California’s wine tours deliver the best bang for your buck when you know where to look. Smaller group experiences in Sonoma Valley and Santa Barbara stand out for their intimate, no-tourist-trap approach. The self-guided audio options in Paso Robles work especially well for independent travelers who prefer flexibility – you’ll avoid the big bus crowds and save money too.
E-bike tours combining food and wine tastings are a smart pick, letting you work up an appetite between vineyards while enjoying the scenery. My favorite routes wind through Russian River Valley, where family-owned wineries still maintain that authentic California character.
Check out these top wine tours that consistently earn my recommendation:
Good To Know
- Customized private wine tours in popular regions like Santa Barbara, Russian River Valley, Sonoma, and Livermore, offering personalized experiences and transportation.
- Self-guided audio tours and mobile app-based tours in destinations like Paso Robles, Calaveras County, and Amador County, allowing for flexible exploration at your own pace.
- Unique wine and culinary experiences, such as e-bike tours through wine country with olive oil and lavender samples, as well as cheese and wine tasting.
- Comprehensive health and safety measures, including vehicle sanitization, face mask requirements, and complimentary personal protective equipment.
- Exceptional customer feedback, with a 5.0 rating and positive reviews highlighting enjoyable experiences, knowledgeable guides, and memorable wine tastings.
Wine Country Farm to Table Bike Tour – Lunch Included
Although the Wine Country Farm to Table E-Bike Tour offers a leisurely ride through California’s picturesque wine country, it provides an immersive experience that goes beyond just wine tasting.
The 23-review tour features a 91% traveler recommendation rate, showcasing its popularity. Guests can expect to enjoy e-bike riding, olive oil samples, lavender oil presses, and local wine tasting, all while savoring a complimentary picnic-style lunch in a scenic countryside setting.
The tour is private, ensuring a personalized experience with a knowledgeable local guide. Amenities include wine and olive oil tasting fees, first-class service, and vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options.
While some reviews mention issues with e-bike quality and comfort, the guides’ support and local insights have been praised. This tour is ideal for those seeking a relaxed exploration of California’s wine country, with transparency from the tour operator being crucial for guest satisfaction.
Read our full review: Wine Country Farm to Table Bike Tour – Lunch Included Review
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Unique Santa Barbara Wine Country Private Wine Tours and Tastings
One enticing option for exploring Santa Barbara’s renowned wine country is the Unique Santa Barbara Wine Country Private Wine Tours and Tastings. This private tour offers a customized experience, with guests picked up and dropped off at their location.
Priced from $500 per person, the tour includes private transportation, lunch, and all wine tasting fees. With a 5-star rating based on over 5 reviews, this tour provides an exceptional value.
The tour operates daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, with a 20% gratuity included in the price. While not wheelchair accessible, the tour is stroller-friendly and allows service animals.
Guests should confirm the start time with the local provider in advance, as a surcharge may apply for pickups outside the Santa Ynez Valley.
This private tour ensures an intimate experience, as only your group will participate. With no refunds for cancellations, it’s essential to plan accordingly.
Read our full review: Unique Santa Barbara Wine Country Private Wine Tours and Tastings Review
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Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting With Local Expert
Travelers can enjoy the flavors of Northern California with the Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert experience.
This 2.5-hour tour takes place at the Il Fiorello Olive Oil Company in Fairfield, where groups of up to 8 travelers will learn from a local expert.
The menu highlights include a selection of artisanal cheeses, a flight of various extra virgin olive oils, and a sampling of artisanally made local wines.
The experience is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and service animals are welcome.
Priced at €127.82 per person, the tour is non-refundable.
Those under 21 can participate in the olive oil and cheese tasting, while the wine tasting is restricted to those of legal drinking age.
With a 100% recommendation rate from 12 travelers, this tasting tour promises an immersive and flavorful experience in Northern California’s gourmet offerings.
Read our full review: Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting With Local Expert Review
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6-Hours Customized Private RUSSIAN RIVER Valley Wine Tour From San Francisco Bay
For those seeking a more personalized wine tasting experience, the Hours Customized Private RUSSIAN RIVER Valley Wine Tour From San Francisco Bay offers the opportunity to craft an itinerary tailored to individual preferences.
This 6-hour private tour allows visitors to select from over 110 wineries in the Russian River Valley region. Accommodating groups of up to 3 passengers, the tour provides a variety of luxury transportation options, including sedans, SUVs, limousines, and sprinter vans.
The tour includes bottled water, WiFi, all fees and taxes, as well as a professional chauffeur. While wine tasting fees aren’t included, the tour offers a convenient pick-up from San Francisco Bay Area locations and returns guests to the original meeting point.
With a starting time of 9:00 AM, this customizable experience allows wine enthusiasts to explore the renowned Russian River Valley at their own pace. Travelers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour, ensuring maximum flexibility.
Read our full review: 6-Hours Customized Private RUSSIAN RIVER Valley Wine Tour From San Francisco Bay Review
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Wine Tasting Audio Tour – Paso Robles CA
Visitors to California’s renowned Paso Robles wine region can embark on a self-guided Wine Tasting Audio Tour, seeing the rich history and flavors of this captivating destination.
Priced at just $39.99 per group of up to 5 travelers, this experience offers unbeatable value with a lowest price guarantee and the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Available daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, the tour can be customized to suit individual preferences, with a selection of meeting points to choose from.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility, as well as the option to bring service animals, ensure the tour is inclusive for all.
Travelers can expect an enriching journey, with the opportunity to discover hidden gems and exclusive perks directly from tasting room associates.
Backed by a confirmation at the time of booking and the possibility to book additional experiences, this wine tasting audio tour is a must-consider for anyone exploring the world-class wines of Paso Robles.
Read our full review: Wine Tasting Audio Tour – Paso Robles CA Review
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Wine Tasting Audio Tour – Calaveras County
Where can wine enthusiasts in California’s Calaveras County embark on a self-guided audio tour to enjoy the region’s renowned winemaking heritage? Look no further than the Wine Tasting Audio Tour, available from December 27, 2023, to February 2, 2026.
This tour offers a flexible schedule, operating daily from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Groups are limited to a maximum of 5 travelers, ensuring an intimate experience. The tour is priced at $29.99 per group, making it an affordable option for friends or families.
Flexibility is key, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour and a reserve now, pay later option. Accessibility is a priority, with the tour accommodating wheelchair users, strollers, and service animals. Infant seats are also available.
The tour starts and ends at a selected meeting point, allowing participants to explore the region at their own pace.
Read our full review: Wine Tasting Audio Tour – Calaveras County Review
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Half-day Wine and Olive Oil Tasting and Lavender Farm Tour
California wine enthusiasts can experience a delightful half-day tour through the state’s renowned wine and olive oil regions. Operated by SacTown Bites – Food Tour Adventures, the “Wine and Olive Oil Tasting and Lavender Farm Tour” offers an immersive experience for up to 8 travelers.
The tour begins at 11:00 am at the Capay Valley Lavender farm, where participants can sample lavender-infused snacks. Next, the group will head to a local winery for a tasting of 6 wines, followed by a glass of wine at the final stop.
Plus, the tour includes an olive oil, vinegar, and honey tasting. For lunch, guests can enjoy wood-fired pizza and charcuterie.
Private transportation is provided, and the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Priced at SEK 1,708.55 per person, the experience can be booked with a “Reserve Now and Pay Later” option, and cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance.
Read our full review: Half-day Wine and Olive Oil Tasting and Lavender Farm Tour Review
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Amador County Wine Tasting Tours Max 14 Pax Private Wine Tours
For those seeking a personalized wine tasting experience in Amador County, the private wine tours offered by the company accommodate up to 14 passengers.
These tours provide a customizable driving service from Sacramento, with pickups available from anywhere within 25 miles (40 kilometers) of the city. Guests can travel in SUVs or luxury vans that hold 4-8 passengers.
The tours come in half-day and full-day options, with a custom itinerary based on the selected wineries. While the wine tasting fees aren’t included, the company provides bottled water and ensures the vehicles are thoroughly sanitized before each ride.
Face masks are required for drivers and encouraged for passengers, who also receive free masks and hand sanitizer.
According to the reviews, the company offers a positive customer experience, with a 5.0 rating based on one review. Guests can expect a charcuterie board and the opportunity to learn about various wines, even if the weather is less than ideal.
Read our full review: Amador County Wine Tasting Tours Max 14 Pax Private Wine Tours Review
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Amador County Self-Guided Wine Tour
Discover Amador County‘s renowned wine region through a self-guided tour accessed via a convenient mobile app. This experience allows you to explore the area at your own pace, enjoying special perks at each winery by presenting the app.
The tour starts and ends at the Convergence Vineyard, located in Plymouth, California. To embark on this journey, simply download the app, select a wine tour, and drive through the scenic Amador County. The audio will play automatically, providing you with insightful information about the region and the wineries along the way.
The tour is accessible to wheelchair users, stroller users, and those traveling with service animals, with a maximum of 5 travelers per group.
With operating hours from 9 AM to 7 PM, seven days a week, the Amador County Self-Guided Wine Tour is available from December 20, 2023, to February 2, 2026. Booking is easy, and you’ll receive confirmation upon reservation.
Plus, you can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience.
Read our full review: Amador County Self-Guided Wine Tour Review
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6-Hours Customized Private SONOMA Valley Wine Tour From San Francisco Bay Area
Departing from the San Francisco Bay Area, this private 6-hour Sonoma Valley wine tour offers a customized experience for up to 3 guests.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from your accommodation, with a professional chauffeur, WiFi, and bottled water. You’ll have a flexible itinerary, allowing you to visit your preferred wineries, though advance reservations are recommended. Wine-tasting fees are at your own expense.
The transportation options include Executive Class Sedans, SUVs, or Sprinter Vans, depending on the size of your group.
The tour concludes at the original meeting point in the San Francisco Bay Area. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, service animals are allowed, and infant and toddler car seats can be provided upon request.
The tour operator reserves the right to end the service for unsafe or illegal activities without a refund.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience, and a 20% gratuity for the chauffeur is recommended.
Read our full review: 6-Hours Customized Private SONOMA Valley Wine Tour From San Francisco Bay Area Review
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6-Hour Customized Private LIVERMORE Valley Wine Tour From San Francisco Bay Area
This 6-hour private Livermore Valley wine tour provides a customized experience departing from the San Francisco Bay Area. The tour is operated by a private charter service, with transportation options ranging from executive class SUVs and sedans to spacious Sprinter vans.
All fees and taxes are included, although wine tasting fees and chauffeur gratuities are not.
The tour starts at 9 am, with a meeting point in the San Francisco Bay Area. Bottled water and WiFi are provided on board, and infant and toddler car seats are available upon request.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and the operator reserves the right to end the service without a refund for unsafe or illegal activities.
Travelers can cancel the tour free of charge up to 24 hours before the experience starts. The lowest price for the tour is $883.10 per group of up to 3 passengers.
The operator coordinates pickup locations and start times with travelers and suppliers to ensure a seamless experience.
Read our full review: 6-Hour Customized Private LIVERMORE Valley Wine Tour From San Francisco Bay Area Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Dress Code for Wine Tours?
The dress code for wine tours is generally casual and comfortable. Visitors should wear clothing and shoes appropriate for walking and standing, as the tours often involve touring vineyards and tasting rooms. Layers are recommended to accommodate changes in temperature.
Can I Bring My Own Wine on the Tour?
Generally, it’s not allowed to bring your own wine on a wine tour. Most tours provide the wines for tasting, and bringing outside alcohol is often prohibited for liability and regulatory reasons. It’s best to check with the tour operator beforehand.
Are the Tours Wheelchair Accessible?
Many wine tour operators offer wheelchair-accessible options, though accessibility may vary. It’s best to check with the specific tour company to ensure the tour and transportation can accommodate any mobility needs.
Do the Tours Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Many wine tours in California accommodate common dietary restrictions, such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free. Guests should inquire about the tour’s policies when booking to ensure their needs can be met.
Can I Purchase Wine Directly From the Wineries?
Yes, visitors can typically purchase wine directly from the wineries they visit on wine tours. Many wineries offer on-site sales and shipping options, allowing guests to bring home their favorite bottles.
The Sum Up
California’s wine country offers an array of captivating wine tours, catering to diverse preferences. From bike tours with farm-to-table experiences to private tastings in renowned regions like Sonoma and Livermore, there’s something to suit every oenophile. Whether you’re seeking a customized excursion or a self-guided adventure, these tours provide an immersive and enjoyable way to explore the state’s vibrant wine culture.