We enjoyed our guided bike tour, the bikes, food, guide and terrain was great, however we were disappointed by the winery choices. When researching this tour I though we would be going to wineries that would give us a little more personal attention, maybe appointment only types. However, each winiery we visited was open to the public. The first winery was silverado, which was beautiful but crowded, even at 10:30am. When we arrivd we were sent to the counter where we stood and were poured wine. No info on the wine, winery or process. Just 4 quick pours. After we tasted (10min) we went on the patio and found tables with a lovely view and an outside bartender that was doing tastings as people sat and enjoyed the view and at much more relaxed pace. Really wish we could have been told this before paying $25 to stand at the bar with our backs to the windows.
Next winery was Montecello, the grounds were pretty, but you could not enter the main "house". The tasing room was dark and old fashioned, again we stood at the bar, felt like it was a pour and taste- no info. Then we were sent out for our picnic lunch, which was tasty, but drinks were no provided, so we had to ask if we could get wine by the glass, and had to walk back inside and pay $9 glass ($21bottle) . Also bathrooms were pretty nasty-outside like you were at a park. Niether of these wineries refunded tasting fee with purchase or gave us any special attention as being part of the tour.
Final winery was Laird, which was by far the best. We were seated at a beautiful table outside and given an informative tasing that was laid back and very enjoyable. They also refunded the tasting fee with purchase. Everyone on out tour bought at least 2 bottles here and everyone agreed that this was the best visit. Hardly anyone purchased wine from the other stops.
In my opinion when you pay $130 for abike tour you should get a little more attention, perhaps Napa Valley Bike Tours should negotiate with the wineries they visit about providing a more intimate experience or refundng tasting with purchase, something that shows your getting a little more bang for your buck by taking the tour. We could have got the same service (or maybe better) by just walking in.