Frequently Asked Questions
Monticello Wine Tour and Coach Co. wants you to have an incredible experience with us. Below are answers to our most frequently asked questions, which may help in your wine tour day planning! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions that are not answered here.
Q: We're booked! What are your general rules and policies for tour day?
There are a few important points we want to share with you as you start thinking about your day. We provide bottled water for each guest, however bringing extra water is recommended. Due to state law we are unable to serve alcoholic beverages in our vehicles, however, you are welcome to bring your own. If you choose to provide your own bottled beverages, we kindly ask that you choose non-glass cups for safety while on board our vehicles, but please remember to bring an opener. We are happy to suggest some options for lunch during the day. Some of the tasting rooms provide cafe options and, depending upon the area, there are a few quaint country markets whose provisions can be pre-ordered and picked up along the way. We also have plenty of storage in our vehicles, if you would like to bring your own picnic lunch. While we ask that you please kindly refrain from eating while in our vehicles, scheduling time for snacking, dining or picnicking at the venues will definitely be included in your day.
Once we have your day planned, we can instruct you on the next steps. Again, because of state laws, we are unable to pay tasting fees on your behalf. So. prepaying is often required by some of the tasting rooms in order to hold your tasting time.
Q: Can we choose the vineyards we want to visit?
Yes, if chose a custom/private tour, you may customize your tour and choose any winery that is open to the public. Keep in mind, some wineries require appointments several weeks in advance, and we can not guarantee their availability. Most wineries allow “drop-in” tastings without an appointment as long as your group size is six or less. If you have a larger group, or plan on visiting more exclusive wineries, then we must make arrangements with the wineries well in advance.
Q: Whats the difference between a Public and Private Tour?
A: Our private tours are only your group! You simply book the vehicle for the time that you request and we help you arrange an itinerary that best serves your groups interest.
Our public tours, we pick you up in a specific location and take you out to destinations at prearranged times. These tours are open to the public and booked based on seat openings on one of our luxury buses.
Q: Are tasting fees included?
Q: I purchased a private tour, how do I select my route?
Q: How do we tip?
Public tour guests have the choice of adding a fixed amount as a driver gratuity.
Everyone you meet, your guide, your tasting room attendee, etc are in the service industry. Tip as you would at a restaurant.
Q: Why MWTCC vs those other guys?
Q: What is your cancellation policy?
Itineraries for tours should be scheduled at least two weeks in advance prior to tour. Changes made within two weeks are subject to availability at the tour locations and may be subject to a $50.00 change fee. Itineraries established inside two weeks, are subject to these same terms immediately upon booking.
No Shows without prior notice of cancellation will be billed at 100% of quoted trip cost and will be processed on the credit card on file. Passengers or groups that do not appear or make contact with Guide/Driver for pick-up within 30 minutes after departure time are classified as No Shows. Driver/Guide will make concerted effort to get in touch via personal phone or concierges if available, until the 30-minute window has passed.
Q: What are the terms and conditions?
No Smoking – All of our vehicles are Non-Smoking vehicles. Please retain from smoking in or in close proximity to the vehicles. Driver/Guide at his or her sole discretion may terminate the trip with no refunds if smoking is occurring inside the vehicle. A minimum $300 cleanup fee will apply if smoking occurs in one of our vehicles. Any additional costs for removing the smell that exceed this amount will also be charged to the client. We are happy to stop for smoke breaks as deemed necessary by the client.
No Illegal Drugs – No illegal drugs are to be carried or used in the vehicle at anytime. Do not place fellow passengers or us in a compromising or illicit position. The Driver/Guide at his or her sole discretion may terminate the trip with no refunds if illegal activity is occurring inside the vehicle. Police may also be notified.
Please Drink Responsibly – We hope that you and your group have a good time while out with us but also ask that you be mindful of your own personal limits with regards to the consumption of alcohol. Be safe, drink in moderation, and stay hydrated. All wineries, breweries, and cideries reserve the right to refuse service on the grounds of physical intoxication. The Driver/Guide at his or her sole discretion may terminate the trip with no refunds if excessive drinking is occurring on the tour.
No Underage Drinking: No underage drinking or underage possession of alcohol in the vehicle at anytime. Consider the interior of the vehicle a public space with in use. Driver/Guide at his sole discretion may terminate the trip with no refunds if underage drinking is occurring inside the vehicle.
No Weapons or Fighting – No weapons or objects that could be construed or used as weapons are permitted on board any vehicles. Client agrees that if anyone in the party is found with illegal weapons, fighting, or any other conduct, considered inappropriate by the Driver/Guide, he or she is under strict order to terminate the trip immediately without refund. If deemed necessary the Police may also be notified.
No Dogs or Animals – We ask that guests refrain from bringing their pets and animals onboard the vehicles, unless the animal is classified as a working assistance animal.
Lost Items – Client assumes sole responsibility for any and all lost, stolen or missing personal items during the duration of the trip. Please be sure to gather all your belongings when you exit the vehicle at the end of the rental. Give us a call in the event you do leave something behind 434-260-7143. Lost items can be returned at cost of shipping + $35.00 service charge.
Emergency Vehicle Substitution – In the unlikely event that a last minute mechanical breakdown or accident puts a vehicle temporarily out of service Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co reserves the right to substitute an alternate vehicle (or vehicles) from our fleet or from our affiliates’ fleet. Alternate vehicle (or vehicles) may possibly be different in size or description than originally booked vehicle depending on availability. No refunds or discounts will be given if an alternate vehicle is provided at the agreed upon pickup time.
Liability Policy for delay – Monticello Wine Tour & Coach Co shall not be held liable for delays caused by an Act of God, authority of law, quarantine, perils of navigation, riots, strikes, hazards of danger due to a state of war (declared or undeclared), accidents, breakdown, hazardous weather conditions, and other conditions beyond the control of the company. In the event of these acts we cannot guarantee to uphold the scheduled route or duration of the trip. The company is not to be held liable in any way for a failure to maintain the schedule.
COVID-19 – Per the directive from our Governor and state health department guidelines during Virginia’s phased reopening, we are being required to have all passengers wear face coverings while on board our vehicles at all times. We have been asked to follow the same guidelines as airlines. This is both for your safety and the safety of your driver, who will adhere to the same requirement. Our drivers will keep windows cracked at minimum to provide fresh air flow. All venues are requiring guests to have face masks, but only until you get to your table or space. We will provide hand sanitizer on board the vans for you and your guests to use throughout the day.
