Shared transfers from SFO run from roughly 2 to 4pm, bringing you to the Lodge at the Presidio, a historic retreat set within a national park, with eucalyptus groves and views of the city’s wild edge. Settle in, then your small group at 5pm for a short transfer to a scenic park, where a catered welcome picnic dinner awaits: local cheeses, seasonal accompaniments, and good things to drink. It’s the first chance to meet Madelyn and your fellow travelers before the real tasting begins. Guests can walk back to the hotel (20-minute, 1 mile walk) or opt to ride back. The rest of the evening is yours.

Please arrive at SFO by 4pm to join the evening’s activities. Extra hotel nights are available for earlier arrivals.

Breakfast, lunch, and tastings included in today's program.

After breakfast at the hotel, meet your cheese tour leader, Alexandra, board your touring vehicle, and cross the Golden Gate Bridge into Marin County.

Marin French Cheese. Operating since 1865, it is America’s oldest cheese company. Tour the creamery and taste their handcrafted, soft-ripened, French-inspired cheeses, including the bloomy-rind Brie and Camembert-style cheeses that put this place on the map.

Point Reyes Farmstead Cheese. Walk the farm, meet the calves, and see the garden and the maternity barns. Then settle onto “The Fork” patio overlooking the garden for a tasting of seven or more award-winning cheeses, spreads, and pairings.

Hog Island Oyster Co. Lunch on the shores of Tomales Bay, one of California’s great oyster-growing regions. Begin with an oyster tasting, then order whatever you like from the menu. Drinks are available for purchase.

In the afternoon, travel to Sonoma Hotel, a historic boutique hotel right on Sonoma Plaza. Explore the parks, boutique shops, tasting rooms, and restaurants on foot at your own pace this evening.

Breakfast, lunch, and tastings included

Start with breakfast at a local favorite, then roll up your sleeves at The Epicurean Connection for a hands-on class with an award-winning cheesemaker. You’ll make your own Crème de Ricotta and artisan butter, taste a lineup of artisan cheeses, and learn the fundamentals of the craft. You’ll take your cheese home with you.

For lunch, stop at Valley Swim Club (despite the name, there’s no pool), a California roadhouse shaped by the sea. Expect fast-casual, farm-to-table seafood with a contemporary touch. Drinks are available for purchase.

Spend the afternoon at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, family-owned since 1858 and producing Bordeaux-style wines from organically farmed, estate-grown grapes. Your private tasting includes a curated flight of five wines. Seasonal snacks or a cheese and charcuterie spread can be added if desired.

Return to Sonoma for a free evening to explore the town at your own pace.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and tastings included in today's program

After breakfast, head to Valley Ford Cheese & Creamery for a tasting and conversation with owner Karen Bianchi Moreda, a third-generation dairy family keeping tradition alive on the Sonoma coast.

Next is Toluma Farms & Tomales Farmstead Creamery, a first-generation organic goat and sheep dairy. Walk the farm, meet the baby goats, and see the milking parlor and creamery. Then sit down to a farm-to-table lunch on the wraparound porch of the farmhouse: their own farmstead cheeses with local charcuterie, fresh salads, and wood-fired bread. It’s paired with Heidrun Meadery’s champagne-style honey wine, made in Point Reyes.

In the afternoon, head back to your hotel to rest and refresh. Enjoy a free afternoon in Sonoma, then reconvene for an elevated three-course farewell dinner with wine.

After a farewell breakfast at a local establishment, guests will be picked up by their touring vehicle to head back to San Francisco.

Pickup time is scheduled for approximately 11:00am, with an estimated arrival to SFO airport around 12:30pm.

Guests may choose to stay an additional night in San Francisco at their leisure. Please let your travel manager know if you're interested in extending your stay.

$200 OFF YOUR RESERVATION IF BOOKED BY NOVEMBER 15, 2026.
This discount will be applied to your final payment.

Travel Dates
June 8-12, 2027

Price
Double occupancy: $5,115 USD per person
Single occupancy: $5,755 USD per person

Inclusions Overview

• Accommodation: 4-night hotel accommodations in San Francisco and Sonoma
• Transportation with driver for all scheduled tours and transfers
• A local expert guide for cheese tours
• All fees for tastings, activities and tours
• Gratuities for drivers and programmed meals at restaurants are included
• 9 Meals, as outlined in the daily itinerary details below

Not Included

• Flights to/from San Francisco (SFO)
• Meals, transportation, or activities outside of planned programming
• Travel insurance, which is strongly encouraged to protect you from losses in unforeseen circumstances. We recommend this company.

Planning Your Flights

Flights to/from San Francisco are not included in this package price. We recommend booking flights that fit our group transfer schedule. Shared transfers from SFO run from approximately 2 to 4pm on arrival day, and the return transfer departs from at 11am on the final morning (estimated arrival time to SFO is 12:30pm). Arriving sooner or staying longer? We’d be glad to add extra hotel nights to your stay. Just tell your trip manager when you book. Please note that transportation outside the group schedule is arranged and paid for by the traveler.

Payment Schedule and Cancellation Policy

• Apx 30% deposit due at the time of booking. The last day to confirm your space is December 15th, 2026.
• Remaining Balance due: March 15, 2027
• Cancellation policy: All amounts paid are non-refundable. All cancellations are non refundable and result in the forfeiture of any payments made. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against losses in unforeseen circumstances. We recommend this company for travel protection coverage.

Group Size and Minimum Requirement
This trip is designed for a group of 14-24 travelers. The trip will proceed only if a minimum of 14 participants is reached. If the minimum number of travelers do not book and make a deposit, this trip will be cancelled or rescheduled.

Health and Mobility Considerations
Participants should be in good physical condition as some activities require moderate walking. If you have mobility restrictions or need special accommodations, please inform us in advance. Due to location conditions, we cannot guarantee accessibility for wheelchair users.

Local Conditions
Weather may impact outdoor activities. In case of adverse weather, alternative arrangements will be made. The operators reserve the right to modify the programming if unforeseen circumstances arise.

Rooms are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. Due to the unique character of the boutique hotels we have selected for this experience, bedding preferences cannot be guaranteed. Limited spaces are available for this travel experience. Early bookings are encouraged.

Please pack lightly. The luggage limit for the touring vehicle is 1 medium sized suitcase plus one carry on suitcase per person.

Legal Disclaimer

By booking this tour, you agree to the terms and conditions outlined. The tour provider reserves the right to modify or cancel any part of the itinerary due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control. The provider is not liable for personal injury, loss, or damages during the trip.