Discover Napa Valley with the Open Air Trolley & Lunch Tour
Imagine cruising through Napa Valley on an open-air cable car, with panoramic views of rolling vineyards and sun-drenched hills. For six hours, this tour takes you to three carefully selected wineries, guided by an expert who shares stories about the region’s famous wines and viticulture. Priced at $135 per person, this experience blends sightseeing, wine education, and delicious food in a way that’s accessible and fun.
What we love most about this tour are the scenic views from the open-air trolley—there’s something special about feeling the cool breeze as you glide past vineyards—and the quality of the lunch served at one of the wineries, which is often highlighted as a highlight by guests. On the flip side, a few travelers noted that timing can be unpredictable, with some reports of the tour running over schedule, which could impact your plans afterward.
This experience suits travelers who want a relaxed but engaging taste of Napa, especially those eager to combine sightseeing with wine tasting without the need for extensive planning. It’s perfect if you appreciate a friendly guide, scenic travel, and a good meal along the way.
You can check availability for your dates here:Key Points
- Scenic transportation: Open-air cable car offers a unique way to experience Napa’s beautiful landscape.
- Expert guide: Light-hearted commentary helps you learn about the region’s wines and history.
- Visit three wineries: Discover diverse styles and atmospheres within Napa’s renowned wine country.
- Lunch included: Enjoy a delicious meal at a scenic winery, often praised for its quality.
- Flexible booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance, making it a low-risk option.
- Price for value: At $135, it offers a balanced mix of sightseeing, education, and food.
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A Deep Dive into the Napa Valley Open Air Trolley Experience
The Itinerary and What You Can Expect
Starting at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa at 10:00 am, the tour kicks off with a warm welcome from your guide—who likely will be named Paul based on reviews—adding a friendly, approachable tone to the day. From there, you’ll hop onto the open-air cable car, which is truly the centerpiece of this experience. This mode of transport isn’t just a gimmick; it allows you to feel the warm sun, cool breeze, and the vast vistas of Napa’s vineyards.
Throughout the six-hour adventure, you will visit three wineries. The options often include well-known names like Cosentino, Napa Cellars, Freemark Abbey, Rutherford Ranch, and Monticello Winery. Each stop offers a chance to sample wines and learn about their distinct styles, while the guide provides insights into viticulture and regional history—making it a relaxed environment for beginners and seasoned wine enthusiasts alike.
The Scenic Cable Car Ride
One of the unique features of this tour is the open-air cable car, which replaces the more traditional bus or van. Guests have reported feeling enchantingly connected to the surroundings—breathing in the scent of grapes, feeling the wind, and taking pictures of the postcard-perfect landscape. This setup encourages a more casual, immersive experience, as you’re not enclosed in a vehicle.
However, some reviews highlight that the cable car hasn’t operated for some years, and the transportation was replaced by a van. While the description may still mention the cable car, it’s worth confirming whether the original feature is available at the time of booking or if a similar open-air vehicle is used.
More Great Tours NearbyWinery Visits and Tastings
Guests typically visit three wineries, with each offering a different vibe. Some reviewers appreciated the diversity—from historic estates to newer boutique wineries—and the opportunity to sample a wide range of wines. Notably, the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness; one reviewer specifically mentioned “our guide Paul was so friendly and definitely added to the experience.”
Most stops include a brief tour of the winery, focusing on how wine is made, followed by tastings. It’s important to remember that wine tasting fees are not included in the $135 price**; you’ll need to pay these directly at each winery. Some visitors found this reasonable, especially if they’re selective about which wines they want to try, but it’s worth budgeting extra for tastings.
The Lunch Experience
A significant highlight is the lunch, which is served at one of the wineries in a scenic setting. Guests consistently praise the quality and variety of the food, often noting that it exceeded expectations—even accommodating vegan diets with delicious options. The lunch is served in a relaxed, picturesque environment, making it a perfect mid-point for resting and chatting.
Timing, Duration, and Group Size
The entire tour lasts approximately 6 hours, usually starting in the morning. Some guests have mentioned that the tour sometimes runs over schedule, which can cause concerns if you have reservations afterward, such as a dinner in Yountville. The guide might not always provide timely updates, so it’s wise to allow a wide window for your afternoon plans.
Group sizes tend to be moderate, creating a more intimate and conversational atmosphere. The English-speaking guide ensures clear communication, and the small group setting allows for personalized attention.
Authentic Experiences and Guest Insights
Several reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the guide—one guest said, “Our guide, Paul, was so friendly and definitely added to the experience.” Guests also appreciated the delicious lunch, with some describing it as “outstanding,” and many noted the pleasure of sampling wines in a relaxed, scenic setting.
A few travelers pointed out timing issues—one report mentioned the tour ending late, which affected dinner plans. While this seems to be an occasional issue, it underscores the importance of managing expectations about schedule flexibility.
What Could Be Better?
Some reviews mention that the cable car ride has not operated for a decade, and the promotional images may be outdated. It’s worth double-checking with the provider whether the original cable car experience is still part of the tour or if they have substituted it with a similar open-air vehicle.
Is This Tour Worth the Price?
At $135, this tour offers a comprehensive Napa experience—including transportation, guided insights, visits to three wineries, and a quality lunch. Compared to private tastings or day-long excursions, it strikes a nice balance of value and relaxation. The scenic views and friendly guide are what really make it special, especially for those new to wine tasting or short on time.
However, if you’re a seasoned wine lover wanting extensive tastings or a more personalized experience, you might find it somewhat limited. The additional costs for tastings could add up, but that’s typical for wine tours.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is ideal for first-time visitors wanting a gentle, scenic overview of Napa’s vineyards without the hassle of planning. It’s perfect if you want a relaxed day with scenic transport, good food, and insightful commentary. It also suits those who enjoy outdoor experiences and picturesque settings.
If you’re traveling with family or multi-generational groups, the moderate pace and engaging guide make it a good choice. Just note that wheelchair users and those under 21 are not accommodated, so plan accordingly.
Final Thoughts
The Napa Valley Open Air Trolley & Lunch Tour offers a fun, scenic, and educational glimpse of California’s most famous wine region. The unique open-air transport makes it stand out, providing fresh air and great photo ops, while visiting three different wineries offers variety without being overwhelming.
The quality of the lunch and guided commentary makes this a well-rounded experience—one that balances sightseeing, tasting, and relaxing. While some timing hiccups are possible, most guests find it’s a worthwhile investment for a short, memorable visit to Napa.
Whether you’re a wine novice eager to learn or simply want to enjoy a beautiful day in wine country, this tour offers good value and authentic moments. Just remember to be prepared for some extra tasting fees and to confirm details about the transportation method when booking.
FAQ
Does the tour include wine tastings?
No, wine tasting fees are not included—you’ll pay for tastings separately at each winery.
What is the transportation like?
Instead of a traditional bus, you’ll ride an open-air cable car (or similar vehicle, based on recent reviews) that enhances the scenic experience.
How long does the tour last?
The entire experience runs about 6 hours, typically in the morning, with some variability in schedule.
Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, making it flexible for last-minute changes.
Is this tour suitable for children or people with mobility issues?
It’s not suitable for those under 21 or wheelchair users, due to the nature of the transportation and activity setup.
Where does the tour start?
Meet in front of the parking lot at the Oxbow Public Market in Napa at 644 1st Street; parking is available nearby.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, a camera, and comfortable clothes are recommended for enjoying the day.
In summary, this Napa Valley tour is a solid choice for those looking to combine scenic views, good wine, and a relaxed atmosphere—all in a manageable, half-day outing. It’s best suited for first-timers, small groups, and anyone eager to soak up Napa’s charm without breaking the bank.
You can check availability for your dates here: