San Francisco Shore Excursion: Napa & Sonoma Full-Day Wine Tour
Active
9h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Journey north across the Golden Gate into Napa and Sonoma Valley for a wine tasting tour in California Wine Country. Your 9-hour itinerary from San Francisco includes exclusive estate tours of three popular wineries: Madonna Estate, Sutter Home, and Ru Vango Winery. Stop to purchase lunch at Downtown Sonoma Square, where you'll find various dining options and boutique shops. An option to include lunch is available.
NOTE - Winery venues are subject to change without notice based on availability and hours of operation; all wine tastings take place outdoors.
Available options
Full-Day Wine Tour
Wine Country Day Trip: Enjoy a visit to Napa & Sonoma Valley and explore 3 of our favorite wineries. Wine Tastings included in tour price.
Wine Tour & 24hr Bus Tour
Save 15% when you bundle!<br/>Full-Day Wine Tour: Explore our favorite wineries with an expert guide<br/>24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour: Explore San Francisco with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour. Enjoy onboard commentary throughout the city.<br/>1-hour Guided Chinatown Tour: Chinatown walking tour departs at 1PM daily from Stop #2 North Beach/Chinatown
What's included
Digital commentary aboard Hop-on Hop-off Tour
Expert Guide for Wine Tour
Comfortable, air-conditioned motorcoach to wine country
1-hour Self-guided Chinatown Walking Tour (if option selected)
Tour 3 wineries with 3-5 tastings per winery
24-Hour Hop-on Hop-off Tour of San Francisco (if option selected)
1-hour Panoramic Sunset Tour of San Francisco
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
Starting and ending location
Journey north across the Golden Gate into Napa and Sonoma Valley for a wine tasting tour in the California Wine Country. Your bus San Francisco includes exclusive estate tours of three popular wineries. Listen to stories of ancient wine-making techniques, along with learning basic wine education and tasting tips! Enjoy the scenery of the vine-covered hillsides as we escort you throughout Wine Country. During a lunch break, we’ll make a stop at Historic Downtown Sonoma Square or V Marketplace in Yountville where you will enjoy leisure time to explore. Both destinations afford a wonderful variety of eclectic dining options and one-of-a-kind boutique shops and local art galleries.
2
Stop 2
Pass by
Enjoy a scenic drive over the Golden Gate Bridge
3
Stop 3
Enjoy wine tasting and exclusive estate tour of Madonna Estate Winery located in the world-renowned Carneros region, an area known for its fertile lands and cool climate.
4
During a lunch break, we’ll make a stop at Downtown Sonoma Square where you will enjoy leisure time to explore. This destination affords a wonderful variety of eclectic dining options and one-of-a-kind boutique shops and local art galleries.
Optional Lunch Add-on: Save time on finding a restaurant during your lunch break; Add lunch to your tour. During a lunch break, we’ll make a stop at the Historic Downtown Sonoma Square where you will enjoy leisure time to explore. This destination affords a wonderful variety of eclectic dining options and one-of-a-kind boutique shops and local art galleries. (Additional $40.00/person)
5
Stop 5
Sutter Home Winery is one of the largest family-run independent wineries in the United States, and is the estate known for the creation of White Zinfandel.
Majestic vineyard views, historic Victorian mansion, legendary rose gardens, and a unique wine tasting experience are great reasons to visit the Sutter Home Tasting Room and Visitor Center in the heart of Napa Valley.
6
Ru Vango Winery is a quiet, hidden gem nestled amid the well-traveled Carneros Valley and busy Napa Valley. Part of the magic of the property is the passionate and welcoming staff who are eager to share their enthusiasm and knowledge of each Ru Vango wine with guests.
(Winery location subject to change without notice; All wine tastings will take place outdoors.)
What's not included
Gratuities
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.1
20 reviews
5★
9
4★
7
3★
2
2★
1
1★
1
Tripadvisor
4.2
17 reviews
5★
10
4★
3
3★
1
2★
3
1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Minimum drinking age is 21 years
At each winery you will spend approximately 1 hour for tour and tasting
Collapsible wheelchairs with removable wheels can be accommodated providing the passenger is accompanied by someone who can assist them board and disembark
Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
Tours may be taken on separate days
Hop-on hop-off tour commentary available in: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese and Korean
Meeting point
Corner of Jefferson & Mason Streets (Fisherman's Wharf)
Important notes
• TOUR CONFIRMATION REQUIRED - Please contact Tower Tours to confirm your tour, at least 24 hours prior to tour date by: 1.) Calling 1-415-716-1423; 2.) Email - sfreservations@bigbustours.com
• MEETING INSTRUCTIONS FROM CRUISE TERMINAL - Upon disembarking the cruise ship, please make your way to the main road of the Cruise Terminals which is EMBARCADERO STREET. Walk along Embarcadero Street with the piers and waterfront to your right hand side. Make a left at BEACH STREET, walk 3 blocks and make a RIGHT on Mason Street. Our address is 99 Jefferson Street (Corner of Mason Street). Please arrive at the Tower Tours/Big Bus Tours Main Office 20 minutes prior to the scheduled tour departure for tour check in and boarding. 10 minute walk from Cruise Terminals. For any questions, please contact Tower Tours at 1-415-345-8687.
About San Francisco
San Francisco, a city nestled between the Pacific Ocean and San Francisco Bay, is renowned for its iconic Golden Gate Bridge, steep rolling hills, and vibrant cultural scene. Known for its progressive values, diverse neighborhoods, and world-class cuisine, it offers a unique blend of urban life and natural beauty.
Top Attractions
Golden Gate Bridge
The iconic Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous landmarks in the world. Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects San Francisco to Marin County and offers stunning views of the city and bay.
Architecture/Historical
1-2 hours for a visit, longer for a walk or bike ride
Free to visit, $10-$15 for parking
Alcatraz Island
Alcatraz Island is a former federal prison that housed some of America's most notorious criminals. Today, it's a popular tourist attraction offering guided tours and exhibits about its history.
Historical/Museum
2-3 hours for a tour
$45.60 for adults, $30.25 for youth (12-20)
Golden Gate Park
Golden Gate Park is a large urban park spanning over 1,000 acres. It features gardens, museums, lakes, and recreational facilities, offering a peaceful escape from the city.
Nature/Park
Half-day to full day
Free to enter, varies by attraction
Fisherman's Wharf
Fisherman's Wharf is a bustling waterfront district known for its seafood restaurants, souvenir shops, and attractions like Pier 39 and the Sea Lions.
Entertainment/Shopping/Dining
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by attraction and dining
Chinatown
San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest and one of the largest in North America. It offers a vibrant cultural experience with shops, restaurants, and historic sites.
Cultural/Historical
Half-day to full day
Free to explore, varies by dining and shopping
Must-Try Local Dishes
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco is famous for its tangy, chewy sourdough bread, made with a unique local yeast strain. It's often served with butter or used for sandwiches and clam chowder.
Bread
Contains gluten, can be made with or without dairy
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a local delicacy, known for its sweet, tender meat. It's often served steamed, grilled, or in crab cakes, crab louie, or cioppino.
Seafood
Contains shellfish
Mission Burrito
The Mission burrito is a large, hearty burrito filled with rice, beans, meat, cheese, and salsa. It's a popular takeout item and a staple of San Francisco's food scene.
Main Course
Contains gluten, can be made with or without meat
Ghirardelli Chocolate
Ghirardelli chocolate is a beloved San Francisco brand, known for its rich, creamy chocolate. It's available in various forms, including bars, squares, and ice cream sundaes.
Dessert
Contains dairy, may contain nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Marin Headlands
Kayaking in the San Francisco Bay
Biking across the Golden Gate Bridge
Spa day at a luxury hotel
Picnic in Golden Gate Park
Wine tasting in Napa Valley
Visiting museums and galleries
Attending a performance at the San Francisco Symphony
Best Time to Visit
September to November
This period offers pleasant weather with less fog, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The city hosts numerous festivals and events during these months.
13-22°C
55-72°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English
- Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Tagalog, Russian
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
US Dollar (USD)
Time Zone
Pacific Standard Time (PST, GMT-8) or Pacific Daylight Time (PDT, GMT-7) during daylight saving time
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in certain areas
San Francisco is generally a safe city for tourists, with a strong police presence and a commitment to public safety. However, some areas can be risky, especially at night, and visitors should take precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded or touristy areas
- • Use common sense and trust your instincts if a situation feels unsafe
Getting there
By air
- San Francisco International Airport • 22 km (14 miles) south of downtown
- Oakland International Airport • 20 km (12 miles) east of downtown
By train
Emeryville Station, Richmond Station
By bus
Greyhound Bus Station, Salesforce Transit Center
Getting around
Public transport
BART is a fast and efficient way to get around San Francisco and the Bay Area. It connects the city to airports, suburbs, and regional destinations.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
North Beach
Haight-Ashbury
Mission District
Castro
Marina District
Day trips
Sausalito
15 km (9 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Sausalito is a charming waterfront town known for its historic homes, art galleries, and stunning views of the San Francisco Bay and Golden Gate Bridge. It's a popular destination for cycling, dining, and shopping.
Napa Valley
80 km (50 miles) north of San Francisco • Full day or overnight
Napa Valley is a world-renowned wine region known for its award-winning wineries, picturesque vineyards, and gourmet dining. It's a popular destination for wine tasting, dining, and relaxation.
Muir Woods National Monument
25 km (15 miles) north of San Francisco • Half day to full day
Muir Woods National Monument is a protected redwood forest located just north of San Francisco. It's home to some of the tallest and oldest redwood trees in the world, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city.
Festivals
San Francisco Pride • June
Outside Lands Music and Arts Festival • August
Union Street Italian Festival • October
Pro tips
- Use public transportation, biking, or walking to get around the city, as traffic and parking can be challenging
- Layer your clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable and change quickly
- Try the local specialties, such as sourdough bread, Dungeness crab, and Mission burritos
- Visit popular attractions like Alcatraz Island and the Golden Gate Bridge early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking
- Explore the city's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and attractions
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
