Tipping Rules and Etiquette when wine tasting in napa

It seems like everywhere you go the person serving you wants a tip. I was just filling up a tank of propane for my BBQ and the person at the gas station said he gladly accepts tips - oh really? And then there’s the coffee server, deli shop worker, even the kid who literally just hands you gives you your take out order gives you the “where’s my tip” look.

So what about wine tasting? Should you tip your server when wine tasting in napa?

The short answer is yes, but let’s dive a bit deeper on the topic. While Napa seems glamorous and luxurious, the people who so enthusiastically pour your wine probably make as much as a server at Applebee’s.

But they love what they do, you think! That’s true, for the most part the people serving you are honestly passionate about wine and especially the wine they are serving you. But the sad truth of Napa (and California) is that the cost of living is very expensive with most of the people serving you now no longer able to afford to live in Napa. This means they commute in - and if you’ve priced gas in California lately you know that they are probably paying $6 or more per gallon. Now add in Covid-19 where they’ve been out of work for months and returning to tasting rooms with limited tables, limited service, and smaller groups, all making it harder than ever to earn a living. So yes, they appreciate tips - really appreciate them.

But wait, i was there for an hour and no one else left a tip. are you sure about this?

It’s true - the bulk of the people coming to Napa for the first time don’t tip but it’s not because they don’t have to, it’s because they didn’t know the tasting room etiquette. Unless the server was terrible you should be ready to lay down a tip. Are you a member of their Wine Club and enjoying the perks of free wine or special seating? Then you absolutely should be tipping. And don’t think just because you paid a big fee to taste that you are good to go - that’s like thinking you don’t need to tip at a fancy restaurant because you paid for the food. Just load up your wallet with $5 and $10 bills earmarked for tips. You’ll feel better at the end knowing you did the right thing and left a tip.

I don’t need to tip because I bought a bottle of wine, right?

Wineries do wine tasting with the hopes that you will buy wine, that’s true. In fact, it was Robert Mondavi who came up with the idea of giving away wine knowing he would sell MORE wine if you just tried it. Small boutique wineries hope that you buy a case but even when you do the server gets very little of the cut, if any. A tip is much more impactful and appreciated than you buying a bottle or two. So yes, you still tip even if you bought wine. And buy wine!

I HIRED A PRIVATE DRIVER - HOW MUCH DO I TIP?

Hiring a driver in Napa is becoming the new norm now that wineries require you to be ON TIME for reservations. That means no more Uber since they are notorious for being late or scarce in Napa. And driving yourself after drinking wine is so last decade, right? Most drivers are independent workers and tipping is standard practice in the industry. How much? 10% to 20% depending on their service. If they are just driving you with no personality, perhaps tip the lower amount. But if they are part of your experience, giving you some local tips and making sure you are on time, if you enjoyed their company, then go higher. Only if they really stunk at their job should you skunk them a tip. And remember, I have drivers I can recommend who basically drive my readers day after day and who I know will do a good job so ask if you need a recommendation.

RECOMMENDED TIPPING AMOUNTS FOR NAPA AND SONOMA WINERIES WHEN WINE TASTING

BELLY UP BAR TASTINGS (RARE THESE DAYS DUE TO COVID-19): These would be tastings where you walk up to the bar and the server pours you wine “bartender style”. With Covid-19 the packed bar scene is over so think of these as private tastings even though you are standing up at the bar. RECOMMENDED TIP: $10 to $15 per couple.

TABLE SIDE TASTINGS: Many wineries have moved to a seated tasting where you sit down and they bring you wine. Most wineries have moved to this model due to the virus. RECOMMENDED TIP: $10 to $20 per couple.

BOUTIQUE WINERIES: Many of the small boutique wineries are limited to how many people they can serve in a day so every person walking through that door is their opportunity to impress and sell wine. First, if you are going to a boutique winery you should go with the intention of buying wine if you like it. It’s not mandatory, it’s not required, but it’s also not like the free samples at Costco where the server could care less if you buy the product or not. They want you to buy wine, they need you to buy wine to stay in business. These are usually one on one experiences. RECOMMENDED TIP: $20 + per couple.

TOURS, VIP EXPERIENCES: Tours fall into two categories - the larger group tours like you find at Mondavi and the private one on one tours that you find at the boutiques. If you are doing a group tour then tip at the end of your tasting, $5 to $10 per couple. If it is a boutique where they spent the last hour or more with you then increase that to $20 + per couple. The same goes for VIP experiences such as blending seminars. Basically, if it feels like you are getting special treatment then tip the higher amount.

TIPPING WHEN COMING IN WITH A GROUP: Bachelorette parties and large groups are typically having so much fun they totally forget about tipping. It’s recommended that at the start of the day, before your first winery, that you pass the hat and ask people to contribute a suggested fee per winery and for the driver. Use the standard 20% rule on the total price of winery cost. So if a winery is charging you $40 per person and you came in with 10 people, your total bill is $400 so a 20% tip is $80.

COMING IN WITH 2 FOR 1 PASSES OR COUPONS: If you are visiting a winery using a two for one pass (like the Priority Wine Pass) or any of the other discounters know that the wineries are HOPING you buy wine - so buy at least a bottle at every stop if you like the wine. And yes, you should absolutely tip the server using the same guidelines above.