Sonoma is a fantastic destination for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike. The county’s scenic vineyards, charming towns, and friendly vibe make it a prime spot for guided tours. We’re especially fond of the Sonoma Valley Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch for its intimate setting and delicious meal, and the Sonoma Plaza Walking Tour that offers a taste of local flavor and history in a compact package. Whether you prefer exploring by bike, trolley, or even a vintage sidecar, Sonoma’s tour options provide authentic experiences that go beyond just tasting wine.
What sets Sonoma apart from other wine regions is its focus on boutique wineries, sustainable practices, and the ability to tailor your visit for different interests. Some tours emphasize scenery and history, like the Wine Trolley Tasting Tour, while others are perfect for active travelers, such as the Guided Cycling Tour. With a range of durations, prices, and focuses, there’s something for every kind of traveler in Sonoma.
Quick Overview
This list covers various ways to experience Sonoma’s wine country, including guided winery tours, walking explorations of Sonoma Plaza, bike adventures, and even classic sidecar rides through Napa Valley. For those interested in sustainable farming and natural wineries, the Explore Natural Wineries with a Local Sommelière is a standout. If you’re seeking a relaxed, fun-filled day with tastings included, the Temecula Valley Wine Tour offers a quick escape. Each experience provides a unique perspective on Sonoma’s wines, scenery, and local culture, making them well worth considering for your trip.
1. Sonoma Valley: Guided Winery Tour with Picnic Lunch
At number one, this small-group guided winery tour combines visits to three boutique wineries with a relaxed picnic lunch. Priced at $137 per person, and rated 4.8/5 based on 28 reviews, it offers an ideal way to spend a day with intimate group size and personalized attention. The tour lasts about 7 hours, making it perfect for travelers looking to immerse themselves without feeling rushed.
What makes this tour stand out is the careful selection of hand-picked wineries and the expert guidance from a knowledgeable host. You’ll learn about the wine-making process and enjoy panoramic views of Sonoma Valley. The highlight is the picnic lunch served at one of the wineries, giving you a chance to savor local flavors in a beautiful setting. The guide also shares stories about Sonoma’s wine history, adding depth to your tasting experience.
This tour is best suited for those who appreciate smaller groups, personalized service, and a mix of tasting, learning, and relaxing with a scenic backdrop. The value for money is excellent, considering the included lunch and multiple tastings. The only potential drawback might be the length, but for wine lovers, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Bottom Line: An excellent choice for those wanting an authentic, small-group feel with a delicious picnic and insider knowledge.
2. Sonoma: Sonoma Plaza Walking Tour
Number two on our list is the Sonoma Plaza Walking Tour, a perfect way to explore the heart of Sonoma on foot. With a 5/5 rating from 2 reviews and priced at $109 per person, it lasts about 3 hours—ideal for travelers short on time or looking for a leisurely introduction to the town.
This tour takes you through the historic Sonoma Plaza, where you’ll sample local olive oils, cheeses, and wines. The guide, a local author, shares stories about Sonoma’s past and tips on hidden gems around the plaza. You’ll also enjoy a seated wine tasting at a nearby winery, providing a relaxed setting to learn about regional wines.
What makes this tour memorable is the blend of tastings and storytelling—you’ll walk about 1.2 miles, with plenty of pauses to appreciate the architecture and local flavor. It’s a great way to get a sense of Sonoma’s ambiance, especially if you’re a fan of history and food.
This tour benefits travelers who want a short, rich experience without the commitment of a full-day outing. Because it’s a walking tour with tastings, it’s accessible for most fitness levels, and the small-group setting encourages interaction.
Bottom Line: An engaging, compact way to get introduced to Sonoma’s history and flavors in just a few hours.
3. Sonoma Valley: Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch
The Wine Trolley Tasting Tour with Lunch is a charming alternative to traditional wine tours, rated 4.2/5 from 20 reviews and costing $135 per person. Over 6 hours, you’ll hop aboard an open-air cable car to visit three top wineries, with multiple tastings and a catered meal included.
The highlight here is the unique trolley experience—the open-air cable car provides great photo opportunities and a relaxed atmosphere. Throughout the day, you’ll learn about the history and culture of Sonoma’s wine region from a guide sharing engaging stories and insights. Visiting three premium wineries, you’ll sample a diverse selection of local wines, with enough time at each stop to ask questions and soak in the scenery.
A major perk is the catered lunch, offering a convenient and tasty break from tasting. The tour is suited for those who want a fun, scenic adventure with a little history and a lot of wine.
Given the reviews, the experience offers great value for money considering the transportation, tastings, and meal included. The main consideration is that the rating is slightly lower than others, but most find it a delightful and memorable experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a scenic, relaxed, and engaging wine-tasting day with a vintage twist.
4. Napa/Sonoma: Guided Tour for Cycling Enthusiasts
Number four is a guided cycling tour designed for those who prefer their wine country on two wheels. With a 5/5 rating from just one review and priced at $150 per person, this 3-6 hour adventure takes you through vistas, car-free trails, and quiet country roads.
Led by experienced local guides who are passionate cyclists, this tour combines the thrill of challenging climbs with the serenity of lesser-traveled paths. You’ll discover boutique wineries and meet master winemakers along the way, making this a memorable blend of active exploration and authentic wine tasting. The guide also provides photos and 360 videos of your ride, which you can share on IG (@vinetrailadventures).
This tour is ideal for fitness-minded travelers who want an immersive experience and don’t mind a workout. It’s also perfect if you’re interested in off-the-beaten-path wineries and learning about the region’s agricultural side. Be prepared for physical exertion, but the scenery and exclusive visits make it worthwhile.
Bottom Line: A top choice for active travelers eager to combine cycling with wine tasting, especially if you want a personalized experience.
$150 per person
5. From Sonoma: Napa Valley Classic Sidecar Tour to 3 Wineries
Travelers seeking something truly unique should check out this full-day sidecar adventure rated 5/5 from one review. For $340, you’ll spend about 6 hours exploring Napa Valley’s scenic roads in a vintage sidecar, visiting three wineries, and enjoying a gourmet picnic.
The ride is the highlight—feeling the wind as you glide past vineyards and rolling hills. During the trip, you’ll visit hidden wineries and learn about the region from a different perspective. The gourmet picnic lunch adds a special touch, and you’ll savor authentic wines at each stop.
This experience is perfect for adventure lovers or those celebrating a special occasion, offering a memorable blend of scenic riding and wine tasting. The unique vantage point of a sidecar makes it stand out from typical tours, and the focus on regional wines ensures quality. Keep in mind that the tour takes a full day, so it’s best suited for those ready for a bit of an adventure.
Bottom Line: An unforgettable, stylish way to explore Napa and Sonoma’s landscapes for those craving a quirky, luxurious experience.
$340 per person
6. Temecula Valley 4-Hour Wine Tour with Tastings Included
If your focus is on relaxed sipping without fuss, the Temecula Valley 4-Hour Wine Tour is a handy option. Priced at $169 per person and rated 4.7/5 from 3 reviews, it offers tastings at three top wineries, with transportation and a friendly driver/host included.
This tour is designed for comfort—transporting you in a deluxe vehicle with pickups from a central location. The tastings include standard tasting fees, and at one winery, you’ll enjoy artisan cheeses and charcuterie, making the experience both savory and satisfying. The tour’s shorter duration makes it ideal for those with limited time or who prefer a more laid-back approach.
The value here lies in the convenience—the transportation, tastings, and nibbles are bundled so you can focus on enjoying the wines and the scenery. It’s perfect for casual wine lovers who want to sample multiple wineries without the hassle of planning.
Bottom Line: Great for a quick, comfortable wine trip with all the essentials included.
7. Sonoma: Explore Natural Wineries with a Local Sommelière
This premium experience is tailored for wine connoisseurs interested in sustainable farming and family-owned wineries. Priced at $475 per person and lasting 6 hours, it’s a more exclusive tour led by Elisabeth, a certified sommelier, who guides you through two independent wineries.
The focus here is on natural and organic wines, with visits to wineries that emphasize traditional winemaking methods. You’ll learn about sustainable practices and taste wines that reflect the region’s commitment to environmental stewardship. The day concludes with a delightful lunch at a well-known Sonoma restaurant, adding a culinary dimension.
This tour is ideal for travelers seeking an educational experience, those who appreciate artisan wines, and anyone wanting a deeper understanding of sustainable winemaking. Given its high price point, it offers a more personalized and immersive experience—an investment for serious wine enthusiasts.
Bottom Line: A top pick for those wanting to explore Sonoma’s natural wines with expert insights and a gourmet meal.
$475 per person
How to Choose
When selecting the best Sonoma tour for your trip, consider your interests, time, and budget. If you love small-group experiences and picnics, the Guided Winery Tour is ideal. For a quick taste of Sonoma’s history, the Plaza Walking Tour offers a compact yet rich experience. Active travelers will find the cycling tour perfect, especially if they enjoy combining fitness with wine.
For something completely different, the Sidecar Tour delivers both adventure and scenic beauty—a memorable way to see Napa Valley in style. Those with a limited timeframe should opt for the Temecula Valley tour, which packs tastings into just four hours. If you’re passionate about sustainable wines, the Natural Wineries tour provides an in-depth, educational experience with a top-notch guide.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours like the Sidecar adventure or small-group winery trips. Keep in mind the best times are during spring and fall when the weather is mild and vineyards are at their most picturesque.
In summary, Sonoma offers a rich tapestry of touring options—whether you’re after a laid-back tasting, a scenic bike ride, or a guided walk through history. For most visitors, a combination of these experiences makes for a well-rounded visit. Whether you prefer to sip quietly at boutique wineries or explore actively on two wheels, Sonoma’s tours are designed to suit a variety of passions and preferences. Start planning early, and you’ll soon be enjoying some of California’s best wines in the company of friendly locals and stunning scenery.