Napa & Sonoma: Private 6hr Wine Tour in Mercedes Sprinter

Summary

Family-run wineries castle tastings and relaxed valley drives

You’ll ride through Napa or Sonoma Valley in a private Mercedes Sprinter with your own guide, stopping at family-owned wineries for tastings and stories from locals. Enjoy a picnic lunch or choose your favorite restaurant before exploring unique spots like a castle winery. Expect relaxed moments, laughter, and plenty of valley scenery along the way.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the smell — that dry, sun-warmed grass as we climbed into the Mercedes Sprinter outside our place in Napa. Our driver, Eric, had this easy way about him, like he’d done this a thousand times but still actually cared where we wanted to go. He asked if we had a wish list for wineries or if he should just show us his favorites. Honestly, we shrugged and let him take the wheel on that one (I mean, who really knows which places are best until you’re there?).

We rolled past rows of vines that looked almost too neat to be real. At the first stop — a family-run spot with a faded wooden sign — the owner poured us something cold and white while telling stories about her grandfather’s first harvest. There was this moment where she laughed about how every year the grapes “misbehave” in their own way. I tried swirling my glass like I knew what I was doing but probably just looked clumsy. The air smelled faintly of crushed leaves and something sweet I couldn’t quite name.

Lunch was more casual than I expected — Eric laid out a picnic under an old oak tree behind one of the wineries. We had sandwiches from some local deli (the mustard was spicy enough to wake me up) and a bottle of Chandon he’d stashed for us. There was no rush; honestly, it felt like time slowed down for an hour or so while we just sat there watching clouds drift over Sonoma Valley. After that, there was another tasting at this castle-looking place — kind of surreal, with cool stone walls and echoey halls. I still think about the way the light came through those high windows.

On the drive back, everyone got quiet in that good way — tired but happy. Eric handed out bottled water and joked about our group’s “wine stamina.” It wasn’t fancy or scripted; it just felt like being shown around by someone who knew all the shortcuts and didn’t mind taking it slow when you needed another minute to soak it all in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 6-hour Napa Valley Wine Tour

• 9:30 Pick up
• 10:00-11:30 Winery tasting
• 11:45-1:15 Lunch stop
• 1:30-3:00 Winery tasting
• 3:30 Return

Top questions

How many wineries do you visit on this Napa wine tour?

You’ll usually visit 3 to 4 wineries during the 6-hour tour.

Is lunch included on the private wine tour?

Yes, lunch is included—either as a picnic or at a restaurant of your choice.

Does this Napa & Sonoma wine tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Napa/Sonoma Valley are included.

What type of vehicle is used for this wine tour?

A private Mercedes Sprinter limo bus is used for groups up to 12 people.

Are children allowed on this wine tour?

Children can join if accompanied by an adult, but tastings are only for guests 21+.

Is there a local guide during the wine tastings?

Your driver acts as your guide throughout; winery staff share their stories at each stop.

Can we choose which wineries to visit?

You can suggest favorites or let your guide recommend based on experience.

Are alcoholic beverages included?

Tastings at each winery plus a complimentary bottle of Domain Chandon are included.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within Napa or Sonoma Valley, travel by private Mercedes Sprinter with your group’s own driver-guide, bottled water throughout the ride, all scheduled wine tastings including a complimentary bottle of Domain Chandon to share, plus either a picnic lunch or sit-down meal at your chosen spot before heading back late afternoon.