Cute video from one of my favorite wineries.  They also have a VIP Pass in my guide.

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The most exciting part of my business is sharing special places in wine country via my guide books.  I’m interested in wineries that have a real sense of place, nice people and great wines.

If you want to enjoy wineries, wine shops, restaurants & luxury lodging where you will always feel welcomed, taste great wines at fair prices, and enjoy unique & beautiful VIP experiences, you’ll love my guides.

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I’ve loved this winery for many, many years & it just keeps getting better.  Watch a short video with my friend Jennifer & the chickens. There is a VIP Pass to Quivira in my guide book for a private tour & barrel room tasting for four worth $60.

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When staying in Healdsburg, there is no better place than this unpretentious yet luxurious property. It’s the type of place that people return to, year after year. There is a VIP Pass in my guide book for Honor Mansion. Watch a video.

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The Kunde winery in Kenwood has a big story: 100 years old, 5 generations, BottleShock (the movie) was filmed there and the list goes on. I love everything about this winery. There is a VIP Pass in my guide for a seated wine & cheese tasting for two (mid-week) worth $40. Watch the video.

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There’s a great video on their home page. Get off the beaten Napa path & visit, you’ll be amazed that they make about 12 wines each year and only a total of 1500 cases! There is a VIP Pass in my book for a behind the scenes tasting, tour & barrel tasting for 4 worth $40.

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Vintner’s Collective is near the marvelous, hip, Napa Waterfront.  There is a VIP Pass for a food & wine experience worth $75 in my guidebook. Watch Video.

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Learn all about how etching works.  Did you know that they can etch one of your special bottles and make it look unopened? Etched Images has a VIP Pass in my guide for 25% off their celebration line.  Watch Video.

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“Taming these savage hillsides is folly and all we can do is hope to coax a little civilization out of them. This is man working with nature at its glorious best.”    Mike Brunson, Winemaker & Vineyardist. Michel-Schlumberger Winery

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I found Vine Rover Tours when I was looking for a car service that was cool and different.  I was really excited when I discovered their open air land rovers.  After getting a good feeling from their web site, I met with Jay Pelm, the owner.  He’s totally awesome.  He’s cool, laid back, smiles easily and has very loyal fans that keep him and his drivers busy.

In the summer of 2009, I worked for him for a few months so I could learn more about what visitors want.  He was a wonderful (patient) teacher.  I learned how to drive the land rovers (5-on-the-floor) and the luxury SUV with the video camera on the tailgate.  I met so many wonderful people.  All my guests have been happy and sweet, even when I took a wrong turn in the (new-to-me) Alexander Valley!

What I’ve learned is that some people have an itinerary already in mind (which is totally fine), but most people say, take us to your favorite places!  I love that.  I take them to places where I know they’ll be treated as my personal guests, be introduced to great (well-priced) wine & and enjoy some sort of spectacular element like it’s off-the-beaten path, unexpected views, barrel tasting, etc.

I’ll be guiding with Jay as often as I can this year too.  If you want me to be your guide, or set you up with Jay, let me know.

Vine Rover Tours web site.

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