Bottom line up front: This is unique and special experience that is likely to the highlight of your trip to San Francisco.
We booked this tour after a few diligent days of research. There were a few other tours listed here that did not appeal to their target consumers. Other companies were just there for the demand. We came across Josh's tour company and decided to read some of their reviews. I had to admit that some reviews were certainly out of place (like the one where a lady was complaining that this tour is not kid friendly - it is a wine tour for crying out
loud!!). The company is very responsive and you can tell by their heart-felt responses for each of their reviews. It is also a small tour, which is much more appreciated compared to those big bus tours. Another plus that appealed to us was the inclusion of the wine tasting fees into their prices. Overall, we were very pleased with our choice to go with Josh.
The tour was fantastic. Josh (our tour guide) was full of insights of SF. Our tour was small in number which he was good enough to keep open instead of cancelling on us. We stopped for a few pictures of the Golden Gate Bridge. Josh even put his excellent photography skills to good use when he helped us by taking our photos. Josh is a very interesting person to talk to and engaged in very meaningful conversations along the way.
Our first stop (Kunde Family Vineyard and Winery) was an extraordinary experience. We were paired with Kat who was a fantastic hostess. She explained very clearly the different flavors and the history of the family-owned winery and vineyard. Luckily, we were able to join the cave tour where the winery stores their barrels to let the wine ferment.
The next stop (Sunce Winery) was only a wine tasting room, but the experience was equally good. The wine tasting guide, we'll call him "Mr. Dos Equis" (he resembled "the most interesting man in the world" from the beer commercial in both appearance and spirit - sorry I can't remember his name), was indeed the most interesting man we got to talk to. He is very well travelled, and you can tell from his conversations. The second wine tasting place was also a good choice by Josh because we got to have barrel tasting wine. The flavors were exquisite and the experience was astronomically delicious.
We then enjoyed a delicious lunch in VJB Vineyard and Cellars. Their pizzas are really good, as well as their other choices such as the salads, coffee and wine selections.
We closed the tour with Kivelstadt Cellars Wine Tasting and Taproom that mixed the practices of chemistry and wine making. The experience was very educational and, of course, very delicious. Their choices of wine will keep your palate wanting more from this amazing tour. Sweet Josh surprised us with a few souvenir chocolate pieces to close the wine tasting tour.
Concluding the day with a drive back to the city where Josh was again an excellent traveling companion, discussing the region and other interesting topics. We would HIGHLY recommend this tour to anybody who wants a personal touch added to their day in wine country.