Napa Valley: Private Wine Tasting Tour & Mercedes Sprinter

Summary

Napa valley wine tastings castles picnics & private sprinter ride

You’ll taste bold reds inside a real Napa castle, picnic on soft grass at V. Sattui Winery, and laugh over local cheeses—all with private Sprinter pickup and a guide who knows every shortcut. This isn’t just wine tasting; it’s slow moments you’ll want to replay long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t rush the first sip,” our driver said as we rolled past the “Welcome to this world famous wine growing region NAPA VALLEY” sign. He actually stopped so we could take that classic photo—cheesy but honestly, I’m glad he did. The morning was cool and a little foggy, and I remember the smell of cut grass when I stepped out for the picture. My partner tried to get us both in the frame but missed half my head (we laughed about it all day). The van itself felt almost too nice for us—leather seats, cold sodas waiting, even a child seat buckled in for our daughter.

I didn’t know what to expect from Castello di Amorosa. Our guide (I think her name was Maribel?) had this way of telling stories about the castle’s stones being shipped from Europe, which made me look at every wall differently. Inside, it was quiet except for distant voices echoing through those chilly halls. The tasting room smelled like old wood and something sweet—maybe vanilla? We tried an Italian-style red that made my mouth feel warm even though it was still early. I probably asked too many questions about how they built a medieval castle in California, but no one seemed to mind.

Lunch ended up being picnic-style on the grass at V. Sattui Winery. There’s this deli there with cheeses I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it). Kids were running around barefoot and someone nearby had brought their dog; it felt relaxed in a way I didn’t expect from Napa. By then the sun had come out and everything looked gold and green. We lingered longer than planned—our driver just waved off my apology and said, “That’s what wine country is for.”

I still think about that last glass of sparkling wine under the trees before we headed back to our hotel—the light through the leaves, everyone a little quieter than before. It wasn’t just about tasting wines or seeing castles; something about having someone local handle all the details let us just be there together. Not sure if that makes sense unless you’ve done it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Napa Valley wine tasting tour

• Stop at Napa Valley welcome sign
• Tour Castello di Amorosa winery
• Taste wines at French-inspired chateau
• Visit V. Sattui Winery picnic grounds

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included in this Napa Valley wine tour?

Yes, private transportation with pickup from any accessible location is included.

Which wineries do we visit during the tour?

The tour includes stops at Castello di Amorosa and V. Sattui Winery.

Are snacks or lunch provided on this tour?

The tour includes snacks and bottled water; lunch can be enjoyed at V. Sattui's artisan deli (at your own cost).

Can children join this private wine tasting experience?

Yes, child seats are available and families are welcome on the tour.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

The Mercedes-Benz Sprinter is accessible for most guests; public transport options are also nearby if needed.

How long does the Napa Valley wine tasting day trip last?

The duration depends on your chosen itinerary; extra time may incur additional charges if extended beyond prearranged hours.

Are alcoholic beverages included in the price?

Tastings are included where specified; additional purchases at wineries are optional.

Do we need to reserve tastings ourselves?

You can either create your own itinerary and reserve tastings or have them arranged by your provider for a fee.

What’s included

Your day includes private Mercedes-Benz Sprinter transportation with hotel pickup and drop-off anywhere accessible in Napa Valley, bottled water, sodas, snacks along the way, all arranged tastings where selected, plus time to enjoy lunch at V. Sattui’s artisan deli before heading back whenever you’re ready.