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Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley
Ding, Ding, Ding Went The Trolley!
by Ronda Giangreco
It is easy to feel as though you’ve been transported back in time
when you arrive at the Sonoma Plaza. With the stately Coty Hall
surrounded by towering trees, the celebrated California Mission and
the gorgeous art deco movie house that rim the Plaza, there is a
distinct sense of another time, another century. And now, the owners
of Beau Wine Tours have added one more feature to the fantasy with
their charming Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley.
The sight of this hand-built replica of a San Francisco California
Street cable car from the 1890s is certain to provide visitors to Sonoma
with yet another reason to be enchanted. As Thomas Buck, president
of Beau Wine tours explains, “I’ve always been a big fan of cable cars
and street cars. It was a natural tie-in to obtain one for wine tours in
Sonoma.”
But an afternoon on the Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley isn’t just your
average wine tour. As soon as you board this magical trolley, you’ll
hear the voice of one of Sonoma’s most recognized residents. George
Webber, a local historian and actor offers a very entertaining and informative
narration for your trip, providing fascinating details about the
sites around you. On the tour you will not only sample amazing
wines, you’ll learn about the historic Mission San Francisco Solano,
General Vallejo and his influence on the area, the famed Bear Flag
Revolt that sowed the seeds of California statehood, the famous
author, Jack London and his works, plus much more. As Mr. Buck
says, “It is the most fun you’ll ever have wine tasting!”
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The open air trolley also allows visitors a very up-close and personal
tour of the vineyards surrounding the town of Sonoma. At some points
the vines are so near that you can almost reach out and touch them.
There is simply no better way to experience the sights and aromas of
the wine country. But even if there is a chill to the air, you’ll ride in
comfort. The trolley’s mid-section is entirely enclosed, but with expansive
windows to allow you to take in every awe-inspiring bit of scenery.
Your day on the trolley begins at 10:30 a.m. After an excursion
around downtown and its sights, you will enjoy a day of wine tasting
and even a picnic, complemented by a “family-style” lunch provided
by the famed Girl & The Fig restaurant’s catering division. This six
hour tour is certain to provide visitors with an unforgettable memory
of their visit to this famous wine region.
And now, with their introductory pricing, this marvelous tour can
be had for a mere $89 per person. The Sonoma Valley Wine Trolley
operates daily from April to November. Advanced reservations are
required, but with pick-up points at four major resorts, plus the
Sonoma Plaza, it is easy to plan a tour.
The trolley is also available for private charters, making it the
perfect vehicle for a storybook wedding, a corporate outing or just a
truly memorable day in the wine country for you and your friends.
The cable car also comes fully equipped with a state-of-the-art sound
system and PA, including iPod/iPhone connections. Every wine tour
charter also includes coolers and bottled water.For further information
and to make reservations, visit www.SonomaValleyWineTrolley.com;
call toll free: 1-877-WINE-TROLLEY, or local: (707) 938-2600.
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