As an expert wine tourist, I’ve found that there’s a lot more to a good professional wine touring company than a nice fleet of cars. That’s why I’m in the process of booking a tour with Napa Valley Tours & Transportation. The company’s fleet has grown from one car to more than 90 vehicles, ranging in size from mini to motor coach, by giving clients what matters most—a complete wine touring experience. They recognize that each individual client has a distinct set of interests and needs, so each tour starts with a dialogue, either through email or by phone. Take me, for example. I’ve been to the Napa Valley countless times, but I know I’ve only scratched the surface in a brief phone call, they’re working on a custom itinerary for me to suit my interests and needs. I’m pretty excited because this company is very well connected! Since they position themselves as a hospitality company, they partner with the region’s finest hotels, top restaurants, and top-tier wineries so they can curate unique, individualized touring experiences. They’re always uncovering something new, from a great new lunch spot to a boutique winery crafting a distinctive Meritage. All I have to do is explain what I want to get out of the day and they will deliver my experience on a silver platter. That’s another great thing: The drivers are very professional. In fact, the drivers are more like Napa Valley ambassadors, with impressive backgrounds and a great deal of knowledge to share about the region. This time, I’m booking a custom wine touring experience for my photographer and myself, but the company also has a stellar reputation for organizing corporate group experiences like incentive trips and conferences for many Fortune 1,000 companies. Recent group itinerary themes include Napa Valley art, winery caves, great photo opportunities, benchmark Cabernet Sauvignons, cult wineries...the sky’s the limit—and they’ll take you there too—up the winding roads of Howell Mountain, Spring Mountain, and more! Regardless of the itinerary, we’re promised our experience will be memorable and very unique. More details and an inquiry form can be found at nvtt.net. – W. van Diver