Alcatraz Island and the Palace of Fine Arts being some of the most popular attractions.
One of the best ways to explore the wine region is by a Napa winery tour from San Francisco. This adventure allows you to discover the secrets of winemaking at various wineries on a guided day trip to Napa and Sonoma Valley.
Wine Tour, San Francisco Prices 2024
The cost of the tours starts at about $150 USD and can go up to $350 USD depending on the type of tour and how many people is caters to. The duration of the tour also affects the price of tickets.
San Francisco Wine Tour Times
Most wine-tasting tours start as early as 9 am for pick-up, but half-day tour options are available starting at around 12:30 pm.
You can arrange a meeting or pick-up time at least 24 hours in advance. Check-in and boarding are 20 minutes before tour times.
Best Time to Visit Napa and Sonoma Valley
Napa and Sonoma’s peak season is August through October, corresponding with the harvest season. Expect crowds and high prices during these busy months.
The best months to enjoy wine tours from San Francisco are January to March. During this time you can enjoy plenty of clear days, fewer crowds, and more affordable prices for a more budget-friendly escape.
San Francisco Wine Tasting Tours
San Francisco offers various wine-tasting tours combined with other great activities like sightseeing. Here are some of the best wine-tasting tours you can go on.
Half-Day Napa Wine Tours From San Francisco
This wine tour from San Francisco is perfect if you don’t want to spend the entire day in the area. You will see two wineries, including 3 to 5 tastings, an exclusive estate tour, and enjoy the beautiful scenery from your comfortable coach.
The day will start in the afternoon heading towards the Golden Gate Bridge, marveling at the San Francisco Skyline. Then, a drive through the Mediterranean village of Sausalito across from San Francisco Bay.
You will experience the history of Napa and Sonoma Valley through a guided expert who will also walk you through the fermentation process. The tour will end with a relaxing drive back to San Francisco as the sun starts to set across the Pacific Ocean.
What we liked: Great for short stays and if you prefer not to taste wine the whole day.
Bring comfortable shoes, your ID and a jacket in case of weather changes. You must be 21 or older with a valid ID to participate in tastings. Keep in mind that lunch will not be provided as it is a half-day tour.
Check Price & BookFull-Day Napa and Sonoma Valley Wine Trip
This relaxing tour is best suited if you want a full-day experience of Napa and Sonoma Valley. You will experience three famous wineries, estate tours, and tastings in the beautiful wine regions of San Francisco and California.
You’ll learn about winemaking techniques and the history of award-winning wines during your tastings. In addition to tasting wine, the tour guide will take you to other famous sites in San Francisco and California’s wine region, including lunch at Downtown Sonoma Square. Enjoy delicious food and boutique shopping during your break.
What we liked: Great tour for an in-depth exploration of Napa and Sonoma Valley.
The tour is available daily. You must have a valid ID and be 21 years or older to participate. Three local wineries will be visited, including the Madonna Estate, Kieu Hoang Winery, and Meadowcroft Wines.
Check Price & BookSan Francisco Full-Day Wine Tour for Small Groups
This SF to Napa wine tour is for small groups of wine lovers that will tour several of the region’s most-loved wineries. This tour includes visiting the 13th-century medieval-style castle at Castello di Amorosa and two other wineries.
This is an all-Napa wine-tasting tour where you can admire the region’s architecture, history, and memorable gardens. The trip would only be complete with a stop at the famous Napa Valley welcome sign and a lunch break at the charming Calistoga in California.
What we liked: Great tour for small groups of guests celebrating special occasions.
Meals are not included and you must have a valid ID and be 21 years or older to participate. Tours can be subject to change as a result of traffic, bad weather conditions or accidents.
Check Price & BookSonoma Half-Day Wine Country Tour
This tour is ideal if you want to explore Sonoma Valley and the famous wine from the Carneros region. This adventure stops at 2 to 3 wineries in half a day and is perfect for busy vacationers.
The tour departs from Fisherman’s Wharf and heads through Marin County, exploring the beautiful scenery of California’s wine region. This fun and informative tour visits wineries from mass production to boutique wineries.
What we liked: This tour is ideal for guests who want to focus on exploring Sonoma Valley and have limited time in the region.
Additional tasting fees for individual tastings, you must have a valid ID and be 21 years or older to participate. Children are permitted on tours and some tasting fees are not included. Request pick-up and drop-off five days before the tour.
Check Price & BookSan Francisco: Muir Woods, Wine Country, and Sausalito Tour
See the best of San Francisco’s Bay Area and the famous Muir Woods National Monument by bus. Enjoy a delicious lunch at Sausalito and a wine-tasting experience in this iconic region.
Explore the ancient redwood forest and spectacular views of towering trees above you as you walk through a unique natural attraction. End of the tour at a winery where you can enjoy up to 5 wines.
What we liked: Great tour for travelers wanting more than wine tasting in their Napa tour from San Francisco.
Meals are not included and you must have a valid ID and be 21 years or older to participate.
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Specification: Wine Tasting in San Francisco | Best Napa Wine Country Tours
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Photos: Wine Tasting in San Francisco | Best Napa Wine Country Tours
Vanessa –
Easy pick up and drop off locations. Tour was exactly as described and stayed on schedule. Would have liked to have had the opportunity to taste all the wines I was interested in purchasing, rather than just the select few wines that were part of each winery tour. I appreciated that the tour was “family friendly” so my teenagers could come along.
Robert –
More intimate engagement with lesser known wineries, both in the Sonoma area. We were only 4 at the first winery and had excellent explanations and answers to our question. There was a bona fide acquaintance with people and wine. The second winery visit was to a more upscale venue, but with an excellent wine-tasting pour person. The food stop in Sonoma town was a pleasant surprise for both history/tradition and food. We have spent much time working and visiting in the Yucatan, and found the Maya Cafe cuisine somewhat Americanized but true to Yucatan food offerings.
Travis_M –
Fun and smooth trip. Pre trip communication was great. They allowed us to select some wineries and helped to plan a well laid out trip. Our driver Lonnie was excellent… courteous, helpful, knowledgeable and fun. We would definitely choose this company again!
GetYourGuide traveler –
Went on the 1/2 day sanoma tour with 4 friends. Our guide Mark made the day. He was a pro with a great knowledge of sf and wine and made for a very interesting and fun day. The 1/2 day was perfect. A full day would have been too much.