Frequently Asked Questions

We offer lunch as an add on option for $22 a piece. Enjoy a sandwich with a side salad or bag of Tim's chips or an entree size salad. The menu is attached  when all our information is emailed to you. 

We can be as involved or not involved as you wish. Standard protocol consists of emailing our customers a questionnaire which gives us a better understanding of their palette, what kind of experience they are looking to have, preferred varietals, if there are any "must-sees", price point, etc. With this information, we can completely customize an itinerary that fulfills as many of your desires as possible for your tour day. We also employ drivers that are knowledgeable of the area, with the wineries,  the industry, etc. You will experience much more than just having a designated driver. 

If you already have done your research and you have your entire tour day planned out with reservations made, that is alright too!  We just ask they be in two contiguous areas of the Walla Walla AVA as otherwise there is a lot of driving. 

Some guests have a couple of their must-see wineries scheduled already but need some suggestions to round out their tour. We are flexible and would love to be able to help you with recommendations. 

As a result of COVID, the majority of wineries went to appointments only  or appointments but accepting walk-ins. We now book four appointments.  The size of the group and the experience you want to have all play a part in have many wineries you want to visit.  We do offer the option of an additional hour of touring for $25 per person, if you feel you need more time to enjoy your tour. 

There are a couple of things that are not included in the cost of your tour. Tasting fees are one of those things. The cost of tasting fees will vary from winery to winery. There are a few wineries that offer complimentary tastings, but most charge anywhere from $20- $30 on average with a few higher end wineries changing $50-$95 for a tasting.   

NOTE: Most all wineries will waive the cost of your tasting fee IF you purchase wine. Some wineries will only waive one tasting fee with the purchase of one bottle of wine per person. There are a few wineries that require you to meet a specific dollar amount before they will waive any tasting fees. Each winery has its own rules that vary from winery to winery.

Driver gratuity is also NOT included in the cost of your tour. Our drivers are not equipped to accept debit or credit cards, so we ask to please tip your driver with cash at the end of your tour. 

Gratuity can be a sensitive subject, however, we get a TON of questions related to this topic. This applies to our drivers, tasting room staff, and the owners of the business. Tipping for a service is customary, but the amount varies. Ultimately it is up to the customer, but should be based upon the service provided. When prompt and exceptional service has been provided, tipping is the means by which to acknowledge good service. 

If an individual at a tasting room went above and beyond and gave you a fabulous experience, it is absolutely ok to tip them, even if a tip jar is not set out. If you buy wine and use of point of service device, do not tip on the wine you purchased just the service you received from the person pouring the wine.  

Tour Guides traditionally receive 20% -25%  depending on quality (knowledge, friendliness, etc), according to an article posted on TripAdvisor. Peggy Post, Head of the Emily Post Institute says, "Not tipping the owner is an old tradition that's dying out." She recommends 15% - 20% percent of the fee, whether or not you receive services from the owner of the business or an employee.

If you're looking for a family-friendly tour, we can absolutely create one. Keep in mind that some wineries are 21+ or smaller spaces where energetic kids might have a hard time. While we can find options suitable for children, we generally don't recommend bringing kids on the tour, as the experience is designed for adults to enjoy and unwind. 

General Rules of Thumb when wine tasting:

• Do not wear perfume, cologne, or body sprays. Wine tasting is a sensory experience. This includes both taste and smell. Coming into a tasting room smelling of perfumes and colognes will ruin the tasting experience for you and other patrons. Be mindful not to introduce any unwanted aromatics to the tasting room.
• Cigarettes, coffee, toothpaste, chewing gum, mouthwash, and other such things are going to ruin your palette momentarily. If you have smoked a cigarette, drank your morning coffee, and/or brushed your teeth, eat a cracker or piece of bread to prepare your palette for wine tasting. Cigarette smoke also effects others in the tasting room if your clothing has absorbed the smell. 
• Mind your manners. Be polite and don't expect to drink all you want. It is a "tasting" after all. 
• Don't be loud, don't be obnoxious, don't be unruly, don't swear. Many small, boutique wineries are family-run. When visiting a wine tasting room consider yourself a guest. The owners and staff are proud of their facility and want everyone to enjoy their visit.
• Don't care for the wine? That's okay!  It is acceptable and encouraged to "dump." Just be respectful and don't make a scene about it. Whether it is the winemaker pouring wine for you or not, it is not acceptable to be rude. The tasting room staff takes pride in the wines they are sharing with you and it is not kind to go on about how much you dislike it. Not everyone has the same palette, and it is absolutely okay to not care for a particular wine. Just keep in mind that the person pouring for you could be the person who made it, a family member, a friend, or simply a person that works there and respects the wine and the winemaker.
• Be open minded and put aside any pre-conceived opinions. It may be true that you’ve never tasted a rosé you’ve liked, but go ahead and try what is being offered. There is always the dump bucket, and if the wine simply is not for you, no one will be offended. Refer back to the being respectful rule.
• If you appear drunk, the tasting room attendant is permitted, by law, to not serve you even if it is a tasting. Drunken behavior has no place in the atmosphere of the tasting room. Wineries deal with this behavior in different ways, most often you will be asked to leave.
• Finally, whatever you do, do not act like a wine snob.

As you are tasting wine follow these steps

• SEE:  Look at the color. whites range from pale to golden while rosés can be many shades of pink depending on skin contact. All wine gets its color from grape skins, since the juice itself is always clear. Light reds like Grenache and Pinot NOir are more delicate in color than a bolder red like Cabernet, Merlot, or Syrah.
• SWIRL: You will have about 2 ounces of wine.  Swirl it around in the glass to release the aromas.  
• Smell: Take a sniff. What do you notice? White wines might have apple, honey or citrus notes. A red can show berry like notes. There is no wrong answer with what you smell!
• Sip: Take a small sip. Pay attention to the flavors at the start, middle, and the finish.
• SAVOR:  Notice how long the taste lingers. Where do you feel the flavors in your mouth? Does it change or stay the same?