For wine team building or a relaxed celebration in wine country, this small-group tour takes your party to three boutique Sonoma County wineries with a charcuterie lunch along the way. It is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Bay Area: a local guide picks you up, drives all day and drops you back about five to six hours later.
The tour holds a maximum of 14 guests, so a group of 2 to 14 can book seats together, and a party of 14 fills the van on its own. It is a join-in format, which means smaller parties may share the day with a few other guests. No wine knowledge is needed: the guide explains each wine in plain language, whether you are a seasoned collector or just know you like red.
What's Included
For wine team building or a relaxed celebration in wine country, this small-group tour takes your party to three boutique Sonoma County wineries with a charcuterie lunch along the way. It is an easy day trip from anywhere in the Bay Area: a local guide picks you up, drives all day and drops you back about five to six hours later.
The tour holds a maximum of 14 guests, so a group of 2 to 14 can book seats together, and a party of 14 fills the van on its own. It is a join-in format, which means smaller parties may share the day with a few other guests. No wine knowledge is needed: the guide explains each wine in plain language, whether you are a seasoned collector or just know you like red.
What's Included
- A small-group wine tour with a 14-guest maximum
- Visits to three Sonoma County wineries chosen by your guide
- A charcuterie-style lunch at the second stop
- A friendly local host and transportation for the whole day
- Complimentary pickup and drop-off in Santa Rosa, Windsor and Kenwood or Glen Ellen
- Help coordinating wine purchases, so you do not carry bottles between stops
How the Day Runs
- Morning pickup between 10:00 and 10:30 AM at your hotel or vacation rental
- First winery around 11:00 AM, tasting four to six wines while you learn about the varietals and the vineyard
- Second winery around 12:30 PM with a charcuterie lunch of local cheeses, cured meats, crackers, seasonal fruit and small bites
- Third winery around 2:00 PM, often a different style such as a hilltop estate, a cave tasting or a family-run operation
- Drop-off around 3:30 to 4:30 PM back at your accommodation
Where You May Taste
No two days are exactly the same. Your guide selects wineries based on the season, availability and what is pouring that week, in some of the most celebrated regions of Sonoma County. Sonoma Valley is where California winemaking began, with historic estates and welcoming tasting rooms. Russian River Valley is famous for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grown in foggy mornings and warm afternoons. Dry Creek Valley, north of Healdsburg, is Zinfandel country, with many multi-generational family wineries.
Why It Works for Groups
Because the group is small, winemakers and tasting room hosts often greet guests by name and share stories about their vineyards. Nobody has to drive, plan stops or coordinate reservations, so the whole group can relax. That makes it one of the easier team building day trips for a small department, and a natural pick for team building excursions where the goal is conversation rather than competition.
The same format suits team building outings for small groups that want something more memorable than a dinner, and it doubles as team bonding activities for small groups celebrating a win or a milestone. Couples, friends marking a birthday and families gathering for a reunion book it too. For anyone comparing fun team building activities for small groups, a day of wine, food and scenery with a knowledgeable guide is hard to beat.
Good to Know
- Winery tasting fees are not included and are paid directly to each winery; many wineries waive the fee with a bottle purchase or a wine club sign-up
- Pickups from Healdsburg, Petaluma, Sonoma and a few nearby towns are available for a small additional fee per booking
- Tours run rain or shine; most wineries have covered or indoor tasting areas
- Specific winery requests are not taken on join-in tours
- Wear layers and comfortable shoes, and bring sunglasses and sunscreen
About Your Hosts
The tour is run by a husband-and-wife team who live in Sonoma County. He is the friendly face behind the wheel who knows the local roads, wineries and hidden spots by heart; she is the self-styled Chief Charcuterie Officer who prepares the lunch spread. They love showing guests small, family-run wineries and local favorites, and the company is rated 5.0 stars from 257 reviews on its map listing.
Book Your Seats
Share your preferred date and the number of guests in your party to check availability. Weekends and harvest season from August through October fill quickly, so booking at least a few days ahead is recommended.
