The 10 Best Wine Tours in California

For many wine lovers, California is about one thing: Napa Valley.

Being one of the world’s most important wine regions, people travel from around the globe to study and savor its unique flavors. But California’s wine story stretches far beyond Highway 29.

The state is also home to:

• More than 150 AVAs (American Viticultural Areas)

• Over 4,800 wineries (more than any other state in the U.S.)

With so many options, a guided wine tour is often the best way to explore any region.

But for every region in California, you’ll find tours for every kind of traveler. Some are built for serious study and certification. Others are more casual, with fun music and Instagram-ready aesthetics. Many fall somewhere in between.

At Napa Valley Wine Academy, we believe wine tourism is an essential part of learning about wine. We also like to have a bit of fun.

We’ve curated this list of the best wine tasting tours in California’s top regions to help you find an experience that suits you. Whether you’re exploring vineyards to deepen your knowledge or just enjoying a few great bottles among friends, California has the ultimate wine adventure waiting for you.

What Is a Wine Tour?

A wine tour can mean one of two things:

1. A guided journey through a single winery and its vineyards

2. A curated tour across a wider wine region, such as St. Helena (within Napa Valley) or a larger area (like Paso Robles) with stops at multiple wineries in one day or several days.

Single-winery tours are valuable, but regional tours give you a better sense of terroir by showing patterns across different producers. On these tours, you typically travel with a small group or private guide who plans the route, handles transportation, and helps you get the most out of each stop.

At each winery on a regional tour, you might explore vineyards, visit cellars, meet winemakers, and (of course) taste wines. The best tours go beyond pouring glasses to tell the story of the land, the grape varieties, and the people behind the labels.

Why Should You Do a Wine Tour?

Compared to learning wine at home or trying to visit several wineries on your own, a wine tour offers several benefits:

• A Better Experience: A wine tour is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience California. The scenery alone (think golden hills and cypress-lined drives) is reason enough. But it’s also one of the best ways to understand how geography, climate, and winemaking choices (i.e. terroir) shape what’s in your glass.

• Hands-On Study: For those studying wine (or considering a WSET certification), tours offer invaluable real-world context. You can observe soil types firsthand, talk with winemakers about harvests and methods, and connect what you’ve learned in class to actual experience.

• Investment Opportunities: Wine tours can also offer a practical side for collectors and investors. Visiting notable producers (especially in Napa Valley) lets you taste limited releases and purchase bottles directly from the source. Some of these wines can appreciate in value over time, if properly stored.

California’s Primary Wine Regions

Before you decide on a tour, get to know which regions matter most in California. These five stand out the most:

Napa Valley

Napa is arguably the most famous AVA in the country. Its global reputation took off after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, when Napa’s Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay beat top French wines in a blind tasting.

Napa Valley sits between Santa Rosa and Sacramento, just north of San Francisco. Framed by the Mayacamas and Vaca Mountains, the valley benefits from cool morning fog and warm afternoon sun — the perfect recipe for balanced ripening.

Today, the region is known for rich, age-worthy Cabernet Sauvignon, alongside excellent Chardonnay, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.

Sonoma

Just west of Napa, Sonoma County offers a more relaxed, diverse experience with dozens of microclimates shaped by the Pacific Ocean.

Cool fog rolls through valleys like the Russian River, creating ideal conditions for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Warmer inland areas such as Alexander Valley produce robust Zinfandel and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Sonoma’s approachable charm (and fewer crowds) make it a favorite among wine students and savvy travelers.

Paso Robles

Located on California’s Central Coast, Paso Robles has emerged as one of the state’s fastest-growing wine regions and an emerging destination for adventurous tasters. The area’s mix of warm days, cool nights, and varied soils supports bold, full-bodied reds — especially Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah.

Santa Barbara County

Farther south, Santa Barbara County stands out for its surf-town energy and rare east–west mountain ranges that channel cool ocean air inland. This creates ideal conditions for cool-climate grapes like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, particularly in the Sta. Rita Hills and Santa Ynez Valley AVAs.

Temecula Valley

In Southern California, near both Los Angeles and San Diego, Temecula Valley offers the most accessible wine country experience.

The region’s warm days, cool nights, and granite-based soils produce expressive wines with ripe fruit and structure. Temecula’s standout grapes include Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. There is also rising interest in other varieties like Tempranillo and Barbera.

Learn how to taste red wine like a pro. Download the Red Wine Tasting Chart from Napa Valley Wine Academy.

The 10 Best Wine Tours in California

Here are the best regional tours to explore California’s most prized wine regions:

NVWA WSET Level 2 Award in Wines Bootcamp

Region: Napa Valley

If you’re looking for a wine tour that blends hands-on experience with formal classroom study, this four-day bootcamp is a great fit. Napa Valley Wine Academy’s WSET Level 2 Wine Bootcamp is an immersive way to work toward your certification while experiencing wine country up close.

Mornings in the classroom focus on the foundations of winemaking, tasting technique, and how regional factors shape style. Afternoons take you into the field for vineyard walks, cellar tours, and guided tastings of more than 60 wines. By the end, you’ll be ready to take the WSET Level 2 exam with far more confidence than a traditional learning path provides.

All winery visits are arranged by luxury bus, and the program includes two gourmet lunches and a winemaker dinner. While it’s one of the longest and most intensive experiences on this list, it offers exceptional value for serious learners. It is best suited for students and dedicated enthusiasts rather than casual drinkers.

Duration: 4 days (plus exam)

Pickup Location: The classroom (2501 Oak Street, Napa, CA 94559)

Wineries Included: 4

Transportation Type: Luxury bus

Vibe: Thoughtful and lively (structured learning with vineyard immersion)

Price: $$$$

Tastings Included? Yes. All winery visits and tastings included

Food Options: 2 gourmet lunches + winemaker dinner included (along with bakery items)

NVWA WSET Level 3 Wine Spring and Harvest Bootcamp

Region: Napa Valley

This seven-day bootcamp is the most immersive wine education experience Napa Valley Wine Academy offers.

Held during spring or harvest, this tour blends advanced wine theory with real vineyard and cellar work. You’ll walk vineyards during picking season, observe fermentation up close, and taste more than 100 benchmark wines under expert guidance.

Designed to support the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines, the program gives you direct access to winemakers, production teams, and the inner workings of Napa’s top estates. It’s a true “classroom in the vineyard” for serious learners.

This tour is ideal for those pursuing wine careers, dedicated collectors, or anyone ready for a deep dive into Napa’s terroir.

While it requires a greater time and financial commitment than a casual wine tour, the experience offers unmatched value. You’ll gain confidence and hands-on winemaking insight alongside industry professionals while working toward a globally recognized certification.

(NOTE: A WSET Level 2 certification is highly suggested before taking WSET Level 3 Award in Wines.)

Duration: 7 days (plus exam)

Pickup Location: The classroom (2501 Oak Street, Napa, CA 94559)

Wineries Included: 4+ (varies; includes tastings of over 100 wines)

Transportation Type: Luxury bus

Vibe: High-end and immersive (deep study in winemaking environment)

Price: $$$$

Tastings Included? Yes all included throughout the program

Food Options: Included gourmet experiences and winemaker dinners

(Source: elegantwinetours.com) 

Elegant Wine Tours (Private Bespoke Experience)

Region: Napa Valley & Sonoma

If you want a wine tour that’s genuinely educational without losing the romance of wine country, Elegant Wine Tours is a standout. Instead of following a fixed route, each tour is personalized around your tastes, blending well-known wineries with quieter, more exclusive stops most visitors never reach.

Tours are led by Liam Mac Cana, a WSET-certified wine professional with more than 20 years of experience. While he offers a lot of unique insight into vineyard, cellar, and cave visits, the focus remains on the experience itself: beautiful scenery at a relaxed pace with wines chosen just for your group.

(Source: elegantwinetours.com) 

What truly sets Elegant Wine Tours apart is the long-term relationship they build with guests. After your trip, they stay in touch with personalized updates on winemakers and new releases based on what you enjoyed. That way, you stay connected to the region even from afar.

All winery reservations are handled for you, with the option to pre-order local and gourmet food for lunch. Transportation is also flexible, with SUVs, limousines, and mini-coaches available. Complimentary door-to-door pickup is included within 10 miles of Napa town.

It’s an excellent choice for couples or small groups seeking a refined, custom Napa or Sonoma experience that still feels like a true vacation.

Duration: Full day; multi-day itineraries available

Pickup Location: Door-to-door pickup and drop-off (distance fees may apply beyond 10 miles from Napa town)

Wineries Included: Typically 2–3 wineries per day

Transportation Type: Luxury SUV, limousine, or mini-coach (private)

Vibe: Boutique, educational, and experience-driven

Price: $$ + tip

Tastings Included? No. Tasting fees are paid directly to wineries

Food Options: Personalized lunch or gourmet picnic planning available

(Source: sustainablewinetours.com)

Sustainable Vine Private Tour

Region: Santa Barbara County (and Saint Ynez)

Sustainable Vine offers one of the most immersive and refined private tours in California. Designed for serious enthusiasts (or anyone curious about what makes Santa Barbara’s wines so distinctive), this full-day tour is led by a knowledgeable wine expert with access to wineries that aren’t typically available to the public.

You’ll visit exclusive, sustainable wineries, often family-owned estates practicing organic or biodynamic farming. Expect behind-the-scenes experiences like vineyard walks, barrel tastings, and private sessions with winemakers who share insights into soil health, fermentation, and terroir.

The experience is luxurious yet relaxed. Guests travel in a Tesla or Mercedes SUV, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch or curated cheese pairing, and often taste limited releases unavailable to the public. It’s ideal for couples or small groups who want comfort and substance in equal measure.

This tour requires advance booking, but for those who want to experience California wine at its roots, it’s a rare and rewarding opportunity.

Duration: Full day (around 6-7 hours, typically starting 10 AM)

Pickup Location: Santa Barbara

Wineries Included: 3-4

Transportation Type: Luxury SUV or Tesla (private chauffeured)

Vibe: Intimate and enlightening

Price: $$$

Tastings Included? Yes. All tasting fees and food pairings are included

Food Options: Organic lunch picnic at a scenic location.

(Source: gogrape.com)

Grapeline Wine Tours – Paso Robles

Region: Paso Robles (Central Coast)

Few wine tours capture the easygoing spirit of Paso Robles quite like Grapeline Wine Tours. This top-rated group experience often attracts a fun mix of first-time tasters and seasoned wine lovers. It’s well organized, but packed with personality.

The tour consists of a full-day journey through the region’s rolling hills and some of the best scenic vineyards in the state. You’ll visit four wineries (itineraries vary daily), with each stop revealing a new side to Paso Robles’s rise as a California powerhouse — from family-run estates to larger, well-known producers.

Expect a laid-back, social atmosphere with upbeat music and celebratory toasts on the air-conditioned bus.

Uniquely, this tour often includes behind-the-scenes experiences, like barrel tastings or a quick chat with winemakers.

It’s a great value for the number of stops and the overall quality of the experience. Just note that weekend tours fill up fast.

Duration: ~6 hours (typically 10:30 AM – 4:30 PM)

Pickup Location: Downtown Paso Robles

Wineries Included: 4

Transportation Type: Minibus or coach shuttle

Vibe: Casual yet exclusive; a comfortable, informative experience

Price: $$

Tastings Included? No, each winery charges a tasting fee, but all-inclusive packages are available

Food Options: Picnic lunch or cheese platter included on most tours

(Source: www.platypustours.com)

Platypus Wine Tours – Sonoma Valley

Region: Sonoma Valley

For a relaxed, social day in wine country, Platypus Wine Tours captures the spirit of Sonoma perfectly. Instead of grand estates or tourist-heavy stops, this small-group tour focuses on family-run and boutique wineries that embody the valley’s charm.

You’ll visit three welcoming spots, often guided by owners or winemakers eager to share stories about their vineyards and local traditions.

You’ll travel by comfortable shuttle on a set itinerary. Tasting fees are extra (though many wineries waive them with a bottle purchase).

Led by a knowledgeable guide, the tour is both educational and unhurried. and an ideal way to uncover hidden local gems.

The tour is complete with a picnic lunch enjoyed among the vines or in a shaded garden. Overall, it’s one of the best values in Sonoma.

Duration: ~6-7 hours (late morning through afternoon)

Pickup Location: Multiple (Sonoma Valley and downtown Napa)

Wineries Included: 3

Transportation Type: Comfortable shuttle/van (small group)

Vibe: Casual, informative, and not at all pretentious

Price: $$

Tasting Fees Included? No. Tasting fees are extra at each winery (potentially waived with bottle purchase)

Food Options: Picnic lunch provided (sandwiches or salads, often at a winery)

(Source: www.lacesandlimos.com)

Laces & Limos: Napa Wine Safari

Region: Napa Valley

If you’re looking for a wine tasting tour that blends education with pure California flair, Laces & Limos delivers. Instead of piling onto a crowded shuttle, you’ll coast along Napa’s backroads in an open-air electric tuk-tuk.

What’s a tuk-tuk? Something like this:

(Source: https://gotukn.com/blog/what-is-a-tuk-tuk/)

On the tour, you’ll visit two boutique wineries known for small-batch character and stunning scenery. The fresh air, vineyard views, and hum of the cart make this tour both adventurous and relaxing.

Between tastings, you’ll enjoy a chef-prepared picnic lunch at a quiet vineyard stop, paired with a glass of bubbly to start and a few thoughtful touches (like a welcome snack and a photo album of your experience). Intimate, scenic, and unmistakably “Napa,” this safari is a good pick.

Duration: Full day (~6 hours)

Pickup Location: Archer Hotel (Downtown Napa)

Wineries Included: 2

Transportation Type: Electric tuk-tuk

Vibe: Trendy, intimate, and laid-back

Price: $$

Tasting Fees Included? No. Separate fees typically total $30+ each.

Food Options: Gourmet picnic lunch included with higher tier tours.

(Source: www.temeculacablecar.com) 

Temecula Cable Car Wine Tour

Region: Temecula Valley (Southern California)

If you love a little history with your wine, the Temecula Cable Car Wine Tour is a memorable way to explore Southern California’s wine country.

You’ll ride aboard a retired San Francisco cable car that’s been beautifully repurposed for vineyard cruising. The journey is part of the fun, with panoramic vineyard views and music. A lively guide shares fun facts and local stories as you travel between three Temecula wineries.

The day typically starts with a glass of bubbly to set the mood, and later includes a sit-down gourmet lunch. In general, group energy tends to stay upbeat from start to finish.

Duration: ~5 hours (typically late morning start)

Pickup Location: Cable Car Wine Tours Office in Temecula, CA

Wineries Included: 3

Transportation Type: Open-air cable car trolley

Vibe: Quirky & lively — a rolling wine party with vintage flair

Price: $$

Tastings Included? No. Tasting fees are paid at each winery (typically $20-$30 each)

Food Options: Lunch not included (most days). Food available at wineries. Some days include a free post-tour pizza happy hour.

(Source: www.bin415.com)

BIN 415 Napa Valley Private Tour

Region: Napa Valley

For travelers who want a deeply personalized and luxurious Napa experience, BIN 415’s Private Tour is as exclusive as it gets. Guided by a certified sommelier, this full-day private tour offers direct access to elite wineries, insider knowledge, and seamless comfort from start to finish.

You’ll be chauffeured in a Mercedes SUV (or a larger vehicle for groups) from San Francisco or Napa, visiting three top-tier wineries (each chosen to match your palate and curiosity).

The itinerary often includes:

• A private tasting at Fantesca Estate & Winery on Spring Mountain. Acclaimed winemakers Heidi Barrett and Tony Arcudi craft elegant, limited-production wines.

• A visit to another premium boutique estate such as Three Sticks Winery or Seven Apart.

• A third winery visit tailored to your preferences.

Along the way, your sommelier guide offers deep, engaging commentary to answer your questions.

BIN 415 tours offer a refined, immersive day designed for wine lovers who value expertise and comfort. While the tour carries a steep price tag, it also includes all tasting fees (a $375 per-person value) and takes care of all the logistics. Lunch (charged separately) is arranged at the stylish Brasswood Bar + Kitchen.

This tour is ideal for serious wine enthusiasts or those celebrating a milestone (like passing WSET 3 or 4).

Duration: Up to ~9.5 hours (from San Francisco) or ~7.5 hours (starting in Napa)

Pickup Location: San Francisco

Wineries Included: 3

Transportation Type: Luxury transport with certified sommelier guide

Vibe: High-end & educational, yet comfortable and fun

Price: $$$

Tastings Included? Yes. All tasting fees are included with the tour price

Food Options: Lunch arranged at Brasswood Bar + Kitchen (charged separately)

(Source: www.winetrain.com)

Napa Valley Wine Train (Legacy Tour)

Region: Napa Valley

Few experiences capture Napa’s old-world glamour quite like the Napa Valley Wine Train. This restored 1915 Pullman train lets you savor gourmet meals and world-class wines while rolling through some of the valley’s most iconic vineyards.

Plush interiors and panoramic windows set the stage for a leisurely journey where you can relax, sip, and take in the scenery.

The Legacy Tour combines vintage travel with education, often stopping at two historic wineries for guided tastings and photos: Charles Krug or V. Sattui.

Between stops, guests enjoy a multi-course meal prepared onboard by trained chefs, served on white linens. It’s an experience that feels both timeless and distinctly Californian.

Because it’s a structured tour, you’ll have limited time at each winery, but transportation, dining, and tastings are all included. It’s ideal for travelers who value comfort, nostalgia, and a historical focus.

Duration: ~6 hours (morning departure with lunch, returns by late afternoon)

Pickup Location: McKinstry Street Station, Napa, California

Wineries Included: 2

Transportation Type: Vintage 1915-era train

Vibe: Nostalgic luxury on rails (leisurely and iconic)

Price: $$$$

Tastings Included? Yes. Winery tasting fees are included

Food Options: Gourmet onboard dining (plated breakfast and multi-course lunch)

Tips for Wine Tasting Tours

Here are a few tips to help you make the most of your experience.

1. Go at the Right Time

California wine country changes with the seasons, and timing makes a big difference.

Harvest season (August–October) is the most vibrant time to visit. Grapes are being picked before your eyes, and the weather is ideal. However, harvest season is also the busiest time, so book early.

Spring is calmer and brings green hills and wildflowers, while winter often offers cozy cellar tastings and smaller crowds.

Always check local event calendars before your trip to make the most of your visit.

2. Don’t Do a Self-Guided Tour

Driving yourself and friends through wine country might sound adventurous, but it’s rarely the best choice.

Even if you plan to spit most of what you taste, small pours add up quickly. It’s far more enjoyable (and responsible) to know you can fully take part in each tasting without worrying about a DUI later on.

A guided tour also gives you unique, expert insight into local history, tasting techniques, and details about grape varieties or growing conditions that you may not get on your own. Let someone else handle the logistics so you can relax, enjoy the scenery, and focus on what you came for: the wine.

3. Pair Tours With Formal Study

One of the best ways to enhance your wine education is by going on a wine tour. Likewise, if you’re looking to get everything you can from a tour, get some education.

What you’ll absorb on a good tour (from vineyard experience, discussion of grape varieties, tastings, etc.) aligns closely with what you’ll learn in courses like WSET Level 1 and 2. Consider using your tour as hands-on reinforcement for your wine studies.

Interested in learning more? Explore WSET Level 1 Online or the Wine Fundamentals Course from Napa Valley Wine Academy.

4. Eat First and Stay Hydrated

Start your day with a solid breakfast to fuel the walking, talking, and sipping ahead. You should also bring a water bottle and sip between tastings. Hydration keeps your palate sharp and helps you enjoy more without fatigue.

5. Budget Accordingly

Even with tours that include tasting fees, there are extra costs to plan for:

• Wine bottles you’ll want to bring home

• Snacks or small plates from winery kitchens or cafés

• Souvenirs or local goods from nearby shops

• Additional tastings (some premium experiences can cost $75–$200 each)

• Gratuity for your tour guide

Having a little flexibility in your budget lets you say yes to those special things you discover along the way.

6. Dress Comfortably (and Avoid Scents)

Wear semi-casual, comfortable clothes you can move around in. Closed-toe shoes are smart if you’re touring vineyards or cellars. You’ll want to look polished but relaxed.

Many of these tours will be outdoors or in an open-air vehicle. While Napa Valley’s climate is known for being very comfortable, check the weather just in case.

IMPORTANT: Skip the heavy perfume or cologne. The scent can interfere with wine aromas, both for you and everyone around you.

Final Thoughts

Tasting Cabernet under Napa’s sun or Pinot Noir in the cool hills of Santa Barbara connects you to the places that make every bottle unique. A wine tasting tour will help you gain the kind of real-world experience books can’t provide.

For both students and enthusiasts, California is the ultimate classroom. Its sheer diversity and ideal conditions are a magnificent case study in terroir. The best tours will illuminate that magic with every winery you visit.

Ready to experience California wine country firsthand? Join one of our curated wine education tours through one of the world’s most precious local wine regions. Learn more about bootcamps and other wine tours with Napa Valley Wine Academy.