This tour was disappointing because the trolley tour - wasn't! The Trolley didn't make it and a Mercedes Van was the substitute. Since it was a beautiful day, I was really looking forward to the Trolley. Another disappointment was that Guy, our guide, had no microphone or speaker system and the brochure said that the "fun and historic narrative" was pre-recorded - but there was no pre-recorded commentary. Also, we were supposed to have a knowledgeable tour guide. But we didn't get that from Guy either after leaving Sonoma Square. We visited 4 wineries, and the tours there were quite educational, but after paying so much for the tour, it still hurt to have to pay for the wine tastings (though it did say in the reservation information that the tastings were extra - from $5 to $15.00). Guy did not specify at each winery when we needed to be back to the van after the tours, so we didn't know how long we could spend at each stop. And, with 5 tastings at each winery, and no place at each facility to pour wine we didn't choose to drink, if we completely finished each tasting, we certainly wouldn't have been in any condition to drive afterwards (not the tour company's fault - but a comment). I did enjoy the tour that went out into the vineyard and the chance to barrel taste a sample of wine. This tour is more than a "walk into the tasting room, and drink your 3-5 samples of wine". It did provide more education of the production of wine, and the winery tour guides were terrific -at Ravenswood, Buena Vista, and Mayo wineries. Imagery Estate Winery was also unique, with it's own special blends and art gallery. Generally, this would not have been difficult for someone who is handicapped but only as far as the van was concerned. The wineries were all accessible. Guy did say that we would be credited 10% for not having the trolley, but so far, haven't been notified of that, officially.
Réponse de l'hôte
Feb 2015
Thank you for your extensive comments. Unfortunately the assigned trolley for the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley on Sunday, 2/15, had a mechanical malfunction and we substituted a brand new Mercedes Benz Sprinter which does not have a microphone for safety reasons. We hope that you enjoyed your complimentary champagne as we don't serve that on the trolley! Guy, the trolley driver, imparted as much knowledge as he could but, of course, it's not the same as it would have been with the trolley, and we apologize for that! The wine educators at each winery have 50 minutes to allow for tasting and educating our group as this has been pre-arranged. As you nicely noted, each winery has its own unique architecture, history and style of wine-making; and even though the names of the wines may be the same, each winemaker has his/her own particular way of producing wine. You should be receiving a $10 credit via your credit card provider within several days. Thank you for taking the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley.