Walk and Wine Taste Your Way Through San Francisco

With a Walk Score of 89, San Francisco is the second most walkable large city in the U.S. Combine that with its proximity to the vineyards of Sonoma and Napa, and it should come as no surprise that many neighborhoods in the city host a wine walk (or two) during the year.

Often positioned as fundraisers for neighborhood associations and local non-profits, the wine walk season starts in February on the city’s famed Union Street and finishes on the equally charming Fillmore Street in December. 

Many of the walks are from 4 to 8 p.m.; times may vary, however. Tasting event fees range from $25 to $30 per person. It's best for you to confirm the details of these events closer to your visit.

For public transit information, visit www.511.org, or consider calling a Lyft or Uber ride after your neighborhood wine walk.  

Put on those walking shoes and wind (or wine) your way through San Francisco! 

February 

Union Street Valentine Wine Walk 

Union Street, from Gough to Steiner streets

This Valentine’s Day tradition brings couples to San Francisco’s storied Union Street. Discover charming Victorians and colorful courtyards filled with more than 200 shops and restaurants. Many of Union Street’s restaurants offer international and California cuisine. Participants will receive a wine glass and map with all of the tasting locations. The ticket price includes wine samples at all of the sampling locations. 

April 

Polk Street Spring Wine Walk  

Polk Street, from Sutter to Filbert Streets

Polk Street parallels Van Ness Avenue and extends all the way to Fisherman’s Wharf. This wine walk takes you to the heart of one of the oldest shopping districts in San Francisco. At the turn of the century, it was one of the city’s most exclusive shopping areas, favorited by residents of nearby Nob Hill and Pacific Heights. Participants will receive a wine glass and map at all tasting locations.

Fillmore Street Spring Wine Walk 

Fillmore Street, from Jackson to Eddy Streets

Along Fillmore Street in Pacific Heights, there are a number of intimate cafes and restaurants, as well as a concentration of upscale stores. As Fillmore Street slopes down to Eddy Street, walkers enter San Francisco’s historic Japantown, one of only three remaining in the U.S., and the area once known as the “Harlem of the West,” where an abundance of jazz clubs and the historic Fillmore Auditorium are located. Merchants offer wine samples inside their stores. Participants will receive a wine glass and map with all of the tasting locations. 

May 

North Beach Spring Wine Walk 

Along Grant Avenue

San Francisco’s upper Grant Avenue in the heart of North Beach’s Little Italy neighborhood takes on the air of an Italian piazza along Columbus Avenue, Vallejo and Green streets. Participants receive a wine glass and map with all tasting locations. Be sure to enjoy food from one of the local trattorias after the wine tasting, too.  

June  

Art and Wine Walk at the Wharf 

The Cannery Courtyard, 650 Beach St. 

Select art galleries, museums and other businesses open their doors to art and wine lovers for this event in the heart of Fisherman’s Wharf. Pair classic and contemporary artworks with California wines to please your palate. Starting with The Cannery Courtyard at the Academy of Art University, gallery-hop, meet local artists, and help toast the artists showing at Fisherman’s Wharf. Attendees will receive wine tastings and a commemorative wine glass.  

July 

Polk Street Summer Wine Walk  

Polk Street, from Union to Post Streets

Stroll along Polk Street and enjoy wine samples inside local merchants' stores. Shopping along the street where Nob Hill meets Russian Hill is eclectic and there’s always a new spot to explore, from a tempting candy store to vintage wares. Participants will receive a wine glass and map of all tasting locations.

September 

North Beach Fall Wine Walk 

Along Grant Avenue

Close your eyes and you may hear the occasional “mangia” or “delicioso” above the hum of amiable conversations emanating from sidewalk cafes and off-beat bistros. This is the heart of San Francisco’s Little Italy, and menus reflect this with ample portions of pasta al dente and hearty bowls of cioppino. San Francisco’s Italian immigrants created this delicious fish stew made with tomatoes and a variety of fish and shellfish. Participants receive a wine glass and map with all tasting locations. 

Embarcadero Center Wine Walk  

Embarcadero Center 

Located just a few blocks north of the foot of Market Street, the Embarcadero Center features nationally renowned retail shops and restaurants across its five-building campus, which includes office towers and the Hyatt Regency San Francisco. Not only does the tasting event include wine samples inside stores throughout Embarcadero Center, but also it’s the perfect opportunity to shop, dine and save. Participants will receive a wine glass and map with all of the tasting locations.  

Fillmore Street Fall Wine Walk 

Fillmore Street, from Jackson to Eddy streets

Imagine the ideal neighborhood stroll in San Francisco and Fillmore Street should come to mind. Catch the first hint of an up-and-coming trend or pick up an oven-fresh croissant. Participants will receive a wine glass and map with all of the tasting locations.  

Valencia Street Wine Walk 

Valencia Street, from 14th to 26th streets

Chic and edgy doesn’t begin to describe the vibe along Valencia Street. With wine glass and a map to all the participating locations in hand, you’re in for a treat. While snacks may be available at some locations, don’t miss the opportunity to eat at one of the great local restaurants in the Mission District.

Polk Street Fall Wine Walk 

Polk Street, from Union to Post streets

Named for former U.S. President James Polk, this corridor bustles with shopping, restaurants and more. Discover everything from vintage treasures to eclectic knickknacks and gifts. Participants will receive a wine glass and map with all of the tasting locations.  

October 

Union Street Harvest Wine Walk 

Union Street, from Gough to Steiner streets

Union Street is lined with turn-of-the-century Victorians that have been converted into boutique and restaurants. Merchants in the neighborhood, once called Cow Hollow because of the dairy farms in the area, will offer wine samples inside their stores. Participants will receive a wine glass and map.  

December  

North Beach Holiday Wine Walk 

Along Grant Avenue

Old World Italy and waterfront Bohemianism meet of-the-moment dining spots in this lively neighborhood. The city’s vibrant Italian-American community has populated North Beach with excellent restaurants and cafes. Participants receive a wine glass and map with all tasting locations 

Fillmore Holiday Wine Walk 

Fillmore Street, from Jackson to Eddy streets

The holidays are always special in San Francisco, and it’s the perfect time to explore the city’s unique small businesses, whether that be a leather goods store or an award-winning bakery. Participants will receive a wine glass and map with all of the tasting locations.