Disclaimer: This blog post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on them and make a purchase. Please keep in mind that while I was invited by Green Dream Tours to participate in their tour, all the opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own based on my personal experience. I aim to provide real, honest reviews to guide others in their pursuit of the best Napa Valley wine tours.
What makes Napa Valley so special?
Napa Valley is a special place to be in. When I was younger and I first watched the Parent Trap, I immediately fell in love with Napa Valley. (BTW if you’ve ever seen it and are a fan of it, you can also view the vineyards they filmed in here!) I was 10 years old and didn’t know about wine culture then, but I loved the scenery. It’s a beautiful place with golden and red hues, making you feel so warm, even on a cold winter day. I knew I just wanted to visit Napa Valley as soon as I was able to.
Napa Valley owes its fame to its exceptional climate, diverse soils, varied topography, and its iconic heritage as a wine-producing region. A medley of microclimates contribute to its favorable Mediterranean climate, making it perfect for grape growing. Its global acclaim can be traced back to the historic “Judgement of Paris” in 1976, where Napa wines triumphed over the revered French wines, cementing its status in the world of wine.
The region takes pride in its renowned Cabernet Sauvignon – the signature grape variety of the valley. With more than 400 wineries offering a wide array of wine styles, Napa Valley caters to diverse wine preferences. Beyond the allure of its vineyards and wineries, Napa’s vibrant food and arts scene, marked by gourmet restaurants and elegant art galleries, makes it a well-rounded, sophisticated destination for a wide range of interests.
What makes Sonoma Valley special?
Another special place, Sonoma Valley. Fun fact, I was actually going to go to Sonoma State once upon a time! I ended up choosing Chico State instead. This is a beautiful place I like to return to quite often. I absolutely love Sonoma, and with it being just a 50 minute drive away from San Francisco, I can’t resist a good day trip!
Just like its neighbor Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley is world renowned and known for its wines as well. With over 55 miles of coastline, you’ll find glorious coastal redwoods and some of California’s most charming towns. Because of its scenic diversity, it makes for a highly conducive environment for the growth and curation of high quality wines. The most commonly planted grape varieties include Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel.
Beyond its fantastic wine scene, Sonoma Valley also boasts a craft beer scene and an array of local specialties such as Dungeness crab, artisanal cheeses, and grass-fed beef, pretty much making Sonoma a beautiful and yummmmmmy place to be in. Sonoma has and always will have a special place in my heart.
Why book a Napa Valley wine tour?
Contrary to popular belief, Napa Valley wine tours are not just for first time visitors! Wine tours led by knowledgeable tour guides introduce everyone to unique and stunning wineries that might otherwise remain undiscovered. Napa Valley wine tours provide stress-free transport and planning, allowing you to relax, sip, and have a memorable time. These tours make it easy to experience the region without worrying about organizing transportation between wineries or creating an itinerary, ensuring a relaxed, enjoyable wine country experience1. Moreover, a guided wine tour allows you to safely indulge in wine tasting without the concern of driving afterward.
It’s a great way to get the girls together and have a memorable girls’ day, or to get the family together and create memories together. Whether it’s your first time or hundredth time visiting Napa, there is so much to see and learn, and taking a wine tour just makes it all easy.
When is the best time to visit Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley?
What’s great about this region of California is that the weather is perfect all year round. The best time to visit can depend on what you’re looking for in your visit. The peak tourist season, which corresponds with the region’s harvest season, runs from August through October. It’s during these months that the winemaking process can be observed first-hand, as the grape harvesting and crushing processes take place. This season is characterized by numerous food and wine events, but it can also be the busiest with higher prices and larger crowds.
For those looking for a quieter and more affordable time to visit, consider the winter months.The region sees fewer tourists during this time, leading to lower hotel rates and wine tour prices.
Alternatively, the months from March through May also make for an excellent visit period. During spring, the crowds are smaller than the peak season, the weather is lovely, and the valley is lush, displaying vibrant hues owing to bud-break, the first stage of the vine’s growth cycle.
Each season in this region has its own charm and attractions, so the best time to visit greatly depends on your personal preferences and interests. Personally, I think fall is the best time!
Let’s Talk About the Best Napa Valley Wine Tour: Green Dream Tours
The day began with a warm welcome at 9:45 AM from our knowledgeable guide, Mikayla, as we boarded the comfortable Green Dream Tours bus. The team already took care of organizing breakfast, ensuring that we would arrive to our first destination with our breakfasts ready! Everyone went above and beyond to make sure everyone in the group had everything we needed to enjoy the day ahead.
Driving through the breathtaking landscapes of Napa Valley, it was apparent that the beauty and expertise offered by Green Dream Tours were unmatched. Our first stop included a visit to the Oxbow Public Market, where we marveled at the abundant local produce and charming atmosphere. I love markets like this, where it’s basically a one stop shop for grocery, drinks, food, and great vibes. Our first meal of the day included delicious bagels and latkes by Loveski, and then it was time to head to the next stop!
As we progressed into the heart of wine country, the Green Dream Tours expertise truly shined. The team had carefully handpicked two unique wineries for us to explore in each of the iconic valleys. We had the opportunity to learn about viticulture, wine production, and the rich history of the region from our talented guide and the passionate winemakers themselves.
When you book a Napa Valley wine tour with Green Dream Tours, tours will vary, depending on the size of the group, how many tasting rooms/wineries you’d like to visit, etc. The team goes above and beyond to make sure every detail is meticulously planned to bring a personalize and memorable experience for their customers. Feel free to use BYNICALINA10 for 10% off your tour!
The Dreamiest Winery in Sonoma: Nicholson Ranch
Our first winery of the day was Nicholson Ranch, located in the prized southern foothills of Sonoma, where four best appellations of California intersect. Because of its unique location, it’s a remarkable vineyard and winery at the epicenter of Napa and Sonoma’s wine growing regions. This winery was so dreamy. This is the type of winery you’d go to alone and bring a book + journal as your companion. Or with a close girlfriend to sit down and talk about your goals and aspirations with. It’s an inspiring place, perhaps due to the abundance of land (over 40 acres!) and its European-esque architecture. I would definitely return here in the future.
All the wines are 100% estate-grown and made, and are sustainably created. They’re best known for their Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Syrah. It’s no wonder the winery has won Double Golds and Best of Class awards for the past 5 years at the San Francisco Chronicle wine competition, aka the largest judging of American wines in the world.
The Best Lunch Spot in Sonoma: Girl and the Fig
In between our tastings, we were treated to an extended lunch break at Girl and the Fig in Sonoma Square. Sonoma Square is such a great place to spend time in. I personally love going there in the early morning and journaling/reading in the small rose garden after picking up a coffee + pastry at one of the cafes, or having a picnic on a sunny afternoon. With a variety of dining and shopping options, there is something for everyone at the Square.
The Girl & The Fig is a charming French restaurant that serves country food with a French passion. The antique bar is a perfect setting for sipping unique and traditional cocktails, as well as enjoying a carefully curated selection of French aperitifs. The restaurant takes pride in its award-winning Rhône-Alone wine list that perfectly complements its delicious seasonal menu.
Known for their culinary highlights, including favorites like the steak tartare, fig and arugula salad, crispy duck confit, and wild flounder meunière, this was the perfect place for lunch. Their cheese and charcuterie platters are the perfect addition to any meal. Their seating options include a cozy outdoor garden patio, as well as an outdoor courtyard that allows diners to admire the surroundings while indulging in a gastronomic adventure.
A Memorable Tasting Room in Sonoma Plaza: Highway 12 Winery Tasting Room
Our second and last tasting of the day was at the Highway 12 Winery Tasting Room. I absolutely loved their reds, especially the General, which actually was put on a hiatus for the last three years. I felt honored to try it! I’m a huge fan of reds, so they really tantalized my taste buds with every sip. Their Camino de Sonoma Red was also a favorite of mine. Its notes of blackfruit, plum compote, tanned leather, and mocha just wowed me with every single sip.
Highway 12 Winery was established in 2024 and its name comes from the iconic highway that surrounds Sonoma Valley and the Carneros region! I just learned this tidbit from the tour: The Carneros region has been integral to Northern California’s wine country since the first plantings in 1825. Highway 12 Winery takes pride in upholding this wine road’s historical significance with its quality offerings. One thing I love about wine is that there is so much to learn about it, making it exciting to learn about and be surrounded by. It seems like I’ll never actually know everything there is to wine, and I love that because it’s what keeps me on my toes!
My Overall Experience with Green Dream Tours: 10/10
After a day of exploration and tastings, we hopped back on our cozy bus and exchanged stories with newfound friends, all while admiring the picturesque scenery as it slowly faded in the distance. The sunset was immaculate, signaling a beautiful end to a beautiful day. Green Dream Tours exceeded all expectations not only in their expertise but also in their ability to create an unforgettable wine country experience, leaving me with memories I’ll always cherish!
For anyone looking to dive into the world of Napa Valley and Sonoma, I highly recommend Green Dream Tours as your go to for booking a Napa Valley wine tour. With their commitment to exceptional service, intimate knowledge of the region and customizable options for every taste, you’re sure to embark on the wine adventure of your dreams. Again, use BYNICALINA10 for 10% off your tour!
I can’t wait to hear all about your wine journey.
