Adventure brief
Heather Duarte
Join Heather Duarte and We Drive for a personalized, stress-free wine tour through Napa Valley’s premier vineyards. Discover top wineries, local favorites, and insider tips that bring Northern California’s wine country vividly to life.
For travelers seeking an authentic wine country experience, Napa Valley offers world-class vineyards framed by rolling hills and sun-drenched valleys. At the heart of those journeys is We Drive, a trusted local company providing personalized wine tours led by Heather Duarte, a passionate guide with eight years’ experience behind the wheel. Operating out of Austin, Texas, though specializing in Napa Valley drives, Heather’s service blends local knowledge with flexible itineraries to craft seamless, relaxed outings tailored to your tastes.
Napa Valley’s distinctive terroir and celebrated wineries invite visitors to savor handcrafted wines ranging from crisp Chardonnays to rich Cabernets. Heather’s insider access and favorite stops—such as Reverie, Elyse, and Elhers—offer a carefully curated mix of renowned estates and hidden gems. Whether you prefer to sample boutique vintages or explore expansive estates, each stop reveals distinct varietals shaped by the region’s volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate.
What makes We Drive unique is Heather’s commitment to hassle-free transportation paired with personalized service. She picks you up from your hotel or Airbnb, ensuring a comfortable, stress-free day behind the scenes of Napa’s bustling tasting rooms. Flexible start times between 10 and 11 a.m. give you freedom in planning, while her knowledge extends to local dining hotspots like Pasta Prego, rounding out your day with authentic regional flavors.
Additional travel fees cover nearby towns such as Sonoma and Calistoga, letting you expand your wine route with ease. Heather’s fully insured driving and payment approach—cash or Venmo directly—focus on simplicity and trust. This blend of personalized care, local expertise, and region-specific recommendations positions We Drive and Heather Duarte as key players for anyone looking to navigate Napa Valley’s vineyards without the typical logistics headaches, making it an outstanding choice for wine lovers eager to immerse themselves in the pulse of Northern California’s premier wine region.
Adventure tips
Plan your experience.
Curated tips for an optimal adventure.
- 01Book a Minimum of 6 Hoursessential
Heather’s tours require a 6-hour minimum to fully enjoy multiple wineries without rush.
- 02Flexible Start Timesinfo
Starting your tour between 10-11 a.m. aligns best with winery open hours and crowds.
- 03Specify Your Winery Preferencesinfo
Bring a list of wineries or ask Heather for recommendations to customize your route.
- 04Cash or Venmo Payments Onlywarning
Heather accepts payments via cash or Venmo directly—credit cards are not accepted.
Recommended gear
What to bring.
Comfortable Shoes
Supportive footwear is recommended for walking around vineyards and tasting rooms.
EssentialSun Protection
A hat and sunscreen help protect against strong California sun during outdoor visits.
summer|spring|fallEssentialReusable Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key, especially while wine tasting under the sun.
EssentialLight Jacket
Evening temps can drop, so layering keeps you comfortable throughout your trip.
spring|fall|winterLocal insights
Context for the journey.
Nearby secrets
Mid-size family-run vineyards with rare varietals, Secluded picnic spots overlooking Napa’s valley floor
Local fauna
California quail, Red-tailed hawks
Historic heritage
Napa Valley’s rise as a premier wine region accelerated after the 1976 Judgment of Paris, which brought global acclaim to California wines.
Mindful exploration
Many local wineries actively engage in sustainable viticulture to preserve soil health and minimize water usage.
Photography tips
Capture the moments
- Viewpoints
- Vineyard overlook spots near Elyse, Winery architectural details at Reverie, Rolling hills framing the valley
- Subjects
- Vineyard rows, Wine tasting moments, Sunlight filtering through leaves
- Best times
- Golden hour, Mid-morning, Late afternoon
Frequently asked questions
Before you go.
Can I customize the wineries we visit?
Yes, you can select your preferred wineries or let Heather suggest options based on your tastes.
Are outside guests or groups allowed on the tours?
Tours are private and designed for your party only, ensuring personalized service.
What types of payment are accepted?
Heather accepts cash or Venmo payments directly; credit cards are not accepted.
Is there a travel fee for locations outside Napa Valley?
Yes, travel fees vary depending on distance, including $45 for Sonoma and Calistoga.
Are meals included during the tour?
Meals are not included, but Heather can recommend dining spots like Pasta Prego along the route.
Is the driver insured to operate rental vehicles?
Heather is fully insured for personal or rental vehicles as primary insurance coverage.