The Sonoma Valley in northern California is widely regarded to be one of America’s finest winemaking regions, attracting hundreds and thousands of wine lovers from across the country and beyond every year. Beyond the wider area’s rich wine heritage, the historic city of Sanoma also has its own appeal, with several art galleries, imposing 19th century buildings, and a weekly farmer’s market among the most popular attractions.
There are several popular wine tours and tastings on offer in The Sonoma Valley, ranging from large group excursions to intimate, private tours. To help you pick the best one for your tastes and budget, we’ve dug deep and selected five of the best.
Sonoma Wine Country: Full-Day Self-Guided Bike Tour
From $36.60 per person
Soak up fresh air and stunning views on two wheels as you embark on this full-day tour that will see you visit world class wineries as well as other local attractions with the wind in your hair. Traversing flat roads to ensure only moderate exertion is required, you’ll navigate Sonoma and Napa Valleys, working up an appetite for some food and wine tastings at your stop-offs. Guests can choose from a hybrid bike, tandem bike, or electric bike for the experience, and there are kids’ bikes available too. Bike rentals, helmets and maps are all included in the price, although food, drinks and tastings are not.
Napa & Sonoma Full-Day Wine Tasting Tour with Optional Lunch
From $137.54 per person
This full-day tour invites wine enthusiasts to explore one of the region’s finest wine regions. Taking in both Napa and Sonoma Valleys, you’ll visit 3 well regarded wineries during the 8-hour adventure, accompanied the whole while by a friendly and knowledgeable tour guide. During each stop-off you’ll get a full tour of the premises, learn about wine-making techniques, and sample some of the produce during tasting sessions. You’ll also get to see other places of interest including the historic Sonoma Square, as well as having the option to indulge in a spot of shopping or dine in one of the area’s culinary hot spots.
Sonoma Food and Wine Tour
From $92 per person (pairing price $125)
Tantalisingly described as a ‘farm-to-table wine country tour’, this foodie adventure invites you to explore the Sonoma Plaza neighbourhood and its rich historic landmarks, with several stop-offs for food and wine samples along the way, including wine pairings with local Napa and Sonoma wines at all the main stops, landing in an exclusive tasting room. During the walking tour you’ll learn about the principles behind wine and farm-to-table food pairings, as well as hear tales of the area’s history courtesy of your knowledgeable guide, and pick up tips on how to best taste wine when visiting the Wine Country. Highlights include visits to the historic plaza & barracks, and renowned culinary hot spots such as the girl & the fig, El Dorado Kitchen, and Delhi Belly Indian Bistro. Photographers are available for private tours for an additional fee.
The Wine Buyer’s Picnic Tour
From $109 per person
This daily tour with flexible itineraries welcomes you to explore Sonoma Valley as well as offering the chance to build on your home wine collection. Starting with a complimentary pick up from your local hotel, you’ll embark on a wine-lovers odyssey, stopping off at four wineries for tastings and the chance to meet the people behind the produce, and purchase some bottles to take home with you, if you wish. During the tour you’ll also get to dig into an artisan boxed picnic lunch catered by acclaimed local foodie haunt, girl & the fig, all in the company of like-minded folk and an expert guide to maximise your experience. Wine tasting fees are not included in the price of the tour.
Sonoma Small-Group Food and Wine Tour
From $100.40 per person
Combine some of Sonoma’s finest cuisine with delectable locally-produced wines during this small-group walking tour. After meeting your guide at a designated point during mid-morning, you’ll set off on foot to visit a variety of foodie hang-outs all located in Sonoma’s historic downtown district. During the 1.5 mile route you’ll get to sample such delights as fine wines, chocolates and olive oils as your guide regales you with intriguing stories and fascinating facts about the region’s rich culinary heritage. All food and wine tastings are included in the price.