San Francisco to the Wine Country

Sausalito to Point Reyes Runner's Trek

Sonoma Valley Wine Tasting

Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Mount Tamalpais to the Wine Country

San Francisco to the Wine Country

Washington honeymooners, September, 2009:  "Thank you so much for such an amazing vacation.  We can't stop talking about what good time we had!  We couldn't have asked for more--we saw more, experienced more, and had more fun than any conventional vacation I have ever been on.  The trip was expertly orchestrated and attention to detail was much appreciated.  We loved the [small inn], the [wine country inn], and [the winemaker].  The lunches were fantastic and always much appreciated.  Thank you for an unforgettable vacation. Everyone should get to have an experience like this at least once in their life time."

Georgia couple, September, 2009:  "One fo the best trips we have ever taken.  We had a great and relaxing trip...everything went extremely smoothly and we were happy to not have to think about anything other than what time we wanted to start hiking that day.  The guidebook was fantastic and really made it easy for us as first time hikers.  We were pleased with the restaurant recommendations, particularly in San Francisco and Sausalito.  We also really appreciated the recommended picnicking stops.  Although we thought we would like the wine tasting the best, and it was fantastic, we ended up loving the time alone in nature and the incredible scenery.  We have recommended this trip to a number of friends and might even be back again to try some of the other trails in Marin."

Bermuda couple, September, 2009:  "The trip was fantastic.  Your attention to detail was most appreciated...Three wine tours in one day was a bit much for us and we felt badly having to turn down three of the six wine tastings at the final one...The hotel accomodations were first class.  We particularly enjoyed our catered meatl.  Sea kayaking was great!  Thank you for all the post trip suggestions.  Fantastic!"

Massachusetts couple, September, 2009:  "...We thoroughly enjoyed the trek!!  The properties were lovely and comfortable with the exception of the [small inn]...Everything else exceeded our expectations.  The treks were challenging for us 63 year olds, and we opted to forego day 5.  We met a lovely couple and had a lovely day.  The wineries and planned tours were exceptional.  Our experiences at them were wonderful.  I would highly recommend this trip to others who are up to a good hike during the day with incredible views and sensory excitement and the luxury of outstanding accommodations."

Chicago and Texas friends, September, 2009:  "Overall I enjoyed the Trek very much, everything done first class, well worth the money.  As you may know, this was our fifth trek, to all parts of the world, and was by far the best organized and most luxurious.  The lodging was all great!  I thought the best part was the day in Muir Woods, although the start of some of the walks was awfully tough for me...You get what you pay for; hard work for a great Trek.  The guide book was the best we've seen.  Really good! ...The stop at [a private winery] was fantastic, an almost magical place.  Thanks for getting us access to it.  A great Trek, I've already recommended it to several friends.  Thanks for everything."

London honeymooners, August, 2008:  "...when I say how fabulous the trip was.  We had a wibble at the start with the [San Francisco lodging] who didn't seem to know how the trek worked, but after that it was a truly wonderful experience. A very well thought out and arranged holiday and one we will remember for a very long time! Memorable points were - Gary Danko...truly exceptional and up in the top 3 meals of all time for [my husband] and I ... - the silence and peace of not seeing another person or car or anything for miles each day - [Sausalito lodging]...our room was beautiful and the gentleman at reception was very jolly and friendly - the bubbly taximan who was a fountain of knowledge and had Phoebe's car from Friends!- [Inverness lodging]....can I live there please? - arriving at the [Glen Ellen lodging] and going for foot scrubs/massages....very needed!- the totally amazing room at the [Glen Ellen lodging] and bottle of bubbly on arrival ...thank you. Thank you for helping to make our honeymoon visit to the US the trip of a lifetime."

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Sausalito to Point Reyes Runner's Trek

Ohio couple, May, 2010:  "Beautiful trails, wonderful inns, great food!  Would not change a thing and will recommend to everyone I know!  Thanks you!  So glad we added Inverness!"

South Carolina couple, March, 2010:  "Fabulous trip.  I think we have generated several new customers for you based on our glowing accolades.  Enjoyed everything.  All the places we stayed were terrific, especially the [Muir Beach and Inverness lodging].  The meal in Olema was outstanding.  The trails were terrific, even with the rain which made running somewhat hazardous.  Your maps and route descriptions were outstanding.  We were off trail for a brief time when we missed the first turn in Muir Woods because we were mesmerized by the trees.  The cab driver is definitely a keeper.  The massages were also outstanding.  Magical trip.  Hiking into Olema we saw 2 people, into Inverness, none...Thanks for a great trip."

Arizona couple, March, 2010:  "We enjoyed the trip so much!  The interactions with you were great, the e-mails timely and professional.  Everything you said you would do was done.  The booklets were professional and pertinent.  We especially appreciated the detailed daily instructions and the maps are so great to showing people just what we did.  It is hard to say [what we enjoyed the most].  Probably the days were entirely on our schedule and we saw so few people on the trail, except for the Muir Woods entrance and the [Mt. Tamalpais] road.  Otherwise only 3 or 4 people.  We like being in beautiful country and being alone.  The Inns were wonderful, the luggage waiting when we arrived, the service at the Inns was great.  People seemed to take extra care when we mentioned we were with Wine Country Trekking.  The ale at the [Muir Beach lodging] was floral and herby and delicious, sitting out on the steps amongst the flowers and trees after a long, warm day...My husband says 'She bought herself a birthday present and I got to go along.'  What a great way to spend my 65th!  Oh, yes--on the last day, his memorable comment in the pastureland: 'I can smell the cream, not the cows.'  Then we got to have some Cowgirl Creamery cheese.  Just perfect."

Oregon, 2 couples, October, 2009:  "The trail guide books were Really Valuable!!! I am so glad that I didn't try this without them.  [My friend and I did get lost on the last day...so we got a 4 mile bonus thrown in.  I have to admit our wives never got lost and came in under the minimum time every day including lunch stops.  The [Sausalito lodging] was a nice spot, and the [Muir Beach lodging] was totally awesome.  The other two hotels were poor compared to the first two...As for the route in general, the variety of views was really great, and some of the specific sections were just stunningly beautiful.  The fire roads were in fine shape, but a lot of the trails were not maintained as well as I expected compared to the trails we have near Portland...Everything you guys did was fantastic.  I really appreciated your help and your service levels."

California, 2 couples, (with a Wine Country add-on), October, 2009:  "We thoroughly enjoyed our trek.  Not having a lot of hiking experience we found it was a little more challenging than expected, especially the first day.  But that was OK.  It just heightened our sense of accomplishment after completing all 5 days.  We would and have highly recommended Wine Country Trekking to everybody inquiring about our experience.  The only thing we do emphasize is to get, especially your legs, in reasonable shape.

Each day, from Sausalito to Glen Ellen was different and brought its own particular enjoyment.  Every accommodation was unique in its own right and we enjoyed them all. The eating arrangements were all great...On the subject of wineries:  The tours, the tastings, the settings were all outstanding. Couldn't have been better choices."

New Mexico couple, October, 2009:  "One of the best trips I have ever been on.  The whole thing was a surprise...not knowing what the trail will be like, or the views, or the restaurants, or hotels...and constantly, pleasantly surprised."

Illinois couple, September, 2009:  "We had an AWESOME time!!  This is the first time my husband & I got away for more than 1 night in 10 years!  We missed our 5 kids, but it was worth it!  We enjoyed the most running through Muir Woods and the [inn on Mount Tamalpais].  Thanks so much!"

New York single, September, 2009:  "The trek was magnificently astonishing and relaxing at intervals.  The work/rest ration was perfect.  Without a doubt, I most enjoyed the Mount Tamalpais/Muir Woods day.  And I appreciate the special care you took to insure my comfort and lunch food, and the kindness and flexibility you showed...I do very much expect to see you all again!"

North Carolina couple, August, 2009:  "We had a wonderful time!  I have traveled extensively in US, Africa, South America and would consider this one of my best vacations.  The routes were obviously very well thought out with enough off the beaten path but yet never felt unsafe, lost, etc.  I would love to do another trek sometime.  The mileage was on the low side, but with the terrain being so hilly it was perfect.  All the accommodations were wonderful, comfortable, good food and great service...I have been telling all my running friends about this great service."

New York couple, August, 2009:  "We had a great time in California last week on our trek!  Sausalito was adorable and the [Sausalito hotel] was a fabulous way to start out the vacation.  Our only regret was that we should have spent more time there...The hiking was well-marked in our guide book so we really didn't run into any problems during our hikes. Luckily we're fairly active people as some of the hills on the first day were pretty steep.  Views, scenery and lunches were all good!  We were pleased with all of the inns that we stayed at and the actual hikes.  Mary was really wonderful to work with us!  We called wanting to make some rather last minute changes...and she was able to make some fantastic appointments for us.  Overall, we had a memorable vacation and are telling our friends and family how much fun we had.  Thanks again!"

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Sonoma Valley Wine Tasting

Minnesota friends, March, 2010:  "We had a great time on the wine trekking trip!  The hiking was great, the wineries fantastic, and the lodging superb--what more could we ask for??  Thanks so much for everything--it was a very well planned trip--we have such fun memories!  Again, thanks!"

Washington D.C. friends, March, 2010:  "It was a great experience, I highly recommend it, and would do it again!  I found the visits to small wineries, which included a sit down with the owner or manager to be most enjoyable.  We had an opportunity to really enjoy the wine and the scenery, tour the facilities, and learn about the history of the winery and the area and the folks involved in producing such wonderful wines...The accommodations were outstanding and everyone was very friendly.

Colorado and Texas friends, November, 2009: "Overall the trip was great.  the hiking was milder than I expected and the wine better than I could have hoped.  The great weather completed the perfect week.  The lodgings that were part of the trek were excellent, lovely places really, especially if you were a romantic couple.  If you expect more "girlfriend groups", then different arrangements would be better--not many ladies have known each other as long as we have.  Of course the [Glen Ellen lodging] was sublime beyond my wildest dreams.  For me there was too much food and to much emphasis on food.  The lunches were so large I was not interested in dinner."

Pennsylvania honeymooners, October, 2009: "This wine trek was the highlight of our three week honeymoon.  Tahiti was a great experience but my husband and I agree that the Sonoma wine trek was our favorite.  We thoroughly enjoyed trekking together through beautiful vineyards, estates and parks to get to wonderful wineries.  Each winery offered us a completely different experience, which we loved...The tour book was so precise that we did not have to worry about getting lost.  The [Glen Ellen and Sonoma lodging] were perfect after a long day of hiking.  The innkeeper was very hospitable and made us feel very comfortable.  The [Glen Ellen lodging] was amazing--we wanted to stay another day!  We appreciated that you took care of the details for us--making dinner recommendations and reservations, reserving a cab, and making massage reservations.  Everything was taken care of and it worked out perfectly."

Indiana couple, October, 2009: "We would like to thank you again for such a great vacation.  Overall we absolutely loved our trek experience.  The weather was perfect, too.  It was a good mix of hiking on trails and trekking through the rural side roads (especially helpful after an hour or two in the winery :))  The mix of wineries was really great--some big ones and the small ones.  We really loved all the wineries and [each had a different favorite].  [A small winery] was our best overall experience.  The gardens and weather were beautiful and the host was very entertaining and knowledgeable.  When he came out with those full glasses of champagne for everyone to enjoy and all of us looking at the view in the sunshine--life is good!  Loved the [Glen Ellen lodging] too!!!  The [Sonoma lodging] was great.  We are trying to get the word out to our active friends who we think would enjoy this experience.

Canadian couple, September, 2009:  "My husband and I enjoyed our trek.  We loved the variety of winery visits.  The step by step instructions were useful and ensured we did not make a wrong turn, although as Canadians, we would have appreciated the segments in kilometers to gauge the time it would take us to walk each segment. 
The wineries:  The outdoor tables at [a public winery] were a lovely place to relax and eat our picnic lunch.  We learned a lot about wine and cheese pairings at [a public winery].  We were prepared a delicious and plentiful romantic lunch at [a public winery].  People passing by gave us looks of envy and asked if we were on our honeymoon.  The visit to [a public winery] provided nothing special...The garden tour at [a private winery] was a different and pleasant way to enjoy some really nice wines. 
The trek:  The walk [in Glen Ellen] through the vineyards was the best walk segment of the trek.  We felt like we were walking where no others were allowed.  The walk through the old cemetery seemed ghoulish at first but was a delight.  We were expecting more walks through vineyards, however we were pleasantly surprised that the roads taken were usually quiet and picturesque. 
The inns:  We enjoyed our stay [in Sonoma].  The fire fountain 'patio' was a great place to relax after dinner and star gaze with a glass of wine.  We appreciated breakfast in the room--it's more relaxing eating breakfast in cozy bathrobes at our leisure.  The [Glen Ellen lodging]--what can we say?  the room was jaw-dropping beautiful!"

Midwest USA, 3 couples, October, 2008:  Highlights (not necessarily in order):
  - [A private winery] was a knock out--beautiful spot, interesting host, great wines
  - Hikes were great--would like signs or info about plants and ecosystems
  - Sonoma's square within walking distance a huge plus--very appealing and low key
  - Visit with Diane was both informative and completely enjoyable.  We loved her comment that she tends to enjoy wines made by people she likes
  - Picnic lunches delicious
  - Liked the [private winery]--lovely host, very relaxed, lovely picnic spot
Obviously we had a grand time--hope you find these comments useful :-)"

Ontario, 2 friends, October, 2008:  "Overall we had a great time, thought that it was well organized and a great trip.  Everyone we met was very nice.  What did we enjoy the most? Hard to say, so much was good.  The treks through the more natural areas were nice.  Liked the private wine tastings better than the non-private.  We felt the wine tasting at [a public winery] was a little rushed and impersonal.  The lunches were all nice and it was delightful to have a picnic lunch on a relaxing hillside.  It was a good combination of walking and wine tasting for the most part.  The restaurants were all great.  No complaints there.
Minor thing--The trip seemed set up for couples, i.e. there was only one bed in the rooms.  Not so terrible when I was traveling with my sister, but it would be nice to have the option of two beds."

Virginia couple, July, 2008:  "My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the trek.  It was just enough hiking not to be completely exhausted, but feel invigorated each day.  While we enjoyed the hiking, we loved visiting [a private winery].  The garden tour was fantastic and meeting [the owner] was a delight.  We also enjoyed the tasting at [the winemaker's] house, he is a very colorful character.   We loved the [Glen Ellen lodging].  We liked the private tour at [a public winery]...very interesting and informative.  Also the private tasting at [a public winery] was wonderful.  Asyou can see there wasn't much we didn't like.  At [a public winery] they weren't sure who we were and what to do with us, but at every other place we were welcomed with open arms.  We were slow hikers and probably should have started out earlier in the morning as we were a bit rushed by the end of the day.  This wa sespecially true on the last day, which was the one day we should have arrived at our lodging with enough time to enjoy the surroundings.  Thanks for a great adventure.  We would love to do it again." 

Alberta couple, July, 2008:  "We had a FANTASTIC time; it was a truly memorable and wonderful experience– no doubt about it!  The accommodations were luxurious, the restaurants were lovely, and the views afforded by the trekking were stunning. While all three days had their highlights, our favourite day was the third, when we got to visit the smaller family vineyards and wineries...Especially wonderful was being joined by [the owners] to taste their lovely wine in their beautiful garden.  I can’t think of anything that you can do differently. I think that ideally, the weather would have been a bit cooler, but obviously, there’s nothing you could have done about that!  We have been telling many people that THIS is the way to see Sonoma, so you may get an increase in your customers from Edmonton.  THANK YOU all for everything that did to make our first anniversary trip so wonderful."

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Napa Valley Wine Tasting

Alabama couple, October, 2009: "Happy to report that we were extremely pleased with the Napa Trek.  We both commented that this was one of the best vacations ever.  The trek instructions/maps were excellent and generally easy to follow (even for those directionally challenged).  The accommodations were absolutely top notch--not a single complaint.  The winery tours were great and the tour guides were friendly and extremely helpful.  We would highly recommend a trek vacation to all desiring an adventurous getaway.  Thanks again for a wonderful trip!"

New York honeymooners, August, 2009:  "We had a great time!  We couldn't have imagined anything better.  We enjoyed everywhere that we stayed.  We enjoyed the walks and hikes.  The food was excellent, and the wine was even better!! We didn't want it to end.  We really enjoyed the variety in the wineries.  We got to taste at large commercial places as well as the smaller ones.  We liked the personal tours at the smaller places as we got to ask all the questions on our minds and they were more than happy to answer them.  The car service was always waiting for us and the drivers were very nice.  The inns were all extremely nice...both accommodations and staff.  The restaurants were all really nice and the food was excellent.  We had such a good time and we thank you guys for making our honeymoon truly special!!!!"

Connecticut couple, April, 2009:  "A very nice vacation overall, one of the best that we have had.  We really enjoyed having things set up for us and we did not feel pressured to visit all the wineries. We enjoyed the variety the most, both in the wineries that were selected for us to visit and in the places we stayed...Thank you again for arranging a very memorable and enjoyable vacation.  And thank you for getting us reservations for The French Laundry!!"

New York couple, April, 2009:  "We really enjoyed our trek ...and want to thank you for paying such close attention to detail--maps to and from San Francisco and Sausalito, vouchers for meals, reservations at restaurants, tastings, etc. Because we didn't have to worry about these details, we felt very relaxed...
...Our favorite winery by far was [a private winery].  Marla was wonderful!  She taught us so much about the winemaking process.  It's had a huge effect on how I see farming in general.
...We loved the variety of places we stayed--whether with country charm, soothing with neutral peacefulness, or contemporary.  Something to please everyone.  All in all, it was a great trip!"

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Mount Tamalpais to the Wine Country 

Alabama couple, November, 2008:  "We had a really great trip--enjoyed it thoroughly.  We thought everything was well planned and executed.  [We enjoyed the most] the combination of the hiking and the gorgeous/interesting hotels/inns.  We enjoyed every single hotel a lot--such variety, but all great.  All the hiking was great--maps and directions were great."

Chicago, 2 friends, July, 2008:  "We loved the trip and enjoyed the hiking, I think we got to see a lot ofthings that we would not have had we not hiked it.  Not having to transport our bags and finding them in our rooms after checking in was great.  The [Mount Tamalpais and Glen Ellen lodging] were great, food was really good at both.  We also appreciated the effort you made to correct our bed situation and loved the champagne at the pool.  I would have liked to have done the last day of hiking winery to winery, but we were too sore and the hotel was too nice to contemplate doing anything else but sit at the pool!  I enjoyed all the hiking, but I think 2 days of 9 plus miles a day was a bit much for us. ...Thanks again for everything." 

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