We were visiting San Francisco and wanted to see some of wine country. This trip was perfect. It picked up in downtown San Francisco, less than a block from our hotel. Bus was large and very comfortable. Our driver, Greg, was great! He shared all sorts of information about the area on the drive to Sonoma so it was like we got two tours in one! Bus tour industry is just starting to come back after COVID, and the Winery business as well. Not all wineries are open for business, or they have limited groups, according to Greg. They apparently adjust the 3 wineries included depending on circumstances. Our first was Roche Winery. Greg definitely knows his route because he said it would probably be our favorite, and it was. Our host, Jerry, was very entertaining. We were outside in their beautiful space for the entire visit. They were very generous with their pours! Roche does not sell their wine retail so you need to purchase it on premises or on-line. Wine is excellent! Tip - if you are visiting from out of state, bring an extra suitcase with packing material to transport your wine back home. Shipping rates are high. I wish we had thought of this. Our 2nd winery was Madonna Estate, a boutique winery, all organic. Isaac was our host, also entertaining! This was indoors, masks encouraged. Madonna was offering a special on shipping, flat $20 rate. Very good deal. After 2nd winery Greg brought us to town of Sonoma for lunch break. Greg gave EXCELLENT restaurant recommendations. There were several around, from snacks to sit down options. Our 3rd winery was BR Cohn. This winery is fairly new to the tour, according to Greg. The outdoor space is BEAUTIFUL. This visit was also outdoors. The wine was ok. If you are interested in a one-day Sonoma/Napa experience, you can't beat this trip!
Response from Host
Sep 2021
Hello Dawn, we appreciate so much your detailed review. You captured the essence of each of the 3 wineries we usually go to on our wine tour, and we're proud to hear that the experience you had with Greg was excellent.
Thanks again for your recommendations to other travelers. Keep us in mind anytime you come back to San Francisco; we have many other tours that i would like you to review for us!
Andrew
Sales Manager
Gray Line San Francisco