Explore the renowned Napa Valley on a luxurious small-group wine tour from San Francisco. This immersive 10-hour experience takes wine enthusiasts through a careful curation of acclaimed wineries, offering exclusive tastings and an in-depth look at the region’s winemaking heritage. From the medieval-style grandeur of Castello di Amorosa to the acclaimed offerings of V. Sattui and Ru Vango, the tour promises a well-rounded exploration of Napa’s finest. With hotel pickups, comfortable transportation, and an expert guide, this tour is designed to deliver an unparalleled wine country adventure. What awaits beyond the captivating itinerary is a journey that truly captures the essence of Napa’s renowned viniculture.
This experience made our list of the 11 Best Tours In Napa.
Key Points
• This 10-hour luxury small-group tour from San Francisco offers guided visits to three renowned Napa Valley wineries, including a medieval-style castle tour.
• The tour provides a comprehensive Napa Valley wine-tasting experience, with tastings at Castello di Amorosa, V. Sattui Winery, and Ru Vango Winery.
• The tour includes transportation in a luxury vehicle, a 1.5-hour lunch break in the charming town of Calistoga, and a photo stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
• The tour is suitable for adults aged 21-99 and is priced starting at €273.74 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Positive reviews highlight the tour’s unique winery selections, comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guide, and overall value for the experience.
Tour Overview
The San Francisco to Napa Valley wine tour typically lasts 10 hours and starts with convenient pickups from most hotels in downtown San Francisco and Fisherman’s Wharf, with 13 pickup and drop-off locations available.
Priced from €273.74 per person, this small-group tour is suitable for adults aged 21-99 but not for those under 21. Travelers can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour includes three wine-tasting experiences, a guided tour of Castello di Amorosa, transportation in a luxury vehicle, and a knowledgeable wine-enthusiast guide.
Past participants have praised the tour’s unique winery selections, beautiful Napa scenery, punctual and comfortable transportation, and the guide’s expertise.
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Itinerary Highlights
Kicking off the tour, guests visit the Castello di Amorosa, a medieval-style castle where they enjoy a guided tour and wine tasting for 1.5 hours.
Afterward, the group travels to Calistoga, California, where they’ve 1.5 hours for lunch and free time.
Next, they stop at the V. Sattui Winery for a 1-hour visit and wine tasting, followed by a 1-hour visit and tasting at the Ru Vango Winery.
The tour culminates with a 15-minute photo stop and sightseeing at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, with the remaining time spent traveling between locations via various bus or coach segments totaling approximately 5 hours.
Wine Experiences at Wineries
At the first winery, Castello di Amorosa, guests embark on an authentic medieval-style castle tour and enjoy a variety of well-balanced wines during the 1.5-hour tasting experience.
The castle, built with 13th-century materials and furnishings, sets the stage for an immersive wine journey.
Next, the tour stops at the historic V. Sattui Winery, known for its award-winning wines and family-run atmosphere. Guests have an hour to explore the winery and indulge in tastings.
The final winery, Ru Vango, offers reserve flights of wines cultivated at high elevations in the Carneros AVA. This unique tasting allows visitors to appreciate the nuances of the region’s terroir.
Throughout the wine experiences, the knowledgeable guide shares insights and enhances the overall appreciation of Napa’s rich winemaking heritage.
Castello Di Amorosa Tour and Tasting
Guests begin their Napa Valley wine tour experience with a guided tour and tasting at the iconic Castello di Amorosa, a 121,000-square-foot medieval-style castle built using 13th-century materials and techniques. This unique winery offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity to explore its authentically-crafted interiors and sample its well-balanced wines.
The tour takes visitors through the castle’s halls, cellars, and towers, providing a glimpse into its rich history and impressive architecture. The guided experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours and includes a tasting of the winery’s signature varietals.
Castello di Amorosa’s wines are known for their complexity, elegance, and food-pairing versatility. Guests can enjoy the castle’s old-world ambiance and appreciate the meticulous attention to detail that went into its construction.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyLunch and Free Time in Calistoga
After exploring the grandeur of Castello di Amorosa, the tour provides a chance to experience the charming town of Calistoga.
Guests will enjoy a leisurely lunch and free time to wander the quaint streets, browse local shops, and soak in the relaxed atmosphere of this picturesque Napa Valley community.
Calistoga is known for its natural geothermal hot springs, which have made it a popular destination for wellness-seekers.
During the free time, visitors can stroll through the town’s historic downtown, popping into art galleries, boutiques, and cafes.
With its small-town ambiance and stunning natural setting, Calistoga offers a delightful respite from the wine-tasting activities, allowing guests to fully enjoy the Napa Valley lifestyle.
Visits to V. Sattui and Ru Vango Wineries
The tour then takes guests to the historic V. Sattui Winery, established in 1885 and known for its award-winning wines and family-run atmosphere.
The V. Sattui Winery offers a warm, welcoming experience with its long-standing tradition and dedication to quality.
Following the visit to V. Sattui, the group proceeds to the Ru Vango Winery, nestled within the Carneros AVA, where they can sample reserve flights of wines cultivated at high elevations.
At the Ru Vango Winery, guests have the opportunity to explore the unique terroir of the Carneros region through the winery’s premium wine selection.
These two winery visits provide a well-rounded taste of Napa Valley’s diverse wine offerings, from the historic to the boutique.
Golden Gate Bridge Photo Stop
En route to the final winery, the tour makes a brief stop at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, allowing participants a chance to snap photos and admire the famous landmark.
The striking red suspension bridge stretches across the Golden Gate strait, connecting San Francisco to Marin County.
As the group disembarks the luxury vehicle, they’re provided 15 minutes to explore the scenic viewpoint and capture the bridge’s majestic presence against the backdrop of the city skyline.
This quick photo opportunity offers a memorable respite from the wine tastings, giving travelers a chance to appreciate one of San Francisco’s most iconic sights before continuing on to the last winery on the itinerary.
Tour Inclusions and Customer Feedback
The tour package boasts several inclusions that cater to visitors’ wine-tasting needs and enhance the overall experience.
Three wine-tasting sessions are covered, with a total value of $170. Participants also receive a guided tour of the Castello di Amorosa, a unique medieval-style castle in the heart of Napa Valley.
The tour is conducted in a luxury vehicle with a knowledgeable wine-enthusiast guide and includes:
- Onboard Wi-Fi and gratuities
- Small group experience
- Pickup and drop-off from various locations in San Francisco
Based on 102 reviews, the tour has an impressive overall rating of 4.5/5, with high praise for the guide’s knowledge and helpfulness, as well as the unique winery selections and beautiful Napa scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There is no specific dress code for the tour. Guests are advised to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes as the tour involves some walking between wineries. The focus is on enjoying the wine tasting experiences.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?
Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but they’re encouraged to sample the provided wine tastings. The tour operators recommend enjoying the local cuisine and beverages offered in Napa Valley during the lunch stop.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
The tour is only open to adults aged 21-99, and is not suitable for those under 21. Participants must be of legal drinking age to participate in the wine tastings included as part of the tour.
Can I Leave the Group During the Tour for Personal Activities?
The tour participants cannot leave the group during the tour for personal activities. The itinerary is fixed, and participants are expected to stay with the group throughout the 10-hour duration of the tour.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for This Tour?
The cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides flexible booking options for participants and ensures they can plan their trip with confidence.
Recap
The San Francisco: Luxury Small-Group Wine Tour of Napa Valley offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s acclaimed wineries.
Guests will enjoy exclusive tastings, a guided tour of the iconic Castello di Amorosa, and visits to renowned estates like V. Sattui.
With luxury transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and stunning scenery, this tour provides an unforgettable immersion in Napa’s rich winemaking heritage, making it a must-do experience for oenophiles.
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