Family-owned company earns the No. 2 ranking in the nation in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
July 29, 2026 (Paso Robles, CA) — Toast Tours has been named California’s highest-ranked wine tour company and the No. 2 Best Wine Tour Company in the United States in the 2026 USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards
The USA TODAY 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards celebrate outstanding destinations, attractions, businesses, and experiences across the country, with winners determined through a nationwide public vote.
For Toast Tours, the recognition reflects the philosophy that has guided the company since its founding in 2018: creating unforgettable wine country experiences through thoughtful hospitality, personalized itineraries, and genuine local expertise.
Founded by husband-and-wife team Kristina Horton and Lars Bruinink, Toast Tours was built on years of tourism experience in San Francisco, Napa Valley, Sonoma County, and Barcelona, Spain. Those experiences inspired a company built around thoughtful hospitality, authentic local relationships, and the belief that every itinerary should reflect each guest’s unique interests, wine preferences, and travel goals.
Today, Toast Tours is known for creating highly personalized wine country experiences, pairing customized itineraries with knowledgeable local guides – many with backgrounds in winemaking, viticulture, or formal wine education – who help guests connect with the people, wines, and stories that make Paso Robles unique.
“When Kristina and I started Toast Tours, we simply wanted to create the kind of wine country experience we’d want to have ourselves,” said Lars Bruinink, co-owner of Toast Tours. “Our goal has never been to be the biggest tour company. It’s to make every guest feel like they’re spending the day with a knowledgeable local friend. Guest experience has always been our number one priority, and this recognition belongs just as much to our guides, winery partners, and the Paso Robles community as it does to us.”
Toast Tours has also been recognized locally with the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Good Neighbor Award, honoring businesses that make exceptional contributions to promoting Paso Robles Wine Country. Since opening in 2018, the company has welcomed thousands of visitors from across the United States and around the world, earning more than 900 five-star reviews and national recognition from publications including Travel + Leisure.
For Kristina and Lars, the recognition is also a celebration of the Paso Robles community.
“We’ve always believed Paso Robles deserves to be recognized alongside the world’s great wine regions,” said Kristina Horton, co-owner of Toast Tours. “Paso Robles has earned a national reputation because of the incredible wineries, restaurants, hotels, and small businesses that make this community so welcoming. We’re honored that our guests have chosen Toast Tours to help them experience everything that makes Paso Robles so special.”
About Toast Tours
Toast Tours is a locally owned tour company based in Paso Robles, California. Founded by husband-and-wife team Kristina Horton and Lars Bruinink, the company specializes in customized private wine tours throughout Paso Robles Wine Country. In addition to its public Tin City Walking Tour, Toast Tours creates customized itineraries that seamlessly combine wine country with other Central Coast experiences, including Hearst Castle, Cambria, Morro Bay, San Luis Obispo, and more. Through authentic local relationships, exceptional hospitality, and thoughtfully personalized experiences, Toast Tours helps visitors discover the very best of Paso Robles Wine Country and California’s Central Coast.
Dining and Cooking