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!
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 will! 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 a spill. The trail to great wines isn't always paved with asphalt, so it can get a little bumpy.
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.
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 $80 per person, and our most expensive package costs $130 per person. Taxes and gratuity are not included in those prices, and their content varies.
Q: Your calendar says it has seats available, can I book a private tour for that day?
A: Unfortunately, no. Regular tours (which allow for “available seats”) cannot have private tours booked for the same day, and vice versa. If you see a blank day on the calendar, that means it is open to any kind of booking, but remember that they are first come, first serve!
Q: How much do wine tastings cost?
A: Most tastings cost no more than $5, so you're looking at $30 per person for an entire day of tastings; 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, but 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 tasting guides. 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!
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 will! 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 a spill. The trail to great wines isn't always paved with asphalt, so it can get a little bumpy.
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.
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 $80 per person, and our most expensive package costs $130 per person. Taxes and gratuity are not included in those prices, and their content varies.
Q: Your calendar says it has seats available, can I book a private tour for that day?
A: Unfortunately, no. Regular tours (which allow for “available seats”) cannot have private tours booked for the same day, and vice versa. If you see a blank day on the calendar, that means it is open to any kind of booking, but remember that they are first come, first serve!
Q: How much do wine tastings cost?
A: Most tastings cost no more than $5, so you're looking at $30 per person for an entire day of tastings; 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, but 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 tasting guides. 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!
