The Bay Area's Best Wineries

CEOs, dignitaries, celebrities, executives, and artists - not to mention tourists and conventioneers, all value privacy, luxury, and personalized treatment. What's more, the San Francisco cache seems to insist on your comfort and convenience. Looking for great Bay Area wineries to visit this winter? Start by reserving your chauffeured limousine or limo bus from Angel Worldwide Transportation early.

San Francisco

The City hosts several wineries for tastings, weddings, and other events - The SF Winery (Treasure Island), The Rock Wall and Rosenblum Cellars (Alameda), and the Cavillo Point Lodge (Sausalito), but you need to travel a little if you want the best.

Napa Valley

1. Frank Family Vineyards was named 2012's “Winery of the Year” by Connoisseur’s Guide to California Wine, ABC7 "Best Tasting Room," and “Best Napa Winery” for three consecutive years. The vineyards cover hundreds of acres on gently rolling hills just south of Calistoga producing acclaimed whites and carneros reds. The history surrounds a massive sandstone winery appearing on the National Register of Historical Places. Wines are bottled in small quantities sold only at the winery and a handful of fine dining restaurants and wine shops. Tastings happen in a porch-fronted store or at picnic tables under the oaks.

2. Artesa Vineyards (Rutherford) has a vineyard center as strikingly modern as the Franks Family's is historic. Built into the highest hill on the 350-acre estate under native grasses, its sweeping staircase descends between cascades and fountains to the winery entrance and its expansive terrace with 360 degree views of the surrounding vineyards. You can arrange small to large groups at wine and cheese tastings, wine and dinner events, or wine and tapas pairings in the modern sunlit galleries or the Estate Reserve Experience.

Sonoma Valley

3. Imagery Estate Winery is the Sonoma Valley's 2013 "Winery of the Year" and The San Francisco Chronicle's Gold Medal Winner for its 2010 Petit Sirah. Imagery (a Benzinger family estate) is part winery and part art gallery - just look at their unique labels. They concentrate on unusual varietals grown under Biodynamics, a holistic farming approach that eliminates all chemicals, encourages a self-sustaining ecosystem for more flavor, more fruit, and less decay.

4. Loxton Cellars (also in Glen Ellen) started in 1996 at the hands of the South Australian Loxton family. They promote a walk-about tour of the vineyards and recently opened its Reserve Room for tasting limited and library vintages. Loxton showcases varietals and the vineyard in which they are grown. With focused attention on the vineyard, the wines immediately reflect the grape quality.

5. Gundlach Bundschu is a 1898 Rhinefarm off the beaten path outside of the village of Sonoma. A certified green business, Gun Bun are "stewards of the land" pursuing innovation in sustainability to protect and preserve the family's Rhinefarm ecosystem. They have pioneered efforts in introduction of beneficial predators to reduce pesticides, conservation and recycling of winery water, and acres of solar power. Their Courtyard Tasting pairs food and bites with wines on comfortable chairs with an extraordinary view.

At an average of 160 lbs., most people can handle no more than three glasses of wine before exceeding their Blood Alcohol Level (BAC), and if you are doing your wine tour justice, you will exceed that limit quickly.

Whatever wineries you settle on, you need a sober chauffeur who knows the map, can answer your questions, and enjoys entry to the best venues on the route. The Napa/Sonoma winter is brisk and clear, the vines are dormant but colorful, and the prices reasonable and the crowds much thinner. Request a free quote on your winter wine tour limo bus or limousine by clicking the button below.