WHAT HAPPENS ON A VINO 301 WINE TOUR

So, you booked a wine tour, what is next? After the initial excitement subsides, you may have questions about what to expect on the tour. We put together some tips and information about going on a wine tour for you. If this is the first time ever taking a wine tour or visiting Maryland vineyards, hopefully, these tips are helpful to assist you with preparing for your wine tour.

SAFETY FIRST

We want you to have a great time. We want you to leave with awesome memories and not COVID. So, we ask you to wear a face-covering while you are in the vehicle regardless if you have been vaccinated. You may remove your mask while you are at the vineyards. Before the trip begins, we will ask you to complete a contact tracing form.

EXPECT TO HAVE FUN

Expect to have fun. What is better than spending time with your friends or family drinking wine? Nothing! Don’t be surprised if you meet new friends on the tour. Remember strangers do not drink wine with strangers. Introduce yourself when you join the tour. Our tour guides, also known as Tour Ambassadors, are your Ambassadors of fun and safety. If you have a favorite music playlist, share it with us. We will try to play it along the ride. They will make sure you have a great time. We believe in exceeding your expectations, so expect to have a good time.

TASTING FEES ARE INCLUDED

The tasting fees are what the vineyards and wineries charge to try the wines. Your Vino 301 registration will always include your tasting fees. You do not have to pay for this during your tour. The only cost you will have on the tour is when you purchase a glass of wine or a bottle of wine.

Since COVID, the venues have altered their tasting practice to comply with local regulations and safety measures.

At some locations, your wine tasting is a self-guided experience. The vineyard staff may provide a limited explanation about the wines. Our Tour Ambassadors are available to answer questions about the vineyard and most of the wines.

Some vineyards may offer wine samples in pre-poured plastic cups to prevent cross containment.

The vineyards will offer bottle service or wine flights.

Bottle service – Your Tour Ambassador will select four to five bottles of wine for you to sample. The Tour Ambassador will consult the group.

Wine Flights - Six or more wines are included in the tasting flights. The tasting room staff will pour between one and two ounces of each wine.

VINEYARD TOURS

Many vineyards have stopped vineyard and barrel room tours due to COVID.

RECEIVE A SOUVENIR WINE GLASS

You will receive a souvenir wine glass from us as a small gesture of gratitude. You can use the glass during your trip if you bring beverages for the drive. We have straws for you to use while you are wearing your mask. The vineyards and wineries provide tasting glasses, so you do not have to bring your Vino 301 glass in the tasting room.

In addition to your Vino 301 glass, you may receive a souvenir glass from the vineyards. Your Tour Ambassador will inform you if the wine glass is included with the tasting. You can purchase the winery’s glass if it is not a part of the tasting.

LUNCH

Lunch will be served at the first venue you visit. If you are not hungry, please inform your Tour Ambassador. They will make arrangements to serve lunch later.

WATER, WATER, AND MORE WATER…STAY HYDRATED

Dehydration is the number one reason why you get a hangover. To help to avoid this, we provide bottled water during the tour. Our Tour Ambassadors will encourage you to drink water during the tour. You should try to drink water for every glass of wine you have.

SNACKS FOR THE RIDE

Chips, popcorn, pretzels, and all sorts of snacks are available to you to munch on during your trip. We invite you to enjoy them.

A few vineyards prohibit outside food. In many cases, those vineyards have food to purchase. We will inform you which vineyards have food restrictions.

KEEP IT CASUAL, DRESS FOR THE SETTING

Vineyards are beautiful and romantic. They are also working farms. Expect unpaved roads, fields, rocks, gravel, and dirt. Your wine tasting will take place outdoors or in a covered pavilion. However, the vineyard tour will occur outside. Wear clothing you do not mind a little dirt or mud getting on it.

DETAILS, DETAILS… YOUR CONFIRMATION STATES THE PICKUP TIME, LOCATION, AND VINEYARDS

You will receive a second email confirmation the day before your tour. Your confirmation states your Tour Ambassador’s name, pick-up location, and the places you are visiting.

TAXES AND GRATUITY

Tipping is not mandatory but welcomed to tip the tasting room servers. They accept tips. Your tour does not include taxes. Your tour registration includes a gratuity for the Tour Ambassador and driver.

We can’t wait to see you.

YOU BOOKED A WINE TOUR, WHAT’S NEXT?