Napa & Sonoma Valley : Custom Wine Tour

Discover the Charm of Napa & Sonoma with a Custom Wine Tour

The Napa & Sonoma Valley: Custom Wine Tour offers an intimate and personalized exploration of California’s renowned wine regions. Priced at $570 per group for up to 2 guests, this 6-hour experience is perfect for those seeking a tailored visit to smaller wineries. Led by a dedicated wine specialist, the tour provides a flexible itinerary based on your wine varietal preferences, ensuring a unique tasting journey.

What makes this tour particularly appealing is the chance to visit three small wineries, many of which are run by the winery owner or winemaker themselves. These visits often include tastings at private locations, sometimes even at the winemakers’ homes, with many wines available only through direct purchase. This tour suits wine enthusiasts eager for a personal touch, flexible planning, and access to exclusive wines. However, it’s important to note that winery tasting fees are not included, though most are waived with a purchase.

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Key Points

• Private, personalized experience tailored to your wine preferences
• Visit three small wineries, often with direct access to owners or winemakers
• Flexible itinerary designed by a dedicated guide, Jean, based on your interests
• Opportunity to purchase exclusive wines not available in stores
• 6-hour private tour with a guide, including tastings and optional lunch discussions
• Pricing varies based on group size, with additional surcharges for pickup locations

The Personalized Itinerary Created for You by Jean

The tour starts with Jean, who will craft a custom itinerary focused on your wine varietal preferences. If you have specific wineries in mind, Jean can include them and handle appointment bookings, considering tasting duration and travel time. This tailored approach ensures you spend quality time at wineries that match your interests, whether you prefer bold reds, crisp whites, or other varietals.

Jean’s expertise helps maximize your time, providing insightful commentary at each stop. The tour is private, offering a relaxed, flexible environment where your preferences guide the experience. The itinerary is designed to make your visit smooth, enjoyable, and highly personalized.

Exploring Three Intimate Wineries in Napa & Sonoma

During this 6-hour trip, you’ll visit three small wineries selected based on your taste preferences. These wineries tend to be boutique operations, often with no retail distribution, making the opportunity to purchase wines directly a real highlight. Many tastings are hosted by the winery owner or winemaker, sometimes at their homes, giving a behind-the-scenes look into the craft of wine-making.

Each stop offers a chance to sample wines that are typically not available in stores. Since tasting fees are not included but often waived with a purchase, you can expect a cost-effective experience. The visits focus on quality, intimacy, and the chance to meet the people behind the wines.

Meeting Winemakers and Discovering Unique Wines

One of the key features of this tour is the interaction with winery owners or winemakers. Many tastings occur at their personal spaces, providing a rare opportunity to hear stories directly from those who craft the wines. These visits enrich the experience beyond just tasting, allowing for personal conversations about wine trends, techniques, and the region’s history.

Most wines available for purchase are not distributed, adding an exclusivity element. Guests can select bottles directly from the winery, often at preferable prices compared to retail outlets. This personal connection enhances the overall value of the tour.

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Logistics and Group Details

This private tour is designed for groups of 2 to 14 guests, with prices adjusting accordingly. For 2 guests, the cost is $570, while larger groups are billed per the outlined rates. Pickup is included, with instructions sent via picture a day before the tour. The pickup fee varies based on location, with a $40 fee for hotel or home pickups in Wine Country and $70 from San Francisco.

The tour operates with a live English-speaking guide, ensuring smooth communication and personalized attention. Cancellation is flexible, allowing cancellations up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience is ideal for those who prefer an exclusive, tailored wine journey rather than a large-group tasting.

Additional Options and Considerations

While the main experience covers three winery visits, guests can discuss lunch and chef options with the tour provider. These are not included in the price but can be tailored to your preferences and budget. Many wineries waive tasting fees if wines are purchased, which can further enhance value.

The tour duration is 6 hours, with minimum times of 5 hours on Mondays through Thursdays and 6 hours on Fridays through Sundays. It’s best suited for adults over 21, as the tour involves tastings and alcohol consumption. The group size and pricing structure are designed to keep the experience intimate and flexible.

Why Choose This Custom Napa & Sonoma Wine Tour

The personalized approach and small winery visits make this tour ideal for wine lovers seeking exclusivity and meaningful interactions. The ability to customize the itinerary based on your taste and include specific wineries offers a level of flexibility not found in larger tours. Meeting winemakers and purchasing rare wines directly from the source are notable perks.

However, travelers should be aware that tasting fees are not included and can add up if no wines are purchased. Also, if planning to visit specific wineries, pre-booking is recommended, as the guide can facilitate appointments.

This tour appeals most to those who appreciate personalized service, small-scale wineries, and direct access to rare wines. It’s suited for small groups or couples who value a relaxed, private experience that emphasizes quality over quantity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
For 2 guests, the cost is $570; prices vary based on group size, with larger groups paying proportionally more.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts 6 hours, with a minimum duration of 5 hours on Mondays through Thursdays, and 6 hours on Fridays to Sundays.

Are tasting fees included?
No, winery tasting fees are not included, but most wineries waive the fee with a wine purchase.

Can I customize my winery visits?
Yes, Jean will create a personalized itinerary based on your wine preferences and can include specific wineries if desired.

Is food included in the tour?
No, lunch and chef options are not included, but can be discussed and arranged separately.

What is the cancellation policy?
Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What are the pickup options?
Pickup is included with instructions sent a day before. Fees vary: $40 for hotel or home pickups in Wine Country, $70 from San Francisco.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, people under 21 years are not permitted due to alcohol tastings.

How many wineries do I visit?
You visit three small wineries, selected based on your preferences.

How many guests can join?
Groups range from 2 to 14 guests, with pricing adjusting accordingly.

Can I include specific wineries in my tour?
Yes, if you have particular wineries in mind, Jean can incorporate them into your itinerary.

What makes this tour unique?
The private, customizable experience with visits to small, often exclusive wineries and the chance to meet winemakers directly makes this tour stand out.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby