Nothing but the FAQ's
Why choose Breakaway Tours Wine and Events?
Reputation speaks louder than words and ours is unsurpassed; with the wineries, with the sales management of the properties we serve and most importantly with our clients. With dedication to perfection and personal service we have provided many corporations, associations, businesses and individual groups with an increased awareness and appreciation of our local wine regions and community. Check out some of the top Corporations we have served, visit our Testimonials page or check out TripAdvisor or Yelp located at the bottom of every page. "Local Expertise blended perfectly with Unparalleled Professionalism"!
Which wine regions do you serve?
Paso Robles, SLO Coast, Santa Barbara County: Santa Ynez Valley, Sta. Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley boasting the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.
What is the typical Wine Tasting Tour like?
Well to begin with, nothing is typical about our tours, we are passionate about wine and it shows; most importantly to our clients. Breakaway Tours Wine and Events specializes in Educational, yet Seriously Fun, Wine Tasting Tours. We recommend tasting at three (Goldilocks) wineries, and if you like we can provide a gourmet picnic lunch; from boxed to cold buffet to hot, plated & paired with wine. Our guides are knowledgeable about the industry here on the Central Coast.
Do we have to include the education?
No. We generally find people interested in a wine tour are interested in wine. Wine is our passion and we love to share that with our guests. Our education is “seriously fun”; after all it ain’t rocket science. Most is done on a beginner to intermediate level and presented in a fun, relaxing, user-friendly format. With all tours being Private Charters, you get to set the stage and the pace; after all it is your tour.
What is the Hearst Castle Tour like?
Our Hearst Castle Tours are primarily used by our larger corporate groups who need group transportation, tickets procurement and administrative assistance. These tours are escorted and narrated by our friendly, knowledgeable guides.
What is your Castle Wine Combo Tour like?
This tour is again for our larger groups have at least 7-8 hours to kill and just can't decide what to do. Typically, you will tour the castle in the morning and follow it up with a mini wine tasting tour in the afternoon served up with a delicious winery picnic lunch.
What if we just need transportation?
Breakaway Tours Wine and Events is equipped to provide all Ground Transportation needs. Not to worry just let us know the details and we'll quote you a price.
Do you do tours for only two people?
Absolutely! All wine tours are private, custom charters.
How large of a group can you accommodate?
We use to say 2-200 because it sounded good, we then did a tour for 750 from Google.
Can I join in with an existing group?
No sorry, we eliminated our Shared Group Tours in the pandemic and are not going forward with them.
How much are the tours?
That depends on your choices. Which city are we picking you up in? Which wine region are you interested in touring? How many guests are on board? How long would you like to go? Do you want lunch, if so, is it a Boxed Picnic or Elegant, hot, seated and paired with wine? You get the idea. Simply Request a Proposal for a custom quote.
How long do the tours last?
Average wine tours can last five hours. Duration is determined by from where we depart and which region we are visiting, how many wineries we visit and if you're having lunch. Hearst Castle Tours can range from five to eight hours.
Where do your tours depart from?
All tours come with door-door service, so you tell us! We've departed as far south as Pasadena, far north as San Jose and as far east as the Central Valley.
How early in advance should we book?
We book on a first come first serve basis. Weekends sell out first. Best bet is; if you have a date and want to go, book your tour.
What kind of vehicle will we be in?
We fit the vehicle(s) to the size, needs and budget of the individual client. We run with SUV’s, Executive Transits, Mini-Coaches and up to full size, luxury tour coaches, with all shapes and sizes in between.
Can we pay Cash/Venmo that day?
No sorry. All tours are paid in full two weeks prior to tour date or 100% in full if booking range is shorter.
Do I have to be in your area to do a wine tour?
Nonsense. We have led many a group departing from the Southland heading north to Santa Barbara County and from the San Joaquin Valley west into the Paso Robles region. Once in the region you will be joined by one of our local guides who will escort you through your day, these tours generally require ten to eleven hours. This service is typically cost effective for groups of twenty or more.
Are tasting fees included?
Tasting fees are not included and range widely from $25pp/per winery on up. For our smaller leisure groups, (on average up to 8-10 guests), most fees are waived with wine purchase or club membership. Every winery is different in their requirement and benefit. Because of this, tasting fees are payable directly, that day, by you so that you are only charged what is applicable. Larger corporate groups we can include them on the contract and pay the wineries in advance on your behalf, offering a full service experience, saving valuable time allowing you to concentrate on more important things, like what is Viognier?
Which wineries do you visit?
We don’t run on fixed routes. With well over four hundred wineries, between the three regions and 28 years later, not only would it be unfair to you but oh so boring for us, to always taste at the same wineries. Our Private Wine Tours come with a thoughtful, curated, bespoke itinerary crafted just for you. We are happy to work with you list, make recommendations, or provide a combination of both. We are subject to each winery’s availability at time of booking.
How many wineries do you visit?
We recommend three. Our thinking is "Two does not a tour make and four is just too darn many". After the third, palette fatigue sets in and the wine all starts to taste the same.
Can we pick the wineries?
By all means! If you know where you want or don't want to go, let us know. We'll work them into the itinerary with the best logistical order. We are subject to availability with the individual wineries. Appointments will be made on your behalf with private tastings if applicable and available.
What if we don't know where to go?
That's where living on the Central Coast since the early 60's pays off and happens to be our specialty. We've been Delivering Deliciously Fun, Educational Wine Tours Fresh Daily since 1995 and know them well. Put our expertise and reputation to work for you.
What are the best wineries?
Now that's all a matter of opinion or should we say palette. What one prefers perhaps the other does not. It is what makes the world go round baby, not to mention keep the prices in check. We will help you discern your palette, perhaps even expand it. So many wineries… so little time!
