The Wine Carriage

Specialties

In a carriage pulled by 2 magnificent horses travel through the vineyards of scenic Sonoma County to premium tastings at some of wine country’s finest wineries. In addition to exploring a wine cave and indulging in a barrel tasting, a lavish gourmet lunch is served in a spectacular setting.

In a world away from the crowds and bus tours of nearby wine regions, ride in the comfort of our cushioned carriage with its fringed shade-​top, and enjoy the coachman’s entertaining perspective of local history as well as information regarding grapes and wine-​making. You can even reach out and pick grapes off the vines without spilling a drop from your wine glass! Savor the relaxed pace, stunning scenery, a sumptuous lunch and world-​class wines, while leaving the traffic far behind.

Our gentle steeds are the stars of the tour and spending time with them is a delight.

This is more than a wine tour. It’s a romantic, thrilling adventure with a backstage look into the world of California wine!

History

Established in 2003.

The Wine Carriage was inspired by owner Bret LeRolland’s love of horses which dates back to his experience farming with donkeys at the UC Santa Cruz Farm in 1982. He moved up to horses and has been working with them ever since.

Combine horses with his love of wine, food and the land — and «Flying Horse Wine Tours» was born in 2003 — later renamed «The Wine Carriage».

The Wine Carriage has been taking people on the road definitely less traveled and even off –road, through creeks and between the vines from winery to winery for the ultimate in Wine Country adventure for the last eight years.

Meet the Business Owner

Bret L.

Business Owner

Bret LeRolland is no ordinary tour operator. He’s a different kind of guy with a different kind of business. The Wine Carriage is the quintessential off-​the-​beaten-​track winery and tasting tour. Riding with Bret and his beautiful, matched draft horses, is not only a thrill, it’s a real backstage look into the world of California wine. He knows the history of the region and its characters, the lifecycle of the vines, climate, geology, and wine. In addition to a certificate in Biological Horticulture from UC Santa Cruz, Bret has experience in farming and logging salvaged redwoods with draft horses, and has crossed several states on horseback. Bret has worked on ships in Alaska as well as having attended the California School of Circus Arts to learn Chinese acrobatics and fire spinning. He entertains his guests with local history, little known facts and inside stories as they cross creeks and travel over hill and dale while enjoying great wine, a lavish lunch and spectacular vistas.