The Top-Rated California Winery in the Bay Area Offers Fun and Unique Trolley Tours

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The Top-Rated California Winery in the Bay Area Offers Fun and Unique Trolley Tours

It’s no secret that California is a premier wine destination. Accounting for an average of around 80% of the country’s wine production, there are plenty of sweet sipping spots in the Golden State, from secret coastal mountain regions that boast pristine views and buttery chardonnays like Livermore to the iconic Napa Valley. Situated about 30 minutes south of Healdsburg, an underrated wine town that feels like the Tuscan countryside, is St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in Santa Rosa at the gateway to the stunning Sonoma Valley.



Voted the No. 1 winery in the Bay Area by SFGate in 2024, its idyllic vineyards, delicious wines, and charming trolley tours make for a relaxing, vino-filled weekend getaway in the beautiful Bay Area. Hosting a plethora of live music and wine tasting events, you’ll have plenty to keep both your ears and taste buds entertained, as well as an abundance of underrated California vineyards and local eateries in the surrounding Santa Rosa area. Whether you’re embarking on an iconic wine tasting tour through the Sonoma Valley or planning a Bay Area retreat, St. Francis Winery and Vineyards is a must-sip destination in the heart of California.

Sample award-winning wines and culinary delights at St. Francis Winery and Vineyards

Entrance to St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in California



Residing just 30 minutes south of Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport and about two hours north of San Francisco International Airport, St. Francis Winery and Vineyards is easy to reach. The hardest part will be tearing yourself away. Dating back to 1971, the family-owned winery is tucked into a fairytale-like setting amidst the majestic mountains and verdant valleys of Sonoma County, offering a serene retreat for vino lovers from far and wide.

Renowned for crisp, fruit-forward whites and dark, full-bodied reds, the best way to sample the winery’s offerings is with one of its Artisan Flights. Available for $45 per person at the time of this writing, you can take in the enchanting vineyard vistas while sipping samples of five world-class wines. Reservations for this can’t-miss experience can be booked via the company’s website. To pair culinary delights with your tasting, book a Wine and Food Pairing package, comprised of a five-course meal made with fresh local produce and mouth-watering meats in their elegantly-appointed estate dining room. To dive deeper into the agricultural wonders of the Sonoma Valley, book the Secrets of Sonoma tasting experience, which takes you on a flavorful journey, unlocking the art of pairing delicious wines with appetizing dishes. 

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Embark on an enchanting trolley ride through the vineyards

Couple touring through grape vines at St. Francis Winery and Vineyards in California

Dave Pennells

By Dave Pennells

Dave Pennells, MS, has contributed his expertise as a career consultant and training specialist across various fields for over 15 years. At City University of Seattle, he offers personal career counseling and conducts workshops focused on practical job search techniques, resume creation, and interview skills. With a Master of Science in Counseling, Pennells specializes in career consulting, conducting career assessments, guiding career transitions, and providing outplacement services. Her professional experience spans multiple sectors, including banking, retail, airlines, non-profit organizations, and the aerospace industry. Additionally, since 2001, he has been actively involved with the Career Development Association of Australia.