The surrounding counties of San Francisco (known as the “Bay Area”) are home to some of the best winemakers in the world. The Traveling Wino hasn’t visited all of the wineries in the Bay Area but we’ve been fortunate to visit a lot of them. Below is a general overview of what we’ve found in the different Bay Area wine regions.
North Bay
Napa County
Some of the most popular and prestigious wineries in the world are in nearby Napa Valley and the surrounding county. The Napa region is a little pricey for the budget-minded wino (although tasting even just once in Napa…will make you feel like you’re in heaven!) Because of high prices, the Traveling Wino has only visited a few wineries in this famous region, opting instead to spend time exploring other surrounding areas that are fantastic AND affordable. Take a look at the less costly options below.
Sonoma
Sonoma County is literally right next door to Napa to the west. Sonoma is like Napa’s laid-back cousin that lives in the suburbs – more approachable, more laid back, and more affordable. With Highway 101 running through the county to get you there, you will find a ton of wineries in the region. There are a few small towns that offer wonderful downtown areas jam-packed with tasting rooms – Geyserville, Sonoma, and our favorite Healdsburg. But don’t limit yourself to just the towns. Some of the best wineries we have found are tucked out of the way and offer the personality, friendly environment, and affordability that a Wino can only dream about.
East Bay
Livermore Valley
The Livermore Valley is one of the Wino’s favorite wine tasting areas. Tucked away just 30 miles east of San Francisco off Interstate 580 in the East Bay, this is where the locals go to play. The Livermore Valley has more than 50 wineries and more than 5,000 acres of vineyards stretching over an area 15 miles east to west, and 10 miles north to south.  Wineries vary in size. You can wander into tasting rooms that are small and quaint with unique crafted wines, or you can hop down the street to a larger one that produces hundreds of thousands of bottles that you might see in the stores. If you love white wine, they have it. If you love red, they have it. And if you are looking for something unique…they have it! Many of the wineries showcase award-winning wines that rival (if not surpass) other wines from the most popular (and pricey) California regions.
Of course, the most important thing for the Wino is that the Livermore Valley is unpretentious, welcoming, friendly and affordable. Not to mention it has wide, open spaces of rolling hills with proud vines, and inspiring views to give you a true experience of getting away from it all. Don’t get me wrong, there is a range of prices and some bottles can cost a pretty penny, but believe me they are worth it and cost much less than the same quality wines in other regions.
Sunol Ridge
Tucked away just a little west of Livermore is a tiny little town called Sunol. This town is the namesake of the Sunol Ridge area where the Traveling Wino stumbled upon three wineries that are among the top favorites. All three of the Sunol Ridge wineries meet the criteria fitting for a Wino – they are unique, fun, VERY friendly, and they all feature affordable and delicious wines that rival other more well-known wines.
Peninsula
Half Moon Bay
Located in the Bay Area’s Peninsula is the small coastal town of Half Moon Bay. In true Northern California style, this little town offers a handful of wine tasting rooms to enjoy local coastal varieties…A.K.A…white wines. But fear not red drinkers! There’s a full range of wines served including many big bold reds. The best part of the little town of Half Moon Bay is its atmosphere. It has a laid-back coastal vibe we love…paired with a friendly, small town, quaint style. Plus it has affordable small hotels, B&Bs, restaurants and shopping, so it is perfect for a weekend wine tasting getaway that won’t break the bank.
