A trip to wine country from San Francisco can vary widely, depending on your exact location and the time of day (thanks to the notorious Bay Area traffic!). Below are 5 tips to consider before while planning your Napa Valley.
Plan your route and timing:
- Check the traffic conditions and plan your departure accordingly to avoid peak travel times. A trip to wine country from San Francisco can take anywhere from one to 4 hours!
- Peak traffic times out of the city begin at roughly 2pm and congestion is particularly high on Friday afternoons.
- The most common route from San Francisco to Napa Valley is via the US-101 N and CA-37 E. However, there are alternate routes available depending on your starting point and traffic conditions.
- The most relaxing and scenic option is taking a ferry on the Bay departing from the Ferry Plaza in San Francisco and arriving at the Vallejo terminal, then hailing a rideshare.
- Check winery availability and make reservations: Many wineries in Napa Valley, including Domaine Carneros, require advance reservations, especially for tastings and tours. Check their websites or call ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.