John did his homework, he listened to what we wanted and HE DELIVERED! John knows his stuff and has fantastic connections in both Napa and Sonoma. He's fun and interesting and we were very comfortable spending the day with him. He took good care of us. John has so many great relationships in the valley because he's a sommelier and restauranteur with his wife. We had a delicious lunch and wished we had time to have eaten at his restraunt, Olive & Vine in Glen Ellen. John took us to some incredible places and the both the wine and wine makers were fantastic. We were shocked how enthusiastically they shared their knowledge and passion with us. John was flexible and made sure we got exactly what we were looking for out of our experience. And he made it our experience instead of a cookie cutter program. That made our day PERFECT! we highly recommend John for your next wine country tour. You won't be disappointed! read more

This was easily the best day of wine tasting we have ever had. We don't know Sonoma wines very well and totally left it to John to craft a day for us. After inquiring about what we like to drink and what we are interested in, he set up private tastings at three great small production wineries. The tastings included discussions with the wine makers, taking a look at the vines themselves, and tours of the barrel caves. He picked up lunch from the Olive and Vine, the restaurant he owns with his wife, the chef. The lunch was fantastic -- really incredible and abundant -- and we dined in the cave room at one of the vineyards. We really appreciated John's balance between sharing his deep knowledge of the area as a sommelier while letting us experience the vineyards on our own. The service John provides is so much more than just transportation! We cannot recommend him enough! read more

Burdick Vineyard Tours - Just part of the lunch for two from the Olive and Vine. - Tours Near Me - Sonoma, California

John took our group on a custom tour for three days in April 2011. John personally picked each of the Sonoma and Napa Vineyards and allowed our group to have access to owners and private tastings that would not typically be open to the general public. Our group was comprised of a spectrum of wine drinkers including those with little knowledge of the wine making process. John and the vineyard owners gave us a personal and up-close education while we enjoyed many fine California wines. We had an incredibly fun time with the vineyard owners and with the group. John had everything perfectly planned and was attentive to detours along the the way including spur of the moment additions to our schedule. I can't imagine returning to Sonoma without reengaging John's services - touring on our own after this experience could never be the same! If you're on the fence about hiring John Burdick or going it alone, just make the call and get your reservations - this is a no brainer. Thanks John! read more

For my first trip to Sonoma and Napa, John helped exceed all of my expectations! I wouldn't dream of coming back to the area without using John. I feel like I truly had a one of a kind experience. Thank you John. read more

This couldn't have been better for a first trip to the wine country (and the one of our crew who has been several times to the wine country.) She even commented, "this was awesome, I love getting to go to different wineries than I've been to before." To be honest, I was skeptical of fleeing a wine tour in favor of a personal setting for my BFF's birthday/ girls weekend getaway! John made it easy to do this. He is a terrific communicator and beyond knowledgeable about what will fit for any group. Debbie was our guide and she was PERFECT!!! Honestly, I can't say enough great things about her. Chauffering around four opinionated ladies, drinking wine that haven't seen in each other in months could drive someone a little nuts ~ not Debbie she is upbeat, knowledgeable and FUN!!! Great photographer too. I would do this again and again ~ it's great not to worry about where you're going or about the winery (unless you have specific ones - which we did) and just enjoy the scenery, hospitality and VINO ~ and know that if you want to change direction at anytime or stay a little longer somewhere - you can!! Including lunch is MUST! Olive and Vine had the best lunch ever ~ and Debbie even went out of her way to get two of the most adorable, yummy cupcakes for our bday girls including candles! Treat yourself to this experience ~ it's worth its weight in gold! read more

John Burdick is by far the best tour guide I have worked with in 10 years in the industry. As an industry person I have worked with his company over the years and have enjoyed the customers he brings in. People come in with knowledge and it's a good fit; not like other guide that just take groups to the normal "routine" places becasue they give those guides free tastings. On the consumer side (and really not touring often) John is the perfect guide to take you on an afternoon of blissful engagments with interesting wine educators and outstanding hard to find wines. Where do you want to go? Don't know? Know what you like? All you have to do is name a varietal and your day can be planned, if you'd like to sit back and let an expert create a great day for you to remember. My day was to be all bubbles! what could be better?! Schramsberg for the tour (appoinment only) and then Mumm and Domaine Chandon since I love, love their rose (the one you cannot find in the store). All in all, the day was what I wanted it to be and I would recommend John Birdick tours to everyone. Also, I have been studying to be a master Sommelier, so I throughly enjoyed chatting with him and look forward to more :) read more

I cannot say enough about the fantastic experience I had working with John Burdick for a recent trip to Sonoma! I started planning the trip with John, and from our first interaction, he was attentive and professional. He was extremely interested in the group I was traveling with and what our likes, dislikes and level of knowledge was. As novice wine enthusiasts, I was grateful for all the feedback he provided during the planning. His communication during the planning was great. I always felt like he was on top of everything. After the itinerary was set, he shared it with the group to make sure we were happy with the selections and could get an idea of what we would be experiencing. He was also in contact the days before just to follow up and be sure we were thoroughly excited for the tour! Meeting John for the first time was like seeing an old friend. My group felt instantly comfortable with him. We spent 3 wonderful days with him. The locations he selected and the interaction with the winemakers and staff of the wineries was incredible. We had a catered lunch at one of the wineries during Day 1. His wife catered the lunch for the entire group. If you have an option to do this with him, please do not miss this. The food was amazing! The entire experience far exceeded our expectations. John provided a tour that I cannot even imagine could be better. I don't want to speak about the individual wineries, as is someone else decides to book with John (and they should) I would want them to uncover the tour with the same surprise and joy that my group did! It is also important to mention that John is EXTREMELY knowledgeable about wine and area. John is currently working on opening a new restaurant in Sonoma - and my group is already considering how we can be there when it opens! I would not miss an opportunity to spend time with him again! read more

We have been going on fabulous wine tours with John for many years. You would think we would have gotten bored by now, but each time is better than the last. He is so knowledgeable and so much FUN! He takes us to the most exquisite and beautiful places and then even entertains us! He plays and sings the guitar, on occasion. He also arranges for some great lunches, our last lunch was from the Olive and Vine in Glen Ellen, which we enjoyed in a breathtaking setting. John is the best, your experience will be unforgettable, guaranteed! read more

I have been to the Napa / Sonoma area a few times previously and loved it. However, using John for our group for tastings took it to another level. First class all the way and unbelievable wines and visits. I will use Burdick Tours every visit from now on - no question. read more