Sonoma Valley Trail Rides — Local services in Sonoma

I usually don’t write negative reviews for a small business, but this was such a bizarre interaction. I figured I’d share just for prospective buyers to take into consideration.

I bought a ride for my sister and me during our weekend trip to Napa. Neither of us make a lot of money, so this was a bit of a splurge. Our rotten luck, the day we booked it for turned out to be very rainy. We were bummed, but we were not worried based on the website saying we’d get a full refund if it was cancelled due to weather.

I did contact the listed number to see if we could reschedule for the day before, but it wasn’t possible (which is fair). She told us that we’d hear from her day of about weather cancellation. Sure enough, that morning, she texted cancelling and I requested a refund since we couldn’t reschedule (only there that weekend).

I received an email confirming the cancellation and a refund the next day. I noticed, however, that for some reason I was charged a $32.50 cancellation fee despite the website clearly stating I should receive a full refund. I figured it was a mistake and texted the number back asking for the rest of the refund. Absolute silence, which was bizarre given the previous responsiveness. I tried emailing, nothing. Texted again, nothing. I gave them a week, and they never responded. I filed a dispute with my bank and wrote this review, since I don’t know how else to deal with a business that won’t respond.

I’ve literally never had a business ghost me before. It’s so unprofessional. I know some might think, “it’s just $32.50,” but like I said, my sister and I don’t make a lot. We saved up for this trip. I don’t see why I should have to pay for a service that I didn’t receive when the company’s own policy says I should receive a full refund. Also, why should this business’s bottom line be more important than my own? We’re not in the habit of throwing away our money like that, and it’s extremely disrespectful to be ignored for asking a legitimate question.

So, I can’t say anything to the quality of the horse riding, but I can say the customer service is terrible. They unjustifiably kept $32.50, which feels a tad scammy to me. I guess be careful if there might be any chance of rain the day of your ride because you will not receive a...

Sonoma Valley Trail Rides is top notch!

It was my wife's and my 35th anniversary, and we chose to do the private ride. Our booking with Michelle was smooth and communication was timely. When we arrived for the ride, everything was ready to go. Michelle and our wrangler, Tish, were professional yet mellow, setting us at ease before heading out. We even got to meet the horses and choose the one we liked. This is a rarity.

After mounting up, Tish took us on a lovely tour of Bartholomew winery, explaining the history of area and educating us on the growing process. Our horses, Sugar and Archie, and Tish's mount, Sky, were perfect gentlemen. It was a joy to experience each of their unique personalities -- that's what really makes a ride memorable!

When the ride was over, Tish and Michelle shared dozens of photos and videos they took on the ride. We were so into the horses and the scenery that we didn't think to take a lot ourselves. Thanks to the ladies, we have our warm memories preserved.

But wait, there's more. We signed up for a lunch and bottle of wine following the ride. The sandwiches were off-the-hook and enjoyed in a lovely picnic area surrounded by trees and flowers. A perfect end to a great experience!

We love to go on trail rides. There's just something about being on a horse that enhances taking in the beauty of nature. When we are finished we ask ourselves two questions: Did we have fun? Would we go back?

We did have fun -- a lot of it - at Sonoma Valley Trail Rides. And, yes, we would go back -- in a heartbeat. Perhaps that is the best...

These 2 birthday girls had a wonderful time on our trail ride through the Bartholomew Vineyards. Michelle, who owns and runs the horseback rides, does a fantastic job at giving the history of the winery and the large estate grounds and buildings. It was the most lovely weather the day we rode. Michelle is personable and takes the utmost care of all her horses, they are beautiful and gentle. After the ride, we drove up to the tasting room and picked up our bottles of wine included in the horseback package. And, of course had a great time with Frank and Mason......lots of chatting and more fabulous history of one of the oldest wineries in California. The tasting room was an old hospital........that really worked for us since we are both nurses! We also thought we definitely would have been held up in the Castle with the rest of the "Wayward Women" which burned down in the 1800's. Thanks Michelle for a great...