Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours
Join our intimate group wine tour and enjoy a curated day visiting boutique wineries in
Sonoma Valley, Russian River Valley, or Dry Creek Valley. No two days are exactly the same — your
guide selects wineries based on the season, availability, and what's pouring that week, which keeps
each experience fresh, personal, and thoughtfully planned.
Unlike large bus tours that cram 40+ strangers into commercial tasting rooms, our 12-guest maximum
means you'll actually talk to the people behind the wine. Winemakers and tasting room hosts greet
our groups by name, share stories about their vineyards, and often pour limited-production wines that
aren't available to walk-in visitors. It's the kind of experience that turns a nice afternoon into a
trip highlight.
What to Expect on Your Tour Day
Morning Pickup (10:00 – 10:30 AM) — Your guide arrives at your hotel, vacation rental, or Airbnb
in a comfortable touring vehicle. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic drive through Sonoma County's
rolling hills and vineyard-lined roads.
First Winery (approx. 11:00 AM) — The day begins at a handpicked boutique winery where you'll
taste 4–6 wines and learn about the varietals, the vineyard, and the winemaking process. Your guide
provides context that makes each tasting more interesting — even if you're brand new to wine. Want
a head start? Our wine tasting etiquette guide covers 7 simple tips to help you feel like a regular from
your very first pour.
Second Winery + Charcuterie Lunch (approx. 12:30 PM) — At the second stop, enjoy a gourmet
charcuterie-style lunch featuring local cheeses, cured meats, crackers, seasonal fruit, and other small
bites. It's the perfect mid-day break — great food, great wine, and no rush to move on.
Third Winery (approx. 2:00 PM) — The final stop rounds out the day with a different style of winery
— perhaps a hilltop estate with panoramic views, a cave tasting, or a family-run operation where the
owner pours every glass. Every day ends on a high note.
Drop-Off (approx. 3:30 – 4:30 PM) — Your guide drops you back at your accommodation relaxed,
happy, and with a few new favorite wines to remember the day by.
12 Guests Max
3 Winery Stops
Charcuterie Lunch
Pickup Available
What's Included
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Small-group wine tour with 12-guest maximum
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Visits to 3 Sonoma County wineries
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Charcuterie-Style lunch
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Friendly local host and transportation
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Pickup and drop off from Santa Rosa, Windsor, Rohnert Park, and Kenwood/Glen Ellen
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Pick up and drop off from Healdsburg, Petaluma, and Sonoma for a small additional fee
Where you May Tour
Your day may include wineries in some of Sonoma County's most scenic and celebrated wine regions.
Sonoma Valley
Known as the "Valley of the Moon," Sonoma Valley is where California winemaking began. You'll find
historic estates, family-owned vineyards, and welcoming tasting rooms producing world-class Pinot
Noir, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon — all within minutes of the charming Sonoma Plaza. This
is the region that started it all, and it still delivers one of the most beautiful wine-tasting settings in
the state.
Russian River Valley
Fog-kissed mornings and warm afternoons create the perfect growing conditions for Pinot Noir and
Chardonnay. The Russian River Valley is home to some of Sonoma County's most acclaimed wineries,
with a laid-back atmosphere that feels a world away from the crowds. Scenic backroads wind through
towering redwoods and sun-dappled vineyards, making the drive between stops as memorable as the
tastings themselves.
Dry Creek Valley
Zinfandel country at its finest. Dry Creek Valley's sun-drenched hillsides produce bold, fruit-forward
reds alongside crisp Sauvignon Blancs. This narrow valley north of Healdsburg is one of Sonoma's
best-kept secrets — intimate tasting rooms, stunning vineyard views, and unforgettable wines. Many
of the wineries here are multi-generational family operations where you'll taste directly with the people
who grow the grapes.
Who this tour is best for?
This experience is ideal for couples, solo travelers, and small groups who want a fun and social way to explore Sonoma wine country without worrying about driving, planning winery stops, or coordinating logistics.
Check Availability
Important Details
Tasting Fees
Tasting fees are not included in the tour cost and are paid directly to each winery. Fees typically range
from $20–$35 per winery. Many wineries waive the tasting fee when you purchase a bottle or sign
up for their wine club — your guide can point out which spots offer the best deals. Budget around
$60–$100 for the day depending on how many wines you taste.
Tour Timing
Most tours run 5–6 hours, departing around 10:00 AM and returning by 3:30–4:00 PM. The exact
schedule depends on the day's route, winery availability, and the group's pace. We never rush — the
goal is a relaxed day where you have time to enjoy each stop without watching the clock.
Pickup Notes
Complimentary pickup and drop-off is available from Santa Rosa, Windsor, and Kenwood/Glen Ellen. Pickups from Healdsburg, Petaluma, Sonoma, Rohnert Park, Cotati, and Sebastopol are available for a small additional fee per booking. Please confirm your pickup location when booking so we can plan the best route for the day.
What to Wear
Wine country is casual. We recommend layers — mornings can be cool, especially in Russian River
Valley, and afternoons warm up quickly. Comfortable walking shoes are a plus since some wineries
have gravel paths, hillside vineyards, or outdoor tasting areas. Sunglasses and sunscreen are a
good idea.
WHAT PEOPLE SAY
Howie R
Jason does a great tour. He's a fun guy who's knowledgeable about wine and Sonoma County. Highly recommend him for wine tours.
Jayne S
My husband and I booked two tour days with Jason and Sonoma Wine Rides and boy, are we glad we did! He picked 6 fabulous wineries to visit and enjoy tastings. All 6 were each a little different so we had six unique experiences. His knowledge of the area and his relationships with the wine makers made our two days truly special. We would highly recommend Jason and Sonoma Wine Rides and will definitely book with him again!
Sherry A
Best day ever!!! They picked us up right on time, took us to 3 great wineries and had a charcuterie lunch packed for us at stop 2. We had so much fun with the family that was also on tour with us that we got them to join us for dinner that night. Do this tour!!!
Learn More About Our Wine Tours
Curious what a group tour day looks like? Read what to expect on a join-in group wine tasting tour for a detailed walkthrough — from pickup and winery visits to the charcuterie lunch. If you're trying to decide between group and private, our guide to finding the perfect fit breaks down both options side by side.
Want a fully customized day? Our private Sonoma wine tours let you choose the wineries, set the pace, and bring your whole group along. Browse all of our Sonoma wine tours to compare options and book.
Curious how our tours compare? Visit our tour comparison page to see all three experiences side by side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I request specific wineries?
Our join-in group tours feature a curated selection of wineries hand-picked by your guide to showcase the best of Sonoma Valley. Because each tour is thoughtfully planned in advance, we're unable to accommodate individual winery requests on group tours. That said, our guides know the region inside and out and love introducing guests to hidden gems they might not discover on their own!
If you have a specific itinerary in mind, our private tours are a great option — we'll build the day around your preferences. Just reach out and we'll make it happen.
Is this tour good for wine beginners?
Absolutely. Our guides explain each wine in plain language and make sure everyone feels comfortable
— whether you're a seasoned collector or you just know you like red. There's no pretension, no wrong
questions, and plenty of opportunities to discover what you enjoy. You can also check out our
wine tasting etiquette tips for a quick overview of what to expect in the tasting room.
Can I buy wine at the wineries?
Yes! Most wineries offer bottles for purchase, and many can ship directly to your home (shipping
availability varies by state). Your guide can help coordinate purchases so you don't have to carry
bottles between stops.
What happens if it rains?
Tours run rain or shine. Most Sonoma County wineries have covered tasting areas or indoor tasting
rooms, so a little rain rarely affects the experience. In fact, rainy days in wine country can be some of
the most atmospheric and memorable — fewer crowds, misty vineyard views, and cozy tasting rooms.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least a few days ahead, especially for weekends and during harvest
season (August through October). Our small group sizes mean tours fill up quickly. Last-minute
availability is sometimes possible on weekdays — check the calendar above or text us to ask.
Is Sonoma Wine Rides licensed and insured?
Yes. We operate under CPUC Authority TCP 38887-A and carry full commercial insurance. Your
safety and peace of mind are our top priority.
Book Your Sonoma Join-in Group Tour
If you want a simple, welcoming, and memorable way to experience Sonoma wine country, this tour is
one of the easiest ways to do it. No planning, no driving, no stress — just great wine, great food, and
great company. Secure your date early, especially for weekends and peak travel seasons. Click "Book
Now" below or utilize the chat function on our website. If we are not available we will get back to you as soon as possible.