Sonoma & Napa Wine Tasting Day Trip from San Francisco

Summary

Small-Group Wine Country Tour with Tastings & Stories

This is your chance to taste California wines at three unique wineries in Sonoma and Napa with a local guide and small group. Enjoy stories from winemakers, sample deli treats at V. Sattui Winery, and soak up vineyard views on a relaxed day trip you’ll remember long after you’re home.

What’s the experience like?

“You’re not spitting that out, are you?” That’s what our guide, Mark, asked as I hesitated over my first pour at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards. I’d never done a proper wine tasting before — not like this, anyway. The place smelled faintly of barrel wood and something floral I couldn’t quite name. We’d just crossed the Golden Gate Bridge (foggy as ever) and rolled through Sausalito’s pastel houses, but it was here in Sonoma that the day really started to feel different.

I liked how nothing felt rushed. Mark knew everyone — he waved to the woman arranging cheeses by the window and told us about her homemade fig jam (which we got to try, sticky and sweet). At the second stop, a smaller winery where the owner himself poured our glasses, there was this moment when someone asked about harvest season. He just grinned and said, “It’s mostly waiting on the grapes to make up their minds.” We laughed more than I expected on a wine tour. Maybe it was the pinot talking.

By the time we reached V. Sattui Winery in Napa, the sun had come out for real — warm enough that people were picnicking under big oaks. The deli counter inside was chaos in a good way: locals grabbing sandwiches, tourists trying to pronounce ‘ciabatta’. I ended up with a slice of salami and a glass of something sparkling (don’t ask me which — I just pointed). There was music somewhere nearby, maybe someone’s phone or maybe just birds. It all blurred together in that late afternoon light.

I still think about that drive back toward San Francisco — tired in a happy way, watching vineyards slip by outside the window. If you’re looking for a day trip to Sonoma and Napa from San Francisco that isn’t stiff or scripted, this one felt like hanging out with friends who know their way around wine country. Not everything went perfectly (I definitely stained my shirt), but honestly? That made it better.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Wine Country and Scenic Views

• Stop at Golden Gate Bridge Vista Point
• View Sausalito from Highway 101
• Wine tasting at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards
• Wine tasting at second winery with owner presentation
• Wine tasting at V. Sattui Winery

Top questions

How long is the Sonoma & Napa wine tasting day trip?

The tour usually lasts around 9 hours including pickup and drop-off from San Francisco hotels.

Are wine tasting fees included in this tour?

Yes, all three winery tasting fees are included in your booking price.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No set lunch is included but there’s time to buy food at V. Sattui’s deli or bring your own snacks.

How many people are on each tour?

The group size is small — usually no more than 14 guests per tour.

Can I join if I don’t drink alcohol?

You can join for the scenery and stories; non-alcoholic options may be available at some stops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in San Francisco, all three winery tasting fees covered, comfortable transport with air conditioning, plus stories and guidance from a local expert before returning in the evening.