Newsweek Readers’ Choice 2026 Winner – Best Tour Operator
Platypus Wine Tours has been named a 2026 Newsweek Readers’ Choice winner in the Best Tour Operator category, recognizing its unique approach to Napa Valley and Sonoma wine tours.
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We're Newsweek Readers’ Choice winner 2026
Pushing past the expected, Platypus Wine Tours brings guests into Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country’s most storied family-owned vineyards. These small-group “anti-snob” wine tours focus on the craft and the people behind the wines, offering a social, approachable way to experience world-class wineries. It’s a fun and insightful journey that prioritizes hidden gems and wine country connection over well-known labels and exclusivity. Private tours are available, too.
Small-Group Wine Tours in Napa Valley and Sonoma
Unlike traditional wine tours, Platypus Wine Tours emphasizes connection over formality. Guests visit smaller, character-rich wineries where conversations are as memorable as the wines themselves.
Each tour is designed to highlight three hidden gems throughout Napa Valley or Sonoma, with a fun, knowledgeable guide bringing each stop to life and a small group of guests sharing the day together. For travelers searching for Napa Valley wine tours or Sonoma wine tours, it’s a refreshing alternative to doing all the planning yourself.
An Approachable, Social Wine Tasting Experience
Platypus Wine Tours is known for its fun, unpretentious atmosphere. These “anti-snooty” wine tours are built for travelers who want to learn a little, laugh a lot, and connect while exploring wine country.
From first-time visitors to seasoned wine enthusiasts, guests enjoy a relaxed day that removes any expectations associated with wine tasting and replaces them with something far more memorable.
Explore Hidden Gems in Napa Valley and Sonoma Wine Country
Rather than focusing on well-known labels, Platypus Wine Tours prioritizes boutique wineries and lesser-known vineyards across Napa Valley and Sonoma.
This approach allows guests to discover unique wines, meet the people behind them, and experience a side of wine country that many visitors miss.
Private Wine Tours Available
In addition to small-group experiences, Platypus Wine Tours offers private wine tours that can be customized to fit specific interests, group sizes, and preferences.
Private tours provide a more tailored way to explore Napa Valley and Sonoma while maintaining the same approachable, engaging experience Platypus is known for.
About the Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards
The Newsweek Readers’ Choice Awards highlight standout travel experiences across the United States, with winners selected by public vote.
Being named a Best Tour Operator reflects strong guest satisfaction and the kind of wine country experiences that resonate most with travelers.
View Tour Options
Private Tours
- Fully Customizable
- Expert Tour Guides
- Non-wine options available
- Groups of any size
Napa Valley Wine Tour
- Local area lodging pick up and drop off
- Picnic lunch included
- Expert local guides
- Discounted tasting fees
Sonoma Valley Wine Tour
- Local area lodging pick up and drop off
- Picnic lunch included
- Expert local guides
- Discounted tasting fees
Napa Hideaway Mountainside Wine Tour
- Local area lodging pick up and drop off
- Picnic lunch included
- Expert local guides
- Discounted tasting fees
Napa Valley Wine Tour from San Francisco
- Vallejo Ferry Terminal pick up and drop off
- Picnic lunch included
- Expert local guides
- Discounted tasting fees
Sonoma County Wine Tour
- Local area lodging pick up and drop off
- Picnic lunch included
- Expert local guides
- Discounted tasting fees
