The trip on a trolley seems like it would be charming and enjoyable. The countryside in Sonoma doesn't disappoint. The catered lunch was also very good. However, this trip was not worth the money and the way they treated us and our time was extremely disappointing.
The driver had some interesting insight, but ran out of information/stories and filled the void by turning on music-- way too loud! In fact, I was sitting right next to my friend and we had to scream in order to hear each other.
In addition, the trolley actually broke down. We ended up being rushed through the last two wineries because of the delay. There was absolutely no compensation for the inconvenience offered (until I emailed and asked for it)-- except that the driver mentioned we wouldn't be required to offer gratuity (which is not included). Everyone still offered the gratuity and it was accepted with no objection.
You may not have the bad luck of breaking down like I did, but the way they handled it speaks volumes.
Réponse de l'hôte
Jul 2015
Dear Ms.Braided Nat,
Yes, it was quite unfortunate that the trolley had a fuel pump breakdown during the second half of the tour; this is a situation that is not predictable. We were able to bring a substitute air conditioned bus to the trolley's location within 60 minutes and I know that both drivers apologized for the breakdown and delay. Some passengers even suggested walking to the close by winery but as Highway 29 is a busy thoroughfare, passenger safety comes first. During the wait for the replacement vehicle, our trolley driver was able to switch the schedule around so that your group did, in fact, not miss out on any of the four wineries. Many visitors do not know that wineries have permits to be open at specific hours, some later than others; and that's why we had to make some last minute adjustments to accommodate our guests such as you. We apologize if the driver ran out of "history" during the one hour intermission but I do know that he did ask the guests if the music was at an acceptable level; perhaps you and your friend were closer to an overhead speaker than were the other guests. Had the driver been informed, I'm quite sure that he would have made every attempt to satisfy your request. In terms of the breakdown, every guest, within several days, received a 50% refund on their bank statement for their inconvenience. We do hope that you and others were overall satisfied in spite of the trolley breakdown. Having been on a broken down vehicle, I do know how frustrating it can be. Again, we apologize for your inconvenience.
Sincerely,
Phil B