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My Chauffeur Wine Tours

Portland's Premier Wine Tours established in Portland Oregon in 1998

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tel: 503 969 4370

toll-free: 877 692 4283

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FAQ'S

What is a general description of your tours?

What are your vehicles like?

How do I book one of your tours?

What exactly does the per person price cover? Are tasting fees included or separate?

Are the vineyards open year-round?

What are your rates?

We're not sure, can you choose the best wineries for us.  Do you plan the tour or do we?

How far in advance do I need to make the reservation?

What if I have more than one pick-up location?

What is your cancellation/change in reservation policy?

Should we tip our driver?

Do you offer private service for groups of 1, 2 or 3 people?

Do you have a No-Show policy?

Does the tour have snacks/food included?

We went on a tour of yours before, can we do something different on our next wine tour?

Do you choose the wineries, or can we pick them, and how many wineries do you typically go to?

Do you provide service on holidays? If so, are there any additional charges?

What method of payment do you accept?

Do you offer billable accounts?

Can you accommodate large groups of 15-passengers or more?

Why do you have a pick-up location charge outside of the Portland City limits?

What areas do you serve?

Can I buy wine during the tour?  Will the estate ship it home for me?

What are your office hours?

Do I have to give you my personal information each time I book a reservation?

Do you offer credit card accounts?

Is your service different than other companies?

Do you offer other tours besides wine tours?

What types of discounts do you offer?

Can we bring children on the tour?

We are going to enjoy a family outing with children, do you have any options for this?

Do you offer mixed-group, or only private tours?

Do you charge our card right away after the reservation is made?

 

 

What is a general description of your tours?

My Chauffeur is a small boutique wine tour company offering the highest level of luxury service and quality in wine and culinary travel. As wine educators, we try to make our programs educational while keeping the atmosphere light and fun. Our primary goal is to make the world of Oregon wine and cuisine accessible, understandable and enjoyable for our guests, while providing a private, relaxing, luxurious, and authentic experience of traveling in Oregon.  And we mean REAL luxury.  Only the finest cuisine and the best estates we will visit if you wish.  And a roomy, deluxe, air conditioned limousine stocked with refreshments (not a 9 passenger minibus for 8 guests and a driver - that's not our idea of luxury or comfort). At all the estates we visit, you'll receive a warm welcome and a personalized tasting.  In some cases, you will tour the technical facilities (vat room and aging cellars) in addition to your tasting.  Many times, we go out into the vineyard and the estate representative will discuss vineyard management and harvesting.  Whenever possible, the tour is led by the cellarmaster, enologist, or owner of the estate.  Our guests often marvel at how unique each estate visit is.  At one estate, you might see an ancient wine brotherhood display; at another, there will be beautiful gardens; at a third, a special art exhibit. The tasting can be extensive and can include barrel samples* of the latest vintage and/or bottles of recent or older vintages. We sometimes taste in the aging cellar, sometimes in the winery itself, and other times outdoors.  The estate representative will lead you through the tasting, helping you identify aromas, tastes and overall quality. We will pick you up and drop you off at your residence or hotel.  We'll include 3-6 wineries depending on the length of tour you choose, a lovely lunch if desired, and a visit to a local sight of interest if you wish - your day will be customized to include exactly what you want. 

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What are your vehicles like?

All of our vehicles (except the standard full size tour bus) are top-of-the-line luxury limousines designed for your groups comfort, plain as that.  The best way to get an idea of our vehicles is to visit our vehicles page.

 

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How do I book one of your tours?

It's easy!  Take a look at the reservation form and submit it on-line, or phone us at 503-969-4370 or toll-free 877-692-4283 to ask for the itineraries and for us to fill out the reservation form.  We'll then send it to you by fax or email to sign or electronically sign and send back to us.  Very quick & easy.  No deposit is necessary unless it's a holiday weekend.  We'll send you confirmation of your reservation within 48 hours of receiving your form, along with information about the tour.  We take care of all planning.  Your balance payment is due on your tour date.  If your tour request date is within the next 48 hours, call us at the # above.

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What exactly does the per person price cover? Are tasting fees included or separate?

The cost covers the tour, the vehicle, chauffeur/tour guide, chauffeur/tour guide gratuity, and all other tour/planning related services.  It does not cover lunches, winery tasting fees or winery facility tours if requested, which are at additional charges.

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Why do you have a pick-up location charge outside of the Portland City limits?

Even though your pick-up location may be closer to the wine country, because of the extra expenses for our Company associated with the travel time to the pick-up location, we must institute this charge, usually 10-20% of the tour cost. But because you do not have a significant amount of time traveling to your destination, you can usually choose a shorter length tour, which mostly negates this extra charge.

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Are the vineyards open year-round?

Almost all of them are, but many are only open during special holidays or by appointment.

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Is your service different than other companies?

Yes, our service is an escorted service, with someone in the position of Chauffeur, pilot, answerer of questions and general guide/ translator of the oddities of Oregon life and all-round wine country seer. On this escorted tour,  you will reach unknown corners and secret locations

which only someone with local knowledge and extensive wine country experience could find.  Besides that, we offer private, limousine travel and complete concierge service for any size group.

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We're not sure, can you choose the best wineries for us.  Do you plan the tour or do we?

 

You may plan your tour, or you may leave that up to us.  Most of the wine tours our staff does are ones which we completely design, from start to finish, the entire tour plan.  Our tours are individually tailored for your group.  We are very highly qualified to choose the best wineries for you, as well as making any additional arrangements with the wineries, for example, individual winery facility tours, special tasting, event recommendations and lunches.  We make sure nothing is forgotten and no event missed in the planning to ensure your tour is completely successful.

 

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Do you offer other tours besides wine tours?

 

Wine tours remain our specialty, but we do offer several other very interesting tours.  Examples include the Portland City Tour, Mt. Hood Tour, and the Columbia River Gorge Tour.  For a complete list, go to www.tourportland.com.

 

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How far in advance do I need to make the reservation?

There is not set requirement.  But, for Saturday tours, we would recommend as much advance notice as possible.

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Can I buy wine during the tour?  Will the estate ship it home for me?


You are welcome to purchase wine during the tour.  All estates sell at the estate.  Also keep in mind, many of the estates we visit only sell at their winery, available nowhere else.  Whether the estate can ship it to your home state depends on the state which you live.  You may check with the specific winery, or check the shipping laws.  For clients from other countries, it is sometimes possible for the estate to ship your wine to your home with an additional shipping charge.  In any case, you always have the option of bringing wine home with you in the airplane.  You may have to pay some amount of duty on your wine when you go through customs, if applicable.

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What if I have more than one pick-up location?

We can easily arrange multiple pick-up locations. But we recommend only 1 pick-up location, which would allow you more time in the wine country.

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Do I have to give you my personal information each time I book a reservation?

We have a computerized network reservation system that is ONLY accessed by authorized My Chauffeur representatives. We automatically set-up a personal profile whether you live in Oregon or are a frequent Out-of-Town traveler.  Personal Profiles include your address, special instructions, important contact phone numbers etc. We do not keep your credit card information on-file. To keep your credit card on file with us, you would need to go to Personal and Corporate Credit Card Accounts, to set up an account.  Setting up a personal profile or Credit Card Account saves you time when you book your next reservation.  We, of course, never share any information with any other party.

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What is your cancellation/change in reservation policy?

My Chauffeur automatically grants a 24-hour grace period from the time the reservation is confirmed, with a full refund.  We have a two-hour minimum change policy.  If a reservation time change occurs less than two hours before the scheduled pick-up time, the passenger will be charged from the original pick-up time.  TOTAL # OF PEOPLE CHANGES MAY REQUIRE A RE-CONFIRMATION OF YOUR TOUR DATE. We try to be as lenient as possible regarding this policy; in fact, we have never had to institute a cancellation policy.

Cancellation Policy:

A $200.00 DEPOSIT MAY BE REQUIRED. MY CHAUFFEUR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL ANY TOUR (WITH FULL REFUND).   MY CHAUFFEUR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY TOUR SCHEDULE AND PRICE AND TO SUBSTITUTE OR CANCEL STOPS OR OTHER FEATURES ON ANY TOUR WITHOUT NOTICE WITH NO REFUND.   ALL TOURS CAN BE CANCELLED BY CUSTOMER WITHIN 24 HOURS WITH NO PENALTY.  IF CUSTOMER CANCELLATION OCCURS LESS THAN 14 DAYS PRIOR TO SAID “CHARTER”, UP TO A $200.00 CHARGE MAY BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD.  IF RESERVATION IS CANCELLED LESS THAN 7 DAYS PRIOR TO SAID “CHARTER”, UP TO 100% OF THE TRIP CHARGE, PLUS LUNCH COSTS IF APPLICABLE, MAY BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD.  IF CANCELLATION OCCURS WITHIN 2 HOURS PRIOR TO CHARTER, UP TO 100% OF THE NET TOTAL MAY BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD.  ANY CANCELLATION OF THE SAID RESERVATION MUST BE CONFIRMED IN WRITING AND RECEIVED BY MY CHAUFFEUR NO LATER THAN THE TIME LINE DESCRIBED ABOVE; OR THE CUSTOMERS CREDIT CARD MAY BE CHARGED. TOTAL # OF PEOPLE CHANGES MAY REQUIRE A RE-CONFIRMATION OF YOUR TOUR DATE.  {Full or partial refunds during the “cancellation period” may apply at Company’s discretion.Ü}

 

Holiday Cancellation Policy (Memorial and Thanksgiving Day Weekends only):

A $200.00 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED. MY CHAUFFEUR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CANCEL ANY TOUR (WITH FULL REFUND).   MY CHAUFFEUR RESERVES THE RIGHT TO CHANGE ANY TOUR SCHEDULE AND PRICE AND TO SUBSTITUTE OR CANCEL STOPS OR OTHER FEATURES ON ANY TOUR WITHOUT NOTICE WITH NO REFUND.   ALL TOURS CAN BE CANCELLED BY CUSTOMER WITHIN 24 HOURS WITH NO PENALTY.  IF CUSTOMER CANCELLATION OCCURS LESS THAN 21 DAYS PRIOR TO SAID “CHARTER”, UP TO 100% OF THE TRIP CHARGE, PLUS LUNCH COSTS IF APPLICABLE, MAY BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD.  IF CANCELLATION OCCURS WITHIN 2 HOURS PRIOR TO CHARTER, UP TO 100% OF THE NET TOTAL, PLUS LUNCH COSTS IF APPLICABLE, MAY BE CHARGED TO YOUR CREDIT CARD.  ANY CANCELLATION OF THE SAID RESERVATION MUST BE CONFIRMED IN WRITING AND RECEIVED BY MY CHAUFFEUR NO LATER THAN THE TIME LINE DESCRIBED ABOVE; OR THE CUSTOMERS CREDIT CARD WILL BE CHARGED.  TOTAL # OF PEOPLE CHANGES MAY REQUIRE A RE-CONFIRMATION OF YOUR TOUR DATE.  {Full or partial refunds during the “cancellation period” may apply at Company’s discretion.  Ü}

Ü "Full or partial refunds during the "cancellation period" may apply at Company's discretion" means that My Chauffeur will not charge you any cancellation fees, unless, beyond a reasonable doubt, we believe the vehicle and tour date would have been otherwise booked by another party had there been no reservation made by you.  If we rejected other tour requests, and feel the tour date would have been booked by a different party, then we are authorized to charge your credit card according to the terms stated in the cancellation agreement.   If we believe the tour date and vehicle would not have been booked, then My Chauffeur will not implement any charges to your credit card, and will not implement the cancellation policy, as stated in the agreement.  Furthermore, if My Chauffeur is able to re-book the vehicle and tour date after we receive your cancellation notice, then likewise, My Chauffeur will not implement any charges to your credit card, and will not implement the cancellation policy, as stated in the agreement.  In other words, you will not be charged a cancellation fee, unless we reject another reservation and are not able to re-book the tour date and vehicle. The final decision in this matter though, rests solely with My Chauffeur.  This policy does not apply to the 2-hours prior to charter cancellation.

 

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Should we tip our driver?

 

For every wine tour, we automatically add a 20% basic gratuity.  This takes care of the gratuity for the chauffeur/tour guide, with nothing additional required or expected.  However, if you feel the chauffeur/tour guide has done an exceptionally great job during your tour, they would, of course, appreciate any additional gratuity you would wish to extend to them.

 

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Do you offer private service for groups of 1, 2 or 3 people?

Yes.  Even though we have a 4 person minimum charge, our service for 1,2 or 3 is still the most affordable around.  Your tour will always be private for 1, 2, 25, or 50 people.

 

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Do you have a No-Show policy?

A "no-show" fee will be charged the full trip cost, plus 20% service fee plus applicable wait time fee when the passenger fails to arrive at the designated location. 

If the passenger cannot locate the vehicle, they must call 1-877-692-4283 to avoid a "no show" fee.

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Does the tour have snacks/food included?  If so, what kind and is there an extra charge?  If not, can food be brought or bought?

You may include a catered picnic lunch on your tour, ordered from one of our menus.  It is at additional cost, usually $8-$12 per person.  This would be enjoyed at one of the wineries picnic grounds.  You may bring along snacks if you desire, we do not supply them.  Other options are bring-your-own-lunch or a restaurant. 

 

 

We went on one of your tours before, can we do something different on our next wine tour?

 

The North Willamette Valley has over 85 wineries, and the addition of the new Columbia River Gorge region, there are infinite choices and possibilities.  Ever-changing special events are also something to consider.  But don't let this overwhelm you, for we are here to make it simple and ensure your next trip is not only entirely different, but better than the last.  As you become more familiar with the wine country, your knowledge and appreciation for this country goes up, adding, each time, to the wine tour experience.

 

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Do you choose the wineries, or can we pick them, and how many wineries do you typically go to?

Our service is very flexible, and your group may pick your wineries if you choose to.  Your private tour has infinite possibilities and is yours to do with it as you wish.  In this circumstance, we will be on-hand to give advice about the wine country, individual wineries, their wines, their availability etc., if  you desire.  We can supply any needed information to make your tour a success.  If you're not sure of which wineries to go to, My Chauffeur will be happy to assist.  Note - some wineries are only open by appointment.  For a standard 6-hour tour, you will probably go to 3-6 wineries.

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Do you provide service on holidays? If so, are there any additional charges?

Yes, and there are no additional charges.  However, the minimum person charge is usually higher at 5, 6 or 10 persons, instituted on the following holiday weekends:

Memorial Day weekend

Thanksgiving Day weekend

On many other holidays, the wineries may be closed.  20% surcharge may apply on all other major holidays or holiday weekends. 

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What method of payment do you accept?

We welcome Visa, MasterCard, Amex, and Diners Club, .  If you prefer to pay with cash, we request a credit card to secure the reservation.

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Do you offer billable accounts?

We do not offer billable accounts.   We offer credit card accounts only for companies and individuals.. For additional information, please call us at 503-969-4370, or go to credit card accounts.

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Can you accommodate large groups of 15-passengers or more?

We can accommodate up to 14-15 in a single limousine, or 53 in a single tour bus.  We also offer multiple limousines which can accommodate up to about 40-50 persons.  Call 1-877-692-4282 or 503-969-4370 for a rate quote and availability.

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What are your rates?

Click here for wine tour rates.

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What areas do you serve?

We offer wine tour transportation from the Greater Portland/Vancouver area and the wine country. In addition, we travel to Salem, areas in-between, and the Columbia River Gorge. Other outlining areas on request.  Please call 1-877-692-4283 or 503-969-4370 for cost and information about pick-ups from these and other areas.

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What are your office hours?

Our service is available 7-days per week, 365 days per year.  Our office hours are Monday - Friday from 7am-8pm, and Saturday  from 8am-6pm.  A reservation agent is available during office hours.

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Do you offer credit card accounts?

We offer Corporate and Personal Credit Card Accounts for ease in payment and to limit the exchange of sensitive information.  For additional information, please call us toll-free at 1-877-692-4283 or from Portland at 503-969-4370. 

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What types of discounts do you offer?

We offer 25+ person tour bus discounts of 20% off.  We also offer senior and youth discounts of 25% off.  Children under 12 are free.  Minimum tour costs apply.

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Can we bring children on the tour?

According the the OLCC (Oregon Liquor Control Commission), you may bring children of any age on a wine tour.  You may even consume alcohol in the vehicle when children are present.  The winery tasting rooms also welcome children.

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We are going to enjoy a family outing with children, do you have any options for this?

We can recommend the Evergreen Aviation Museum in McMinnville to supplement the wineries; it is fun for the whole family and a convenient wine country stop.  Or, you may view our activities page.

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Do you offer mixed group tours, or only private tours?

With 1 or 2 people many people ask if a mixed group tour is possible for companionship or to save costs.  We normally only book our tours as private.  Although, if you leave us your name and phone # we will contact you if a mixed group tour is possible.

 

 

 

Do you charge our credit card right away after the reservation is made?

If you choose to use a credit card for payment, we do not charge your credit card until after the tour is completed.  We do authorize your card on file shortly before the tour to ensure the card is in good standing.

 

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If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to contact us!

My Chauffeur Office Hours

503-969-4370

(Pacific Time)

HOME

Monday - Friday

Saturday

7am - 8pm

8am - 6pm

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