Muir Woods and Wine Country Tour from San Jose

FAQs

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• Is admission to Muir Woods included?

  The price of this tour does not include the Muir Woods entrance fee, which is $15 per person and must be paid when you reach the entrance. However, our guided tours handle all the logistics including required reservations – you don’t need to worry about securing your own timed entry pass, which can sell out weeks in advance during peak season. We take care of all the planning so you can simply enjoy the experience.

• How much time will I spend in Muir Woods?

  You’ll spend about an hour exploring the ancient redwoods along the easy, mostly flat 1-mile loop trail. This is absolutely worth the visit – you’ll walk among coastal redwoods (not giant sequoias, which are found in the Sierra Nevada) that are over 1,000 years old and tower 250+ feet above you.

  The early morning timing of our tour is perfect – you’ll experience the forest when it’s most peaceful, with soft light filtering through the canopy and fewer crowds. The main trail is very accessible with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for most fitness levels.

  What makes Muir Woods special is that it’s one of the last remaining old-growth coastal redwood forests, protected since 1908. Fun fact: scenes from Star Wars Return of the Jedi were filmed here! While there are other redwood forests in California, Muir Woods offers the most convenient access to ancient giants from San Francisco, plus it’s perfectly positioned for our wine country combination.

   

• What Napa and Sonoma wineries will I visit for the wine tasting tours from San Francisco?

  You will be welcomed to three boutique wineries during your San Francisco wine tasting tour. 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 Napa and Sonoma wines so special.

  Here are just some of the things you will experience on your wine tour from San Francisco at our partner wineries:

  • 3 Handpicked tasting flights 
  • Wrap-around porch with stunning views of Napa Valley
  • Fine art gallery with art available for purchase
  • Stories from passionate winemakers that bring the process to life
  • Charming Sonoma winery gift shop
  • Fascinating Sonoma County history
  • Free oil + vinegar tastings
  • Vineyard tours

• Does this tour go to Napa Valley?

  Yes! This tour visits both Napa Valley and Sonoma County for wine tasting. The beauty of our itinerary is that Muir Woods is perfectly positioned – it’s only about 45 minutes to 1 hour from Napa Valley, making it ideal for a combined day tour.

  The giant redwoods at Muir Woods are approximately 50-60 miles from Napa, connected by one of Northern California’s most scenic drives. This proximity is what makes our tour so special – you can experience both ancient coastal redwoods and world-class wine regions in a single day without feeling rushed. The route takes you across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and through beautiful Marin County landscapes.

• Must I bring a valid photo ID for the wine tours?

  Yes. You will need a valid ID showing that you are at least 21 years old if you would like to consume alcohol during the wine tasting tours from San Jose.

• Are wine tasting fees included in this San Jose wine tour?

  Yes, all wine tasting fees at our three featured wineries are included in your tour cost. Napa Valley wine tours typically range from $150-$400+ per person depending on the tour length, group size, and inclusions. Our full-day experience offers exceptional value by combining both wine regions with the iconic Muir Woods experience.

  For budget-conscious travelers, winter months (January-March) offer the best value for wine country visits, with fewer crowds and some seasonal promotions. However, our tour operates year-round with consistent pricing, so you get the same great experience regardless of season.

  Optional extra wine sampling or visits to additional tasting rooms during our Sonoma Plaza lunch stop are not included but can be purchased on-site if time permits.

• Does the tour stop at the Golden Gate Bridge?

  Yes. Weather permitting, the tour makes a photo stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge on your return journey from Sonoma to San Francisco.

• Can the wine tasting tour itinerary be done comfortably in a day?

  Yes, our optimized 11-hour itinerary is perfectly paced for a comfortable day experience. The route is designed to minimize travel time while maximizing your enjoyment at each location.

  The best months for this tour are April through June and September through October – spring offers beautiful weather with blooming vineyards and fewer crowds, while fall brings harvest season excitement with perfect temperatures for both forest walks and outdoor wine tastings. Summer (July-August) is peak season but can be crowded, while winter offers a more intimate experience with cozy indoor tastings.

  We’ll have you back to your San Jose or Santa Clara pickup location in time for dinner, having experienced ancient redwoods, world-class wines, and stunning Northern California scenery all in one perfectly coordinated day.

• Is this wine country tour suitable for children?

  We discourage bringing children under 6 years old on this wine country tour. Some of our winery partners do not permit children in their tasting rooms.

• What should I bring on this wine tasting tour?

  For Muir Woods, dress in layers and wear comfortable walking shoes with good grip. The forest is typically 10-15 degrees cooler than San Jose and can be damp, so bring a light jacket even on warm days. Long pants are recommended as poison oak is present on some trails.

  For wine tasting, you can absolutely wear jeans – wine country has a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Dark jeans paired with a nice top are perfect for most wineries. Some upscale locations prefer ‘smart casual’ attire, so avoid overly distressed jeans, flip-flops, or tank tops.

  Complete packing list:

  • Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
  • Light jacket or layers for temperature changes
  • Long pants (forest protection + wine tasting appropriate)
  • Hat and sunglasses
  • Valid government-issued ID
  • Water bottle
  • Camera or phone
  • Cash or credit card for lunch and Muir Woods entry fee

• Are meals included? Where is the stop for lunch?

  Meals are not included. We will make a midday stop for a bit over an hour at Sonoma Plaza where there are many nice, casual restaurants for a perfect wine country luncheon.

• Can we drink alcohol on the bus during the Napa Valley & Sonoma wine tours?

  Yes. However, the pours provided during the wine tasting tours are 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.