About California
California, the Golden State, isn't just about sunshine and celebrities. It's a land where cutting-edge culinary experiences meet breathtaking landscapes, offering something for every taste bud and a sense of adventure.
If you're a food lover, California is your paradise. It is a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement, and its diverse range of fresh, seasonal produce is sure to impress. The state is famous for its "California cuisine," which includes everything from Michelin-starred restaurants serving innovative dishes to laid-back beach shacks offering the freshest seafood. Wine enthusiasts will not want to miss out, as California is the undeniable champion of American wines, with Napa Valley and Sonoma County producing world-class vintages. But that's not all, the craft beer scene is booming, with over 1,000 breweries crafting unique and flavourful brews.
Apart from the culinary delights, California is also known for its stunning natural beauty. You can hike amongst towering redwoods in Redwood National Park, explore the dramatic coastline of Highway 1, or soak up the sun on the world-famous beaches of Santa Monica or Malibu. You can also immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Los Angeles, the heart of the entertainment industry, or explore the artistic haven of San Francisco with its iconic Golden Gate Bridge.
Whether you're a beach bum, a wine connoisseur, or an adventurous foodie, California promises an unforgettable experience. Get ready to tantalise your taste buds, explore breathtaking landscapes, and create memories that will last a lifetime in the Golden State.
Currency: United States Dollar
Timezone: PST (Pacific Standard Time) UTC/GMT -8 hours
Best time to visit: California's autumn months, from September to November, are a great time for travellers who want to avoid the peak season crowds and explore the state at their own pace. During this time, California features vibrant fall foliage, clear weather, and fewer summer fogs. It's the perfect season to enjoy all that the state has to offer, from bustling cities to breathtaking national parks, without the summer madness.
There are different cancellation policies depending on the specific tour or activity you choose. Most of our tours offer a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the experience. Some exceptions apply. Check the "Cancellation Policy" section of the corresponding tour's page to verify the exact cancellation policy.
Not all of our tours and activities offer meeting and pickup service. If it is included, it will appear under the 'What's Included' section on the activity or tour page.
Even if your booking doesn’t include pickup and drop-off, the tour operator may ask for your details so they can contact you regarding changes to your itinerary, if any (i.e., weather-related issues, mechanical problems, etc.)
Yes. Your tour provider is the best point of contact for any last-minute questions. Contact details for the local tour operator can be found directly on your ticket under Tour Specific Inquiries.
Alternatively, you may also email them directly through our automated system:
> Go to Bookings
> Locate the booking in question and select View Details.
> Select Contact Tour provider
> Write your message or question and select Send.
This will start a conversation with the local tour operator, however, they may not reply immediately. Once a reply is sent, you will be notified at the email address associated with your account or booking.
Food and wine tour prices in California can vary. Some wine tasting masterclasses can start at $10.00, while other tours can go for more than $1,000.00 for a 4-hour experience. Pricing can be influenced by factors such as exclusive access to vineyards, personalised experience, and the wines you'll be tasting.
The duration of a food and wine tour depends on a lot of factors, including location and activities involved. Some tours are done in an hour while others can take a full day for you to enjoy the full experience. The approximate time it takes for a tour to finish will be indicated in the corresponding tour's page.
We offer a wide variety of tours, ranging from gourmet dining experiences, wine tasting masterclasses, vineyard visits, sunset dinner cruises, to guided pub tours. Our tours cater to diverse interests, budgets, and tastes.
Our tours may typically include food and wine tastings, expert guide services, cooking class ingredients, and admissions to local attractions. Please refer to the specific tour details for a complete list of inclusions.
Most of our tours are offered in English. However, depending on the location and guide availability, some tours may be offered in other languages like Spanish and Chinese. Please refer to the corresponding tour page for details on the languages used in a particular tour.
We recommend booking your tour as early as possible, especially during peak travel seasons. Some of our popular tours can fill up quickly, so it's best to secure your spot in advance.
No, our tours are designed for everyone, from novices to seasoned foodies and wine enthusiasts. Our expert guides will provide all the information you need to fully appreciate each food, drink, and wine experience.
Experience Cuisine takes your privacy seriously. We do not sell, trade or share customer’s personal information collected online with third parties. Personal information collected online will only be disclosed within Experience Cuisine for internal use in some or all of the following ways:
- To deliver the products you have purchased from Experience Cuisine
- To update you on the delivery of the product and for customer support purposes
- To provide you with relevant product information
- To update you on your tour itinerary or any changes that may have arisen
When you buy online, book a tour, or use any other service from Experience Cuisine we may also use your personal information to send you promotional materials from time to time. You can unsubscribe from promotional information at any time by emailing us on sales@experiencecuisine.com.