Discover Sonoma Valley’s Laid-Back Wine Country Charm
Your Sonoma Wine Tasting Tour Awaits…
Plan a visit to California’s most charming wine region with our expertly crafted Sonoma wine tours. Home to over 400 wineries across 18 distinct appellations, Sonoma County offers a more intimate, laid-back alternative to its famous neighbor. From world-renowned Pinot Noir and Chardonnay to bold Zinfandels and elegant Cabernet Sauvignon, our Sonoma Valley wine tours showcase the diversity and artistry that make this region special. Whether you’re planning a romantic Sonoma wine day trip, celebrating with friends, or seeking luxury Sonoma wine tours, we create personalized wine experiences that capture the authentic spirit of wine country.
Since 1985, California Wine Tours & Transportation has been your trusted guide to Sonoma winery tours, offering insider access, luxury transportation, and unforgettable memories in California’s most welcoming wine region.
What’s Included in Our Sonoma Wine Tasting Tours
Every private Sonoma tour includes premium service and authentic wine country hospitality, making your day relaxed and memorable.
✔️ Your choice of vehicle from our luxury fleet (limos, sprinters, buses)
✔️ Curated winery recommendations or fully customized itineraries
✔️ Reservations and coordination with the best Sonoma wineries
✔️ Optional farm-to-table lunch or artisan picnic stops
✔️ Local driver-guides with deep Sonoma wine country knowledge
We create all-inclusive Sonoma Valley wine experiences that wine lovers treasure forever. We also offer concise Sonoma wine packages on request.
Our Sonoma Valley Wine Tour Experiences
Private Luxury Tours
Our signature luxury private Sonoma wine tours feature intimate tastings at family-owned wineries, personalized attention, and access to exclusive, appointment-only estates.
Group Wine Adventures
Perfect for celebrations, our Sonoma County wine tours accommodate groups of all sizes while maintaining the region’s intimate, friendly atmosphere.
Full-Day Excursions
Experience the complete Sonoma Valley wine experience with comprehensive tours that include multiple appellations, gourmet dining, and scenic drives through redwood groves.
Custom Itineraries
Work with our Sonoma specialists to design wine tours in Sonoma tailored to your favorite varietals, preferred winery styles, and group dynamics.
Where You’ll Go on Our Sonoma Winery Tours
Explore where California wine began in historic Sonoma Valley, affectionately known as the “Valley of the Moon.” This is where Count Agoston Haraszthy established California’s first premium winery in 1857, and the region maintains that pioneering spirit today. From the historic Sonoma Plaza to mountain vineyards with spectacular views, this diverse appellation offers everything from approachable family wineries to ultra-premium cult producers. Your Sonoma Valley wine tours here combine rich history with cutting-edge winemaking.
Historic Sonoma Valley Gems: Buena Vista Winery (California’s oldest premium winery), Sebastiani Vineyards (family legacy since 1904), Chateau St. Jean (elegant Chardonnay specialists), Benziger Family Winery (biodynamic pioneers), Kunde Family Winery (mountaintop views), Imagery Estate Winery (artist label collection)
Cultural Attractions: Sonoma Plaza (historic town square), Sonoma State Historic Park, Mission San Francisco Solano, local farmers markets
Gourmet Scene: The Girl & the Fig (French countryside), Café La Haye (intimate fine dining), LaSalette Restaurant (Portuguese-inspired), El Dorado Kitchen (plaza dining)
Experience the best of both worlds in Carneros, where Sonoma meets Napa in a cool-climate appellation famous for elegant Pinot Noir, crisp Chardonnay, and world-class sparkling wines. Morning fog from San Francisco Bay creates perfect growing conditions for these delicate varietals. The rolling hills dotted with sheep and vineyards create a pastoral landscape that’s quintessentially wine country. Your Sonoma wine tasting experiences here showcase finesse and sophistication.
Carneros Standouts: Gloria Ferrer Caves & Vineyards (sparkling wine specialists), Schug Carneros Estate (Pinot Noir focus), Cline Cellars (Rhône varietals and history), Jacuzzi Family Vineyards (Italian heritage), Robledo Family Winery (inspiring immigrant success story)
Scenic Beauty: Carneros Inn (luxury vineyard cottages), rolling hills perfect for photography, historic Petaluma Gap winds
Nestled in the heart of Sonoma Valley, Glen Ellen offers intimate wine experiences in the shadow of Sonoma Mountain. This charming hamlet was once home to literary legend Jack London, whose “Beauty Ranch” is now a 39-acre state historic park where you can explore his innovative farming techniques and the remnants of his dream home, Wolf House. Glen Ellen belongs to the Sonoma Mountain American Viticultural Area (AVA), known for diverse microclimates on rocky hillside terrain. Here, biodynamic pioneers and family-owned boutique wineries create an authentic Wine Country experience away from the crowds. Your Glen Ellen wine tours highlight some of the best wineries in Sonoma with personal, small-lot tastings.
Glen Ellen Wineries: Benziger Family Winery (biodynamic pioneer with award-winning tram tours), Imagery Estate Winery (artist-commissioned labels and experimental varietals), B.R. Cohn Winery (rock-and-roll heritage meets premium wine), Loxton Cellars (intimate tastings with owner-winemaker Chris Loxton), Mayo Family Winery (antique yellow truck landmark), Talisman Wines (exceptional single-vineyard Pinot Noirs).
Cultural Attractions in Glen Ellen: Jack London State Historic Park, Jack London Village (shops and restaurants along Sonoma Creek), Broadway Under the Stars summer performances by Transcendence Theatre, historic grist mill.
Restaurants in Glen Ellen: Glen Ellen Star (wood-fired excellence), The Fig Cafe (French-California fusion), Yeti Restaurant (Nepalese specialties), Glen Ellen Village Market (local provisions)
Discover wine tasting tranquility in Kenwood, the picturesque town at the northern end of Sonoma Valley, where world-renowned wineries cluster together for easy exploration. Our Sonoma Valley tours guide will match estates to your preferences and timing. Numerous wineries here are clustered on the west side of Highway 12, allowing travelers to enjoy a self-guided walking tour, while larger estates on the eastern side offer expansive experiences with mountaintop tastings at 1,400 feet elevation and caves carved into volcanic hillsides. This intimate wine destination combines award-winning Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay with Mediterranean villa luxury at the renowned Kenwood Inn and Spa Kenwood. Your Kenwood wine tours reveal why this hidden gem consistently produces some of California’s most celebrated wines.
Kenwood Wineries: Chateau St. Jean (historic 1920s chateau with escape room experience), St. Francis Winery & Vineyards (Mission-style architecture with bronze bell tower), Landmark Vineyards (Chardonnay specialists with estate gardens), Kenwood Vineyards (historic 1906 cellar with Jack London vineyard wines), Kunde Family Winery (five-generation family with mountaintop experiences), B. Wise Vineyards (Moon Mountain estate with tasting lounge)
Cultural Attractions in Kenwood: Sugarloaf Ridge State Park (hiking trails and Robert Ferguson Observatory), Swede’s Feeds (hand-made folk art and metal sculptures), Wildwood Nursery (250 varieties of Japanese maples)
Kenwood Restaurants: Palooza Brewery & Gastropub (New American cuisine), Salt & Stone (global California eatery and oyster bar), Kenwood Restaurant & Bar (Wine Country sophistication)
Interested in Healdsburg, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley?
Our North Sonoma wine tours visit these regions. Of course, you can always plan your tour to go through Sonoma Valley and North Sonoma. Our tours are completely customizable so if you seek to explore all of Sonoma County, we got you covered!
Why Choose Sonoma Valley for Your Wine Tour?
Sonoma County offers a more intimate, authentic wine country experience that wine lovers consistently prefer for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse wine styles. Here’s what makes our Sonoma wine tours special:
Breathtaking scenery – from the pastoral Carneros landscape to Sonoma’s mountain-framed vineyards to the historic charm of Sonoma Plaza
Sample Itineraries: The Best Winery Tours in Sonoma Valley
Discover beloved Sonoma Valley wine tour itineraries that showcase the region’s diversity and charm. These sample Sonoma Valley wine tours highlight different regions and wine styles, and can be customized for your perfect Sonoma wine experience.
Frequently Asked Questions about Sonoma Wine Tours
How Much Do Sonoma Wine Tours Cost?
Private Sonoma tours typically range from $95 to $225 per person, often slightly less than Napa due to lower tasting fees and shorter travel distances. Group rates and custom Sonoma Valley wine tours vary based on itinerary and vehicle selection. Use our quote form for exact pricing!
What Makes Sonoma Different From Napa Valley?
Sonoma offers a more relaxed, authentic atmosphere with family-owned wineries, lower crowds, and diverse appellations all within shorter distances. Our Sonoma wine excursions showcase this laid-back charm while delivering exceptional wines and personalized service that many guests prefer over busier wine regions.
How Long Do Sonoma Valley Wine Tours Typically Last?
Most Sonoma Valley wine tours run 5-6 hours, allowing relaxed tastings at 3-4 wineries plus lunch. The shorter distances between Sonoma wineries mean more time sipping and less time traveling compared to other wine regions.
How Many Wineries Do We Visit In A Day On A Sonoma Wine Tour?
Typically 3-4 wineries works perfectly for a full-day Sonoma wine day trip, giving you time to savor each tasting, enjoy lunch, and appreciate Sonoma’s scenic beauty without feeling rushed.
What Wine Varietals Is Sonoma Famous For?
Sonoma excels at Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, old-vine Zinfandel, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Each appellation specializes in different styles – our guides help you discover the best Sonoma wineries for your preferred varietals during your luxury Sonoma wine tours.
Can We Visit Both Historic And Modern Sonoma Wineries?
Absolutely! Sonoma wine tours can include California’s oldest premium winery (Buena Vista, 1857) alongside cutting-edge sustainable producers. We love showcasing this blend of tradition and innovation that defines the Sonoma wine experience.
Are Sonoma Wine Tours Good For Large Groups?
Definitely! Sonoma’s welcoming atmosphere makes it ideal for bachelorette parties, birthdays, and corporate events. Our Sonoma Valley wine tours accommodate groups from 2 to 50+ with appropriate vehicles and group-friendly wineries.
Can We Choose The Sonoma Valley Wineries?
Yes! Build your own itinerary or let our Sonoma experts recommend the best Sonoma wineries based on your wine preferences, group dynamics, and desired experience level.
Do Tours Include Pickup In San Francisco?
Absolutely – we offer Sonoma wine excursions with San Francisco hotel pickup. The scenic drive through Marin County adds to your wine country adventure, with additional time and travel fees applied.
Plan Your Sonoma Wine Tour Today
Want to explore North Sonoma?
Learn about Healdsburg, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek, and Russian River Valley wineries and tour options.