Sightseeing & Tours

7 Tour Ideas for Exploring Sonoma Wine Country

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley in Sonoma, California

Exploring Sonoma Wine Country? For an extra relaxing experience, leave your car behind and go with a winery-savvy guide or chauffeur. You’ll get local insights into wineries and points of interest, whether you want to experience wine castles, wine and food pairing, or wineries with art collections or sensational views.

From vans and limos to bikes, Segways, and hot air balloons — here is a round-up of the best ways to visit wineries in Sonoma County.

By Car

Women inside a limousine with Pure Luxury — Pure Luxury Transportation based in Petaluma, California

Pure Luxury Transportation

As one of California’s largest chauffeured fleets with Lincoln Navigators, stretch limos, and a 56-passenger motor coach, Pure Luxury tailors private tours just right for you. From meeting winery owners and winemakers to trips that include wine and cheese, seven-course pairings, or tastings from a favorite varietal or region.

Beau Wine Tours & Limousine Service

Image of couple in front of car from Beau Wine Tours — Beau Wine Tours & Limousine Service based in Sonoma, California

With a large fleet of new Mercedes and Cadillac sedans, SUVs, limos, vans, and buses, Beau Wine Tours offers transportation for everything from a couple on their honeymoon to a corporate conference. Specializing in wine knowledge, guides create unforgettable Sonoma Wine Country experiences, whether you are new to tasting or a connoisseur. Choose from one of many private tours or select your own wineries to visit.

By Bike

Getaway Adventures

Venture through Sonoma Wine Country on two wheels, with gentle breezes and sunshine. Take a relaxed 10- to 12-mile ride along quiet country lanes, taste wines along the way, and lunch on a Sonoma Wine Country picnic. Advanced cyclists can choose a challenging 30- to 35-mile morning ride followed by lunch and an afternoon of wine tasting by van.

Sonoma on a Bike

A division of Getaway Adventures, Sonoma on a Bike, offers a six-day, five-night guided bicycle tour along the back roads with gourmet meals, luxury accommodations, and all equipment included. A tour for four to eight participants is offered about once a month, along with custom private tours.

Sonoma Valley Bike Tours

Enjoy the scenery and discover boutique and family-owned wineries at a casual pace, led by a knowledgeable local guide. Choose from different-length rides, all on scenic roads that include unique Sonoma Valley winery tours and options to self-explore at some tasting stops. All routes are relatively flat and easy, and there’s also the option of a pedal-assist bike.

Ace It Bike Tours

Take a leisurely ride and visit two to three award-winning Sonoma County wineries along the way. Cruise through rolling hills on relatively flat nature trails and quiet country roads in the world-famous Russian River Valley wine region. Or start in downtown Windsor and head into the country for vineyard views and stops at exceptional Healdsburg wineries. Craft beer tours are also available with stops at local taverns and brewpubs.

By Party Bike

Bike Healdsburg

Get together nine of your favorite friends to eat, drink, and pedal your way through downtown Healdsburg on an all-inclusive party bike tour. Looking a bit like a small bus or trolley, this party bike is a group bicycle powered by participants’ collective pedaling. There are also four non-pedaling seats and a back bench that holds two. Choose from tours that include nibbles, a bit of history, and, of course, stops for bars and wine tasting.

On Foot Walking Tours

Sometimes, strolling leisurely is the best way to get to know an area, especially when you’re following a fun and friendly local guide who takes you to all the best places for behind-the-scenes experiences. These Sonoma County companies offer excellent guided food-and-wine walking tours.

By Trolley

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

The views are magical through open-air windows, and the journey is as much fun as the destination when you travel to wineries in this trolley car! This old-fashioned replica of a vintage 1890s San Francisco cable car has modern appointments like a rockin’ sound system. Tour guides keep everyone laughing as they point out landmarks and share stories about Sonoma County. Stops may include boutique retreats, estate favorites, and a catered picnic lunch.

On Horseback

Triple Creek Horse Outfit in Glen Ellen, California

Whether riding alongside neat rows of grapevines on a hillside with stunning views, or on a sandy beach, exploring by horse is a wonderful way to get close to nature in Sonoma Wine Country. Here are the guided horseback rides available in a variety of scenic settings in Sonoma County.

In a Hot Air Balloon

Many have dreamed about soaring in a hot air balloon over Sonoma Wine Country. A bird’s eye view of the valley provides a breathtaking perspective of sun-dappled lakes, creeks winding like ribbons, and barns dotting the fields. Some flights finish with a champagne toast or brunch.

Explore Sonoma Wine Country just the way you like! For more, check our full listing of Sightseeing & Tours.