Drunk driving laws have become so strict in the United States that anyone who plans a wine country visit that includes a visit to even one tasting room absolutely needs a designated driver.
A DUI conviction will bring fines, fees and assessments ranging from $1,300 to $3,500. And that doesn’t even include lawyer’s fees, which can soar to as much as $15,000 in a major metropolitan area.
So what’s a couple to do if they don’t have a family member or friend who’s willing to shuttle them from winery to winery?
Well, in California’s Paso Robles area, The Wine Line provides an option.
Every 40 minutes, The Wine Line — a pair of Dodge Sprinter vans — makes stops at around 20 wineries in the region. Those who utilize the service can hit as many wineries as they wish between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. without ever getting behind the wheel.
The cost is $39.95 per person — that’s about $80 per couple — which sounds a little pricey when compared to the “hopper” tour buses found in many tourist-oriented cities.
But compared to the price of a DUI, it’s a sound investment.
To learn more about the service, visit hoponthewineline.com.
