10 Tips for Exploring Sonoma County Vineyards

To embrace the beauty and bounty of the scenic vineyards in Sonoma County, there are some immersive ways to experience the extraordinary sights and tastes of this renowned region. Start your adventure with a fun tour on a bike, trolley, horseback — or just your own two feet.

Here are more great options for exploring the famous vineyards and wineries of Sonoma Wine Country.

Sonoma County Vineyard Adventures

Discover all the complimentary, no-appointment, self-guided vineyard tours available to you courtesy Sonoma County Winegrowers at many top wineries, including St. Francis Winery & Vineyards, Matanzas Creek Winery, Schug Carneros Estate, Balletto Vineyards, La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard, Amista Vineyards, and Francis Ford Coppola Winery. The trails are no more than a mile long and relatively easy to walk. Simply stop in at each winery for a map and enjoy the views.

Bike Tours

Cycle along quiet back roads where every turn brings a picture-postcard view of sun-kissed vines, olive trees, and golden hills. With Getaway Adventures, guests can follow a professional guide to family-owned wineries and savor the vintages of this famous region. Peddle 10 to 12 miles, stop at three to four wineries, and enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch.

Sonoma Valley Bike Tours is another local company that offers half-day or one-day guided tours, covering three to six miles between two or three wineries and includes lunch. Follow your local expert to boutique and family-owned gems. You can also rent bicycles and plan your own trek with staff tips, plus a boxed picnic lunch and service to pick up your wine purchases. 

Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley

The views are magical through the open-air windows of this trolley car, which offers a four-winery tour that feels like a rolling party. You get to ride in a replica of a vintage San Francisco cable car with modern appointments like a rockin’ sound system. The guides keep it fun, pointing out landmarks and sharing local stories. Visit four boutique Sonoma wineries and enjoy a catered picnic lunch.

Winery Tours

Many Sonoma County wineries offer guided tours of their property, like Kunde Family Winery. One of the more popular tours at Kunde is a hiking-and-tasting tour designed for outdoor and wine enthusiasts. The moderately strenuous trek takes guests to the Mayacamas Mountain Range and includes a winery tasting and a country lunch. Kunde also occasionally offers this hike as a dog-friendly option.

Hot Air Ballooning

What better way to take in a view of vineyards, forests, and mountains than soaring in a hot air balloon? From above, Sonoma County appears as a latticework of rolling hills and valleys, with sun dappling across lakes and creeks that wind like ribbons. Flights can be up to four fabulous hours, usually ending with a sparkling wine toast. 

Sonoma Valley Trail Rides

Enjoy vineyard views on horseback with group rides complete with wine tasting and a picnic afterward. Trail rides are suitable for any level of rider, no experience necessary! Helmets and boots are available; just bring a positive vibe and good mood.

Bike Healdsburg

From birthday get-togethers, bachelor and bachelorette parties, and graduation celebrations to corporate team-building, reunions, and more — grab the crew and head out on a party bike. If there’s just a few of you, don’t worry — come on board, meet other riders, and make new friends!

Pushpak Tours

Set off on an open-air adventure through Sonoma’s countryside on a fun and eco-friendly electric trike. Cruise alongside rolling vineyards and orchards on backroads while stopping along the way at historic sites, wineries, and culinary destinations. Pushpak tours are perfect for couples, families, weddings, and group events.

Luxury Shuttles

Relax with a luxury shuttle tour that curates individual itineraries and offers exclusive experiences, such as winemaker visits or vineyard picnics. Top tour companies include Pure Luxury Transportation, Platypus Wine Tours, Woody’s Wine Tours, and Beau Wine Tours.

Wine Tour Drivers

Book a professional Designated Driver.

This Santa Rosa alternative-transportation company offers a safe and unique way to tour Wine County, with licensed and insured, responsible, sober drivers who use your rental or personal vehicle to chauffeur you between wineries and get you home or back to your hotel at the end of the day. Easy, comfortable, and smart.

For more inspiration, discover all the wineries and tasting rooms in Sonoma County, California.