Touring company thrives with growing wine region

A local wine touring company with several branches along the California coast got its start in Temecula about 15 years ago. The Grapevine touring company has come a long way since opening its doors for business in 2002. When Grapevine first got started there were only 12 wineries in the Temecula, California region and less than five customers on their first day of business. Now, the Temecula Valley is booming with over 40 wineries and more than a dozen in the works that are expected to join the region in the next five to 10 years.

The once fledging tour company that specializes in wineries is now offering tours in five different California wine regions and serves several thousands of guests a year. The company’s success was not without some hiccups, though, as when they first started out there were changes that had to be made within the first year before the novelty wine tour idea caught on and business picked up.

In 2004 the owners of the touring company sold a franchise about four hours north of Temecula, which later became a home branch, and two years later, they started another branch, also along the coast of California.

After 2006 the company’s growth came to a halt due to the economy but in the last few years expansion became possible again and the couple who started Grapevine opened another branch in 2015.

Arguably, what may have played a part in the success of their business, and businesses like theirs is offering a fun way to unmask the mystery around wine and making it more accessible to everyone. Wine was once associated with those with more refined taste and lifestyle. Now there are is a wide variety of wines out there that there wasn’t 15 years ago, and can be purchased in many retailers that doesn’t just specializes in spirits and wine. Wine also now comes in boxes.

This touring company has come a long way in the 15 years they have been in business and will no doubt continue to grow with the thriving wine region.

Meanwhile their sister company recently launched tours for the Temecula Valley, and aiding in the company’s success is their customer loyalty incentive with their frequent rider program. Members of their frequent riders program can earn “cork bucks” every time they ride, and those bucks can be used on future tours throughout the company’s five locations.

Fifteen years of business is nothing to scoff at, and to celebrate this special occasion the wine touring company hosted an all day festival and anniversary party for their participating wineries and clients. This 15 years of business celebration featured eight Temecula wineries. This celebratory excursion included sparkling wine or sangria, a wide variety of red and white wine choices, an entrée, and musical entertainment.

Several wineries within the Temecula region, and no doubt part of the tour, has joined in on the festivities to celebrate the wine touring company’s 15 years of success.