Tour Sonoma

Healdsburg “By the Seat” Wine Tour

8-Seater $1,050

6-Seater $899

Unlike its more polished neighbor, Dry Creek and Russian River Valleys offer a refreshingly unpretentious escape—where vineyard dogs roam freely, families are welcomed warmly, and world-class wines come without the premium price tags.

Here, rolling landscapes unfold without the crowds, conversations flow as organically as the farming practices, and you'll find yourself connecting not just with exceptional wines but with the genuine characters who craft them.

This is Sonoma County at its best—where California's wine country retains its soulful, accessible spirit and every tasting feels like being welcomed into a friend's home.

10 Best Sonoma County Wine Tours

West Wine Tour | Editor’s Pick on BEST.com

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Cover vineyards to improve soil health, prevent erosion, and support beneficial insects while maintaining sustainability.
Soil composition, slope, and climate diversity in California vineyards create unique wine styles across Napa and Sonoma regions.

A Day in Sonoma Wine Country

YOUR ITiNERARY

  • Meet your guide at the historic Healdsburg Plaza, or we can pick you up at nearby hotels, vacation homes, and private residences. You'll climb aboard our vintage VW bus—your chariot for the day's adventure.

  • First stop: Auteur, a vintner-founded winery fiercely committed to authentic, terroir-driven winemaking. Perched on a hilltop overlooking Russian River Valley's patchwork of vineyards and evergreen hillsides, you'll taste exceptional Pinot Noir and Chardonnay sourced from coastal Northern California's most compelling sites—wines that speak the native language of their place.

  • Second stop: Overshine Wines, where California soul meets joyous, drinkable wines rooted in organic and regenerative farming. Settle in on their patio with expansive views, enjoy a curated picnic from the legendary Dry Creek General Store, and sip your way through their rotating lineup with bottle service. This is the Good Life—wine, food, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to stay awhile.

  • Third stop: Wilson Winery, a family-owned Dry Creek Valley estate producing world-class Zinfandels since 1993. Housed in a lovingly restored century-old tin barn—one of the oldest structures in the valley—Wilson combines state-of-the-art winemaking with storied history. Sip award-winning single-vineyard designate Zinfandels overlooking the vineyards, soak in the relaxed atmosphere, and discover why this family tradition has been turning heads for over three decades.

  • Return to Healdsburg Plaza with unforgettable memories, a few great stories, and perhaps a bottle or two of your new favorite wine!

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What’s Included

TRANSPORTATION

Transportation to three distinct wineries in our signature vintage VW buses.

picnic lunch

Delicious picnic lunch from Dry Creek General Store.

expert guide

Local guide with insider knowledge and unforgettable stories.

amenities

Complementary snacks, sparkling water, TUMS, iPhone charger, cooler space, blankets, and hand-held fans.

intimate groups

Small group experience (2-22 guests across three bus options.

good times

Memories that outshine any tourist trap experience.

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Vertical shoot positioning and other trellis systems in California vineyards improve sunlight and support vine structure.

your crew, your rules.

Healdsburg Private Tours

Take over an entire vintage VW bus for your private Sonoma County adventure through Russian River Valley and along scenic Dry Creek Road. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or just want to experience wine country with your closest friends, our private tours offer the perfect blend of personalized service and authentic exploration. You choose who rides along—we'll handle everything else.

Book your own VW bus and enjoy the freedom to follow our expertly curated itinerary or create your own wine country adventure. With door-to-door service from your hotel or vacation rental, you'll maximize every moment in wine country without the hassle of meeting downtown. Our local guides bring insider knowledge and connections that transform a day of wine tasting into an unforgettable journey through Sonoma's finest family-owned estates.

    • 7-hours of transportation in our vintage VW bus

    • $899 flat rate for our 6-seater vintage VW bus

    • $1050 flat rate for our 8-seater vintage VW bus

    • Door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off service

    • Follow our signature itinerary or customize your own

    • Delicious picnic lunch from Dry Creek General Store

    • Dedicated guide with local expertise and connections

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Experiencing Healdsburg

Vineyard canopy management adjusts leaf coverage to optimize sunlight on grapes and improve air circulation for healthier fruit.
California vineyard managers adjust trellising systems annually to optimize fruit exposure and control vine growth rates.

Copyright and image rights remain with the original creators.

Irrigation management in Napa and Sonoma vineyards balances vine growth and fruit concentration to achieve optimal grape quality.

Sonoma Tips

where to stay

where to stay

Sonoma’s Russian River Valley is known for foggy mornings, which protect grapes and extend the ripening season for Pinot.

Healdsburg LODGING

Enhance your wine country experience with the perfect home base.

  • Montage Healdsburg offers luxury accommodations with vineyard views, a world-class spa, and farm-to-table dining just minutes from the Plaza.

  • Harmon Guest House is a chic, modern boutique hotel on the Plaza with rooftop lounging and sophisticated wine country style.

  • h2hotel is Healdsburg's eco-conscious gem with modern design, rooftop pool, and a commitment to sustainability without sacrificing style.

  • The Stavrand in Russian River Valley provides a serene retreat surrounded by redwoods, perfect for those seeking a quieter wine country escape.

where to sip & savor

where to sip & savor

culinary experiences

In Healdsburg, passion and craftsmanship don't stop at the vineyards—you'll taste them in every dish, too.

  • Savor New Orleans-inspired flavors at Bistro Lagniappe, inventive Latin fusion at Guiso, elevated American cuisine at Matheson, and morning french pastries and coffee at Costeaux

  • For craft cocktails, head to Lo and Behold for creative mixology, Dukes for a spirited speakeasy vibe, or the laid-back local favorite John and Zeke's.

  • Don't miss the Farmers' Markets—Saturdays (April 12–December 20, 8:30am–noon) in the West Plaza parking lot or Tuesdays (May 13–September 30, 9am–12:30pm) right on the Plaza for the freshest local produce and artisanal goods.

  • For an unforgettable culinary journey, experience SingleThread, Healdsburg's three-Michelin-starred restaurant where every dish is a work of art rooted in seasonality and place.

where to explore

where to explore

California vineyards often use mechanical harvesters alongside hand-picking crews to collect grapes at peak ripeness fast.

outdoor adventure

Take your Sonoma experience beyond the tasting room.

  • Explore miles of scenic trails by foot or bike—Fitch Mountain Loop offers stunning valley views, or venture into Armstrong Redwoods for towering old-growth forest hikes.

  • Paddle the Russian River with kayak or canoe rentals for a refreshing perspective on wine country's natural beauty.

  • Join a guided foraging experience to discover edible wild mushrooms, herbs, and seasonal treasures hidden in Sonoma's forests and fields.

Traveling to the Healdsburg and Russian River Area

Several airports serve the Sonoma region: Sacramento Airport (SMF, 2 hours away), Oakland Airport (OAK, 1.5 hours away), San Francisco Airport (SFO 1.5 hours away) and Santa Rosa Airport (STS, 15 minutes away).

For comfortable airport transfers, book shuttle service through Pure Luxury or Beau Wine Tours.

For most visitors, Uber provides the easiest and most economical transportation option from these airports to wine country.

Your Sonoma Adventure Awaits

California vineyards use drip irrigation to deliver precise amounts of water, conserving resources and protecting grapes.
Harvest timing in California depends on grape sugar, acid, and tannin levels, which winemakers monitor closely each year.
Soils in Sonoma range from sandy loam to clay, giving vineyards diverse conditions that shape grape flavors and structure.
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