Many modes of transportation exist today, so why not step outside of your comfort zone and try one of these alternative and exciting ways to tour Napa Valley? For instance, you can stay conventional with your transportation by renting a car or limousine, but maybe part of you would like to be a bit unconventional and view the valleys by hot air balloon or possibly in a horse drawn carriage! Whichever mode of transportation you decide upon, here is some information that can help you with the choosing process.
- Horse Drawn Carriage
Alexander Valley Vineyards offers a horse and carriage tour of their grounds, including a visit to their wine caves, followed by a sampling of their very own wines. After showing guests what Alexander Valley has to offer, the guide then takes you on a visit to two neighboring, small, family-owned vineyards, Hanna and Soda Rock. Prices start around $150 per person and are comparable to any other unconventional wine tasting tour's pricing.
- Biking
If you’d like to enjoy all that Napa Valley has to offer by bicycle, Napa Valley Tours offers self-guided, private group, corporate group, and pre-planned packages starting at $159 per person. This fee does not include winery entry or tasting fees, but it does include a state of the art bike, helmet, and handle bar bag rental with van support, a knowledgeable tour guide, a deli lunch, and complimentary water bottle. If you’re not in the best shape or fearful that the ride will be too rigorous, don’t worry. These paths are designed for tourists, not professional bikers. On the classical tour, riding lasts from around 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and three wineries are visited during that time frame.
- Hiking
Hiking in Napa Valley offers views of the foothills and mountains, somewhat reminiscent of rustic Tuscan wine country, but definitively characteristic of Sonoma wine country as well. Much of Napa Valley is privately owned, however, so to take in some of these views by foot, Skyline Wilderness Park offers a great option to hikers and walkers alike. Not only does the park offer great views, but also you can take a break and camp, bike, and horseback ride on the grounds as well.
- Limousine Rental
It may seem like an inactive way of seeing the vineyards of Napa Valley but nothing could be further from the truth. Beau Wine Tours specifically caters to wine touring by renting vehicles out, chartering for special events, and offering pre-arranged and customizable tours. Whether you’re looking to create your very own itinerary and be driven around accordingly or you’re hoping to be chauffeured through a planned and packaged route, Beau Wine Tours offers several driver options for discovering wine country your way.
- Hot Air Balloon
Offering rather reasonable options for hot air balloon tours of the valley vineyards, Napa Valley Balloons, Inc. has created several packages in incremental price points to suit a range of needs and interests. On the "Balloon and Platypus Wine Tour," for instance, experience an hour-long hot air balloon ride, pre- and post-flight champagne, and round-trip transportation to and from your hotel for just $325 per person. As a bonus souvenir, you can also receive your Certificate of Ascension, proving that you rode in a hot air balloon!
