While in San Francisco, we decided to do an organized winery tour so that we didn’t have to arrange our own transportation and we could sample several different wineries.  We got to visit: Domaine Chandon , V. Sattui, Andretti Winery, and Rutherford Ranch Winery. 

We were picked up by a shuttle bus at around 8:30 at the Ferry Building in San Francisco.  We got to see the Golden Gate Bridge and travel across it which was very cool, and got to see the countryside driving up to Napa Valley which was very beautiful and scenic.  Our tour guide also taught us about wine and the tours we would be taking.  She was very funny and personable.

The first winery was actually a sparkling wine tour.  It was a really cool experience.  We first toured the winery and then they took us out back to do a sampling.  We got to taste several different samples of sparkling wine.  After that we took some pictures because it was so scenic.  Then they let you have a few minutes to shop for wine.

Next we moved on to V. Sattui winery where we would be stopping for longer because we would be able to have a picnic lunch.  My husband was a big fan of this winery so I was very excited to be going there.  First of all it was definitely the most scenic of all the wineries, it looked like something right out of Italy.  It was also a very happening place, very busy.  We decided we would do the testing first and then eat.  Our waiter turned out to be a manager and he took more than good care of us.  We got to try more wines than we could have ever imagined and we definitely had a good time.  It was a very cool atmosphere because you actually sit at their bar while doing the tastings (rather than in a big room like other places).  It’s fun to meet other people who are tasting as well.  We each decided to order 3 bottles (there were 4 of us) which took a long time as well.  By the time I was done paying for that, the deli was insanely busy.  So I was trying to find food and while my friend paid, I was trying to find napkins and silverware, but it was so crazy I couldn’t find any, and then trying to find her after was impossible.  So I ended up having to run for the shuttle because I was really late and they were about to leave me!  In retrospect though, I don’t think it would have been the worst thing in the world because it turned out to be the best winery by far!

Next we took the shuttle over to Rutherford Ranch Winery.  This was my least favorite of any.  We didn’t do a tour.  They immediately took us into this cafeteria style room where we did our wine tastings.  I didn’t think any of the wines were outstanding, and I think one of the reasons I wasn’t super fired up about this place was that it was kind of boring sitting in a room.  We were given the opportunity to shop after which none of us did.  We were all on the bus early!
The last winery we went to was Andretti Winery.  This winery was definitely more scenic, it was a good place to take some pictures.  We did the tastings outside in the open which was very cool.  The person who was doing the tastings was also quite fun.  We did look at the winery gift shop after, although I did not buy anything.

After that we were dropped off in Valejo, CA where we took a ferry cruise back to the Ferry Building.  It was fun to be on the water.  We were a bit exhausted after our long day.