If you plan on visiting a winery, a limousine tour is a smart way to go. Many limousine companies offer winery tour packages. This can be a much safer alternative to driving, whether you are planning a visit to Napa, Sonoma, upstate New York or any wine area in between.
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Tour a winery in style
With a limousine tour, the limo will pick you and your friends up, then get you safely to your winery destination. You can also get the benefit of the company's expertise, as you can tell the company about the kinds of wines you are interested in, and they will be able to make recommendations. This way, you actually learn more about the wine making process and can increase your own appreciation of the different types of wines and their distinct characteristics.
Some winery tour packages include dinner or airport transportation. Some combine the tour with a hot air balloon ride. Other options include gourmet picnic lunches - imagine a catered lunch overlooking the vineyards. A tour may even include over night hotel or inn accommodations as part of the package.
There are also a number of different types of vehicles, from stretch limousines to chartered coach buses.
Cost of limousine tours
The cost of a tour package will vary depending on:
- the number of people in your group
- the time of year
- the day or days of the week
- the type of vehicle you want
Depending on the tour, the fee may be quoted on an hourly or half-day basis. Keep in mind that the fee you are quoted may not include the cost of wine tastings or food. Ask if these are extra, and budget accordingly.
If you are touring with a group, the fee can be split, making it more afforedable.
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Wherever there are wineries, there are probably tour companies set up to take you there. In California, some of the more well-known winery regions include Napa, Sonoma, and the central coast. If you are planning a San Diego vacation, there is also a winery region nearby in Temecula. For those on a Yosemite vacation, there are wineries nearby in Mariposa county. In New York, there are many wineries located in the Finger Lakes region and on Long Island. The Pacific Northwest also has many wineries. Oregon has the Hood River area and Williamette valley, while Washington has Puget Sound. All of these areas have companies the provide limo or bus service for winery tours.
Limousine reservations
If you are looking to schedule a tour, keep these things in mind:
- Some months, such as harvest time, are more crowded than others. If you are scheduling a limousine wine tour during the summer, make sure you book far enough in advance to get the days and type of tour you want.
- Some wineries are more popular than others, so schedule in advance accordingly.
- If you are planning a tour during peak season, you may find it easier to travel during the week, rather than on weekends. Saturdays are usually the most crowded days.
- You may find that a smaller winery provides the type of experience you are looking for, so if that's what you're interested in, make sure you let the tour company know.
- Don't wait until the last minute for things like hotel reservations.
- You will probably need to make a cash deposit when you make your tour reservation. Make sure you know in advance what the policy is regarding refunds and cancellations.
Finally, ask if the gratuity for your driver is included. If it isn't - or if you feel you received exceptional service - make sure you tip the limousine driver - especially if your tour has been wonderful!
