Redwoods and California Wine Country Tour with Gourmet Lunch

Redwoods and California Wine Country Tour with Gourmet Lunch

food and wine pairing for lunch
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Duration: 10 hours

Overview

Tour Length - 10 hours approximately

Included

Included
Stroll through Muir Woods Park
Included
Three tasting experiences in Sonoma and Napa valley
Included
Seated wine pairing lunch in historic Sonoma Plaza
Included
Expert live narration (English); 8 foreign language audios
Included
Guaranteed daily departures
Included
Convenient SF hotel pickup and drop off

Excluded

Excluded
Entry to Muir Woods
Excluded
Lunch for children
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 will I 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.

Where do we have gourmet lunch?

Our restaurant partner is the acclaimed Plaza Bistro. The restaurant serves updated California cuisine in a historic building on the Square in downtown Sonoma.

Why is the lunch upgrade not available for the kids?

The lunch is a wine pairing that is not appropriate for children.

If I don’t select the gourmet lunch, what are the options for lunch?

Sonoma Plaza has over a dozen casual and tasty restaurant choices. We love the Red Grape, a casual, family-run Italian restaurant; the Sunshine Café, featuring local, organic ingredients on a sunny patio; the Girl & The Fig and its French country cuisine; and garden seating in the historic Swiss Hotel.

Can you accommodate dietary restrictions at the gourmet lunch?

The Plaza Bistro has dairy-free, gluten-free and vegetarian options. Vegan options are not available. See the lunch menu for more information.

Highlights

More information

Redwood and Wine Country Tour Highlights

  • Only tour to combine Muir Woods’ redwood forest with an afternoon in the wine country
  • Demonstrations by wine makers and educators at three Napa/Sonoma Valley wineries
  • Includes a  three course wine-pairing lunch on historic Sonoma Plaza
  • Photo stop at the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Reservations, tasting fees, gourmet lunch…everything is included
  • Award-winning experience with guaranteed daily departures.

Begin this incredible full-day tour by visiting an old-growth California Redwoods forest in Muir Woods National Monument (or an alternative park) ahead of the crowds and in time to feel fog lifting from the Coastal Redwood canopy that soars above. Stroll along pristine nature trails and look out for native coastal ferns, clover, squirrels, foxes, and even deer.

While still exhilarated from what you’ve seen, your expert wine guide will lead you to sip the good life on this Sonoma Valley and Napa Valley tour. All three wineries you visit will be delightful in their own unique ways. You’ll enjoy a friendly wine country welcome and breathtaking scenery while learning the stories behind the wineries.

In the afternoon, be ready to add to your wine cellar - most of the wines are not sold in retail stores. The stops on our wine tour are Napa and Sonoma wineries hand-selected by our local experts.

For the food and wine pairing experience, your group will sit together for a table-side presentation of local wines paired with each expertly prepared course of California cuisine. See what is on our seasonal three-course menu for this tour. After lunch, you’ll have a little time left to spend your lunch break exploring Sonoma Plaza’s boutique shops and historic buildings.

The afternoon portion of your redwoods and wine country tour will include exploring Napa Valley and Instagram-worthy experiences at two more boutique wineries. Get to know the winemakers and unique features of their wine offerings.

We’ll make one final stop on the way back to San Francisco from the wine country at a scenic look-out point with sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Marin Headlands, San Francisco skyline, Alcatraz, and the Bay Bridge where you can take some fabulous photos while reflecting upon the amazing day that you have had!

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 Choose Us?

This luxury tour adds a Muir Woods giant redwoods experience and a gourmet wine-pairing lunch to an afternoon of Napa and Sonoma Valleys wine tasting! Our amazing wine country tour from San Francisco has earned rave reviews and many TripAdvisor excellence awards. Tasting fees at three boutique wineries and lunch 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.

We’re so confident that our Redwoods and Wine Country Tour will amaze — it’s backed by a Satisfaction Guarantee.

TOUR ITINERARY

08:00 AM to 09:00 AM

  • Start your tour over the Golden Gate Bridge on your way to Giant Coastal Redwoods
  • Discover the colorful history of Marin County
  • Learn from your guide why Coastal Redwoods are so special

09:00 AM to 10:15 AM

  • Walk in the shadows of the 200-foot ancient growth Redwoods
  • Hike trails to observe giant ferns and moss-lined creeks

10:30 AM to 11:30 AM

  • Arrive at the first winery tour in Sonoma county
  • Observe 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

  • 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

2:30 PM to 4:30 PM

  • Enjoy visits to two more family-owned boutique wineries
  • Experience two more family-owned boutique wineries
  • Tour their vineyards, taste their wines
  • Select a bottle for dinner (not included)

4:30 PM to 6:00 PM

  • Start the journey back to San Francisco.
  • Weather permitting, make a stop to photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, Pacific Ocean, and city skyline
  • 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.

Read more helpful articles about the Wine Country in our BLOG.