Sonoma Valley is a dream destination for wine lovers—with its rolling hills, charming town plaza, and inviting family-owned wineries. But before you hop on a tour, it helps to know what not to do. A few easy missteps can make or break your day. Here’s what to avoid to get the most out of your Sonoma wine tour experience.

Don’t Try to Cram Too Many Wineries Into One Day

We get it—you’re excited to taste everything. But racing from one winery to the next turns the day into a blur. The wines start to blend together, and you miss out on the stories, scenery, and feel that make each place special.

Three wineries is the sweet spot. That’s enough time to linger, learn, and maybe even chat with a winemaker. Platypus Wine Tours gets this just right, building relaxed itineraries that highlight Sonoma’s character-rich wineries.

Don’t Plan to Drive Yourself

Driving around wine country after a few tastings is a bad idea—not just for safety, but because you’ll miss the whole point. With unfamiliar backroads, you’re too busy navigating to enjoy the day.Let someone else take the wheel. Platypus Wine Tours handles transportation from pickup to drop-off, so you can stay present, enjoy the wine, and soak in the views without a worry.Don’t Expect to Visit Only the Big-Name Wineries
Sure, Sonoma has its share of well-known wineries—but the real magic happens at the smaller, family-run spots. That’s where you’ll find passion, personality, and wines you won’t see at the grocery store.
Some tours focus only on the most tourist-heavy stops. Platypus prioritizes lesser-known gems where hospitality shines and guests get a true sense of place.

Don’t Skip the Food

Wine without food? Not ideal. Drinking on an empty stomach dulls the experience and shortens your day.
Look for a tour that includes lunch—like the scenic, delicious picnic Platypus provides. Not only does it pair beautifully with the wine, but it also fuels the fun for the rest of the afternoon.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions

This isn’t a school test—there are no wrong questions on a wine tour. Whether you’re curious about barrel aging or the winery dog’s name, engaging with your host makes the experience richer.
At smaller wineries (and on smaller tours), the environment is welcoming and relaxed. Ask away.

Don’t Miss the Social Element

Wine tours are a great way to meet fellow wine lovers. If you spend the whole day on your phone, you might miss a great conversation—or even a new friend.
Platypus Wine Tours keeps groups small (typically 8–12 guests), so it’s easy to connect without being crowded or rushed.

Don’t Assume All Tours Are the Same

Not all wine tours are created equal. Some just bus you around. Others, like Platypus, focus on curating a complete experience—wineries with charm, guides who know their stuff, and just the right balance of structure and spontaneity.
Read reviews, compare options, and choose a company that clearly cares about more than just filling seats.

Don’t Skip the Extras

Think a wine tour is just about sipping? Think again. Some wineries offer barrel tastings, vineyard walks, or behind-the-scenes peeks at the winemaking process.
A good tour company knows how to sprinkle in these extras for an even more memorable day.

Bottom Line

Sonoma wine tours should be fun, relaxing, and unhurried. If you avoid the common mistakes above, you’re setting yourself up for an incredible experience in one of California’s most beautiful wine regions.
Choose a tour that values authenticity, connection, and comfort—like the kind you’ll find at Platypus Wine Tours—and you’ll walk away with more than just great wine. You’ll walk away with stories worth sharing.