YOUR TOUR GUIDE
Bill Boerum
Whether a first-time visitor to the wine country or a returning enthusiast or high-end collector, I provide a custom tour and wine tasting itinerary for a unique experience which will maximize our tasting time. Deal directly with me, your tour guide and driver, not a company office or a group dispatcher. As a former business executive, I know the importance of exceptional customer service. My goal always has been not just to meet, but to exceed client expectations. I’ve always been dedicated to making the client experience memorable, because visits here even for just a few days are special times. Let me know if this is a special occasion (birthday or anniversary) and I’ll let the hosting staff know; sometimes additional pours or amenities will be provided.
MY TOUR SERVICES
Services
Tours are conducted in my luxe SUV (up to six guests). The service includes: discussing my client’s wine interests; focusing on low production, family-owned wineries (while taking into account, client requests); making appointments as necessary; and arranging food-pairings and lunch stops. The tour can be focused on exploring the characteristics of a particular wine varietal like Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir, or finding that white wine which may be of interest to even one person in the party.
Another approach can be to spend the day exploring a specific wine area such as Howell Mountain in Napa or the Russian River area in Sonoma. The itinerary for every tour is arranged in advance and a hard copy schedule given to each guest. I provide cold bottled water for hydration during the day and as refreshment with lunch or snacks.
During the tour as planned, we can stop at a gourmet grocery for tasty foods for a picnic or at a restaurant.
For your evening dining, I am pleased to provide lists of restaurants arranged by location as well as recommend specific restaurants based on the client’s interests. Additionally, I can recommend chefs to prepare dinner at a vacation rental.
In addition to wine tours, I am available to conduct scenic tours to the Pacific coast and/or redwood reserves and parks. These could be day-long engagements or overnight.
MY SERVICE EXPERIENCE
Tour Experience
I have been conducting custom wine tours for over 12 years, including five years for a top touring company. I have lived in the wine country for over 25 years. I’m thoroughly knowledgeable about all the appellations of Napa Valley and Sonoma County. Having conducted tours for thousands of clients from all over the U.S. and abroad. I have visited over 500 wineries and know owners and hospitality staff who can make all the difference in the visitor experience.
As a wine tourist myself, I have visited the top wine regions in France (Bordeaux and Burgundy), Italy (Tuscany), Chile (Colchagua Valley), Argentina (Mendoza Province – Uco Valley), and China’s premium wine region (Shandong Province). Thus, I know what it is like to be on the client (visitor) side of wine touring with expectations for quality of wine, venue amenities, and the role of the tour guide.
See my reviews below to learn how some of my clients feel about my services. And view my A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
FEEDBACK FROM MY CLIENTS
My Reviews
“Bill was GREAT ! The best thing you can do is hire a driver when going wine tasting. Bill asked us what type of wines we liked and how we wanted to day to go, then he planned everything (no extra charge). he made reservations where needed (yes many of the wineries require reservations for tastings – things have changed) and made the day sooooo easy ! Will hire him again !”
STEVE, SAN DIEGO
“Bill provided a great experience for our 25th wedding anniversary vacation! Bill knows wine, he knows the area and he knows people at many of the wineries. We gave him a list of a few of the wineries we had heard about from friends and through reviews, and Bill blended this list with others that he believed we would like. We spent 2 days with Bill and he quickly understood what we liked and created a great experience for us. We would highly recommend Bill!”
MIKE, TEXAS
“Bill is amazing!! This is the second time I’ve used Bill. He is very knowledgeable and makes sure he makes your tour special! He takes the time to make sure your time is well spent!”
WENDI, FRANKLIN, TN
“Bill was very knowledgeable about the area and got us tastings at several smaller wineries we would have never come across on our own. He was great company, a great driver, and we highly recommend him!”
RAHUL, BOSTON