First time coming out to Wine Country? It can be overwhelming to navigate logistics; etiquette; price expectations; food offerings etc. during the pandemic. Here’s some general tips to make your day something to remember:
-Due to the current Covid crisis appointments will be required and wineries cannot accommodate anything more than groups of 6 at a time. Most wineries that close at 4-5 p.m. will have a last tasting scheduled at 3-3:30 p.m. so it’s generally not possible to schedule a last minute drop in or tasting beyond that point. The handful of wineries that stay open till 6 p.m. will have a last tasting scheduled at 4:30-5 p.m.
-Picnicking at wineries is generally prohibited so best to schedule a sit down lunch somewhere else unless the winery offers a food/wine pairing.
-Be aware that tastings are exclusively outside and conditions in the afternoon can be anywhere from the 80s in temperature to the mid 90s from May to October. Best to plan for afternoon tastings in the southern napa valley or southern sonoma where it can be cooler
-Wine Tasting fees in Napa will average from $45 pp on up. Also bottle prices can range from $35-300. Club signups will avoid some tasting fees but keep these costs in mind when booking a Napa visit. Sonoma County is still in the $25-$45 pp range for tasting fees depending on the experience and bottle prices range from $20-175. The policy for refunding tastings with purchases is also much more liberal in Sonoma than in Napa Valley. This does not mean quality is better in one area than the other or that one is more greedy than the other. These are the general costs and worth thinking about when planning a wine country visit.
-Tipping in tasting rooms is generally not expected (though appreciated). Wine club signups and purchases are a way to show how much you enjoyed the experience if someone did a good job. So if you feel like tipping feel free but it is not a common practice.
WINERY OF THE MONTH
When you’re up in Howell Mountain make sure to visit Steve up at Bravante Vineyards. It is still possible to have a unique boutique experience without breaking the bank. I find the price to quality ratio to be one of the best in Napa Valley. You won’t regret it!! My favorite is their Cabernet Franc. More info at the website below:
Wedding and Event Transportation,The 10 Best Winery Tours in Napa Valley, Napa Valley Vineyards transportation, Napa Sonoma Wine Tasting Driver
NAPA WELLNESS & WINE MORNING WITH AZUR WINERY
. Napa Sonoma Blend Wine Tours has teamed up with Azur Wines to provide you with a morning of wellness and yoga.
NAPA WELLNESS & WINE MORNING WITH AZUR WINERY
. A $95 fee will cover 1 hour of yoga to be followed by a wine tasting at Azur Wines. 4 person minimum required for this package. There is a 6 hour minimum total on the entire tour for the rest of the day.
. Enhance your wine country experience & don’t leave your healthy lifestyle at home. Call us for more details.
ALSO-For a women’s retreat experience by Azur Proprietor Elan Fayard
What makes us different?
Objectivity-Our only mission is to provide you with the type of experience you desire from the beginning wine novice to the seasoned connoisseur. Through our wine country relationships established over 12 years we can provide you with access to wineries you wouldn’t otherwise have known about; We do NOT take any financial consideration from ANY wineries. Our only satisfaction is connecting you with the type of day you want. This is our ironclad policy.
Custom experiences to make your visit to the wine country a memory you’ll never forget. Even if it’s your first time here we’ll whet your appetite to come back again. What is appropriate for a newcomer to wine isn’t appropriate for a seasoned wine collector. Whatever your level of interest we will provide you with unique experiences that will help you to enjoy this confusing world of wine and not be intimidated by it. After all-wine is to enjoy and the best wine in the world to you is the one you love!!
Commitment to the highest customer service standards. Thie starts with the initial contact through the “day of ” experience. Our tagline is “Your Concierge For The Day” and we stand by it. Whatever we can do to make your stay as hassle-free as possible is our objective.
An experience. Not an on-demand driver. With the ever-present availability of this service, we respect its place in your transportation choices. However, we are here to provide you with a memory and not just a ride. Our experience,, knowledge and relationships will give you a higher level of service. More importantly-we comply with all State of California regulations governing our industry including mandatory liability insurance coverage and licensing. We take our passengers health and safety seriously and include on board hand sanitizers; masks; pre-boarding temperature readings; plastic mats and seat covers as part of our daily sanitary procedures.
When making your decision to book transportation to wineries don’t leave things to chance. The link below illustrates the real costs of a DUI in California
https://www.dmv-defenders.com/what-is-the-average-cost-of-a-dui-arrest/
Happy friends drinking champagne in limousine on a night out
Owner John Kopilow began his wine journey in 2005 while working in the tasting room at Chimney Rock Winery. He caught the wine bug and decided to apply his wine knowledge to the wine tour and transportation world. He worked for a larger Sonoma wine tour company from 2007 to 2014 eventually becoming a top chauffeur and Chauffeur Manager from 2012 to 2014. He then became an independent operator in 2014 and is now the sole proprietor of Napa Sonoma Blend Wine Tours as well as the sister company Bacchus Wine Experiences.
John continually strives to improve his wine knowledge and offerings through education and visits to find those hidden gems. His laid back yet fun and informative service-driven demeanor continues to serve his clients well and provides an enjoyable and unforgettable experience.
Senior couple toasting in a limousine
Tour Services & About us
We will transport you during your wine country excursion in a luxurious 2017 Ford Expedition SUV which will comfortably seat 7 passengers, not including the driver. It comes with Sirius XM radio, all audio hookups and complimentary water, beer (1 per passenger) and soda. We are fully compliant with all State of California commercial licensing and insurance requirements.
Our rates are very simple. Monday-Thursday it is $75/hr. Friday to Sunday it is $85/hr.
We do have a 4-hour minimum. There are no other taxes or fees. Gratuity is not included and at your discretion. The only surcharge is a 3% one if paying by credit card. That’s it!!
Long-distance pickups to San Francisco, Oakland, Sacramento or Santa Rosa incur an additional $60 fee. Weekday pickups in San Francisco are not offered at this time.
Itinerary preparation services are included in the price. If you’d like us to plan the entire day, fill in some gaps or just drive according to your own itinerary we’re happy to tailor the day to your liking. Please read our previous Trip Advisor reviews on our testimonials page.
Looking to book a larger group tour? Please visit our sister website at
