In a [Sweet] Pickle

By Nora Heston Tarte | Photos by Randy Tunnell

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime aboard Kombi Tours’ “The Sweet Pickle,” a vintage green 1970 VW bus that got its moniker from owner Steve Tingley. The company’s tagline is “We’re a big dill!”

Kombi Tours is unique in its small-scale, full-service approach to touring wineries or breweries. Up to six guests get more than a ride from location to location. Tingley, the expert tour guide at the wheel, imparts history about the region, the wineries or breweries, and other areas of interest. He snaps photographs of guests along the way, offers pick-up and drop-off service, serves a light lunch, and provides entertainment, as each tour concludes with a five-question wine quiz.

Departing from Carmel or Monterey, tours include stops in Carmel-bythe-Sea, Carmel Valley Village (wineries only), Pacific Grove, Monterey, and Seaside. Locations are chosen by Tingley or those commissioning the bus, and stop requests are always welcome. “I like to spread [the stops] out so we get plenty of cruising time on the bus. My decision [on locations] is also based on the hospitality provided by the winery or brewery,” he says. “I like my guests to feel at home and catered to for the best possible experience.”

Tours start at 11:30 a.m., and each visit lasts approximately one hour. For lunch, a charcuterie board from Little Luna Cheese Boards is served. “Most of my guests are from out of the area, so while driving, I tell them about our local restaurants, places to shop, hike, points of interest, like the 17 Mile Drive, Point Lobos, Monterey Bay Aquarium, and so on,” says Tingley. At the third tasting room, Tingley announces the wine quiz, which includes questions about production and history. “If they get them all correct, I give them a grand prize, a Kombi wine puller,” he says. “Of course, everyone’s a winner on Kombi Tours, so everyone walks away with the grand prize!”

For more information, visit KombiToursMonterey.com.