Marin County

Cool-climate coastal wines just north of the Golden Gate.
5Wineries
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Best Varietals
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay
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Peak Season
Sept - Nov
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Climate
Extreme coastal fog
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Location
20 miles N of SF
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Avg Tasting Fee
$20-$50
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🤓 Did You Know?
Marin County produces wine just 20 miles from the Golden Gate Bridge, its coastal vineyards are among the closest to a major American city and some of the coolest and foggiest wine-growing sites in California.

Marin County produces wine at both extremes of what makes California wine country worth visiting, an internationally acclaimed organic estate (McEvoy Ranch) and a boutique coastal producer (Pey-Marin Winery) working in one of the state's most dramatic marine-influenced environments, all within 30 minutes of San Francisco.

McEvoy Ranch in the Petaluma Gap AVA at the county's southern edge is famous first as an olive oil estate but equally serious about wine. The late Nan McEvoy's certified organic property produces Pinot Noir from the wind-swept Petaluma Gap that reflects genuine terroir, high natural acidity, lean structure, and remarkable persistence. Pey-Marin brings a European sensibility to Marin's coastal vineyards, producing Riesling and Pinot Noir that challenge assumptions about what California wine can be.

Marin wine country works best as part of a broader West Marin day. The combination of Point Reyes National Seashore's dramatic cliffs and elk herds, Hog Island Oyster Company's waterfront shucking, Cowgirl Creamery's artisan cheese, and a winery visit creates one of Northern California's most distinctive and satisfying day trips.

Viticultural Areas

Petaluma Gap AVA (shared with Sonoma County, southern Marin)
No formal AVA for most coastal Marin vineyard sites

Winery Profiles

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See all 107 Marin County wineries →

More Marin County Guides

Best WineriesBudget GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Time Visitor GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonHidden GemsRomantic GetawayWeekend GuideWine Tasting Guide

Marin County Planning Guides

AVA GuideCouples GuideDog-Friendly WineriesFirst-Timer GuideFood and Wine PairingHarvest SeasonWine Buying GuideWine Tasting Guide

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marin County wine country known for?

Just north of San Francisco, cool, coastal Marin County is a small but distinctive region best known for elegant, high-acid Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

What makes its climate distinctive?

Fog and Pacific influence keep Marin among the coolest growing areas in the Bay Area, favoring cool-climate varieties and restrained, food-friendly styles.

What is the wine scene like?

Marin's wineries are few and boutique, set among the county's rolling coastal hills and ranchland close to the city.

When is the best time to visit Marin County?

Late summer and early fall offer the warmest, clearest weather along the often-foggy coast.