The best Napa Valley and Sonoma wine tours involve a personalized experience, stellar recommendations, and a knowledgeable host. With about 800 registered wineries in Napa Valley, figuring out where to go can be overwhelming. That’s where I come in. As the owner and wine consultant of Napa Valley Wine Tours, I create customized private tours tailored to your needs and desires. Every wine experience is fun and relaxing.
How My Private Napa Valley Wine Tours Work
All of my Napa Valley wine tours are private tours and tastings completely tailored to you. Frequently we are the only guests at the wineries. You will have the pleasure of meeting wonderful people in the wine industry, and learn more about the art of wine from those who know it best.
My specialty is exclusive boutique wineries with exceptional wines in beautiful and unique locations. I will introduce you to limited production wines, as well as the people who make these exceptional wines. Generally, I avoid the tourist wineries and “belly up to the bar” type of tastings, but I create many types of tours. Again, it all depends on your preferences.
Before designing your private Napa Valley tour, I will ask you a few questions about your interests. Once I get a feel for your pace and preferences, I will craft an itinerary for your approval. (You can see a sample itinerary below.) Once you’ve signed off on it, I will make all reservations and appointments needed for the day. The best Napa Valley wine tours typically include visits to three wineries and a lovely lunch to reset the palate.
On the day of your tour, I will pick you up from your accommodations at our appointed time in one of my new, freshly cleaned luxury sedans or SUVs. At the end of the day, I will drop you back off at your accommodations or dinner reservation (typically between 5:30-6:00 pm if you are staying in Napa). I can provide nightlife recommendations if desired.
Don’t know where to stay? I would be delighted to provide suggestions. In fact, any recommendations you need, I am here for you. I have been exploring Napa Valley and Sonoma County for over 20 years, and I would love to provide my guidance to ensure you have an amazing time here.
Rates
Full day private Napa Valley wine tours start at $950. Pricing for pickup drop off in San Francisco is also available. Bus tours for large groups are available upon request.
The private tour fee includes:
- Myself as your host. I make all reservations, handle all the details, and will be your host throughout the day.
- A customized itinerary tailored to your taste.
- Transportation for the day in a new luxury SUV or sedan. There are NO surcharges, gas fees, or sales tax added.
- I stock cold Essentia PH water & light snacks in the car.
- I am also happy to make recommendations for other services and experiences anytime during your stay.
NOTE: Tour guests are responsible for all tour and tasting fees, food and wine purchases, and gratuities and tips. Tasting fees are paid directly to the wineries. I do not receive any commissions from the wineries. Wine tasting fees and elevated wine experiences can range in price from $50 per person to $350. Currently, the average tasting fee is around $80 per person. Tasting fees are frequently discounted or waived with a wine purchase.
Private Napa Valley Wine Tour Sample Itinerary
10:00 am: I pick you up from your hotel in a new, full-size luxury SUV.
10:30 am: First elevated wine tasting. This could be a cheese & wine pairing provided by a chef or a tasting with a tour of the winery and a chat with the winemaker.
12:00 pm: Lunch at an amazing restaurant — food is just as important as the wines here 🙂 My favorite is an old Napa family-owned restaurant in the middle of a vineyard.
After lunch, we’ll move north up the valley for two more wine tastings.
2:00 pm: A possible tasting at one of the oldest properties in Napa Valley. They make award-winning wines that are highly coveted. The owners of the vineyard live in the original stone home, and as we pull up the driveway, under the old oak trees, we’ll be greeted by the very old family dog or the pet pig!
4:00 pm: Wine tasting at one of the most beautiful mountain tops. Award-winning wine, served in half a dozen Michelin-star restaurants. Plus, stunning vistas and a unique opportunity to purchase some of their exclusive wines that are otherwise not available to the public. Purchase to the public is in person and by allocation only.
5:30-6:00 pm: Drop off at your lodging or dinner reservation.
Email me with any questions. I look forward to sharing the beauty of Napa Valley with you!