Best Sightseeing and Attractions in San Francisco Wine Country
People come from all over the world to visit San Francisco wine country, which includes Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley, and the Carneros region. These famous valleys are known for their high-quality wines, despite covering just a fraction of the acreage of wine country in places like Bordeaux, France.
With so many wineries in close proximity to the Bay Area, a wine country tour is a must-do experience on any trip to northern California.
San Francisco Wine Country
San Francisco wine country is divided into a few different regions, each with their own varieties of wine. Let’s explore three of the most iconic regions in California wine country and the sights and attractions in each:
Sonoma Valley
Sonoma Valley is a 16-thousand-acre stretch of fertile land bordered by the Mayacamas Mountains to the east and the Sonoma Mountains to the west. It’s ideal for viticulture thanks to its combination of mild climate and rich, variegated soils. Sonoma Valley grow several types of wine, including:
- Pinot Noir
- Cabernet
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Merlot
- Zinfandel
- Cabernet Sauvignon
- Semillon
- Syrah
The Sonoma Valley is known not only for its top-notch wines, but also for its high-quality cuisine, charming hotels, and annual festivals. The climate here tends to be dry and warm, cooled in the evenings by coastal breezes that creep over the mountains.
Home to the coastal Native American tribes of the Miwok, Pomo, and Wintun, Sonoma Valley was selected by the Spanish Franciscan order of monks as the site for the Mission San Francisco Solano. Established in 1823, it was the only mission established in an independent Mexico. The town of Sonoma was founded by Gen. Mariano Guadalupe Vallejo, and the region has steadily gained in fame for the reliability and high-quality of its wines.
Napa Valley
Napa Valley is one of the premier wine regions in California, famous for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Zinfandel. Despite years of bad harvests, infestations of phylloxera, and the Prohibition Era, Napa survived to become a first-class wine-producing community and one of California’s top tourist attractions, surpassed only by Disneyland. Today, it’s home to many picturesque wineries like the Tuscan-style Castello di Amorosa.
Like Sonoma Valley, Napa Valley was home to several Native American tribes, including the Mayacomos, the Callajomans, the Kymus, the Napa, the Ulcus, and the Soscol. Nathan Coombs founded the town of Napa in 1847, and it became one of the first recognized counties in the state of California.
Carneros Region
The Carneros Region is a much smaller tract of land located at the bottom of the Sonoma and Napa Valleys; in fact, it overlaps with both. It’s just north of the San Pablo Bay, and the closest part of wine country to the city of San Francisco, making it an easy destination for a tour.
The Carneros Region is drier and cooler than Napa and Sonoma, and the soil quality is not as rich, so the grapes spend more time on the vine (hang time), producing a distinct flavor in the wine. These grapes are used to make Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and sparkling wine. The sparkling wine from Carneros is produced in the traditional French methode champenoise.
The first vineyard here was planted in the 1830s by Jacov Leese, and William H. Winter purchased a large tract of land to create the first commercial winery, Winter Wines. As with the other wineries in California, the onset of Prohibition and the phylloxera infestation (a root-eating louse that causes large numbers of vines to die) put the region through a trial by fire. But the Carneros region survived to contribute its part to California’s stellar wine reputation.
Get to Know San Francisco Wine Country
San Francisco wine country is an area with a strong, stubborn history. Vintners and growers defied the law — and nature itself — to persuade grapes to grow in these fertile but fragile climates. The people who live there now are much the same, giving wine country a unique atmosphere of dignity, pride, and a great sense of fun.
As big a role as wine plays in the region, its breathtaking natural beauty is a secondary draw. Clear blue skies contrast with the gold mountains and deep green vines to paint a quintessential picture of California. With its gorgeous weather combined with beautifully-maintained vineyards, it can be hard to choose just one part of wine country to visit.
Take one of our Wine Country tours to learn more about wine-making and its history — or to enjoy a relaxing day with breathtaking views as you indulge in fine wine tastings of merlot, cabernet, and syrah.
Other Attractions near San Francisco Wine Country
Wine country isn’t just for wine-drinkers. A trip to San Francisco wine country pairs well with a stop at one of these other attractions:
Muir Woods
Muir Woods National Monument is one of the closest redwood forests to San Francisco, and easy to get to on a day trip. See some of the biggest and oldest trees in the world on a short and accessible hiking loop.
Redwoods and giant sequoias
Redwoods are the world’s tallest tree (over 200-300 ft or 60-90 m), but giant sequoias are the largest by volume. While redwoods are found all along the coast, sequoias grow further inland. To see these trees, head to one of the sequoia groves in Yosemite or Sequoia National Park
Sausalito
Sausalito is a small yet charming town just north of the Golden Gate Bridge from the city of San Francisco. With a population of only 7,500 people, it’s known for its houseboats, scenic views, and artistic vibes.
Sausalito makes for a great stop on the way to Muir Woods or wine country, and is included on some of our Muir Woods tours.
FAQs
Where is San Francisco wine country?
San Francisco wine country is located in Northern California, and includes regions like Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and the Carneros Region.
How many days should you spend in San Francisco wine country?
Plan to spend anywhere from a few hours to a few days in San Francisco wine country. Although you can get there on a day trip from San Francisco, staying overnight gives you more time to relax and enjoy the experience.
Which is better, Napa vs. Sonoma?
Both Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley offer similar experiences, but with a different vibe. Napa Valley is known for being more upscale, while Sonoma Valley has a more casual atmosphere. You can expect high-quality wines in either location. Learn more about Napa vs. Sonoma here.
When is the best time to visit San Francisco wine country?
The most popular time to visit wine country is during harvest season between August and October. But this can be a busy time to visit, with higher prices to match. Consider going in early spring, or even winter, to avoid the crowds — and the summertime temperatures.