Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why choose Breakaway Tours & Event Planning?   [top]
Reputation speaks louder then words and ours is unsurpassed; with the wineries, with the sales management of the properties we serve and most importantly with our clients. Visit our Client List page for their impression. With dedication to perfection and personal service we have provided many corporations, associations, businesses and individual groups with an increased awareness and appreciation of our local wine regions and community. Experience fully the quality, beauty, charm and hospitality of the Central Coast!

2. Which wine regions do you serve?   [top]
San Luis Obispo County: Including: Paso Robles & Templeton, Edna Valley & Arroyo Grande Valley

Santa Barbara County: Including: Santa Ynez Valley, Santa Rita Hills, Santa Maria Valley boasting the Foxen Canyon Wine Trail.

3. What is the typical Wine Tasting Tour like?   [top]
Well to begin with, nothing is typical about our tours, we are passionate about wine and it shows; most importantly to our clients. Breakaway Tours & Event Planning specializes in Educational, yet seriously fun, Wine Tasting Tours. All tours are custom private charters, so you call the shots. We recommend tasting at three to four wineries, and if you like we can provide a gourmet picnic lunch; from boxed to cold buffet to hot, plated & paired with wine. Our guides are knowledgeable about wine and the industry here on the Central Coast. Most discussions include the difference between the regions, the wine making process, the five S's of tasting, how to read a label, pairing, storing, serving, you name it. We'll even throw in some trivia. Again, all served up in a fun, easy to understand format. We look to dispel some of the myths and intimidation that can follow wine tasting. No wine snobs or geeks here! For the enthusiast we can get as technical as you like, we can get you right into the dirt, aka vineyard.

4. Do we have to include the education?   [top]
No. That being said, we generally find people interested in a wine tour are interested in wine. Wine is our passion and we love to share that with our guests. Our education is seriously fun; after all it isn't rocket science. Most is done on a beginner to intermediate level and presented in a fun, relaxing, user friendly format. We let the group set the stage and the pace; after all it is your tour.

5. What is the Hearst Castle Tour like?   [top]
Again, being a private charter, we will pick your group up at the location you request. All tours are fully escorted and narrated by our friendly, knowledgeable guides. Castle ticket(s) are included; we can even include lunch, be it boxed en route, a local restaurant or fine dining in a wine cave on our Combo Tours.

6. What is your combination tour?   [top]
For those who just can't decide we offer a castle tour in the morning followed by a mini wine tasting tour in the afternoon, typically with a winery picnic lunch.

7. What if we just need transportation?   [top]
Breakaway Tours & Event Planning is equipped to provide all Ground Transportation needs. Not to worry just let us know the details and we'll quote you a price.

8. Do you do tours for only two people?   [top]
Absolutely!

9. Can I join in with an existing group?   [top]
All tours are custom private charters. We do not have pre-packaged tours that individuals can purchase "tickets" for. We would rather chat with you and then build your tour around your interests then ours.

10. How much are the tours?   [top]
That depends on your choices. Please visit our Reservation page and we'd be happy to work up a quote for you.

11. How long do the tours last?   [top]
Average wine tours can last three to seven hours. Duration is determined by from where we depart and which region we are visiting, how many wineries we visit and if you're having lunch. Hearst castle tours can range from five to eight hours.

12. Where do your tours depart from?   [top]
You tell us. We like to pick you up at your front door or hotel lobby. This way, no one has to get behind a wheel after we drop you off.

13. How early in advance should we book?   [top]
We book on a first come first serve basis. Weekends are by far the busiest. Best bet is; if you have a date and want to go, book the tour.

14. What kind of vehicle will we be in?   [top]
We fit the vehicle(s) to the size, needs and budget of the individual client. Because our focus is on education our guided tours are not offered in limousines. With the smaller vehicles, the driver is also the guide and limos separate them from the passengers. We run with ten passenger vans all the way to full size, luxury tour coaches, with all shapes and sizes in between.

15. Can we pay cash that day?   [top]
All tours are due in full two weeks prior to departure date. Driver/Guide gratuity is payable in cash that day.

16. Do I have to be in your area to do a wine tour?   [top]
Nonsense, we have led many a group departing from the southland heading north to Santa Barbara County and from the San Joaquin Valley west into the Paso Robles region. Once in the region you will be joined by one of our local guides who will escort you through your day, these tours generally last ten to eleven hours. This service is typically cost effective for groups of ten or more. Visit our Mobile Meetings page for more information.

17. Are tasting fees included?   [top]
They are not. Within the three regions, fees range widely from no charge to $10.00 per person and we know who charges what. Often the logo wine glass is yours to keep as a souvenir. Once your itinerary is planned we can incorporate these fees into the total contract and your driver/guide will write one check for the group at each winery. This saves time and allows you to concentrate on more important things, like what is Viognier? With smaller groups you can opt to pay as you go.

18. Which wineries do you visit?   [top]
With over one hundred and seventy wineries total, not only would it be unfair to you but it would be boring for us, to always taste at the same wineries.

19. How many wineries do you visit?   [top]
We recommend three to four. Our thinking is "Two does not a tour make and five is just too many". After the third or fourth, palette fatigue sets in and the wine all starts to taste the same. Then again, you call the shots, if you want more or less just let us know.

20. Can we pick the wineries?   [top]
By all means, if you know where you want or don't want to go, let us know. We'll work them into the itinerary with the best logistical order. We are subject to availability with the individual wineries. Appointments will be made on your behalf with private tastings if applicable and available.

21. What if we don't know where to go?   [top]
That's where our forty years on the Central Coast pays off and happens to be our specialty. We've been serving these regions for ten years now and know them well, you will benefit directly from our knowledge and expertise.

22. What are the best wineries?   [top]
Now that's all a matter of opinion or should we say palette. What one prefers perhaps the other doesn't. It's what makes the world go round, not to mention keep the prices in check. We will help you discern your palette, perhaps even expand it. So many wineries… so little time!