winery tours napa valley from san francisco

7 Awesome Napa Valley Wine Tours from San Francisco

• Napa Valley
• by DEVIN PARR
• on MAY 12, 2023

Photo Courtesy of Pure Luxury Transportation

When the hustle and bustle of city life gets overwhelming, a getaway to Napa Valley sounds like just what the doctor ordered. But then the reality of Bay Area traffic starts to set in, and a weekend of Netflix and chill on the couch sounds more likely.

Don’t let your dreams of vineyard tours and heavenly wine tastings fade! There are plenty of great Napa Valley wine tours originating from San Francisco, making it easier than ever to visit your favorite wineries without ever having to take your car keys out of the junk drawer. From classic group tours to fully-customized private experiences to journeys from the sky, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite Napa Valley wine tours from San Francisco.

Beau Wine Tours

Edge of the World Tours specialize not only in classic tours of Napa and Sonoma, but also beer tasting tours, hiking and adventure tours, and excursions to other historic regions and landmarks throughout Northern California, like San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge, Muir Woods, and Sausalito. Take advantage of their Bespoke Tour option and customize your experience aboard their 13-passenger van with pick-ups offered in San Francisco, as well as San Mateo, Marin, Sonoma, and Napa Counties. As a fully-licensed tour operator, passengers are of course invited to hop on board with a picnic lunch or other tasty provisions for the drive to Wine Country, and encouraged to pop a bottle of wine purchased throughout their wine tasting journey on the ride home.

Master Wine Tours

The husband-and-wife team behind North Bay Wine Tours is deeply committed to promoting local producers and other family-owned businesses, as well as providing a sustainable way to explore Napa and Sonoma in their pristine Tesla Model Y and Model 3. Designed primarily for couples or small groups, North Bay Wine Tours offers several different options throughout Napa and Sonoma, from the Private Wine Tour, which includes visits at up to four wineries, beautifully-curated charcuterie boxes for each passenger, and welcome wine, to the All-Inclusive Wine Tour, which includes a hands-on trip-planning service, a welcome toast, personalized charcuterie lunch, complimentary pick-up, and up to eight hours of wine tasting.

San Francisco Helicopters

In business since 1976, San Francisco Helicopters offers private charters to and from Napa Valley, allowing you to travel in comfort and style to Wine Country. Once on land, guests can enjoy their favorite Napa Valley wineries, followed by a much-shorter commute back to the City as you skip all Bay Area traffic in your privately chartered helicopter. Each group is limited to four to three people to ensure a highly personalized, VIP experience. They also offer a City Tour and a Golden Gate Tour which feature breathtaking aerial tours of the San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.

About Devin Parr

Devin Parr is a San Diego-based freelance writer and consultant specializing in wine, travel and lifestyle. In addition to covering the global wine industry, she is the resident expert in Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country, serving as the region’s ambassador on behalf of the Temecula Valley Winegrowers Association . She holds a certification in wine expertise from the Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy, as well as the Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma. In 2017, she was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine's Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers. Follow her adventures at @thesocalwinegal and www.devinparr.com .

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• Napa Tour from SF
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Text us at: (415) 326-3454 Email: [email protected]

Visit 3 of the best Napa Valley Wineries

Over $250 of premier tasting fees included

Domain Chandon

(Sparkling Winery)

V. Sattui Vineyards

(2 hour stop. Tastings included)

Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars

(Tastings included)

Napa Tour from San Francisco

Amazing experience

Napa Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco with curated premium wineries (w/ tasting fees)

Available: Daily at 9am Tour Duration: 8 Hours Price/Person: $699

Text us at (415) 326-3454

For customers that only want to experience the best of Napa

TOUR ITINERARY - Visit 3 of the best Napa Valley Wineries From San Francisco

Start at: Your San Francisco Hotel (Free Hotel Pickup) Domaine Chandon (Sparkling Winery. Fees included) V. Sattui Vineyards (2 hour stop. Tastings included). Meal costs not included. Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars (Tastings included) Tour Ends at: Your San Francisco Hotel

Over $250 of premier tasting fees are included. Lots of wine poured throughout the day. Because of this tour limited to three wineries.

See Itinerary from Napa

Video Explanation

Watch 4 minute video about our Premium Napa Tour. The video provides great general advice about Napa Tours.

Tour Highlights:

• Visit 3 of the top Napa Valley Wineries.
• Private experience in luxury car with no other passengers
• Tastings included (over $250 value).
• Ferry service included.
• Free hotel pickup from your San Francisco hotel.

Tour Exclusions:

• Meal costs.
• Uber ride from Ferry Building to your hotel.

Things to Know:

• eat a big breakfast.
• bring a sweater.
• the ferry ride home is awesome.
• your guide will have to make reservations at each of these wineries, book early!

Loved by customers

Trusted and recommended by hundreds of happy customers!

This was a wonderful tour! Dustin is a great tour guide/driver and made the tour really fun!

Amazing experience! All the destinations were amazing and I don't even like wine!

The best day ever, loved the wineries and landscapes, our tour guide this day perfect!

Ferry Cruise Back to San Francisco

The ferry makes this a world class tour. You have spent the day tasting one of the best wines in the world and now you have the wind in your face taking pictures of Golden Gate Bridge or Alcatraz Island while bypassing all of this going home traffic. $15 per person paid at the ferry terminal.

Our Standards:

• We measure our performance from our customer reviews.
• We value our clients’ trust in us and have the highest standards of customer service.
• We foster a culture of premium travel and tourism.
• We stay ahead of the changing environment to provide the most relevant advice and innovative solutions.
• We share tour ideas and experiences across our organization to achieve the best results for our customers.
• We will not compromise our vision or values.
• We deliver more.

Tour Benefits:

• Experienced, Knowledgeable Tour Guide.
• Extra time: 8 Hours to enjoy your Napa Valley Tour.
• Private experience in luxury car with no other passengers onboard.
• Start Time: Daily at 9:00am
• Tour Duration: 8 hours
• Start location: Your San Francisco Hotel
• Available: 5 days a week (Monday – Friday)
• Tour Type: Luxury Car Napa Valley Tour from San Francisco (up to 4 PAX)

Price includes tasting fees, taxes, and booking fees.

$699 /person

Private Transportation provided by Professional Charter Services TCP 23905-A

For any questions please text us at: (415) 326-3454 )

Text us at: (415) 326-3454 Email: [email protected] Contact us

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5 of the Best Napa Valley Wine Tours from San Francisco

Take a bus, take a limo, take a trip in style to some of the best wineries in California on one of these five great Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country tours from San Francisco.

(Photo: Getyourguide.com)

The film ‘Sideways’ may have propelled pinot noir wines to film-fan stardom, but the wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma have so much more to offer. Learn to distinguish your Riesling from your Chardonnay; your Syrah from your Cabernet Sauvignon at a wine tasting on a cheap tour. Or, if you’re already well aware of those delineations, simply explore the USA’s premier wine region and discover new local wines right at their source. Here are five of the best wine tours, all from San Francisco, to try today.

Half-Day Wine Country Excursion from San Francisco

Among the best value Napa Valley and Sonoma tours is this five-hour trip from San Francisco, taking time to stop at two wineries where you’ll be able to enjoy up to five wine tastings. The itinerary also includes time to take a wine estate tour, where you’ll learn the inner workings of the production process and see the vine-clad slopes where future bottles get their start. This tour departs on most days of the year. From $99 per person.

Book at Getyourguide.com

Small-Group Sonoma Wine Tour with Tastings

Sonoma’s wineries are not quite as globally recognized as those of neighboring Napa Valley, but that essentially means the area is less touristy. This tour visits three boutique wineries in the region, offering a wine tasting at each. Groups are limited to 13 people and there is live commentary on board the air-conditioned van as you travel through the city and countryside, with an additional photo stop at Golden Gate Bridge. Lunch is not included in this tour, although time is allowed for lunch at Sonoma Plaza. From $149 per person.

Napa and Sonoma Wine Valley Tour

For a tour that incorporates Napa Valley, as well as Sonoma, while still fitting three winery visits and tastings into the itinerary, there’s this eight-hour trip from San Francisco. There’s plenty to see during the journey, too, such as the Golden Gate Bridge. Learn about the region’s wine history, including how grapes were first brought here by Spanish missionaries, along the way. Lunch is not included but a stop will be made with time allotted at either Sonoma Plaza or The Marketplace in Napa. From $149 per person.

Muir Woods Redwood and Wine Country Tour

While there’s a great deal of rural beauty to be encountered in and around Napa Valley, the agrarian imprint of viticulture dominates the vistas with its neatly ordered lines of grapevines. The lines at Muir Woods National Monument, which you’ll visit on the way to wine country as part of this tour, are vertical and centuries old, belonging to the majestic redwood trees that the monument protects. Additionally, three Sonoma and Napa wineries are visited during the ten-hour trip. Please note that the Muir Wood entry fee is not included in the price. From $159 per person.

Small-Group Napa Valley Tour for Wine Lovers

For the very best of Napa Valley’s whimsy and history, there’s one tour which focuses exclusively on this celebrated Californian wine region. Among the three wineries you’ll visit is the Tuscan, medieval-style castle of Castello di Amorosa. Another stop is at Tamber Bey Winery, where you’ll try Merlot and Chardonnay wines. The estate also includes an equestrian ranch. Finally, there’s Carneros, where the vineyard has been producing wines for over a century. This tour runs from Sat to Thu each week. From $259 per person.

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Master Wine Tours

Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country!

Master Wine Tours is a small local tour company in Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country. We have been touring this world renown wine region for 20 years, always enjoying the changing harvest. With over a thousand wineries,  there are many paths. We concierge each guest to discover their interests and then assist to create that dream wine tour. If you can imagine it, Master Wine Tours will take you there.

Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country

Wine country in Northern California is something to behold. The Vaca and Mayacamas Mountains combined with the Sonoma coastline frame the wine regions of Napa Valley and Sonoma. Furthermore giving it a reason to raise your glass to. Salute! The Napa Valley and Sonoma wine country encompasses several valleys. Appellations with over 1000 wineries between them. Quite the list of world class wines to explore. They sit atop San Francisco like a wine country crown. Come, romance the hillsides of vines. The vineyards stretch all the way to blue of the Pacific ocean. Beautiful scenery, great wine, great food so where do you start.? We live here, we are wine country enthusiasts. Let us assist with the planning and we can lay it out with just the right touch. Master Wine Tours also has luxury transportation to take you on your wine country adventure. Come tour with us.

California Dreaming

The renowned wine country of Napa Valley and Sonoma, just north of San Francisco lures thousands of travelers every year. Master Wine Tours are experts in Napa and Sonoma wine country. Northern California by nature is one beautiful place. Tectonic mountains, ancient trees, winding rivers, the awesome Pacific coastline, all perfect ingredients for a tour. But then add vineyards stretching across the landscape like color fills a canvas. Your imagination with our experience create the perfect mixture for the ultimate tour so call us and book your trip. Let us know your desires and together we will design the perfect holiday – vivid memories. From Napa Valley to Sonoma  to the Sonoma coast to San Francisco, there is so much to consider, so much to see.  Let’s create that perfect memory together. Let Master Wine Tours be your guide.

Tell us about your trip...

Master Wine Tours is the best - and the only - way to get around in wine country! I’ve used them twice and both times their service has been impeccable. The whole itinerary fit our palate and our taste buds. They are the best!!Master Wine Tours is the best - and the only - way to get around in wine country! I’ve used them twice and both times their service has been impeccable. The whole itinerary fit our palate and our taste buds. They are the best!!

Bank was our guide and he made our wine tour extra special. Would highly recommend this company for a wreath experience.

Highly recommend! It was a great experience. I’m not a big fan of wine but enjoy seeing different beautiful vineyards and eating good food in Napa.

Our company had an amazing time with Master Wine Tours! Mitch and Julie were fantastic. They were helpful, accommodating, and patient with us. They helped plan our itinerary in an extremely small window. Mitch is a very knowledgeable and kind guide. We will definitely be back! Great people who are wonderful at their jobs! Thanks again!

We had a fantastic experience. This is the best way to go wine tasting. They found us the best places, made all the arrangements and it was such a relaxing, stress-free experience. The vehicle was beautiful and comfortable. Mitch is amazing. I highly recommend to anyone wanting to have a great time in Napa!

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Wine Tours From San Francisco

If you're looking for a Napa wine tasting experience, then you've come to the right place. Gray Line San Francisco offers the best wine tours from San Francisco to wine country. Our wine country tours from San Francisco allow you to taste the finest wines in Northern California and explore the beautiful vineyards. With Gray Line San Francisco, you'll get to visit the wineries and taste world-renowned wines on your San Francisco wine tour. Experience the ultimate wine tour from San Francisco with us!

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Private Tour Napa and Sonoma Wine Country

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San Francisco to Napa Valley: The Ultimate One-Day Wine Tour

Welcome to an exploration of a lifetime – the Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour, a delightful adventure from San Francisco to Napa Valley. In this blog post, we unravel the enchanting blend of wine, delectable cuisines, and scenic beauty. Join us as we dive into the unmatched allure of Napa Valley and Sonoma as the paramount destinations for wine enthusiasts and connoisseurs.

Discover the Perfect Journey from San Francisco to Napa Valley

At Green Dream Tours, we are passionate about curating extraordinary experiences. Our San Francisco to Napa Valley wine tour is more than just a trip. It’s a sensory escapade, a culinary delight, and an opportunity to forge friendships over exquisite wines. Let’s begin on a journey that combines the rustic charm of vineyards, the sophistication of wine tasting, and the joy of camaraderie.

The Charm of Napa Valley and Sonoma

Napa Valley and Sonoma stand as iconic symbols of viticulture. Nestled in the heart of Northern California, these regions beckon travelers with their rolling vineyards, quaint wineries, and the promise of tasting some of the world’s finest wines. Picture yourself strolling through sun-kissed vineyards, sipping on velvety Cabernets, and indulging in the culinary creations of renowned chefs. This is the allure of Napa Valley and Sonoma – a symphony of flavors, scents, and experiences that capture the essence of California’s wine heritage.

Join us as we delve deeper into our Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour , illuminating the itinerary, culinary delights, and the joyous connections that await you in the heart of California Wine Country. Now, let’s get ready for your journey with us, from the vibrant streets of San Francisco to the serene vineyards of Napa Valley. Let the adventure begin!

The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour Experience: Your Gateway from San Francisco to Napa Valley

Experience an extraordinary journey from San Francisco to Napa Valley with our meticulously crafted Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour package. This is not just a tour; it’s an immersive experience into California’s Wine Country, where unforgettable moments, delightful discoveries, and lasting memories await!

Comprehensive Tour Package:

• Dive into a day filled with wine-tasting adventures, exploring the finest vineyards and wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma.
• Enjoy exclusive access to unique wine tastings in both regions, savoring the diverse flavors and aromas of local wines.
• Embark on a culinary exploration with a delectable start to the day complete with the opportunity to try Oprah Winfrey’s favorite English Muffins at Model Bakery in Oxbow Public Market.

Convenient Pick-Up Points:

• Experience unparalleled accessibility with pick-up points strategically located in both San Francisco and Napa.
• Our dual pick-up locations ensure a hassle-free start to your day, catering to guests staying in either destination.

Warm Welcome and Guided Start:

• Be greeted by our knowledgeable guides, experts in the art of winemaking and regional history.
• Feel the warmth of our hospitality as your journey begins at the designated pick-up locations. Our guides will set the tone for a day of exploration and enjoyment.

This is not just a wine tour; it’s a personalized adventure that bridges the gap between San Francisco’s bustling energy and the tranquil vineyards of Napa Valley. The Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour experience promises a seamless transition from the cityscape to the picturesque landscapes of California’s renowned wine regions.

Immerse yourself in the flavors and beauty of Napa Valley and Sonoma. Don’t miss out on the Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour – a day of wine, friends, and fun! Reserve your spot today and get ready for an exceptional adventure.

Itinerary Highlights: A Memorable Journey from San Francisco to Napa Valley

Embark on an enchanting path from San Francisco to Napa Valley with our meticulously planned itinerary. Explore the heart of Wine Country, indulge in delightful wine tastings, and forge connections with fellow enthusiasts. Here are the highlights that await you:

Vineyard Excursions in Napa and Sonoma:

• First and foremost, immerse yourself in the world of winemaking with visits to top-rated wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma.
• Engage your senses as you sample a variety of exquisite wines, each with its unique bouquet and character, showcasing the region’s rich viticultural heritage.
• Experience more than just a tour – our journey is an intimate and social adventure. Moreover, Connect with fellow wine enthusiasts, sharing the joy of wine tasting together and forming friendships amid the serene vineyards.

Exceptional Wine Tastings and Culinary Delights:

• Indulge in delightful wine tastings, guided by expert vintners who unveil the art and science behind each vintage.
• Savor local wines, appreciating the nuances of flavors that define the distinct terroir of each vineyard.
• Pair your wines with gourmet treats, enhancing the tasting experience and delighting your taste buds.

Explore Hidden Gems and Local Attractions:

Venture beyond wine tastings to explore hidden gems in Wine Country. While strolling through charming downtown Sonoma, art galleries, museums, and boutiques await your discovery. Additionally, immerse yourself in the local culture, enriching your journey with culinary delights, art, history, and the unique charm of the region.

This itinerary promises more than just a tour; it’s a curated journey designed to offer you the best experience from San Francisco to Napa Valley. From the lush scenic escapes to the hidden cultural gems, every moment is crafted to make your journey memorable and enriching. Join us on this adventure and let the exploration begin!

Dreaming of a day filled with vineyard views, exquisite wines, and culinary delights? Your perfect day awaits on the Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour. Plan ahead and secure your place for a day of relaxation, exploration, and, of course, fantastic wines. Book now and make your wine dreams come true!

Culinary Experiences: A Gourmet Journey from San Francisco to Napa Valley

During the Ultimate Napa and Sonoma Wine Tour, discover a magnificent culinary adventure that elevates your senses as we travel from San Francisco to Napa Valley. Our tour is meticulously designed to offer a delightful fusion of flavors, showcasing the region’s culinary treasures and farm to fork culture.

Morning Indulgence at Oxbow Public Market: 

Begin your day on a scrumptious note with Oprah Winfrey’s favorite English Muffins from Model Bakery at Oxbow Public Market. Let the warm, buttery goodness set the tone for your culinary exploration.

Tailored Lunch Experience at Sonoma Square: 

Upon arrival at Sonoma Square , you’re presented with a palate-pleasing dilemma. Choose your own gastronomic adventure:

• Self-Guided Food Tour: Wander through a diverse array of cuisines, embracing the eclectic culinary offerings of the square.
• Additional Wine Tasting: Enhance your wine knowledge with more local varietals, enriching your tasting experience.
• Fine Dining at a Michelin-Star Restaurant: Immerse yourself in an unparalleled culinary affair, relishing expertly crafted dishes from celebrated chefs.

Culinary Symphony Amidst Vineyards: 

Let the flavors of the region dance on your taste buds as you explore local eateries, food stalls, and fine dining restaurants. Each morsel encapsulates the essence of the journey, reflecting the unique culinary tapestry of San Francisco to Napa Valley.

We invite you to savor not just meals, but experiences – moments that showcase the rich heritage of the region’s cuisines. From the simplicity of a quite famous English Muffin to the sophistication of Michelin-star cuisine, our offerings mirror the vibrant spirit of this memorable escap e. Experience this gastronomic wonderland for yourself, celebrating the delectable tastes that await in every bite.

Comfort and Convenience: Seamless Travel from San Francisco to Napa Valley

At Green Dream Tours, your comfort is our priority as we traverse from San Francisco to Napa Valley. We’ve designed every aspect of your journey to ensure a relaxed and hassle-free experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the picturesque landscapes of Sonoma and Napa.

Spacious Vehicles for a Relaxing Journey:

• Comfortable Rides: Travel in style and comfort in our spacious vehicles. There is room to stretch out and enjoy the scenic beauty that unfolds outside your window.
• Smooth Transits: Experience a smooth ride, with our vehicles expertly navigating the winding roads. Subsequently, you can enjoy a pleasant journey through the stunning landscapes of Sonoma and Napa.

Hassle-Free Hotel Pick-Up Service:

• Seamless Tour Start: Your day can seamlessly begin if you opt to choose our hassle-free hotel pick-up service, available across the Bay Area. No need to worry about directions or transportation – we’ve got you covered.
• Convenient Bay Area Coverage: Whether you’re staying in the heart of San Francisco or nestled in a charming Bay Area hotel, our pick-up service caters to a range of locations, ensuring your journey starts without a hitch.

With our comfortable vehicles and convenient hotel pick-up service, your travel experience from San Francisco to Napa Valley is not just a tour. In summary, it’s a smooth, stress-free journey. Sit back, relax, and let the scenic beauty of Sonoma and Napa unfold before your eyes on this unforgettable adventure.

Calling all wine lovers! Delight in a viticulture escape on the Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour with us. Discover top-rated wineries, indulge in gourmet treats, and make new friends along the way. Secure your seat and raise a glass to an unforgettable Wine Country experience.

Conclusion: Your Gateway from San Francisco to Napa Valley Awaits

In the heart of California’s Wine Country, the Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour beckons, offering a day that transcends the ordinary. As we conclude this journey from San Francisco to Napa Valley, let’s recap the delightful adventure that awaits and extend our heartfelt invitation for you to join us.

Exceptional Value, Diverse Offerings:

• Unforgettable Experiences: From savoring exquisite wines to exploring hidden gems, our tour promises a day filled with memorable moments and charming discoveries.
• Gourmet Delights: Indulge in culinary wonders, including the delightful morning treats at Oxbow Public Market. For lunch, enjoy the fine dining options at Sonoma Square, enhancing your palate with every bite.
• Expert Guidance: Benefit from the knowledge of our expert guides. Our local experts will transform each winery visit into an educational and enjoyable experience, making your journey educational and enriching.

Your Wine Adventure Awaits:

• Book Your Journey: We invite you to book this extraordinary wine adventure , promising you a day that resonates with the spirit of California Wine Country.
• Unforgettable Moments: Join us for a day filled with fun, connections, and unforgettable moments. Let the clinking of glasses echo the joy of your experience from San Francisco to Napa Valley. Create memories with us that will linger long after the journey ends.

In every sip and smile-filled moment, the essence of San Francisco to Napa Valley unfolds before you. So, seize this opportunity and save your seat on the Ultimate Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour. Let the adventure begin, and let the memories of Wine Country stay with you, a testament to a day well spent. Finally, cheers to the beginning of your unforgettable journey!

Seeking a private experience tailored for your group? Elevate your wine journey with our exclusive private tours. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply desiring an intimate getaway, our private tours from San Francisco to Napa Valley guarantee a personalized and luxurious exploration of Wine Country. Contact us now to craft a bespoke itinerary and create unforgettable memories with your group.

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Venice food tours, st. mark’s basilica, murano & burano, gondola tours, doge’s palace, st. peter’s basilica, st. peter's dome, sistine chapel, raphael rooms, private tours, pompeii from rome, cooking classes, colosseum underground, paris food tours, eiffel tower, statue of liberty, nyc food tours, metropolitan museum (met), central park, last supper, lake como from milan, windsor castle, westminster abbey, tower of london, harry potter, changing of the guard, vegas shows, the grand canyon, uffizi gallery, tuscan wine tours, statue of david, florence food tours, florence duomo, accademia gallery, sagrada familia, montserrat from barcelona, casa batllo, barcelona food tours, barcelona boat tours, athens food tours, rijksmuseum tours, amsterdam food tours, amalfi coast, water & boat tours, sorrento boat tours, capri boat tours, visit sonoma & napa valley from san francisco, sip on the world's top wine just two hours from the city on the bay.

No need to choose between seeing the soaring Redwoods or visiting wine country. Our Redwoods and Wine Country Day Trip combines two of the top sites in California into one full-day experience. Your day begins as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head to Armstrong Redwoods Reserve to see some of the world's largest trees up close. Next, head to Sonoma to visit wineries and for a picnic lunch while taking in views of the beautiful Russian River Valley. Skip the Redwoods, for a full day of drinking wine and exploring historic Sonoma. The Great Wine Tour of Sonoma includes three tastings at boutique, family-owned wineries. Lunch at a local eatery in historic Sonoma and enjoy shopping at artisan boutiques located in the town plaza. No San Francisco tour is complete without views of the Golden Gate Bridge. End the day strolling around coastal Sausalito and taking in the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Sonoma is among the top wine regions in the world. Located just two hours north of San Francisco, you can escape the city for rolling hills, world-class wine, and delicious food. No need to choose between seeing the soaring Redwoods or visiting wine country. Our Redwoods and Wine Country Day Trip combines two of the top sites in California into one full-day experience. Your day begins as you cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head to Armstrong Redwoods Reserve to see some of the world's largest trees up close. Next, head to Sonoma to visit wineries and for a picnic lunch while taking in views of the beautiful Russian River Valley. Skip the Redwoods, for a full day of drinking wine and exploring historic Sonoma. The Great Wine Tour of Sonoma includes three tastings at boutique, family-owned wineries. Lunch at a local eatery in historic Sonoma and enjoy shopping at artisan boutiques located in the town plaza. No San Francisco tour is complete without views of the Golden Gate Bridge. End the day strolling around coastal Sausalito and taking in the breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge.

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Explore the Armstrong Redwood Forest

Redwoods and Wine Country Day Trip from San Francisco

Gaze in awe at 300-foot, 1,000-year-old redwoods and sip wines in Russian River Valley in just a day

( 3 ) From: $189.00

The Great Boutique Wine Tour in Sonoma

The Great Wine Tour of Sonoma from San Francisco

Get the real California wine experience with tastings and tours at three boutique Sonoma vineyards

( 5 ) From: $179.00

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Small Group Napa Valley Reserve Wine Tour

Join a small group on the only all Napa, all highlights wine tour from San Francisco

• Unique experiences at three Napa Valley wineries
• Tour Castello di Amorosa’s medieval castle
• Relaxing lunch break in Calistoga (meal not included)
• Tour and taste at two more elite Napa wineries
• Knowledgeable wine enthusiast guide
• Golden Gate Bridge photo stop
• Personalized, small group experience

What’s Included

• All wine tour and tasting fees ($125 value)
• Pick up at major San Francisco hotels
• Luxury transport to Napa Valley from San Francisco

What’s Not Included

• Guide gratuity

Please note: This small group tour has strictly limited availability. Book as soon as possible to guarantee your seat.

Description.

On this intimate small group Napa Valley wine tasting tour from San Francisco, be delighted with the history, architecture, gardens, and memorable toasts with like-minded members of your small group. Your wine enthusiast guide will prepare you for touring and tasting reserve wines at the Castello di Amorosa and two other celebrated Napa Valley wineries.

Learn about Winemaking on the Trip to Napa

Your San Francisco wine tour to Napa Valley begins with enjoying the views from the Bay Bridge. As you travel, learn how Napa’s microclimates and soil types combine to produce the world’s best winemaking grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.

Enjoy Medieval Times at Castello di Amorosa

Corks pop first at Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-styled Tuscan castle winery constructed with authentic 13th-century European materials and furnishings. On your way to vaulted wine cellars, check out the moat, drawbridge, towers, courtyards, and armory. Thankfully, Castello di Amorosa puts the same love and attention into its elegant, intensely flavored, and well-balanced wines.

‘Smile’ at the Napa Valley Welcome Sign

Next, your Napa wine tasting tour makes a fun photo stop at the Napa Valley Welcome Sign. Your lunch break is in charming Calistoga, California. Among its hot springs, elegant spas and yoga studios, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect lunch spot and perhaps sampling another locally crafted wine with your meal.

Stroll Gardens at V. Sattui Winery

Established in 1885 by Vittorio Sattui, Sattui Winery is a family-owned business known for its nationally acclaimed winemaker, Brooks Painter. Under his guidance, the winery combines artistry, time-honored traditions, and innovation in a “vine to cork” approach, consistently producing award-winning, small lot wines with 90+ points to cater to diverse tastes.

The sprawling estate in St. Helena has beautifully manicured gardens for the seated tasting by friendly, knowledgeable staff.

Experience the Art of Winemaking at Ru Vango

This quintessential Carneros AVA property, once cultivated by the Michael Mondavi Family Estate, is surrounded by rolling hills of planted vineyards. Ru Vango loosely translates to “Road to Art”.  Fittingly, the winery’s tasting salon features a collection of Winn Slavin Fine Art.

From a wrap-around porch overlooking a sun-soaked vineyard, enjoy a reserve flight of three complex wines made from grapes grown 2000 feet above sea level and in the pathway of cool San Pablo Bay breezes.

Snap the Perfect Photo at the Golden Gate Bridge

On the journey back to San Francisco, we’ll make one last stop (weather permitting) at a scenic look-out point with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge for you to capture some keepsake photos of Marin Headlands, San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz Island .

Things to Know:

For international guests, please be aware that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years of age.

08:00 AM to 10:00 AM - Hotel pickup, head to Napa

• Enjoy stunning views from the Bay Bridge as you head to Napa Valley
• Relax as your guide prepares you for a day in California’s premier wine region.

10:00 AM to 12:00 AM - Reserve Tasting at Castello di Amorosa

• Arrive at Castello di Amorosa for a tour of the 13th-century castle
• In the tasting cellar enjoy a flight of Castello premier wines
• Pose for photos at the famous Welcome to Napa sign

12:15 PM to 1:45 PM - Explore and Have Lunch in Calistoga

Choose among more than a dozen lunch spots in charming Calistoga

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM - Tour & Taste at v. Sattui Winery

• Indulge in a seated wine tasting in the ancient oak grove
• Gain insights into the winery’s history and how it operates

3:30 PM to 4:30 PM - Feel the Artistry at Ru Vango

At Ru Vango, enjoy a reserve flight of three complex wines amid fine art and overlooking their sunny Carneros vineyard

4:30 PM to 6:00 PM - Relax on the Return to San Francisco

• Make your relaxing return trip from Napa to San Francisco
• Stop at the famous Golden Gate bridge for a memorable photo
• Return to the pickup location near your San Francisco hotel

Times listed are approximations. Traffic and unforeseen events can cause delays.

What Our Guests Are Saying About Us

The tour is well designed to have enough time to enjoy the different wine tasting

The tour is well designed to have enough time to enjoy the different wine tasting, the location of the vineyards visited were amazing (Castello di Amorosa, Ballentine Winery, Ru Vango Winery). Randall, our tour guide, very knowledgeable about wine and the region. Highly recommended tour for wine connoisseurs and non-experts.

Marta Andreoni, Google

The Napa wine tour was excellent!

Three different winery experiences have a good overview of the region. Time in Calistoga to walk around and have lunch was a nice break. Our driver Alberto was great. Good balance of humour and information throughout the drive and we never felt rushed. Highly recommended!

John O'Brien , TrustPilot

Wonderful day in Napa!

Fun tour provides great information about Napa wines and wineries. Tasting at the castle was especially worth the trip

Michael Wisnowski , Google

We had a beautiful time in Napa Valley!

Enjoyed wines from the Castello di Amorosa, Madrigal and Ru Vango winery. Randall was a great tour guide with great knowledge on the area and wines. Jackson was our host at Madrigal whose enthusiasm and knowledge added to the wonderful experience- and the breathtaking view from the patio was the cherry on top! Such a great day!

Lindsey Feld , Google

Napa was lovely and we enjoyed the day, but we were blown away by our tour guide, Randall. He was incredibly personable and informative. By the end of the day, he felt like a true friend. This day wouldn’t have been the same without him. He was the very best, such a special person with a passion for wine which contributed to our tour immensely. I would recommend this tour and look forward to coming back!

Jason Broussard, Google

It was a very relaxing experience from start to finish

Our driver, Kimmie was very knowledgeable, accommodating, professional, communicative, warm and was always on time. Overall I would recommend Extranomical wine tours and we truly enjoyed the experience with Kimmie.

Jaysen Aumick, TrustPilot

All in all, a perfect day!

Excellent small group (12 guests) tour of Napa and three wineries. Our first stop at the Castello di Amorosa Winery near Calistoga, at a huge castle, was both memorable and exciting. Plenty of time for lunch in Calistoga, followed by two wineries in the afternoon. Last stop was at the Golden Gate Bridge for photos. Our tour driver and representative for this day (Randall) was both knowledgeable and humorous.

Howiec, TripAdvisor

Fantastic day in Napa!

We totally enjoyed our tour guide, Randall. He was very knowledgeable and shared many interesting facts with us. I’d love to do another tour with him! We had 3 very diverse experiences at the three wineries. Our favorite was Castillo Di Amorosa, a very unique experience and their wines are fabulous.

I2767GVkarenm, TripAdvisor

Our guide Kimmy was super knowledgeable and upbeat.

She made constant effort to ensure everyone was comfortable throughout the trip. Also, everything wss very punctual. Great experience! All three wineries we visited were well chosen as they were all unique to one another, providing us a diverse tour for our first Napa experience.

Read Full Review

Gary Mehat , Google

She made constant effort to ensure everyone was comfortable throughout the trip. Also, everything wss very punctual. Great experience! All three wineries we visited were well chosen as they were all unique to one another, providing us a diverse tour for our first Napa experience. Our semi private tour was with 3 other couples (8 in total), all from different parts of the world (Quebec, London and Florida...and we were from Vancouver)..so that was a great experience too. Highly recommend.

Randall, our tour guide was most knowledgeable.

He gave great tips on how to prepare for wine tastings, maneuvering around the castle, etc. He was very helpful. The employees there were very helpful and friendly. We really enjoyed our time in San Francisco. Great time from the Dallas, Tx group. Go Cowboys!

Marilyn Walker, Google

Book With Confidence

Award-winning tours & customer service, money back guarantee, worry free cancellation, 460,000+ happy guests since 2002, which wineries are we going to visit.

You will be welcomed at three of Napa’s finest wineries. The day begins with a mind-blowing experience at the authentically-styled Tuscan castle, Castello di Amorosa. After a relaxing lunch break in charming Calistoga, you will sip estate wines while learning about winemaking at V. Sattui Winery. Finally, the tour kicks back on Ru Vango’s wrap-around porch overlooking their Carneros AVA vineyard. Note: wineries are subject to change.

Are wine tastings included?

Yes, the wine tasting and touring fees at the wineries are included in the tour price. If you request additional wine at any of the stops, you may do so and pay for it separately.

Must I bring a valid photo ID?

Yes. You will need a valid ID showing that you are at least 21 years old if you would like to consume alcohol.

Why are children not permitted on this tour?

Since alcohol is served, some of our winery partners do not allow children in the tasting room. Children may not stay alone on the tour vehicle during winery stops.

Do you pick up outside of San Francisco?

We offer a complimentary pick-up from hotels located in San Francisco. If you are staying away from the downtown area, we suggest taking a shared ride service or public transportation to the Hilton Union Square hotel on O’Farrell Street. We will pick you up outside the Mason Street side entrance.

What should I bring?

San Francisco can be chilly in the morning, so it’s best to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals. Bring a valid government-issued ID, a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, water bottle, hat and sunscreen, umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and a credit card or cash for making wine purchases.

It says small group, what is the maximum number of guests?

The group size for the tour varies between 8 and 16 guests.

How much time do we spend at Castello di Amorosa?

The tour will spend approximately one hour and thirty minutes at the Castello di Amorosa.

Where do we stop for lunch? How long is the stop?

The tour will break in central Calistoga for about 90 minutes. This location offers many nice options for lunch (not included in the tour price).

How is this wine tour different from other wine tours?

Our Napa Valley Reserve wine tour is the only tour from San Francisco to include ALL Napa Valley wineries and feature the Castello di Amorosa.

Do you offer a pick up in Napa?

Yes. Please call our Guest Services office at (415) 357-0700 to complete this booking.

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The 7 Best Wineries in Napa Valley: Standouts Worth Visiting

by Eva Barrows

An hour north of San Francisco, the gem of California’s wine industry, Napa Valley, lies between fertile hillsides. Napa is home to around 475 wineries, many of which are family-owned. The compact grape-growing region farms more than 40 grape varieties over 16 distinct American Viticulture Areas (AVAs). This production density is made possible by its Mediterranean climate, soil diversity, and sweeping elevation range and makes selecting the best wineries in Napa Valley a difficult task.

With so many wineries welcoming the public for wine tastings, it’s tricky figuring out where to stop if you’ve got limited time on your itinerary. When making your short list of tasting experiences, think about your ideal ambiance: an English country estate, an outing on horseback, or an afternoon filled with family-friendly games. The type of wine you want is important, too: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petit Verdot to name a few.

Insider’s Tips: The cost of wine-tasting experiences varies greatly. Also, it’s highly advised to make reservations for tasting and tours.

Table of Contents

Shadybrook Estate, Napa

Get acquainted with Shadybrook Estate’s historic Rapp Ranch on horseback. Take a trail ride through Cabernet Sauvignon vineyards, enjoying the estate’s surrounding hillsides. After the 30-minute ride, settle into the patio garden lounge overlooking the vineyard and enjoy a charcuterie board with a pairing of four estate wines.

Castello di Amorosa, Calistoga

Have your own fairy-tale experience traipsing over a drawbridge and wandering through the vaulted halls of Castello di Amorosa . The historically accurate 13 th -century Tuscan castle winery recently celebrated its 15 th anniversary. Winemaker Dario Sattui built the castle in honor of his Italian heritage and because of his passion for medieval architecture.

Thirty acres of vineyard grow around the castle, producing grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Malbec. The estate crafts top-scoring Italian-style wines and non-alcoholic muscat grape juice. Reservations to access the castle for tours and wine tasting are required. Experience five delicious wines, including reserve labels, while exploring the castle’s charms.

Larson Family Winery, Sonoma

After repurposing Northern California’s largest rodeo grounds through the mid-1900s, Larson Family Winery now farms 150 acres of estate vineyards. Growing Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and other grape varieties, the winery is proud of its grape-to-glass process—growing grapes and transforming them into wine onsite. All of their vineyards are Certified Sustainable, with twenty-five acres devoted to Certified Organic grapes.

Larson Family Winery welcomes families and dogs to play in the sunny courtyard with views of the surrounding vineyards. They offer several activities that you can enjoy while tasting, like Bocce ball or cornhole. The winery’s Three Lab Cab label honors the resident Labrador retrievers you’re sure to befriend.

Domaine Carneros, Napa

Napa Valley winery Domaine Carneros bubbles with elegance and is one of the best wineries in Napa Valley to try sparkling wine. The 18 th -century French-inspired château is the ultimate backdrop for feeling like royalty. The winery crafts sparkling wines and pinot noir from grapes harvested on its four hundred acres.

Try a flight of Domaine Carneros’s sparkling or still wines perched atop the stately terrace overlooking the grounds. Enjoy vineyard-covered rolling hills and colorful manicured garden views while the château’s many water fountains trickle. Knowledgeable wine professionals are on hand to regale visitors about the wines and food pairings on offer such as charcuterie, local cheeses, and caviar.

Robert Biale Vineyards, Napa

A little taste of history is in every glass of Robert Biale Vineyards wine. The Napa Valley winery values being stewards of the land and farming grapes from historic vines, many over a hundred years old. The winery’s winemaking roots took hold in the 1940s when grape farmer Aldo Biale sold homemade zinfandel, referred to as “Black Chicken” on the neighborhood party line. The post-prohibition code name lives on in the winery’s flagship wine—Black Chicken Zinfandel.

Visitors can taste Robert Biale Vineyards’ heritage Zinfandel and Petit Sirah on the winery’s back porch. Relax with a glass of wine and view the vineyards and surrounding foothills under the open sky during summer in San Francisco .

Corley Family Napa Valley Monticello Vineyards, Napa

Get the presidential treatment at Corley Family Napa Valley Monticello Vineyards . The winery estate house took inspiration from Monticello, President Thomas Jefferson’s Virginia home. Its classical red-brick and white-columned exterior heads a hedged rose garden and offers a regal respite for wine-sipping guests. Estate tastings present five wines, including Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Jay Corley established the winery in 1970 to focus on making exceptional wines. From the grapes of its five vineyards, the winery has created many top-scoring wines. Monticello Vineyards values making guests feel like family and sharing enriching and distinctive wines.

Stags’ Leap, Napa

No list of the best wineries in Napa Valley would be complete without including one of California’s oldest wine estates, Stags’ Leap vineyards surrounds a fanciful Victorian-era manor house. Constructed from local stone, the English castle house’s trendy, turn-of-the-century Arts and Crafts interior is a beautiful setting for wine tastings and tours. Celebrating a recent 125 th anniversary, the winery upholds the importance of being stewards of the land for future generations.

Visitors can choose from several tasting experiences to get familiar with Stags’ Leap wines—we suggest trying the Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Sirah. The Tour & Tasting Experience is perfect for those who want to learn about the property and the wines it cultivates. Or try a relaxed tasting on the historic manor’s porch with views of the gardens and vineyards.

About the author

Eva Barrows is a San Francisco Peninsula freelance writer and book editor. She writes for regional magazines PUNCH (The Spirit of the Peninsula) and Edible Silicon Valley and contributes to the Kampgrounds of America (KOA) blog. She visits San Francisco and its restaurants on weekends when she needs an adventure. Read more of her travel and food writing at www.evabarrows.com.

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A first-timer's guide to Napa Valley

Apr 28, 2024 • 11 min read

Get to know Napa Valley with our first-timer's guide © Cassiohabib / Shutterstock

Napa Valley is synonymous with luxury. Posh hotels, chef-driven restaurants and extravagant tasting fees cemented that reputation decades ago.

But at its core, Napa is farm country— a place where people dig in the dirt and make a living from the land. Despite all odds, this gives Napa a grounded feeling, even in its swankiest spaces. At the end of the day, visitors come to Napa Valley because they love food, wine and beautiful scenery. It’s a passion shared by the community of this incredible locale. 

The five towns of Napa Valley (St Helena, Yountville, the city of Napa , Calistoga  and American Canyon) are home to 16 wine appellations and more than 400 wineries. The options can be daunting to first-time visitors but we’re here to help. From mud baths in Calistoga to tips for visiting wineries, our first-timer’s guide to Napa Valley will give you everything you need to know to plan a trip here, including the best hotels, wineries, restaurants and activities.

When is the best time to visit Napa? 

It’s always a good time to visit Napa in our book, however, the timing of your trip will impact your experience. Peak tourist season is in summer when the average high temperature is 82°F. If you plan to visit this time of year, you’re unlikely to find any bargains. Make your reservations for lodging, restaurants and wineries as far in advance as you can.

Spring and fall are the next busiest times of the year. Spring brings average high temperatures of 68°F while in fall, high temperatures average 78°F. The lower, but still pleasant, temps are especially appealing for visitors who plan to hike, bike or engage in other outdoor activities. 

Winter temperatures reach an average high of 60°F. This season gets the most rain (although this is California so there will still be plenty of dry, beautiful days). Since winter is the least crowded, it is the most affordable time to visit Napa with many hotels, resorts and spas advertising special packages and discounts off their regular rates.

How much time should I spend in Napa? 

Set aside three to four days for your Napa Valley itinerary. This allows enough time to visit your top wineries and restaurants, plus time for other activities like spa treatments, hiking, lounging by the pool or riding the wine train.

What are the top things to do in Napa Valley? 

Most people come to Napa to visit wineries – more on that later – but don’t overlook Napa’s exceptional culinary, wellness and recreation opportunities.

You can get filthy (in the best possible way) at the north end of the county in Calistoga. Calistoga is recognized around the world for mud made with a mixture of mineral-packed volcanic soil and water drawn from local hot springs. The two most common treatments involve painting it on your body or soaking in a tub of warm, nurturing mud. At least seven spas offer Calistoga mud experiences including the luxurious Spa Talisa at the Four Seasons Resort and Residences and the do-it-yourself mud bar at MoonAcre Spa and Baths . 

Calistoga is also home to two of Napa Valley’s most unique natural attractions. The Old Faithful Geyser is a smaller, but still impressive version of Yellowstone’s most famous jet spout . In Calistoga, Old Faithful shoots hot water 30–80ft towards the sky every 10 to 20 minutes. Just outside of Calistoga at the Napa/Sonoma border, a three million-year-old petrified forest with 1.5 miles of hiking trails provides a fascinating glimpse at geological history. 

No trip to the valley would be complete without a trip to downtown Napa’s Oxbow Public Market ,  a 40,000-sq-ft marketplace packed with locally sourced culinary delights. From California-grown olive oil at the Olive Press to artisan cheeses at the Oxbow Cheese and Wine Merchant , this is the place to stock up for a picnic or edible souvenirs. You’ll also find a bookstore, distillery, bakeries and restaurants. After you’ve finished browsing, find a seat on the riverfront deck out back to sample fresh oysters on the half shell from Hog Island Oyster Bar .  

With menus centered around locally-grown ingredients, Napa is almost as famous for fine dining as it is for wine. Food this fresh is revelatory. A dish, such as fermented soy dip served with raw vegetables pulled from the ground at the Charter Oak , will ruin you forever for grocery store veggies. Other bucket-list dining experiences include the six-course prix-fixe chef’s tasting menu at La Toque , the daily tasting menu at the French Laundry , and Kenzo Napa , where seafood is flown in daily from the finest fish market in Japan. Please note that reservations at these restaurants are coveted, and should be made as far as possible in advance. 

Don’t let these vaunted names fool you into thinking you need to spend a fortune to get a good meal in Napa. The valley is filled with scores of reasonably-priced restaurants including Heritage Eats in Napa where you can feast on comfort foods like a smoked ham bowl or white cheddar mac and cheese for less than $15 a person. For tasting menus, Thomas Keller’s ad hoc offers a daily tasting menu currently priced at $56 a person for lunch or $69 a person at dinner. The  Gate House Restaurant at the Culinary Institute of America offers three courses prepared by student chefs for $35 at lunch or four courses for $45 at dinner (please note that restaurant prices are always subject to change). 

For nightlife, the Blue Note Napa Jazz Club hosts an exciting mix of live performances ranging from household names to rising stars and tribute bands. It also holds the Summer Sessions outdoor concert series and the Black Radio Experience at the Meritage Resort and Spa . If you’re on the hunt for a good dive bar, Ana’s Cantina in downtown St Helena is the place for a game of pool, tunes from the jukebox and a stiff drink.

Other top activities in Napa Valley include hiking or biking the 12.5-mile  Napa Valley Vine Trail , which will eventually extend 47 miles from Vallejo to Calistoga.

Tips for visiting wineries in Napa 

Gone are the days when you can walk into virtually any Napa Valley winery and ask for a tasting without an appointment (or even a fee). Although there are a few wineries like Hall Wines in St Helena, where walk-ins are welcome, reservations are required at most wineries in Napa Valley. This helps ensure the wineries have adequate time to guide you through your tasting. From the guest's perspective, appointments are helpful when it comes to budgeting, arranging transportation and planning your Napa itinerary.

The average wine tasting fee in Napa Valley is $40 per person but it isn’t unusual for prices to climb to $200 or even more. Most wineries have a menu of tasting options, with standard tastings at the low end and premium experiences with food pairings, library wines, or guided tours commanding a higher price. Please note that the tip is not included in the tasting price so it will need to be factored into your budget. 

Expect to spend at least 90 minutes at each winery (often longer for premium experiences). For this reason, it’s best to stick to no more than two or three tasting room visits a day. We recommend clustering each day’s reservations in the same area so you won’t have to rush between wineries. For instance, in the Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards and Baldacci Family Vineyards are only a mile apart. Cliff Lede’s Backstage Lounge Tasting Room Experience offers an elevated tasting with premium wines in a room filled with rotating art and rare rock memorabilia. At Baldacci, the Cave Tour and Tasting Experience includes a cave tour and barrel tasting followed by a seated tasting paired with seasonal appetizers. 

In the Rutherford area, Sullivan Winery is only half a mile from the Prisoner Wine Company . At Sullivan, the Merlot Mastery Tasting starts with a tour of the gardens and grounds before moving on to a seated tasting with two flights of its prized merlot accompanied by light bites. At Prisoner, you’ll find many culinary pairings including the Wine and Dim Sum Experience. 

Attire is wine country casual. A pair of nice jeans, golf shirts, sundresses or casual blouses are the norm in Napa Valley. Do wear comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to walk through the vineyards or participate in a tour.

Expert tip: The Covet Pass offers complimentary tastings at seven Napa wineries and seven Sonoma wineries, plus additional discounts for a one-time fee of $150. 

How to get around in Napa without a car

Napa Valley is 30 miles long and stretches at most 5 miles wide. In this sense, Napa is small and easy to navigate, but driving can be tricky in a destination centered around wine. Luckily, if you don’t have a designated driver there are several ways to get around Napa without a car. 

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers several tasting journeys including a 36-mile roundtrip through gorgeous scenery to disembark for seated tastings at Charles Krug Winery and V. Sattui Winery . A four-course lunch is served onboard. You can also hitch a ride to three tasting rooms in an open-air San Francisco cable car on the Napa Valley Wine Trolley . 

Many tour operators provide transportation to Napa wineries. Several, like Napa Valley Wine Country Tours , offer a choice between public group tours, which are less expensive, or private tours with a customized itinerary. 

If you prefer to get around by foot, base yourself in the cities of Napa or Yountville. Napa has more than 50 downtown tasting rooms and there are 14 walkable tasting rooms in downtown Yountville. 

Where to stay

If there was ever a place to treat yourself to a nice hotel, it’s Napa Valley. The region is home to some of the best hotels in the country, with grounds and accommodations so astonishingly beautiful you might not want to leave to go wine tasting (but definitely leave to go wine tasting). If you’re in the position to splurge our top picks are: 

The Poetry Inn is an exclusive property with only five guest rooms and a small, on-site spa. The all-suite hotel is the epitome of privacy and luxury with huge guest rooms featuring private sitting areas, outdoor patios, and indoor and outdoor showers with stunning hillside or vineyard views. A gourmet multicourse breakfast is included with each stay. Poetry Inn is the only hotel in the Stag Leap district. 

Meadowood Napa Valley in St Helena is set on a magnificent 250-acre estate with mature, oaks and native plants surrounding 36 suites and guest rooms with soaking tubs and private outdoor sitting areas. Hiking trails, tennis courts, swimming pools, a Wine Center and a tranquil spa ensure you’ll never lack activities during your stay. 

Carneros Resort and Spa offers standalone cottages and homes surrounded by rolling hills and vineyards in Napa. Amenities include a luxurious onsite spa, two swimming pools, pickle ball courts with an adjacent Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar and Lounge, a complimentary buffet breakfast, and access to Cadillac Luxury Vehicles during your stay. 

If a mid-range hotel is better suited for your budget we recommend the Meritage Resort and Spa or Silverado Resort . The Meritage offers perks like a complimentary shuttle service to downtown Napa and a verdant lawn surrounded by tasting rooms and an upscale market. At the Silverado Resort, amenities include golf courses, bocce ball courts, a pool and a fitness center.

The most affordable lodging options in Napa Valley are generally found in American Canyon, which offers several reliable, reasonably-priced chains such as the DoubleTree by Hilton Napa Valley American Canyon and Holiday Inn Express and Suites Napa Valley American Canyon .

My favorite thing to do in Napa 

When I come to Napa I love to take a class to enhance my appreciation of food and wine or learn a fun, new skill. I’ve never been anywhere else where classes are so varied and accessible, so I take advantage whenever I can. Often, these classes are offered directly through my hotel. The Wine Center at Meadowood Napa Valley runs classes ranging from introductory tutorials on Napa wine to advanced courses on subjects like the history of the wine label. Carneros Resort and Spa has a dazzling array of daily classes focusing on everything from sabering champagne bottles to pickleball. 

The Culinary Institute of America is my hands-down choice for cooking classes with options for group or private instruction. I’ve also found classes offered at Napa Valley wineries. Bouchaine Vineyards regularly hosts an exciting roster of sessions on topics like pairing wine and cheese, blending wine and even falconry. 

How much do you need to budget for a trip to Napa?

The amount you’ll need to spend on a trip to Napa is highly variable depending on your itinerary and even the season you choose to visit. Although it is generally considered a luxury destination, you can still plan an affordable trip to Napa with the tips and tricks in this first-timer’s guide. The numbers below are not definitive but will provide a general idea of how much it costs for budget-conscious, midrange, and luxury travelers to visit Napa.

• Hotel room for two: $100–1200 a night 
• Rental home/Airbnb for two: $200–1000 a night 
• Wine tasting fees: $25–250 per person at each winery (not including tip) 
• Lunch for two: $30–100 per person
• Dinner for two: $100–300 per person (or more)
• Glass of wine: $13–50 
• Bottle of wine: $108 average
• Group shuttle to wineries: $125 per person
• Private transportation to wineries: $600 (and up) 
• Spa treatment: $100–400 per person (and up)

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Napa Valley Luxury Limousine Wine Tours: High-End Mini Coach Service Launched

Limo SF VIP (888-888-0195), a San Francisco-based luxury limousine and transportation company, has announced that they are now offering bespoke wine tours of Napa Valley.

South San Francisco, United States - April 18, 2024 /PressCable/ —

Limo SF VIP is pleased to be announcing that they can now offer private small and mid-size group tours of the Napa Valley wine region using their fleet of luxury executive mini coaches. The new tours are available from San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other nearby cities and towns.

More information is available at https://limosfvip.com/napa-valley-wine-tours/

The team behind Limo SF VIP can now offer interested wine country explorers a completely customized tour itinerary of some of Napa Valley’s most well-known and award-winning vineyards, including some of the region’s best-kept secrets. They will work alongside tour bookers to arrange a personal itinerary which takes into account travel preferences, wine interests, desired dining experiences, and more.

A representative for the limousine service said, “Our expert team is passionate about wine and the Napa Valley region. We work closely with you to create a personalized itinerary that reflects your tastes and preferences. Whether you’re interested in exploring renowned estates, discovering hidden gems, or indulging in culinary delights, our Napa wine tours are tailored to provide a unique and personal experience.”

The transportation specialists have a diverse fleet of luxury sedans, SUVs and high-end executive mini coaches, which can be used to comfortably accommodate groups of different sizes and can pick up groups from a central location or from different addresses.

The company can also include a local guide to chaperone the tour and to supply interesting knowledge about the Napa Valley region.

Limo SF VIP has become well-known across San Francisco for their fleet of luxury vehicles, including their high-end mini coaches, as well as for their professional drivers and their focus on customer service.

The high-end transportation service has a 5-star review for their service on Google based on hundreds of reviews and has served over 10,000 clients and companies in San Francisco, LA, and across the West Coast.

Their representative added, “Ready to explore the vineyards, taste exquisite wines, and create unforgettable memories? Contact Limo SF VIP today to book your Napa Valley wine tour. Whether for a romantic escape, a family adventure, or a large group outing, we promise an experience that’s as unique as the wines you’ll taste.”

For more information, visit https://limosfvip.com/

Contact Info: Name: Denis Kreker Email: Send Email Organization: Limo SF VIP Address: PO BOX 242 South San Francisco, South San Francisco, CA 94083, United States Website: https://limosfvip.com/

Release ID: 89127485

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Where Napa Valley is now

The French are arriving and younger consumers are leaving. A much shorter version of this article is published by the Financial Times.

Is Napa Valley quantitatively important to California wine? Absolutely not. The volume of wine it produces is just 4% of the total. But in terms of image and prestige it is vital. In fact, since 85% of US wine is grown in California, Napa Valley is emblematic of all American wine. 

I spent a week there earlier this month, at perhaps the most beautiful time of the year in ‘the valley’. After one of the rainiest starts to the year the hillsides were, unusually, brilliant green. Bright orange poppies, California’s state flower, dotted the verges. Blossom was everywhere and the ubiquitous cover crops between the vines that Napa Valley adopted so much earlier than most European vine-growers were also in full bloom, knee-high and above, ready to be mown down by the flocks of sheep that so many growers hire in, or raise themselves. Shepherding has become popular once more.

It's hardly surprising that Napa Valley, just an hour north of San Francisco and protected by so many ordinances, is a magnet for tourists. Napa wine producers have responded by turning tourism into a serious profit centre. No longer can you wander into a tasting room and see whether you like the wines or not. Slots have to be booked and paid for in advance when you have to choose your ‘experience’. According to the 2023 Direct to Consumer Wine Survey by the Silicon Valley Bank, the average cost of a ‘reserve tasting’ in Napa Valley was $128 last year. Even a tasting of a winery’s basic range cost $81 on average, and if visitors wanted to tour the winery and vineyard, they could end up paying far more.

For the wineries, being able to sell direct to a consumer who has just consumed their wine is bliss, especially in a country where the alcohol distribution system is a nightmare, still strangled by post-Prohibition regulations. By 2022 the average spend in a Napa Valley tasting room was, again according to the SVB report, almost $500. It’s no wonder that in the 2024 version of SVB’s annual score card, Rob McMillan’s State of the US Wine Industry Report, by far the most important sales channel for premium wineries, with 31% of the total revenue, was the tasting room.

‘Wine clubs’, basically subscription programmes whereby members commit to buying a certain quantity of wines, comprised the second most important source of revenue with 25%. Traditional sales via distributors and other wholesalers were just 17%. (Exports, by the way, represented a mere 2%.)

These profitable DTC (direct to consumer) channels are presumably one lure for the many French wine producers who are investing in Napa Valley. They are even allowed to sell their French wines direct to American consumers – blissfully free of the many middlemen who would otherwise take a cut.

The Rouzaud family of Champagne Roederer recently added Diamond Creek winery and its hallowed Napa vineyards to their portfolio, alongside Merry Edwards in Sonoma and their early investment in Roederer Estate in Anderson Valley. The Cathiards of Château Smith Haut Lafitte in Bordeaux have established Cathiard Vineyard in the lauded Rutherford foothills of the Mayacamas range on the west side of the valley. They followed the Pinault family of Châtour Latour et al who in 2013 dove in to buy what is now called Eisele Vineyard from the Araujos, and were so confident of their savoir-faire that they didn’t even impose a non-compete clause on the previous owners.

Domaine Chandon, Opus One and Dominus were long-standing Napa wineries with French owners or co-owners, respectively Moët-Hennessy, Baron Philippe de Rothschild and Christian Moueix. Carneros at the cooler southern end of the valley saw a rash of French investment at the end of the last century with Taittinger and GH Mumm from Champagne, and HdV, a joint project between Carneros grower Larry Hyde and Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, no less.

The ebullient Jean-Charles Boisset of Burgundy arrived at Raymond in 2009, Chanel Inc bought St Supéry in 2015 and the next year the Tesserons of Château Pontet-Canet in Bordeaux bought Robin Williams’ winery Pym Rae.

Families are one thing but ‘the Napa Valley community’, as Carneros grower Lee Hudson put it at a dinner at which both he and celebrated winemaker Cathy Corison felt guilty about missing one of grower John Kongsgaard’s chamber concerts for the locals, is not thrilled by the arrival of large corporations.

Joseph Phelps was a family winery but in 2022 was swallowed up by the luxury group LVMH, which had already acquired a substantial stake in Colgin on prized Pritchard Hill from Ann Colgin and Joe Wender. AXA Millésimes, the insurance company’s wine division, is considerably lower-key than Bernard Arnault’s vast LVMH empire, but has its own investment in Outpost on Howell Mountain east of the valley.

Two massive conglomerates with substantial interests in Napa Valley are Constellation Brands based in New York State and Australia’s wine giant Treasury Wine Estates. Constellation’s flagship Robert Mondavi winery, once the jewel in Napa’s crown and global pioneer of smart wine tourism, is currently a messy building site while being redesigned. Very un-Napa. Ditto Treasury’s tank farm opposite its Beringer winery which is so capacious that it is difficult to believe all those tanks hold nothing but Napa Valley wine. These two companies are accused by more fastidious growers of planting vineyards designed for machines not skilled humans whose attentions can cost $25,000 an acre a year in a top-notch vineyard.

‘What’s this place turning into?’ was the worried comment of Silverado Farming Company’s Miguel Luna, recently named Viticulturist of the Year. These concerns about the corporatisation of the valley, also about succession and taxes in family-owned wineries, sound eerily Burgundian.

One major new player in the valley is an individual, a newcomer to wine production. Tennessee agri-billionaire Gaylon Lawrence Jr has over the last few years bought up a slew of famous wineries, including Heitz Cellar, Stony Hill, Burgess Cellars and more in Napa Valley and even second growth Château Lascombes in Bordeaux.

It's too early for a consensus to have emerged on the wines produced by the new empire – and I was assured that rumours that they will no longer be producing Stony Hill’s iconic Chardonnay and Riesling are false. But I heard approval by the Napa community for their apparent determination to operate each winery separately and I can personally vouch for the stylish nature of the Ink Grade Pavilion , the tasting room pictured above constructed last year on the main Highway 29. It is presumably designed to sell the wines of the extensive Ink Grade Howell Mountain vineyard that came with the Heitz acquisition (of which Lawrence Wine Estates CEO Carlton McCoy became aware only during the due diligence procedure). 

But how easy will it be to sell these wines? During my four days in San Francisco before heading north to Napa, and even in the valley itself, I heard the cry, ‘Napa Valley wines are too expensive’ alongside enthusiasm for imports which many wine lovers – especially younger ones – feel offer better value and more variety. Cabernet dominates Napa Valley but is a pretty heterogeneous category, and can be hundreds of dollars a bottle. The valley’s most expensive Cabernet blend, Harlan Estate, costs about twice as much as its counterpart from Bordeaux.

The 2024 SVB report is clear that imports are becoming an increasingly attractive alternative, in a shrinking US wine market. In the 12 months to September 2023, according to SipSource, the data arm of the WSWA (Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America), imports declined by only 5.9% while sales of American wine were 8.2% down. As San Francisco-based Master Sommelier and wine educator Evan Goldstein puts it, ‘flat is the new up’ as far as wine sales figures go.

The only imported category to have grown over the previous year was New Zealand wine, now, amazingly for such a small country, more popular in the US than either Australian or even Spanish wine.

A real worry for California grape-growers in regions less exalted than Napa Valley such as Lodi is that the big brand owners in the US have started to substitute wine imported in bulk from cheaper sources than California such as Chile, without necessarily changing the label other than adding a discreet country name.

Caveat emptor, however much you pay.

Napa wines with a French accent

Recommended for quality not value. Excludes 2021s, on which I will report next month.

Dominus, Napanook 2016 Napa Valley 14.5% £53.01 Lay & Wheeler

Ulysses 2018 Oakville 14.5% £144.30 Corney & Barrow

Diamond Creek Volcanic Hill 2018 Napa Valley 14.5% £1,399.24 per case of 6 Goedhuis Waddesdon

Joseph Phelps, Insignia 2014 Napa Valley 14.5% £325 Hard to Find Wines

Cathiard Vineyard 2020 Napa Valley 14.1% £339.20 Brunswick Fine Wines & Spirits

Eisele Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon 2018 Calistoga 14.8% £413 Hedonism, £441 Berry Bros & Rudd

Opus One 2019 Napa Valley 13.5% £418 Hedonism

Colgin, IX Estate 2015 Napa Valley 15.3% £1,871.05 per case of 3 Corney & Barrow

Access to tasting notes, scores and suggested drinking dates in our 250,000-strong tasting notes database  is included in  membership of JancisRobinson.com . For international stockists, see  Wine-Searcher.com .

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31 Unique + Fun Things To Do in San Francisco

Updated : April 18, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, SMT

Table of contents.

• Stroll Over the Golden Gate Bridge 
• Visit Alcatraz
• Ride a Historic Cable Car
• Have a Picnic in Golden Gate Park
• Walk Down Lombard Street 
• Enjoy a Day in the Fisherman's Wharf
• Take a Walking Tour
• Check Out a Museum
• See the Iconic Painted Ladies
• Wander Around an Art Gallery
• Lounge at a Local Beach
• Spend an Afternoon in Sausalito
• See a Performance at The Castro Theatre
• Soak in the Views at Pier 39
• Explore the Oldest Chinatown in the US
• Catch a Ball Game at Oracle Park 
• Dine at a Top Restaurant
• Hike Up the Twin Peaks
• See the Palace of Fine Arts
• Encounter Wildlife at the Zoo
• Go Wine Tasting
• Wander Through Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line
• Discover Relics of the Japanese Tea Garden
• Shop the Ferry Building Marketplace
• View the Coit Tower
• Enjoy Nature at the Botanical Garden 
• Take a Ferry to Angel Island State Park
• Watch for Sea Lions
• Browse Cool Shops
• Experience San Francisco’s Nightlife

Visit San Francisco With AAA

Located on the shore of Northern California, San Francisco is a lively city with beautiful nature, bustling neighborhoods and historic landmarks. It’s no surprise that history buffs, foodies and nature lovers alike have San Francisco at the top of their travel list. 

Ready to set off for The Golden City? Read on to discover the 31 best things to do in San Francisco. 

1. Stroll Over the Golden Gate Bridge 

The Golden Gate Bridge is the city’s most iconic landmark, offering picturesque views of the San Francisco Bay . The bridge is roughly 1.7 miles long, so you can expect it to take about 30 minutes to walk each way, depending on how often you stop to admire the scenery. 

Tip: The bridge is closed to pedestrians at night, so plan your walk during daylight hours. 

2. Visit Alcatraz

Alcatraz is a rocky island located just over a mile off the shore of San Francisco. It’s infamous for being the location of Alcatraz Prison, which held some of the most dangerous criminals in the country during its operation from 1934 to 1963. Today, visitors can tour the prison and learn about the history of incarceration in the United States. 

Tip: Consider booking a tour that includes a boat cruise and admission to Alcatraz. 

3. Ride a Historic Cable Car

Cable cars have been operating in San Francisco since 1873, and the city still uses them as transportation to this day. A ride costs $8, and routes connect to many different destinations around the city.   

Tip: Visit the Cable Car Museum to learn more about the history of cable cars in San Francisco. 

4. Have a Picnic in Golden Gate Park

Pack lunch and a blanket and head to Golden Gate Park for a picnic. Spanning over 1,000 acres, this park is a natural oasis home to wildlife, gardens, hills and lakes. 

Tip: Many events take place in Golden Gate Park, so check the calendar before your visit to see if any activities pique your interest. 

5. Walk Down Lombard Street 

Nicknamed the “Crookedest Street in the World,” Lombard Street is a road in San Francisco that features hairpin turns. Be sure to snap a photo of this unique street! 

Tip: Be cautious and watch for cars when visiting Lombard Street. 

6. Enjoy a Day in the Fisherman's Wharf

Fisherman's Wharf is a popular waterfront neighborhood known for its family friendly activities, shopping and delicious seafood restaurants. Located along the northern coast of the city, the area provides stunning views of the bay, Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge. 

Tip: The area has limited parking, so consider using other transportation options. 

7. Take a Walking Tour

A walking tour is great for exploring the city and seeing popular landmarks. Plus, your guide will share interesting facts and discuss the area's history. 

Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring water to stay hydrated. 

8. Check Out a Museum

San Francisco boasts various museums perfect for adults and children alike. A few of the best museums in San Francisco include:

• Asian Art Museum
• de Young Museum
• Legion of Honor
• The Walt Disney Family Museum

Tip: Many museums offer free admission on specific days of the week, so plan accordingly to save money. 

10. See the Iconic Painted Ladies

The Painted Ladies is one of the most popular sights in San Francisco. This row of Victorian houses is most well-known for appearing in the credits of the hit TV show “Full House.” The Painted Ladies are located across from Alamo Square. 

Tip: Remember that residents currently live in these homes so be respectful when posing for photos. 

11. Wander Around an Art Gallery

San Francisco’s art scene is flourishing, with several art galleries throughout the city. A few favorites include: 

• Anglim Gilbert Gallery
• Martin Lawrence Galleries
• Moth Belly Gallery
• Andrea Schwartz Gallery
• Berggruen Gallery
• 111 Minna Gallery 

Tip: Many galleries host workshops and events you can attend for a fun experience. 

12. Lounge at a Local Beach

Whether you want to walk along the shoreline, surf or lounge in the sun, San Francisco offers plenty of stunning beaches. A few of the best beaches in San Francisco include Baker Beach, Ocean Beach, Crissy Field East Beach and Marshall's Beach. 

Tip: If you’re looking for a less crowded option, Pistachio Beach is a hidden gem located near Pigeon Point Light Station State Historic Park.

13. Spend an Afternoon in Sausalito

Sausalito is a charming city located just across the bay from San Francisco. Here, you’ll find quaint streets lined with boutiques, restaurants and art galleries. 

Tip: Consider following a walking route across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito. 

14. See a Performance at The Castro Theatre

Originally built in 1922, The Castro Theatre is a historic entertainment venue and staple among the LGBTQ+ community. The theater offers a wide range of live performances and film screenings.  

Note: Castro Theatre is currently closed for renovations and is expected to reopen in summer/fall 2025.  

15. Soak in the Views at Pier 39

Admire stunning views of San Francisco Bay at Pier 39 . As you stroll along the pier, stop at the many arcades, shops and waterfront restaurants located here. 

Tip: Plan to arrive early on weekends since parking garages fill up quickly. 

16. Explore the Oldest Chinatown in the US

As you wander through the streets of the United States’ oldest Chinatown , stop in local markets and restaurants to enjoy authentic food. The Dragon Gate at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue is the primary entrance to the neighborhood. 

Tip: Bring cash since some businesses don’t accept credit cards. 

17. Catch a Ball Game at Oracle Park 

Cheer on the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park! The stadium offers an exciting atmosphere for sports fans among the picturesque backdrop oe San Francisco Bay. 

Tip: Dress in layers since the temperature drops once the sun goes down. 

18. Dine at a Top Restaurant

San Francisco is home to some of the best restaurants in the country. From taquerias to Michelin-star dining, the city offers a diverse range of options for every type of foodie. 

Tip: Many restaurants fill up quickly, so make a reservation in advance. 

19. Hike Up the Twin Peaks

Visiting the Twin Peaks will provide stunning, panoramic views of the entire Bay Area. Depending on the type of adventure you’re looking for, you can either hike, bike, drive or take a tour bus to the summit. 

Tip: Beware of poison oak along the trails. 

20. See the Palace of Fine Arts

Situated in the Marina neighborhood, the Palace of Fine Arts is another of San Francisco's most iconic landmarks. The structure’s Greco-Roman architecture is truly breathtaking! 

Tip: The landmark is free to visit. 

21. Encounter Wildlife at the Zoo

Animal -lovers won’t want to miss a day at the San Francisco Zoo ! With over 2,000 animals, you’ll have the opportunity to get up close and personal with African Lions, Red Pandas and Western Lowland Gorillas. 

Tip: The zoo is open from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and adult admission costs between $29 and $31, depending on the day of the week. 

22. Go Wine Tasting

With its close proximity to Napa Valley and Sonoma, San Francisco is a perfect place for wine aficionados. Whether you visit a local winery or nearby vineyards, you’ll be able to taste a wide variety of flavors. 

Tip: If you want to try wines from both areas, consider booking a Napa and Sonoma tour from San Francisco. 

23. Wander Through Andy Goldsworthy's Wood Line

Located at the Presidio, Wood Line is a sculpture by acclaimed artist Andy Goldsworthy. Created out of Eucalyptus branches, the artwork is a sight to behold. 

Tip: Consider stopping by the sculpture while walking the Lovers Lane Trail. 

24. Discover Relics of the Japanese Tea Garden

Originally created in 1894, the Japanese Tea Garden, located in Golden Gate Park, offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Visit in March or April to see the Cherry Blossom trees in bloom. 

Tip: Purchase tickets online in advance or at the door. 

25. Shop the Ferry Building Marketplace

With plenty of local shops and markets, the Ferry Building Marketplace is the perfect place to pick up a souvenir from your visit. Plus, you can get a yummy snack at local cafes or bakeries. 

Tip: The Ferry Plaza Farmers Market takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. 

26. View the Coit Tower

Another quintessential San Francisco landmark, the Coit Tower , is worth a visit for its incredible views of the city. Inside the tower, you’ll find historic murals that date back to the Great Depression. 

Tip: There is an elevator entrance fee to get to the top of the tower. 

27. Enjoy Nature at the Botanical Garden 

The San Francisco Botanical Garden is one of the best in the country. Here, you can admire over 8,000 species of plants, including the garden’s infamous magnolias. 

Tip: Visit on the first Tuesday of every month for free admission. 

28. Take a Ferry to Angel Island State Park

Angel Island State Park is the largest island situated in the San Francisco Bay. With beautiful blue waters and plenty of hiking trails, it makes for the perfect day trip from San Francisco. 

Tip: The island is only reachable by boat, so consider booking a sailing tour . 

29. Watch for Sea Lions

Did you know that some say the sea lions in California are the most intelligent among the species? If you want to spot these smart creatures in San Francisco, head to K-Dock at Pier 39. Here, you can watch nearly 100 sea lions play and lounge on the deck. 

Tip: The number of sea lions at the pier fluctuates, so check the live sea lion webcam before you go. 

30. Browse Cool Shops

From vintage stores and clothing boutiques to gift stores and antique shops, San Francisco boasts plenty of opportunities for local shopping. Union Square is a popular shopping hub in the city with various retailers and dining options. 

 Tip: Only In San Francisco is a popular souvenir shop to check out! 

31. Experience San Francisco’s Nightlife

San Francisco boasts a vibrant nightlife with cocktail bars, nightclubs, music venues and dive bars. Whether you're looking to chat with friends or hit the dance floor, there's something for everyone. 

Tip: A few popular neighborhoods for nightlife include Mission, Union Square, North Beach and The Castro. 

Whether you choose to see the iconic landmarks, indulge in tasty seafood or relax in nature, San Francisco has something for everyone.

When planning your trip, remember to use TripCanvas for additional recommendations of where to stay and what to do in San Francisco. Not to mention, your AAA membership can help you save money at restaurants, hotels and more. 

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