Monterey, a picturesque coastal town in California, is home to a unique wine and brew tour experience that takes visitors on a nostalgic journey through the region’s scenic beauty. Aboard a vintage 1970 Volkswagen bus, guests can indulge in a personalized exploration of the area’s acclaimed wineries, charming coastal towns, and natural wonders. With a small group of up to six participants, this tour promises a seamless and enjoyable outing, complete with tasting fees, a charcuterie board, and door-to-door pickup and drop-off. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine enthusiast, this tour offers a unique opportunity to discover the hidden gems of the Monterey Peninsula.
Key Points
- Vintage 1970 Volkswagen bus used for transportation on a 4.5-hour tour of the Monterey Peninsula, with pickup from local hotels and Airbnbs.
- Three 1-hour wine tastings at various wineries, with knowledgeable staff guiding visitors through the winemaking process.
- Scenic coastal drives through charming towns like Carmel-by-the-Sea, Monterey, and Pacific Grove, offering a unique perspective of the region’s natural beauty.
- Small group size of up to 6 participants, ensuring a personalized and intimate experience throughout the journey.
- Tour includes tasting room fees, bottled water, and a charcuterie board, with no smoking, pets, or outside alcohol allowed.
Tour Details
The Monterey wine and brew tour lasts 4.5 hours and offers pickups from hotels or Airbnbs within the tour area, where participants can spot the distinctive green vintage VW bus.
The tour drops off at 6 locations: Pacific Grove, Del Monte Forest, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Seaside, and Carmel Valley. Group size is limited to 6 participants.
During the tour, visitors will enjoy a 25-minute vintage car ride in Carmel Valley followed by a 1-hour wine tasting, a 25-minute ride in Carmel-by-the-Sea and another 1-hour wine tasting, as well as a 15-minute ride in Monterey and a 1-hour tasting.
The tour includes local pickup and drop-off, entry to wineries, bottled water, a charcuterie board, and tasting room fees.
Pickup and Drop-off
Participants can spot the distinctive green vintage VW bus at their hotel or Airbnb within the tour area for pickup.
The tour then drops off visitors at 6 locations across the Monterey Peninsula. These include Pacific Grove, Del Monte Forest, Monterey, Carmel-by-the-Sea, Seaside, and Carmel Valley.
This convenient door-to-door service ensures a seamless experience, allowing guests to fully enjoy the tour without the hassle of coordinating their own transportation.
The tour’s small group size of up to 6 participants also provides a more personalized and intimate experience throughout the journey across the picturesque Monterey coastline.
Vintage Car Rides
Aboard the distinctive green 1970 VW bus, guests embark on nostalgic 15- to 25-minute drives through the scenic coastal communities of the Monterey Peninsula.
These vintage car rides offer a unique perspective of the region, allowing travelers to soak in the charming sights and seaside ambiance.
In Carmel Valley, guests enjoy a 25-minute ride, while in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Monterey, the vintage car tours last 25 and 15 minutes, respectively.
Throughout the drives, passengers marvel at the region’s natural beauty, from the rugged coastline to the quaint villages.
The retro VW bus not only provides transportation but also adds to the overall nostalgic experience of the tour.
Wine Tastings
Throughout the tour, guests enjoy multiple opportunities to sample award-winning Central California wines.
At each of the three tour stops – Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey – participants partake in a 1-hour wine tasting, where they can explore the region’s diverse varietals and acclaimed vintages. The tasting fees are included in the tour price, allowing guests to indulge without any additional costs.
Knowledgeable staff guide visitors through the nuances of each wine, sharing insights into the winemaking process and the unique terroir of the Monterey Peninsula.
Whether a seasoned oenophile or a casual wine enthusiast, guests are sure to discover new favorites during these immersive tasting experiences.
Scenic Coastal Exploration
Weaving through the scenic coastal communities of the Monterey Peninsula, the vintage Volkswagen bus offers guests a nostalgic journey along the region’s renowned byways.
The tour explores:
- The charming village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its quaint cottages and art galleries.
- The rugged beauty of the Del Monte Forest, home to the famous Pebble Beach Golf Links.
The historic downtown of Monterey, with its bustling Fisherman’s Wharf and Cannery Row.
The seaside town of Pacific Grove, known for its Victorian architecture and butterfly sanctuary.
The tranquil Carmel Valley, where rolling hills and vineyards create a picturesque landscape.
Throughout the journey, guests are immersed in the stunning vistas that have drawn visitors to the Monterey Peninsula for generations.
Inclusions and Amenities
The tour includes local hotel or Airbnb pickup and drop-off, allowing guests a hassle-free experience.
Participants also receive entry to the featured wineries, along with bottled water and a charcuterie board to accompany the tastings.
Plus, the tour covers all tasting room fees as well as gratuities. This comprehensive package ensures that visitors can fully enjoy the wine tasting experience without worrying about additional costs or logistics.
From the moment the tour begins with the iconic vintage VW bus, to the final drop-off at the end of the day, the inclusions and amenities are designed to provide a seamless and enjoyable outing for all participants.
Important Policies
To ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants, the tour has a few important policies in place. Participants must have a valid driver’s license, and smoking, pets, mobility scooters, vaping, bikes, alcohol, drugs, coolers, or electric wheelchairs are strictly prohibited.
The tour operates rain or shine, so guests should come prepared for the weather.
Key policies to be aware of:
- Participants must have a valid driver’s license
- No smoking, pets, mobility scooters, vaping, bikes, alcohol, drugs, coolers, or electric wheelchairs allowed
- Tour operates regardless of weather conditions
- Guests should dress appropriately for the weather
- Adherence to policies is necessary for a safe and enjoyable experience
Highlights of the Tour
Guests embark on a nostalgic journey through the scenic Monterey Peninsula, riding in a vintage 1970 Volkswagen bus.
The tour highlights include tasting award-winning Central California wines at charming wineries in Carmel Valley, Carmel-by-the-Sea, and Monterey.
Participants can enjoy the beautiful coastal views and explore these historic towns during the brief vintage car rides.
The experience offers a unique opportunity to savor the region’s renowned wines while immersing oneself in the vintage ambiance of the classic VW bus.
With a maximum group size of 6, the tour provides an intimate and personalized encounter with the Monterey Peninsula’s natural beauty and vibrant local culture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Alcohol on the Tour?
No, bringing your own alcohol is not allowed on the tour. The tour includes wine tastings and a charcuterie board, but outside alcohol is prohibited for safety and liability reasons.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour’s cancellation policy allows for full refunds up to 48 hours prior to the tour. Within 48 hours, there is a 50% cancellation fee. No-shows or cancellations on the day of the tour receive no refund.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement to Participate?
There is no minimum age requirement for this tour. However, participants under the age of 21 won’t be able to participate in the wine tastings. All tour participants must have a valid ID.
Can I Purchase Additional Wine or Food During the Tour?
Participants can purchase additional wine or food during the tour. The tour includes entry to the wineries and a charcuterie board, but any extra wine or food purchases are at the participant’s own expense. Participants are welcome to buy more during the tastings.
Do I Need to Pay a Deposit to Reserve My Spot?
Yes, a deposit is required to reserve a spot on the tour. The amount of the deposit and any additional details can be provided by the tour operator when booking the tour.
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Recap
Monterey’s Wine and Brew Tours in a 1970 VW Bus offers a unique and nostalgic way to explore the area’s renowned wineries and scenic coastline.
With door-to-door service, vintage car rides, and curated wine tastings, the tour provides a personalized and seamless experience for both seasoned oenophiles and casual wine enthusiasts.
The tour allows them to discover the region’s natural beauty and charm.