Sonoma Valley: Open Air Wine Trolley Tour & Lunch

Summary

Rolling vineyards, cable car laughter, and Sonoma sips

You’ll hop aboard a breezy open-air trolley in Sonoma Valley for a day trip full of laughter, vineyard views, three unique winery tastings (with friendly local guides), and a relaxed lunch among the vines. Expect easygoing company, real stories behind every glass, and moments you’ll want to tuck away for later—especially that feeling when the sun hits just right.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the first thing I’d notice in Sonoma Valley to be the sound — that old cable car bell ringing as we climbed onto the open-air trolley, everyone grinning like kids. The seats were a little creaky and there was this faint smell of sun-warmed wood mixed with something floral in the air. Our guide, Mark, handed out bottled water (“hydrate between tastings!”) and pointed out an old barn that apparently survived the 1906 quake. I tried to picture it back then but mostly just got distracted by rows of grapevines stretching forever under that bright California sky.

The ride itself felt almost too easy — wind in your hair, bits of conversation drifting around about favorite wines or “that time in Napa.” At each winery stop, someone from the staff would greet us (I think her name was Carla at the second place?) and walk us through their pours. I’m not a wine expert; I kept mixing up my pinots and cabs, but nobody cared. There was this moment at lunch — sandwiches and salads on a shaded patio — where I caught this whiff of rosemary from somewhere nearby and just sat there for a second, not talking, just listening to glasses clink and birds arguing in the trees. Kind of perfect.

By the third winery, we were all swapping stories like old friends (maybe it was the chardonnay). Mark told us about his uncle who used to work harvests here before everything got fancy. Someone asked if we could take photos with the trolley and he laughed: “Only if you promise not to fall off.” We ended up with a group shot anyway, sunburnt noses and all. The drive back was quieter — maybe a little sleepy — but I still remember watching those hills roll past and thinking how different wine country feels when you’re actually out in it instead of just reading about it online.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Sonoma wine trolley and tastings

• Board Sonoma Wine Trolley
• Enjoy open-air trolley ride
• Visit four Sonoma wineries
• Sample wines at each winery
• Learn about varietals and wineries
• Take photos at scenic spots

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Sonoma wine trolley tour?

You’ll stop at three different wineries during the tour.

Is lunch included on the Sonoma Valley open air wine trolley tour?

Yes, lunch is included during one of the scenic winery stops.

What time does the Sonoma wine trolley tour start and end?

The tour starts at 10:00 AM and ends around 4:30 PM.

Are wine tasting fees included?

No, tasting fees are not included; expect $30–$40 per winery.

Is there hotel pickup for this day trip?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you board at a set location in Sonoma Valley.

Can pregnant travelers join this tour?

This tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers.

What’s the minimum age for joining?

You must be 21 years or older to join this Sonoma wine tour.

Does the trolley have rain protection?

The tour operates rain or shine; bring jackets or rain gear in winter months.

What’s included

Your day covers charter fees and taxes for riding the open-air trolley through Sonoma Valley’s vineyards, plus lunch served at one of the wineries along your route. Wine tasting fees aren’t included—expect to pay those separately at each stop—and gratuity is up to you. Just let them know about any dietary needs when booking so they can sort your lunch ahead of time.