We provide pickup services from a majority of hotels in Napa and Sonoma counties. We have curated lists of preferred hotels available on our 'About Napa,' 'About Sonoma Valley,' and 'About Northern Sonoma' pages. Of course we can pick up from numerous other locations as well. Furthermore, we can arrange pickups from rental homes within the designated pickup areas. Should you have any uncertainties regarding the pickup locations, please do not hesitate to inquire; we will make every effort to accommodate your needs.

The primary option is to take the ferry from San Francisco to Vallejo. A ferry departs from the Ferry Building (Pier 1) in San Francisco at 8:20 AM and arrives in Vallejo at 9:20 AM. This schedule applies from Monday through Friday; weekend or holiday services are more limited. We can pick you up directly at the terminal, ensuring you arrive at a winery when it opens at 10:00 AM. Please note that schedules are subject to change; therefore, it is advisable to verify the ferry schedule at [San Francisco Bay Ferry](https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/routes-schedules/vallejo/)(https://sanfranciscobayferry.com/routes-schedules/vallejo/). Several ferries return to San Francisco in the afternoon. Additionally, there are restaurants and a brewery located at the Vallejo terminal for those who may have extra time. Please be aware that due to distance and location, we cannot provide pick-up at the Vallejo ferry terminal for the Northern Sonoma tour. However, we are happy to arrange this service for the Napa Valley or Sonoma Valley tours. Alternatively, consider using Uber or driving yourself as additional transportation options.

If you are driving in, we can organize a pickup area with, ideally, complimentary parking facilities. It is generally recommended to select a location that is within walking distance of a restaurant, allowing you the opportunity to dine before departing following your wine tour. Please inform us of the direction from which you are arriving, and we would be pleased to suggest a location that minimizes your driving time.

Definitely! We visit three wineries in the day, and you can choose all three if you would like. You can also leave it up to us, or any combination in between. If you don’t have a specific winery in mind, that is ok too. You can tell us your favorite wine style (eg bold reds, oaked white wines), and we can help you find those wines from small wineries not found in stores. Instead of pairing wines with food in a restaurant like most sommeliers do, we like to pair wineries with people.

With over twenty years of experience, we have seen every kind of group. The secret to this longevity is that the wineries are different every tour. Another equally important factor is that the people on every tour are different every day as well. For example, over the years we have taken three generations of family, newlyweds on their honeymoon, folks celebrating important anniversaries, team building and other work events, college graduates and best friends. We have lead tours with locals as well as people from over 60 countries. Everyone is welcome!

Yes, as we are sommeliers as well as drivers, we can accompany you into wineries and help enhance your experience. This is one of the things that sets us apart. We like to think of as introducing our new friends to our old friends! Some larger wineries with more structured tastings might prefer to take you alone, but we will at least check in on you periodically and make sure we stay on time.

Lunch on our tours is usually after the first winery, but this sometimes can change depending on the availability of wineries, especially if one is requested. Lunch is typically at a restaurant, providing an amazing meal and a break from wine should you want it. Of course you can order wine, beer or a cocktail at lunch as well. Another idea is to grab picnic items, then eat at a winery. A third option (but not always available) is to have lunch catered at a winery. We usually join you for lunch, but we understand if you would like to eat alone.

• Try not to wear perfume or other strong scents, as they may hinder your ability and that of others to detect the aromas of the wines. • Eating a substantial breakfast is advisable to avoid starting the day on an empty stomach. • If you have recently brushed your teeth, be aware that the first wine you taste may seem bitter. Swish the first sip in your mouth without forming a judgment. By the third sip, you should experience the wine's intended flavor. • Avoid rinsing your glass with water between wines, as this alters the pH and can render the subsequent wine flat and unexciting. Your winery host should provide you with a separate water glass for this purpose. • Most wineries serve wines in order of strength, beginning with the lightest whites and progressing to the heaviest reds. Should you wish to sample a light white wine following a heavy red, the host may pour a small amount into your glass. This is not intended for consumption but for swirling and disposing of. Following this, they will provide a more substantial pour for sampling. This practice is known as a "French rinse" and is designed to prevent the unintentional consumption of rosé. • If you find that you do not enjoy a particular wine, that is acceptable. Wine appreciation is subjective, and not everyone will favor every varietal; hence, wineries often produce ten or more wines of varying styles. • If you visit a winery as a couple and they offer multiple tastings, consider each selecting a different tasting to share and compare experiences. • If you would like to try a wine again, the best way to ask is to say “can I please revisit that?” • You don’t have to finish everything. It is not rude to pour something out in front of the host, as they know you have a full day of tasting.

Tasting fees at wineries are not included in the tour. Almost all wineries in Napa and Sonoma operate by appointment, with the average tasting fee in Napa Valley being $58. In comparison, Sonoma's average fee is slightly lower, at around $40. Wineries have transitioned from bar-style tastings to guided experiences, significantly enhancing the visitor experience. Tastings are now conducted in a seated format, with a dedicated host who presents and explains the wines. Guests are encouraged to enjoy the wine at a leisurely pace. Additionally, visitors can request to see the vines or the barrel room. Although the tasting fees have risen, this evolution offers a more enriching and informative experience for guests.

We understand that things can happen. In the event that you need to cancel the tour outside of 48 hours, you will receive a full refund, no questions asked. Inside the 48 hours mark, it is still possible to receive a full refund, providing there is a valid reason. A non valid reason is being hungover from the night before!

Yes. Max Wine Tours is the updated brand of Max Napa Tours, offering the same private, sommelier-led wine tour experiences — now serving both Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country.