There's a lot to learn about the region and the tours, and it can get a little overwhelming! Here are some of the more common inquiries we've come across. Let us know if you have any more!
Q: How long do tours last?
A: Most tours are approximately six hours, and start at 11am unless you specify another time. Because most wineries close at 5pm sharp, the tours cannot go much past that. A lot of breweries are open later, though, but tours will always cap at 6 hours or six stops.
Q: Do I need to wear my mask all the time, even at the wineries?
A: Yes, masks must be worn at all times unless instructed by winery/brewery staff that you can take it off while seated for your tasting. If you or anyone in your party are found not wearing a mask, your tour will be terminated immediately, without refund.
Q: Will there be other guests in the van with us?
A: No, all tours are now set up for one booking at a time, in the interest of public health.
Q: Do I need my ID?
A: Yes, all wineries will check your ID, so make sure you don't leave it on the coffee table.
Q: We're not familiar with the area. What do you recommend for dinner?
A: There are several restaurants that we can point you to. You can refer to the "Our Recommendations" tab for more information regarding restaurants and accommodations.
Q: Do you have a store front or office I can visit?
A: Not really, no. The business is largely online, but you can send me an email or call me just about any time. My base of operations is in Geneva, however, so the closer you are to there the easier your booking becomes.
Q: Will we stop for lunch on the tour?
A: Yes we do! We will generally stop at a cafe or restaurant on the trail, which may or may not take/require reservations. We can also offer a packed lunch courtesy of a local bakery. You can also bring food with you, but make sure it is in a properly sealed container to avoid cleaning fees in the event of bumpy roads.
Q: How many people can you fit in the van?
A: We can hold up to six guests, with enough trunk space for four or five cases of wine. Maximum capacity will vary based on tours and lunch accommodations (the picnic lunch comes in a cooler).
Q: How do I book a tour?
A: You can call us at (315)-759-1259, or send us an email at ManInTheVanWineTours@gmail.com
Q: How much do tours cost?
A: Our simplest package costs $95 per person, and our most expensive package costs $165 per person. Taxes and gratuity are not included in those prices, and their content varies.
Q: How much do wine tastings cost?
A: Most tastings cost $10 for a flight of 5, but may cost more or less; additionally, many wineries will offer tasting refunds if you purchase wine, or bottle discounts for doing a tasting. You can also share your tasting with a spouse or significant other (or a really close friend you share wine glasses with regularly; we don't judge).
Q: Should I tip? How much should I tip? Should I tip the tasting guides too?
A: Tipping is not required, but it's a great way to show you appreciated services that went above and beyond what you expected. Anywhere between 10-20% is fine for chauffeurs, and $1-3 is perfect for tastings at wineries. Remember, tipping is mostly an American phenomenon, so we get asked this question quite a bit from our international friends!
Q: Where do we meet you for the tour?
A: We will come and pick you up right at your hotel, Airbnb or B&B, so that you don't have to worry about driving home after your tour or calling a cab. There may be a pickup fee for significant travel distances, so make sure to let us know where you are staying so we can coordinate!
A: Most tours are approximately six hours, and start at 11am unless you specify another time. Because most wineries close at 5pm sharp, the tours cannot go much past that. A lot of breweries are open later, though, but tours will always cap at 6 hours or six stops.
Q: Do I need to wear my mask all the time, even at the wineries?
A: Yes, masks must be worn at all times unless instructed by winery/brewery staff that you can take it off while seated for your tasting. If you or anyone in your party are found not wearing a mask, your tour will be terminated immediately, without refund.
Q: Will there be other guests in the van with us?
A: No, all tours are now set up for one booking at a time, in the interest of public health.
Q: Do I need my ID?
A: Yes, all wineries will check your ID, so make sure you don't leave it on the coffee table.
Q: We're not familiar with the area. What do you recommend for dinner?
A: There are several restaurants that we can point you to. You can refer to the "Our Recommendations" tab for more information regarding restaurants and accommodations.
Q: Do you have a store front or office I can visit?
A: Not really, no. The business is largely online, but you can send me an email or call me just about any time. My base of operations is in Geneva, however, so the closer you are to there the easier your booking becomes.
Q: Will we stop for lunch on the tour?
A: Yes we do! We will generally stop at a cafe or restaurant on the trail, which may or may not take/require reservations. We can also offer a packed lunch courtesy of a local bakery. You can also bring food with you, but make sure it is in a properly sealed container to avoid cleaning fees in the event of bumpy roads.
Q: How many people can you fit in the van?
A: We can hold up to six guests, with enough trunk space for four or five cases of wine. Maximum capacity will vary based on tours and lunch accommodations (the picnic lunch comes in a cooler).
Q: How do I book a tour?
A: You can call us at (315)-759-1259, or send us an email at ManInTheVanWineTours@gmail.com
Q: How much do tours cost?
A: Our simplest package costs $95 per person, and our most expensive package costs $165 per person. Taxes and gratuity are not included in those prices, and their content varies.
Q: How much do wine tastings cost?
A: Most tastings cost $10 for a flight of 5, but may cost more or less; additionally, many wineries will offer tasting refunds if you purchase wine, or bottle discounts for doing a tasting. You can also share your tasting with a spouse or significant other (or a really close friend you share wine glasses with regularly; we don't judge).
Q: Should I tip? How much should I tip? Should I tip the tasting guides too?
A: Tipping is not required, but it's a great way to show you appreciated services that went above and beyond what you expected. Anywhere between 10-20% is fine for chauffeurs, and $1-3 is perfect for tastings at wineries. Remember, tipping is mostly an American phenomenon, so we get asked this question quite a bit from our international friends!
Q: Where do we meet you for the tour?
A: We will come and pick you up right at your hotel, Airbnb or B&B, so that you don't have to worry about driving home after your tour or calling a cab. There may be a pickup fee for significant travel distances, so make sure to let us know where you are staying so we can coordinate!
