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Who We Are and What We Do

You didn’t come to California wine country for basic—and neither do we. At Grapeline Wine Tours, extraordinary isn’t a bonus—it’s the starting point. With over 5,000 five-star reviews and top honors from Viator/TripAdvisor, Yelp, and USA Today, we’ve earned the kind of trust you can taste. Whether you're planning to cruise through Temecula, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, or Napa, we blend luxury transportation, insider access to celebrated California wineries, and warm, detail-driven service into one smooth pour.

Planning a solo vacation, celebrating with a loved one, or hosting a corporate event? Grapeline is the choice for travelers who want an experience as rich and layered as the wines in their glass.

Our Story

In 2002, John and Kim Kelliher co-founded Grapeline Wine Tours. They invested heavily in promoting their opening day (June 22, 2002) and were confident it would be big. They started with a hop-on, hop-off model that required multiple vehicles in a circular route. So, they chartered five shuttles for that day. Only four paid customers showed up. Every guest could have their own shuttle, with one to spare! When they reflected on the business that night at a very quiet and depressing dinner table, they both worried that they had made a big mistake.

Spoiler: they hadn’t.

Twenty plus years later, they are grateful and filled with pride for growing the business to over 30 vehicles, from luxury SUVs and limos to touring vans and deluxe mini-coaches, as well as having the only 18-passenger Mercedes Convertible in Temecula. They employ over 60 drivers, hosts, and support personnel across five California wine regions: Temecula, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, and Napa.

Our Founders - John and Kim Kelliher

John Kelliher

John Kelliher

Co-Founder | Chief Wino | Wine Country Visionary | Tourism Industry Leader

John is the strategist behind the sip. A veteran of the tourism and transportation world, he co-founded Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation with a mission to make wine country more welcoming, accessible, and unforgettable. Under his leadership, the company expanded across California, earning awards like Temecula’s 2024 Sterling Business of the Year and USA Today’s #1 Wine Tour Company in America. His reputation for strategic planning, guest-first service, and rock-solid trust helped shape not only Grapeline—but the wine tour industry itself.

Kim Kelliher

Kim Kelliher

Co-Founder & President | Hospitality Maven | Community Advocate

Kim is the hostess with the mostest. Before Grapeline, she worked in journalism and special events, bringing a unique blend of creativity and hospitality to the business. She’s the force behind the company culture—joyful, genuine, and deeply guest-focused. Her leadership has made Grapeline the go-to choice for wine lovers, and her relationships with local wineries help ensure every tour feels personal and purposeful. She’s also been named Citizen of the Year in Temecula and recognized with the prestigious Welty Award for Tourism Professional of the Year.

Core Team

Here are the behind-the-scenes (and some front-and-center) “Grapeheads” who make your California wine tours unforgettable:

Michelle Boss

Michelle Boss

Central Coast Region Manager

Michelle runs the show up north, overseeing Grapeline operations for wine tours in Paso Robles and Santa Barbara. From booking logistics to tasting tour finesse, she makes sure every experience is delivered with smooth transportation, trusted partnerships, and a side of local charm.

Jodee Morgenroth

Jodee Morgenroth

Sales and Hospitality Manager

Jodee co-manages driver scheduling alongside Lindsay, making sure every tour is matched with the right host, the right vehicle, and the right energy. But her talents don’t stop there. Jodee also leads sales for our sister company, Stryder Transportation .

Chris Malone

Chris Malone

Fleet Manager

Chris keeps the wheels spinning—literally—at Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation. From maintaining our 30+ vehicles across all five California branches to coordinating scheduling, repairs, and inspections, Chris ensures every shuttle, van, and limo rolls out spotless, safe, and on time.

Tina DeFalco

Tina DeFalco

Office Manager

Tina is the force behind Temecula's shared tours. She handles day-to-day office operations, helps with the admin side, and makes sure the team runs smoother than a well-aged Cab. Ask anyone—if Tina doesn’t know it, it’s probably not worth knowing.

Mike Miles

Mike Miles

Driver/Host Department Manager

Mike trains and mentors the all the incredible rockstars behind the wheel. From safety standards to storytelling techniques, he ensures every tour guide and driver delivers that signature Grapeline magic—equal parts professionalism and personality.

Bhavani Vajrakarur

Bhavani Vajrakarur

Marketing Manager

Bhavani leads the charge in making sure Grapeline shows up in all the right places—and leaves the right impression. She works closely with the founders and steers everything from SEO and e-campaigns to social media and community engagement, ensuring it all aligns with the brand.

Rosie Hermozillo

Rosie Hermozillo

Human Resources Coordinator

Rosie oversees hiring, onboarding, and training, and makes sure everyone stays happy and compliant. When any team member needs support, her door is always open. She brings a very strong background in the casino and hospitality industry to Grapeline.

Lorrain DeLeon

Lorrain DeLeon

Bookkeeper

Lorrain keeps the books balanced and the numbers in check across both Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation. She manages invoices, payments, payroll, and all those important things that make sure the grapes keep growing—and the tours keep flowing.

Lori Campbell

Lori Campbell

Events Specialist

Lori is the mastermind behind Grapeline’s private tours in Temecula. Whether it’s a 10-person getaway from San Diego or a full coach of wine-loving coworkers for a company retreat, Lori’s goal is simple: make it seamless, stylish, and way more fun than doing it yourself.

Ernie Warren

Ernie Warren

Fleet Assistant

Ernie is the behind-the-scenes pro making sure our fleet stays road-ready and tour-worthy. As Chris’ right-hand man, he helps manage vehicle maintenance, detailing, inspections, and day-to-day logistics. He is also a driver for Stryder Transportation services.

Ernie Warren

Pam Kreiter

Hospitality Team Member

Pam may not be out in the vineyards, but she’s often your very first sip of Grapeline hospitality. From answering questions to booking tours in Sonoma and Napa as well as offering personalized guidance, she brings the same warmth and attention to detail over the phone that you'd expect in person.

Lindsay Watkins

Lindsay Watkins

Hospitality Team Member

Lindsay keeps everything—and every driver and host at Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation—on schedule. From guest communications to managing reservations, she’s the friendly force behind the scenes making sure nothing slips through the cracks.

Elaine Bartolome

Elaine Bartolome

Brand Ambassador

Elaine is the friendly face out in the community representing both Grapeline Wine Tours and Stryder Transportation. She’s always on the move—building relationships, spreading the word, and keeping both brands top of mind just about everywhere she goes.

Every wine-soaked detail is handled with heart and hustle to bring Grapeline’s California wine tours to life.

Our Values

Our wine-stained fingerprints are on everything we do—and our core values guide every pour:

  • Safety first: From the condition of our shuttles and limos to our drivers’ training and certifications, safety is always our top priority. Every tour is built around getting you there and back securely, so you can sip stress-free. Whether you're navigating twisty vineyard roads or enjoying your third wine tasting, we’re watching every detail to keep things smooth and secure.
  • Hospitality from the heart: We don’t do generic. Every interaction—from your first phone call to your final farewell—is warm, thoughtful, and personal. Hospitality is in our DNA, and we’re here to treat you like a guest, not a reservation number. Whether you're a first-timer or a repeat Club Kay member, you'll feel the difference in every hello and helpful tip.
  • Teamwork: From our drivers and tour guides to office staff and leadership, collaboration is the secret ingredient to a seamless wine country experience. We work together, communicate often, and celebrate big wins and small victories alike. Because when the team’s in sync, so is your itinerary.
  • Community support: We love California wine country, and we’re committed to keeping it vibrant. Whether it’s volunteering at local events, promoting regional wineries, or partnering with fellow small businesses, we believe in lifting our community while we pour. Supporting local winemakers and helping the region thrive is more than good karma—it’s good business.
  • Continuous growth: In wine and in life, there’s always more to learn. We’re constantly refining our services, improving our guest experience, expanding our routes, and investing in better tools and training. Whether it's upgrading our transportation fleet or leveling up how we handle bookings, we believe every detail deserves attention—and every year should be better than the last. 

We believe trust is earned with every guest interaction. And if you want to peek behind the barrels, head over to the Grapeline wine tour blog for stories, travel inspo, and wineries worth visiting.

A Legacy of Excellence

We’ve been swirling for over 20 years, and the accolades are stacking up like corks on a Saturday.

We earned these and more through top-tier transportation, meaningful relationships with wineries, and a consistent record of excellent service built on trust. Grapeline is not just a business, it’s a curated experience built on passion, hospitality, and the pursuit of exceptional wine tours in California.

The Grapeline Experience

Grapeline delivers more than a ride—it's a full-bodied experience made just for you, redefining wine tours in California.

Why Grapeline? From first sip to final farewell, we deliver seamless transportation, five-star service, and custom itineraries—so you can focus on sipping while we handle the rest. Whether you’re booking a group limo, planning milestone events, or just want to explore at your own pace, we deliver comfort, style, and flexibility with every swirl.

People on a wine tour, getting off a Grapeline vehicle

Our Wine Country Destinations

Grapeline Wine Tours connects travelers to some of California’s most enchanting wineries, each region offering something special:

  • Temecula Wine Tours: Tucked between San Diego and Palm Springs, Temecula offers the sun-soaked charm of Southern California with over 40 wineries ranging from rustic-chic to wine-resort luxe. Expect Mediterranean varietals, rolling vineyard views, and picnic-perfect afternoons. It’s the only region where you can tour in a one-of-a-kind 18-passenger Mercedes convertible—and yes, it’s as fun as it sounds. Whether you’re booking a private tour or joining Grapeline’s popular Vineyard Picnic Tour, Temecula brings laid-back leisure and full-bodied flavor.
  • Paso Robles Wine Tours: Paso is where wine country meets cowboy country—an adventurous region with a passion for Rhône-style reds, bold blends, and a refreshingly down-to-earth vibe. Surrounded by oak-studded hills and quaint downtown tasting rooms, it’s a favorite among red wine lovers and curious travelers alike. You’ll find an exciting mix of boutique producers and iconic names among the Paso region's wineries, plus top-tier hospitality that reflects the region’s warm heart. Think of it as California’s best-kept wine secret—until you taste it.
  • Santa Barbara Wine Tours: Santa Barbara’s coastal charm blends effortlessly with vineyard elegance. The cool marine influence here gives way to award-winning Pinot Noir and Chardonnay at Santa Barbara wineries, often served with a story by the winemaker or tasting room host themselves. From the Santa Ynez Valley to the Funk Zone’s urban tasting rooms, this region has a little of everything—historic estates, modern lounges, and unfiltered local personality. It’s wine country with a salty breeze and a soulful twist.
  • Sonoma Wine Tours: If you crave serenity with your Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma’s your spot. It’s a diverse mosaic of small-production Sonoma wineries, tree-lined backroads, and alfresco tastings on garden patios. Known for Zinfandels, Chardonnays, and farm-to-table pairings, Sonoma invites you to slow down and sip with intention. It’s rustic, refined, and perfect for those who love their wine experiences with a touch of history and heart.
  • Napa Valley Wine Tours: It is where iconic Napa vineyards, luxurious estates, and polished tasting salons set the gold standard. But beyond the prestige, you’ll find exceptional service, breathtaking views, and some of the best wines in the world. Grapeline’s private transportation in Napa comes concierge-style. It's elegance without pretension—because even legends know how to have fun.

We partner with handpicked wineries in every region, selecting each one for ambiance, quality, and guest experience. And no two days are alike—meaning your vacation always feels uniquely yours.

Grapeline California wine tour destinations

Featured Wineries

We know a good pour when we see (and sip) it. That’s why we’ve built lasting partnerships with standout wineries throughout California—each selected to deliver an unforgettable tasting tour experience for our guests. Some are family-run hideaways with cozy barrel rooms and wines that fly deliciously under the radar. Others are sprawling, scenic destinations with sweeping terraces and grand tasting halls. But whether it’s a boutique gem or a bucket-list label, they all have something in common: they’ve earned our trust—and they know how to treat our travelers like wine country royalty.

With more than 150 trusted wineries on rotation, each Grapeline tasting tour offers a fresh lineup, stunning views, and smooth rides—whether you're joining a social group tour or sipping your way through the day in a private limo. No matter the route, you’ll leave with new favorites, fun stories, and a strong desire to come back.

Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard

The Wine Tasting Experience

From your first swirl to your final sip, a tasting tour with Grapeline is more than just wine—it's a full-bodied journey led by a friendly, knowledgeable tour guide who knows their Syrah from their Sangiovese. Along the way, you’ll uncover the stories behind the vines, meet passionate winemakers, and gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry behind every pour.

Whether you're rolling through the vineyards of Temecula, Paso Robles, Santa Barbara, Sonoma, or Napa Valley, each tour includes smooth shuttles, scenic views, and relaxed pacing that lets you savor every moment. Grapeline offers both shared and private packages—so whether you’re flying solo or with a birthday crew, we’ve got something that fits like your favorite glass of Pinot.

Take our Classic Wine Adventure in Temecula, for example: you’ll enjoy three winery visits, a shareable charcuterie board, and vineyard views that rival the wine list. And the best part? You don’t have to lift a finger. We handle all the booking, logistics, and timing—so you can simply sit back with fellow travelers and enjoy the day, knowing you're in expert hands.

A couple enjoying a wine tasting

Giving Back to the California Wine Community

We believe strong roots yield great fruit. Over the years, we’ve donated to local charities, sponsored community events, and supported small wineries with visibility and visitor traffic. From wine festivals to community efforts, we show up because trust isn’t just for tours—it’s for the community, too.

Grapeline at a local event

Bonus Sip — Make It Yours

Want to turn a great idea into a gift? Or a weekend into something unforgettable?

With Grapeline, wineries meet comfort. Transportation meets taste. And trust meets every moment you spend with us.