About the Van in Black

“The Coolest Ride in the Carolinas”

Van in Black

Van in Black is a North Carolina transportation company that services Western North Carolina (Asheville and Charlotte) as well as the Upstate of South Carolina (Greenville/Spartanburg).  All of our services are customized for each client on-demand to meet your schedule and preferences.  Maybe you need something simple like a drop-off at the airport for a large group that wants to fit in a single-vehicle (with all of your luggage) or something more involved like a North Carolina winery tour, pub crawl, wedding transportation, corporate event, or a guided scenic drive along the Blue Ridge ParkwayThe “Van in Black” is the best option available!  We are fully insured, bonded, locally owned, and we are the highest rated transportation company in the area. We even have WSET certified wine experts on our staff as guides that are available for our wine tours. We will make your next excursion the best it can be! Hire a professional driver so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Our Team

An organization is only as good as its people.

We think we have an outstanding team to serve you.


Ryan Watts

Ryan Watts

WSET 3 | CMS 1

Founder

The founder of Van in Black. Ryan is a certified wine expert (WSET and CMS) and he also drives from time to time so you may end up with him as your driver.

Terri Watts

Terri Watts

WSET 2 | CMS 1

Owner

The owner of Van in Black. Terri runs the day to day operations of the company and is also a certified wine expert (WSET and CMS).

Brianna

Brianna Duncan

Data and Marketing Manager

Brianna’s attention to detail make her a great fit for this role. She helps organize the data we receive from your feedback and uses that information to cultivate the best experiences for our guests.

Rachel Duncan

Rachel Duncan

Office Manager

Super chill and laid back, Rachel has never met a stranger. She keeps things running smoothly in the office. Rachel will likely be the one you speak with after you book a ride with us and will help curate your epic adventure.

AmandaWatts

Amanda Watts

WSET 1

Social Media/Marketing

Working remote from Alaska! Amanda helps us with our social media and marketing. She also writes articles for our blog and is certified WSET level 1 (working on level 2).

Christine

Christine Vincent

WSET 2

Driver/Guide

Christine knows a lot about wine and the local winery scene (certified WSET level 2). She is the perfect guide for a wine tour!

Doug Whiteside

Doug Whiteside

Driver/Guide

Also known as “Captain Whiteside” as Doug is a retired airline pilot. He now helps us out by driving folks around in our vans.

John DePaoli

John DePaoli

Driver/Guide

John has been with us from the beginning and loves driving people around to the beautiful locations we visit.

Desmond Martin

Desmond Martin

Driver/Guide

A Detroit native who has called Western North Carolina his home for 20+ years. Super friendly, chill, and easy going. A great guide/driver!

Cindy McKinstrie

Cindy McKinstrie

Driver/Guide

A true professional with lots of experience driving folks around to the various Carolina destinations that we visit.

Kim Ruppe

Kim Ruppe

Driver/Guide

A retired school teacher who now enjoys driving folks around to see the beautiful sights and destinations in our area.

George Andersen

George Andersen

Driver/Guide

George is a details guy and is always very attentive to his groups. He travels back and forth between North Carolina and Arizona so sometimes he is here, and sometimes he is not.

Tonda Holland

Tonda Holland

Driver/Guide

An avid football fan. If Clemson, App State, or the Dallas Cowboys are playing, you probably won’t have Tonda as your driver.

Tina Crowder

Tina Crowder

Driver/Guide

An Asheville native that loves sharing the beauty of this area with others.

Deb Cherry

Deb Cherry

Driver/Guide

Deb has lived in this area her whole life and loves driving people around to see our beautiful state.

Jason Jones

Jason Jones

Driver/Guide

Jason has actual experience working at a winery and in a vineyard. He is a great guide for a wine tour if you want to learn more about wine growing in the region.

Leon Godlock

Leon Godlock

Driver/Guide

If there was a contest for the worlds happiest person, Leon would probably be in the top 5 (if not the winner). His infectious glow of optimism will enhance your trip if he is your driver.

Patrick Wiseman

Patrick Wiseman

Driver/Guide

Patrick’s caring and respectful demeanor will make him the perfect driver for your next event.

Rick Sauro II

Rick Sauro II

Driver/Guide

Rick is a seasoned professional and a super nice guy. You will be extremely pleased if you end up with him as your chauffer.

Sharon Eimers

Sharon Eimers

Driver/Guide

Super friendly and always happy to help and drive people to where they need to go.

Sallie Cowan

Sallie Cowan

Driver/Guide

Sallie has a contagious happiness to her that will enhance every trip she guides.