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Current 2016 Rates and Schedule
Individual Tours (2-12 Guests):
Half day (3 - 3.5 hours) tours range in cost from $70-110/adult, $55-70/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 2 guests, lunch not included). Additional $30 fuel fee for groups of three or less. Tours are not private unless there is a minimum group size of 8 guests. For smaller groups, Ag Venture Tours reserves the right to add additional guests to the tour.
Full day (6 - 7 hours) tours range in cost from $100-145/adult, $75/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 4 guests, optional picnic or restaurant lunch depending on the season). Full day tours will be cancelled (48 hours in advance) if the 4 guest minimum is not reached. Tours are not private unless there is a minimum group size of 8 guests. For smaller groups, Ag Venture Tours reserves the right to add additional guests to the tour.
Cancellation Policy:
High season (April 1 - November 30). Monday-Thursday, 7 days from date of tour (75% non refundable). Friday-Sunday and holidays, 30 days from date of tour (75% non refundable).
Low season (December 1 - March 31). Monday-Thursday, 3 days from date of the tour (75% non refundable). Friday-Sunday and holidays, 14 days from date of tour, 75% non refundable).
See calendar below or contact Ag Venture Tours for blackout dates.
Group Tours (Over 12 Guests):
We offer a wide variety of guided tours and/or step-on guide service. Any size group can be accommodated, please call Ag Venture Tours for more information, tour options and rates.
Tours Include:
Pickup and return at your local hotel or residence. Individual rates include transportation in a comfortable 14 passenger van, expert guide service and commentary, wine tasting fees, entry fees, winery tour and/or vineyard walk. A cooler of cold drinks is included for tours with four or more guests. Maps and literature for each guest are included with each tour. Ag Venture Tours & Consulting is a full service tour operator with 18 year's experience that can organize any tour that you may be interested in. We are flexible with the tour schedule and will customize the tour to meet your interests. All tours are designed to be fun and educational. Tours are not private unless there is a minimum group size of 8 guests. For smaller groups, Ag Venture Tours reserves the right to add additional guests to the tour.
Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour - Half Day
Choice of 10:00 am - 1:00 pm or 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Pickup at your local hotel or residence in the Monterey Peninsula region. Individual tour ranges in cost from $70-95/adult, $55/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 2 guests/maximum 12 guests, lunch not included). Visit two to three wineries or tasting rooms. Additional $30 fuel fee for groups of three or less.
Wineries can include Bernardus, Big Sur Winery, Boekenoogen, Boete, Caraccioli Cellers, Carmel Ridge, Chesebro, Coastview, Chock Rock, Cowgirl Winery, Dawn's Dream, De Tierra, Figge Cellars, Galante Vineyards, Georis, Heller Estate, Holman Ranch, Joullian Vineyards, Joyce, Manzoni, McIntyre, Morgan, Parsonage, Pierce Ranch, Robert Talbott Vineyards, Scheid, Sylvestri, Windy Oaks and Wrath. Tour also includes an exclusive entry to the Ingrid's Vineyard (Bernardus) to learn about growing wine grapes. Observe Carmel Valley points of interest including Earthbound Farm, golf courses and flower nurseries.
Book it! Morning or Afternoon Tour
VIP (Behind the Scenes) Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour - Half Day
Choice of 10:00 am - 1:30 pm or 2:00 pm - 5:30 pm. Pickup at your local hotel or residence in the Monterey Peninsula region. Individual tour ranges in cost from $110-120/adult, $70/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 2 guests/maximum 12 guests, lunch not included). Visit Folktale Winery for a private educational winery tour (barrel room), vineyard walk and wine tasting. Also visit one additional tasting room. Additional $30 fuel fee for groups of three or less. Please schedule this half day tour directly with Ag Venture Tours.
Tasting rooms can include Bernardus, Big Sur Winery, Boekenoogen, Boete, Caraccioli Cellers, Carmel Ridge, Chesebro, Coastview, Chock Rock, Cowgirl Winery, Dawn's Dream, De Tierra, Figge Cellars, Galante Vineyards, Georis, Heller Estate, Holman Ranch, Joullian Vineyards, Joyce, Manzoni, McIntyre, Morgan, Parsonage, Pierce Ranch, Robert Talbott Vineyards, Scheid, Sylvestri, Windy Oaks and Wrath. Observe Carmel Valley points of interest including Earthbound Farm, golf courses and flower nurseries.
Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour - Full Day
10:00 am - 4:00 pm (weekdays and Saturday) 10:30 am - 4:30 pm (Sunday). Pickup at your local hotel or residence in the Monterey Peninsula region. Individual tour ranges in cost from $100-130/adult, $75/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 4 guests/maximum 12 guests). Visit four wineries or tasting rooms. Optional picnic lunch (included in tour cost) or restaurant lunch (not included in tour cost, seasonal).
Wineries can include Bernardus, Big Sur Winery, Boekenoogen, Boete, Caraccioli Cellers, Carmel Ridge, Chesebro, Coastview, Chock Rock, Cowgirl Winery, Dawn's Dream, De Tierra, Figge Cellars, Galante Vineyards, Georis, Heller Estate, Holman Ranch, Joullian Vineyards, Joyce, Manzoni, McIntyre, Morgan, Parsonage, Pierce Ranch, Robert Talbott Vineyards, Scheid, Sylvestri, Windy Oaks and Wrath. Tour also includes an exclusive entry to the Ingrid's Vineyard (Bernardus) to learn about growing wine grapes. Observe Carmel Valley Points of interest including Earthbound Farm, golf courses and flower nurseries.
Book With Restaurant Lunch (year round)
Book With Picnic Lunch (April 1 to November 30)
VIP (Behind the Scenes) Carmel Valley Wine Tasting Tour - Full Day
10:30 am - 4:30 pm (daily). Pickup at your local hotel or residence in the Monterey Peninsula region. Individual tour ranges in cost from $130-145/adult, $75/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 4 guests/maximum 10 guests). Optional picnic lunch (included in tour cost) or restaurant lunch (not included in tour cost, seasonal). Visit Folktale Winery for a private educational winery tour (barrel room), vineyard walk and wine tasting. Also visit two additional tasting rooms. Please schedule this half day tour directly with Ag Venture Tours.
Tasting rooms can include Bernardus, Big Sur Winery, Boekenoogen, Boete, Caraccioli Cellers, Carmel Ridge, Chesebro, Coastview, Chock Rock, Cowgirl Winery, Dawn's Dream, De Tierra, Figge Cellars, Galante Vineyards, Georis, Heller Estate, Holman Ranch, Joullian Vineyards, Joyce, Manzoni, McIntyre, Morgan, Parsonage, Pierce Ranch, Robert Talbott Vineyards, Scheid, Sylvestri, Windy Oaks and Wrath. Observe Carmel Valley points of interest including Earthbound Farm, golf courses and flower nurseries.
Salinas Valley Wine Tasting Tour - Full Day
10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Pickup at your local hotel or residence in Monterey County. Individual tour ranges in cost from $105-130/adult, $75/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 4 guests/maximum 12 guests). Visit three wineries or tasting rooms. Optional picnic lunch (included in tour cost) or restaurant lunch (not included in tour cost, seasonal).
Wineries can include Hahn Estates/Smith & Hook Winery, Manzoni Vineyard, Odonata, Paraiso Vineyards, Pessagno, Robert Talbott Vineyards, Scheid Vineyards, Ventana Vineyards and Wrath. Tour one winery/vineyard to learn about the wine making process. Observe Salinas Valley agriculture including vegetable harvesting, strawberries and organic farming.
Book With Restaurant Lunch (year round)
Book With Picnic Lunch (April 1 to November 30)
Santa Cruz Mountains Wine Tasting Tour Options
Half day (3.5 hours) and full day (6.5 hours) tours available. Pickup at your local hotel or residence in Santa Cruz County (additional cost for pickup outside Santa Cruz County). Half day tours cost $85-100/adult, $55/child (5-16 years old), (minimum of 2 guests/maximum 10 guests, lunch not included). Visit three wineries (vineyard walk at selected locations) or tasting rooms. Additional $30 fuel fee for groups of three or less.
Full day tours cost $110-130/adult, $75/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 4 guests/maximum 10 guests). Visit three to four wineries (vineyard walk at selected locations) or tasting rooms. Tour includes your choice of a picnic lunch (seasonal, included in tour cost) or restaurant lunch (not included in tour cost). Please schedule your half or full day tour directly with Ag Venture Tours.
Wineries can include Alfaro Vineyards, Bargetto, Beauregard, Bonny Doon, Burrell School, Byington, Cinnabar, Cooper-Garrod, David Bruce, Hallcrest, Hunter Hill, Loma Prieta, MJA Vineyards, Nicholson, Pichetti, Poetic Cellars, Regale, Ridge Vineyards, Santa Cruz Mountain Vineyard, Savannah-Chanelle, Silver Mountain, Soquel Vineyards, Storr's Winery, Testarossa, Villa del Monte, Vino Cruz and Windy Oaks. Observe central coast agriculture including artichokes, Brussels sprouts, vegetable harvesting and beautiful redwood forests.
Salinas Valley Agricultural Education Tour - Half Day
9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Tour departs from Pezzini Farms, 460 Nashua Road, Castroville. Individual tour cost $80-85/adult, $60/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 2 guests/maximum 12 guests, lunch not included). Additional $30 fuel fee for groups of three or less.
Learn all about the Salinas Valley agriculture industry otherwise known as the "Salad Bowl of the World". Observe vegetable field harvesting and packing, irrigation, planting, organic farming, etc. (lettuce, broccoli, artichokes, spinach, asparagus, strawberries, grapes, etc.). Over 40 different crops, experienced knowledgeable guide to answer your questions. Learn where your fresh food comes from! Pezzini Farms artichokes included on this tour.
Salinas Valley Agricultural Education Tour - Full Day
9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Individual tour cost from $110-120/adult, $75/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 4 guests, optional picnic or restaurant lunch). Please schedule this full day tour directly with Ag Venture Tours.
Learn all about the Salinas Valley agriculture industry otherwise known as the "Salad Bowl of the World". Observe vegetable field harvesting and packing, irrigation, planting, organic farming, etc. (lettuce, broccoli, artichokes, spinach, asparagus, strawberries, grapes, etc.). Over 40 different crops, experienced knowledgeable guide to answer your questions. Visit one winery or vineyard. Learn where your fresh food comes from! Pezzini Farms artichokes included on this tour.
Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing Tour - Half Day
9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Pickup at your local hotel or residence in the Monterey Peninsula region. Individual tour cost $75-80/adult, $55/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 2 guests/maximum 12 guests, lunch not included). Additional $30 fuel fee for groups of three or less.
Tour includes sightseeing and local points of interest in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach (17 Mile Drive), and Carmel. Several stops will be made to learn about local history, marine biology and the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
Monterey Peninsula Sightseeing / Wine Tasting Tour - Full Day
9:00 am - 3:00 pm. Pickup at your local hotel or residence in the Monterey Peninsula region. Individual tour cost $100-125/adult, $75/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 4 guests/maximum 12 guests). Visit two wineries. Optional picnic lunch (included in tour cost) or restaurant lunch (not included in tour cost, seasonal).
Tour includes sightseeing in Monterey, Pacific Grove, Pebble Beach (17 Mile Drive), and Carmel in addition to wine tasting in Carmel Valley (Bernardus, Boekenoogen, Cima Collina, Heller Estate, Joullian Vineyards, Morgan, Parsonage or Robert Talbott Vineyards). A fun combination of history, beautiful scenery and wine tasting!
Book With Restaurant Lunch (year round)
Book With Picnic Lunch (April 1 to November 30)
Big Sur Sightseeing Tour - Half Day
9:00 am - 12:00 pm or 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. Individual tour cost $80-85/adult, $55/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 2 guests/maximum 10 guests, lunch not included). Additional $30 fuel fee for groups of three or less.
Tour includes a sightseeing drive along the Big Sur coast with several stops to enjoy the beautiful scenery, redwood trees and marine wildlife. Optional stops at Nepenthe, Pfeifer Beach (additional $30 entry fee), Big Sur Lodge or the River Inn.
Salinas Valley / National Steinbeck Center Tour - Full Day
10:00 am - 4:00 pm. Individual tour cost $105-125/adult, $75/child (5-16 years old) (minimum of 4 guests/maximum 12 guests, optional picnic or restaurant lunch depending on the season). Please schedule this full day tour directly with Ag Venture Tours.
Tour includes visiting two Salinas Valley wineries, the Salinas Valley agricultual education driving tour, and entry to the National Steinbeck Center in Salinas.
Horseback Riding / Wine Tasting Tour - Full Day
9:30 am - 5:00 pm. Individual tour cost $150-175/adult, $120/child (age, height and weight restrictions). After a beautiful one hour horseback ride in either Big Sur, Moss Landing or Pebble Beach, this tour is complete with visits to two wineries in Carmel Valley and a delicious picnic or restaurant lunch (depending on the season). Please schedule this full day tour directly with Ag Venture Tours.
Family Fun Adventure (Kid Friendly) - Half or Full Day
Three to six hours long. Tour includes a drive along the coast looking for sea otters, sea lions, seals and whales. A stop at Dennis the Menace Park (playground), feeding ducks and geese and tidepooling also included! Tours can include attractions like the Monterey Bay Aquarium, National Steinbeck Center, Wild Things Animal Ranch and Zoo, Elkhorn Slough Safari boatride, Gilroy Gardens Family Theme Park and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Children must be accompanied by adults! Please call for rates and to schedule this half or full day tour directly with Ag Venture Tours.
Other Options To Include In Your Tour
Winery dinners, gourmet cooking classes, beer tasting, cheese tasting, chocolate tasting, olive oil and balsamic vinegar tasting, horseback riding, whale watching, shopping, kayaking, mountain biking, etc.
Miscellaneous Customized Tours
Gourmet Food and Wine Tour
Monterey Farmers Market Tour
Gilroy Garlic Tour
Santa Cruz County Agricultural Education Tour
North Monterey County Tour
South Monterey County Tour
Wine Tasting Lectures available
Van transportation for dinners, parties, local events, weddings and shopping also available.
$95 per hour + 20% gratuity, 3 hour minimum.
Gift certificates available!
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Meet Your Guide
Evan Oakes, owner and tour coordinator for Ag Venture Tours & Consulting. Since 1992, Evan has been working as an agricultural scientist for the University of California Cooperative Extension office in Salinas, California conducting research in vegetable and wine grape production. He has agriculture degrees from both University of California, Davis and Fresno State University with a specialty in viticulture (grape growing). Evan spent two years in Australia working for a large vineyard and winery before working in Monterey County. He is President of the Monterey Bay Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food. Evan currently lives in Watsonville, California. |
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Evan Oakes of Ag Venture Tours speaks out about John Steinbeck's "Pastures in Heaven" at Castle Rock in Monterey. (A Vino Las Vegas LLC Production)
Evan Oakes of Ag Venture Tours talks about the wealth of agriculture produced in the Salinas Valley, "The Salad Bowl of the World". (By Thomas Wilmer/Audio Log)
Video of Watsonville and the Pajaro Valley, CA (Santa Cruz County)
COMMENTS:
"I want to thank you for the amazing tour you gave us in sunny Carmel last Friday. Everyone had a great time, stopping at the vineyard, by far a favorite. So interesting!!! You really made our trip all the more fun. Thank you for being flexible on the tail end regarding the dinner reservation. What a fun afternoon! Thank you so much!!!!" Karen Symon (10/2/15)
"Caroline and I want to thank you for your interesting and educational tour of various growing fields in the Salinas Valley. We now have much better knowledge of the vegetables we see growing around us and the process they undergo from planting to table. We appreciate your willingness and ability to respond to our questions and needs, making it a very customized tour. You can be sure we'll recommend Ag Venture Tours to our friends!" Joe Youmans (9/30/15)
"Happy New Year 2013! We came from France to visit the amazing "Salad Bowl of the World" and we were really astonished! Thank you Evan for making us discover this beautiful agricultural landscape. You'll be welcome to see us in Alsace to taste some of our white wine!" Benjamin Lammert and Marie Casenave-Pere, Alsace, France (1/18/13)
"This is my second tour and it was great! I liked it so much the first time I brought my mother with me this time." Patricia, Pacific Grove (11/24/12)
"Best tour in the World - "you are what you eat" - thanks for showing us where all our food comes from - where California began!" U.S. Congressman Sam Farr (10/23/12)
"When you want to know about agriculture or wine in Monterey County, Evan will be the one to answer all of your questions. We had a great time learning, tasting and enjoying our day. Evan was a great guide and we will definitely recommend to others! Thans for a great day!" Mary Beth &Jeff Hogen, Northfield, MA
"Thank you again for that wonderful, educational tour of Salinas Valley and River Road. We've lived in Santa Cruz for 18 years and you and your sightseeing tour really provided us with an expansive view of the agriculture, people, and winery histories that we didn't really know. Thanks so very much for your availability, and we look forward to spreading the word." Dick & Marion Vittitow, Santa Cruz, CA (7/13/12)
"The day out with you will be one of our special memories of a wonderful stay in Monterey! It is indeed a beautiful part of the world and fortunate is he who has such a delightful opportunity to share it with others! We feel lucky to have been able to spend some time with you . . . such cheerful and knowledgeable company! Loved it all . . . right down to the wonderful and tasty picnic lunch at Pebble Beach! No detail was left unattended and we felt pretty special riding along with you as host and guide!
If we are ever in the area again (and I certainly hope we will be . . . ) we look forward to another outing: perhaps to Salinas!
Take care, have a safe, enjoyable and profitable summer season and keep up the good work!"
Janet and Gene Smith, Coronado, CA (6/9/12)
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Ag Venture Tours & Consulting
P.O. Box 2634
Monterey, CA 93942
831-761-8463 Phone
831-761-5461 Fax
TCP 22683 S
evan@agventuretours.com |
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