Steve Hunter has been a Platypus Tour Guide for over 15 years—and still genuinely loves every minute of it.
Originally from Central Florida, Steve earned a Humanities degree from the University of South Florida—a path he jokes didn’t exactly lead to a clear career, but one he thoroughly enjoyed. He went on to work as an apartment resident manager before building a successful career in new home sales with some of the nation’s largest homebuilders, first in Florida and later in the Bay Area and Sacramento.
Like many, Steve’s career took a turn during the 2008 financial crisis, when the housing market slowed dramatically. That shift ultimately led him to Platypus Tours, where he found a new and lasting passion. Steve takes great pride in sharing the beauty of Napa and Sonoma with guests. From vineyard-lined backroads to sweeping mountain and valley views, he never tires of the scenery—or the opportunity to introduce people to it. He enjoys the wines, the welcoming spirit of the region, and especially the chance to connect with guests from around the world. For Steve, being a guide means playing several roles: teacher, storyteller, advisor, and, when the moment calls for it, a bit of a comedian.
Outside of guiding, Steve keeps busy with a range of interests. A former tennis player, skier, and fly fisherman, he now spends much of his free time on the golf course. He’s also an artist who works primarily in acrylics, occasionally selling pieces but more often gifting them to friends. Travel remains a favorite pastime, especially when it involves discovering local food and wine along the way.
At the heart of it all is his wife, Beth, with whom he’s shared nearly 30 years of marriage.
Napa Valley and Sonoma have so much more to offer and our guides are the key. These local experts have uncovered every nook and cranny of the region from the best restaurants and romantic wineries, to the best picnic and nightlife spots. They’ve led California wine tours through countless Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries. This month, we caught up with our guide Steve and got his top picks.
- Production Tour:
Tedeschi Winery in Calistoga has highly effective staff who start in the vineyard and show all the
equipment used in winemaking. The staff usually consists of one of the winery owners leading
the tour.
- Food & Wine Pairing:
B Cellars in Napa has a fantastic food & wine pairing experience! Their professional chef
makes the small food items to match each course of wines, all in a beautiful environment.
- Family Run Winery:
Ghost Block Winery in Oakville has the third generation presently running the winery and tasting
room. This is a farming family that keeps the prices of their wines down, and the quality high.
- Indoor/Outdoor Picnic Spot:
- Romantic Winery:
- “Wined-Out”, Where Else to Enjoy Adult Beverages:
- Favorite Restaurant:
- Non-Wine Experience:
- Night Life Spot:
Varozza Winery in St. Helena has a beautiful covered patio, with views of vineyards and
mountains in every direction. The patio is next to the rustic old winery built in 1885!
Nicholson Ranch Winery in Sonoma County has stunning vineyard, lakefront, and mountain
vistas. The winery is beautiful, and features an underground cave, with excellent quality wines
to enjoy.
Salt and Stone Restaurant in Kenwood, Sonoma County. Great Bloody Mary’s and many other
excellent cocktails, all served with incredible views of the mountain vineyard across the street
from the restaurant.
Diavalo Restaurant in Geyserville (north of Healdsburg in Sonoma County.) The best pizza we
have encountered, house cured meats, their own homemade pasta, great local & Italian wine
list, wonderful service, and their own new deli next door to the restaurant.
Armstrong Woods in Guerneville (Russian River Region of Sonoma County). Everyone would
experience the awesome ancient redwood tree forest in this regional park. The trees can reach
heights of 350 feet, and are truly an awesome part of Planet Earth. Low cost, no reservations
required.
Napa Palisades Saloon on the corner of Main Street & First Street in downtown Napa. This is a
casual sports bar and gastropub with an extensive craft beer selection (including its own
brewery.) Large menu of gourmet pub food and many big screen TV’s.
Steve is one of our many talented and lovable tour guides who helps make Platypus Wine Tours what it is today.
So whether you hop on our join-in California wine tours or book a private tour, don’t miss Steve’s recommendations. Explore Napa wineries and Sonoma wineries, dine at amazing restaurants, go on local adventures, and experience wine country like never before!
