California’s reputation as a top wine-producing region is well-earned. With over 400 vineyards spanning from Napa’s prestigious estates to Santa Barbara’s charming wineries, there’s a tour for every palate and pocket. We particularly admire tours that combine authentic tasting experiences with personal touches—like the Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert that brings Italian expertise to California’s best oils or the Private Temecula Wine Tours for those who want a custom day in wine country. Whether you’re into luxurious private days, e-bike adventures, or intimate private tastings, California offers a wealth of options that cater to all sorts of wine lovers.
Quick Overview: Our list covers a variety of wine tour styles—from luxury SUV excursions in Napa to guided e-bike adventures in Santa Barbara, and private bespoke experiences in Santa Ynez. Prices range from around $129 for a tasting and olive oil pairing to nearly $2000 for a full-day, fully customized Napa experience. Read on to find detailed descriptions of each tour and discover which one fits your style.
1. Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting with Local Expert
Starting our journey is a truly distinctive experience—a pairing of California olive oils, cheeses, and wines guided by a local expert with Italian roots. This tour offers a chance to taste award-winning olive oils a family has been producing for 20 years, along with cheese and wine tastings, all in about 2 hours. What makes this experience special is the personal touch of a food philosopher with a Master’s in Food Philosophy and Sustainability, who shares stories and insights about California’s food scene. It’s perfect for those who love culinary stories as much as the tasting itself. The tour costs $129 per person, making it a reasonable way to enrich your understanding of local produce.
Bottom Line: For lovers of food and wine who want an intimate, educational experience, this tasting combines authentic California flavors with expert guidance, all in a manageable time frame.
2. Wine Tour Pros – Wine Tour in Napa Valley: SUV For Up To 6 Guests
At number 2, Wine Tour Pros offers a luxurious, private Napa Valley experience with a chauffeured SUV for up to 6 guests. This 6-hour tour is tailored to your preferences, with your driver helping select among hundreds of wineries to suit your tastes. Starting with a welcome glass of bubbly, the tour hits 3 to 7 wineries, including boutique options like Trinite and Simoncini, with plenty of time for tastings and a flexible schedule. Guests love the personalized approach—one reviewer praised the driver Alan, who made the day memorable. The tour costs $888 for the group, which includes door-to-door service from your hotel in Napa, Sonoma, or San Francisco.
Bottom Line: Ideal for groups wanting a stress-free, private glimpse into Napa’s wineries, with the flexibility to customize your day and enjoy luxury transport.
3. Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour – w/o Lunch
For those who want to stay active, the Wine Country E-Bike Guided Tour in Santa Barbara is a fun, eco-friendly way to explore vineyards. This 6.5-hour adventure allows you to see the rolling hills and vineyards without breaking a sweat, thanks to electric bikes. The tour includes stops at Los Olivos, tasting local olive oils at Olive Hill Farm, and a visit to Beckmen Vineyards for wine tasting. An optional stop at Figueroa Mountain offers stunning views of the San Rafael Mountains. Guests rave about the mix of scenery, tasting, and the knowledgeable guide Jim. The tour costs $180 per person.
Bottom Line: This tour offers a hands-on experience of Santa Barbara Wine Country, perfect for active travelers who enjoy a combination of biking, tasting, and scenic views.
4. Unique Santa Barbara Wine Country Private Wine Tours and Tastings
At number 4, this private, customized tour in Santa Ynez focuses on boutique family-owned wineries, often with the owner or winemaker present. The tour emphasizes personalized tastings and can include a gourmet picnic lunch. The owner’s local connections allow visits to exclusive estates not open to the public. With a 5-hour duration, it’s tailored for wine enthusiasts seeking a more intimate and in-depth experience. Reviews highlight the personalized service and access to private wineries that make this tour stand out. Price is $500 per person, which reflects the curated, private nature of the experience.
Bottom Line: For connoisseurs and those wanting a bespoke experience with access to private wineries, this tour delivers exclusivity and personalization.
5. Amador County Wine Tasting Tours max 14 pax Private Wine Tours
In fifth place, the Amador County wine tours from Sacramento provide a customizable private experience for groups up to 14. The tour lasts 4 to 6 hours, with the itinerary tailored to your preferences—whether it’s visiting legendary wineries or exploring lesser-known spots. The price is $799 per group, making it a good choice for friends or family wanting a flexible, private day of tasting. Reviewers note the dependability of the tour and the ease of transportation from Sacramento.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those based in Sacramento wanting a personalized and easy-to-organize wine day in Amador County.
$799.00 per group (up to 14)
6. Napa Valley: All-Inclusive Private Full-Day Wine Tour
This full-day private tour in Napa combines transport, tasting, and lunch for a seamless experience. Visiting 3 premier wineries, you’ll sample a variety of award-winning wines in a comfortable Mercedes Sprinter. The 7-hour itinerary includes scenic views, time to relax, and a curated experience that can be tailored to your preferences. It’s ideal for those who prefer an all-inclusive approach with minimal planning. The tour is priced at $599 per group, offering good value for the full day.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers who want a worry-free, all-in-one Napa experience with the flexibility to select wineries.
$599 per group up to 1
7. Half-day Wine and Olive Oil Tasting and Lavender Farm Tour
Offering a different flavor, this 4-hour tour explores Capay Valley, combining wine tasting, olive oil, and lavender farm visits. You’ll stroll through lavender fields, taste estate wines and olive oils, and enjoy wood-fired pizza. Highlights include a tour of Taber Ranch Vineyard and a private olive mill visit at Yocha Dehe. This tour costs $149 per person and provides an engaging look at California’s agricultural bounty beyond just wine.
Bottom Line: A pleasurable mix of taste, sight, and smell, perfect for those who want variety and local flavor in a short tour.
$149.00 per person
8. 6-Hours Customized Private SONOMA Valley Wine Tour From San Francisco Bay Area
Number 8 is for self-directed wine lovers who prefer to tailor their day. Starting with pickup from San Francisco, your driver takes you to any wineries you choose in Sonoma, with your schedule and stops fully customizable. It’s a flexible way to explore, with the driver helping to plan the perfect itinerary. This service costs $1,015.99 for up to 3 people, making it a luxury, personalized option.
Bottom Line: Ideal for independent travelers who want full control over their Sonoma experience.
$1,015.99 per group (up to 3)
9. Private Temecula Wine Tour from Bonsall
This 6-hour private tour in Temecula offers visits to Somerset Vineyard, Oak Mountain Winery, and either Cougar or Bel Vino wineries, depending on the day. With guided tastings and tours, plus optional lunch, it’s suited for small groups and couples. The tour is $193.28 per person and provides a well-rounded look at Temecula’s wineries with a focus on personalized service.
Bottom Line: Great for small groups wanting a private, flexible day in Temecula without the hassle of planning.
$193.28 per person
10. Private Temecula Wine Tour from Canyon Lake
Similar to the Bonsall tour, this 6.5-hour private experience includes visits to Somerset, Oak Mountain, and either Cougar or Bel Vino wineries, with optional lunch. The cost is $193 per person, offering private, customizable tastings. The tour’s flexible itinerary caters to small groups wanting a curated day in Temecula.
Bottom Line: A flexible, private choice for those based near Canyon Lake, seeking a personalized wine day.
$193.00 per person
11. Private Temecula Wine Tour from Fallbrook
Departing from Fallbrook, this 6.5-hour private tour visits Somerset, Oak Mountain, and either Cougar or Bel Vino wineries. It features guided tastings and optional lunch, priced at $193.28 per person. Reviewers mention the smooth experience and dependence on the driver, making it a solid choice for small groups.
Bottom Line: A convenient, private way to explore Temecula from Fallbrook with personalized stops.
$193.28 per person
12. Private Wine Tour Napa or Sonoma 6 hours up to 6 people
Number 12 is for small groups or couples wanting a fully customizable day. Starting from Napa or Sonoma, your driver helps plan the perfect itinerary, with visits to wineries of your choosing. The $149 per person rate makes it accessible for many, with the added benefit of personalized planning.
Bottom Line: Great for intimate groups wanting full control over their wine itinerary without sacrificing comfort.
$149.00 per person
13. 10-Hour Napa Valley Wine Tasting Tour Customized Private Tours
Rounding out the list is a full-day, tailored experience in Napa. Starting with pickup anywhere in Sacramento, you design your own wine adventure in a Mercedes-Benz van. The 10-hour tour, at $1,999, is best for large groups or serious wine enthusiasts wanting complete customization.
Bottom Line: For those seeking a luxury, all-day private Napa experience, this tour offers maximum flexibility and comfort.
$1,999.00 per group (up to 14)
How to Choose Your Perfect Wine Tour
When selecting among these options, consider your budget, time constraints, and interests. For a luxurious private day, tours like the All-Inclusive Private Full-Day Napa Tour or the 10-Hour Napa Private Tour are excellent choices. If you prefer active exploration, the Santa Barbara E-Bike Tour combines scenery with exercise. For small groups or couples, the private Napa or Sonoma options provide a tailored experience, while those on a budget may prefer the Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting for something more intimate and affordable.
Booking early is recommended, especially for popular dates and private tours, as Napa and Santa Barbara are busy regions, particularly in peak season (spring through fall). Think about whether you want a full-day extravaganza or a quick half-day, and match that to your interests—whether it’s wine, olive oils, or a combination of local flavors.
Final Thoughts
California offers a diverse array of wine tours that cater to every taste and style. For luxury and convenience, private Napa or Sonoma tours provide a seamless experience; for active travelers, Santa Barbara’s e-bike adventures are a hit; and food lovers will enjoy the Olive Oil, Cheese, and Wine Tasting. No matter your choice, booking early and clarifying your priorities—whether it’s boutique wines, scenic rides, or private tastings—will ensure a memorable trip. Cheers to discovering California’s wine country—your perfect sip awaits.