Roll Through the Vines
Why the Tour de St. Francis Is the Best Wine Tour in Sonoma County

If you’ve been scrolling through “fun things to do in wine country” looking for something beyond another standard tasting room sit-down, stop right there — because we found it. Nestled just off scenic Highway 12 near Kenwood, St. Francis Winery & Vineyards has been quietly running one of the most unique, most talked-about wine experiences in California: the Tour de St. Francis Trolley Vineyard Tour & Wine Tasting. And yes, it just won the Newsweek 2026 Readers’ Choice Award for Best Wine Tour in the US. No big deal.

Okay — huge deal. But honestly, this winery has been collecting accolades for a while. St. Francis has been named Best Winery and Best Tasting Room by both SFGate’s Best of the Bay Area and the Press Democrat’s Best of Sonoma County — so when we say this place is the real deal, we’ve got receipts.

All Aboard the Best Wine Tour You’ve Never Heard Of!

Picture this: you and your favorite people hop aboard a charming, eco-friendly, pedal-powered trolley and roll through the Wild Oak estate vineyard — a sprawling stretch of Sonoma Valley’s finest terrain, framed by the Mayacamas Mountains and wild oak trees as far as the eye can see. Your guide is pouring. The wine is excellent. Someone in your group is already planning their Instagram caption.

This is not your typical “here’s a map, enjoy your flight” situation. The Tour de St. Francis is a guided adventure — with vineyard strolls, artisan wine tastings, and the kind of winemaking stories that actually make you care where your Zinfandel comes from.

And when you arrive? You’ll walk beneath the iconic bell tower, hear it chime across the Sonoma Valley, and be welcomed with a splash before your group gathers for departure. The photo ops start immediately — but pace yourself, because the best views are waiting for you at the very end: a private terrace with a final pour and scenery that will make you want to move to wine country immediately.

The Details (Because We Know You Want Them)

When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, May through October

Sessions: 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM — each tour runs about 90 minutes

Price: $60 per person | $48 for Wine Club members (20% member benefit)

Where: Located in the heart of Sonoma Valley – just one hour north of San Francisco. Off scenic Highway 12. Easy to find, impossible to forget.

Perfect for Groups (Yes, Including Bachelorette Parties)

Looking for unique bachelorette ideas that go beyond a basic bar crawl? The Tour de St. Francis has become a summer staple for bachelorette groups, and for good reason — it’s fun, it’s photogenic, it’s outdoors, and it comes with great wine. Done and done.

It’s equally great for a birthday crew, a friend reunion, a double date, or, honestly, just a solo wine lover looking for a good afternoon. The trolley brings the energy; you bring the people. Can’t make the seasonal tour dates? The trolley is also available as a private rental for corporate team-building events, sunset wedding send-offs, and other special occasions year-round. If you’re planning something memorable, this is your move.

What’s Actually Happening in the Vineyards Right Now

One of the best things about a seasonal tour is that the vineyards look completely different depending on when you visit — and honestly, every window is stunning in its own way. Here’s what to expect on the trolley depending on when you roll through.

May – June: Everything Is Alive Spring in Sonoma is something special. When the tour kicks off in May, the vineyards are absolutely bursting — vivid green canopies, wildflowers threading through the rows, and lush cover crops carpeting the ground between the vines. This is the flowering and fruit-set season, meaning tiny clusters are just beginning to form on the canes. The whole estate feels fresh and full of promise. The light is golden, the air smells incredible, and the Mayacamas Mountains in the background look like a painting. If you’re someone who loves that “everything is blooming” energy, May and June are your months.

July – August: Grape Season in Full Swing By midsummer, the vines have filled in completely and clusters of grapes hang heavy from every row. The canopy is dense and deep green, the days are warm, and the vineyard has that full, lush feeling of a season at its peak. This is prime time to see what Sonoma Valley viticulture is all about — row after row of maturing fruit, with the whole estate buzzing with the quiet intensity of a vintage in progress. Summer is also when the trolley fills up with some of the most enthusiastic groups of the season (bachelorette parties, we see you), so book early.

September – October: Harvest Time and Pure Magic If you can only do one season, make it harvest. September and October bring a shift you can feel — the air gets crisper, the light turns golden-hour warm at every hour of the day, and the vines start showing off their fall colors: deep reds, burnt oranges, and rich golds threading through the green. The energy on the estate is electric as the harvest gets underway, and your guide will have plenty to talk about. It’s the kind of scenery that makes you understand why people move their whole lives to wine country. The tour wraps up right around Halloween, so don’t wait too long.

Keep Your Eyes Open for Wildlife. No matter when you visit, the Wild Oak estate has a way of reminding you that you’re a guest in a pretty spectacular ecosystem. Keep an eye out along the vineyard rows — it’s not unusual to spot rabbits darting between the vines, deer grazing at the edges of the estate, and a remarkable variety of bird species calling the property home throughout the season. It adds a little something extra to the ride that no tasting menu can replicate.

All of this is what makes the tour more than just a pretty ride. The land has a story. The Tour de St. Francis lets you hear it — one glass at a time.

Not a Trolley Person? There’s More.

If a vineyard ride isn’t exactly your vibe, St. Francis has you covered with other equally impressive experiences:

Secrets of Sonoma — An outdoor, relaxed food-and-wine pairing where you build your own mezze spread and match it with artisan wines. Think charcuterie, but elevated and Sonoma-beautiful.

Wine & Food Pairing — An indoor, five-course fine dining experience pairing seasonal dishes with artisan wines. Prepared by Executive Chef Peter Janiak and his culinary team — it’s the kind of meal that converts casual wine drinkers into full-blown enthusiasts.

Artisan Tasting Flights and more — Just want to explore? There are plenty of options to suit any style of visitor.

Plan Your Visit

Sonoma County is one of the most beautiful places on earth, and St. Francis Winery is one of the best reasons to spend a weekend there. Whether you’re searching for wineries near me, planning a group outing, or just want to do something genuinely fun and memorable in California wine country, the Tour de St. Francis should be at the top of your list.

Seasonal tours run May through October, so if you want in on the 2026 season, now is the time to plan.