We’ve Been Named Best Food Tour in the Nation—Here’s What It Means

When Gourmet Food & Wine Tours first launched on the cobblestone streets of Sonoma in 2014, founder Renée ReBell had one simple mission: to create a food and wine experience that left guests fulfilled—not just with wine, but with meaningful pairings, rich storytelling, and unforgettable memories.

That mission just reached a national milestone.

We are beyond proud to announce that Gourmet Food & Wine Tours has been voted the #1 Food Tour in the Nation in the USA TODAY 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards for 2025!

This honor is a tribute to our entire community—from the visionary chefs and boutique wineries we partner with, to our passionate guides and loyal guests who return again and again.

But our story began with a simple frustration: Renée loved wine tasting in her twenties, but she always left hungry. Tastings back then rarely offered more than a few crackers or a sliver of cheese. The inspiration for change came during a food tour in Chicago with her daughter (who now works alongside her). That’s when the “aha” moment hit: why wasn’t anyone doing this in wine country?

From that spark, Gourmet Food & Wine Tours was born.

Today, our walking tours combine world-class wines with perfectly paired bites, local history, and scenic strolls through Sonoma, Yountville, Downtown Napa, and Sausalito—offering a richer, more satisfying way to experience Northern California’s wine country.

Photo by Hayes Norman Photography

🏅 Why This Award Matters

The USA TODAY 10 Best Awards are nationally recognized and completely reader-driven. To be voted

#1 Best Food Tour in the entire country means the world to us—and confirms what our guests have been telling us for years: there's nothing else quite like this.

As one judge put it:

“It’s the storytelling and the soul of the region that sets this apart. You don’t just eat and drink—you walk away feeling touched by what you learned about the town and its history.”

~ Signature Tour Highlights

Sonoma – Our Flagship Tour ($255) Our original and most celebrated route—the tour that won the award! Storytelling: California history, biodynamic winemaking, farm-to-table roots. Experience: Walk Sonoma Plaza with generous wine pairings, seasonal cuisine, and local lore

Yountville ($295) A dream for foodies who love fine dining, legacy chefs, and small-town charm. Storytelling: The rise of Thomas Keller, Michelin history. Experience: 4 elevated stops, past Michelin Guide restaurants, perfectly paced indulgence

Sausalito ($275, 4+ guests) Coastal charm meets culinary creativity. Storytelling: Colorful characters like Janis Joplin & Sally Stanford, sailboat dock walks. Experience: Bay views, chef-driven pairings, and 2025 Michelin Guide dining

Downtown Napa ($295) For urban explorers and Napa Valley newbies alike Storytelling: Napa’s comeback as a culinary capital. Experience: Skip the planning—just show up and enjoy 4 handpicked stops with wine pairings, including 2024 Michelin-mentioned restaurants

🌱 New for 2025:

Wellness & Family-Friendly Tours

We’re also expanding beyond traditional wine tours to celebrate nature, wellness, and local culture:

Sonoma Escape ($149) – A non-drinking tour for hikers & breakfast lovers Sonoma History Scoop ($38) – Perfect for families, ending with handmade ice cream. Taste Napa ($149) – Dive into Napa’s culinary legends with light bites and rich stories

Architecture & Fine Wine Tour

Discover the hidden architectural gems of Sonoma while indulging in premium local wines.

Hidden in Plain Sight (starting at $599) – A tour for the refined palettes and architecture lovers.

🗣️ From Our Guests - Why We Are The Best Food Tour In The US

“A Truly Unforgettable Experience—Every TimeI’ve done the Yountville tour multiple times and it never gets old. The pacing, the insider access, the thoughtful pairings—it’s like a five-course meal blended with a history lesson and a wine tasting all in one. The storytelling and genuine hospitality are unmatched.”— DPP, Carmel, CA (April 16, 2025)

🥂 Ready to taste what everyone's talking about? Book your award-winning experience today → HERE

From all of us at Gourmet Food & Wine Tours—thank you. This award belongs to our whole community, and that includes you.