Napa River Gondola Ride with Wine
For a romantic take on California wine country tours, take to the water on gondolas powered by singing gondoliers dressed in full Venetian regalia. Gondola Servizio began operating in August 2018, and cruises leave from the Main Street Public Dock on the Napa River in downtown Napa. The 50-minute boat rides can seat up to six passengers (though they’re designed for two); the rides meander up and down the river, depending on the tides. Riders are welcome to bring their own vino; guides provide glassware and will open bottles for you for no additional charge. $95 per couple, $10 for each additional person.
Sonoma Luxe-Meets-Rugged Chauffeured Vineyard Tour
The California Wine Country ours from this nascent Sonoma-based outfitter trade in intimate and luxurious adventure—each Bohemian Highway trip pairs up to seven passengers with one guide in a classic-but-modernized Land Rover Defender or a tricked-out Mercedes Sprinter van. The farm tour, one of the most popular offerings, stops at a working organic farm and gives visitors a chance to harvest vegetables before stopping at private (and often family-owned) wineries for tastings and other experiences. Drivers provide coolers stocked with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. Of course, passengers can drink their own wine along the way, too. $95 per hour, plus additional fees.
Carneros Vineyard Falconry Experience
Napa Winery Hopping Train Ride
Ride in a fully restored antique Pullman railcar (complete with mahogany paneling, brass accents, and plush, velveteen armchairs) to several wineries on any of the Napa Valley Wine Train half -or full-day excursions. The Estate Tour leads to storied French-influenced wineries, including Domaine Chandon, Louis M. Martini, and Inglenook; while the Legacy Tours hits icons like Mondavi and Charles Krug. Along the way, you'll dine on a four-course meal, take in the sweeping vistas of the valley, and just maybe feel like 1920s aristocracy. From $239.99 per person.
Courtesy of Lace and Limos
Napa Vineyards Tuk-Tuk Ride
The traditional three-wheel electric tuk-tuk experience is elevated with Laces and Limos, a Napa Valley outfitter that specializes in half- and full-day excursions to lesser-known parts of the famous wine region. The “Classic Tour” includes a pick-up in downtown Napa, a stop at a tasting room downtown, a tour of the Coombsville appellation, and a visit to a winery in the countryside. While tasting fees are not included in the price of each tour, passengers do get discounts. Tours can accommodate up to six people; custom tours can be designed to include a stop at the Napa Valley Distillery as well. $65-$90 per person, plus additional fees.
Calistoga Vineyard Bike Tour
Healdsburg Food- and Wine-Fueled Walking Tour
Healdsburg Pedal-Powered Wine Bar Crawl
Napa Urban Winery Walkabout
The best way to explore Napa’s up-and-coming Rail Arts District is by foot—precisely the type of itinerary offered by hip outfitter Paper Napan Walkabouts. On the half-day walkabouts, participants learn about murals from globally renowned street artists, taste world-class wines from small-batch wineries, and sample California cuisine. Some tours also include tastings from urban nano-breweries. Walks parallel the Napa Valley Vine Trail and offer prime views of the Napa River and downtown. $40-$85 per person.
Creative Commons photo by K Schneider is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Napa-Sonoma Wildlife and Wine Boat Tour
Small-boat tours with Wombat Charters offer up-close and personal looks at a part of Wine Country few visitors ever get to see: the Napa-Sonoma Marshes Wildlife Area. This region, at the southern part of the Napa-Sonoma county border, comprises more than 15,000 acres of bay lands, tidal sloughs, and wetland habitats. During three-hour daytime or sunset tours, guides regale up to six passengers with information about the region and help look for wildlife, including birds, seals, otters, and more. Riders are welcome to bring wine and snacks aboard the boats. $95-$150 per person.