Sprawling vineyards and heralded wineries
It’s easy to see what brings them here. The Napa Valley is an international travel destination only a 70-mile hop from Sacramento. Though it’s just 30 miles long and 5 miles across at its widest, the valley is an idyll of sprawling vineyards and heralded wineries, four-star restaurants and small markets stuffed with artisanal treasures.
The fun elements of the wine trolley tour are obvious: stretching out in a chauffeured, open-air vehicle, seeing gorgeous scenery, strolling through vineyards and wineries, sipping wines and sharpening one’s wine knowledge, and temporarily bonding with fellow travelers from all parts of the world.
“I have a blast doing this,” said Boland. “There are so many people coming here from different cultures. They either know a lot about wine, or very little. It’s fun to educate them.”
Boland’s background includes wine warehousing and environmental consultation with wineries. During the tour, he will deliver a running commentary of wine-centric information peppered with humorous asides. “My shtick changes daily, there’s so much to know,” he said.
“It’s a different way of wine touring,” said wine trolley manager Craig Haskell. “You’re not sitting in a motor coach looking out through glass windows. There’s nothing between you and the vineyards.”