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: Do the wineries follow health and safety guidelines? Are wine tours safe?
A: All wineries visited on the tours have been screened ahead of time to make sure they are operating as safely and responsibly as possible. If you are uncomfortable at any stop, let your driver know immediately and we will go to another winery you are more comfortable staying at. Any winery employee seen without a mask has received their vaccination, and any wearing one is just being extra cautious.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask?
A: No, but they are not prohibited either! You are free to wear or not wear one as you see fit.
Q: I have a picture of my vaccination card on my phone. Is that good enough?
A: No. Please bring your actual card.
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 five stops.
Q: Will our driver be wearing a mask?
A: Your guide can wear a mask at your request, as an extra layer of safety, even though he is vaccinated. You are more than welcome to ask him for his card; he always has it!
Q: Will there be other guests in the van with us?
A: No one that you don't bring with you, no. All tours are now set up for one booking at a time, in the interest of public health. It will be just you and anyone you bring with you. You will not be exposed to strangers in the van, though you may meet interesting people at the wineries!
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. Failure to bring valid ID will result in refusal of service at the wineries. No exceptions.
Q: I thought that asking for proof of vaccination was a HIPPA violation! Are you even allowed to ask?
A: HIPPA does not apply to private businesses, unless a state has passed specific legislation in that regard. That being said, Man in the Van Wine Tours is legally allowed to request proof of vaccination, and legally allowed to refuse service as well.
Q: We're not familiar with the area. What do you recommend for lunch/dinner/places to stay?
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: We sure can! We will generally stop at a cafe or restaurant on the trail, which may or may not take/require reservations. 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. Many places do not allow outside food and drink, though, so any snacks you bring may end up being consumed in the parking lot.
Q: How many people can you fit in the van?
A: We can hold up to six guests (four for wine tours), with enough trunk space for four or five cases of wine. Maximum capacity will vary based on tours and lunch accommodations.
Q: How do I book a tour?
A: Check out our Contact page to see our form, as well as our email address and phone number.
Q: How much do tours cost?
A: Wine Tours cost $115 per person. Taxes, tasting fees, pickup fees (if any) and gratuity are not included in those prices, and their content varies.
Q: How much do wine tastings cost?
A: Most tastings cost $10 to $15 for a flight of five 1-3 ounce pours, 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 lot from our international friends! Everyone you encounter at the wineries is paid a livable wage, but tipping is a great way to show you appreciate the work they do.
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: All wineries visited on the tours have been screened ahead of time to make sure they are operating as safely and responsibly as possible. If you are uncomfortable at any stop, let your driver know immediately and we will go to another winery you are more comfortable staying at. Any winery employee seen without a mask has received their vaccination, and any wearing one is just being extra cautious.
Q: Do I need to wear a mask?
A: No, but they are not prohibited either! You are free to wear or not wear one as you see fit.
Q: I have a picture of my vaccination card on my phone. Is that good enough?
A: No. Please bring your actual card.
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 five stops.
Q: Will our driver be wearing a mask?
A: Your guide can wear a mask at your request, as an extra layer of safety, even though he is vaccinated. You are more than welcome to ask him for his card; he always has it!
Q: Will there be other guests in the van with us?
A: No one that you don't bring with you, no. All tours are now set up for one booking at a time, in the interest of public health. It will be just you and anyone you bring with you. You will not be exposed to strangers in the van, though you may meet interesting people at the wineries!
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. Failure to bring valid ID will result in refusal of service at the wineries. No exceptions.
Q: I thought that asking for proof of vaccination was a HIPPA violation! Are you even allowed to ask?
A: HIPPA does not apply to private businesses, unless a state has passed specific legislation in that regard. That being said, Man in the Van Wine Tours is legally allowed to request proof of vaccination, and legally allowed to refuse service as well.
Q: We're not familiar with the area. What do you recommend for lunch/dinner/places to stay?
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: We sure can! We will generally stop at a cafe or restaurant on the trail, which may or may not take/require reservations. 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. Many places do not allow outside food and drink, though, so any snacks you bring may end up being consumed in the parking lot.
Q: How many people can you fit in the van?
A: We can hold up to six guests (four for wine tours), with enough trunk space for four or five cases of wine. Maximum capacity will vary based on tours and lunch accommodations.
Q: How do I book a tour?
A: Check out our Contact page to see our form, as well as our email address and phone number.
Q: How much do tours cost?
A: Wine Tours cost $115 per person. Taxes, tasting fees, pickup fees (if any) and gratuity are not included in those prices, and their content varies.
Q: How much do wine tastings cost?
A: Most tastings cost $10 to $15 for a flight of five 1-3 ounce pours, 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 lot from our international friends! Everyone you encounter at the wineries is paid a livable wage, but tipping is a great way to show you appreciate the work they do.
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!
