Edited July 18, 2025
We hope you’re as excited as we are!
Whether you’re booked on a small-group, join-in tour or a private tour, you can trust that your day will be thoughtfully planned. If you’ve been wondering how to prepare for a wine tour, you’re in the right place—this guide has everything you need to feel confident and ready to enjoy the day.
What a Typical Day Looks Like
We’ll pick you up and make sure you get where you’re going comfortably. Your expert guide will share just the right amount of interesting stories about the history of the area, the vineyards, and the winemaking process. There’ll be plenty of time for pictures and memory-making. We’ll also keep any bottles or goodies you collect along the way safe and cool.
A Few Tips to Make It Even Better
- Eat a full breakfast. The “eat before you drink” rule is a good one.
- Wine with lunch? Yes—but only from that winery. Local rules prohibit outside wine being consumed on-site (and in most cases, outside food).
- Dress for comfort. Wineries are in farm country. Jeans are great. Stilettos—not so much, especially if you find yourself in a vineyard or on uneven ground. A brimmed hat and sunscreen are smart year-round. And dress in layers—our coastal weather patterns (which are great for grapes) mean cool mornings and warm afternoons.
- Please, no perfumes. Wine tasting is a sensory experience, and fragrances can overpower the subtleties—and impact those around you.
- Stay hydrated. Your guide will have plenty of chilled water onboard.
- Be curious. Some of the best discoveries come from trying something unexpected.
- Buy wine you love. Many of the wines don’t make it beyond the tasting room (except to wine club members). Taking wine home is the best way to relive your experience while supporting small, local producers.
- Snap some pics—but don’t forget to enjoy the moment. Moments > Social Media.
Inside the Tasting Rooms
The wineries are proud to share their wines and stories. Give them your ear—there’s a lot to learn from these passionate hosts.
- Ask questions. Understanding the words to describe what you like (and don’t) helps you get more of what you love back home.
- It’s ok to spit. Really! Every winery will have a receptacle. It’s how the pros are able to taste a lot of wines and still remember them. But mostly, it’s just about not drinking what you don’t like.
- Buy wine if you love it. A good rule—budget permitting—is: if you love all the wines, join their wine club. If you only love one or two, grab the bottles. Many wineries waive tasting fees with bottle purchases.
- If you’re buying a case or more, let the wineries ship. But if you’re picking up a bottle or two at multiple wineries, it’s usually best to collect them and ship all at once—or check them on your flight. Your guide can help you.
- Tipping at a winery isn’t always expected—but it’s definitely appreciated, especially when your host provides a memorable, engaging, or educational experience. 10-20% of your tasting fee is thoughtful, especially if you aren’t buying any wine.
Afterglow (after your wine tour)
If you come back—and we hope you do—we’ll have noted where you went so we can show you something all-new.
