Napa Valley: Wine Tasting Tour by Open Air Trolley & Lunch

Planning a day in Napa Valley often involves envisioning rolling vineyards, tasting fine wines, and soaking in beautiful scenery. This particular tour, offered by the Napa Valley Wine Trolley, catches your eye because it combines all that with a unique twist — riding an open-air cable car through the heart of wine country. If you’re considering something different from the usual wine tour, this might be worth a look.

What makes this experience appealing? First, the scenic open-air ride offers a fresh perspective on Napa’s vineyards and rolling hills — you feel the breeze and really take in the landscape. Second, the inclusion of visits to three well-chosen wineries, coupled with a delicious lunch in a scenic setting, makes it a well-rounded daytime outing.

However, a potential snag is that wine tasting fees are not included, so you’ll need to budget extra for tastings at each stop. Also, some reviews point out that the experience might not always go as smoothly as planned — things like vehicle replacements or timing hiccups can occur. That said, this tour tends to suit those who enjoy relaxed, guided wine days with a bit of sightseeing thrown in.

Overall, if you enjoy guided tours that blend scenery, learning, and good company, this Napa Valley adventure could be a good pick — especially if you value an easy, scenic way to explore the region with some insider knowledge.

Key Points

• Unique Transport: Ride an open-air cable car through Napa’s vineyards, offering a different perspective compared to traditional bus tours.
• Multiple Wineries: Visit three different wineries, allowing you to experience a variety of wines and atmospheres.
• Expert Guide: The guide offers light-hearted commentary and insights about Napa and its viticulture, making the experience both fun and educational.
• Scenic Lunch: Enjoy a well-reviewed, delicious meal at a charming winery in a picturesque setting.
• Flexible & Convenient: The tour includes transportation, bottled water, and a pick-up point close to parking, simplifying your day.
• Additional Costs: Remember, wine tastings aren’t included, so factor that into your budget.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Napa Valley Wine Trolley Experience

The Itinerary: What to Expect

From the moment you meet at the Oxbow Public Market, the vibe is casual but organized. You’ll gather around 10 am — a good time to start your day without feeling rushed. The tour’s core is a 6-hour adventure that whisks you through some of Napa’s best-known wineries, with a stop for lunch in between.

You’ll hop onto the open-air cable car, which is a highlight of the experience. This isn’t a traditional bus — it’s a charming, vintage-style trolley that feels special and adds a sense of fun. As you glide between winery visits, you’ll feel the cool breezes and warm Napa sun, creating a relaxed, almost picnic-like atmosphere.

Your winery visits are to three of the following: Cosentino, Napa Cellars, Freemark Abbey, Rutherford Ranch Winery, and Monticello Winery. The selection can vary, but all are well-respected and offer a good mix of styles and histories. Each stop provides a chance to taste wines, learn about the region, and enjoy the setting.

The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, often adding light-hearted commentary that makes the day feel less like a formal tasting and more like a day out with friends. One reviewer mentions how their guide, Paul, “was so friendly and definitely added to the experience,” highlighting the importance of a good guide in tours like this.

The Scenic Lunch & Its Value

Midway, you’ll take a break at one of the wineries for lunch in a scenic spot. The reviews highlight the delicious food, which is especially appreciated by those with dietary preferences like vegan options. One traveler said, “The lunch was outstanding,” and appreciated the way it was paired with the vineyard setting.

While the tour price doesn’t include wine tasting fees, the lunch and the setting are generally seen as a standout feature. It provides a chance to relax, chat, and enjoy good food with vineyard views.

Transportation & Comfort

The transportation involves the vintage open-air trolley, which carries a limited number of guests, making for a cozy, friendly atmosphere. The pickup point is convenient, right outside the Oxbow Public Market, with parking available nearby.

One thing to note from reviews: the timing can sometimes be off — the tour might run longer than expected or finish late, which could impact dinner plans or other reservations. This is worth considering if you have tight schedules afterward.

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The Price & Its Value

At $135 per person, this tour offers a decent value for the experience. You’re paying for the scenic ride, guided insights, winery visits, and a sit-down lunch — all of which would cost more if booked separately. Keep in mind, wine tasting fees are extra, so if you plan to taste at each winery, budget accordingly.

This experience might be particularly appealing if you prefer a more relaxed, guided day rather than managing your own logistics between wineries. The tour simplifies your Napa visit, allowing you to focus on enjoying the scenery and the wines.

What the Reviews Say

While most are positive, some reviews highlight issues. For instance, one traveler from Argentina mentioned that the cable car hadn’t operated for 10 years, which was misleading in the promotion. Another noted that the tour did not end on time, which could cause scheduling issues — especially if you have dinner reservations or other plans.

On the bright side, many guests praise the friendly guides and the quality of the lunch. A family of three generations mentioned how they enjoyed the wineries and the vegan-friendly lunch, noting the experience was “great” overall.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is well-suited for wine lovers who appreciate a scenic, relaxed vibe. If you enjoy learning about wine in a less formal setting, and you’re looking for a tour that combines sightseeing with wine tasting, this could be a good fit. It’s particularly nice if you want to avoid the hassle of organizing transportation or multiple tastings on your own.

However, if you’re someone who prefers a strict schedule with detailed wine education or exclusive tastings, you might find this tour a bit casual. Also, it’s not suitable for under 21s or wheelchair users, so keep that in mind.

Final Thoughts

This Napa Valley Wine Trolley tour offers a unique way to experience the region’s beauty and wines without the typical bus or car-based tours. The open-air trolley, combined with friendly guides, a scenic lunch, and visits to notable wineries, creates a well-rounded day.

While there are some hiccups with timing and the need to budget extra for tastings, many guests find the relaxed pace and charming setting worth the price. It’s perfect for those who want a taste of Napa with a little adventure and a lot of scenery.

If you’re after a fun, accessible way to explore Napa’s vineyards with good company and a bit of fresh air, this tour is worth considering. Just remember to plan for some extra costs and be aware of the potential for schedule shifts.

FAQ

Are wine tasting fees included?
No, wine tasting fees are not included. You should budget extra for tastings at each winery you visit.

What is the meeting point?
You meet in front of the parking lot at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa, specifically at 644 1st Street. Parking is available in the southeast corner of the lot.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts around 6 hours, usually starting in the morning and wrapping up by early afternoon or late afternoon.

Is the cable car ride always available?
Not necessarily. The experience description mentions the open-air cable car, but at least one review noted that the cable car hadn’t operated for 10 years, which might mean a substitution — check current details before booking.

Who is this tour suitable for?
It’s best for adults over 21, as it’s a wine-focused tour. It’s not wheelchair accessible and not suitable for children.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. It’s flexible for uncertain travel plans.

Is this tour family-friendly?
It’s not specifically designed for children, and wine tasting isn’t suitable for minors, so it’s better for adult groups.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and casual clothing are recommended for comfort during the outdoor ride and winery visits.

What is the experience like?
Guests often describe the experience as fun, relaxing, and scenic, especially praising guides and the food. Some reviews mention timing issues, so be prepared for potential delays.

Would I recommend this tour?
If you enjoy guided visits, scenic rides, and a laid-back atmosphere, yes. If you prefer very structured, exclusive tastings or have tight schedules, consider other options.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just looking for a charming Napa day, this tour offers a mix of scenery, education, and good company worth exploring — just keep expectations in check and plan for some extra costs.

You can check availability for your dates here: