Carmel Valley Village: Wine Tasting Tours in a 1970 VW bus.

Imagine cruising through California’s picturesque Carmel Valley in a perfectly restored 1970 Volkswagen bus—affectionately called “The Sweet Pickle”—while sampling some of the region’s best wines. That’s exactly what this wine-tasting tour offers, and it’s a journey packed with charm, scenic beauty, and delicious sips. We’ve gathered all the details to help you decide if this unique experience is right for your California adventure.

What makes this tour special? For starters, the nostalgic ride in a vintage VW bus instantly transports you to a simpler time. Then, there’s the chance to taste award-winning wines grown right near the coast, with expert guides providing plenty of local insights. And finally, the scenic drive through Carmel Valley promises stunning views that pair perfectly with the wine experience.

On the downside, it’s worth noting that the tour is limited to just six participants, which means a very intimate setting but also the need for early booking. This experience is ideal for travelers who love a mix of history, good wine, and a sense of adventure in a small-group environment. If that sounds like your kind of day, read on for a detailed look at what you can expect.

Good To Know

• Vintage Charm: Explore Carmel Valley in a restored 1970 VW bus with a friendly driver-guide.
• Local Wines: Taste award-winning California wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA.
• Scenic Drive: Enjoy stunning views of Carmel Valley while learning about local points of interest.
• Small Group: Max of 6 participants for a personalized experience.
• Inclusive and Flexible: Hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off, bottled water, and flexible cancellation.
• Price & Value: At $139 per person, it offers a memorable mix of scenery, wine, and nostalgia.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Introduction to the Experience

This tour stands out because of its nostalgic vibe and the chance to explore Carmel Valley in a style that’s both fun and authentic. The vintage VW bus, lovingly called “The Sweet Pickle,” is more than just transport—it’s a moving piece of California’s cultural charm that adds a layer of delight to the day. It’s perfect for those who enjoy quirky, photo-worthy moments along with their wine tasting.

There are a lot of reasons we find this tour appealing. We love the personalized feel with only six guests max, which means you won’t be lost in a crowd. The expert guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge, making the experience more than just a series of tastings. Plus, the scenic drive to Carmel Valley delivers sweeping views that make every sip even more enjoyable.

However, one thing to keep in mind is the price point—$139 per person. While this includes transportation and tastings, the tasting room fees are separate, so you’ll want to budget accordingly. Also, since the tour runs rain or shine, be prepared for weather conditions, especially if you’re visiting in the off-season or during winter.

This experience is best suited for wine lovers, small groups seeking a personal touch, and anyone interested in classic cars and California’s scenic beauty. If you’re after a leisurely, immersive day that combines sightseeing with tasting some stellar wines, this could be a perfect fit.

What You Can Expect: The Itinerary Breakdown

Pick-up and Introduction
Your day begins with a pickup at your hotel or Airbnb within the tour area. Look for the eye-catching green vintage VW bus, which sets the tone for the rest of the day. The driver-guide will introduce themselves and give a brief overview of the route and stops.

Scenic Drive to Carmel Valley
The first highlight of the tour is the nostalgic ride through the scenic roads leading to Carmel Valley. We loved the way the driver narrated local stories and pointed out interesting sights along the way. One reviewer mentioned how the spectacular views while driving to the location added to the overall enjoyment, making the journey as memorable as the tastings.

Visiting the Wine Tasting Rooms
Once in Carmel Valley, you’ll visit three carefully selected wine tasting rooms. These are primarily local wineries within the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA, known for their award-winning wines. The tasting venues are described as friendly and welcoming, with knowledgeable staff who take good care of visitors. Several reviews highlighted the excellent wine selection and noted guides’ ability to select a diverse range of wines to suit different palates.

Wine Tasting Experience
Each stop provides you with a tasting of multiple wines, giving you a solid introduction to the local wine scene. Guests consistently mention that the tastings were generous and well-curated, with some venues featuring talented musicians to enhance the atmosphere. One reviewer noted, “The wine was good across the board, and the hosts were very engaging,” reflecting how the combination of friendly service and quality wine made the experience standout.

Local Points of Interest & Recommendations
During the stops, your guide will point out interesting sites and suggest other nearby attractions or wineries you might want to explore during your stay. This added layer of local insight helps you make the most of your trip if you decide to linger or return for more.

Return Journey
After the last tasting, the bus will take you back to your hotel or Airbnb, completing the approximately 4.5-hour experience. The relaxed pace allows you to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed, and many guests appreciated the small group size as it fostered a friendly, conversational atmosphere.

The Transportation: Vintage VW Charm and Practicalities

The star of this tour is undoubtedly the 1970 VW bus, restored beautifully and kept in excellent condition. It’s a fun, eye-catching vehicle that adds extra character to the experience. The bus comfortably accommodates up to six participants, making the ride intimate and personal.

Pickup and drop-off are included within the tour area, which adds a significant convenience factor. The driver is described as fun, informative, and accommodating, making the journey enjoyable beyond just the scenic views.

The ride itself offers a relaxed, open-air feel—perfect for photo ops and enjoying the fresh air. Guests can expect bottled water provided, but no other refreshments in the vehicle, and all alcohol consumption is reserved for the tastings.

Since this tour takes place rain or shine, it’s advisable to wear weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable shoes. The vehicle doesn’t have climate control, so be prepared for varying weather conditions.

The Wine Tasting Stops: Quality, Variety, and Local Flavor

The main draw—besides the vintage ride—is undoubtedly the wine tastings. The wineries showcased are known for their award-winning wines and are typically family-operated, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can expect to try a curated selection of reds, whites, and possibly sparkling wines, all produced locally near the California coast.

One reviewer highlighted the friendly, informative staff at each venue, noting that they go out of their way to ensure guests feel comfortable and well-informed. The wine quality is a common theme in reviews, with many expressing satisfaction that “all of the wine was good,” and some even calling the wines “very talented,” especially at the third stop, where live music was also a feature.

Most tastings are included in the tour price, but guests should note that tasting room fees are not included. This means you may want to carry cash or a card for additional purchases if you want to buy bottles directly from the wineries.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

The Guide and Group Size

The live English-speaking guide is praised for being knowledgeable, friendly, and fun—making the entire journey engaging and educational. They often share interesting facts about local wine production, Carmel Valley history, and the vintage VW bus itself.

The small group size—limited to six participants—creates a cozy, relaxed atmosphere. Guests report that this setup fosters more personal interactions, and guides are better able to cater to individual interests or questions.

Practical Details: Pricing, Duration, and Booking

At $139 per person, this tour offers good value considering the included transportation, personalized service, and multiple tastings. When you factor in the scenic drive, the chance to sample local wines, and the nostalgic vehicle, it’s a memorable way to spend part of your day in Carmel Valley.

The duration of 4.5 hours makes it a manageable half-day activity. You can easily pair it with lunch or another nearby activity afterward.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. You can reserve your spot now and pay later, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

Is This Tour Right for You?

This experience suits wine enthusiasts, especially those looking for a relaxed, intimate setting. It’s also ideal if you appreciate vintage cars and nostalgic experiences, or if you’re traveling with a small group or family. The personalized nature of the tour and the scenic drive make it appealing for those who want to combine sightseeing with tasting quality wines.

However, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or travelers with mobility issues, given the vehicle type and walking involved at the stops. Also, those with a cold or health concerns should consider timing accordingly.

The Sum Up: The Perfect Blend of Scenic Beauty, Wine, and Nostalgia

This vintage VW bus wine tour offers a unique way to explore Carmel Valley and its diverse wines. The combination of a charming, retro vehicle, expert guides, and carefully chosen wineries makes for a memorable outing that feels both fun and authentic. It’s especially well-suited for small groups who value personalized attention and a relaxed pace.

You’ll love the scenic drive that puts you right in the heart of California’s wine country, the delicious tastings from local wineries, and the chance to create some memorable photos with the vintage bus. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to spend half a day, with plenty of opportunities to learn, taste, and enjoy.

If you’re after a personalized, scenic, and wine-filled adventure in Carmel Valley, this tour hits all the marks. Just remember to book early—this cozy experience tends to fill up quickly.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4.5 hours, including pick-up, the Scenic drive, tastings, and return to your accommodation.

What is included in the price?
Your price includes hotel/Airbnb pickup and drop-off within the tour area, transportation in the vintage VW bus, bottled water, and the three wine tastings.

Are tasting room fees included?
No, the tasting room fees are not included. You might want to bring extra cash or a card for additional purchases.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended, as the tour takes place rain or shine, and the vintage bus may not have climate control.

Can I bring my own alcohol or other items?
No, outside alcohol and drugs are not permitted in the vehicle. No coolers, bikes, or vaping are allowed either.

Is this tour suitable for children or wheelchair users?
It’s not recommended for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues. Children under a certain age are also not specified, so check with the provider if unsure.

What is the group size?
Limited to 6 participants, ensuring a personal, relaxed experience.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility to change plans if needed.

This vintage VW wine tour in Carmel Valley promises a delightful day of scenic beauty, quality local wines, and a touch of nostalgic fun. Perfect for small groups, wine lovers, and anyone looking for a memorable California experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: