We drive the tours ourselves in our SUVs and we pick up guests in Napa, Sonoma and throughout the San Francisco area. We create a custom intinerary based on your wish list. Each tour includes a complimentary copy of one of our tour books. Ask about current promotional Specials.
Let us know what you are interested in! We have so many wineries to choose from that your ideas help us offer suggestions, that turn into appointments. Our website includes a directory, articles and videos because a vacation is fun to plan for. Scroll down for testimonials from our guests.
To contact us about a tour please fill out this form or call us. If you want to schedule a tour now please call us at 707-235-2648 Lahni, or 707-235-2364 Ralph.
You will hear back from us very quickly as to whether or not we have that date available. Rates vary depending on the season and the starting point. Private wine tours are $75 per hour, ask about local specials. There is a fuel surcharge depending on starting point. There are none of the hidden fees that are common with the large companies and which routinely add 20% to 25% in miscellaneous fees to the final bill.
The daily fuel surcharge, based on the starting point, ranges from $30 to $50, thanks to the extreme spike in fuel costs.
What we do on our private tours: We create day trips based on your interests, driving SUV's for couples and small groups and Vans and Limo Buses for larger groups. Most of our tours last from 5 to 8 hours depending on the starting point; the city or wine country.
Wineries are open from 10am to 5pm so we start early. Plan on having a picnic, unless the weather is too cold, which is rare here. Plan on one hour for lunch and on visiting a winery per hour. You can visit more if you like because you're not driving. Please don't underestimate how much a driver/guide adds to your enjoyment of the day.
Between saving you time and stress, not to mention potential legal entanglements, hiring a car and a knowledgeable guide could be the smartest choice you make when planning your trip.
Our standard SUV rate for up to six people is $75 per hour. That rate is comprehensive and there are no added fees that normally add 25% to the 'top of the page prices' of most transportation companies. Please contact us for a quote on our rates if you need a van and bus for your larger group.
For our SUV's we use a comprehensive rate because we realize that often one person arranges the tour for a small group. They have to tell their friends how much it will cost beforehand. Those hidden fees can make for unpleasant discussions at the end of the tour day. We like to avoid that so we tell you what it is going to cost, complete, per hour. How long the tour lasts is up to you, the client.
During the high season, July through October, to handle overlapping requests we sometimes do Group wine tours at $100 per person, for guest staying in downtown Napa or downtown Sonoma. Please note:These tours are subject to availability.
Our Private Custom Tours are perfect for 2, 4 or 6 people with a unique interest that requires a custom itinerary. With the private tour we work with clients well in advance to understand their interests and to allow time to set up appointments at private wineries.
Tasting fees are not included but couples often share tastings and we choose wineries with fees of $20 or less, normally they range from $5 to $15. We carry excessive amounts of iced water in the car and guests love the quiet comfort and visibility of our luxury SUV’s.
We (Ralph & Lahni de Amicis) personally design your tour and do the driving. We are licensed by the Public Ultilities Commission TCP 23123 and carry full commercial insurance. We can also make arrangements for larger groups. Please see our detailed reservation policies below.
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Here is what some guests have written to us about their wine tours:
Well, I've already given you kudos on your Amicis Tours Facebook page, but I wanted to just say "thanks" again. You truly made our experience fabulous. I'm not sure what the best part was -- hearing your stories and learning from you, or the wine. ... Ok, it was the wine, but without you, we wouldn't have had the wine!
Seriously, I feel so fortunate to have found you. You took away all of the stress and hassle of planning our winery visit; you provided us with background information, history and tips that we would not otherwise have had; and you absolutely know how to put the "customer" into "customer service." Yours was beyond reproach. And I'm pretty hard to impress.
I have some lovely photos, many of which are on my Facebook page as of a couple hours ago. I'm also happy to make a CD and send it to you if you give me your mailing address.
You two are without a doubt in the right profession. I thank you once again for making our first -- and absolutely NOT our last -- trip to Napa most memorable.
Cheers!
Kelly - Spring 2011
Dear Lahni and Ralph:
Thanks to both of you for our recent wine tour in Napa. You were perfect guides, very attentive to our needs and wants, and brimming with knowledge about wines, vineyards, wineries, and Napa history. Thanks for the extra stop at the Culinary Institute. Your Lincoln Navigator was ultra-comfy and it was a relief to just sit back and sample the wine without having to worry about driving. I hope that any readers of this letter understand that they will be getting great value for their money.
Best wishes and may our paths cross again.
Bob and Sharon Strochak
Chuck Ross and Rosemarie Novack - Spring 2011
Hi Ralph,
First and foremost, Thank You so much for a great tour! Despite the crazy weather, we had a great trip and enjoyed the wineries that you selected very much! They were all great, but I really loved Jeffrey! He's just so cute and endearing! You are a fountain of information and the passion for your valley comes through with every story and piece of information you related.
Have a great spring and when we are back in Napa and need a guide, we will definitely give you a call!
It was a true pleasure to meet you, All the best, Yvonne McCoach (the Canadians who came down in the rain! Feb 25-29)
Caro Ralph,Agradeço muito sua especial atenção para com a família Santos e família Costa durante nossa estada em Sonoma e Nappa Valley, você foi muito gentil e nos ofertou uma oportunidade impar ,que nos foi de grande valia.Todos nós gostamos muito de você e do seu serviço ; espero que num futuro breve venhamos a nos encontrar novamente, e com certeza iremos recomendar sua agencia para todos nossos amigos que desejam ir para Califórnia fazer o circuito dos vinhos.Aceite um forte abraço .TKSPaulo Walter Leme dos Santos
Just a note to let you know how much Janice, John, Marriane and I enjoyed our tour with you on 10/6. Your knowledge of the Napa and Sonoma areas added measurably to the enjoyment of the trip. I am sure that we were able to see and do more in one day than we would have accomplished on our on, not to mention the convenience of having you do the planning and driving so we could just enjoy the experience. You have a great thing going and we would recommend your book and service to anyone we know heading your way. Thanks again, Tom.Tom HitchcockThanks.
You're the Best! Thanks for being our tour guide and sharing your wisdom! - Margery Toma
Ralph- You are one of the most knowledgeable people I have ever met! Thanks for a great day in Wine Country! - Courtney D.
Thanks so much for being a great tour guide. We had a wonderful time learning about wine country. - Carolyn
Ralph - I am so glad that you were our guide for my first trip to Napa - couldn't imagine a more memorable experience. I'm looking forward to reading your books and seeing you during my next trip to Napa. - Giacinta
Thank you for sharing your wine country knowledge with us... I'm convinced you read as you wait. We had a perfect experience. Hopefully I'll see you in Napa again. - Shadi Vazir
Amicis Winery Tours 2011
Contract & Current Policies & Rates - SUVs
FEES: The standard vehicle rate for parties up to 6 persons is $75 per hour. We do charge a fuel surcharge when fuel prices are $3.50 or over per gallon. Surcharge is $30 for tours originating out of Napa, Sonoma or Healdsburg and $50 for tours originating out of San Francisco. We do not add hidden fees at the end of the tour such as service fees, PUC fees, taxes, etc. as many other carriers do. Some people want to give the driver a gratuity and while it is always appreciated, it is not expected. Tasting fees and the cost of meals is not included. Tasting fees on average run between $10 - $20 per winery per person although couples often share a tasting. Also included, as our gift to our guests, will be an autographed copy of one our books in our ‘Amicis Winery Guides Series’. (while supplies last)
MINIMUMS: 4 hr weekday tour, 5 hr Friday, Saturday & Sunday, 6 hr originating out of the San Francisco area (although 8 hrs is more common for tours from SF b/c of 2 hr drive time back and forth for the guests ), 3 hr dinner/events.
TRANSLATION & SPEAKERS FEES: We offer translation services in Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, French and a bit of German at no additional charge when providing tour services for groups of 6 or fewer. We can also offer translation as a separate service. When translation only, not driving, is requested, the hourly fee is $30. We are also professional speakers and are knowledgeable about wine country. Fees for speaking services can range from $500 - $2,500 per event, depending upon the size of group, location, topic and venue as well as the length of the assignment. Please phone for customized pricing.
RESERVATION POLICY: We tour in SUVs for the ease and comfort of our clients. The fees will be charged at $75 per hour, with no surprise add-ons (such as fuel charges or license fees) at the end of the day. Tasting Fees and the cost of meals are not normally included but can be arranged so as to include them in a flat rate billing. (see FEES)
For your convenience, you are welcome to change the card you actually use at the end of the tour. We take your card for confirmation because of our cancellation policy. To hold a date we need complete billing information including CC#, exp date, name on card, security code number (CSC), billing address, billing phone. We would also like a cell phone to be used on the day of the tour. Email confirmations will be sent when the reservation is finalized if an email has been provided.
CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel this date prior to 7 days before the scheduled day of tour, there is no cancellation fee. Cancellations within the 7 day period before the date of the tour will be charged a $150.00 non-refundable cancellation fee on the card we have on file. Cancellations within 24 hours of the day of the tour (any time on the day before or on the day of the tour) will be charged for the full amount of time scheduled for the tour. Open ended tours will be charged 5 hour minimum tour, or $375.00, 6 hour minimum for San Francisco pick up or $450.00 or the full amount of any special deal price to the card on file. If the driver has already left and is en route before the cancellation is received, an additional fuel surcharge will also apply.
LIABILITY: The client is responsible for his/her guests in every regard to this agreement. Client assumes full financial responsibility for any damage to our vehicle or property caused by client or party whether by accident, neglect or intent. Excessive cleaning fee or any vomit/bodily fluids is $500 plus loss of revenue. Client assumes responsibility for overtime fees and authorizes credit card charges to be made for these costs or any others due and not collected at the end of the tour. Amicis Tours assumes no responsibility for items left in the vehicle at any time. Driver may terminate the charter without refund should they deem client or party unruly or violating safe operation of the vehicle. Amicis Tours assumes no responsibility for illegal acts of client during rental. Amicis Tours cannot be held responsible for delays or inconvenience due to traffic, unforeseen mechanical failures or situations deemed an "Act of God".
BILLING: All fees are processed through the parent corporation: SPACE AND TIME DESIGNING, INC.
Please provide an email address if you would like a copy of your paid bill sent to you after the charge has been processed.
Amicis Winery Tours - the best wine tour service in Napa and Sonoma California. Authors of the iphone apps Napa Valley Wine Tour and Sonoma Wine Tour as well as the books Dream Tours of Napa and Sonoma, Sonoma Dream Tours, Napa Dream Tours, The Wine Diet, It's Not Just for Breakfast Anymore, and Guidelines for the Hospitality Professional.
The Amicis' have written more than 20 books on Health, Business and Environmental Design, but their series on wineries has been the most fun. Popular speakers and teachers look for them all over the web with their wine tips, healthy hints and words of wisdom! Cheers!
Call 707-235-2648 for Tours, Books & Seminars Copyright Ralph & Lahni de Amicis 2011 All tasting fees, hours, wine lists, etc are subject to change.
