As the holidays draw closer, a corporate retreat may be in the cards for you and your team. Having to take the “work” out of the experience, however, can be a challenge. Bikes, balloon rides, cooking, tastings, and hassle-free transport should all be on your checklist for an exciting and extraordinary “business” trip under the guise of a tour around wine country. Here are our favorite picks for a corporate retreat in Napa Valley:

An Intimate Concierge in Napa Valley

Image Source: Yelp

Napa Valley Custom Events
(707) 258-1352

With customizable wine tours and transport, explore Napa Valley in a new 2015 Mercedes GL450 along with your driver, Steven Burns— husband of Napa Valley Custom Events owner Sharon Burns. The couple have called Napa Valley home for more than 30 years. With Sharon’s background in event planning (corporate to weddings and everything in between), your corporate getaway is sure to be relaxing, with the team taking care of every detail. Insider tip: Be sure to ask Sharon what vineyards, flowers, and trees will be in bloom during your trip. As a native, she knows all of the ins and outs of the area.

Riding to Wineries Galore

Image Source: MG Concierge

MG Concierge
1621 Pear Tree Lane
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 666-2293

Leaving your planning in the hands of MG Concierge means your winery dinners, tours, and transportation will be taken care of. Special tastings and tours are offered exclusively to MG Concierge clients and include Sabina Vineyards, Freemark Abbey, Barnett Vineyards, and many, many more. Insider tip: Consider contacting MG Concierge before booking any accommodations. With local connections, they may be able to get an exclusive deal for you and your team.

Hop On Your Bikes

Image Source: Yelp

Napa Valley Bike Tours
6500 Washington St
Yountville, CA 94599
(707) 251-8687
TripAdvisor: 4.5 stars, 196 reviews

Have a corporate group on the adventurous side? Based in Yountville and with more than 40 wineries within about five miles, Napa Valley Bike Tours provide both guided and self-guided tours. All of your wine tasting appointments, van support if anyone in your bike group gets a bit tired, and a knowledgeable guide are all available to you. Additionally, don’t get hung up on timing—Napa Valley Bike Tours can work out a schedule for a three hour ride or an entire day. Insider tip: Don’t worry about pickup—bikes can be delivered to your hotel!

Wine for Days

Image Source: Beau Wine Tours

Beau Wine Tours
21707 8th St E Suite A
Sonoma, CA 95476
(707) 938-8001
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 1,331 reviews

Balloon rides, tours galore, AND transport to and from the airport make Beau Wine Tours something of a one stop shop. For those in your group fresh to the Napa Valley scene, a two-day introductory tour which stops in your choice of Los Carneros or Oak Knoll plus Yountville, the Stags Leap District, and St Helena North will appeal to visitors looking to dip their toes into the winemaking world. If your group is already well-versed in wines and wineries within this area, take the plunge with the Diamond Mountain District Wine Tours, immersing visitors in the making of Cabernet Sauvignons and Cabernet Francs. Insider tip: In addition to wine preferences, let your driver know of your culinary likes—they know most of the good spots in the area and can find the right fit for you and your team.

Not Your Average Team Building

Image Source: Facebook

Wine & Dine Events Group
3240 Soda Canyon Road
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 963-8930

For something outside the ordinary, take part in the Wine Country Iron Chef competition—inspired by the popular Food Network series—and immerse your team in the heat of a healthy (and delicious) competition. You can also choose a wine country feast followed by a hands on cheese making tour where guests explore the ins and outs of crème fraiche, chevre, and even ricotta. If you have a few “speed demons” on your team, you can take your group for an Amazing Race excursion with the help of a few cars at your disposal! Insider tip: Wine & Dine events excel at custom events, organizing unique activities like culinary classes for your conferences.

Driving Through Wine Country

Image Source: Yelp

Amax Limo
190 Camina Oruga #17
Napa, CA 94558
(707) 339-1108
TripAdvisor: 5 stars, 28 reviews

New limos and drivers who understand the Napa Valley are essential for your group. Aside from just providing transportation, Amax has knowledge of and relationships with wineries in the area, while customizing a Napa Valley tour that will fit you and your group. If you want to grab a fancy dinner before heading to Yountville, Santa Rosa, and everywhere in between, go with Amax. They’ll even send a questionnaire prior to your trip to find out wine preferences, winery must-visits, and what you’d like for lunches in between. Insider tip: Don’t worry about fees being tacked on later—AMAX will provide full cost when you pay including fuel surcharge and bridge tools.

Booking a wine tasting tour is the easiest way to explore the myriad of wineries in Napa Valley.