San Francisco to Napa & Sonoma: Private Wine Tour SUV

Summary

Golden Gate views, sparkling wine and winding through Napa’s best

You’ll start your private wine tour with a sparkling toast by the Golden Gate Bridge before heading out to explore Napa and Sonoma’s most iconic wineries with a local guide. Taste wines at handpicked stops, enjoy lunch among the vineyards, and soak up California sunshine all day long. Expect laughter, great stories, and moments that linger long after you’re back in San Francisco.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the air to feel so different just north of San Francisco — sort of piney, with a hint of salt from the bay. Our driver, Marcus, handed out glasses of sparkling wine as we stopped at Fort Baker for that classic Golden Gate Bridge view. I tried to take a group selfie but gave up and let Marcus do it (he had way steadier hands). The bridge looked unreal in the morning haze, and I caught myself grinning for no reason.

The drive into Napa was longer than I thought — about an hour or so — but honestly, it went fast. We talked about which wineries we wanted to see (I’d circled Frog’s Leap on my list; my friend was all about Castello di Amorosa). Marcus knew every shortcut and threw in stories about old winemakers and how the valley changed after the fires. At one point he pointed out a field where wild turkeys were strutting around like they owned the place. It was warmer out there than in San Francisco, kind of golden and dry — you could smell cut grass and something sweet from the vines.

I remember standing in the cool stone tasting room at Domaine Carneros, swirling a glass that smelled like pears and toast. The staff didn’t rush us; actually, they joked with us about our pronunciation (“Carneros” is trickier than it looks). Lunch was simple — cheese, bread, some olives — but sitting outside looking over those endless rows of vines just felt right. I kept thinking how quiet it was compared to city noise. There’s this weird calm that sneaks up on you between tastings.

We fit in five wineries before heading back (I lost count after the third glass if I’m honest), each one totally different — some grand like castles, others more like someone’s backyard. On the way home, everyone got quiet except for a couple sleepy laughs in the back seat. I still think about that light over the hills as we crossed back into San Francisco — it made everything look softer somehow.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Francisco to Sonoma and Napa wine tour

• Depart from San Francisco
• Drive 60+ minutes to winery region
• Stop at Fort Baker North End
• Take photos of Golden Gate Bridge
• Enjoy sparkling wine at Fort Baker
• Visit selected wineries in Napa Valley
• Visit selected wineries in Sonoma Valley
• Return to San Francisco

Top questions

How long does the private Sonoma & Napa wine tour from San Francisco last?

The tour lasts approximately 8 hours including travel time from San Francisco to Wine Country and back.

Is hotel pickup included for this wine tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included for hotels or residences within a 5-mile radius of San Francisco.

How many wineries can we visit during this day trip?

You can visit up to 5 wineries within the 8-hour tour window.

Can we choose which Napa or Sonoma wineries to visit?

Yes, your itinerary is customized based on your preferences after booking.

Is lunch included during the wine tour?

No formal lunch is included but there are options for food at select wineries or nearby stops; you can discuss preferences during planning.

Are children or infants allowed on this private wine tour?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are welcome but only guests 21+ may participate in tastings.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible including transportation.

What is served at the Golden Gate Bridge stop?

A bottle of sparkling wine is provided for guests to enjoy while taking photos at Fort Baker by the bridge.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within central San Francisco, bottled water throughout the ride, sparkling wine served at your first stop by the Golden Gate Bridge (with group photo if you want), up to five winery visits tailored to your tastes across Napa and Sonoma Valley, plus pre-travel consultation so you can shape your own itinerary before setting off together.