Gordon at Eye on Wine

All these recent posts about private tours with Gordon Larum have caused some unnecessary bad feelings. My only interest is in the reliability of this forum. I come here for travel information (and to help others in some cases). Even information I cannot use myself, I often pass on to friends or family, if it sounds good and reliable and interesting.

But when people register and their very first post is a great review, there is no way to judge the reliability of the post. Particularly when there are several such reviews, so similar they sound scripted. (Which is what has happened here). So I think one should ask questions. But when I asked one person if Gordon asks his clients to post such reviews, my question was taken as harassment---and remains unanswered. I think if a tour operator asks his satisfied customers to post reviews on Tripadvisor, that needs to be disclosed. Just as if the tour operator himself posted something here. Which he can do---other businesses, like innkeepers and tour operators, are regulars on the forums I frequent (Grand Canyon and Yosemite). But they disclose their interest, and stay away from promoting their business. Their opinions are welcome But disclosure of the interest is the key.

There is another way to check on reliability of recommendations, and that is to check websites, etc. But I have found it impossible to get any hard information about these private tours. The Eye on Wine website does not even give a hint that they offer private tours. And if you search on Google for ';private wine tours in Napa'; or similar terms, Gordon Larum never appears among the listings. Nor is he or the company listed on this extensive listing of wine tour operators around Napa:

napavalley.com/thingstodo/tours/listings.html

And if you add his name to the Google search, all that comes up is the Tripadvisor reviews (and similar ones, by some of the same people, on Yelp).

So how do people find this guy and glean more information before paying large amounts for a private tour? He seems to be flying under the radar, which makes me wonder about licensing, etc. On the other hand, he does appear to offer personalized tours to small and off-the-beaten-path wineries, which is good. I just wish I could trust the information before I pass it on to others.

Gordon at Eye on Wine

Canyon--thank you for a very well-reasoned and fair posting regarding this controversy. I have the same concerns regarding reliability of info. and legitimacy of posters. It now seems that someone is diligently flagging any and all posts that challenge the authenticity of what appear to be scripted rave reviews, and unfortunately these posts (including mine) have been removed. Too bad as they would have warned others to be very careful and do some extra scrutinizing before choosing tour operators.

Gordon at Eye on Wine

So all of you were on the same tour? Mike and Allison too?

At least you answered the question---Gordon did ask you to post on Tripadvisor.

What is failed to mention in any of these posts is that 99% of clients are round tripped in to the valley from San Francisco or even as far away as San Jose. This really cuts into the bottom line due to high fuel prices. Most tours of Napa require the client to meet at some point in the valley. A typical shuttle from Napa to the city will run at least $75 each way.

What is failed to mention in any of these posts is that 99% of clients are round tripped in to the valley from San Francisco or even as far away as San Jose. This really cuts into the bottom line due to high fuel prices. Most tours of Napa require the client to meet at some point in the valley. A typical shuttle from Napa to the city will run at least $75 each way.

Evans is $30 each way from the SF airport. I%26#39;ve used them many times.

Awesome Karen2248, they do offer great rates! Wish I had found them for our Airport transfers...it cost us $50 plus gratutity just to our SF Hotel via taxi, each way.

Here is their website for anyone interested.

http://www.evanstransportation.com

The city of Napa has no business license on record for Gordon Larum or Eye on Wine as of today. I don%26#39;t know anything about him, never heard of him before 3 or 4 of his satisfied customers posted their positive impressions of his business. I%26#39;m always cautious of a business with a cell phone number and no address. Before I contracted any business like this I would confirm that they were properly licensed and insured.

The city of San Francisco also has no record of a business license and the clerk did confirm that if a business if picking people up at SF hotels then a SF business license would be required.

Gordy is breaking the law.