Sonoma's Best Drivers - Getting Around When Wine Tasting
Don’t wine taste and drive! You’ll have more fun sipping wine with a designated driver or tour service. From budget friendly drivers to luxury vehicles. Limos and party busses for bachelorettes and corporate groups.
SONOMA’S BEST DRIVERS, DESIGNATED DRIVERS AND TOURS
Do I Really Need to Hire a Driver While Wine Tasting in Sonoma?
Oh sure, I know what you’re thinking… you’ll have enough self control to take tiny sips and will pour out the rest. You’ll be good. You’ll be responsible.
But think about it - does your dog ever turn down a tasty treat? No? Then why do you think you’ll have enough will power to take a delicious sip of wine, perhaps the BEST wine you’ve ever had, and then pour the rest into the spit jar? By the second winery no one is dumping wine, trust me!
Drivers on my site were vetted and hand selected and come with a track record of excellent service, friendliness, good reviews, and reasonable rates. Some drive your rental, some drive you in their vehicle, and if you want a limo or large shuttle or coach I can connect you to them too.
Tell Your Driver You Want 2 for 1 Deals
Here’s a pro tip - get a Priority Wine Pass and tell your driver to take you to the two for one wineries. The pass is just $39 if you get it from my site and you only need one per couple. Here are all of the deals in Sonoma and don’t forget that the pass works in Napa too, giving you over 150 wineries to choose from.
DRIVERS WHO DRIVE YOU IN THEIR VEHICLES
The following drivers will pick you up and drive you in their vehicles. Previous tour guides who have struck out on their own, they understand hospitality and not only keep you on time but make the entire day much more enjoyable with the knowledge of wine and the wineries.
Meet Melissa From A Drive for Wine Co.
√ Extra large SUV that seats 6 √ Luxurious Mercedes Sprinter that seats 11 √ Full Service, Can make Your Reservations √ Napa, Sonoma, and Russian River Expert
A certified wine educator and professional tour guide, Melissa is a Napa local with a passion for the stories of wine country who excels in customizing the perfect day for her guests. From iconic, historic wineries ideal for first timers to hidden gems away from the crowds, Melissa and her team will work with you to tailor the day and will make your dream trip to Napa or Sonoma come true. Best yet, Melissa will even make your reservations, something very few drivers do and a huge time saver.
BEST FOR: Those who want a full service tour guide who works with you to plan your trip and shares her vast knowledge of the wine region. Prices for tour guides are typically higher than a standard driver but Melissa and her team has kept their prices more affordable for readers of my site.
Meet David from Napa Wine Project
√ Winery Expert who has visited over 1,200 wineries √ Drives groups from 2 to 9 in his vehicle √ Can also drive your rental √ Exceptionally low rates for top notch service
If wine is your passion then there’s not a better driver and guide than Dave who has visited, chronicled and reviewed over 1,200 wineries. To say he is a Napa wine and winery expert is an understatement.
But don’t think he only caters to wine experts, Dave also drives a lot of my first time visitors and is always eager to share his knowledge of the valley, the wines, and the wineries with enthusiasm and passion.
BEST FOR: Wine lovers who want to deep dive into Napa. Dave really knows his wineries so if you need help picking some that are off the beaten path then choose Dave. He’s also excellent for anyone looking for a richer Napa experience that you don’t get with a standard driver.
Meet Kelly, Napa Local Driver
√ Mainly drives in her vehicle √ Previously a driver for Napa’s largest tour company
As a Napa local, Kelly knows Napa. But she also is an expert on Sonoma and the Russian River area and can custom design a wine tasting experience for you away from all of the crowds. Super nice and friendly, spending a day with Kelly is like hanging with your best friend.
She drives you in her Honda Accord, perfect for couples and can comfortably seat 3 passengers. She also can drive rentals and can be added to Turo rentals and is insured for up to 8 people.
BEST FOR: Couples looking for a friendly tour guide who not only can keep you on schedule but can add the history and stories of Napa as she drives. Super fun and friendly.
DESIGNATED DRIVERS WHO DRIVE YOU IN YOUR VEHICLE OR RENTAL
LEGAL DISCLAIMER ON HIRING A DRIVER
You’ll find a lot of drivers who claim they can legally drive your vehicle but very few have the proper credentials to do so. It’s always wise to ask them to explain their insurance and liability before you let them drive your vehicle.
Meet Gaby, Wine Industry Expert
√ Can drive your rental √ Affordable Rates √ 20+ Years of Napa Wine Industry Experience √ Habla Español √ One of Napa’s BEST drivers and tour guides!
Looking for a driver who can drive your rental but concerned about liability and legality? No need to worry - Gaby has all the credentials* to do so which are posted on the State of California’s site. A Napa local who has years of experience in the wine industry she can help you with itineraries and making reservations, all at an incredibly low rate. Gaby habla español y puede organizar un tour por las bodegas a los hispanohablantes!
BEST FOR: Gaby is the perfect choice if you want someone to drive your rental, including larger vehicles that seat 9. Super friendly and knowledgeable on wines and wineries. Excellent rates.
Meet Greg from Wine-Lyft
√ Designated Driver in your vehicle √ Can also drive up to 5 in his vehicle √ Expert photographer who can help document your experiences √ Some of the lowest rates for a professional driver
Greg has over 6 years of experience in Napa, Sonoma and the Russian River area and a previous tour guide from on of Napa’s largest tour operators. He has personally visited over 300 wineries and can help you pick the best stops for your fun in wine country. If you’re looking for low rates and a dependable driver, Greg is a top pick.
BEST FOR: If you’re on a tighter budget make sure you reach out to Greg for a quote. He can drive your rental or drive you in his vehicle and is commercially licensed for vehicles that seat up to 20.
Meet Rod From Napa Driver Tours
√ Can Legally Drive Rentals √ Trip Planning and Reservation Service Included √ Extensive wine and winery background √ Highly competitive Rates
There are plenty of drivers in Napa who claim they can legally drive rentals, but Rod is the only one who posts his documents online so you can feel confident that you are protected. Rod also can help you plan out your itinerary and will even make the reservations for you - yes, that is not a misprint! This is HUGE!
If you’re not sure where you want to go reach out to Rod and he and I will help you figure it all out, from 2 for 1 wineries to high end boutiques.
BEST FOR: Letting someone drive your rental can feel risky but Rod has the documents that show why he’s one of the safest options. If you’re concerned about the legalities of someone driving your rental make sure you reach out to Rod and he’ll explain it all.
Meet Celest, Local Napa Driver
√ Designated Driver in your vehicle √ Drives your vehicle or rental
Trust a local to take you on a tour of Napa or Sonoma. Celest is a Napa local who has been in the Napa transportation industry since 2010, working first as a tour guide for a large winery touring company and now as a designated driver. She loves wine but her passion is the regional history which she can share with you along the way. Celest will meet you at the local rental location to be added to your agreement, a short detour and then you’re on your way.
BEST FOR: Those looking for a designated driver but cautious about someone driving their rental. Once you’re on your way her knowledge of the valley and history of the region adds to the wine tasting experience.
TRANSPORTATION COMPANIES
I usually like working with the independent local drivers, people who work in the wine industry and drive on the side or who used to work for big tour companies and have moved out on their own. But sometimes you need a larger transportation company. If your group is larger than 12, if you want fancy party busses or limos, or if you just need a driver and all the independent ones are booked, then go with either of these two companies below. Like the independent drivers, i only deal with companies that I like and who take extra good care of my readers and offer exceptionally good rates.
Meet Napa Sonoma Wine Tasting Drivers
With a host of professional drivers and a multitude of vehicle styles and sizes, you’ll find the right combination of style and value when you book with Napa Sonoma Wine Tasting Driver. They have vehicles in Napa, the Bay Area, even Sacramento so pickups are easy and cost effective.
Professional Transportation Company with a variety of vehicles from small to bus size
Limos, party busses, everything you can imagine.
BEST FOR: Large groups, airport or bay area pickups, really GREAT rates for a large transportation company. They also have smaller vehicles so if you forgot to make a driver reservation there’s a good chance they can help you out.
Meet Napa Valley Wine Country Tours
Don’t let the name fool you - they also drive plenty of my readers in Sonoma as well as the Russian River area. With a number of drivers and vehicles, they can do everything from romantic couple getaways to bachlorette parties to huge corporate groups.
Professional Transportation Company
Last minute trip? They nearly always can get you a driver that you can trust.
BEST FOR: From couples to groups, Napa Valley Vine Country Tours has a number of vehicles (and drivers) with rates that are very fair for a large transportation company. Their convertible large shuttle (yes, convertible!) makes getting there half the fun, especially for bachlorette parties.
My Standard Disclaimer on Drivers
While I am happy to connect you with drivers and can vouch that they have done a good job with my readers in the past it is up to you to verify their licenses, insurance, etc. I accept no liability for any driver mishaps. My role here is to simply connect you to drivers and you should do your own due diligence as to their qualifications and legalities. Does that pretty much cover it? Legal Disclaimer
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