Visit the revered Californian wine region of Napa Valley and try plenty of the best wines on these great wine-country tours.
Everything in Napa leans towards wine. The 19th-century buildings of Downtown Napa, the pleasant riverfront promenade, the Napa Valley Vine Trail, and the town’s Wine Train, which connects some of the region’s best wineries, are all worth a visit. Wine tour packages are often a must on most people’s lists when visiting the region. Here are five of the best Napa wine-tasting tours, taking into account factors like the duration, value for money, and previous guest reviews.
Half-Day Wine Country Excursion with Tastings from Frisco
With a drive of at least an hour in each direction, you’d think a half-day trip to Napa Valley from San Francisco would feel a little rushed. This popular tour does, however, manage to cram in two wineries, with between three and five tastings at each, into the three hours you’ll have to spend in this verdant wine country. Not bad going. All wine-tasting fees are included. Tours departs daily from central San Francisco at around noon. From $99 per person.
Napa Valley Guided Wine Tour with Picnic Lunch
A little extra gets you a lot more on this seven-hour tour, which is ideal for anybody who is keen on learning more about the wine-making process at the three boutique wineries visited during the day. You’ll also get to look out over the vineyards as you have a picnic lunch. When it comes to full-day excursions, this is one of the few cheap tours available, posing good value for money, although please note that wine tasting fees are not included. Departures Sun-Thu. From $119 per person.
Napa Hideaway Mountainside Wineries
Get a fresh perspective on Napa Valley with a five-hour tour through the hills above, where you’ll visit two hidden wineries that offer captivating views and a more intimate experience. This small-group outing is popular with those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path spots while learning about winemaking from your guide, who’ll share interesting stories along the way. You’ll also have the chance to explore the grounds and meet the winemakers when possible. Pick-up is available from most Napa Valley hotels. From $129 per person.
Muir Woods Redwoods and Wine Country Tour from San Francisco
The land north of San Francisco Bay is teeming with natural and human-made wonders. The natural come in all shapes and sizes, including the lofty thousand-year-old redwood trees, which are some of the tallest in the world. After connecting with nature in the morning, turn your attention to the wonders concocted by human hands, still using the bounty of nature, at a series of three Sonoma and Napa Valley wine tastings. Finally, take a tipsy photo by the Golden Gate Bridge as you return to San Francisco. Tasting fees are included. From $169 per person.
Custom Napa Valley wine tour in a luxury vehicle
If you’re looking to visit a specific winery or you’re part of a small group of up to three people, a private wine tour can be a much better choice. With a car and driver at your disposal, you can skip the usual tourist spots and venture off the beaten path to explore Napa Valley’s hidden gems and lesser-known wineries. Just a heads-up, the tour fee covers the car and driver, but you’ll need to pay separately for wine tastings and lunch. From $662 per group (max 3 people).