Wine Tasting Through Northern California

Northern California Wine Country

Even if you’re not usually a “tour” person, taking an organized tour of Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley makes a lot of sense, and can be just plain fun. But you’ll find many enjoyable wine tasting adventures in other Northern California towns as well.

Plan ahead and you can relax and enjoy your favorite libations with friends surrounded by spectacular scenery.

Here’s a round-up California wine tasting ideas, some with discount offers of up to half off to help with those potential high-priced hangovers. Or if you’re ready to splurge, you’ll find luxury Wine Country experiences here, as well.

4 Wine Country Tour Discounts

These Wine Country deals,offered by various trusted sources, were current as of this writing. Follow the links below for updates. And,as always, read the fine print for possible restrictions.

1. Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour 10% Off

Spend the morning in the Marin Headlands for a visit to Muir Woods National Monument. Then head to Sonoma Wine Country for a relaxing afternoon of wine tasting. Includes hotel pick-up and drop-off, professional guide, tastings at two wineries. {details}

2. Napa / Sonoma Eco Wine Tour by Mini-Coach $10 Off

Includes San Francisco pick-up and drop-off, a drive over the Golden Gate Bridge and through the Marin Headlands into Napa and Sonoma valleys, narrated guided tour, Benziger Winery Tram Tour ($20 retail value), organic, local picnic lunch, wine tasting at 4-5 unique wineries (some tasting fees may apply). {details}

3. Whitewater Rafting & Wine Tasting $10 Off

Whitewater raft the South Fork of the American River in the heart of the California Gold Country and try some local wine.

This day tour takes you into the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains for an exhilarating day on the water. Then kick back with a delicious barbecue lunch by the river (included), and enjoy some local wine before heading back to San Francisco. {details}

4. Redwoods & Wine Country Escape Tour Discount 50% Off

This deal combines two of the Bay Area’s most popular trips into one spectacular all-day tour. You’ll go north over the Golden Gate Bridge to the Muir Woods National Monument, then head to Sonoma County to visit three small boutique wineries for tours and complimentary tastings before heading back to the city. {details}

SAVVY TIP: Know any locals? Residents of Napa and Sonoma get deals just for living in wonderful wine country, so take them with you when you go. (They often get guest privileges.)

3 More Wine Tasting Tours Worth Taking

These tours are available year round via our own savvy travel partner, with many dates available. They’re perfect if you’re coming from San Francisco.

1. Private Tour: Wine Country Day Trip from San Francisco

Experience some of the top wineries in Sonoma County and Napa Valley on this private, full-day guided tour. You’ll be chauffeured from San Francisco for this nine-hour tour. {details}

2. Napa and Sonoma Wine Country Tour

Day trip from San Francisco where you’ll taste regional varietals at three different wineries in Napa and Sonoma, including both big-name and family-run estates, over an eight-hour day. {details}

3. Hidden Wineries Tour of Napa and Sonoma

A small group wine tour, fully customizable. You’ll visit Napa or Sonoma County, California on five and a half hour activity. {details}

7 Sonoma County Wineries with Free Tastings

Sonoma is a great place to wine taste on a budget. Check out one of these beautiful Sonoma Valley wineries with free wine tasting.

1. Colagrossi Wines
(Reservations needed) 3360 Coffey Ln, Suite E, Santa Rosa (colagrossiwines.com)

2. JW Vineyards & Winery
(Reservations needed) 4080 Old Redwood Hwy, Santa Rosa (jjcustomwines.com)

3. Locals Tasting Room
21023 A Geyserville Ave, Geyserville (localstastingroom.com)

4. Raymond Burr Vineyards
8339 West Dry Creek Rd, Geyserville (raymondburrvineyards.com)

5. Route 128 Vineyards & Winery
21079 Geyserville Ave, Geyserville (route128winery.com)

6. Selby Winery
215 Center Street, Healdsburg (selbywinery.com)

7. Siduri Wines/Novy Family Winery
981 Airway Ct, Suites E & F, Santa Rosa (siduri.com)

STAYING OVER?

Find reviews of Northern California Wine Country hotels on TripAdvisor.