Best Wine Country Day Trips from San Francisco

A slow drive, a crisp pour, and that golden light just 90 minutes away from San Francisco. Fall in the Bay is calling, and wine country is the perfect excuse to get out of the city without going too far. Here’s how to turn your spontaneous wine day into an actual day trip, with a few options for Napa, Sonoma, and Anderson Valley.

Napa Day Trip

Morning
Grab coffee and pastries at Model Bakery in St. Helena (famous for their English muffins).

Start your drive north from San Francisco about 1.5 hours without traffic.

Late Morning
Ashes & Diamonds — Mid-century vibes, bold reds, and a curated-but-casual tasting experience. Start slow, sit outside, and let the city fog wear off. 

Lunch
Picnic at Bothe-Napa Valley State Park or V. Sattui Winery. Pick up meats, cheeses, and bread at their market.

Afternoon
Reeve Wines (Healdsburg) — A peaceful estate with small production wines. Sit under the trees and let the afternoon sun hit just right.
Optional detour: Stop by a small tasting room like Artesa Winery for modern architecture and scenic views.

Late Afternoon
Drive back slowly through the valley, pulling over wherever the light hits the vineyards just so.

Tip
Keep your itinerary flexible. Napa’s charm is in its slow pace and small surprises along the way.

Sonoma Day Trip

Morning
Coffee in Santa Rosa at Flying Goat Coffee.
Head north toward Healdsburg or Sebastopol, about 1.5 hours.

Late Morning
Scribe Winery — Shaded seating, natural wines, and a relaxed California-modern farmhouse feel. Start with a tasting flight and linger a while.

Lunch
Costeaux French Bakery in Healdsburg for quiches, tarts, and sandwiches. Or pick up a picnic and head to Dry Creek Valley.

Afternoon
Arnot-Roberts — Minimal-intervention wines and thoughtful terroir-driven selections. The vibe is quiet, perfect for falling into a slow afternoon rhythm.
Optional stop: Visit a roadside farmstand or small vineyard along West Dry Creek Road.

Late Afternoon
Sunset stop at Alexander Valley Vineyards or along a scenic overlook. Let the golden light be your wine country golden hour.

Tip
Sonoma feels more rustic than Napa. Let yourself wander and explore the small roads,  that’s where the magic happens.

Anderson Valley Day Trip

Morning
Pack breakfast or grab something quick in Ukiah.
Head northwest, about 2.5 to 3 hours from San Francisco. This is more ambitious but worth it for a full-day adventure.

Late Morning
Husch Vineyards — Known for its pinot noirs and serene forested property. Great for a slower, contemplative tasting.

Lunch
Philo Farm Store or Mendocino Farms for seasonal, local ingredients. Optional picnic in the redwoods or alongside the Navarro River.

Afternoon
Navarro Vineyards — Stunning views, airy tasting rooms, and small-production wines.
Optional: Stop at Goldeneye Winery for a late afternoon tasting of pinot noir and relaxing on the terrace.

Late Afternoon
Drive back leisurely, stopping for any scenic vistas or unexpected roadside stands.

Tip
Anderson Valley is all about the journey: winding roads, forested hills, and small, family-run wineries. Take your time. It’s not about the number of tastings, but the quality of the moments.

Quick Tips for Any Wine Country Day Trip

• Pick a direction, not a plan. One or two anchor stops are enough.

• Bring a cooler for bottles you’ll want to take home.

• Start slow, end slower. Sip, wander, and soak up the scenery.

• Follow your instincts. Detours often lead to the best experiences: a tiny vineyard, a roadside stand, a quiet overlook.