Since 2010• 100,000+ Guests Served• Paso Robles · Napa · Sonoma · Santa Barbara and Beyond
★★★★★ rated 5.0 on Yelp, Google & TripAdvisor
Destination Drivers Private Wine Tasting & Beyond · Est. 2010
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Destinations
Napa Sonoma Lodi & Sacramento Plymouth & El Dorado Monterey Paso Robles Edna Valley Santa Barbara & Santa Ynez Temecula
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Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about booking a wine tour driver

Yes — the driver you hire only drives your owned, leased, or rented vehicle. You are hiring a personal driver, not joining a group tour. This is a fully private, customized service in the comfort of your own car.
You can rent a car and have your hired driver drive it for you. Renting a car and using Destination Drivers is often significantly more affordable than booking a limousine or party bus, and you get a fully private, personalized experience.
California Vehicle Code 17150. Permissive use applies when you give a driver who is not listed on your car insurance policy permission to drive your car. Permissive drivers are covered by your car insurance, though coverage limits may vary. All referred drivers also carry their own liability insurance. See the full breakdown below.
  • Permissive use (CVC § 17150): Under California Vehicle Code § 17150, a vehicle owner is held financially responsible for death, injury, or property damage caused by anyone driving their car with express or implied permission.
  • Primary coverage: For personal use, your personal auto insurance follows the vehicle and acts as primary coverage for registered, leased, or rented vehicles. You should maintain comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage.
  • Collision vs. liability: Individuals cannot purchase collision insurance on a vehicle not registered to them. Separate insurance policies only cover liability, meaning both you (the owner) and the driver carry liability protection.
Hourly rates slightly differ by region and range from $50-80/hour depending on group size. We ask that you pay any remaining balance after deposits — plus any gratuity — to your driver in cash at the end of the day.
You can hire a driver for one-way rides, airport runs, long-distance trips, business travel, concerts, weddings, medical appointments, dinners, and any other occasion where you'd like to leave the driving to someone else.
All referred drivers are trained and tested to ensure they exercise high-level awareness and attention to detail. Every driver is a non-smoker with a clean DMV record. Most have been personally referred by existing members of the team. Once your driver arrives at pickup, you are in charge — they work directly for you for the day.
It's your day — you can go where you want, when you want, for as long as you want. That said, we love helping guests plan the perfect route. Tell us what types of wines and experiences you enjoy and we'll build a custom recommendation tailored to your preferences.
Your driver brings bottled water to keep everyone hydrated. They're happy to pick up food for your group if requested. They'll open doors, help carry wine purchases, take photos, and assist throughout the day. Tasting fees are at your own expense.
For groups larger than one vehicle can fit, you may hire additional drivers to drive additional vehicles. We can accommodate groups in vehicles up to 15-passenger vans.
Absolutely! Many wineries are dog-friendly, though some are not. Let us know you're bringing a pup and we'll tailor your itinerary to pet-welcoming locations. We have dog-friendly winery guides for Paso Robles, Santa Ynez, Lodi, Temecula, and Northern California on our blog.
If your preferred date is unavailable or you're booking with less than 48 hours notice, please call or text us directly at 833.868.7733. We'll do our best to accommodate last-minute requests.
Yes — we can arrange elevated add-ons including charcuterie boards, special occasion decor, and other enhancements. Contact us when booking to discuss what's available in your region.

There is often some confusion regarding how hiring a driver works. This guide breaks down employment status, vehicle usage, insurance, and our role as a referral service.

1. Employment and wages

  • The hiring entity (you): As the vehicle owner, you act as the employer. You establish the terms of employment, manage daily operations, provide the vehicle, and pay your driver.
  • The employee (driver): The California Employment Development Department (EDD) classifies a personal driver or chauffeur as a domestic worker driving for your personal use. As the hiring entity, you direct the driver to act in your interest.
  • Wages: All payments made to the driver are considered wages, regardless of whether the worker is casual, temporary, part-time, or paid by the hour, day, or project.

2. Personal use vs. commercial use

  • Personal use: You may hire a driver to operate your vehicle for any personal reason.
  • Commercial use: Involves transporting goods or passengers for a fee (e.g., limousines, vans, buses, taxis, or rideshare services). This service is strictly for personal use.

3. Vehicle insurance and liability

  • Permissive use (CVC § 17150): Under California Vehicle Code § 17150, a vehicle owner is held financially responsible for death, injury, or property damage caused by anyone driving their car with express or implied permission.
  • Primary coverage: For personal use, your personal auto insurance follows the vehicle and acts as primary coverage for registered, leased, or rented vehicles. You should maintain comprehensive, collision, and liability coverage.
  • Collision vs. liability: Individuals cannot purchase collision insurance on a vehicle not registered to them. Separate insurance policies only cover liability, meaning both you (the owner) and the driver carry liability protection.

4. Role of Destination Drivers

  • Our services: Destination Drivers refers vetted drivers and confirms that they are licensed, insured, and maintain a clean driving record with no accidents or DUIs. We strictly verify what the DMV and insurance companies have in place for their rules and guidelines.
  • Liability waiver: Destination Drivers is not liable for any accidents, injuries, or vehicle damage caused by a referred driver.

Still have questions?

We're happy to answer anything before you book. Call or text anytime.

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