South Lake Tahoe’s 2 Best Wine Tours

The 2 Best Wine Tours in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe isn’t just about skiing and mountain views; it’s also a surprisingly good spot to enjoy wine tasting paired with spectacular lake scenery. Thanks to its clear waters and impressive scenery, combining a boat cruise with wine tasting feels like a natural fit here. Whether you’re after a daytime adventure or a sunset experience, these two tours stand out for their unique offerings, excellent reviews, and memorable settings. In this guide, we’ll compare the Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour with the Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise, so you can pick the one that suits your style and schedule best.

Along With offering a chance to sip eight boutique wines from Northern California, both tours deliver the kind of scenery that makes Lake Tahoe famous. Expect small group experiences, vintage boats, and carefully curated wine tastings that make the most of this stunning location. Whether you prefer a daytime cruise or a sunset voyage, you’ll find detailed insights below to help you choose the perfect experience.

Quick Overview

Both tours focus on small-group boat cruises with wine tasting as the highlight. The Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour is a daytime trip that combines sightseeing of Emerald Bay, Vikingsholm, and Fannette Island with multiple stops for scenic views and wine tasting. It costs $150 per person and lasts about 2 hours.
The Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise offers a similar wine tasting experience but emphasizes the magic of Lake Tahoe’s evening sunsets. It also costs $150 per person and lasts 2 hours, with a focus on relaxed, sunset views.
Both tours are highly rated at 4.9 out of 5, but they cater to slightly different moods—daylight exploration versus romantic sunset cruising. Learn more about the daytime tour here, and discover the sunset cruise here.

1. Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour

This 2-hour boat tour takes you through Emerald Bay aboard a vintage Chris Craft wooden boat—Lake Tahoe’s only wine tasting tour boat. From the starting points at Tahoe Keys Marina or Venice Drive, you’ll set out on a small-group cruise that combines scenic sightseeing with wine tasting. The itinerary includes multiple stops, such as Vikingsholm, Fannette Island, and scenic views of Emerald Bay, with about 35 minutes dedicated to each major segment.

What makes this tour stand out is the combination of scenic beauty and boutique wine. Each participant tastes eight wines from Northern California, carefully curated to complement the views. The guided tour shares interesting facts about the area’s history and geology, enriching the experience. The boat’s vintage charm adds a touch of elegance, and the small group size ensures a personalized atmosphere.

Reviewers consistently praise the guides, specifically mentioning Kelsy and Shane, for making the trip “extra special.” The boat itself is well-maintained and comfortable, with an enclosed cabin option for less-than-perfect weather. This tour is perfect for those wanting a luxurious, scenic adventure with plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxation.

Bottom Line: If you want a daytime, all-in-one experience of Lake Tahoe’s beauty paired with excellent wine, this boat tour offers great value and memorable scenery.

2. Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise

For a more romantic and relaxed vibe, the Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise offers an equally immersive experience. Starting from the same Venice Drive location, this 2-hour cruise takes you on a vintage Chris Craft boat through Emerald Bay, but with a focus on enjoying the end of the day. The tour emphasizes the beauty of Lake Tahoe’s sunsets, with the opportunity to sip on eight carefully selected boutique wines as the sky changes color.

What makes this tour appealing is the sense of tranquility and intimacy. The guided cruise provides insight into the area’s natural and historical features, like Vikingsholm and Fannette Island, but the highlight is the sunset scenery—a perfect backdrop for unwinding with wine. Like the daytime tour, it features a small group, ensuring a cozy atmosphere perfect for couples or small groups of friends.

Reviewers note that the captain and staff are friendly and attentive, and the boat, a classic 1953 Chris Craft, adds a nostalgic touch. Some mention that weather can be unpredictable, but the boat is sturdy. The experience is best suited for those looking for a romantic outing or peaceful evening on Lake Tahoe.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a serene, scenic experience that captures Lake Tahoe’s evening glow while enjoying boutique wines.

How to Choose

Deciding between these tours depends on what mood and experience you’re after. If you love daylight sightseeing combined with wine tasting, the Lake Tahoe: Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour offers a more comprehensive exploration with multiple stops and scenic views.

On the other hand, if sunset views and a romantic vibe are your priority, then the Emerald Bay Sunset Wine Tasting Yacht Cruise provides a more relaxed, intimate atmosphere perfect for unwinding after a day of activity.

Consider your budget, weather, and whether you prefer a daytime adventure or an evening escape. Both tours are priced equally, so your choice hinges on the kind of scenery and atmosphere you want to experience. Booking early is advised, especially during peak summer months, to secure your preferred time slot.

Final Thoughts

South Lake Tahoe offers two excellent options for combining spectacular lake scenery with boutique wine tasting. The daytime Emerald Bay Wine-Tasting Boat Tour is great for travelers who want a full sightseeing experience, while the Sunset Cruise appeals to those seeking a romantic, peaceful evening on the water.

For those looking to indulge in a luxurious, scenic outing with excellent reviews and memorable views, either choice will serve you well. Booking in advance is recommended to ensure availability, especially in the busy summer months. Choose based on whether you want the daytime adventure or a serene sunset—and enjoy your time on Lake Tahoe’s shimmering waters with a glass of wine in hand.