Wine tour transportation: Sprinter, SUV or minibus
Nobody in the group should be driving on a wine day. The vehicle choice is about headcount, winery driveways and how many stops you really want.
Where the day starts
From San Francisco, Napa and Sonoma are each about 46 miles, 1 to 1.5 hours. From San Diego, Temecula wine country is about 58 miles, 70 to 90 minutes. That is two to three hours of a tasting day spent on the road before any stops. Plan three or four wineries, not six.
What the rules require
- For-hire vehicles designed for 9+ occupants are federal CMVs interstate.
Vehicle size and winery driveways
A Sprinter takes 17 to 19 passengers and suits most tasting groups. Small winery lanes and lots handle it more easily than a coach. An SUV for up to 6 works for a couple of couples. For 20 or more, a midsize coach; ask each winery whether it takes a bus.
Bottles bought during the day need space. A Sprinter's cargo area sits behind the last row and varies by wheelbase.
Alcohol rules in a hired vehicle
Open-container rules for passengers in hired vehicles are set by each state. Do not assume. The driver may not use alcohol within 4 hours before driving. Smoking is prohibited on interstate passenger-carrying vehicles.
A for-hire vehicle designed for 9 or more occupants is a federal commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce, with federal minimum liability cover to match. Ask for the operator's USDOT number.
Order the stops before the day
Start from the hotel, not a meeting point across town. Put lunch after the second tasting. Make the last winery the one nearest the hotel, so the longest drive happens early, while everyone is fresh. Send the list in order; the quote is built on it.
Questions
How many wineries can we fit in a day?
From San Francisco or San Diego, allow two to three hours of driving. Three or four stops is realistic.
Can we open a bottle in the van?
It depends on the state. The driver may never drink within 4 hours before driving.
Sprinter or SUV?
Up to 6, an SUV. Up to 19, a Sprinter.
Can the tour start at the airport?
Yes. From SFO, head straight for Napa or Sonoma and skip city streets; San Francisco restricts 8+ passenger vehicles on listed streets.
Cities
Vehicles
- Motorcoach (49-81 passengers) — 49-81 seats
- Midsize coach (35-passenger) — 29-35 seats
- Minibus (16-19 passengers) — 16-19 seats
- Sprinter van (17-19 passengers) — 17-19 seats
- Party bus / limo van — Varies by build (Sprinter limos up to 14)
- Sedan / SUV car service — SUV up to 6 passengers with luggage
Plan the tasting day
Date, headcount, pickup and the wineries on your list. One quote for vehicle and driver; nothing charged until you accept.
Request a quote or call 15722344442