Beau Wine Tours
Able to accommodate groups of any size, Beau Wine Tours provides you your own chauffeur who doubles as a tour guide. Knowledgeable in the geography, history and art of wine-making in Napa Valley, the guides of Beau Wine Tours take you to various vineyards in your choice of transportation, anything from an SUV to a stretch limousine. Choose from four-hour, six-hour or eight-hour tours, with options to pick your own wineries as well as add on a gourmet picnic lunch. The rates are hourly and determined by your choice of vehicle and number of guests.
Beau Wine Tours
Napa Valley / Sonoma
21707 8th St. East
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-8001
beauwinetours.com
Platypus Tours
Specializing in smaller, family-owned wineries, Platypus Tours offers two packages: "Join-In" tours and private tours. The Join-In tour gathers together 10 to 12 wine-minded strangers led by a guide (who doubles as a driver) knowledgeable in the history and vineyards of Napa Valley. While there are no set hours, Join-in tours usually last from about 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. If you prefer not to share a tour vehicle, opt for a private tours tailored to your needs. As of 2009, Join-In tours are $99 per person; private tours are priced hourly, and depend on the given season, number of guests and day of the week.
Platypus Tours
2471 Solano Ave.
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 253-2723
platypustours.com
Napa Valley Wine Train
Providing a completely different experience, the Napa Valley Wine Train offers three different wine tours. The Ambassador Winery Tour ($184 per person in 2009) begins with a wine education class at the central station; you'll then have lunch on the train and visit two famous wineries, the Raymond Vineyards and ZD Winery. The Domaine Chandon Winery Tour ($139 per person) begins with a gourmet three-course lunch, stops in Yountville at Domaine Chandon for a tour and tasting, and returns southbound with afternoon tea and lavish desserts. The Grgich Hills Winery Tour ($119 per person) also offers a gourmet three-course lunch; it then stops at the Grgich Hills Winery for a tour and tasting. This option also includes dessert on the return trip back.
Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry St.
Napa, CA 94559
(707) 253-2111
winetrain.com
