10 Years in the Making - The Story Behind Platypus Wine Tours

NAPA, Calif. - Feb. 19, 2014 - PRLog -- This past fall marked an incredible accomplishment for a local business whose sole purpose is in creating wine tour experiences that are not only fun, but unforgettable. Platypus Wine Tours officially celebrated 10 years of service to the Napa and Sonoma Valleys this September, though owner, Don Rickard, had dreams about creating this touring company long before its launch.

Rickard’s inspiration to start Platypus came from a tour he took in Bruges, Belgium back in 1999. It was his first trip to Europe and, as Rickard reports, “it was magical!”

Rickard traveled alone, and was surprised at how much fun he had. “I could do whatever struck me at the moment; people would strike up conversations with me all the time,” reported Rickard. “Since I was alone, I was approachable – travelers tend to be very social people.”

Which is how he heard about a little bus tour in Bruges called Quasimodo Tours.

Truth be told, he was not inclined to take a bus tour as this trip was supposed to be his great backpacking adventure. Nevertheless, several travelers Rickard met while on his travels emphatically recommended that tour. “I learned first-hand the persuasive power of a personal testimonial,” shared Rickard.

Reluctantly, Rickard purchased a ticket, took the tour, and loved it. The entire experience was more than he could have asked for: a tour guide who not only owned his bus, but had back-door access to all of the places toured that day. “He was more than just a guide, he was a true insider,” recalled Rickard.

Three years later, Rickard settled down in Napa Valley, and took on the position of General Manager for a wonderful little restaurant called Market in St. Helena. This job gave him the perfect opportunity to connect with guests who were visiting the area to taste wine. At the same time, Rickard was building treasured relationships with owners and employees of many local wineries, including top-notch wine makers.

It was then that Rickard started thinking about that little tour in Bruges, and how well that venture might play out in the valley.

In September 2003, Rickard purchased a used bus on eBay. After procuring all of the necessary licensing and permits, he started driving. Rickard’s primary focus was in taking folks to back-road wineries, where he believes guests will be privy to an experience like no other.

“Getting my tour business off the ground was tough at first, but I did my very best to knock the socks off of every person who was willing to tour with me,” Rickard admitted. “Eventually that elusive word-of-mouth referral network began to kick in, and our little tour business started to grow.”

But why the name “Platypus Wine Tours?” Rickard admits that the name might be a tad unusual for those who don’t know him. After all, his tours have no connection whatsoever to marsupials, Australia or anything remotely aquatic.

The answer might be surprising, but is rather quite simple. “First, I like that word. It’s short and sweet. It’s also informal and sort of playful, which are themes I have always sought to associate with my tours,” Rickard explains. “I didn’t want us to be confused with any other tour company.”

Today, Platypus conducts multiple tours each day in Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, and the Russian River/Healdsburg area. The business runs like a well-oiled machine largely thanks to its culture.

As Rickard shares, “We are a family of tour guides and support staff who embrace the same philosophy: find a way to live up to, and hopefully exceed, the expectations of every single tour guest, every single day.”

To book a tour with Platypus Wine Tours, visit www.PlatypusTours.com or call 707-253-2723.

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ABOUT PLATYPUS WINE TOURS

Platypus Wine Tours specializes in unforgettable wine tours. We are a team of knowledgeable and well-experienced Tour Guides, who love to explore this magnificent wine country while entertaining our guests and having fun! We focus on our favorite wine regions including the Napa Valley, Sonoma Valley, Carneros, Russian River and Healdsburg (especially the West Side, Dry Creek, and Alexander Valley). Smaller, charming back-road vineyards, historic wineries and family-owned operations are our specialty. Platypus Wine Tours delivers more than just a tour through wine country. It is our mission to host our guests’ idyllic day in the wine country. For us, it is all about creating a delightful and unique experience every time. Platypus Wine Tours is available for small group events, social celebrations and corporate team-building functions. For additional details or to book your next tour, please contact us at 707.253.2723 or visit us online at www.PlatypusTours.com.