Hi, we're a family of 5 including 2 kids and we heard about the great Californian wines but we don't take alcohol. Nonetheless, we'd like to make a half-day trip to Napa or Sonoma and see how it's all done. We'd be driving from San Francisco over the Golden Gate bridge, pausing in Muir Woods and off to Wine Country.

We'd love to hear your recommendations on where we could get a good tour of a winery (we are suckers for scenery too!). Do you think it's possible to cram in an hour-plus tour of UC Berkeley on the same day? Heard the sun goes down at around 4pm and goes up at 8am. (I don't know; i'm from the tropics)

Looking forward to your replies!

I may be in the minority on this one, but I'm not all that wow'ed by the scenery in wine country relative to the rest of the scenery in the Bay Area. The coast (especially Big Sur), the redwoods, the city of SF from a distance, the bridges, Tahoe and Yosemite (not too far away) all make wine country scenery seem a little bland to me.

Not to say wine country isn't worth a trip. The wineries are interesting to tour even if you don't drink wine, and the area's definitely unique.

I agree...the wine country was pretty, but I found it much prettier in other areas. Especially along Hwy 1, north and south of SF, challenging a drive though it may be. I wouldn't bother with Napa if I wasn't with someone who was tasting or staying over and experiencing the other things it offers: spa, restaurants, etc.

But that being said, Neibaum Coppola was interesting.

Isn't Sterling the one with the chair lift that takes you up the hill? That might be your best bet for "entertainment" value and scenery. Of all the winery tours I've done I think Beringer is one of the most complete and informative.

In the wintertime, the sun generally rises around 7am and sets around 5 or 5:30. In the summertime it rises around 6 and sets around 8.

I remember taking a tour of a large winery when I was very young. It was very cool - had little audio things and I got my very own. I am not sure I would want to do lots of them but one or two to see how the process goes might be fun. I am sure someone who has been can tell you the best tour.

As for the sun up/down times.... it depends on the time of year of course. In winter it can get dark very early - 4 is probably about right. Depending on weather though it can remain light for a while after that.

Given the times you have for sunset, I'm guessing you will be here in December. Check out music in the caves
in the months of December. I can't remember which winery has it but I seem to think it might be at Foie a Deux. This could be lovely and what your kids might like. Also, Muir Woods has a lantern lit walk in December(Many days) you might really enjoy this.

The wine country is a beautiful part of California, not to be missed! Even if you don't drink wine. Good for you to want to experience it! One of the best tours, if you want to learn how wine is made, is the tour given at the Robert Mondavi winery. It is in Napa, right off the main road. It's a free tour, and you don't need reservations. Even the kids will enjoy it. Even if you don't drink wine, you will find it very interesting to learn how the grapes go from vine to bottle. It's the only tour I take all my visiting friends to see. Then, I suggest going to V.Sattuti winery...it's also on 29, (a little further north), you don't have to taste the wines if you don't want, but they do offer a free tasting. However, they have a great deli and lunch shop, and you can make a great picnic for yourself and they have a large picnic area...either outside if the weather is nice on the grass, or on a picnic bench, or inside, in one of their wine cellars...and enjoy a great picnic lunch before you head back. (they also sell waters, juices, etc) The scenery is beautiful, views of mountains and fields of vineyards. Don't forget your camera. The wine country is more than drinking wine, it's one of the most beautiful parts of California. Don't miss it!

Just got back from S.F. 2 weeks ago. My friend (who does not drink wine also) and I took the Gray Line Wine Tour. We really enjoyed our stop at the Viansa Winery and Marketplace just outside of Sonoma on Highway 121. Beautifully landscaped with vineyards, olive trees and roses. The owners wife has her own line of food. There we samples galore of jellies, pesto sauces, mustard, olive oil, marinades and other yummy items. They also had a small deli and coffee.

Given the mention of candlelit tours of Muir Woods, it might be better to reverse your trip. Go over the East Bay to the Napa valley, and go up to Oakville. Take the Oakville Grade to the Sonoma Valley; it is one of the prettiest and curviest roads in the wine country. Have a late lunch in Sonoma--you can picnic beneath a tree of the central square. You might want to visit the old mission. Viansa, suggested by someone else, is on the way back to Marin to find your way to Muir Woods.

I really enjoyed the Mondavi Winery tour as well.