Best of SF: Wine Country, Redwoods, and Hop-on Hop-off Tour

If you’re planning a trip to San Francisco and looking to see a mix of the city’s iconic sights, lush forests, and renowned wine regions, this tour might just check all your boxes. Marketed as a blend of luxury excursions and flexible city sightseeing, it offers a compelling package for those wanting variety in their day.

What sets this experience apart are two standout features: the chance to taste California Champagne at Korbel Winery amidst redwoods, and the opportunity to wander among ancient giants in Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Both promise memorable moments with stunning scenery and local flavor.

A possible consideration? The tour lasts about 8.5 hours, so it’s a full day, which could be tiring if your travel schedule is tight. Also, while the wine tastings are included, lunch is not, so you’ll want to plan accordingly for a midday meal.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded day combining nature, wine, and city sights—perfect for those who want to see the best of what Northern California has to offer without multiple separate bookings.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Experience: Combines wine tasting, redwood walks, and San Francisco city sightseeing in one day.
• Stunning Scenery: Cross the Golden Gate Bridge, walk among ancient redwoods, and enjoy vineyard views.
• Flexible City Tour: Hop-on hop-off bus allows for sightseeing at your own pace around San Francisco.
• Included Tastings: Champagne at Korbel Winery and wines at Russian River Vineyards are part of the experience.
• Expert Guides & Audio: Knowledgeable guides and multilingual commentary enhance your understanding.
• Cost-Effective: Bundling the experiences gives you a 30% discount versus booking separately.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Setting the Scene: What to Expect on This Tour

This outing starts early in the morning at Fisherman’s Wharf, one of San Francisco’s most bustling neighborhoods. From here, the journey takes you northward across the Golden Gate Bridge, offering arguably one of the most scenic drive-ins in the world. As you cross, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Bay, the Marin Headlands, and the rugged coastlines—perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

The guide’s commentary makes the crossing feel more personal, sharing stories about the bridge’s engineering marvels and the natural beauty surrounding it.

Visiting Korbel Winery and Champagne Tasting

Your first stop is at Korbel Winery, a storied producer of California Champagne. Here, you’ll step into a setting that combines 19th-century charm with modern winemaking. We loved the way the winery’s history is woven into the experience—think old stone buildings and vintage labels—adding an authentic touch. The tasting of sparkling wines amid redwoods makes for a surreal contrast, and many reviews mention how special it feels to sip bubbly surrounded by towering trees.

You’ll also have the chance to enjoy some gourmet bites at the winery’s deli, perfect for a quick lunch or snack before heading deeper into wine country.

Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve

Next, the route takes you to Armstrong Redwoods, a must-see for lovers of nature. Walking among these giants is humbling; some trees are over 1,000 years old. The trails are well-maintained, making this stop accessible and enjoyable for most fitness levels. Many visitors comment on the peacefulness of the forest and the impressive size of the Colonel Armstrong Tree—an ancient sentinel that leaves a lasting impression.

This stop offers a wonderful break from the busier city scenes and a chance to connect with California’s natural heritage. The forest’s cool shade and quiet trails serve as a perfect counterpoint to the sunny vineyards and urban sights.

Russian River Vineyards & Guerneville

The tour continues to Guerneville, a charming, quirky town that feels a world away from the city. Take your time here to explore boutique shops, grab a coffee, or just relax with a snack. Afterward, you’ll visit Russian River Vineyards for your second wine tasting, which many reviewers find to be a highlight. The vineyard’s scenic views and friendly atmosphere make the experience more personal.

Wines are described as award-winning, and some guests note the tastings come with delicious bites from their kitchen. This stop is a relaxed way to enjoy some of California’s finest wines without the rush.

More Great Tours Nearby

Scenic Drive Back with a View of Sebastopol

On your return trip, you’ll pass through Sebastopol, a town famed for orchards and artsy communities—another peek into the diverse character of this region.

The City: Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour

After the full day of wine and redwoods, you have the option to explore San Francisco at your leisure with the 24-hour hop-on hop-off bus. This open-top double-decker allows you to see top sights like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, the Golden Gate Park, and Alamo Square.

Many travelers appreciate the audio commentary (available in several languages), which adds context to the sites. Whether you want to hop off at Pier 39 or just take a scenic ride through neighborhoods like the Marina or Nob Hill, this flexible option complements the more structured parts of the day.

The bus service runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., giving you plenty of time to customize your city experience either before or after the wine and redwoods adventure.

How the Experience Scores

With a supplier rating of 4.5, this trip generally receives positive feedback. Many visitors praise the stunning views—from the bridge to the forests—and the well-organized itinerary. The tour’s combination of activities is especially well-loved, with several reviews mentioning how the visits to Korbel and Russian River Vineyards felt authentic and relaxed.

Some note that the 8.5-hour duration can be a long day, but most agree that the variety and quality of experiences make it worthwhile. The inclusions, like tastings and guided commentary, add good value for the price of $164 per person, especially when compared to booking each part separately.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Arrive early at the Big Bus Visitors Center (15 minutes ahead) to check in smoothly.
• Wear comfortable shoes—many of the stops involve walking and trails.
• Bring sunscreen and water; outdoor activities are mostly in sunny or shaded environments.
• Remember, lunch is not included, so plan to bring snacks or purchase at the wineries or town.
• The hop-on hop-off bus is valid for 24 hours, offering flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• The tour provides earbuds with digital commentary in multiple languages, so you can learn as you go.
• While the Wines & Woods tour runs about 8.5 hours**, the city hop-on hop-off can be taken separately, making it adaptable to your schedule.

The Bottom Line: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience offers a balanced mix of scenic drives, wine tastings, and city sightseeing, making it perfect for travelers who want to maximize their time and see a variety of what Northern California has to offer. It’s especially good for those who appreciate stunning natural landscapes combined with excellent wines and enjoy flexible city exploration.

If you’re interested in a full-day adventure that includes both the serenity of redwoods and the lively streets of San Francisco—and you don’t mind a busy schedule—this tour delivers real value. It’s also a solid choice for first-time visitors wanting an overview that covers iconic sights and hidden gems alike.

FAQ

How long does the Wine and Woods Tour last?
It runs approximately 8.5 hours, giving you a full day of sightseeing, tasting, and exploring.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included in the package, but there are options available at the wineries and in Guerneville.

Can I take the Hop-on Hop-off tour on a different day?
Yes, the Hop-on Hop-off bus can be used separately from the Wine and Woods tour, and your ticket is valid for 24 hours.

What are the main highlights of the city tour?
You’ll have the chance to see top attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Chinatown, Golden Gate Park, Alamo Square, and many more at your own pace.

Are the wine tastings free?
Yes, the tastings at Korbel and Russian River Vineyards are included in the tour price.

What should I bring for outdoor activities?
Comfortable shoes, sunscreen, water, and a camera are recommended to make the most of your outdoor experiences.

Is the tour suitable for children or seniors?
The tour involves walking in parks and some vehicle time, so it’s suitable for most ages, but consider individual mobility needs.

What is the overall value of this package?
Considering the included tastings, guided commentary, transportation, and flexible city sightseeing, it offers good value—especially with the 30% bundle discount.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated look at some of Northern California’s most beloved landscapes and cities. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a nature lover, or just eager to see San Francisco from new angles, the blend of scenic beauty, flavorful tastings, and city exploration makes it a worthwhile choice. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate curated experiences that balance guided insights with personal flexibility—ensuring you come away with a well-rounded taste of the region.

You can check availability for your dates here: