Winery Tours

Whether you are just a casual wine drinker or have the ability to say things like “filled with spicy floral notes, dark cherry and blackberry with a hint of black pepper”, wine tasting is a fun activity that can be enjoyed by all. Winery Tours are a popular activity around the United States, but the San Francisco Bay Area is home to the best wine tasting regions in the country. Located just a short drive from San Francisco, the Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley regions are filled with hundreds of amazing wineries.

Because of the large number of wineries in the region, you can pretty much have a totally different experience every time that you visit. You can visit different micro-regions, focus on particular varietals of wines, visit wineries with the best views, visit the best wineries for large groups and more. Another great thing about winery tours is that they are an educational experience. Depending on the winery tours you choose, you will be able to learn everything from how the grapes are grown to how to properly taste each type of wine.

What exactly is a Winery Tour?

Winery tours are a great way to learn about wine and the winemaking process, enjoy some time with friends and family and see the beautiful Northern California countryside. Tours typically include visits to several wineries, where you can taste wine and learn about the different varietals. Some tours also include a visit to a vineyard, where you can see how grapes are grown, learn about the different types of grapes and learn about the process from vine to bottle. While you can set up the tours and drive yourself (still technically a winery tour), we highly recommend leaving your car at home and booking a tour bus tour or private charter so the whole group can enjoy the experience without any stress.

What happens on a winery tour?

Aside from tasting wines, there are a lot of different activities that can be part of a winery tour. Each winery has a little something different to offer, however you can expect things like walking through the vineyards, touring the production and barrel rooms, learning about the winemaking process and even meeting the vintners.

How do you get to the wineries?

Napa Valley is close enough for you to drive to the region, if you just want to visit a winery or two, however if you are planning on doing some tastings, make sure you have a designated driver. For an even better experience, you can charter transportation or opt for one of the great pre-planned tours from San Francisco Tour Companies. Companies like M Ride offer sedans, limousines, SUVs, sprinters and buses for winery tours so you don’t have to worry about driving. No matter how many people are in your group, you can find the perfect vehicle to take you to all of the wineries on your list. If you are planning your first winery tour or are unsure where to go, most charter bus companies will help you plan your itinerary so you don’t have to worry about picking through all of the options.

How much does it cost to do a Winery Tour?

If you are driving to Wine Country, you can expect to pay between $5 and $20 to do a wine tasting, but you can find some free wine tastings, especially on weekdays. Ticketed tours are typically around $99 to $149 per person and include transportation and visits to 3 or 4 wineries. If you have a larger group or want a more personalized tour, then renting a charter bus is the best way to go. Depending on the vehicle that you choose, you can expect to pay between $100 and $200 per hour, with a 4 hour minimum.