We loved everything about this tour. Our guide, Sammy, was funny, personable, charming, and well connected with the Carmel food and wine scene. He arrived a little early to our hotel, always a good sign. As we headed to Carmel, Sammy gave us a quick history of Monterey and Carmel that was filled with little tidbits that we didn't know despite coming to the area for decades. Our tour consisted of three restaurants for small plates paired with wine and three tasting rooms for short flights. Everything was amazing. The tour never felt rushed, even though I was trying before the tour to figure out how Sammy was going to fit everything in. This was the first time we'd done a tour like this and it definitely won't be the last. We look forward to touring with Sammy again. read more

Great from start to finish - responsive, very customer oriented and a wonderful day for all. Thank you Sammy and your team - and we'll do e for coping with the terrible weather read more

Book our first wine tour so didn't know what to expect. Was pick up from our hotel. Upon arrived we offer mimosa in a old slippy cup. Guide guy told us the history of Monterey which is pretty cool. First stop was at Odonata winery, it's pretty much a tasting room. We dump all the wine that was given to us. After that we went to Puma Road. Puma was better than Odonata but overall the experience was not as expected. We paid $600 for two people, I would just go to the tasting room and pay $15-20 for wine flights. read more

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Between Yelp and Tripadvisor, Sammy has over 100 5 star reviews. *Only* 5 star reviews. So you might be thinking, as I was, how does that happen? How do people spend 7 hours with this guy and everybody emerges super thrilled? Well, it turns out, that's just part of Sammy's magic. After about a decade of doing this, Sammy's got the formula for an excellent wine tour down - he shows up with mimosas and history, takes you to vineyards where he's well-established and treated well, hand-crafts cheese plates and curated lunches, and does a great job alternating between stories and giving you your space. And he's very flexible - while he's got things laid out to fill the time, his ethos is definitely customer-centric and he'll let you decide to stay or to go, to skip vineyards or spend extra time at others. Overall, just an exceptional experience and a great way to see the Monterey wine scene. read more

You don't need to look any further for an awesome wine tour! Sammy is the best wine guide we have ever experienced. The tour was fantastic and perfectly tailored to your likes. Sammy also has a lot of knowledge about the Monterey Carmel area and will recommend great dining and sight seeing. I say go!! read more

These guys are legit. Sammy was awesome. Gave us two rules...have fun and don't forget rule #1. He and his team are super knowledgeable about Monterey and all of the vineyards and AVA's of the region. We talked a ton about where grapes were grown, why they make great wine and how the individual wineries are unique. On top of that, this is traveling "first class". From Mimosas to anything you want to do to having plenty of food. Charcuterie plate and lunch, you won't be hungry. We had a great time and drank great wine and Sammy was amazing. Travel "first class", you won't regret it. read more

I'm not a wine person but as a group we took the tour and it was awesome. Our group was a little over the top and Chris played off the vibe and was the best guide ever. He is real informative on every step of the way there and back. He really knows his stuff and how to deliver based on the mood of the group. We couldn't have expected a better time. read more

Monterey Guided Wine Tours is amazing!! Sammy was so helpful and easy to get in touch with. I was planning the trip from across the country so he sent me pictures of the various vehicles we could choose from and was very informative about our options. Sammy is also the tour guide and driver. On the day of, he picked everyone up at the hotel and for the next several hours, the group learned about wine and local history of the region. Since we had a limited schedule, he was able to work in an amazing tour stopping at two vineyards including wine tastings and gourmet lunches. Everyone had such a great time and was very impressed with Sammy's knowledge and hospitality. Not only was Sammy knowledgeable, he made the trip fun and exciting for everyone. Sammy was also kind enough to send me a bottle of wine since I couldn't make the trip! I definitely will book a trip with Sammy again!! read more

Right on, first review!!!! Monterey Guided Wine Tours are the best! Sammy the driver and owner took care of our entire group and made us feel like we were VIP's. Our wine tasting tour was in the Carmel Valley Village and the wine tasting rooms Sammy took us to were the best. We stopped for a picnic lunch that Sammy made for us at the Boekenoogen winery tasting room. After our fantastic lunch we went over to Bernardus tasting room and sampled their wine. We would recommend Monterey Guided Wine Tours to anyone who wanted a quality, fun filled, and great experience in the Monterey Wine Country. read more

This is a must-do tour if you are in Monterey...the staff are friendly and courteous. It's such a unique and wonderful experience to have in California, and it is wine tasting experience that everyone one should have. A one-of-kind adventure in California's wine country read more

It's always a pleasure working with Monterey Guided Wine Tours! I work at a tasting room in the Santa Lucia Highlands and Sammy (owner of the company) + other hosts of MGWT often visits with their guests. They always alert us before their visit & gives an estimated time of arrival for their group. This really helps on our end to shape the customer's experience, especially when our tasting room educators can have glasses ready to go and have a reserved seated location upon arrival. Over the years we have worked with MGWT in shaping theirs experiences when they visit the tasting room, some that include a dedicated host for one-on-one attention, a walking tour, ATV tours or even barrel sampling. Not to mention our beautiful deck at the tasting room allows their guests to enjoy lunch that MGWT prepares for their guests. read more

After our girls trip to Sonoma was cancelled due to fire we regrouped and headed to Monterey instead. We wanted to still have at least one wine day so we found Sammy. We had a great day. There were 6 ladies. Sammy and his employee (I'm sorry I can't remember his name, he was great too!) picked us up right on time. They had an SUV and a town car and mimosas. We decided to all load into the SUV instead of splitting up and we were off to Odonata winery. The owner is the wine maker and he did our tasting in the barrel room. Very rustic and great! At that stop Sammy started 3 shipping boxes for us and at each stop he would write our names on our bottles and add them to the right box. We ended up going to 2 more wineries that day, finishing with Hahn. After the first winery we got back in the cars to find water and pretzels, during the second tasting Sammy provided snacks - cheese, meats, fruits and at the last winery, Hahn, he put out a lunch spread - several salads, meat and cheese for wraps. He really thought of everything. It ended up we got back and hour after our scheduled time so we had an extra cost added to the package but it was still worth it. The only issue we had was a mix up at Hahn when my sister paid cash for a bottle of wine and we got back to the hotel and realized we were short that bottle. It took a few texts, emails, phone calls but we finally got it straightened out and her bottle of wine arrived yesterday. read more

Sammy was fantastic! He set up a lovely day for my friend's 50th birthday. He's very well connected into area wineries and got us some pretty special tastings and set ups. We had a lovely lunch in a winery dining room. He made us super comfortable in his car and ensured we had fun, fun, fun! Thank you Sammy! read more

My family and I went on a tour of the River Road area of the Salinas valley, and we had a fantastic time. Our guide Eric was very attentive and all about making our experience enjoyable. He also was very knowledgeable about the region and was able to tell us a lot about the history of the wine production in the area. Our meals and snacks were very very good and timely as well. This was one of the better wine tour experiences I've had and I would recommend anyone to Monterey Guided Wine Tours, it really was top notch service. read more

I can't recommend this company enough and this review is long overdue. In April my mother was celebrating her 81st birthday in Carmel and sadly none of her 3 kids could make it. She was making the trip to Highlands Inn with her friend - we wanted something special and contacted Sammy the owner who was great. All as a surprise he worked with us - he even let us know a huge problem just days before - the Big Sur marathon would close off roads the Sunday we wanted her experience and he was good enough to move it to Monday - and it all worked out great. Sammy was great and helped coordinate the needs of an older tour - probably too much one way - not enough time in the other way. They got a lovely tour, did the 17-mile highway, had lunch at Pebble Beach and time for shopping in Carmel right before my anticipated need for nap for my mother by 3 occurred. Sammy knew, he administrated beautifully and the driver he assigned Chris/Kris charmed those two old broads to no end. I really appreciate what this company, it's owner and driver Chris/Kris did for me - not being to be at my mothers birthday hurts and these guys made it feel a lot better. read more

Thoroughly enjoyed a private tour with knowledgeable and accommodating Sam. Would repeat.

Just took a wine tour over memorial weekend with Monterey Guided Wine Tours and our whole group had a great time. Chris, our driver, was right on time and very friendly. The snacks, cheese plate and lunch that they provided went great with the wine tastings at the various wineries. read more

We are not new to guided wine tours, but Sammy made it feel as though it were "the very first time". All we had to do was relax and sip, while Sammy did all the work. Our tour package included snacks and a wonderfully prepared lunch, but it didn't stop there. Sammy was a perfect host, as he opened doors, introduced us upon arrival, and even took pictures for us. I would definitely recommend Monterey Guided Wine Tours, and plan to return. read more

Great service, matched what was offered, tailored to spur of moment suggestions, clear on cost as incurred, pleasant, accommodating and helpful.. knowledgeable and genuinely interested in the culture and climate of the local wine makers.. read more

Sammy was great! This was our first time in Monterey and we were unfamiliar with the area. Sammy brought us to three different vineyards in the Carmel valley area that were perfect (two small, one a bit larger). We had a great time and would definitely do it again! read more

Absolutely phenomenal, personal service. Sammy is extremely knowledgeable, engaging, and fun. A truly memorable experience. Can't imagine a better way to tour SLH. read more

Monterey Guided Wine Tours - Wine Tours Near Me - Monterey, California

I booked a tour with Sam for my Mother's birthday and he was an excellent host. We had a party of four and Sam showed up promptly at 11am to pick us up at the house I had rented in Pacific Grove - with ready mimosas to start the trip. Sam is knowledgeable in the wine making process and the area. He took us to a few wineries throughout the area and had prearranged a tour for us. The picnic lunch was very nice as we were able to eat on the deck at the Hahn estates with a wonderful view of the valley below. Best of all, he was very flexible in terms of the schedule and we were never rushed throughout the day. We spent additonal time at some winerys to extend the day and that was just fine for Sam. You do pay for additional time if you go beyond the prearranged time, but that was not an issue for us as the whole point was to have a relaxing day of wining touring/tasting! Would recommend to anyone in the area! Talk to Sam in advance and let him know your preferrences! read more

Sammy Rocked our tour! We had a group of six people, and Sam created a most interesting and fun tour of four Salinas Valley wineries...we went to Talbot, Passagno, Wrath and Hahn...lovely tour of River Road...He was so knowledgeable about the history of the valley and the wineries, and also about the wines, and was so personable. As if that were not enough, we were spoiled with mimosas, cheese platter and fresh lunch along the way! We are already planning our next tour with him! BTW, we met him initially when he took us from Pacific Grove to Carmel and back for dinner one night...so prompt and reliable, as well as being delightful! read more

A must if you are in Monterey! Sammy made it clear from the start: our day was about us having a great day and we were not disappointed. Sammy is the consummate professional - 5 star service, on time and very knowledgeable about the wine making process. Sammy is so charismatic and felt like we spent our wine touring with a friend who provided mimosas, delish snacks and picnic lunch. Really loved the boutique wineries we visited. Strong recommend!! read more

Five star service, unforgettable experience at a fair price - Sammy is the BEST. My girlfriend treated me to a girls weekend in Carmel for my birthday and Sammy's private wine tour was the highlight. From the moment he picked us up at our hotel in Carmel (mimosas in hand), to the thoughtfully planned snacks, picnic lunch and knowledgeable information he shared along the way, it exceeded my expectations. Sammy hit the perfect balance of making sure we had a great time and providing us with world class service and attention without hovering or being too stuffy. I could go on and on about all the wonderful details of our day, but you should just go and see for yourself. It's impossible to have anything but an awesome time. I will say that this tour is not cheap, but it's definitely more than fair for what you get. We did also pay extra for extending our tour time, but Sammy let us know about the added cost and made sure we were okay with it before continuing. That being said, he was willing to keep us out later and also swapped out a winery last-minute after finding out we had already been to the tasting room. He really took the time to make our experience personal and special. Book your tour now. He also does a variety of other tours in the area. read more

We had a fabulous tour with Sam. He handled every detail--door to door limo service, snacks, lunch, and a great choice of wineries to visit. Monterey County is as beautiful as any European countryside! read more

We had an amazing, wonderful day with Sammy! He was polite, professional, knowledgable, and fun! The wineries were excellent (Odonato my favorite), the charcuterie platter & lunch were first class & the sparkling wine to start was awesome! I would highly recommend Monterey Guided Wine Tours! read more

Was astonished by the 21%+ service fee which was never mention when we discussed the cost of the tour. Was very disappointed in the overall length of the actual wine tasting. We spent much more time driving around and would have only gone to 2 places if we stayed to the original scheduled. Being local wanted a good tour to take with visitors, this definitely is not the one. read more

Top notch! As good (actually even better) as any other tour in the "bigger" wine regions. Eric is a wonderful guide! His restaurant recommendations are to be followed...he knows his food (and wine!) It is always enjoyable to visit producers that know and are friends with your guide...Eric may well know everyone in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA (and is friends with them.) read more

This was no ordinary wine tour. From the time we got in the limousine, Sam made it fun and informative throughout the journey. We've been on several wine tours in Napa, but this clearly tops them all. Learned a lot about the history of the wine region along with some local information not related to wine at all. Truly a great time! read more

Awesome trip! Derwin was outstanding and was at our beck and call all day! Highly recommend this service!

Another wonderful and successful private wine tour! Sammy took great care of us and planned out an amazing day of great wine and food. In total we hit 3 wineries and had great experiences at each one! We started out at De Tierra with a private tour and tasting. Then on to Odonata with an enthusiastic and knowledgeable server. Finally lunch and a tasting at Pessagno. A great time and wonderful birthday treat! Highly recommended! read more

My husband and I needed a day to ourselves as well as celebrate our 23rd wedding anniversary. Sammy arrived promptly and gave us the best day we have had in a long time. I am from the Peninsula but Sammy provided information about the wine region that I never knew. He was so much fun to be with I felt like we were out with our friend! We had the best time and I would highly recommend Sammy and his company! read more

These guys did an awesome job! We were a group from all over the world with varied wine experience and Sammy made it fun and informative for everyone. read more

We used Monterey Guided Wine Tours to celebrate my sister's bachelorette party. Sammy was very friendly, knowledgeable, and professional. We had an absolute wonderful time... Four wineries, picnic lunch, and amazing pictures later. If you're heading to Monterey, I would recommend to use this service to taste some really great wines. Thanks Sammy, for being apart of our memories leading up to my sis' big day. read more

We chose a private tour with Sam over the Monterey wine trolley. Apparently, the wine tour drops you off in a village with tasting rooms, and costs $99/person. Sam is more expensive, but you get a 4 hour (or more) private tour, picked up at your hotel, and you get to visit vineyards, not just tasting rooms. He's also knowledgeable about the local grapes/vineyards/wines. We got to visit two small vineyards that we wouldn't have gotten to see without Sam. He also shipped home a few bottles for us, but that ended up being really pricey. Overall, I would recommend if you can spend a bit more. read more

My husband and I returned to Carmel after visiting two years ago - we wanted to explore everything the area had to offer, including the wine! After doing some online research, I came across Monterey Guided Wine Tours and when I called, I spoke directly with Sammy. To my surprise, Sammy was our guide and the entire experience will continue to be a day my husband and I refer to as 'the perfect day.' From the moment Sammy picked us up at Tickle Pink Inn, we knew the tour would be special. His easy going attitude, knowledge of the region and relationships with the winemakers made the tour unlike any wine excursion we've ever done. Sammy told us Monterey wine country is what Napa was like in the 1970's (one farm road), which made the experience even cooler. It was such a treat to taste wine on a beautiful day all while being guided by an exceptional professional. If you're in the area, Monterey Guided Wine Tours is a MUST! Ask Sammy to take you to Odanata and Puma Road :) You will definitely be shipping wine back, which Sammy can handle for you! read more