Gary Grossman is one of our fine Napa and Sonoma wine tour guides. Gary’s long time commitment has been delivering the best experience for our wine country visitors. I asked Gary a little more about his time in Napa as a Platypus Tours wine guide.
How long have you been with Platypus? 5 years
What did you do before working for Platypus Tours? My love was the Theater. Specifically, I enjoy live theater and I got a Masters in Theater. I was in the Dickens Faire. I was also in the Film Business as a sound man behind the scenes. I left Los Angeles to be in Theater in Northern California and I even taught Theater. I enjoyed being truthful in imaginary circumstances.
Tell me a memorable story on tour? The other day, I was taking a group to a winery in a nondescript warehouse in Sonoma. I introduced the group to the winemaker and tour guide. Ahead of our visit, I let the group know about how delicious the wines were at this place. The winemaker leaned over and let me know that he locked his keys in his office and we had to play MacGyver and break into his office to capture the wines for the group. It became a memorable story for all.
What is your favorite wine varietal? That is hard, it is the one that I am in the mood for at the moment. I do also enjoy Bordeaux blends, Petit Verdot, and Viognier.
What are your favorite restaurants? Mama Tanino’s Ristorante. It is a local authentic Italian restaurant and Bistro Jeanty in Yountville. I love French food.
Every day, I tell my groups you drink and I drive. I try to make the most memorable experience for them. I love that I am in front of an audience similar to the theater.
