Redwoods and California Wine Country Tour

Redwoods and California Wine Country Tour

Top Wine Country Tour
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Duration: 10 hours

Overview

Wine taste in Napa & Sonoma with an excursion in the giant sequoias of Muir Woods, San Francisco’s stunning Coastal Redwood Forest.

Included

Included
Muir Woods forest stroll
Included
Three Sonoma and Napa Valley tastings
Included
Historic Sonoma Plaza lunch break
Included
Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop-off
Included
10 Hour excursion
Included
Expert live narration (English)
Included
8 foreign language audios (on request)
Included
Guaranteed daily departures

Excluded

Excluded
Entry to Muir Woods
Excluded
Meals (unless lunch booked)
Excluded
Guide gratuity: recommended

Important information

Is admission to Muir Woods included?

The tour price does not include the Muir Woods entrance fee, which is $15 per person and must be paid when you reach the entrance of the park (cash or card accepted).

How much time do we spend in Muir Woods?

Muir Woods is extremely popular and officials strictly limit the time for visitors. You will spend a bit over an hour exploring the ancient redwoods and other endangered creatures along Redwood Creek trail.

What wineries does the tour visit?

After the Muir Woods, you will be welcomed to three boutique wineries in both Sonoma Valley and Napa Valleys. Our group of partner wineries are charming, family-owned affairs. While you sip on a flight of estate-bottled wine, wine educators will explain how the local terroir and their craftsmanship make their products special.

Does this tour go to Napa?

Yes. You will visit Napa Valley AND Sonoma Valley after the Muir Woods experience.

Must I bring a valid photo ID?

Yes. You will need a valid ID showing that you are at least 21 years old if you would like to consume alcohol.

Are wine tasting fees included in the tour?

Yes. All tasting fees at the wineries are included in the tour cost. Optional extra wine sampling or visits to wine tasting rooms at our lunch stop in Sonoma are not included but you may purchase them a la carte on site, time permitting.

Does the tour stop at Golden Gate Bridge?

Yes. Weather permitting, the tour makes a photo stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.

Can the itinerary be done comfortably in a day?

Yes. The route to the wine country passes quite close to Muir Woods. An early arrival at Muir Woods beats the crowds and offers quiet, unfettered access. The tour’s first winery finishes the morning and two wineries after the Sonoma Plaza lunch break are nicely spaced. We’ll have you back to your pickup location in time for dinner in San Francisco.

Is this tour suitable for children?

We discourage bringing children under 6 years old on this tour. Some of our winery partners do not permit children in the tasting room.

Do you pick up outside of San Francisco?

We offer a complimentary pick-up from hotels located in San Francisco. If you are staying away from the downtown area, we suggest taking a shared ride service or public transportation to the Hilton Union Square hotel on O'Farrell Street. Our pickup location is outside the Mason Street side entrance.

What should I bring?

San Francisco can be chilly in the morning and you will be spending 2-3 hours outdoors. It’s best to dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes or sandals. Bring a valid government-issued ID, a light water-resistant jacket, camera or phone, water bottle, hat and sunscreen, umbrella (if the forecast calls for rain), and cash or a credit card for lunch and the park entry fee at Muir Woods (currently $15 for adults).

Are meals included? Where is the stop for lunch?

Meals are not included unless you selected the optional gourmet lunch. We will make a midday stop for a bit over an hour at Sonoma Plaza where there are many nice, casual restaurants.

Can we drink alcohol on the bus?

Yes. However, the wine at wineries is generous and our experience suggests that drinking between stops can become excessive.

What if one of the guests will not be drinking wine during the tour?

We can make special arrangements and modify the cost if one or more in your party will not be tasting wine. Please contact guest services at (415) 357-0700.

Highlights

More information

Redwood and Wine Country Tour Highlights

  • Visit Muir Woods & Wine Country: Only tour to combine Muir Woods’ redwood forest with an afternoon in the wine country
  • Learn with a Close-up Wine Experience: Demonstrations by wine makers and educators at three Napa/Sonoma Valley wineries
  • Explore Sonoma: Relax, dine and explore historic Sonoma Plaza
  • Stop at San Francisco City Sights: Photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Get a Pre-Planned Visit: Reservations and tasting fees are all included
  • Other Perks: Award-winning experience with guaranteed daily departures

Get ready to be amazed as you board your bus in San Francisco to the world-famous California Wine Country Tours!

Travel from San Francisco to Napa with a Stop in Muir Woods

Your San Francisco Wine Country Day Tour begins with a convenient pick-up from your San Francisco hotel. After a leisurely cruise through the City and across the Golden Gate Bridge on your way up to Napa and Sonoma Counties, you’ll make a stop in Marin County at the Muir Woods National Monument.

There, you’ll enjoy an easy stroll through the ancient forest, filled with Coastal Redwoods, many as tall as 200 feet! After communing with nature on an unforgettable giant redwoods walk, you’ll hop back on board to finish your trip up the California coast to Napa County.

Beginning the Wine Tasting Section of the Tour in Napa

Your Wine Country tour begins with a Napa Valley wine tasting (subject to change based on availability). Here, you’ll be presented with a flight of wines hand-picked by the winemaker. You’ll learn about the winemaking process, and what makes the winery special as you sip and stroll through the vineyards. The wines you taste are generally not sold in stores, so be sure to stock up!

Further Exploring Wine Country in Sonoma County

Next, the tour brings you to Sonoma County, and the historic Sonoma Plaza. The plaza is filled with small, boutique shops and restaurants, catering to every taste. You can grab a bite in a restaurant, or take your food to go and enjoy your meal on the vast lawn surrounding the historic Sonoma City Hall. You also have the option of adding our gourmet lunch with a wine pairing at the Plaza Bistro, right there on the Sonoma Plaza. See your pairing options on our three-course lunch menu.

Get to Know Sonoma Wine Makers

After lunch, you’ll head deeper into Sonoma County to visit two more boutique wineries in Sonoma County. Here, you’ll get to know the winemakers and special features of the wines they are offering. If the 4-wine flight isn’t enough, you’ll have the option to purchase additional tastings and bottles. The wineries are able to ship to most states, so be sure to check with your host to see if wine can be shipped to you.

Finish with Sightseeing in San Francisco

After your last tasting, it’s time to head back to San Francisco. You’ll come back down historic El Camino Real on your way through Marin County, reflecting on the amazing day you just had! Before rolling back into San Francisco, you’ll make one more photo stop (weather permitting) at:

  • The Golden Gate Bridge, where you can take in the stunning views of the San Francisco skyline
  • The Legendary Alcatraz Island
  • The Marin Headlands
  • Maybe even get a peek of the famous San Francisco fog as it rolls into the Bay. A perfect end to a perfect day.

Things to Know About This Wine Country Tour

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.

Why Tour Wine Country & Muir Woods With Extranomical:

  • This is the only tour to combine a Muir Woods giant redwoods experience with a tour to Napa and Sonoma Valleys for wine tasting—all in one day!
  • Our amazing wine country tour from San Francisco has earned rave reviews and many TripAdvisor excellence awards.
  • Reservations and tasting fees at three boutique wineries are all included. Leave everything (including the driving) in the hands of our experienced guides.
  • As part of our commitment to a sustainable environment, Extranomical Tours supports NatureBridge, whose proven in-the-field programs at national parks inspire self-discovery and environmental stewardship in young learners.  Help us by donating at checkout.

    • DAY TOUR ITINERARY

    08:00 AM to 09:00 AM: The Drive to Muir Woods

    • Cross the Golden Gate Bridge on your way to Muir Woods
    • Learn the colorful history of the Marin Headlands
    • Hear from your guide why Coastal Redwoods are so special

    09:00 AM to 10:15 AM: Exploring the Redwoods in Muir Woods

    • Walk in the shadows of the 200-foot ancient growth Redwoods
    • Explore nature trails as you observe giant ferns and moss-lined creeks

    10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Drive to Experience First Tasting in Sonoma

    • Head to the first tasting stop in Sonoma county
    • Drink in the stunning California Wine Country landscapes.
    • Get tips from your guide on how to taste wines like a real sommelier

    11:30 AM to 12:30 PM: Exploring & Tour the Vineyards

    • Stroll the grounds and take photos among the vines at the first winery
    • Learn how wine is made by industry experts
    • Try several wines—add your favorites to your collection

    1:00 PM to 2:00 PM: Lunch Break in Sonoma

    • Relax and enjoy lunch in the picturesque Sonoma wine country plaza
    • Browse dozens of quaint shops and historic buildings
    • Enjoy gourmet food and wine pairing lunch (if option selected)

    2:30 PM to 4:30 PM: Visit Two More Wineries

    • Enjoy visits to two more family-owned boutique wineries
    • Tour their vineyards, taste their wines
    • Select a bottle to uncork at dinner tonight

    4:30 PM to 6:00 PM: Scenic Drive to San Francisco with Photo Stops

    • Start the journey back to San Francisco.
    • Photo stop with the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and city skyline (weather permitting)
    • Conclude the tour at your pickup location

    IMPORTANT UPDATE: Golden Gate National Recreation Area now requires advance reservations for private vehicles wishing to utilize the parking areas at Muir Woods National Monument. We offer daily departures - book your San Francisco Redwoods Tour with us and secure your spot to see the Redwoods.

    Learn more about the area with the Wine Country tips and guides in our blog.