5 Incredible Wine Tours In Santa Rosa

Santa Rosa, in the heart of Sonoma County, is a prime destination for wine enthusiasts. Its proximity to multiple renowned wine valleys—Sonoma Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, and Russian River Valley—means you can sample a diverse range of wines without traveling far. Beyond just tasting, Santa Rosa offers a variety of ways to indulge, from all-day guided tours to scenic bike rides, and even creative photography classes. Whether you’re after a relaxed group experience, an active adventure on two wheels, or a personalized private tasting, this city delivers with authenticity and local charm.

In this guide, you’ll find detailed descriptions of the best wine tours in Santa Rosa. We cover options like the popular Sonoma Wine Rides, which offers all-day group tastings at three small wineries, and the Santa Rosa Bike & Wine Tour, a scenic 12-mile bike journey through iconic vineyards and countryside. For those wanting a more exclusive experience, the Pour & Pose combines wine with professional travel portraiture, while the Sebastopol guided tasting showcases the area’s vibrant downtown scene. Lastly, the Best E-Bike Rental makes exploring on two wheels easy and fun.

1. Sonoma Wine Rides: Sonoma County Join-In Group Wine Tasting Tours

This group wine tasting experience is ideal for those who want to sample multiple small wineries without the hassle of planning each stop. For around $145, you get an all-day ride in Santa Rosa, visiting three wineries across Sonoma Valley, Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, or Russian River Valley, with tastings paired with charcuterie. The tour lasts about 5 to 6 hours and includes transportation, so you can focus on enjoying the wines instead of worrying about driving.

What makes this tour stand out is its small-group setting—intimate enough for personal attention. The driver, Jason, gets consistent praise for being personable and knowledgeable. Reviewers love the variety of boutique wineries, especially the chance to visit family-run spots with a local touch. Each stop offers a traditional flight of 4-6 wines, with plenty of water and a delicious charcuterie box included. The only common critique is that some wish water was available at all wineries, but overall, the experience is highly rated.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed, all-in-one day in Sonoma with expert guidance and personalized service.

2. Best E-Bike Rental! Wine country fun

If you prefer to explore at your own pace, this e-bike rental offers the freedom to ride through Santa Rosa’s scenic streets and beyond. For around $105, you get a pedal-assisted e-bike, helmet, lock, and access to a self-guided route app that takes you down the Joe Rodota Trail toward Sebastopol and Forestville. This tour is great for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing, exercise, and wine tasting without the constraints of a scheduled group.

The reviews highlight how easy and fun these bikes are to ride, with visitors mentioning how they enjoyed seeing the vineyards up close and exploring the area at their leisure. Many appreciate the helpful staff and high-quality bikes, often considering purchasing their own electric bikes after the experience. The routes lead you past local farms, eateries, and wine stops, giving you flexibility and adventure.

Bottom Line: Ideal for independent explorers who want a relaxed, self-paced way to enjoy Santa Rosa’s wine country, especially if you’re comfortable with a little planning.

3. Santa Rosa Bike & Wine Tour

This bike tour is perfect if you like combining physical activity with wine tasting. For about $199, you’ll pedal around 12 miles on high-quality bikes along flat, paved trails and country roads, visiting two or three wineries within approximately 4.5 hours. The tour starts and ends in Santa Rosa and is well-suited for those who want a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery.

What sets this tour apart is its focus on Sonoma’s natural beauty and agricultural charm. The guide shares insights into the region’s viticultural history while leading you past redwood groves, farm animals, and colorful murals. All equipment, including a lock and wine bottle carrier, is provided, making it straightforward and hassle-free. Reviewers note the expert guide Frieda and the enjoyable stops at smaller wineries like Hook & Ladder, which is praised for its good wines and fun picnic area.

Bottom Line: Best suited for active travelers who want an engaging, scenic way to taste Sonoma wines without sacrificing their fitness goals.

4. Pour & Pose: Travel Portraits with a Twist of Wine

For something different, this photography and wine class combines the art of taking stunning travel photos with tasting local wine. At only 2 hours long and costing $95, it offers a more intimate, creative experience. Hosted in Santa Rosa, Grace, the instructor, shares insider tips on photography techniques while you sip wine and capture memorable moments in the vineyards.

What makes this class unique is the focus on phone photography—making it accessible for everyone—yet still insightful enough to improve your skills quickly. Reviewers rave about Grace’s teaching style and how the photos they took after class are noticeably better. It’s perfect if you want a fun, artistic break from traditional wine tours or if you’re interested in improving your travel photography.

Bottom Line: A great add-on for travelers interested in photography, looking for a relaxed experience that combines learning and wine.

5. Guided Wine Tasting in Sebastopol with Local Sommelier

This guided tasting provides a more personalized experience in Sebastopol’s lively downtown. For $185, you’ll visit two top tasting rooms, practice your sensory analysis, and learn how soil and climate influence wine flavor. Limited to six participants, the tour offers an intimate setting ideal for serious wine lovers seeking deeper connections with the local producers.

The tour begins at The Barlow district, an outdoor hub full of craft food vendors, wine, beer, and more. Tasting includes carefully curated flights and snacks. Reviewers appreciate the nuanced discussions about wine and soil, plus the relaxed, friendly atmosphere. It’s perfect if you want a taste of Sonoma’s diverse wine scene without the crowds.

Bottom Line: Best suited for those who want a more refined, educational experience with a local expert guiding the way.

How to Choose the Right Wine Tour in Santa Rosa

When deciding among these options, consider your budget, interest level, and activity preference. The Sonoma Wine Rides offers a full day of relaxed tastings with a guide—great for social travelers. If you want to explore actively, the Santa Rosa Bike & Wine Tour is perfect for cycling enthusiasts wanting to combine exercise with wine. For a self-guided adventure, the E-bike rental provides flexibility, while the Pour & Pose offers a creative twist for photography buffs.

Think about your fitness level—these tours range from easy strolls to more active rides—and your desire for a private or group experience. Booking early is advised, especially for popular weekends or holiday periods.

Final Thoughts

Santa Rosa’s variety of wine tours makes it easy to tailor your visit. Whether you prefer a guided group adventure to discover boutique wineries, a scenic bike ride through vineyards, or an intimate private tasting with a sommelier, the options are rich. For those after a fun, social experience, Sonoma Wine Rides shines. Active travelers will love the Santa Rosa Bike & Wine Tour, while creative spirits will appreciate the Pour & Pose class.

No matter your style, these tours deliver authentic Sonoma County wine experiences without the need for extensive travel. Booking early ensures you secure your spot—these popular options fill fast. Cheers to a memorable wine adventure in Santa Rosa!