Small-Group Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour with Lunch
San Francisco, United States of America
Travel by luxury van through wine country's gorgeous vineyard-covered hills, on this day-trip to Napa and Sonoma from San Francisco. You'll visit at least two top wineries, dine at a gourmet Sonoma restaurant, and toast to the end of your journey with some sparkling wine. Learn all about Napa's famous wine culture on this scenic, small-group tour which includes round-trip transport from San Francisco. With an intimate party size limited to 13 passengers, this is an unforgettable journey into wine country you won't want to miss.
After pickup from your San Francisco hotel, relax on the 1-hour ride north to beautiful Sonoma Valley. Aboard a luxury van, your experienced guide will show you the best of California wine country during your day trip.
You'll visit at least two of Sonoma Valley's top wineries and sample vintage wine in their tasting rooms. Learn all about the art of wine making as you sip a variety of fine wines and mingle with your small group.
At midday, enjoy a leisurely lunch at the Plaza Bistro, a gourmet restaurant in Sonoma, before continuing to Napa Valley. A scenic ride to Domaine Chandon will offer stunning views of vineyard-studded hills. When you arrive, toast with a glass of bubbly at a specially reserved table and savor the last of your wine country tour. Wineries you may visit include Viansa Winery, Cline Cellars, Larson Family Winery, Homewood Winery and Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. At the end of the day, sit back and relax on the ride back to San Francisco.
Please see the Itinerary section below for a sample lunch menu.
Our driver and guide Antoine, was grumpy from the time he picked us up. His driving was erratic and at times dangerous with sudden swerving to get through traffic. The traffic that we encounter on that tour was minimal and was flowing freely, hence I was surprised to hear him cursing each and every time he came to a slight build up of traffic. _br/_ There were three wineries on the itinerary but it was only two wineries that we actually visited as the second winery which belong to the same company was just across the road called Jacuzzi. The wines from both were average._br/_ I would join another tour company next time!_br/_ Overall value was average.
Review by: Charles C, April 2018
Our tour guide was friendly, funny and very informative and the lunch was very good. He went out of his way to show us the view of the Golden Gate Bridge that's not typically on the tour on our return trip. The only thing that caught us all off guard is when he was avoiding backed up traffic by driving on the shoulder to pass up the line of cars and taking a short cut through a parking lot to make a left turn. Other than that small item, we thoroughly enjoyed the tour.
Review by: Lori R, January 2018
Great day trip and introduction to wine country.
Review by: Philip C, December 2017
We had an enjoyable time on the tour. The drive/guide, Malcolm, was very knowledgeable about the sights in San Francisco and was dishing out fun facts throughout the journey. _br/_ We stopped in Sonoma for lunch. The restaurant was rather disappointing. I think Yountville would have been a much better lunch location option. _br/_ The best vineyard we visited was the Domaine Chandon. Its part of the LVMH group and specialises in sparkling wine champagne. The facilities were beautiful and we were given a thorough introduction to the process of champagne making.
Review by: Sandra K, December 2017
My friend and I had a great time. The lunch was delicious and the wineries were great. It was just the right day trip and it wasn't too much or too little
Review by: Cherrertx, December 2017
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Benjamin M, December 2017
We booked this small group you only to find out we were the only 2 people on it, so it kinda turned into a private tour! Our guide and driver Misha was knowledgeable and friendly, and we really enjoyed his company during the day. The winery visits were excellent! This is a great tour!
Review by: ginalyons10, December 2017
Brilliant tour, a great way to take in a few different vineyards or different sizes. Lunch was very nice.
Review by: John B, December 2017
This was a great tour, got to visit three pretty cool wineries - Jacuzzi, Cline's and Domaine Chandon. Five tastings at each and at the last we got to taste a variety of champagnes from one of the world's best producers. They also gave us a comprehensive tour of the facilities and a lesson on how they make champagne of course they cannot use that name, because only sparkling wines from that region in France can do so - but that is what they make!. After visiting the first two vineyards we were served a very nice sit-down lunch in an Italian restaurant in Sonoma Square. We had soup or salad, pork scallopini and a soft drink. Quite good for this type of tour. Added bonus was our driver Malcolm who gave a running commentary of all the sights we passed along the way - including a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge overlook. This is one of the best escorted tours that we have ever taken.
Review by: Pamela Grace T, November 2017
Best value for money tour, I believe. You get picked up and dropped off, all tasting fees are included, and lunch in the town square is very delicious. All the other advertised tours just feed you sandwiches at a picnic.
Review by: Rosalind D, November 2017
Was a bit rushed as the van got a late start looking for passengers that cancelled. Tastings and lunch were very good.
Review by: piolou, November 2017
Excellent tour! Pickup at hotel was right on time. Small group,van was very comfortable and driver was very knowledgeable and courteous. Tour stops were perfect and lunch in Sonoma was very good. We had a fabulous mixed group of international travelers with us. We bonded for the day, met new friends and made great memories while visiting very nice vineyards. And, without having to drive too!
Review by: Lurch, October 2017
This was a very enjoyable tour. Our driver was knowledgeable about the area and always available. Lunch was pre-arranged for us and was quite refreshing. I am mobility impaired and every convenience was provided. Only one Wine Tour was not available to me but I was provided with a comfortable seating area and samples of the wines being tasted. Would use this company again.
Review by: Cynthia J. J, October 2017
Visited three wineries with Chandon/Moet being the best. Learned much about California wines. Lunch was in Sonoma with time to walk around town, which should be shorter. Driver was not friendly bus was noisy/uncomfortable and air conditioning was poor. Driver drove too fast. Provider was Great Pacific Company.
Review by: Fiona O, September 2017
Booked this tour for my parents, just heard from them and they had an amazing time! Buddy was their tour guide and they have nothing but good things to say about him. They had an amazing time and would definately recommend to anyone!
Review by: henrikvforssell, September 2017
Se spenat 8 hours in à 13 people van. We went to Cline, Larson and Domaine Chandon. Three different vinyards that gave us a fun view of Sonoma and Napa wine country.
Review by: Robert M, September 2017
Not terrible some of our fellow passengers disagreed. Old van, very fast driving and poor suspension. The chosen wineries were second rate. Loved Sonoma and Napa, but the trip could easily have been better.
Review by: Jennifer S, September 2017
We had a wonderful time on the tour and Malcolm was an excellent tour guide! He was very informative on the way to/from San Francisco about the significant landmarks along the way. We enjoyed all of the wineries and loved spending time in Sonoma Square for lunch. Highly recommend!
Review by: Elizabeth, September 2017
We had a lovely day in the wine country. The vineyards were quite nice and the wine delicious! Anton was a charming and informative host/driver The only glitch was the air conditioning on the van..It was non-existent and on a day when the temperature was over 100, it was sorely missed! That's the only reason for the 4 stars instead of 5.
Review by: Peter F, September 2017
What a great day out, a small group 13 makes it a more intimate tour rather than being on a huge bus. We first visited the Jacuzzi Vineyards for a great selection of Reds and Whites and had time to walk around the vineyards. Next across the road we went to Cline Cellars and again a superb section of wines, generous helpings I must say. We had lunch at a lovely village names escapes me before going onto the premier winery Domaine Chandon to try their selection of Brut and other high quality white wines. All in all a great investment and a great day out. One of the things to do in San Francisco
Review by: Omar V, September 2017
We took two trips, this one and another more expensive tour almost twice the price. By far, this was the best tour and also gave us the most bang for the buck. My wife and I enjoyed the personalized attention and that we were not charged extra for the tastings. For example, next day in another tour they took us to Domaine Chandon again, but this time we did not get the reception taste of Champage, the tour to the inside, or any explanation whatsoever. Those facts made us appreciate what we had with this tour the previous day. Thank you!
Review by: allenmk1, September 2017
Has a great time on the tour. Peter was an excellent guide. We visited 3 wineries and had a very nice lunch in the Sonoma town square.
Review by: Elizabeth W, August 2017
We had an amazing day with Misha our tour guide. He was very entertaining as we travelled through San Francisco and then out to the valley. The wineries offered excellent tastings and surroundings and we were given ample time for both. Lunch in Sonoma was good and the small group made the trip fun. Would definitely recommend this tour.
Review by: IVA M, August 2017
Awesome tour. The tour guide/driver was excellent. The wineries and the restaurant were top notch. I would recommend this to anyone with only one day availability to tour wine country.
Review by: Richard B, August 2017
Top day ,thoroughly enjoyed this tour. Judith our guide and driver was great. Visited Two wineries for tastings then a delicious lunch at Somona with enough time to walk the quirky little shops. Then on to Domain Chandon where we were presented with five different sparkling wines and a very informative guide. We would thoroughly recommend this small group tour. Dianne and Bruce Bate Australia.
Review by: Mariela T, August 2017
It was just really nice and very relaxing day out to know and taste californian wines. Misha is very cute. I would rather like to get into the wine process. We went to Cline - organics wines- and LArson, and it was just a 4 glass tasting... Domaine chandon was just awesome!! I will recommend this tour.
Review by: HUI V, August 2017
Worth a try ! Especially the last one :Well organized tour with very interesting experience
Review by: Margaret G, August 2017
Nice trip to three wineries and lunch in Sonoma. _br/_ Driver informative and entertaining. Somewhat rude over tipping.
Review by: rpapandrea, August 2017
This tour was amazing!
Review by: Joan B, July 2017
This tour was amazing!! The places we visited was just awesome. Doug, our tour guide was very informative and is just the best!!!
Review by: epduffy1962, July 2017
The tour was the best especially our guide Cynthia. She was so knowledgeable about the area. The wineries we visited were great...Jacuzzi the best as it was a gorgeous venue as well as fantastic wine! Lunch was great and go to the Roche tasting after lunch if time in Sonoma too. Highly recommend.
Review by: Linda M, July 2017
Buddy was our guide. He was so pleasant and amazing. The tour was great. I highly recommend this tour.
Review by: Amy B, July 2017
I highly recommend this tour! The van was luxurious with large,comfortable, leather seats! Our driver, Cynthia, was amazing! Everything is included in the price, which is a great value! I recommend the tomato bisque for lunch! Yummy! There was a festival going on across the street from the restaurant, so Cynthia allowed us some time to briefly enjoy the festivities! The size of the group was perfect too!
Review by: Cheryl Brozovic B, June 2017
The small group tour to Sonoma and Napa was very enjoyable and our guide Mischa provided an interesting commentary throughout the tour. We visited three wineries: Cline, Jacuzzi and Domaine Chandon. Our first stop was at Cline Winery where the winemaker instructed us on how to properly taste wine and what attributes to look for. At Jacuzzi Winery we tasted more wines and had some free time to explore the winery and their great retail shop selling all things related to wine. Next we stopped for lunch in Sonoma which was included in the price of our tour. It was was pretty mediocre, as most group tour lunches tend to be, and I would have preferred to spend the time shopping or having lunch at a restaurant of my choice. Before heading back to San Francisco we stopped at Domaine Chandon for a tour of the winery and step by step instruction in the art of champagne or, technically speaking sparkling wine making and it was fascinating. We were offered champagne tastings throughout the tour and everyone was in good spirits as our wine tour came to an end. Great tour...fun day. Cheers!
Review by: Emily K, June 2017
We were picked up at our hotel promptly and the driver/guide was extremely informative. The visit at Cline was very good and we had time to explore the grounds--very beautiful! then we were off to Jacuzzi for a wonderful tour. I really like the information the in house gave us about their winery. We then went to lunch in Sonoma--couldn't be better. We had a room so that the other guests could share their experiences. We had time to explore in Sonoma before we drove to Napa. Domain Chandon tour was amazing. I could do this tour again and not be bored.
Review by: Tony, June 2017
Hotel pickup is very good and we met a good cross section of people from around the world._br/_ The 2 winery tours and Domaine Chandon were a little rushed._br/_ I don't think the wines for tasting were that special._br/_ Lunch was average._br/_ Coming from overseas having a local driver was a big positive as you spend a lot of time travelling and in heavy traffic.
Review by: Benjamin W, June 2017
Tours were good, funny and informative guide, good group size still at 13 but wouldn't want any more_br/_ Confirmed in advance and told I'd be picked up at 8.30, but bus did't arrive until 9.10am and then was an hour late back after too much time at the last winery. _br/_ Choice of wineries was odd. Cline was awesome, Homeward was pretty basic and average wines, finished at Chandon which was like going to a McDonald franchise for breakfast at the end of the day._br/_ Lunch was a basic cafe and didn't include wine - which could be improved by adding 15 to the total price and have a lunch tasting somewhere boutique!_br/_ Good tour but needs better thought into organisation and maximising what Sonoma and Napa have to offer
Review by: k6t716, March 2017
I really liked that the van picked us up near our hotel. We stayed under the mystic hotel which was right under the bridge and bus pick up area so there was no parking. So we just had to walk across on the next block to meet our driver. I liked that this was a small group so it was more private . The lunch was nice, enough food to make your tummy satisfied. I haven't been to other wine tours, so I wouldn't know how to compare this to? But overall I think it was a really nice full day 9 hours total from pick-up to drop off.
Review by: Miguel A, March 2017
Amazing trip, great good and especially great wineries!
Review by: nigro.amanda, March 2017
Our guide, Anton, was awesome. Even though we had rainy and cold weather, the whole experience was amazing and that had a lot to do with his upbeat attitude and personality. He was very knowledgeable and engaging with our group throughout the ride and the lunch. We went to a farmers market, two wineries, lunch and then Domaine Chandon for the champagne/sparkling wine tasting and everything was included you can also do a chocolate tasting next door to where the lunch is, for a separate fee. I'd definitely recommend this tour - it's a great value and you'll have a great time!
Review by: Jessica R, March 2017
This was a really great experience despite the rain!
Review by: Christiana T, February 2017
The tour was great. Our tour guide Buddy was funny, friendly and full of interesting information about everything! I wish we got to spend more time at the first two wineries we visited Jacuzzi and Cline but the entire experience was great and made me want to book my next trip to Napa and Sonoma! Also lunch was very good. The food was pre-ordered and ready when we got there. Very hearty and delicious meal :
Review by: Nancy S, February 2017
What a great day this was! I highly recommend this trip. Remarkable, all fees except a tip and souvenirs are included. Started off a tad rocky as the van arrived a half-hour late at my hotel. But traffic happens, you know. Our garulous guide, Buddy, introduced me to the rest of the folks in the van from England, Brazil, Canada, Michigan and NY, which I appreciated as a solo traveler. We drove out of the city over the Golden Gate Bridge with informative narration and jokes from Buddy, and visited two wineries before lunch. Jacuzzi was way stuffier than Cline, by the way, and I enjoyed Cline's wine more - but the comparison was useful and the view from the back of Jacuzzi was gorgeous. Lunch was a in delightful restaurant off the center square of Sonoma. Be sure to visit Wine Country Chocolates for a yummy chocolate tasting while you are there. We drove after lunch to Napa for the peak of the trip, Domaine Chandon, where we had a tour with tastings along the way. A new bottle of champagne appeared around each corner. Simply delightful, and the gardens surrounding the winery were beautiful. Time for a little San Francisco-related music on the way back to the hotel and the day was done. Really enjoyable and well done. Thanks, Buddy!
Review by: SIMON H, February 2017
An excellent day out. A very knowledgable guide and a comfortable coach. We were takentosee many sights not reahed by larger groups, and the wine tasting was really good and we learned a lot about wine making. Beautiful countryside.
Review by: Jill V, February 2017
A well run and executed tour. Loved the champagne winery tour._br/_ Thanks,_br/_ Jill and Chris Sydney Aust.
Review by: SJ M, January 2017
We had a good trip to Napa and Sonoma wine areas and were lucky to have an interesting group of people with us. The tour could have been slightly longer, giving us a few more minutes to wander around each venue as we felt a bit rushed at times. Our guide was informative and it was interesting to learn about the different areas as we drove through them.
Review by: Aleicia L, January 2017
Great tour. Loved Chandon.
Review by: Oscar Eduardo C, January 2017
This was an excellent Tour. Our guide, Jordi was excellent. Also, our lunch was delicious. I recommend this tour! :
Review by: Tim G, December 2016
The bus ride was horrible, very uncomfortable. Lunch wasn't good either
Review by: Teresa M, December 2016
My husband and I enjoyed this trip very much. It was nice being with a smaller group, which gave us a nice chance to talk and meet with everyone. The van was comfortable and it gave us a nice view of the countryside.
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