Napa · Napa Valley
Visit Plank Walker Wines with a Private Chauffeur
Napa Valley Cabernet and Bordeaux-style blends from a winemaker and surfer who worked his first Napa harvest at Vichon in 1985. Plank Walker Wines does not receive visitors; here is what to know, and a day at sought-after estates nearby that do host.
Book a Six-Hour Wine Tour
About the Winery
Plank Walker is the label of a winemaker who signs himself "GL." He worked his first full Napa Valley harvest at Vichon Winery in Oakville in 1985, studied at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and has surfed in 13 countries. The name comes from his idea that great winemaking, like surfing, means being willing to "walk the plank."
The wines are Napa Valley reds built on the Bordeaux varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot, sometimes with Carmenere, aged in French oak. The site lists a 2022 Plank Walker Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, a 2012 Meritage Red Wine, and a 2013 Cabernet that won Double Gold with 97 points at the 2018 Hilton Head Island Wine Competition. The winemaker also lists Valley Legend reds and Prosper Pinot Noir among his current wines.
There is no tasting room and no published way to visit. Wine is ordered through the Join Us page on plankwalkerwines.com, which offers "the amazing case" and email updates. The day below stays close to Napa, with three family wineries in the Oak Knoll District and lunch at the Oxbow Public Market.
Tasting Fees
Plank Walker Wines does not offer tastings.
The day below runs about $170 per person in tasting fees at Matthiasson, Hendry and Backstage.
Tasting fees as of October 2026. Wineries set and collect their own fees, and they change from time to time.
At a Glance
Location
Napa
AVA
Napa Valley
Visiting
Plank Walker Wines has no tasting room and does not offer visits; wine is ordered through its website.
Known For
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style Meritage
Founded
Founding year not published
Good to Know
Order or ask questions through the Join Us form at plankwalkerwines.com; the winery says it replies within 48 to 72 hours.
A Suggested Six-Hour Day
Pickup at 10:00 a.m. from a downtown Napa hotel such as Westin Verasa Napa or Napa River Inn.
10:00 · Pickup at Westin Verasa Napa or Napa River Inn
Since Plank Walker Wines does not host visitors, this day takes you to three sought-after estates nearby that do. Both hotels are in downtown Napa, about 15 minutes from the first stop. The day runs about six hours, and extra time can be added by the hour.
10:15 · Matthiasson
About 15 minutes away. Steve and Jill Matthiasson's family winery, known for organic farming and rare Italian grapes. The standard tasting of five to six wines is $75, about 75 minutes, by appointment.
11:45 · Hendry Ranch Wines
About 10 minutes away. A ranch farmed by the Hendry family since 1939, where every wine comes from estate grapes. The Red Wine Flight is $50, about 60 minutes, by appointment; fees are waived with an equivalent purchase.
1:05 · Lunch at Gott's Roadside
About 15 minutes away. Lunch at Gott's Roadside in the Oxbow Public Market, with burgers, salads and fish tacos, or browse the other market stalls. We confirm hours when we book. Prefer a picnic? We can arrange a catered picnic at a winery that allows one; the cost is quoted when you book.
2:30 · Backstage Winery
About 15 minutes away. A family winery with the look of a Tuscan villa in the Oak Knoll District, with a cobblestone courtyard. The Estate Tasting, a seated tasting of five wines, is $45 and up; we plan about an hour. Reservations on Tock.
3:30 · Back to your hotel
Back by about 3:45 p.m., under six hours after pickup.
About $170 per person in tasting fees for the three wineries, paid directly to each winery.
All three wineries are open daily by appointment, so this day works any day of the week. Backstage opens at 11 a.m., which is why it comes last.
Every tour is custom. This day is a starting point: your chauffeur will shape it around what matters to you, and we plan multi-day tours for guests who want to see more of wine country.
Your Vehicle & Six-Hour Tour Rates
Up to 6 guests
Elite Luxury SUV
Lincoln Navigator or Cadillac Escalade
From $750
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $125 each.
Up to 9 guests
Jet Sprinter or Executive Luxury Van
Captain's chairs and room to spread out
From $1,350
Six-hour wine tour, plus 20% gratuity. Additional hours $225 each.
Larger groups travel in more than one vehicle, and we plan the winery appointments around your group, since many wineries limit groups to 6 to 8 guests. Tasting fees are separate and paid directly to each winery. Every tour starts with six hours; add time by the hour when you book.
Questions
Can I visit Plank Walker Wines?
No. Plank Walker has no tasting room and publishes no way to visit, as of October 2026. We can plan a day at nearby wineries that do.
How can I buy Plank Walker wine?
Through the Join Us form at plankwalkerwines.com, which offers a case order and email updates.
Who makes Plank Walker?
A Napa winemaker and surfer who signs himself "GL" and worked his first full Napa harvest at Vichon Winery in Oakville in 1985. The winery does not publish his full name.
What kind of wine is Plank Walker?
Napa Valley reds blended from the Bordeaux varieties, including Cabernet Sauvignon and a Meritage. The 2013 Cabernet won Double Gold with 97 points at the 2018 Hilton Head Island Wine Competition.
How does booking a tour with Bien Chauffeured work?
Reserve a six-hour tour online, even if your plans are still taking shape. Your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Extra hours can be added.
Reserve Your Tour Now, Plan the Details Later
Your plans don't need to be final to book. Reserve your six-hour tour online, and your chauffeur will email you first to learn what matters to you, then build your itinerary and make the winery appointments. Prefer to talk? Call our concierge at 833-915-2436.
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