* We offer pick-up at major hotels in downtown San Francisco or Fisherman's Wharf area. Please tell us your hotel location in the comments column when booking. We will then confirm availability for you.
* Audio in Chinese, German, Spanish, French, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese can also be offered.
Exact destinations and itinerary may differ due to weather, road conditions, and the guide’s discretion.
For international guests, please be aware that the legal drinking age in the United States is 21 years of age.
For the rare event that commercial parking is not available at Muir Woods, we reserve the right to arrange an alternative destination for experiencing Giant Coast Redwoods during this tour.
Day 1: San Francisco - Castello di Amorosa - Twomey Cellars - Merryvale Vineyards - San Francisco
Napa Valley
The Northern California region with a sign welcoming visitors to the "World Famous Wine Growing Region" contains more than 400 wineries and makes up more than 25 percent of the state's wine economy. Napa Valley is warmer than its wine producing counterparts in Sonoma and Santa Barbara counties and produces wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay and Zinfandel. The American Viticultural Area is visited by approximately five million people annually. The valley also contains a wine train, numerous highly rated Michelin-star restaurants, fabulous tasting rooms, luxurious resorts, seven golf courses and many spas featuring the region's hot springs.
Golden Gate Bridge
The world-famous remarkable Art Deco reddish-orange suspension bridge that crosses the Golden Gate Strait is a symbol of San Francisco and one of the most photographed bridges in the world. The Golden Gate Bridge opened in 1937 after almost four years of construction and its main engineer Joseph Strauss wrote a poem entitled "A Mighty Task is Done" about its completion. The Golden Gate Bridge Pavilion opened in 2012 as an on-site visitor's center for the structure's 75th anniversary and the 8,981-foot bridge attracts approximately 12 million people annually.
On this all-Napa, all-highlights wine tasting tour from San Francisco, you will be delighted with the history, architecture, gardens, and memorable toasts. Your wine enthusiast guide will prepare you for experiences at the Castello di Amorosa and two other celebrated Napa Valley wineries. Once there, you will be treated to reserve wines in the California Wine Country. Learn more in our guide to Napa Valley.
Your San Francisco wine tour to Napa Valley begins as you cross the Bay Bridge and take in incredible views of the city skyline. As you travel, learn about the many microclimates and soil types that combine to produce some of the world’s best winemaking grapes – Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zinfandel, Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc.
Wine corks pop first at Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-styled Tuscan castle winery constructed using more than 200 containers of European materials and furnishings. On your way to vaulted wine cellars, check out the moat, drawbridge, towers, courtyards, and armory. Thankfully, Castello di Amorosa puts the same love and attention into its wines which are elegant, intensely flavored, and well-balanced.
Next, your Napa wine tasting tour makes a fun photo stop at the Napa Valley Welcome Sign. Your lunch break is in charming Calistoga, California. Among its hot springs, elegant spas and yoga studios, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect lunch spot and perhaps sampling another locally crafted wine with your meal.
After lunch, your small group heads to the intimate, yet modern winery, Twomey Cellars. Founded by the Duncan Family, owners of highly-regarded Silver Oak, the winery uses the same philosophy: use locally harvested fruit to make exceptional wines that are deliciously drinkable upon release.
A laid-back Napa Valley vibe is created by their farmhouse-style tasting room that opens up onto a sun-filled courtyard and Sauvignon Blanc vineyard with views of the Calistoga foothills. The Duncans apply their 40 years of winemaking experience to create single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and estate Sauvignon Blancs that pair beautifully with food.
Complete your day in the charming and historic St. Helena building that houses Merryvale Vineyards and has roots as a winemaking facility reaching back to the 1930s. Napa luminaries Robert and Peter Mondavi, the Christian Brothers, and H. William Harlan have all practiced their craft under its arched ceiling.
Family-owned Merryvale Vineyards is renowned for small production lots of world class wine, especially rich, powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays which you can enjoy sitting under the century-old 2,000 gallon casks that line the stone walls of the cellar room.
On the journey back to San Francisco, we’ll make one final stop (weather permitting) at a scenic look-out point with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge for you to snap some keepsake photos of Marin Headlands, San Francisco skyline, and Alcatraz Island.
08:00 AM to 10:00 AM: Drive to Napa from San Francisco
Enjoy stunning views from the Bay Bridge as you head out on a one-day tour to Napa Valley from San Francisco. Relax and listen as your guide whets your appetite for a one-day tour in California’s premier wine region.
10:00 AM to 12:00 AM: Tasting at a Castello di Amorosa
Arrive at one of the most sought-after Napa Valley wineries – Castello di Amorosa. Tour the stone castle and taste its premier wines. Stop at the famous Napa sign on your way to the second winery to take an instagrammable photo.
12:15 PM to 1:45 PM: Lunch in Calistoga
To satisfy your growing appetite, choose among more than a dozen delightful lunch spots in charming Calistoga or enjoy the optional gourmet lunch and wine pairing in the garden patio of Lovina.
2:00 PM to 3:00 PM: Tasting at Twomey Cellars
Enjoy the laid-back tasting at Twomey Winery. Taste their Sauvignon Blanc alongside the expressive Pinot Noir.
3:15 PM to 4:15 PM: Tasting at Merryvale Vineyards
Check out the 2,000 gallon oak barrels in the historic facilities of Merryvale Vineyards. Its small production lots of powerful Cabernet Sauvignons and Chardonnays will make wonderful additions to your collection.
4:15 PM to 5:30 PM: Drive Home & Photo Stop at Golden Gate Bridge
Stop at the famous Golden Gate bridge for a memorable photo opportunity! Make your relaxing return trip from Napa to San Francisco where we will drop you at the door of your hotel or another convenient downtown location.
NOTE: Special events, temporary winery closures, or unforeseeable circumstances can occasionally require us to substitute with a comparable premium winery like Ru Vango Winery.
*In areas with a high concentration of hotels you may be redirected to another hotel location that will allow us to streamline the pick-up and drop-off process in order to maximize the time spent on the tour.
**Stop dependent on weather and traffic conditions.
Expected Days of Operation:
January 2 - December 31 Closed: Thanksgiving November 23th, and Christmas Day December 25th
●Tasting fees($100 value) at three Napa wineries
●Castello di Amorosa’s medieval castle tour
●Lunch in charming Calistoga (meal not included)
●Knowledgeable wine enthusiast guide
●Friendly, small group tour
●Golden Gate Bridge toll
●Complimentary pickup at most San Francisco hotels
* All personal expenses
*Meals
* Tips for tour guide/driver (15% recommended)
7:20am-8:30am Major hotels in downtown San Francisco or Fisherman's Wharf area
* This tour cannot be refunded once reservation confirmed.
* Baggage allowance policy:
This tour doesn't expect our guests to have luggage (suitcases and such). If guests do, they need to notify us 48 hours in advance and the luggage policy should apply.
* The tour is narrated in English but we offer complimentary audio guides in 8 languages: Spanish, French, German, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Japanese, and Portuguese. You need to let us know which language you would like to request. Please leave us a message when you make reservation. On the day of the tour, you only have to hand a deposit of $20 per audio set or a valid photo ID to the driver. You will receive the money or ID back at the end of the day when you return the audio tours. Complimentary disposable headphones included but you are welcome to also use your own headphones.
* We offer pick-up at major hotels in downtown San Francisco or Fisherman's Wharf area. Please tell us your hotel location in the comments column when booking. We will then confirm availability for you.
* The pick-up time is from 7:30am and 8:30am. Please arrive at the pick-up location 10-15 minutes prior to the requested pick-up time.
* As a courtesy to fellow passengers, it's important to be on time. If clients are late or miss a scheduled pick-up time for the tour, please contact our office IMMEDIATELY. An alternative pick-up location may be arranged at the customer's expense, subject to availability. Any guest who misses their tour entirely will forfeit their seat on the tour. No refunds will be issued.
* For child under 8 years old:
Please note that for your child's safety, we require you to bring a child safety seat or booster seat for all children that are not at least 8 years of age or 4' 9" or 144 cm in height as dictated by California State Law. You will be required to provide your own child seat on all motor vehicle tours. Failure to provide a seat for your child will result in forfeiture of your seats on the tour without refund. If your child is 8 years or older or 4'9" in height you do not need to provide a child seat, however, please let us know.
* We will assess a cleaning fee of up to $100 for any passenger who permanently stains or renders this vehicle temporarily unfit for passengers due to spillage of any substance such that the vehicle must be taken out of service and cleaned.
* This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.
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Castle Dreams & Wine Streams!
This tour delivered pure magic! Tasting elegant wines in an actual castle at Castello di Amorosa? Unreal! The Calistoga lunch break offered charming small-town energy, and Merryvale's powerful Cabernets left me wanting more. The seamless organization made it easy to just relax and enjoy the vineyard views!
Sip & Savor Goals Achieved!
What an incredible wine journey! Merryvale's historic barrels and Twomey's modern vibes showcased Napa's beautiful diversity. Our guide's wine knowledge was impressive but never overwhelming - just the right balance of education and enjoyment. The intimate group size made every tasting feel exclusive and special!
Napa's Finest Uncorked!
From urban SF to wine country paradise - this experience was worth every moment! Each winery offered unique character: Castello's drama, Twomey's modernity, Merryvale's heritage. Learning about terroir while driving through rolling vineyards added such depth to the tastings. Already planning my return!
Vino & Views Perfection!
This Napa Valley small group tour was everything! From crossing the Bay Bridge with epic skyline views to tasting premium wines at three distinct wineries - pure bliss. Castello di Amorosa's medieval castle felt like a European fantasy, while Twomey's courtyard tasting was so chic. That Golden Gate photo stop on the return? The perfect ending to a flawless day!
What is the typical range of costs for wine tastings in Napa Valley?
2025-12-01 06:02Wine tasting costs in Napa Valley vary widely, influenced by the winery's prestige, the tasting format (e.g., standard pour, reserve selection, food pairing), and inclusion of tours. Entry-level tastings at smaller estates are typically more accessible, while premium experiences or private tours naturally involve a greater investment. Some wineries may offer complimentary tastings with a qualifying wine purchase. Researching specific wineries is recommended.
What unique experiences can visitors enjoy at wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma?
2025-12-01 06:02Visitors to Napa Valley and Sonoma can enjoy diverse experiences beyond just tasting. Many wineries offer guided tours of vineyards and barrel rooms, providing insight into the winemaking process. Some feature art installations, culinary pairings with local produce, or even unique architectural designs. Guests can often stroll through picturesque vineyards, take in sweeping landscapes, and learn about the region's viticultural heritage from expert staff.
Do wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma require advance reservations for visits?
2025-12-01 06:02Most wineries in Napa Valley and Sonoma, especially the more popular ones, highly recommend or require advance reservations for tastings and tours. This ensures a personalized experience and manages visitor flow. While some smaller or walk-in friendly establishments might exist, relying on spontaneous visits, particularly on weekends or during peak season, can lead to disappointment. Booking ahead secures your spot and preferred time.
What are the recommended transportation options for getting around Napa Valley wineries?
2025-12-01 06:02Getting around Napa Valley wineries typically involves several options. Hiring a private driver or using ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft is common, offering flexibility and safety. For a more structured experience, guided day tours departing from San Francisco or local areas are popular. Some visitors rent cars, but this requires a designated driver. Bicycles can also be an option for exploring smaller, clustered areas.
When is the optimal time of year to visit Napa Valley and Sonoma for wine tasting?
2025-12-01 06:02The optimal time to visit Napa Valley and Sonoma for wine tasting is generally during spring (March to May) when vineyards are vibrant green and mustard flowers bloom, or fall (September to November) during harvest season. Fall offers exciting activity and pleasant weather. Summer (June to August) is popular but can be warmer and more crowded. Winter (December to February) is quieter with fewer crowds and unique tasting opportunities.
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Our Reviews
Elevated Wine Country Immersion!
A sophisticated yet approachable wine adventure! The selected wineries showcased Napa's excellence across different styles. Tasting premium wines while learning production secrets from passionate staff was fascinating. That final Golden Gate Bridge view with wine-warmed happiness? Pure California dreaming come true!