Public Vs. Private Wine Tours
…What’s the difference? We’re glad you asked! Before you book a private or public wine tour, we’ve made a list of things to consider for your wine tasting experience.
Wine Experience
First, consider how experienced and knowledgeable you are about wine. A public wine tour is great for those who wish to learn the general basics about wine, how it’s made, and how to taste it like the experts do. Public wine tours tend to visit wineries that are more corporate and tastings often include wines that one could find at their local grocer.
If you consider yourself to already be highly knowledgeable about wine and are looking for unique experiences, then a private wine tour would be the way to go. This is especially good if you have certain niche wines on your bucket list that you are hoping to add to your collection.
Ready for the flight to begin.
Sonoma or Napa
While both private tours and public tours can take you to either Napa or Sonoma (sometimes even a combination of the two), it’s good to understand that Sonoma and Napa are two very different vibes and ask yourself which one fits you (and your party) best.
Sonoma wineries tend to have a more laid-back, country-like energy. Sonoma tends to be family friendly, and approachable for the casual wine sipper. Tastings tend to be less expensive. Since Sonoma is closer to San Francisco, you can have a full wine tasting experience in a shorter day.
Napa is a world-reknowned destination with history and prestige. Often our guests with a more discerning and particular palette, or those who are filling a wine cellar, spend their time in Napa. Napa Valley views are iconic and the dining is often Michelin-starred.
Sonoma or Napa? Public or Private? It’s up to you!
Type of Experience
Public wine tours have a set number of wineries they visit and you do not get to pick and choose. You are along for the ride and the wineries of the day. Another benefit: You can count on the wineries you visit to be family friendly (most tasting rooms actually do not allow kids…). We recommend these tours that start in San Francisco.
A Private wine tour is better if you have specific names or vineyards that are on your wishlist, or are further up the valley. If you are booking a private tour, make sure you understand whether the tour provider will book tasting reservations for you. Most wineries require prepaid reservations made well in advance. Your private tour can include elevated experiences, including cave tours, food pairings and barrel tastings or venues that feature art galleries or historic grounds.
By the way, Napa and Sonoma are both fun for non-drinkers too — shopping, hiking, art and spa treatments can all be on the menu when you book a private tour.
With a private driver you can entertain your non-wine drinkers too. Get a tasting flight at Fieldwork Brewery or do some shopping. We can plan the perfect excursion to delight all the personalities in your party.
Types of Events
Is this a romantic wine tour for newly weds or an anniversary getaway? Is it a bachelorette or birthday party? If you are celebrating something special or you simply have a larger group, you definitely will want to consider the private wine tour route as you’ll be able to to take your time, make stops in between wineries—like stopping for lunch or a bit of shopping.
When you go the public wine tour route, you have to stick with the tour group and the tour bus will not make any extra stops or linger for an extra glass at your last tasting venue.
Your private tour can stop at Napa's Oxbow Market for upscale culinary treats like these gorgeous spices.
Party Size & Pricing
And finally, you’ll want to consider pricing and party size. If you are a group of four, let’s say, then public and private wine tours pricing are roughly the same (this is taking into account the price of transportation, gratuity, and the wine tastings themselves.)
If your party has less than four people, it may be cheaper to go the public wine tour route. The larger your party is, the more you may want to consider a private wine tour in terms of pricing.
No matter which you choose, we are sure you’ll enjoy your wine tasting experience. And please remember to drink responsibly!
If you would like us to help curate a wine country experience for you, contact us! Please also check our Activities page for discount codes for public wine tasting experiences.
Ariel, hugging her crackers after a day of wine-tasting and enjoying the art and history at Jacuzzi Vineyards.