Best Napa Drivers and Tours
NEW! Hire a driver or do a tour to see the BEST of Napa without driving your car and no DUI. Local Wally stamps his approval on Napa's best tour guides.
Napa Valley’s Best Drivers: Getting Around Napa while wine tasting
Do I Really Need to Hire a Driver for Wine Tasting in Napa?
Sorry to be a buzz killer but it's easy to over indulge when wine tasting in Napa. I know, you’re thinking you will just take tiny sips and dump out the rest but trust me, that NEVER happens! Do you really think you can toss a half glass of the best wine you’ve ever had into the spit bowl? No way! Before you know it those tiny sips add up to giant goblets of wine and you’re trading the fancy resort for a bunk bed at the county jail.
So yes, you should hire a driver - and I’ll help you pick a good one. Drivers on my site were vetted and hand selected and come with a track record of excellent service, friendliness, good reviews, and reasonable rates. Some drive your rental, some drive you in their vehicle, and if you want a limo or large shuttle or coach I have that too. Napa is a lot more fun when you don’t have to worry about how much you’re drinking - and driving.
DRIVERS WHO DRIVE you IN THEIR CARS
Meet Melissa From A Drive for Wine Co.
√ Extra large SUV that seats 6 √ Luxurious Mercedes Sprinter that seats 11 √ Full Service, Can make Your Reservations √ Napa, Sonoma, and Russian River Expert
A certified wine educator and professional tour guide, Melissa is a Napa local with a passion for the stories of wine country who excels in customizing the perfect day for her guests. From iconic, historic wineries ideal for first timers to hidden gems away from the crowds, Melissa and her team will work with you to tailor the day and will make your dream trip to Napa or Sonoma come true. Best yet, Melissa will even make your reservations, something very few drivers do and a huge time saver.
Melissa is such a delight! She recommended amazing wineries that we would not have found on our own and even made the reservations for us. We just had to show up and she did the rest, amazing service.
BEST FOR: Those who want a full service tour guide who works with you to plan your trip and shares her vast knowledge of the wine region. Prices for tour guides are typically higher than a standard driver but Melissa and her team has kept their prices more affordable for readers of my site.
Meet David from Napa Wine Project
√ Winery Expert who has visited over 1,200 wineries √ Drives groups from 2 to 9 in his vehicle √ Can also drive your rental √ Exceptionally low rates for top notch service
If wine is your passion then there’s not a better driver and guide than Dave who has visited, chronicled and reviewed over 1,200 wineries. To say he is a Napa wine and winery expert is an understatement.
But don’t think he only caters to wine experts, Dave also drives a lot of my first time visitors and is always eager to share his knowledge of the valley, the wines, and the wineries with enthusiasm and passion.
Dave is a walking encyclopedia of information about the wineries, the people, the wines, and the history of the Valley. Thanks to his wealth of knowledge and contacts he customized a unique tour and provided us with diverse perspectives on the wine industry. I know that we would never have had such “behind-the-scenes” insight into the Valley without his tour.
BEST FOR: Wine lovers who want to deep dive into Napa. Dave really knows his wineries so if you need help picking some that are off the beaten path then choose Dave. He’s also excellent for anyone looking for a richer Napa experience that you don’t get with a standard driver.
Meet Kelly, Napa Local Driver
√ Mainly drives in her vehicle √ Previously a driver for Napa’s largest tour company
As a Napa local, Kelly knows Napa. But she also is an expert on Sonoma and the Russian River area and can custom design a wine tasting experience for you away from all of the crowds. Super nice and friendly, spending a day with Kelly is like hanging with your best friend.
She drives you in her Honda Accord, perfect for couples and can comfortably seat 3 passengers. She also can drive rentals and can be added to Turo rentals and is insured for up to 8 people.
Kelly is one of the nicest people we have ever met! She was on time, she kept us on time, and she was able to share some of her favorite wineries with us that we would have never found on our own. A gem!
BEST FOR: Couples looking for a friendly tour guide who not only can keep you on schedule but can add the history and stories of Napa as she drives. Super fun and friendly.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER ON USING DRIVERS ON THIS SITE
designated drivers who drive your rental or vehicle
Meet Gaby, Local Napa Expert
√ Can legally drive your rental √ Affordable Rates √ 20+ Years of Napa Wine Industry Experience √ Habla Español √ One of Napa’s BEST drivers and tour guides!
Looking for a driver who can drive your rental but concerned about liability and legality? No need to worry - Gaby has all the credentials* to do so which are posted on the State of California’s site. A Napa local who has years of experience in the wine industry she can help you with itineraries and making reservations, all at an incredibly low rate. Gaby habla español y puede organizar un tour por las bodegas a los hispanohablantes!
Gaby helped us enjoy a couple of days in wine country. She was so knowledgeable and also very engaging and fun! She was EXTREMELY knowledgeable about wine and Napa history and helped us find some great places to visit. We will definitely use Gaby’s driving services again!
BEST FOR: Gaby is the perfect choice if you want someone to drive your rental, including larger vehicles that seat 9. Super friendly and knowledgeable on wines and wineries. Excellent rates.
Meet Greg from Wine-Lyft
√ Designated Driver in your vehicle √ Can also drive up to 5 in his vehicle √ Expert photographer who can help document your experiences √ Some of the lowest rates for a professional driver
Greg has over 6 years of experience in Napa, Sonoma and the Russian River area and a previous tour guide from on of Napa’s largest tour operators. He has personally visited over 300 wineries and can help you pick the best stops for your fun in wine country. If you’re looking for low rates and a dependable driver, Greg is a top pick.
Greg has a passion for creating memorable experiences and the education and hospitality exceeded my expectations! I will absolutely be back again and highly recommend Greg!
BEST FOR: If you’re on a tighter budget make sure you reach out to Greg for a quote. He can drive your rental or drive you in his vehicle and is commercially licensed for vehicles that seat up to 20.
Meet Celest, Local Napa Driver
√ Designated Driver in your vehicle √ Drives your vehicle or rental
Trust a local to take you on a tour of Napa or Sonoma. Celest is a Napa local who has been in the Napa transportation industry since 2010, working first as a tour guide for a large winery touring company and now as a designated driver. She loves wine but her passion is the regional history which she can share with you along the way. Celest will meet you at the local rental location to be added to your agreement, a short detour and then you’re on your way.
Celest was awesome! She not only has great rates but she made our wine tasting day fun and relaxing and you can tell she really loves what she does.
BEST FOR: Those looking for a designated driver but cautious about someone driving their rental. Once you’re on your way her knowledge of the valley and history of the region adds to the wine tasting experience.
Meet Rod From Napa Driver Tours
√ Can Legally Drive Rentals √ Trip Planning and Reservation Service Included √ Extensive wine and winery background √ Highly competitive Rates
There are plenty of drivers in Napa who claim they can legally drive rentals, but Rod is the only one who posts his documents online so you can feel confident that you are protected. Rod also can help you plan out your itinerary and will even make the reservations for you - yes, that is not a misprint! This is HUGE!
If you’re not sure where you want to go reach out to Rod and he and I will help you figure it all out, from 2 for 1 wineries to high end boutiques.
Wow, what a great value! Rod and Wally helped us pick wineries and then Rod made the reservations. We just had to show up and enjoy our day. What a treat!
BEST FOR: Letting someone drive your rental can feel risky but Rod has the documents that show why he’s one of the safest options. If you’re concerned about the legalities of someone driving your rental make sure you reach out to Rod and he’ll explain it all.
large transportation companies for limos, shuttles, and coaches
Meet Napa Valley Wine Country Tours
√ 19 person Convertible Sprinter √ Limo style shuttles √ Luxurious SUV √ Airport Pickups √ Join-in Tours √ Great for bachelorette parties and corporate events
Napa’s premier transportation company with every type of vehicle imaginable, from 4 person luxury sedans to open air shuttles and limos all the way to full size coach busses. With a variety of tours and services Napa Valley Wine Country Tours has helped a lot of my readers over the years. Professional and courteous, and a good option for your last minute trip when all the independent drivers are booked since they have so many vehicles.
This has to be by far, hands down best wine tasting tour experience ever had! Our driver George was AMAZING, he made the day PERFECT. He is super nice, attentive and outgoing.
BEST FOR: From couples to groups, Napa Valley Vine Country Tours has a number of vehicles (and drivers) with rates that are very fair for a large transportation company. Their convertible large shuttle (yes, convertible!) makes getting there half the fun, especially for bachlorette parties.
Meet Napa Sonoma Wine Tasting Driver
√ Sedans to Limos to Mini Buses √ Various Drivers Means More Availability √ Excellent Rates √ Great for Corporate and Wedding Events
With a host of professional drivers and a multitude of vehicle styles and sizes, you’ll find the right combination of style and value when you book with Napa Sonoma Wine Tasting Driver. They have vehicles in Napa, the Bay Area, even Sacramento so pickups are easy and cost effective.
We needed a professional driving company for our corporate team event. Napa Sonoma Wine Tasting Driver was perfect, a friendly driver who got us there on time and in style with good rates to boot!
BEST FOR: Large groups, airport or bay area pickups, really GREAT rates for a large transportation company. They also have smaller vehicles so if you forgot to make a driver reservation there’s a good chance they can help you out.
Can I Use Uber or Lyft Instead of Hiring a Driver?
Well, sort of, kind of. The problem is that Napa has spotty cell phone coverage once you leave Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail, the two main arteries that run south to north. So if you get a ride to a winery off the main roads you might not get back due to cell service, or lack of drivers willing to take a long detour. And even if you stay in the main areas the wait times can get excruciating long during busy times. And don’t forget surge pricing.
But let’s keep things real. Hiring a driver can be expensive so if you are open to only visiting wineries that don’t require reservations and you’re a flexible sort of person who can go with the flow then ride share might work out. Just stick to the big wineries with large tasting rooms so you’ll have the best chance of walking in without a reservation.
best napa valley wine tasting tours
Laces & Limos Tuk Tuk Tour
√ Explore Napa in a 3 Wheeled Electric Tuk Tuk √ Gourmet Picnic Right in the Vineyard √ Romantic and Luxurious
The most amazing way to experience Napa, explore the back roads of Napa in a 3 wheeled tuk tuk, stop to taste in hidden gem wineries, and indulge in a white tablecloth picnic literally right in the vineyards. If this sounds like a dream come true it is and it’s my personal favorite way to discover a side of Napa away from the corporate sizzle.
We booked with Laces & Limos to celebrate our first anniversary, and I truly cannot imagine a more perfect day. I kept saying there was no way we could ever recreate the magic of our wedding day but our afternoon came so close.
BEST FOR: Romantic couples, yes, but groups love this adventure as well. If you have just one day in Napa and you don’t want to hassle making reservations and hiring a driver then just book Laces & Limos and you’ll experience one of the best days of your life. That’s not hyperbole, this is an amazing experience.
Platypus Tours
√ Most Popular “join in” Tour √ Small groups of 8-12 √ Picnic lunch included
With small shuttles that host 12 or fewer passengers, you’ll visit three small, family owned wineries with a picnic lunch along the way included. Platypus is a “join-in” tour, meaning you’ll be grouped with others. It doesn’t take long before everyone is having a great time and the more wine the merrier it gets.
They also have tours in Sonoma, highly recommended if you have an extra day but don’t want to do all the extra planning to pick good wineries. Note that they focus on smaller wineries so if the big name iconic wineries are on your list you’ll want to plan a second solo day.
Absolutely outstanding!! We wanted smaller wineries with wine we could not get at home. Mike our driver was awesome—humorous and filled with lots of local history to share!!! We will come back to wine country and we will definitely call Platypus!!!!
BEST FOR: Day trippers looking for a quick and easy way to enjoy a day in Napa or Sonoma without having to worry about picking wineries or transportation. With Platypus it’s about the wine tasting experience versus just hitting up the big name wineries.
NAPA TRANSPORTATION FAQ’S
How Much Does a Driver Cost?
The cheapest transportation are drivers who can (legally) drive your rental. Figure $50 to $55 per hour and most will charge a 6 hour minimum. Drivers who drive you in their vehicles are maybe $20 an hour more. Full service drivers with their own luxury vehicles charge about $90 to $100 an hour and larger vehicles like a 13 person Sprinter go for about $125 an hour. Limos around $150 an hour, big coaches around $200 or more. These are all ballpark prices just to get you started.
Tipping is not required but I would factor in a 10% to 20% tip, cash most appreciated.
Wait - Some drivers can legally drive a rental?
Yes, I work with some drivers who can provide you with insurance documents that show that they can legally drive your rental. However, I’m smart enough to say that I am not responsible for any claims and recommend that you do your own due diligence :-) I will warn you that there are plenty of part time drivers who can absolutely not legally drive but claim they can so do your homework.
I saw you can ride a trolley to wineries. And what about the vine bus?
The Napa Valley Wine Trolley is the fake trolley car on wheels that takes you to various wineries - you don’t get to pick which ones. It’s basically a wine tour company and at $125 per person, not including the winery tasting fees, it’s not much cheaper than a private driver for 6 hours. I’m not knocking it, it does look fun, but it’s not a cheaper way to get around Napa. As for the Vine Bus line, it seems more trouble than it’s worth and you still have the same issue of needing to be ON TIME and having to rearrange your day to make sure you can get to the bus on time.
can a driver pick me up at the airport?
Yes, but it’s expensive as you’ll be charged travel fees and time to drive from Napa to the airport and back. It’s best to rent a car to get from the airport to Napa and then use a driver to get you around.
can a driving company pick up my group in san Francisco or another bay area location?
Yes, I do have companies that have vehicles around the bay area and Sacramento who specialize in corporate group pickups and can take you to Napa and back.
do drivers make my winery reservations?
Most drivers will not make winery reservations but I do have some drivers who will so if this is important to you make sure you ask. Coming with a large group? I have friends at wineries who LOVE it when I send in big groups and happy to make everyone happy.
My Standard Disclaimer on Drivers
While I am happy to connect you with drivers and can vouch that they have done a good job with my readers in the past it is up to you to verify their licenses, insurance, etc. I accept no liability for any driver mishaps and am in no way implying a guarantee of their credentials.
You expressly assume all risks associated with transportation services arranged through drivers listed on this website, including but not limited to risks of accidents, injuries, or unforeseen event. Read the full disclaimer below:
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Local Wally, LLC (“Local Wally,” “Napa Tourist Guide”, “we,” “us,” or “our”) operates as an informational platform that connects visitors with independent tour drivers. All drivers featured on this website are independent contractors and are not employees, partners, joint venturers, or agents of Local Wally, LLC.
Local Wally, LLC does not provide transportation services, does not own or operate any vehicles, and does not direct or control the actions of any driver listed on this website. Any agreement for transportation or tour services is made directly between the visitor and the independent driver.
While Local Wally, LLC may require drivers to represent that they hold valid licenses and insurance as required under California law, Local Wally, LLC does not independently verify and expressly disclaims any responsibility for verifying driver credentials, licensing status, insurance coverage, vehicle condition, or compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
By using this website and engaging any driver listed herein, you acknowledge and agree that:
You do so voluntarily and at your own risk;
You are solely responsible for conducting your own due diligence regarding any driver, including verifying insurance, licensing, and safety;
Local Wally, LLC is not responsible for the acts, omissions, errors, or negligence of any driver.
To the fullest extent permitted under California law, Local Wally LLC shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special, or punitive damages, including but not limited to personal injury, death, property damage, loss of use, delay, or inconvenience, arising out of or in any way related to the services provided by any independent driver, whether such services occur in the driver’s personal vehicle or a visitor’s rental vehicle.
You expressly assume all risks associated with transportation services arranged through drivers listed on this website, including but not limited to risks of accidents, injuries, or unforeseen events.