9 Fantastic Napa Valley Wine Tours For Every Traveler

Thanks to its picturesque vineyards, wineries with stunning architecture, and critically-acclaimed wines, it’s not surprising that most visits to Napa Valley are centered around wine tasting. Yet, with so many quality options, deciding where to taste is no easy feat; not only that, but being the designated driver is a good way to end up with a serious case of FOMO. That’s why wine tours are a great option for tasting your way through Napa Valley. Whether you take a traditional tour or opt for a more unique experience, these Napa Valley wine tours make it easy to take advantage of this world-renowned wine region.

For the Napa Newcomer: Beau Wine Tours & Limo

Courtesy of Beau Wine Tours & Limo

If you’ve never been wine tasting in Napa Valley, Beau Wine Tours & Limo offers introductory tours perfect for Napa Valley newbies. Venture along Hwy 121 or the Silverado Trail as you explore some of the iconic wineries that have helped make Napa Valley famous, like Robert Mondavi Winery, Charles Krug, and Beringer Estate. The experience can be customized to your tastes and knowledge level, with intimate, boutique wineries to round out your tour as well as insights into Napa’s grape varieties and terroir to help you gain a better understanding of this beloved wine region.

1754 Second Street, Suite B, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 257-0887

For the Romantic at Heart: Napa Valley Aloft Balloon Tours

Courtesy of Napa Valley Aloft

Founded in 1978, family-owned Napa Valley Aloft is one of the original hot air balloon companies in Napa. While they offer early morning small group flights for up to 12 passengers, if you really want to impress your significant other, spring for the exclusive hot air balloon ride for two. Follow it up with the optional Champagne breakfast, and you’re sure to score some brownie points with your date. Coupled up or not, Napa Valley Aloft makes for a memorable way to view the valley.

6525 Washington Street, Yountville, CA 94599, (707) 944-4400

For the Young at Heart: Napa Valley Wine Trolley

Courtesy of Napa Valley Wine Trolley

Hop aboard one of the open-air, hand-built replicas of San Francisco’s famous street cable cars and feel like a kid again during this unforgettable tour through Wine Country. The classic Napa tour stops at three to four charming wineries and includes a family-style lunch, knowledgeable guide, and plenty of opportunities to take in the view along the way. Since the Napa Valley Wine Trolley picks up at the Oxbow Public Market, we’d suggest going early to fuel up on delicious eats before your trolley departs.

754 2nd Street, Napa, CA 94559, (707) 252-6100

For the California Dreamer: California Wine Tours and Transportation

Courtesy of California Wine Tours and Transportation

Touring Wine Country by way of a luxury limo? Not too shabby. Exploring Napa Valley and its stunning vineyards with the top down? Now we’re talking. California Wine Tours’ fleet of vehicles may include limos, party buses, vans, and SUVs – in fact, they own and operate the largest and most diverse fleet of luxury vehicles in Northern California – but it’s their classic convertibles and sprinter van convertibles that will really put you into vacation mode (and let you bask in that California sun). California Wine Tours specializes in curated wine tours and each experience is unique to each group, so whether you’re a large group of wine novices or a smaller group of experienced tasters, they know how to make each experience special.

4075 Solano Ave. Napa, CA 94558, (707) 253-1300

For the Wine Enthusiast: Pure Luxury Transportation

Courtesy of Pure Luxury Transportation

Pure Luxury offers a variety of Napa Valley wine tours for all types of wine drinkers, but more serious enthusiasts will appreciate the company’s Exclusive Sommelier Tour. Led by a well-respected sommelier and completely customizable based on your wine and winery preferences, you’ll tour boutique and historic wineries specializing in limited release wines as you learn about wine, grapes, and winemaking techniques from an insider. It’s a great opportunity to consult a professional on all those wine-related questions you’ve been meaning to ask.

30 Case Ct, American Canyon, CA 94503, (707) 253-0296

For the small group: Master Wine Tours

Courtesy of Master Wine Tours | Mitch Boatman

This small, family-owned tour service wins fans for its quality service and customer satisfaction, providing a personalized tour of Napa Valley that is completely tailored to each individual group’s tastes and preferences. In fact, prior to each trip, Master Wine Tours works with each guest to discover their interests, then puts together a tour that’s truly unique to each group. With vehicles that can accommodate up to 6 – 12 guests, Master Wine Tours is a great option if you’re traveling with a smaller group.

(707) 266-3750

For the wine collector: Exclusive Napa Wine Tours

Courtesy of Facebook: Exclusive Napa Wine Tours

Exclusive Napa Wine Tours offers a variety of transportation services, including hourly rides and door-to-door airport service, but serious oenophiles will want to consider the Wine Collector’s Tour. Designed for guests interested in investing in wine and/or becoming members, this single or multi-day experience offers collectors and those with sophisticated palates the opportunity to visit some of the valley’s most exclusive private wineries and cult-status estates. In addition to luxury transportation and tastings of high-end, limited production wine, the tour can be customized to include gourmet meals, should you be interested, from picnic-style lunches to wine and food pairings with a private chef to dinners at Michelin-starred restaurants.

Online reservations

For the explorer at heart: Designated Drivers

Courtesy of Designated Drivers | Lisa Gordon

While a wine tasting tour with Designated Drivers can really be whatever you want it to be, this tour company knows how to please those looking to go off the beaten path and explore some of Napa’s hidden gems. Itineraries can be tailored to your specific goals, whether you’re looking to discover Napa’s up and coming producers, find the wineries that only offer their wine at the winery, or taste some of the most limited-production wines in the valley.

(707) 244-1180

For the outdoor enthusiast: Getaway Adventures

Courtesy of Getaway Adventures

For those who like to stay active while sightseeing, Getaway Adventures’ Sip n’ Cycle is a great option, providing a fun way to discover the area on two wheels. This guided bicycle tour ventures through the scenic back roads of Napa Valley’s Calistoga region, with stops for wine tastings and a picnic lunch along the way. Since this tour covers roughly 12 miles throughout the day on mostly flat roads, it’s more of a leisurely than strenuous biking experience, but certainly a memorable way to spend an afternoon.

Meeting location: 1401 N Oak St, Calistoga, CA 94515, (707) 568-3040

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Author

Hana-Lee Sedgwick

Hana-Lee Sedgwick is a writer and editor based in Santa Barbara, California. A Certified Specialist of Wine and Sommelier, Hana-Lee specializes in all things wine, food, and travel, and her work regularly appears in publications such as The Tasting Panel, Edible, and Food & Home. Follow her on Instagram at @wanderandwine.