FAQ
How many guests can you accommodate?
Our Cadillac Escalade ESV comfortably accommodates up to 6 guests. For larger groups of up to 30, we work with trusted tour company partners — and your personal Zen tour guide comes along for the ride.
Do you offer designated driving service?
While our license and permits under CPUC cover private wine tours in our Cadillac Escalade, we work with trusted local partners who offer designated driving services. We are happy to make the introduction.
Are kids and service dogs welcome to join the tour?
Absolutely! We are happy to create a personalized itinerary that welcomes children for a lovely day out with you. For toddlers, please bring your own baby seat. As for furry companions, Sake, our Shiba Inu and official CEO, may join us too. We also gladly accommodate certified service dogs.
What is the cost for a tour?
Our rate for private wine country transportation in our Cadillac Escalade is $115 per hour, with a minimum of 6 hours for local departures from Napa and Sonoma. A fuel surcharge of $75 per day applies, reflecting current fuel costs. Pickup service from outside the Napa and Sonoma area is available for a distance surcharge, quoted individually depending on your location — feel free to get in touch for a custom quote.
What is included?
Every booking includes the planning and creation of a personalized itinerary for your visit in Napa & Sonoma, chilled bottled water, non-alcoholic beverages upon request, snacks such as Skinny Pop popcorn, your dedicated Zen tour guide — and a lovely time!
How can we pay for our tour?
We accept cash, Venmo, and all major credit cards.
Are there any additional charges?
A fuel surcharge of $75 per day applies, reflecting current California fuel costs. Pickups and drop-offs outside of Napa are available based on distance and may be requested via our contact page. Gratuity for your guide is not included and always warmly appreciated.
Are tasting fees included?
While we book your tasting experiences for you, tasting fees are your responsibility. We are happy to create package pricing and include them upon request.
Do tasting fees get waived?
Each winery has a different policy regarding waiving tasting fees. Some waive with a qualifying purchase or club sign up. Others do not waive at all. We will disclose each individual policy to the best of our knowledge for each winery that we recommend.
What wineries will we visit?
Your Zen Wine Tour planner creates an itinerary customized to your personal preferences. Our partner wineries range from hidden gem wineries and tasting rooms, to beautifully restored Victorian houses, and lovely estates nestled amidst the vineyards — and so much more. Contact us to plan your perfect day.
Do I need reservations to visit wineries?
Most wineries require reservations. We can always offer a few walk-in options, especially for visits later in the day. Either way, we are happy to work with your own itinerary or assist you build one from scratch.
What is the best time of year to visit in Napa Valley & Sonoma?
Wine country is a year-round destination — it truly depends on your preferences. High season is September and October, with daytime temperatures averaging 80–90°F. The valleys are alive with harvest activity, vineyard workers bringing in grapes, and wine being made right before your eyes. It is the most immersive time of year, though also the busiest, with higher hotel prices and limited last-minute availability.
For a quieter experience, November through April is wonderful. Winery teams have more time for guests, and access is much easier. My personal favorites are the shoulder seasons: May and June bring beautiful weather in the 70s, lush green hillsides, and far fewer crowds. Early November is equally special — harvest is wrapping up, young wine is finishing fermentation, and you may even get to taste a splash straight from the tank. Some grapes may still be hanging on the vines, ready to be tasted just like the vintners do. Outside of peak season, pricing and availability are also far more approachable.
How many wineries can we visit in one day?
We recommend 2 to 3 wineries per day for your visit in Napa & Sonoma — enough to explore and discover without feeling rushed. This also leaves room for a relaxed lunch, whether at a favorite roadside stop, a local farm-to-table restaurant, or one of the charming spots we have discovered along the way. More than 3 wineries in a day tends to become a blur, and we want you to remember and savor every moment of your Zen experience.
How much does a wine tasting cost?
Tasting prices typically range from $35 to $150+ per person, depending on the exclusivity of the winery, whether the experience is shared or private, and whether a property tour or food pairings are included. When we make our recommendations, we always listen first and suggest options that match your preferences and budget.
What should I wear to a winery?
There is no dress code — wear whatever feels comfortable to you. We do recommend closed-toe shoes for vineyard walks and gravel paths, and a hat and sunglasses for outdoor tastings in the summer. Layers are a great idea, as mornings can be cool and afternoons warm up quickly. The temperature difference throughout the day can easily reach 30°F.
What is there to do besides wine tasting?
Napa and Sonoma offer several wonderful activities beyond the tasting room.
Balloon rides: We gladly connect you with our partners at NV Aloft for a breathtaking sunrise flight over the valley.
Hiking: Apps such as AllTrails offer an amazing range of options for all levels. We are also happy to share some of our personal favorite trails!
Biking: Napa Valley Bike Tours offers rentals as well as private and shared guided rides. The recently completed Napa Vine Trail is a safe and scenic route through wine country, connecting downtown Napa to Yountville and St. Helena to Calistoga. For your safety, please avoid riding on Highway 29 or Silverado Trail.
Can I bring food or have a picnic at a winery?
You are welcome to bring food, and several wineries allow picnics in their gardens before or after tastings. We recommend checking in advance, as regulations for your visit in Napa and Sonoma can be quite specific.
Do wineries serve food with their tastings?
Some wineries offer pairings such as cheese, charcuterie, or freshly prepared small bites. A select few offer full catered or chef-prepared meals for a premium. We are happy to factor this into your itinerary.
What shall we bring?
Guests should bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for vineyard visits and outdoor tastings in the summer. A light jacket or sweater is recommended for cool mornings, as well as good closed-toe shoes for vineyard walks and gravel paths. And, of course, excitement & curiosity — we take care of great vacation vibes & all the rest!
What wine is this region most known for?
Napa is predominantly known for Bordeaux varietals, and above all, Cabernet Sauvignon. As the saying goes — “Cab is King” in Napa. Other notable varietals include Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Zinfandel. Chardonnay, planted largely in the cooler Carneros region in the south, is Napa’s most prominent white. Across the bay in Sonoma, Chardonnay and Pinot Noir reign supreme, though a few warmer pockets of the county produce beautiful Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties as well.
How does this region differ from others?
Napa and Sonoma share a rare and fortunate combination: a Mediterranean climate, dramatic geography, and extraordinarily diverse geology. Together, these elements create conditions that are simply unmatched anywhere else in the world. This uniqueness is what allows nearly 1,000 producers across both valleys to thrive — each finding their own corner of something truly special — and what makes every glass here feel like a small miracle of place.
What does wine tasting etiquette look like for beginners?
First of all — be curious and enjoy the journey! Try everything. It is perfectly normal to love some wines and feel indifferent about others. That is exactly the point. Wine tasting is about exploring your palate, discovering your preferences, and having a wonderful time along the way.
With Zen Wine Tours, you also have the advantage of a seasoned guide by your side for your visit in Napa & Sonoma — someone you can trust and ask anything, no matter how basic it may seem. There is no such thing as a dumb question. The only bad question is the one you didn’t ask.
Can I ship wine home?
Absolutely — and wineries love when you do! Most are well set up to ship directly to your door. Keep in mind that each state has its own rules around alcohol shipments, but the winery team will guide you through the options and find the best solution for you.
Prefer to take it with you? A dedicated wine carrier is a great option for flying home with your bottles. And if you are flying Alaska Airlines, their famously guest-friendly “Wine Flies Free” policy makes it even easier.
Is it worth joining a winery wine club?
Wine clubs can be a wonderful way to stay connected to a winery you love — with benefits like discounted wines, reduced shipping costs, access to club-only releases, and invitations to exclusive events. Whether it is right for you depends on a few personal factors. Here are some questions worth asking yourself before signing up:
- How much do I love their wine?
- How much did I enjoy the experience and the people who hosted me?
- How often will I visit Napa & Sonoma and take advantage of complimentary tastings?
- If I visit often, what events do they host and can members attend? (This one can be a real highlight!)
- Do I get access to wines that are otherwise off limits — and are those wines ones I actually want?
- Can I customize my shipments, or will I receive wines I don’t love in order to get the ones I do?
- Do I want to commit to one winery for a year or more, or would I rather explore freely and vary my selections?
- What is my annual wine budget, and how do I want to spend it?