10 Wine Tours & Tastings in Marin County That You Shouldn't Miss

May 21, 2022 Etsuko Causey

Some say it’s different, but residents of Marin County like their home that way. We’re betting you will too! Nestled between San Francisco and the Napa Valley, Marin County includes the cities of Tiburon, San Anselmo, San Rafael and Corte Madera.

Activities in Marin County include the highly anticipated Concours d’Elegance, a festival of pre-1978 vehicles and British Sports Cars. Held at the Marin County Fairgrounds in May, the event features a wine-tasting, fine food and “The Drive,” a parade of classic cars winding their way through the scenic back roads of Marin and neighboring Sonoma Counties ending with a lunch reception in San Rafael. In July, be sure to head to the Marin County Fair and in August hit the San Rafael Food and Wine Festival. Treat yourself to some of the world-renowned local wine and watch the sun go down over the hills.

Of course, there’s no shortage of natural beauty in Marin County. Beach lovers will enjoy Stinson Beach or Point Reyes National Seashore where wildlife abounds. Here you just might spot some Elephant Seals or Tule Elk among the rugged terrain or, from Point Reyes Lighthouse, catch a glimpse of a pod of whales. Go butterfly or bird watching and enjoy the many natural wonders of California’s Northern Coast.

For some, no vacation would be complete without a round of golf. If you’re a golf aficionado, Marin County will not disappoint you. The area boasts several public and private courses in a variety of settings, including San Geronimo Golf Course. Situated on 150 acres of stunning landscape, this is a challenging course designed to test your game! Or, try the StoneTree Golf Club, a daily fee, 18-hole championship course. If hiking is more your style, check out Angel Island State Park. Accessible only by ferry, Angel Island offers spectacular views of most of the Bay Area, including San Francisco. Fishing more your style? Try McNear’s Beach Pier in San Rafael.


Restaurants in Marin County

1. Ensenada Shore Excursion: Wine and Cheese Tour with Lunch in Ojos Negros Valley

Top Private Tours (Ensenada, Mexico)
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

This 5-hour tour picks you up at your port and takes you on a delicious route of wine and cheese.  Enjoy amazing views and a great day in Ensenada. Include: - Transportation Cruise Port – Ojos Negros Valley – Cruise Port. - Visit to San Rafael winery, explanation of the wine making process and 3 wines for tasting. - Visit to Cava de Quesos (Cheese cave), walking tour around Rancho Ramonetti, explanation of the cheese making process. - Explanation of milk derivatives processing. - Tasting 6 types of cheeses with artisan breads, local fruits and olive oil. - Local lunch at Rancho Ramonetti, include a glass of wine. - Return to Ensenada.

Inclusions: Transportation Cruise Port – Ojos Negros Valley – Cruise Port, Visit to Infinity winery and wine tasting, Visit to Cava de Quesos and cheese tasting, Lunch at Rancho Ramonetti

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By Dotti329

We were schedule to do this excursion on Sunday while at port in Ensenada. The day before my sister caught Ecoli from the Carnival Cruise and was quarantined to her room on the ship. I called Viator to explain and cancel our excursion for a refund due to the circumstances. They said that there wasn't anything they could do because they still had to pay their guide even though we called the day before the excursion. There should be special consideration for cancellations up to the excursion time. It was out of our hands as we couldn't leave the ship. I called after the cruise had finalized to ask for consideration for a refund and they said they couldn't help. As a result they definitely have very poor customer service. I don't recommend anyone use Trip Advisor. Very unsatisfied customer!!!

2. Custom 3 hour Tour of San Francisco

AntGlobal Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Getting there is half the fun. My Expedition is more like a Gondola. On stage since age 5, I will entertain you with singing, car karaoke, juggling and stories from my weird and fun life where home ran away from me when I was 15 and I joined the Circus. As a Lyft and Uber driver for 3 years I learned where to go in San Francisco. Testimonials: "Honestly the best ride I’ve ever had. The man has the voice of an angel and the personality of Johnny Carson. Could not recommend a better driver. " "Fantastic driver and extremely entertaining!!!!!"

Inclusions: Bottled water, WiFi on board

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3. Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour + Alcatraz Tour & Aquarium Access

Incredible Adventures
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

On day one, taking the ferry to Alcatraz will afford you amazing views of the Golden Gate Bridge, Angel Island, Alcatraz Island, and the San Francisco city skyline from the north. When you land on the island, you’ll get a short history of Alcatraz, and then head up into the prison! On day two experience redwoods, hiking, and world-class wine in both Sonoma & Napa Valley. Experience all this and more on a day trip to Muir Woods and Sonoma wine country. Pass through the beautiful Marin Headlands on your way to Muir Woods National Monument, where you see some of the West’s most beautiful redwood trees. In the afternoon, relax in wine country, where you will enjoy wine tasting at a variety of fine California wineries. This full-day tour is a fun mixture of nature and culture.

Inclusions: Full-day Wine Tour, Tasting at 2 wineries, one in Napa and one in Sonoma., A variety of red, white, and dessert wines, Hotel pickup and drop-off on day two, Alcatraz Island Ferry Tour ($39.90 USD value)

Exclusions: Muir Woods - $15 entrance fees (16 years old & older), FREE (15 years old & under), Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Additional wine tastings

Reviewed By A7975XVstevenp

Great experience and sight seeing. Nice trails to hike! Our tour guide Mitch was amazing and helped provide a better experience for the tour.

4. Giant Redwoods Tour Including a 4-Course Winery Lunch

Best Bay Area Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

The day begins at the magnificent Muir Woods with a walk among trees that soar 300 feet in the sky. This is an unparalleled chance to experience trees that have been around for 1500 years. We then move on to Kendall-Jackson winery and culinary garden where the farm-to-table culinary movement is in full bloom. We will tour through the gardens that are the source of vegetables and herbs for California’s most prestigious restaurants. Once we’ve seen the incredible offering of the culinary garden, Kendall Jackson’s award-winning chefs will prepare a four-course lunch paired with some of Kendall Jackson’s finest wines. The seasonal menu is designed with the freshest ingredients from the garden along with locally sourced meats and fruits. ENTRANCE TO MUIR WOODS IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE. Gratuity for the wait staff at the winery is not included.

Inclusions: Lunch, Tour through Kendall Jackson Culinary Garden, Admission to Muir Woods National Monument

Exclusions: Gratuities

Reviewed By cwd143

Took the small group tour to Yosemite National Park. It was one of the best tours we have had. Brian our tour guide made this 1 day trip to Yosemite amazing. He packed in a visit and photo opps to all the major sites in Yosemite . We highly recommend tours with Best Bay. They do not disappoint at all.

5. Wine Country Small-Group Tour from San Francisco with Tastings

1301 Palace Dr, San Francisco, CA 94115, USA Edge of the World Tours
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4.9 based on 358 reviews

Beautiful Sonoma Valley is your destination on this laid-back, fun-filled, all-day tour. You will learn much about the region from your friendly and knowledgeable guide and will have the opportunity to sample many of the delicious wines that have made Northern California a world-renowned wine producing region. You will travel with a small group (limited to 12 people) to three of Sonoma’s finest boutique wineries where you will spend approximately one hour at each winery. This journey also includes a stop in scenic Sausalito, a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge, and a lunch stop in the historic town of Sonoma where you can select from one of the many fantastic restaurants on the square. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even take a walk into the past at Mission San Francisco Solano. Tasting fees at all wineries are included!

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only), Wine tastings at three wineries, Professional driver/guide, Live commentary on board, Transport by air-conditioned minivan, Alcoholic Beverages

Exclusions: Lunch, Sausalito Ferry, Gratuities

Reviewed By Cece S

Mark was an amazing tour guide and the wineries were beautiful. It was worth the money and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone going to California.

6. Small Group Redwoods and Wine Country Trip Including Wine Tasting and Cave Tour

San Francisco, CA, USA Best Bay Area Tours
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4.8 based on 96 reviews

Our tour begins at Muir Woods, an old-growth Redwood forest that contains some of the tallest trees on the planet. These 800-year old beauties soar nearly 300 feet over the valley floor. We will spend over an hour walking down paths that have been growing for centuries. We begin our tastings at a small Sonoma-style boutique winery that is typical of the area. This is followed by a visit to historic Sonoma Square. You will have time to explore some of the tasting rooms on your own. Or for history buffs, you can tour the historic Mission San Francisco Solano or explore Army Barracks from or a preserved hotel from 1848. For a food experience, there are small shops around the Square that have olive oil, cheese and chocolate tasting. During your free time, there are several choices for lunch. Then we go to a large winery for a tasting and a private tour of the caves where will learn about winemaking. ENTRANCE TO MUIR WOODS IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE, as are the tasting fees.

Inclusions: Admission fee to Muir Woods National Monument ($15 per person), Wine tasting fees, Driver/guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off (selected hotels only)

Exclusions: Gratuities, Pickup and drop-off from residential addresses, Lunch

Reviewed By cwd143

Took the small group tour to Yosemite National Park. It was one of the best tours we have had. Brian our tour guide made this 1 day trip to Yosemite amazing. He packed in a visit and photo opps to all the major sites in Yosemite . We highly recommend tours with Best Bay. They do not disappoint at all.

7. Small-Group Vintage Wine Country Tour to Sonoma and Napa

Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA A Taste of SF
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4.7 based on 25 reviews

Enjoy an unforgettable day in the heart of California's famous Wine Country. Visit three highly regarded wineries and take a sip during an included wine tasting at all of the 3 wineries. Enjoy the scenic ride from San Francisco across the Golden Gate Bridge and then the idyllic rolling hills of wine country. Learn about each winery and the wine they produce at each stop. 3 tasting fees are included. If time permits, we can do more tastings. Wineries described can be replaced by the decision of the driver and passengers.

Inclusions: All 3 winery tasting fees, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Professional tour guide, Air-conditioned vehicle

Exclusions: Gratuities, Lunch

Reviewed By RobertW220

Exceeded our expectations, driver very knowledgeable and courteous. Saw so much more of San Francisco than we knew was there. Highly recommend. Thrilled with visit to Twin Peaks .

8. Combo Tour: Small Group Muir Wood, Sausalito and Wine Country Tour

Union Square, San Francisco, CA 94108, USA A Taste of SF
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4.6 based on 13 reviews

Discover the magic of world-famous Muir Woods and the exciting wines of Sonoma County during this full-day combo tour from San Francisco. Get out and enjoy the fresh air before sipping on some of the best wines in the world as you sit back and let a knowledgeable guide show you around. Wander around hiking trails, visit two popular wineries and visit local shops on this unforgettable two-in-one Northern California adventure.

Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, 1 Sonoma Winery tasting fee

Exclusions: Entrance fee to Muir Woods National Park, Gratuities, 2nd additional winery tasting fee, average of $15 per person

Reviewed By RobertW220

Exceeded our expectations, driver very knowledgeable and courteous. Saw so much more of San Francisco than we knew was there. Highly recommend. Thrilled with visit to Twin Peaks .

9. San Francisco Super Saver: Muir Woods & Wine Country w/ optional Gourmet Lunch

San Francisco, CA, USA Extranomical Tours
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4.5 based on 2,210 reviews

Named one of the top 10 wine tours in the world in 2018, this amazing tour combines two of California’s best experiences: Coastal Redwoods in Muir Woods and California’s Wine Country. After a complimentary hotel pickup, crossing of the Golden Gate Bridge and 1 ½ hours strolling among the Giant Sequoias of Muir Woods, your afternoon will be spent leisurely exploring the vineyards and tasting wine at three boutique, family owned wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valley. It’s the only Woods & Wine tour to include all wine tasting fees. Guarantee departures 365 days a year. The tour offers the option of taking your Wine Country and Redwoods Tour experience to the next level by indulging in an exclusive three-course food experience on historic Sonoma plaza.

Inclusions: Expert guide and commentary, Wine tasting at three (3) wineries (wineries subject to change-see list of potential wineries below), Hotel pickup and drop-off (most hotels in downtown San Francisco/Fisherman's Wharf area, but do not pick up outside SF city limits), Gourmet lunch (upgrade; select at checkout if desired), Guide Gratuities (for Private option ONLY)

Exclusions: Muir Woods National Park entrance fee (USD15.00 per person - subject to change), Additional food and drinks, Lunch for children is not included in rate and will need to be paid at restaurant. Children order a la carte. (Customer is responsible for payment on site), Guide Gratuities (for Shared tour)

Reviewed By MF91989

Excellent Tour Guide , very informative! Appreciated all the suggestions. I wish the bus had a bathroom , that we had more white wine options during the tour and that we were told that we would be outdoors. A lot of us in the group thought we would wine taste indoors even with Covid. Lastly, it would have been nice to spend more time at Castello di Amorosa to take it all in more since it was the best attraction of the day. Would still recommend. Thank you Randall !!

10. Small Group Muir Woods with Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

Incredible Adventures
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4.4 based on 60 reviews

See Muir Woods and Wine Country in one great tour. Pass through the beautiful Marin Headlands on your way to Muir Woods National Monument where you will walk amongst some of the tallest trees in the world! In the afternoon, relax in both the Napa & Sonoma Valley Wine Country area, where you will enjoy local wine tastings at a variety of fine California wineries (tastings included). End the day with a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge before arriving back in San Francisco in time for dinner.

Inclusions: Transport and guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Wine tastings at two wineries

Exclusions: Muir Woods - $15 entrance fees (16 years old & older), FREE (15 years old & under), Breakfast, lunch and dinner, Additional wine tastings ($15-25)

Reviewed By lucyville1

Our tour guide was probably the best part about this wine tour! The wines were ok, but Jason was so much fun, he knew and appreciated every person at all three wineries, he took the time out to talk to every person on the tour, and his recommendations were perfect! If you're lucky enough, you'll get Jason!

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