Conveniently situated in the midst of Northern California's celebrated wine-growing regions, San Francisco is a convenient and vibrant hub from which to begin an exploration of California wine country. With access to both coastal and inland appellations and numerous tour and transportation companies, San Francisco offers wine enthusiasts the opportunity for excursions to suit any taste, budget and tour preference.
Locations
With wine regions as nearby as Napa Valley and as far-flung as Santa Barbara, San Francisco affords a wealth of choices for wine country getaways. California's growing regions range from the northern appellations in Mendocino, Healdsburg and the Russian River Valley (between one and three hours north of the city) to Carneros and the Napa and Sonoma valleys (about an hour's drive from San Francisco) to the Santa Cruz mountains, Monterey, Carmel, Paso Robles and Santa Barbara along the central and southern coast.
Transportation
While certain wine-growing regions, such as Napa Valley, Sonoma, the Russian River Valley and Healdsburg are within an hour's drive of San Francisco, day-trippers eager to taste each region's signature wines may want to consider hiring a car or purchasing a bus or limousine tour for a safer excursion. Many tours depart from centrally located San Francisco hotels and can be tailored to suit individualized itineraries if desired. Farther-flung regions like Mendocino, Santa Cruz and Monterey are best enjoyed during a several-day excursion, since distance and traffic conditions can result in over six hours of driving time round trip.
Weather
Unlike San Francisco itself, which is known for its cloudy skies and cooler temperatures, Northern California's most famous wine-making appellations in Napa, Sonoma, Healdsburg and Mendocino can be significantly warmer and more welcoming--though occasionally hot--throughout the spring and summer months. Inland temperatures range from the 70s to the 90s during the summer in most of these regions, but drop to pleasant 60s in the late fall (a particularly lovely and less crowded time to visit wine country). Coastal locations in Mendocino, Sonoma, Santa Cruz and Monterey/Carmel are generally more temperate throughout the year.
Tasting Fees
Wine tasting is a popular and inexpensive way to explore the scenery and culture of California's wine country. Tasting fees can run from $5 to $25, depending on the winery, tasting flight and inclusions. And while visitors can choose to pay more for reserve tastings, many wineries also offer complimentary tastings of up to five wines--a convenient option for those unfamiliar with the wines and looking to educate themselves about the many varietals available before making a purchase. Fees often increase to include tours of wine-making facilities and cellars, but some such tours also feature gardens, art galleries or other amenities that make a tasting tour worth the price. Budget-conscious travelers can stop by concierge services in San Francisco or visitor's centers in their chosen wine regions, where winemakers frequently offer tasting coupons for reduced, two for one or free tastings.
Considerations
Some of California's wine-making regions are larger and more spread out than others and require more detailed planning in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable day of tasting. While Napa Valley is easily navigable by way of the two main roadways, Highway 29 and Silverado Trail, that run parallel to one another and offer access to most of the region's wineries, Sonoma's appellations are spread out enough to require several days--or else an experienced driver and guide--for a thorough tour of the region's wineries. Consider the length and breadth of time and tasting variety, as well as transportation options, that suit your travel plans before embarking on a San Francisco wine tour.
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