PORT TOWNSEND — Fairwind’s Winery owner Mike Cavett saw the need for a van transportation service to wineries such as his, and Bill Balle stepped forward from his 35-year career as a hairdresser to roll it out.
They made the connection one day while Balle, who owns and operates William Balle Cosmetology in the Mount Baker Block Building on Taylor Street in Port Townsend, was cutting Cavett’s hair.
The partners have started The Vineyard Express, a six-passenger minivan limo-like service, and have been testing it in recent weeks.
Come June 1, they plan to officially launch the ride service to Fairwinds winery at 984 Hastings Ave. W., and Sorensen Cellars winery at 274 Otto St., with an third stop at Port Townsend’s Mt. Townsend Creamery at 338 Sherman St.
The price: $15 per person, including the tasting fee.
Cavett, who has served twice as Port Townsend Chamber of Commerce president, said the idea is to serve as a connection between lodging establishments and restaurants.
They also hope to add other Port Townsend wineries and Chimacum Valley-area cideries and wineries to the tour, where interest has been expressed.
That could require an additional tour van, they said.
Balle said he hopes the new venture will generate interest in the business community, which will in turn form a partnership with The Vineyard Express with the goal of offering visitors “to get something to eat, something to drink and a tour.”
Balle said he was handing out fliers to Port Townsend bed-and-breakfast inns to generate interest in wine-tour transportation connections.
The Monday-through-Friday service is planned to run from noon to 5 p.m. and have two pickup points: the Bishop Victorian Hotel, 714 Washington St., and the Harborside Inn, 330 Benedict St., both in Port Townsend.
The van is to leave the Bishop Hotel at 11:45 a.m., 12:25 p.m., 1:05 a.m., 1:45 p.m., 2:40 p.m. and 3:20 p.m., returning at 4 p.m. and 4:45 p.m.
It will leave the Harborside Inn 11:50 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:10 p.m., 1:50 p.m., 2:45 p.m. and 3:25 p.m., returning at 4:05 p.m. and 4:50 p.m.
Balle, a Port Townsend resident for 10 years, said Cavett’s knowledge of the wine industry has helped him shape the service, and the pickup points are working out in early testing.
He said a Web site will be launched at www.northwestvineyardtours.com, and other winery tours are planned outside the area.
“I was looking to do something difference and this was certainly that,” Balle said.
For information, phone Balle at 360-301-2866.
________
Port Townsend-Jefferson County Editor Jeff Chew can be reached at 360-385-2335 or at jeff.chew@peninsuladailynews.com.