What is Hop-On Hop-Off? Hop-On Hop-Off is a sightseeing style used all over the world at most large tourist destinations. It’s a quick, easy & inexpensive way to sight-see and get around a large area. You jump on the shuttle at predetermined times and places and jump off in a similar fashion. The idea is that whereever you jump off at, the shuttle will loop back around to pick you back up in a reasonable amount of time. We can be a bit looser as we can drop you off at any of the predetermined wine tasting venues near Sonoma once we make our 10am and Noon pickups behind the Barracks at the Square. What is the cost? Tickets are $25 per person (kids free) and may be purchased from the driver at any stop or online, using your Visa, MasterCard or American Express. What’s a HoHo? HoHo is a quick way to say Hop-On Hop-Off Shuttle. Plus it’s fun to say. What does my ticket include? Your Vine Line ticket is good for the entire day, allowing you to hop on and off at your convenience – please get on by 2pm as we do the last drops by 4pm and will get you back to the Square by 5pm. The Vine Line returns to each stop every 30-40 minutes and our driver will escort you inside and introduce you to the proprietor. We’ll also let you know when we’re back so you don’t need to worry about missing a pick-up. Is there a guide? Your driver is a great source of inside information about each winery and any special activities they may have going throughout the day. Each morning he’s in touch with the Vine Line loop wineries and eateries and will let you know of any special discounts or activities to help you plan your day. We promise he won’t rattle on over a loudspeaker but he’s very knowledgeable about the Carneros region and will point out landmarks and wineries along the way, telling you about local history and wine-making. Is there a fee for tasting? Most wineries do charge a fee ranging between $5 to $15. Some are complimentary, Sonoma is quite inexpensive compared to Napa. The fee is generally waived if you end up purchasing their wines. Keep in mind they don’t make a profit from the tastings; they make their money on wine sales and some of the smaller wineries only distribute from their tasting rooms. Your driver will let you know which wineries are offering any special Vine Line discounts that day. Do I need to make reservations? No reservations are needed unless you’re with a group of 10 people or more and want to take advantage of a group discount. We need to let the wineries know of groups in advance.
Group discounts are only available with an advance reservation. Please email groups@vinelinehoho.com. Where do I purchase tickets? You can purchase tickets using your Visa, MasterCard or American Express here in advance or from the driver at any location. Do you offer group discounts? Yes. Save $5 per ticket if there are 10 or more people in your group. Group discounts are only available with an advance reservation. Email groups@vinelinehoho.com. What if I want a refund? With the Vine Line you don’t need to commit to a tour deposit in advance and worry about changing your mind later. You can wake up in the morning and decide that day you want to ride the Vine Line. If you bought tickets in advance, they are good for a year so no worries if you wake up and decide not to go. Once you purchase and board there are no refunds unless a mechanical issue prevents the shuttle from running. In that case we will gladly refund your full ticket price.
Groups & Special Events
Can you accommodate groups and special events? The Vine Line is available for special events, weddings, and large groups and it’s a fun and convenient way to keep a large party all together. Just contact us at groups@vinelinehoho.com to discuss your plans.
Offshoots
Are kids allowed? Most wineries won’t allow kids in the tasting rooms although some will accommodate kids on their tours. You may want to check ahead with the wineries you plan to visit. The open-air shuttle is fun and an experience in itself but probably not enough to keep kids happy for an entire day. Can I bring my dog/cat/ferret? Service animals are permitted of course but pets are not allowed in the tasting rooms and Vine Line drivers can’t be responsible for your pets (or kids for that matter) while you are not onboard the shuttle. What if a rider becomes intoxicated? Any rider who creates a negative experience for other riders will be asked to leave at the discretion of the driver and no refund will be given. The Vine Line is all about love n fun.
TCP 36406 – A