BEST SONOMA WINE TASTING DESIGNATED DRIVERS

How to hire a driver for your Sonoma Wine Tasting Adventure

Do you really need to hire someone to drive you when 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. Riiiight….

Think about it - does your dog ever turn down a tasty treat? No? Then why do you think you 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? It always starts off that way but by the second stop no one is dumping wine. Trust me, no matter how hard you try you will most likely over sip when the wine is this good.

So what should you do? Just go with one of my vetted drivers, local folks who work in the wine industry who take very good care of my readers. From drivers who drive rentals to glamorous limos and party busses, I’ve got you covered.

Use a Priority Wine Pass to Offset Your Driver Cost

I could tell you how hiring a driver is cheaper than a DUI but I get it - this trip is already costing you more than you thought and now you have to factor in the price of a driver. So here’s a tip - use the Priority Wine Pass for discounts, including many 2 for 1 offers, which will help you stay within budget. The pass is only $39.99 if you use my discount link below and visitors typically save a hundred bucks a day using it. Good in Napa, Sonoma, and many other wine regions and good for a year. Here are all of the deals in Sonoma right now.

To order click here for my reader discount and never pay full price for wine tastings again!

TYPES OF WINERY DRIVERS IN SONOMA

There are many different types of drivers to take you wine tasting in Sonoma. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• DESIGNATED DRIVERS: These drivers will drive you in your vehicle or rental and are the least expensive types of drivers. But don’t think that low cost equals no service - some of my Designated Drivers will help you pick and choose wineries for you and all of them have worked in the wine industry for years with tour guide background.

• LOCAL DRIVERS WHO DRIVE IN THEIR VEHICLES: Trust the locals to know wine country, especially if they were once tour guides for the large tour companies. Vehicles range from standard Honda’s to classy SUVs and typically cap out at 6 passengers plus driver.

• FULL SERVICE LUXURY DRIVERS: Some visitors want a driver who can help them plan out their trip and then make all the reservations so they just need to show up and know that all of the details are taken care of. These drivers can take you to hidden gem wineries that are far off the tourist trail, giving you an experience that very few visitors get. These drivers cap out at 6 passengers plus driver. Looking to stock up your wine cellar? Lean on my full service drivers to help you match the wineries to the types of wines you might love.

• LARGE TRANSPORT VEHICLES: If your group size is 12 or less and you’re wanting basic but solid transportation, then let one of my drivers take you in their larger “van shuttle” like vehicle.

• FANCY PARTY VEHICLES: Limos, party busses, convertible vans, perfect for fun groups like bachlorette parties or party groups.

• CORPORATE BUSSES: Planning a corporate event? These large busses can get everyone to your event and back safe and sound at very competitive rates.

• TOUR GROUPS: For last minute visits where you don’t have winery reservations yet simply email me and I’ll get you info on a “join in” tour group where you get picked up at your hotel and driven to a pre-selected group of wineries. It’s super fun and very easy.

• FARM TOUR: New for 2023, email me if you would like more info on a specially priced all day Vegan Farm Tour adventure where you’ll sip wine, have lunch and hang out with the animals in a laid back and authentic way.

Wait…what about Uber or Lyft?

Ride share services might work in your town but aren’t reliable enough when wine tasting in either Napa or Sonoma. I’m not knocking them - they do come in handy if you want a ride to dinner. But for wine tasting you need to be ON TIME to every reservation or you risk being bumped and with the limited number of drivers in the area, along with the spotty data service once you leave the main roads, it’s just not dependable enough for me.

Coming with a larger group that can’t all fit into one vehicle? Trying to get two ride share drivers at the same time is nearly impossible. Just bite the bullet and hire someone - you want to have fun wine tasting, not worrying about whether you can make it in time to your next stop. When you figure out the cost per person it’s not really that much.

THE BEST WINE TOUR DRIVERS FOR SONOMA WINE TASTING

With so many options to choose from I’ve narrowed down your selection to the following drivers. All of them have a long history of taking very good care of my readers and all of them have highly competitive rates. I’m very particular about who I recommend so rest assured that every driver on this page adheres to my high standards of professionalism and area knowledge - and all of them are just super nice and fun people to hang out with for the day!

Many of the drivers can help you plan out your day (use the Priority Wine Pass for deals!) or if you know where you want to go and all set you can just give them your itinerary and they will check and verify that your day is planned out to max out your time. Some will even make reservations but don’t assume this - always ask!

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.

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?

SONOMA TRANSPORTATION FAQ’S

I’m in Charge of Putting Together a Bachlorette Party or Corporate Event - Can You Help?

I can - Most of my groups these days are either bachlorette parties or larger corporate groups so reach out to me and I’ll not only help you get connected to a good transportation option but happy to introduce you to some of my friends at the wineries who love my large groups. It’s a free service I offer to my readers so don’t hesitate to reach out - EMAIL ME.

Is It Legal for a Driver to Drive a Rental?

Yes, but with caveats - from what I have been told to be a proper Designated Driver for hire they must have a TCP permit that is connected to the DMV, drug testing, the CPUC, and carry commercial insurance. If this is a concern you should ask your driver how they qualify to drive your rental. Some drivers scoot around this by having you add their name to the rental policy and some drivers fall under an umbrella policy for larger companies that they work under. Do your own due diligence to make sure you are comfortable with the arrangement. Remember, my job is to connect you with the drivers, not check their credentials or current liability laws so it’s up to you to make sure the driver you hire meets your requirements. If in doubt, just hire a driver who can drive you in their vehicle.

Can Drivers Pick Us Up at the Airport?

Absolutely, though you will want to do the math to make sure it’s not cheaper to Uber into Napa and let them take over from there.

I’ve Got Reservations at The French Laundry - Can a Driver Pick Me Up and Take Me Back?

YES, some of the drivers are now doing restaurant runs whether you are at The French Laundry or some other restaurant. Remember, cell service can be spotty in Napa and Sonoma and Uber drivers can be few and far between in the off hours so if you are going to a fancy dinner then splurge on a driver to make sure you’re not hitchhiking back to your resort. (Shameless Plug - here’s my review of The French Laundry, one of the most popular articles on this very popular restaurant).

Do I Need to Tip the Driver?

I totally get it - everyone these days wants a tip! But a good driver is more than just someone who drives you to your location. The drivers I use are all bona fide tour guides and nearly all of them are independents who are not getting salary from the big corporation. So if they did a good job, if they made your day more fun, if they got you there and back safely, then this is one of those instances where a tip is proper etiquette. And yes, independent drivers love it when you pay in cash.

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