Frequently Asked Questions

Comfortable, weather appropriate clothing, and closed-toed shoes are best. Keep in mind that we may have the opportunity to walk out into some of the vineyards.

Tasting fees vary from $10 to $25 per flight. A flight usually includes five to six wines. Most wineries wave the tasting fee when you buy wine from them. We recommend our “tasting fees included” tour so you don’t have to worry about the fees!

Tipping is not required, but always appreciated!

A tour will last from five to six hours. This relaxed pace insures plenty of time to enjoy the wines and the winery at each stop.

We prefer to visit three wineries per tour, but we occasionally add a fourth. This pace allows plenty of time to taste through the flight at each stop, enjoy the venue, and engage in possible educational opportunities.

Young children are always welcome, but an older child who can be somewhat independent would probably create the most enjoyable day for everyone.

We are wine geeks with years of experience tasting wines from these producers. Our goal is to share this knowledge with you by taking you to our favorite wineries.

Our tours’ educational focus sets us apart from the competition. All of our tour guides are WSET (Wine and Spirit Education Trust) certified and some currently work in the local wine industry. We will share with you what makes Willamette Valley wines special, and then place them into the context of the greater world of wine. You won’t get that by hiring a driver!

We are also covered by commercial insurance. Before you hire someone else, ask if they are. The answer may surprise you…

Yes. Snacks and bottled water are included as well as a lovely lunch. Lunch is typically provided at your second winery visit.

Maybe. If you live in the Portland metro area and you have a reusable wine bag, please bring it with you. If not, the wineries will provide bags or boxes for you. Most people purchase a shipping box (about $10) which they check as a piece of luggage when they fly home. This is the least expensive, quickest, and safest way to get your wine home. When buying six or more bottles from a winery it is most cost effective to have them ship for you. The least cost effective option is having us ship it for you. Please note that it will take longer for you to receive it.

Wines in the Willamette Valley can range from $15 to $125, with most white wines costing around $20 to $40 per bottle. Red wines average about $40 to $60 per bottle.

We tour year-round – depending on weather. Balloon flight packages are available from April to October.

Early Spring and Fall wine tours are the most amazing, colorful, and interesting. And the tasting rooms aren’t so busy!

We limit our Sharable Small Group Wine Tours to six guests. This keeps our tours intimate and focused on the wines!