Best Napa Valley Wineries for First Timers - ON A BUDGET!
Want to know the BEST Napa Wineries to visit for First Timers if you are on a budget? I knew you would! Local Wally shows you the best deals in Napa.
Napa’s Best Wineries for First timers - on a budget! Napa’s Cheapest Wineries 2024
Napa Wineries That Offer Deals and Discounts - Napa on a Budget! - UPDATED for 2024
I’m not going to kid you - Napa has gotten really expensive. The days of sipping wine on a budget have been replaced with tasting fees that make The French Laundry look like a good deal. $35 per person is the new normal so a couple going to five wineries can easily drop $350 a day on tasting fees.
But there is still a way to do Napa on a budget. Just focus on the wineries that offer discounts. This means missing a few big ones like Castello di Amorosa, the Napa castle But stop crying, you’ll get to visit plenty of big name wineries and I’ll even show you some hidden gems that will make you forget about the castle. We don’t need no stinking castles!
But you will need the Priority Wine Pass, Napa’s discount card that gets you two for one’s, ultimately cutting your costs right in half. Interested? Keep reading! Want to read about the latest new deals?
Start Here - Get a Priority Wine Pass.
In the pre-covid days you had a lot of options for discounts, from printable coupons to phone apps to a variety of “passports”. Today most of these offers are gone or on their way out - a popular Napa passport now only has four 2 for 1 offers left. The Priority Wine Pass, however, still boasts around 75 discount offers in Napa and over 25 deals in Sonoma, including plenty of 2 for 1 deals. Is it worth it? You bet. With wineries now charging $35 per person on average a two for one pass pays for itself over and over again. Don’t overthink this - get the pass!
Visit some big name, famous napa wineries, and hidden gems… on a budget!
Just because you’re on a budget doesn’t mean you can’t wine taste at some of the biggest and most popular wineries in Napa. Here are the best deals at big name tastings in Napa - get that Priority Wine Pass for even bigger savings! Visit these budget wineries and you’ll be able to taste for a full day for less than one sip at Opus One!
And hey, if you like my website and free concierge service know that I gladly (happily in fact) accept donations of any amount. Even a buck or two is very much appreciated!
Sutter Home Winery
The Last of the Cheap Tastings
This might be it, the last of the cheap tastings in Napa Valley. Sutter home still offers a $10 tasting, possibly the cheapest you will find in Napa Valley.
Serious wine lovers will scoff - after all, Sutter Home invented White Zinfandel, the wine best served with ice cubes. But the grounds are beautiful and if you want to stretch your wine tasting budget then why not check this one out? Who knows, you might take home a case of white zin!
No Time to Make Reservations?
Did your boss just force you back into the office and is now watching every move you make? If calling wineries at work is to much, well, work, then know that I now have drivers who will make your reservations for you, included in their normal price. Oh sure, it’s a bit more than a standard driver but it could save you a lot of time and hassle. They’ll even pick your your wineries if you are really short on time and just want Tour Guide level service the moment you arrive. These are drivers who used to work for the large tour companies so they know Napa and know what visitors like so reach out to me if you want to book one of these deluxe drivers.
STERLING Vineyards - 2 FOR 1 AGAIN FOR 2024!
Remodeled winery, new tram ride, and now 2 for 1
To say the Sterling Winery and tram ride is iconic is an understatement. Everyone must go, that’s a fact. First timers and repeat visitors will love the short but picturesque tram ride to the top of the mountain and those who felt the winery experience was secondary will be delighted with the remodel. It’s simply a must do experience.
Sadly, the pricing has increased to $55 pp but wait.. you can go 2 for 1 with the Priority Wine Pass. Get one pass for the two of you and you get two tastings for the price of one, plus you can use the pass on other deals all over Napa. Whoa, that’s a good deal. I also have a free $10 off promo code if you email me.
Sterling Vineyard Tasting Info | Priority Wine Pass with Discount Code
Rombauer Vineyards
Home to the buttery chardonnay and cheap tastings
This is a bit baffling - why is Rombauer, the maker of one of the most famous Chardonnays in Napa, still only charging $25 to taste? I don’t know and I don’t care, just get in there and you’ll fall in love with the beautiful garden paths and views - and the wine, of course.
This is one of the most beautiful settings in Napa Valley and clearly one of the best tasting deals. You can even just buy a glass (or bottle) of wine and hang out at a picnic table surrounded by lush greenery and redwood trees. Why they’re not charging three times this price is a mystery.
The Best “Cheap” Drivers?
If you think you can just “sip a little” and still drive you can’t. I mean, look, this is really great wine and while you might start the day with great intentions to not drink too much wine this good somehow makes all of your critical thinking go right into the spit jar and the wine right to your head. But I also get it - drivers you can TRUST can be really expensive. That’s why I work with a number of drivers who specialize in offering exceptionally reasonable rates for my readers. These are people who work in the wine industry or worked for tour companies in the past. If you want to be connected to check their rates for yourself just click below to email me and I’ll connect you with a few of my driving friends.
Beringer Vineyards
Stroll the winery grounds with a glass of wine in hand!
Perhaps one of the prettiest wineries in Napa Valley starting with the “tunnel of trees” you drive through in front of the winery. One of the iconic and historic wineries in Napa with luscious landscaping and architecture, do a flight or just get a glass of wine and take it all in. Plenty of other tasting options, from a casual bottle and bocce ball experience to an upgraded flight in their fancy Rhine House.
Beringer Vineyards Tasting Info
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: Get two “Wine and Stroll” experiences where you’ll get a glass of wine and a self guided tour of the grounds for only $20 - for two!
Venge Winery
Buying Wine? Get Tasting Fees Waived!
If you’re coming to Napa and trying to stock up on wines to take home then treat yourself to a premier tasting experience - without the high price. Venge makes a blend called Scouts Honor, named after their first winery dog, that brings a huge smile to my face every time I take a sip. This is a private experience that should cost a bundle but is only $45 per person (2023). Take in the view of the vineyards from the deck, this is Napa without the big crowds (and big price tag).
Note: Small boutiques like this hope you buy wine so plan ahead - and don’t forget to tip your server!
Envy Winery
A Value Packed Winery in north Calistoga
While most of the crowds pack in the main part of the valley, Calistoga in the north offers a break from the tourists. Envy Winery is located in the top part of Calistoga near Old Faithful, a natural geyser that doesn’t really rival the one in Yellowstone but who cares when you’re sipping wine? Lucky visitors might even catch the geyser spouting off and even if not the views are quite nice. Winemaker Nils Venge - wait, why is that name familiar? Ahhh, Nils is the dad of Kirk Venge who owns Venge Winery. You should do both back to back, especially since Envy Winery has a nice 2 for 1.
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 Tastings before NOON, save $35.
Napa Cellars
Time for a picnic… at a winery!
One of the most quintessential Napa experiences is a picnic at a winery and Napa Cellars is one of the few wineries that still permit this. With your tasting flight you can bring in your own outside food. Grab a picnic table or lay out that blanket you stole off your hotel bed and life just doesn’t get much better than this - especially since Napa Cellars is one of the lowest priced tastings in the valley at just $25 per person.
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: You’re not going to believe this but you can get two tastings for just $30 with your Priority Wine Pass on Mon, Thurs, and Friday. That’s just $12.50 per person.
Backstage Winery
Take a trip to Tuscany… in Napa!
You might remember Mario Andretti’s winery which has relocated to the Feast It Forward location. Like a smart hermit crab, Backstage Winery took over the Italian styled facility and kept the good parts the same while upgrading others. I like this one, especially knowing that it’s a true family run affair with Dad making the wine and the adult children running the winery.
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: Get a two for one tasting with every Priority Wine Pass, a $75 savings. Do the math, that’s just $37.50 per person which is still a bargain in Napa.
Napa Valley Wine Train
Ride the Wine Train - But Not at Full Price
I’m not going to kid you, no way does the Napa Valley Wine Train qualify as “budget”. But if riding the vintage train to wineries or having lunch or dinner as it rocks down the tracks is on your bucket list then at least do it with my discount. You only need one Wine Pass to get the discount for up to four people.
Napa Wine Train Rates and Info
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL:
Legacy. $30 off for passholder & up to 3 additional guests every day.
Gourmet Express Lunch or Dinner$20 off for passholder & up to 3 additional guests every day.
Vista Dome Lunch or Dinner$25 off for passholder & up to 3 additional guests every day.
V Sattui Winery
It’s sort of like the castle, but with a deli!
Stop sobbing about not being able to afford to visit the Napa Castle (aka Castillo di Amorosa) because V. Sattui is owned by the same person and if you squint a bit it sort of looks like a castle. Better yet, they have a full deli onsite with picnic tables outside.
Come for the lunch - this is a classic Napa picnic spot - and stay for some wine.
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: Get half off one tasting with each pass - save $22.50.
Grgich Hills Winery
Buying wine? Get it here!
If you know your Napa history (or simply watched the movie Bottle Shock) then you know that Mike Grgich was the winemaker who made the chardonnay that put Napa on the map. The great Mike Grgich is still around and his winery is still one of my favorites since they have lots and lots of different options. Check out their Grape Stomp in fall during harvest time (crossing my fingers they can bring this back in 2022).
Grgich Hills Winery Tasting Info
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: Get 15% off in-person purchases of current release wines, and 10% off in-person purchases of library & large format wines. No discount on tastings.
Clos Pegase Winery
A Cave Tour with Food and Wine Pairing!
Perhaps it’s the kid still lurking inside of us but doesn’t going into in a cave sound like so much fun, especially when their’s wine involved? Sadly, most cave tastings are super expensive and Clos Pegase is no exception - unless you use the Priority Wine Pass. Their Connoisseur Cave Tour & Tasting is the ultimate, a wine and food pairing experience that takes you through the production area and ends in the Cave Theater. How fun!
Clos Pegase Winery Tasting Info
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 tastings Thursday – Friday (save $40) and tasting fee waived on weekends with $150 wine purchase. Special pour daily for PWP members. Discount on Connoisseur Cave Tour & Tasting.
HANS FAHDEN
Wine caves, water gardens, a hidden gem!
I know that a lot of you are going to look at google maps and say “it’s too far” and that’s a shame because Hans Fahden, located a bit outside of Calistoga, is one of those wineries that will take your breath away with their Monet-like gardens, wine caves, and low key vibe. It’s one of my favorites and worth the drive. Trust me!
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: Two for one, save $45.
Judd’s Hill Microcrush
A family run winery that gets rave reviews
This one qualifies as a hidden gem - and one that deserves greater notoriety. They make small lot wines served up with big hospitality. Come for a flight but budding winemakers will love their blending experience where you’ll learn about wine and make your own personal blend to take home. My readers LOVE this Judd’s Hill!
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: One tasting fee waived with purchase of a bottle of wine.
AUBURN JAMES WINERY
A High End Tasting Without the High End Price!
This little winery cottage might not be on your radar and one look at their old school website might sway you away, but sway back this way because Auburn James has some of the best wines in the valley with a highly personal tasting experience normally found only in super high priced wineries. Tastings are small and intimate but not the least bit snobby, and the wines, oh my, so good - and 2 for 1 makes this a can’t miss, play some bocce ball or do a short tour while you’re there - yes, included!
Auburn James Winery Tasting Info
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: 50% off Tasting/Tour for up to 2 people. Save $50. Coming with a group? Reach out to me directly, I can get you a reservation!
Bougetz Cellars
A Little Tasting Room with a Big Personality!
When people ask me where they can go to stretch their wine tasting budget I never hesitate recommending Bougetz Cellars. Sure, it’s not fancy and no, it’s not a winery but a tasting room. But what they lack in ornate ambiance they more than make up with a great tasting experience. Want free tastings? Just buy two bottles and they’ll waive your fee. Monticello Deli is right down the street so bring your lunch and tell Tim that Local Wally sent you!
PRIORITY WINE PASS DEAL: 2 for 1 tasting ( 50% off for singles). Tasting fee waived with purchase of 2 bottles. Save $40.
Let’s Put it All Together - a Quick Napa on a Budget Itinerary
For a highly affordable day in Napa forget about visiting castles and temples and instead do this:
Stop 1: Judd’s Hill: A lovely little winery with 2 for 1 offer using your Priority Wine Pass. Free tasting with a bottle of wine purchase. I’d buy two bottles and get both fees waived.
Stop 2: Monticello Market and Deli (1810 Monticello Rd, Napa, CA 94558): Locals stay away from touristy Oakville Grocery and go to Monticello Deli when they want a great lunch for a great price. Bring your snacks to the next stop. Sandwiches around $10.
Stop 3: Bougetz Cellars: Tim is the tasting room manager and great fun. 2 for 1 with the pass so you two can taste for just $40. Tim will waive the tasting fees if you buy enough wine too, something that a lot of wineries stopped doing.
Stop 4: Sterling Vineyards: Ride the tram, take in the views, life is good, right? Two for one so you just saved $55.
Stop 5: Auburn James: What a cute little boutique with that fun bocce ball court begging you to give it a try. Two for one, save $55.
LET’S DO SOME EASY MATH: If the wine pass costs you $49 and you saved $55 just at Sterling and got the free with purchase tasting at Judd’s Hill, the two for one at Bougetz, two for one at Auburn James, I don’t have a calculator but it looks to me like you saved a ton of money here, over a hundred bucks, right?
