Sonoma CA, Valley Wine Tour

The Sonoma Wine Tour is brought to you by Excell Limousines to offer an array of information to help you determine the Sonoma Wine Tour of your dreams. We accommodate any type of Sonoma limousine service you desire.

Sonoma Wine Country is conveniently located less than 30 miles north of San Francisco. With more than 200,000 acres stretching from the rugged Pacific coast to the Mayacamas Mountains, there are over 250 wineries to choose from on your Sonoma wine tour. There are some small family-owned wineries and larger mainstream wineries each producing premium wines.

Sonoma appellations consist of Alexander Valley, Bennett Valley, Carneros, Chalk Hill, Dry Creek Valley, Green Valley, Knights Valley, Rockpile, Russian River Valley, Sonoma Coast, Sonoma Mountain, & Sonoma Valley.

The annual Sonoma County grape harvest is, after all, worth an estimated $200 million and represents 61 percent of the county’s total agriculture. Today, in Sonoma County, approximately 190,000 tons of grapes are produced on 65,000 acres of vineyards.

Sonoma County boasts well over 250 of the world's most award-winning wineries, 76 miles of scenic coastline, pristine beaches, the mystical Russian River, majestic redwoods, 21 challenging golf courses, a thrilling road course and drag strip, more than 40 spas, outstanding theaters, fascinating museums, shopping, botanical gardens, galleries, diverse festivals, farm markets and incredible eateries. Contact us and we'll make all your reservations and a Sonoma wine tour itinerary. Let us be your exclusive Sonoma limo service.

The Sonoma Valley Wine Region -- though not quite as well known as its famous Napa Valley neighbor to the east - is a world-class wine region in its own right, producing some of the finest wines available.

The valley has been growing grapes for as long as Europeans have been there. The early Spanish missionaries were the first to plant primitive vineyards so they could produce their own sacramental wines. Then in the 1830's when General Mariano Vallejo received large land grants in the area, he continued the tradition, expanding and cultivating his own vineyards. But it wasn't until the late 1850s that the art and science of wine growing came together in the valley and the local wine industry was born.

It was then that a Hungarian immigrant, Agoston Haraszthy, convinced the new state of California to send him on an inspection tour of Europe to study the methods of the French and Italian growers. What he saw convinced him that Valley's red, gravelly soil was perfect for growing grapes whose wines could one day rival the finest Europe had to offer. Upon his return, he helped found Sonoma's Buena Vista winery and other wineries soon followed. By 1876 the valley was producing more than 2.3 million gallons of wine a year.

The Sonoma Valley Wine Region is actually comprised of five distinct sub-regions: Alexander Valley, Dry Creek Valley, Russian River Valley, the Los Carneros District, and of course the Sonoma Valley. The region is a mix of thick forested hills, beautiful green valleys and lazy winding rivers. The scenery itself is reason enough to visit this beautiful area, but toss in some of the world's finest wineries and you've got a day trip that just can't miss.

Some of the better know local wineries include: Buena Vista, Chateau St. Jean, Glen Ellen, Kenwood, Sebastiani, Kendall-Jackson, Dry Creek, Geyser Peak, Korbel, Rodney Strong, Silver Oaks, Simi Winery and Windsor Vineyards.

Sonoma County Today and Tomorrow

In Sonoma County in 2005, over 230,000 tons of grapes valued at $430 million was produced on about 55,000 acres of bearing vineyards with about 5,000 non-bearing. This was the biggest and most valuable harvest in history. In fact, the total value of the Sonoma County harvest topped all wine growing regions in California, except Sonoma County. There were 254 bonded wineries in 2005, up from 58 in 1969. The financial contribution of growers and vintners is substantial. Wine industry revenues are estimated at $2.5 billion in 2005. With secondary spending to suppliers and revenues from wine-related tourism, it is estimated the Sonoma County wine industry contributes nearly $8.2 billion to the local economy, about 40% of the county's contribution to the gross domestic product (GDP).

But what really matters most is the Sonoma County experience. Sonoma County offers visitors, as well as consumers at home, a vast array of wines and foods to satisfy the adventuresome gourmand or to provide the perfect complement to the family dinner. It is the marriage of locally produced wine and food that sets Sonoma County apart from other wine regions.

We can appreciate your deep enthusiasm and passion for great tasting wine at Excell Limousine because we share that same passion for wine as well!

And for that very reason, one of our many specialties include the wine country tours. Excell Limousine will escort you through Napa Sonoma vineyards legendary for their beauty and superb wines. While some of our guests arrange their own plans and itineraries, most let our tour guides take them for a unique, all-day tasting experience through the countryside and back roads of Napa Valley and Sonoma. Your local guide and chauffeur will pamper you with champagne as he guides you to some of California's finest wineries. And because your driver knows the wine country like the back of his hands, you can be rest assured he will make the best use of your valuable time. You can relax in your personal limousine as you take in the scenic beauty of the wine country while someone else does all the driving.

Whether you are a first-time visitor, wine novice, or an experienced connoisseur, Excell Limousine can create a custom itinerary to meet your needs.

Over the years, our staff has developed extensive relationships with both the small family "boutique" wineries and the larger well-known estates, allowing Excell Limousine access and privileges for our clients that go far beyond those of most typical "limo" companies. Let our expert wine tour guides show you the best-kept secrets and hidden treasures of Napa Valley and Sonoma's wine country!

Let Excell Limousine escort you through breathtaking vineyards legendary for their beauty and superb wines. We will arrange any kind of event for you and your party. Let Excell Limousine plan your Sonoma wine tour. We strive to offer superior service along with reasonable prices.

Call us and we’ll work with you to create an itinerary that best suits your taste. One of our experienced chauffeurs will be your personal guide and designated driver. We’ll see to it that everyone enjoys a wonderful day on their Sonoma wine tour.