Our new and improved Napa Valley wine tour has a little bit of everything: wine-growing history that dates to 1873; a boutique vineyard on the popular Silverado Trail; and celebrity influence on the region and industry.
Green Dream Tours’ 2020 itinerary is sure to appease the most discriminating wine lovers, regardless of tasting preferences and interests, which is why we believe it’s now among the best Napa Valley wine tours from San Francisco.
“We have come up with three wineries that are complementary in terms of history and vision, and also offer a variety of wines that you’ll be tasting,” says Elie Sasson, owner of Green Dream Tours. “Our goal is always to taste more and drive less, so we have selected wineries in the southern and central part of the Napa Valley to create the best possible experience with the least amount of driving.”
Buhman Estate Vineyards
One of the most popular stops on our Napa Valley public and private tours is Buhman Estate Vineyards. We started going there last year on our private tours, and it has quickly become a staple for many tours thanks to its hospitality, off-the-beaten-path location and great wine.
In 1873, John Jacob Buhman became one of Napa’s early wine pioneers when he planted his first grapevine. The vineyard would become part of the historic Buhman Cattle Ranch, which is now a key part of the experience at Buhman Estate Vineyards.
More than 20 years ago, sixth-generation descendant Don Buhman started growing grapes on the property again, supplying his fruit to some pretty well-known wine brands. These have included Mumm, Rombauer, Sterling and Schramsberg.
Growing grapes in the prime Carneros AVA, Don Buhman decided to start making his own wine and established Buhman Estate Vineyards. Estate wines include Chardonnay, Rose, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
James Cole Estate Winery
Another winery we’ve added to our Napa Valley tour is James Cole Estate Winery. Owner James Harder is a former wine business executive from Canada and his wife, Colleen, is a former marketing specialist. They purchased what was once a dilapidated equestrian center in 2000 and opened their tasting room in 2007.
Only 11 acres in size, James Cole is in the Napa Valley AVA on Silverado Trail. It’s also near the famous Stags Leap AVA, helping influence James Cole’s amazing Cabernet Sauvignon. They also produce Chardonnay and Malbec.
Andretti Winery
Andretti Winery is named after race car driver Mario Andretti, who is co-owner. The 51-acre property reflects old-world charm inspired Andretti’s Italian heritage and love of Tuscany.
Situated in the Oak Knoll District, the vineyards here are perfect for strolling and photo opportunities. Andretti produces Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Merlot.
Lunch at Oxbow Public Market
The Green Dream Tours Napa Valley tour visits two wineries in the morning and one after lunch. Lunch is on your own at trendy Oxbow Public Market, which features a variety of local restaurants with communal seating. The downtown Napa area also has tasting rooms and shops, which you may visit after lunch.
The tour starts with a photo opportunity at the Golden Gate Bridge. Other sightseeing options will occur throughout the day depending on guests’ interests and winery appointments.
Green Dream Tours picks up at more than 200 San Francisco hotels. Pick-ups are also possible from home-share properties. Please call for pick-up information to coordinate the most convenient pick-up and drop-off location for your group.
Best Napa Valley Wine Tours
For more information on the best Napa Valley wine tours, including private tours, please see our Private Napa Valley Wine Tours and Public Napa Valley Wine Tours pages.
