My husband and I decided to go on the tour bc we are first timers to Sonoma and Napa. We figured we could get a good at of the land. The focus of our trip was to explore San Fran and the wineries were a side excursion on one of our days. The tour did give us a lay of the land, but may not have been worth the day/ the price.
Our first winery was in Sonoma. BR Cohn. This had the most lovely views and the best wines. The host was informal but explained the wines well. The property was spectacular.
The second winery was the Madonna winery- we believe technically in Napa. Interesting story as it actually opened during prohibition as it provided wine for the sacraments. This winery had the best host. He was more for a, knowledgeable, funny, taught everyone how to enjoy the wine, and we had opportunities to rinse our glasses in between pours.
The third winery…
Well. Of all places in Napa we went to
was Sutter Hill.
While the host told us that we were having the reserve wines that weren’t sold in “stores” (every gas station / 3 buck chuck) they were still not great. Maybe bc we seemed to go in an order not pleasant to the pallet- seeet to dry to sweet again. And the host just poured wine in right over the other wine. There was no experience here. It was more like chugging your tastings-
So. Specific to the wine stops. 2 of 3 were satisfying.
The major problem was the bus tour host. At first we enjoyed his commentary. He has info to share about wines, trees we passed, and every single random detail between San Fran and the wineries. But. There was never a break in the words. And these are long bus rides. I wish he hadn’t filled some peaceful moments on the way back with stories about other tours he has organized- like one for a 105 year old who couldn’t eat, drink, or bathroom by himself— this was a 15 minute serious downer of a story - and that’s just one example. Had I been able to mute the tour guide when I needed a break from
the word assault, I would have ranked the tour 4 stars instead of 3. The last star is bc of Sutter Hill. That’s not why anyone comes to Napa. It would be like being on a craft beer tour and ending with a Bud Light.
Response from Host
Aug 2021
Hello Courtney,
Thank you for your detailed review. We're really glad you enjoyed BR Cohn & Madonna Estates wineries, we will pass along your compliments to them.
We have taken notes of your concerns with our guide and the third winery. I will follow up on this to make sure that coming experiences are improving those aspects.
We have indeed received better feedback from customers after your tour and feedback.
Looking forward to seeing you again soon on any of our other tours.
Xavier
General Manager
Gray Line San Francisco