How to Choose the Best Napa Wine Tour for Your Taste

Napa Valley is the ultimate wine destination, with hundreds of wineries amidst its stunning scenery. For those who want to taste the region's renowned wines without worrying about getting behind the wheel or planning the day, a guided wine tour is a lifesaver. With so many Napa wine tour excursions to choose from, selecting the perfect Napa wine tour can be overwhelming. Here's how to find a tour that fits your style and makes for an unforgettable wine-country adventure.

Know Your Wine Preferences

Before booking a Napa wine tour, think about the types of wines you like. Are you into cabernet, or do you prefer crisp or oaky chardonnays – do you prefer sparkling wines? Although best known for its bold, structured and age-worthy cabernet sauvignons, Napa Valley has different microclimates and soil conditions that suit different grapes. In fact, Napa Valley has one of the most diverse soil profiles of any wine region in the world—with more than half of the world’s soil types packed into a valley that’s just 30 miles long and 5 miles wide. 

If you're a cabernet fan, look for tours that visit Oakville, Rutherford, or Stags Leap districts. Chardonnay lovers might like the Carneros region. If you're all about sparkling wine, find tours that include established sparkling wine houses. Although several still-wine producers also make sparkling wine.

Not everyone has a strong preference right off the bat - and that's okay. Companies like Platypus Wine Tours create balanced curated tours that show you a range of wine styles. They're perfect for discovering what wines you like.

Consider Tour Size and Style

The size of your tour group makes a big difference in your wine-tasting experience.

Small-group tours (usually 6-12 people) have some real advantages:

• You'll get more personal attention from your tour guide and winery hosts.

• You'll get to visit smaller, boutique style and family-owned wineries that can't handle big buses.

• You'll have a chance to meet other wine fans in a friendly setting.

• You’ll get an authentic Napa Valley experience that’s wallet-friendly.

On the other hand, private tours are fully customizable, but they usually cost more. Large group tours might be less expensive, but you won't get to choose your wineries.

Platypus Wine Tours is best known for its small-group experiences that provide both value and an authentic wine country experience in a fun and social setting. However, they are equally experts in private wine tours tailored especially for you. This means you can enjoy the Napa Valley experience with none of the stress of planning a perfect day, and make the most of your precious time. 

Research Winery Selection

Not all Napa wine tours are created equal - each one visits different properties. Some focus on well-known wineries, while others highlight lesser-known spots and family-owned wineries. Think about what's most important to you:

• Historic wineries with a long-standing rep

• Small producers making limited batches of wine and trying new wines that you can’t get at home.

• Scenic estates with incredible views

• Learning more about the winemaking, the vineyards, and the history of the area from a guide and in-depth production tours

• Relaxed tastings that focus on enjoying the experience

The top tour companies have connections with many wineries, which lets them create diverse itineraries that skip the crowded tasting rooms and show off Napa Valley's authentic charm. And they often have access to more personalized experiences.

Evaluate Included Amenities

When comparing Napa wine tour excursions, check what's included in the price:

• Tasting fees - they can add up fast in Napa

• Transportation - small shuttle bus for comfort, limo, novelty like a trolley, etc.

• Guide and curation services - the knowledge and winery connections can vary by company

• Food - from simple picnic lunches to more elaborate pairings

• Water and refreshments

• Special experiences like a cave or barrel tasting