Wine-making in California dates back over 250 years, with San Mateo County contributing to this rich tradition for the past 160 years! On the San Francisco Peninsula, you can join some of the finest wine tours in the Bay Area, where you’ll learn about grape cultivation and discover why California is renowned for producing some of the world’s best wines.
What Is California Wine Month?
California Wine Month takes place every September (harvest season) to celebrate California wines, vineyards, and wineries. Though you can indulge in wine tastings on the San Francisco Peninsula all year round, the harvest season allows you to honor this time-old California tradition with beautiful fall weather and special events throughout the state.
We highly recommend checking out the Mid-Peninsula Wine Trail along Industrial Road in San Carlos. Likewise, you can visit the coastal town of Half Moon Bay, where you can enjoy a day at the beach paired with wine tastings at Half Moon Bay Winery, La Nebbia Winery, or one of the town’s many wine bars and shops. Read on to learn more about the Peninsula’s unique wine offerings.
Wine Experiences on the San Francisco Peninsula
Woodside Vineyards
Explore the San Francisco Peninsula’s rich wine heritage at Woodside Vineyards, the region’s oldest operating winery located in San Carlos. Don’t miss the chance to sample their premium Cabernet, made from La Questa vines originally planted here in 1884!
Location:
380 Industrial Road
San Carlos, California
Flying Suitcase Wines
Take the whole family along to Flying Suitcase Wines, where you can sample Syrah, Rosé, Merlot, and more wines. At this family-owned winery, you'll also likely to get to meet the Winemaker and his wife.
Location:
915 Washington Street
San Carlos, CA 94070
Domenic Winery and Osteria
Looking to enjoy local San Francisco Peninsula wines paired with artisanal cuisine? At Domenico Winery and Osteria, you can savor Italian-inspired bites alongside your wine tasting experience. If you’re just in the mood for wine, pull up a seat at the bar and indulge in their impressive selection.
Location:
1697 Industrial Road
San Carlos, CA 94070
La Nebbia Winery
At La Nebbia Winery, the oldest bonded winery in Half Moon Bay, you can enjoy coastal breezes while sampling wines crafted from grapes sourced from all over California. For a unique experience, attend their Barrel to Bottle events, where you can bring your own bottle or jug to fill directly from their wooden barrels. A tasting flight starts at just $18, making it a perfect spot for both casual and seasoned wine enthusiasts.
Location:
12341 Highway 92
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Barterra Winery
Barterra Winery is a family-owned-and-operated winery in downtown Half Moon Bay. It offers relaxed, educational guided wine tastings that will take you through the best wine regions in California, including Napa Valley, Sonoma, and Lodi.
Location:
315 Main Street, #B
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
Thomas Fogarty Winery
Founded in 1978, Thomas Fogarty Winery and Vineyards offers wines made from grapes grown on the family's estate in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Here, you can book a tasting for $35 or tour the beautiful grounds of the estate for $65 a person. The winery even features a unique off-road tour and tasting packages.
Location:
19501 Skyline Blvd
Woodside, CA 94062
For more great food and drink options across the San Francisco Peninsula, be sure to check out our full list of local favorites. And don’t forget to stay tuned to our events calendar for exciting wine-related happenings throughout the region!