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“The Anderson Valley is an incredibly special wine region of California that still believes in magic.”
-Diane Baccaro, Rendezvous Wine Experiences |
We’re Here to Gift You the Heart and Soul of Anderson Valley
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You dream of a place deemed the “hidden gem” of the wine connoisseur world.
You crave a personalized tasting with a seasoned sommelier who sparks curiosity and laughter. You yearn to taste rare and new-to-you varietals that exude elegance and grace. From winemakers planting with intention – whose wine tells a story in the very first sip. But you need someone to do the sifting for you – to pinpoint the exact right varietal that sends your senses spinning. That’s why we’re here. …to give you a deliciously personalized experience. That fills your glass exactly how you want it (with a few surprises along the way). |
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Crafting a wine journey that’s personal, approachable, and full of magic.
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Wine should be fun and accessible, not intimidating.
Hi, I’m Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro. I’m here for all your questions. To truly hear what you’re looking for. To introduce you to rustic tasting rooms among the vines. To hand-pick wines that please your palate and exceed your expectations. I crave to show you the careful craftsmanship of Anderson Valley’s elite and undiscovered producers. To bring you a vineyard’s entire story through your tastebuds. To show you the very magic that Anderson Valley is made of. Because I’ve done the research for you – and I can’t wait to share everything I know. |
Our wineries are
Award-Winning | Traditionally Crafted | Family-Owned
Sustainably Harvested | Pesticide-Free
Sustainably Harvested | Pesticide-Free
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“I’m so excited to introduce new people to what the valley has to offer. Plus, I’ve already done the leg work – so they know they’re getting the best.”
-Diane Baccaro, Rendezvous Wine Experiences |
Anderson Valley Private Wine Tours
for wine-curious beginners to aspiring sommeliers
Expect a Personalized Approach Touring Anderson Valley’s Hidden Gems
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Relax and get curious as Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro drives you through the bustling redwoods to Anderson Valley’s best wineries.
Take in the aroma of aging barrels in the rustic tasting rooms – and explore the terroir of the historic rolling vineyards. Learn how each award-winning winery crafts its best wine through sustainable practices and a hands-on approach (and feel the magic that Anderson Valley brings all for yourself). |
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Our private wine tourists are:
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*Private wine tours take place Thursday – Sunday beginning at 11:30 a.m. (lasting 6 – 7 hours), subject to availability
*Transportation will be sent to your location for pickup and dropoff, depending upon the location range |
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"My husband and I took the Wine Connoisseur tour with Sommelier Diane Baccaro. We drove through a beautiful redwood forest as Diane shared a brief history of winemaking. At Roederer Estate, we enjoyed the L’Ermitage flight with appetizers on the terrace. Diane prepared a delicious lunch, which we had in Gowan’s apple orchard. Our final stop was Twomey Vineyards, where we enjoyed dessert with a 2023 Late Harvest Gewurztraminer. A spectacular day!"
-Lynn D.B. |
Anderson Valley Private Wine Tour Packages
Choose from three private wine tour packages for connoisseurs of every level. Let us customize the experience with your preferences in mind – as you get excited for a journey you won’t forget.
The Wine ConnoisseurAn Elevated Wine Experience Designed for the Sophisticated Palate
Explore the hidden gems of Anderson Valley that set it apart from any other wine region. Indulge in caviar pairings and distinctive tastings with California’s most sought-after boutique producers. Look forward to an intimate catered lunch and an elevated private wine tour experience that takes your love of wine to the highest level. The Wine Connoisseur package includes: Three curated winery experiences with elevated tastings to include:
*Private wine tours take place Thursday – Sunday beginning at 11:30 a.m. (lasting 6 – 7 hours), subject to availability $595 per person |
The Wine LoverIlluminating Your Love of Wine One Rare Vintage at a Time
A magical adventure that tells the story of the beauty Anderson Valley is made of. With three boutique wineries hand-picked just for you, discover the terroir of one special vineyard when we tour the grounds and unlock its secrets. Enjoy an intimate catered lunch and an intriguing day through the valley that reignites your love of wine all over again. The Wine Lover package includes: Three curated winery experiences and one vineyard tour Catered lunch at either:
*Private wine tours take place Thursday – Sunday beginning at 11:30 a.m. (lasting 6 – 7 hours), subject to availability $395 per person |
The Vino CuriousWhere Curiosity Sparks a Newfound Love Story with Wine
A wine experience designed for the beginner – but still suits the seasoned connoisseur. Get ready for a day of exploration as we venture to three hand-picked boutique wineries tailored to your preferences. Enjoy breathtaking views and your own picnic lunch at a local historic apple orchard with a complementary cider tasting. The Vino Curious package includes:
*Private wine tours take place Thursday – Sunday beginning at 11:30 a.m. (lasting 6 – 7 hours), subject to availability $295 per person |
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On-Site Wine Tastings
for Rendezvous Mendocino guests
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Treat Yourself to the Ultimate Custom Wine-Tasting Experience
While you’re staying at Rendezvous Mendocino, join Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro in our Redwood Lounge for the ultimate Anderson Valley wine-tasting experience.
Compliment each local wine with a customizable cheese, charcuterie, or crudités platter – and learn what foods pair best with each one. Identify the distinct qualities of each taste, understand how they were uniquely crafted, and hear the stories behind the magical Mendocino region. |
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Our guests love choosing on-site wine tastings for:
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*On-site wine tastings can be held privately or with a group seven days a week, subject to availability
$75 per person |
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“We had a fantastic [on-site] private wine tasting with an over-the-top charcuterie board to pair with the wines. We cannot wait to host a wine evening with friends to pass on all the details you taught us!”
-Kristina C. |
At-Home Wine Tastings
for Mendocino County locals and vacationers staying nearby
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Wine tasting at home inspires comfort, curiosity, and lots of laughs.
Give you and your friends a best-in-wine experience that no one will forget. Let Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro host you at home as she encourages curiosity and story-tells her way through each sip. Choose a theme to make your tasting even more memorable. Focus on local wine, compare a single varietal from around the world, or tour an entire country’s most sought-after selection. |
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Our at-home wine tastings are ideal for your:
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*At-home wine tastings are ideal for groups of 8 – 12 and are held seven days a week, subject to availability
*Suggestions for food pairing and local catering partners upon request $300 + cost of wine |
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“Learning about wine should be approachable – there are no stupid questions. It should be fun, it should be entertaining, we should laugh, and we should drink good wine.”
-Diane Baccaro, Rendezvous Wine Experiences |
Certifications
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Court of Masters Sommelier
Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro confidently:
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French Wine Scholar
Certified French Wine Scholar Diane Baccaro has extensive knowledge of French:
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Hi, I’m Diane.
Finding good wine is my passion. Sharing it with you is my truest pleasure. |
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I’ve spent a decade in the wine industry and as a Floor Sommelier throughout exclusive Los Angeles restaurants.
And it hasn’t just broadened my knowledge of world-renowned wine... It’s brought me to the firm conclusion of what I want Rendezvous Wine Experiences to stand for. My tours and tastings inspire curiosity and infuse laughter with each taste. I introduce you to the magic and wonder that Anderson Valley’s winemakers have carefully created. I expose you to the character of the unique terroir that crafts the valley’s rarest and finest wines. I take you on unforgettable, winding backroad adventures through the redwoods. I reveal techniques that impact the quality of each wine – so you know what to look for every time you taste. But more than anything, I bring you the very best that Anderson Valley is made of. And I can’t wait to serve you. 
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“Top producers have swarmed to the region in Mendocino to make restrained, nuanced wines. For Pinot Noir, put Anderson Valley among California’s best.”
-Eric Asimov, The New York Times |
Frequently Asked Questions
Private Wine Tours
Who will be our guide during the private wine tour?
Certified Sommelier and French Wine Scholar Diane Baccaro will be your host during your curated private wine tour. With two decades of experience working as a sommelier in high-end Los Angeles restaurants, her knowledge of the global wine scene allows for a well-rounded Anderson Valley private wine tour experience.
Hand-picking each winery based on your unique preferences, Diane’s passion is making learning about wine fun – as she tailors the experience just for you.
Hand-picking each winery based on your unique preferences, Diane’s passion is making learning about wine fun – as she tailors the experience just for you.
What else is included in your Anderson Valley private wine tour?
In addition to having direct access to expert wine knowledge from Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro, you’ll enjoy door-to-door transportation, tasting fees, and booked-for-you reservations. Depending on the package you choose, lunch and other curated experiences may be included.
How far in advance should I book a private wine tour?
We accept bookings with as little as 24 hours' notice, subject to availability. However, keep in mind that booking in advance allows us more time to arrange exclusive experiences for you.
What’s your cancellation policy for the private wine tours?
Cancellations made more than 72 hours in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled tour or tasting are subject to a 50% fee. No-shows or same-day cancellations will be charged the full amount.
What kind of transportation is used during the private wine tours?
Private wine tour guests will be transported in a fully-loaded Subaru Impreza for ultimate comfort, relaxation, and reliability. Ideal for groups of 2-3, we can also accommodate groups of 4 at a discounted price.
Will our host Diane Baccaro be participating with us during our private wine tour?
The option for Diane to participate with you is based on your own preference. We can arrange for winery staff to guide you, or Diane can join the tasting as your personal certified sommelier. She’s as hands-on or hands-off as you'd like.
What makes your private wine tours unique?
Other Anderson Valley private wine tours usually (only) provide transportation to and from the wineries you choose on your own. On our private wine tours, expect a personalized approach based on your unique preferences and requests from our Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro.
Diane hand-picks three boutique wineries and shares her expert knowledge as she guides you through a magical experience. You’ll also enjoy door-to-door transportation, tasting fees, and booked-for-you reservations. Depending on the package you choose, lunch and other curated experiences may be included.
Diane hand-picks three boutique wineries and shares her expert knowledge as she guides you through a magical experience. You’ll also enjoy door-to-door transportation, tasting fees, and booked-for-you reservations. Depending on the package you choose, lunch and other curated experiences may be included.
How do you choose the wineries for each private wine tour?
Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro hand-picks each carefully-chosen winery based on a brief consultation prior to your experience. Whether you prefer sparkling wines, a specific varietal, or want to explore a variety of styles, Diane customizes your tour to your preferences.
Can I customize my own private wine tour experience myself?
If you have a specific winery in mind that you’d like to visit, we will certainly consider adding it to your curated itinerary. However, since you’re paying for a professional private wine tour experience, we recommend voicing your preferences to the host and allowing us to design a package based on our expert knowledge and your specific wishes.
What does “private” mean in regard to your wine tours?
When we arrange a “private” wine tour, no one outside of your immediate group is allowed. By following these guidelines, Diane can focus solely on your experience, and is able to tend to your questions and preferences throughout the day.
How long does a private wine tour last?
Depending on your pickup and dropoff location, you should plan for a 6 – 7 hour day as we journey through your curated experience in the Anderson Valley.
What days and times do you hold private wine tours?
Your private wine tour will begin between 11:30 a.m. and 12 p.m. any day from Thursday – Sunday and will last approximately 6 – 7 hours.
How much does a private wine tour cost?
Our private wine tour packages are as follows:
▶ The Wine Connoisseur: $595 per person
▶ The Wine Lover: $395 per person
▶ The Vino Curious: $295 per person
▶ The Wine Connoisseur: $595 per person
▶ The Wine Lover: $395 per person
▶ The Vino Curious: $295 per person
Can we bring kids or pets on our private wine tour?
Kids and pets are always welcome as long as there’s room in the vehicle. Most tasting rooms we visit are family and pet-friendly.
Is there a minimum or maximum number of guests for a private wine tour?
The ideal number of guests on our private wine tours is 2 – 3 people. We can accommodate 4 people at a discounted rate.
Can I add a meal or snacks to my private wine tour?
Yes, you can add a catered meal or snacks for an additional cost.
Are your private wine tours suitable for beginners?
Yes, our private wine tours are always personalized with your specific wants, needs, and questions in mind. We curate our tours for levels of all kinds, from beginners to wine connoisseurs to aspiring sommeliers. No question is dumb – we love answering all of them!
What should I wear on a private wine tour?
Keep in mind that many of our wineries have rustic settings (especially if we plan on exploring the vineyard itself). Plan for uneven ground and sensible shoes – comfort is important!
How do I book an Anderson Valley private wine tour?
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You can book a private wine tour with us by clicking the button or this link to out contact form, or call us at (707) 412 – 3447.
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Can a private wine tour accommodate dietary restrictions?
Yes, we can always accommodate any dietary needs, just let us know in your brief consultation before your private wine tour experience.
Are Anderson Valley private wine tours available year-round?
Yes, we offer our private wine tours year-round.
On-Site Wine Tastings
On-Site Wine Tastings
Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro guides you through a curated wine tasting experience with four local Anderson Valley wines in our Redwood Lounge. Diane walks you through each one, sharing their unique story as you get curious and learn about each taste’s distinct flavor notes.
A complimentary and customizable cheese, charcuterie, or crudités platter encourages further knowledge on what foods pair best with each of your hand-picked wines chosen just for you.
A complimentary and customizable cheese, charcuterie, or crudités platter encourages further knowledge on what foods pair best with each of your hand-picked wines chosen just for you.
How much does an on-site tasting cost?
Each on-site wine tasting during your stay at Rendezvous Mendocino is $75 per person.
How long does an on-site wine tasting last?
On-site wine tastings last approximately two hours.
What days of the week do you hold on-site wine tastings?
On-site wine tastings are held seven days a week, subject to availability.
Do I need to make a reservation for an on-site wine tasting?
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If you know you’d like an on-site wine tasting before you arrive at Rendezvous Mendocino for your stay, we encourage you to send us a message request via our contact form or call or text us at (707) 412 – 3447.
If you decide once you’re here that you’d like to book a wine tasting, you can also call or text us at (707) 412 – 3447. |
At-Home Wine Tastings
How does an at-home wine-tasting work?
After you book an at-home wine tasting with Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro, there will be a brief consultation to discover the unique needs and preferences of your group.
Whether you’d like to focus on local Anderson Valley wine – or a single varietal from around the world, Diane hand-selects each one as she encourages curiosity and story-tells her way through the wines’ incredible history.
*Diane will arrive 30 minutes before your guests do to help set up and answer any questions you might have.
Whether you’d like to focus on local Anderson Valley wine – or a single varietal from around the world, Diane hand-selects each one as she encourages curiosity and story-tells her way through the wines’ incredible history.
*Diane will arrive 30 minutes before your guests do to help set up and answer any questions you might have.
How much does an at-home wine-tasting cost?
The price of an at-home wine tasting is $300 plus the cost of the wine.
How long does an at-home wine tasting last?
Your at-home wine tasting will last approximately two hours once it begins.
Which wines are included in the at-home wine-tasting experience?
The wines featured at your at-home wine tasting will be hand-picked by Certified Sommelier Diane Baccaro – but they’re also completely up to you.
Whether you’d like to incorporate a theme, focus on local wine from Anderson Valley, a single varietal from around the world, or tour an entire country’s most sought-after selection – we accommodate all requests.
Whether you’d like to incorporate a theme, focus on local wine from Anderson Valley, a single varietal from around the world, or tour an entire country’s most sought-after selection – we accommodate all requests.
How many people can attend an at-home wine tasting?
At-home wine tastings are ideal for groups of 8 – 12, but can certainly be less or more depending on your invite list.
What days can I book an at-home wine tasting?
At-home wine tastings are held seven days a week, subject to availability.
Does my at-home wine-tasting host bring food for my guests?
No, we do not supply the food at your at-home wine tasting. However, suggestions for food pairing and local catering partners are offered upon request.
Do I need to provide anything myself for my at-home wine tasting?
No, you do not, unless you wish to serve food and other beverages during your at-home wine tasting.
*If additional glassware is needed, please alert your host Diane Baccaro.
*If additional glassware is needed, please alert your host Diane Baccaro.
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“We drove through a beautiful redwood forest as Diane shared a brief history of winemaking. At Roederer Estate, we enjoyed the L’Ermitage flight with appetizers on the terrace. A spectacular day!”
-Lynn D.B. |
Payment Terms:
We accept major credit cards. A 25% deposit is required upon booking your private wine tour to cover winery reservation costs. Remaining payment is required the day of your scheduled tour or tasting. Additional fees may apply for extra services or gratuities.
If the size of your private wine tour group decreases, there is no monetary penalty (minus the cost of the winery reservations that are non-refundable).
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 72 hours in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled tour or tasting are subject to a 50% fee. No-shows or same-day cancellations will be charged the full amount.
Booking Requirements:
Please book your tour at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability. Keep in mind that the more advanced notice you give, we’re able to book more exclusive experiences for you.
A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation (to cover the cost of winery reservation fees). Group sizes are typically between 2 to 4 guests. Kids and pets are allowed at no additional cost.
Private Wine Tour Pickup Requirements:
At the time of pickup at your location, please be ready promptly as well as adhere to time limits at each location in order to ensure enjoyment of the full tour.
Alcohol Consumption:
We encourage responsible drinking during our tours and tastings. Upon completion of your on-site and at-home tastings, we recommend arranging for transportation or using a designated driver service for you and/or your guests.
Age Restrictions:
All participants must be 21 years of age or older. Please bring a valid government-issued ID, as we are required to verify age before serving alcohol.
Health & Safety:
Your health and safety are our top priorities. Please inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when booking. We also follow all necessary guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Weather Conditions:
In the event of inclement weather, we will do our best to reschedule your tour. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be provided for weather-related cancellations.
We accept major credit cards. A 25% deposit is required upon booking your private wine tour to cover winery reservation costs. Remaining payment is required the day of your scheduled tour or tasting. Additional fees may apply for extra services or gratuities.
If the size of your private wine tour group decreases, there is no monetary penalty (minus the cost of the winery reservations that are non-refundable).
Cancellation Policy:
Cancellations made more than 72 hours in advance will receive a full refund. Cancellations within 72 hours of the scheduled tour or tasting are subject to a 50% fee. No-shows or same-day cancellations will be charged the full amount.
Booking Requirements:
Please book your tour at least 24 hours in advance to ensure availability. Keep in mind that the more advanced notice you give, we’re able to book more exclusive experiences for you.
A non-refundable and non-transferable deposit of 25% is required at the time of booking to secure your reservation (to cover the cost of winery reservation fees). Group sizes are typically between 2 to 4 guests. Kids and pets are allowed at no additional cost.
Private Wine Tour Pickup Requirements:
At the time of pickup at your location, please be ready promptly as well as adhere to time limits at each location in order to ensure enjoyment of the full tour.
Alcohol Consumption:
We encourage responsible drinking during our tours and tastings. Upon completion of your on-site and at-home tastings, we recommend arranging for transportation or using a designated driver service for you and/or your guests.
Age Restrictions:
All participants must be 21 years of age or older. Please bring a valid government-issued ID, as we are required to verify age before serving alcohol.
Health & Safety:
Your health and safety are our top priorities. Please inform us of any food allergies or dietary restrictions when booking. We also follow all necessary guidelines to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Weather Conditions:
In the event of inclement weather, we will do our best to reschedule your tour. If rescheduling is not possible, a full refund will be provided for weather-related cancellations.
