Hi! I've read several posts already about limo companies, but was wondering if anyone can recommend  a limo-mini bus-van company on the cheaper side (without them being totally unprofessional, awful, etc) for my bachelorette party this weekend.

Most of my girlfriends are in grad school or have other financial obligations, so I don't want this to cost them an arm and a leg (if I can help it), and my friends planning it anticipated taking up 2-3 cars, but I've had some concerns about that for a few reasons--I'm a little concerned about my girlfriends drinking too much and driving (ie. DUIs or worse...), girlfriends feeling worried about getting rides with anyone who has been drinking, as well as the general buzz kill that comes from being the designated driver (3 out of the 12 of them would have to be).

Any suggestions on van or bus rentals for around $40-50/person (i.e. $550-600 for 8 hours? I know that's totally on the low side (and I myself am willing to subsidize or pay more to offest costs for others). Would love your advice, thanks!

That's way low.. average cost is much more.  ranging from 65.00 per hour to over 150.00 per hour. This doesn't include tip or tolls, tastings or even tour guide. The ones on the lower end don't have the drivers or high quality vehicles either. On tours like this you do get what you pay for. you're looking at 750 plus on the low end for 8 hours and over 1500 on the high end.

If you've already made reservations at the wineries too that you're going to ( many won't allow buses without reservations) I'd go with the low end providers. If you need assistance or want a better than we are just going to get drunk tour I'd go with a higher end provider.

Thanks, good to know the range, "Sidways."

I figure if I can find somethng for about $750-850, I can pay for half to offest the cost and see if friends will chip in for the rest. We don't have a total drunk fest planned, but are having a champagne brunch plus 1-2 tastings before we return for more events in SF. Just don't want to have girlfriends drive home if they really shouldn't be on the road!

Did you say drunk college girls?  I'll do it for FREE!!!!

Sorry, no college girls in this group. Any suggestions for charter bus/minibus rentals are appreciated. Thanks.

beauwinetours.com/wine_t…

Several come to mind.

nlslimo.com

californiawinetours.com

I'd also talk to Steve at elslimo.net/about.html  for other local providers and reference information.  He maybe able to help you better than I can.

so wait, your friends are in college but arent college girls?

Good catch--I don't think of my late 20s/30s friends in graduate school as "college girls," but I guess they technically are! Let's just say they are college girls who aren't interested. :)

Gemini, what did you end up going with?

Check out Cali Party Bus.  They provide mini limo buses for 10 to 20 for very reasonable rates.  I took a trip with them to Sonoma a few weeks ago and had a blast.  Driver was professional and bus was amazing!  calipartybus.com
Hope this helps