Private Group Wine Tours in Napa Valley

Imagine spending a day exploring some of Napa’s most celebrated wineries with your own small group, comfortable transportation, and no worries about driving. For $960 per group (up to six people), this private six-hour tour offers the chance to visit Sterling Vineyards, Castello di Amorosa, and Mumm Napa, with a relaxed pace and plenty of tasting opportunities. The tour begins at 10 a.m., starting from the Oxbow Public Market in Napa, and includes transportation between stops, making it ideal for couples, friends, or small groups wanting an intimate, flexible wine experience.

What we love about this tour is the combination of iconic wineries and beautiful scenery, along with the chance to enjoy a delicious sandwich lunch in the middle of the day. The personalized setting means fewer crowds and more tailored attention, which makes for a more memorable visit. The transportation is a definite plus, especially if you want to indulge in some wine without the hassle of driving. However, keep in mind that wine tasting fees are not included—you’ll need to budget around $55 or more per winery—so plan accordingly.

One small consideration is that this is a shorter, structured tour, so if you’re looking for an in-depth, leisurely exploration of Napa’s wineries, you might prefer a longer or more flexible option. But for those who like a well-organized day with highlights, this tour hits many high points. It suits travelers who want an authentic yet efficient glimpse into Napa’s famous wine country, especially if you value comfort, convenience, and quality.

Key Points

• Private experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility.
• Iconic wineries like Sterling, Castello di Amorosa, and Mumm Napa offer a variety of tasting environments.
• Comfortable transportation means no worries about navigating roads or drinking and driving.
• Includes a picnic-style lunch with gourmet snacks, perfect for a mid-day break.
• Pricing covers the entire group, making it good value for small parties.
• Tasting fees are separate, so budget for additional costs at each winery.

Exploring the Wineries: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting at Sterling Vineyards: A Soaring Introduction

We begin our day at Sterling Vineyards, famous for its cable car ride that takes you above the vineyards, offering spectacular views of Napa Valley. It’s a fun way to kick off the day, especially if you’re into scenic vistas. Inside, the winery provides a solid introduction to Napa wines, with tastings on-site. While admission is not included, the experience of riding the cable car and taking in the landscape is a highlight, especially for first-timers or those eager for a photo-op.

This stop typically lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to enjoy the views, explore the tasting room, and perhaps pick up a bottle or two. Reviewers have noted that the view is stunning, and the experience feels exclusive without being overly fancy. We loved how this stop sets a lively, scenic tone for the day.

Castello di Amorosa: Step into a Tuscan Dream

Next, we head to Castello di Amorosa, a replica 13th-century Italian castle built entirely from authentic materials. It’s an impressive sight—a real castle in the Napa Valley—and it makes for a memorable visit. The castle tour usually takes about an hour and a half, allowing plenty of time to explore the tasting rooms and castle grounds.

The wines here include some notable reds and whites, and if you’re a fan of architecture or medieval atmospheres, this place is a highlight. Admission is not included, but the experience of wandering through castle courtyards and tasting in a fairy-tale setting makes it a worthwhile stop. Reviewers often mention being captivated by the authenticity and grandeur of the castle, making it a real standout.

A Picnic Lunch on Silverado Trail

After castle exploring, we stop at the Soda Canyon Store on Silverado Trail. This well-stocked grocery offers gourmet sandwiches, beverages, and snacks, perfect for a picnic. The stop lasts about an hour, giving you time to grab a meal and enjoy it outdoors amid vineyard views. Many travelers appreciate the flexibility of this stop, as it allows a casual, personalized lunch rather than a formal sit-down meal.

It’s a smart choice on a short tour—delivering delicious food that can be enjoyed while taking in Napa’s landscapes. Reviewers note that the sandwiches are tasty and fresh, making it a highlight of the trip.

Mumm Napa: Sparkling Wines with a View

In the late morning or early afternoon, you’ll visit Mumm Napa, known worldwide for its sparkling wines. Set on a hillside, the winery offers stunning panoramic views of the valley, which you can enjoy during your tasting. Here, you’ll sample some of the best sparkling wines Napa has to offer—a unique experience compared to the more common still wines.

The visit lasts about an hour, giving you time to enjoy the crisp bubbles and take in the scenery. Reviewers praise Mumm Napa for its beautiful setting and exceptional sparkling wine selection, often calling it a “highlight” of the day. It’s an elegant way to finish your winery visits, especially if you appreciate fizz as much as still wines.

Wrap-up and Travel Time

After visiting Mumm Napa, you’ll spend about an hour and a half driving back to the meeting point. This allows some buffer for traffic and a chance to reflect on the day’s highlights. The entire itinerary, including wine tasting, lunch, and driving, sums up to roughly six hours—a nicely packed yet relaxed experience.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Your fee covers the driver/guide, fuel surcharge, and bottled water—a simple but thoughtful touch. You’ll need to budget separately for wine tastings, which typically cost around $55 and up per winery, depending on what you choose. Food is not included, but the picnic stop offers a tasty, casual option, and you’re free to buy snacks or meals at each winery if you prefer.

Meeting Point and Timing

The tour starts at Oxbow Public Market at 10 a.m., a lively spot with plenty of nearby parking and good coffee. It ends back there, so it’s convenient to plan your day around it. Being a private tour, it’s all about your group’s pace and preferences, which we really appreciate.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for small groups seeking a personalized, hassle-free day in Napa. If you enjoy beautiful scenery and wine-tasting without the pressure of large crowds or long waits, you’ll find this tour well-suited. It’s ideal for first-time visitors wanting a taste of Napa’s highlights or seasoned wine lovers who prefer a more intimate setting.

Those wanting a more extensive exploration might find this tour a bit compact, but for a balanced, enjoyable day with comfort and style, it hits the right notes.

The Sum Up

This private Napa Valley wine tour strikes a fine balance between convenience, authenticity, and scenic beauty. You’ll visit some of the most iconic spots—Sterling, Castello di Amorosa, and Mumm Napa—each offering its own unique charm. The combination of stunning views, excellent wines, and a relaxed pace makes it a strong choice for travelers who want to enjoy Napa without the hassle of planning or driving.

The small group size and private transportation make it a comfortable and personalized experience, perfect for couples, friends, or small families. While wine tasting fees add to the cost, the overall value lies in the convenience, quality, and memorable atmosphere of each stop. This tour is especially suitable if you appreciate beautiful scenery, great wine, and a casual, friendly setting.

Whether it’s your first visit or a return trip, this Napa wine tour offers a well-rounded taste of what makes Napa Valley famous—all in just six hours.

FAQ

What wineries are included in the tour?
You will visit Sterling Vineyards, Castello di Amorosa, and Mumm Napa, each offering distinctive experiences and wines.

How long is the total tour?
The entire experience lasts about six hours, including travel time, tastings, and your picnic stop.

Are wine tasting fees included?
No, tasting fees are not included and typically cost around $55 or more at each winery.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Oxbow Public Market in Napa at 10 a.m. and returns to the same location.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, a driver/guide, bottled water, and fuel surcharge.

Is food provided?
No, but a picnic-style lunch with sandwiches and snacks is available at Silverado Trail’s Soda Canyon Store.

Is this tour suitable for everyone?
Most travelers can participate, especially those who prefer a private, relaxed winery visit with no driving worries.

Can I customize the experience?
Since it’s a private tour, you can usually discuss preferences with your guide, though the itinerary is fairly structured.

What should I budget for additional costs?
Plan for wine tasting fees (~$55+ per winery) and personal purchases like bottles or snacks.

This private Napa Valley wine tour offers a smart, enjoyable way to sample some of California’s finest wines in a relaxed, scenic setting. Whether you’re celebrating, exploring, or simply savoring good wine, it provides a memorable, hassle-free experience worth considering for your trip.