Top 15 Unforgettable Napa Valley Wine Tours

Napa Valley presents a stunning vista of grapevines and wildflowers, set across expansive rolling hills in Napa County, just north of San Francisco.

This region has evolved into one of the premier global destinations, particularly for wine aficionados and culinary enthusiasts; renowned establishments such as Opus One, Mondavi, Duckhorn, La Torque, and The French Laundry can all be found here.

Napa Valley gained international recognition during the 1976 Judgment of Paris, when its Chateau Montelena Chardonnay outperformed several esteemed French wines in a blind tasting competition. Since that pivotal event, Napa Valley has sustained its status as a coveted destination.

Explore these 15 exceptional Napa Valley wine tours that are highly recommended.

1. Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco

This excursion provides a tour of three or four distinct wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and Yountville.

The tour intricately weaves the historical narrative of the region’s winemaking heritage, recounting tales of the early missionaries who brought European vines, along with the Forty-Niners and their celebrated wine saloons.

You will acquire knowledge about the winemaking process—from grape harvesting to crushing, blending, and bottling.

Wine tasting is a prominent aspect of this eight-hour guided tour. Although lunch is not included, there is an opportunity to stop for refreshments at either Vintage 1870 or Sonoma Square.

2. Redwoods and Wine Country: Napa and Sonoma Full-Day Tour

This tour combines two magnificent offerings of nature: wandering beneath the towering Sequoia Redwoods and savoring the produce of grapes directly from the source.

The nine-hour tour encompasses stops at three distinct wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys, where you will delve into the history, craftsmanship, and science of winemaking in the region.

This comprehensive trip affords a tasting adventure, presenting various wines, specialties, and techniques utilized by the diverse wineries, ranging from family-operated establishments to larger, well-known entities.

A lunch break is incorporated at the historic Sonoma Plaza.

3. Small Group Boutique Wine Tour with Tastings

This day-long excursion leads you to lesser-known wineries on an intimate group tour that promises lasting memories.

The journey commences with a pickup from numerous downtown San Francisco hotels and proceeds to a selection of three of the finest boutique wineries in Sonoma.

Wine tasting is prioritized at each location, with a dedicated hour allotted for every stop.

Photo opportunities at the Golden Gate Bridge are included, along with a picturesque stop in the charming town of Sausalito.

A lunch break occurs in Sonoma, where numerous dining options await (lunch is not included).

For those interested in history, a stroll to the Mission San Francisco Solano is an option.

Each group is capped at twelve participants, and travel is conducted in an air-conditioned van featuring live commentary on board.

4. Full-Day Muir Woods and Sonoma Wine Tour

This full-day tour offers a blend of wine tasting and nature exploration, commencing with a scenic trip across the Golden Gate Bridge, where there is a stop for photographs.

The tour’s destination is Muir Woods National Monument, home to the legendary coastal redwoods. Utilizing eco-friendly bus transportation ensures the protection of this delicate forest environment.

Subsequently, you will explore the premium offerings, with scheduled visits to three or four wineries in Sonoma.

Following lunch, notable producers such as Larson Family, Robledo Family, Cline Cellars, and Homewood wineries will beckon for you to sample their red, white, and dessert wines.

5. Vineyard, Cave and Winery Tour of Napa and Sonoma with Lunch

This educational day-long wine tour introduces you to Napa and Sonoma Valleys, regions celebrated as premier wine tasting destinations.

Complimentary hotel pickups are provided from most downtown hotels or Fisherman’s Wharf, from where you will proceed past the Golden Gate Bridge to Benzinger Winery, your first stop.

During this journey, you can enjoy stunning views of Marin Headlands, Alcatraz, and the iconic San Francisco skyline.

You will garner insights into wine cultivation and production, including what is essential to maintain each wine’s distinct sense of place.

An exclusive tasting of five to seven wines awaits you after the tour (some wines are only available at the winery) before heading to a different winery for a picnic lunch.

Following lunch, the itinerary may include a tour of Yountville, Oakville, or Napa itself for even more wine tasting experiences, with the specific details tailored to each tour group’s preferences.

6. Redwood & Wine Country Escape with Gourmet Lunch & Wine

This tour combines wine tasting with a captivating nature experience, commencing with a serene hour under the majestic Sequoia redwoods.

You will then proceed to a vineyard to explore the history of winemaking in California, which dates back over a century. As schedules permit, a boutique winery tour may follow, leading to three more visits at assorted wineries.

This package includes a three-course gourmet meal, allowing you to tailor your selections for each course, ensuring a delightful experience.

7. Full-Day Wine Country Bike Tour

For those seeking an exclusive wine tasting experience without interruptions, this is the perfect choice.

The nine-hour journey commences around 9 am, incorporating shuttle transportation to wine country and visits to four boutique wineries in California.

Your first stop is at a winery; following the tasting here, you’ll embark on a guided cycling tour to the next vineyard.

The distance between the wine estates varies from three to seven miles, generally ensuring a comfortable ride on mostly flat terrain. Participants preferring not to cycle may travel in the accompanying shuttle.

A picnic lunch awaits after the second tasting, before proceeding to two additional scenic estates.

8. Minibus Tour of Napa and Sonoma Valleys

Depart from San Francisco for a full-day scenic tour of California’s notable wine-producing regions.

This small group excursion traverses the Golden Gate Bridge, including a brief stop for photographs, before weaving through the picturesque hills of Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

During the journey, you will pass by three wineries to discover their respective histories and contributions to wine production, with tasting sessions planned.

While lunch is not incorporated, you will be transported to Napa’s gourmet Oxbow Public Market, offering a variety of delicious dining options.

This is also an opportunity to sample other wines for those interested.

9. 2-Day Muir Woods & Wine Tasting Tour from San Francisco

To truly immerse yourself in the spirit of California’s wine country, a multi-day excursion proves to be an excellent choice.

This two-day retreat allows you to explore Napa and Sonoma at your preferred pace.

Day one starts between 8-9 am, focusing on sightseeing in the area, most notably the Muir Woods National Monument.

Then, you will proceed to Sonoma Valley, famous for its diverse grape varieties and independent vineyards, which encompass over 300 wineries and tasting rooms.

After spending a night at a Tuscan-style hotel in Sonoma, your second day commences at your own leisure.

You can choose your morning activities, such as cheese tasting, browsing boutique shops, or visiting Mission San Francisco de Solano, among other options.

Later, reconvene with the group for a late morning tasting session in the Glen Allen area before advancing to renowned Napa Valley for further wine explorations.

The tour concludes with a hotel drop-off between 6-7 pm.

10. Napa & Sonoma Full-Day Wine Tasting Experience

This full-day tour from San Francisco transports you to the core of California’s celebrated wine regions—Napa and Sonoma Valleys.

Depending on the specific day, you will visit three of the most prestigious wineries in the United States, including options like Sutter Home Winery, Madonna Estate, Gloria Ferrer Winery, and Andretti Winery.

Apart from winery tours and tastings, your informed guide will facilitate further exploration of significant local attractions, including the historic Sonoma Square.

The experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, and there’s an option to arrange lunch at a local dining venue in Downtown Sonoma.

11. Napa Valley Tour by Private Car from San Francisco

This tour’s advantage lies in its flexibility, permitting you to select the wineries you wish to visit, after which the tour operator will devise a tailored itinerary.

While suggestions can be provided, the ultimate decision rests solely with you.

This six-hour experience commences with a scenic drive from San Francisco leading to three or four wineries in Napa Valley.

Popular options include renowned establishments such as Robert Mondavi Winery, Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Staglin Family Vineyard, and Domaine Chandon.

Additionally, you will need to choose one of three possible lunch locations: Sonoma, Yountville, or Santa Helena.

The expedition concludes with your return to San Francisco, allowing you to witness the sunset as it descends below the horizon.

12. San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country

This Super Saver tour is a combination designed to optimize visitors’ experiences in California’s wine country while maintaining cost efficiency.

The itinerary encompasses two popular attractions offered at a discounted rate, beginning with a walk through Muir Woods National Monument for an invigorating experience amongst towering redwoods.

A knowledgeable guide will then lead you through three wineries, where you will gain insight into the craft and partake in tastings at all locations.

13. Hot-Air Balloon Ride in Napa Valley (with Sparkling Wine Brunch)

Begin your experience with pastries and coffee at the renowned Domaine Chandon Winery prior to flight, then ascend in a hot-air balloon to greet the dawn as it rises over the valley.

This morning excursion is an exquisite treat for those who appreciate the natural beauty of the world.

The flight lasts approximately one hour, during which you will be captivated by panoramic views of Napa’s legendary landscapes, including rolling hills, grand estates, and extensive vineyards.

Upon landing, an appetizing breakfast buffet awaits you at Domaine Chandon, complemented by sparkling wine, a gentle yet delightful reminder that you are within the heart of America’s esteemed wine-growing region.

14. Napa Valley Wine Train with Gourmet Lunch

This experience offers nothing quite like a comfortable train ride while relishing the beautiful sights of pastoral countryside.

The tour provides a unique opportunity to travel on a wine train, appreciating the picturesque charm that defines Napa Valley.

The refurbished vintage train features large windows specifically designed for optimal viewing of the stunning outdoors, including charming towns like St. Helena and Rutherford.

The journey, which lasts approximately three hours, includes a delightful gourmet lunch or dinner that is freshly prepared by the train’s acclaimed onboard restaurant.

You are invited to visit the chefs in the kitchen and explore the train’s various cars.

15. Yountville Food and Wine Tour in Napa

Yountville is widely recognized for its abundant Michelin-starred restaurants that enhance the town’s reputation as a premier culinary destination in California.

A selection of renowned chef-operated establishments is in close proximity, catering to diverse culinary preferences.

The offerings are farm-to-table, and given your location in wine country, they are complemented by exquisite local wines that are sure to delight.

This tour encompasses food and wine tastings, a three-course lunch, along with informative commentary, with group sizes limited to a maximum of four to ensure a tailored experience.