The Best Wineries Near San Francisco
Where to find the best wine in SF and beyond
No trip to San Francisco is complete without a visit to Wine Country. Between world-famous Napa Valley and neighboring Sonoma County, the San Francisco Bay Area boasts more than 500 world-class vineyards, wineries, and tasting rooms for you to choose from during your visit. If you’re looking for tips on where to start your tour, let us point you in the right direction with this list of the 8 best wineries near San Francisco.
The Winery SF
Located in the heart of Treasure Island, this aptly-named venue offers a scenic view of the San Francisco skyline and Bay Bridge, making it a great spot to enjoy some of the best wine the city has on tap. Enjoy a first-hand look at the crafting process with a tour of the 20,000 square foot winemaking facility, then sample some of the award-winning local vintages for a taste of Sonoma and Napa in the city. Thanks to its gorgeous view of the bay and open spaces, The Winery SF is an ideal location for significant public events and private tastings alike. Take a piece of The Winery home by joining their wine club to enjoy exclusive offers.
Maritime Wine Tasting Studio
222 Columbus Ave., San Francisco
If you find yourself in the North Beach neighborhood of San Francisco, be sure to stop by the Maritime Wine Tasting Studio. While the wine bar itself was established in 2015, the owners have been producing and importing wine for over 10 years, building up a robust collection of vintages from all over the world. Today, their menu offers over 150 wines by the bottle ready to be shared. The expansive tasting area is perfect for group events, and the adjacent Brioche Bakery provides plenty of food pairing opportunities.
Winery Collective
485 Jefferson St., San Francisco
Located in San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf, Winery Collective brings some of the best boutique wines from all over California into a convenient urban tasting room. It’s the perfect wine tasting option for travelers looking to sample wines from different California vineyards without having to leave the city. Their menu is routinely rotated, so the selection will never be the same twice. The venue welcomes walk-in tastings and provides private event hosting opportunities as well. With a menu of nearly 100 different vintages to choose from, the Winery Collective is a great place to end your tour of the wharf.
Ferrari-Carano Vineyards & Winery
Take a trip along the north end of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley, and you’ll find an estate winery like no other. The Ferrari-Carano Winery is home to the Villa Fiore, a lavish, Italian-style tasting room that offers food and wine pairings and full tours. Take a leisurely walk through the extensive gardens, enjoy the vibrant vineyard views, and raise a glass of award-winning rosé from one of the best wineries in Sonoma. Before you leave, be sure to stop by the wine shop for a selection of accessories, unique tableware, and of course, incredible wines.
Chateau St. Jean
If you’re looking for a vineyard where the views are a match for the vintage, look no further than Chateau St. Jean. The idyllic Sonoma Valley backdrop is complimented by this early 20th-century, European-style chateau, making it one of the most gorgeous wineries near San Francisco. Enjoy award-winning wines in their main tasting room and take a tour of their beautiful, French-inspired formal gardens. For a truly unique experience, the chateau also offers a wine-themed escape room. Groups of 6 to 12 people can sign up to “Unlock the Chateau,” where they must solve puzzles and riddles to get through a series of rooms.
Chateau Montelena
1429 Tubbs Ln, Calistoga, CA 94515
Not every winery has a castle, but Chateau Montelena is not like any other winery. Founded in 1882, this Napa Valley winery is a landmark of Wine Country, California, and it’s easy to see why. The estate features a grand stone castle that overlooks a Chinese garden, lake, and vineyards stretch out to the base of Mount St. Helena. Beyond the gorgeous scenery, Chateau Montelena has a rich history of excellence in winemaking. You can experience their world-class vintages for yourself by enjoying a walk-in tasting or by scheduling a full tour of the grounds.
Vinicola de Coppola
300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville
Enjoy a taste of old Hollywood in Sonoma County with a visit to mega-producer Francis Ford Coppola’s winery, Vinicola de Coppola. More than your typical vineyard, this estate aims to create a thoroughly relaxing wine-country vacation experience for the whole family. Enjoy a dip in the pool, play a game of bocce ball, and experience fine dining in the full-service restaurant. Film aficionados will appreciate the movie gallery, filled with memorabilia from many of Coppola’s celebrated movies. If you feel like splurging, reserve a private poolside cabana, which includes free tastings and all-day access to the pool and bocce courts. Also, you won’t want to miss the Pavilion area: Inspired by the bandshell that appeared in The Godfather: Part II, this space holds the winery’s entertainment events, such as an ever-popular Dancing Under the Stars night. With cinema, food, hideaways, adventure, and most importantly, excellent wine, this winery promises to be a great time.
Scribe Winery
Experience a piece of wine country history with a stop at Scribe Winery in Sonoma Valley. While the winery itself was founded in 2007, Scribe sits on a piece of property that pioneered pre-prohibition winemaking in Sonoma Valley. Take in the laid-back vibe of the estate’s hacienda as you sample some of their signature chardonnays with accompanying charcuterie. An on-site garden provides the ingredients to their delicious farm-to-table dinners available to members. Reserve a group tasting for up to 8 people and enjoy a view of the vineyards as you relax and unwind.
Of all the many vineyards and wineries near San Francisco, these are our top picks. Each offers something unique for you to experience.
If you’re ready to start your own tour de Wine Country, check out our list of car rentals in San Francisco. We’ll also help you find San Francisco hotel deals that work within your time frame and budget. And if you’re looking for a spot to eat before you head to your next tasting room, choose one from our list of the best cheap eats in San Francisco.
Header Image Via Benny Marty / Shutterstock
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