San Francisco to Sonoma: Vintage VW Wine Tour & Cave Lunch

Summary

Vintage buses, Sonoma vineyards, mimosas by the bridge—wine country feels close

You’ll sip mimosas by the Golden Gate Bridge before cruising north in a vintage VW bus for a day trip from San Francisco to Sonoma Valley. Taste estate wines overlooking vineyards, enjoy lunch at an Italian winery with local varietals, then explore an atmospheric wine cave—all with a local guide and pickup included.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the sound of that old VW engine—sort of cheerful and rattly—waiting outside Union Square while I tried not to spill my coffee. Our guide, Jen, handed out bottled water and grinned like she’d done this a hundred times (she probably has). We picked up a couple more folks near Fisherman’s Wharf—one guy in a Giants cap, still half-asleep. The city felt foggy but somehow bright as we rolled toward the Golden Gate Bridge. There was this pause at the lookout point where everyone shuffled out for mimosas (yes, at 9:30am). I’m not usually a morning drinker but it just…fit. The wind tasted salty; someone’s scarf blew away and we all laughed harder than we should have.

The drive into Sonoma was slower than I expected—lots of chatter about old San Francisco neighborhoods, painted houses flashing by. Jen pointed out some story about Janis Joplin living in one of them (I didn’t catch which). First winery was Carneros side, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with these big windows looking over rows of vines. The air smelled faintly grassy; I kept touching the table because it was cool stone and my hands were warm from the sun. Wine tastings started gentle—someone asked if you’re supposed to spit or swallow and our host just winked. I liked that.

Lunch hit right when my stomach started rumbling. Italian place with pizza options for everyone—even gluten-free for the woman next to me who looked relieved. I tried to pronounce something on the menu; Li laughed when I butchered it (I’ll never get “prosciutto” right). Second round of wine was deeper, redder—felt like it matched the villa-style patio we sat on. After that came the wine cave at an organic winery—a little chilly inside, echoey footsteps on concrete. The guide there talked about barrels like they were family members.

I wandered outside for air before we left—the light in Sonoma late afternoon is soft gold, almost syrupy. Took photos in the vines but mostly just stood there listening to distant birds and thinking how far city noise felt now. On the way back in that VW bus, everyone got quieter except Jen humming along to some Fleetwood Mac song on low volume. I still think about that view leaving the valley—it kind of lingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — San Francisco to Sonoma Valley wine tour

• Meet at Union Square pickup
• Meet at Fisherman's Wharf pickup
• Enjoy mimosa at Golden Gate Bridge
• Taste wines overlooking Carneros vineyards
• Lunch and wine tasting at Italian winery
• Tour wine cave and taste organic wines

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this tour?

The tour visits three award-winning wineries in Sonoma Valley.

Is lunch included during the Painted Ladies Wine Country Tour?

Yes, lunch is included at an Italian winery with several options including vegetarian and gluten-free choices.

Where does pickup happen for this day trip from San Francisco?

Pickup is available at Union Square (427 Post St) or Fisherman's Wharf (Hotel Caza at 1300 Columbus Ave).

Do you get to see inside a wine cave on this Sonoma tour?

Yes, one tasting takes place inside a 23,000 sq ft wine cave at an organic winery.

Are drinks provided during the drive from San Francisco?

You’ll enjoy complimentary mimosas at the Golden Gate Bridge photo stop before heading into wine country.

What kind of vehicle is used for this wine country tour?

The tour uses vintage Volkswagen buses seating up to seven people each.

Is this tour suitable for people with dietary restrictions?

Yes, vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options are available during the winery stop.

Can infants or small children join this tour?

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller on this tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from either Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf in San Francisco, all transportation in a vintage VW bus with bottled water and light snacks along the way, complimentary mimosas at your Golden Gate Bridge photo stop, guided tastings at three selected Sonoma wineries—including one inside an atmospheric wine cave—and a relaxed Italian lunch with plenty of choices before heading back to the city together.