yogini2

Thanks to everyone for their advice!

We got back from the cruise Dec. 26 and still in adjusting-to-real-life-mode.

We decided to go with a tour outfit called Shore Excursioneer having read good reviews. We had booked a wine tasting tour for LA Cetto and Dona Lupe on Christmas Eve. We walked a few blocks from the ship to meet our driver, Sergio, who was very friendly. We had a private taxi first to LA Cetto with a beautiful drive through the vineyards.

When we got to LA Cetto we had a disappointing surprise - there were no more English tours that day because they were closing early for Christmas Eve :(. Sergio was pretty mortified, and offered to take us to a 3rd winery after Dona Lupe at no extra cost, which we gladly accepted. We did the tasting only at LA Cetto. I should have bought a couple of bottles in retrospect as the wine was quite good and reasonably priced.

Next we went to Dona Lupe and had a great time there. The jams/spreads tasting was fun and although we were only supposed to have 4 tastings, the jovial fellow just kept pouring for us - I think my sons had about 10 tastings each. We stayed there a long time just enjoying the nice weather and atmosphere.

The 3rd winery was El Cielo, a new very upscale winery. We did have to pay $12 pp there to go on a tour of the wine cellar/production area and do the basic level tasting, but since our tour was only $19 pp to start plus only about $4 pp tasting fee at the other two wineries, we thought it was worth it. (Current excursion fee via Carnival is $59 pp).

This is a very beautiful winery, inside and out. (beautiful panoramic view). The tasting was done down in the wine cellar and the wines were exquisite (and pretty pricey as well). My kids bought me a bottle of Chardonnay for Christmas.

So while we missed out on the LA Cello tour, I think we got our money's worth and a personal guide (although Sergio wasn't very chatty about the area/history, etc.). Also we got more individual attention with the personal tastings at each winery.

Thanks again everyone, and Happy New Year!

Thanks for the reply, Sadie :). The ship tour is more expensive, but the local tour states entrance fees to the wineries and tasting fees are additional (?) plus no mention of free bottle of wine per person. Maybe I'll go with the ship tour.

Thanks again!

Hello everyone -

Taking a last minute cruise on Carnival next week. I'm wondering if it is safe/wise/possible to do a wine tasting excursion when we get to post and not prebook with Carnival?

Any other ideas for a great excursion for a mom and three adult (20's) children also appreciated.

Thanks!