BEST New Winery Deals & Discounts in Napa and Sonoma on the Priority Wine Pass 2024

Incredible Artesa Winery in Napa - no reason not to go now that you can get a discount! Photo Credit: Artesa Winery

ARTESA WINERY: 20% OFF

Artesa is a celebration of the harmony between nature, art & architecture. It’s also one of the key locations in the Netflix movie “WINE COUNTRY” with Amy Poehler. Haven’t seen it? Then that’s on your agenda tonight, right after you book a reservation to Artesa Winery using the 20% off discount. Normally $65 per person, you’ll get two tastings for a bit over $100. Yes, yes yes! This stunning winery is worth it at full price but with the discount it’s a steal.

NEED A PRIORITY WINE PASS? $20 OFF Sound good?

To get all of the deals you’ll need one Priority Wine Pass per couple. Pay full price? Why?? Just use this link or click the button below that uses my PROMO CODE LOCALWALLY and you’ll save $20 off the regular price. Use it all day (and all year, it’s good for 12 months) and you’ll save bigly. Is that a word? Hmmmm.

Ride the new tram (aka gondola) to the top of the mountain for stunning views and wines. Photo Credit: Napa Valley Register

STERLING VINEYARDS: 2 FOR 1, SAVE $55

If a little excitement and a big view is what you’re looking for in a winery then Sterling Vineyards is a MUST EXPERIENCE visit, especially now that you can save $55. You’ll ride in their new gondolas to the top of the mountain for a self guided tour which ends at a lavish observation deck with you holding a glass of wine. Is this a dream? If it is then dreams do come true and with a 2 for 1 it’s even better. Are you good at math? Then you know that just going to Sterling more than recoups the cost of the Priority Wine Pass.

Beaulieu Vineyards in Napa, one of the original wineries and now even better with a 2 for 1 deal. Photo Credit: Wine Spectator

BEAULIEU WINERY: 2 FOR 1 OFFER, SAVE $55

What a lovely place! In fact, it was so lovely that they named it Beau - Lieu, or BV for short. One of Napa’s oldest wineries, discover how the dirt influences the flavor of the wine (as in grown in dirt, not dirt in your wine) on their Discover Rutherford Dust experience, now 2 for 1 so you save $55. If you love cabs you are going to love this experience as much as your wallet will. Are you keeping score of all the money you are saving using the Priority Wine Pass??

Lovely Etude Winery, a hidden gem. Photo Credit: Napa Winery Project

ETUDE WINERY: 2 FOR 1, SAVE $40

For an elegant and relaxing tasting experience away from the crowds visit Etude Winery in the Carneros area in the southern tip of the valley. This hidden gem is close to Domaine Carneros, the famous “champagne” stop that everyone wants to make and not too far from Artesa Winery. Their Discover Etude is a nice overview of their wines with a keen focus on Pinots which are the specialty of wineries in this area. Bar tasting so you can experience their fine wines in a casual way while saving enough time to get another winery stop in :-)

Stroll the lovely grounds at Cline Family Cellars

CLINE FAMILY CELLARS: TWO FOR ONE, SAVE $25

At the south tip of Sonoma near Carneros is Cline Family Cellars, a winery with lushly landscaped grounds and outside wraparound patio that seems perfect for a relaxing visit with a glass of wine. I like this old style tasting experience, just come up to the bar and let them take you on a tasting tour of their various wines. It makes for a faster wine tasting experience, though I bet you won’t want to leave too soon as the gardens beckon. Two for one excludes Saturdays but just buy two bottles and they’ll waive your tasting fee.

Jacuzzi Winery impresses all!

JACUZZI FAMILY VINEYARDS: TASTE OF ITALY, 2 FOR 1, SAVE $30

Mind blown, this Italian villa is owned by the same people who make Jacuzzi’s?? And guess what, you can get their Taste of Italy experience which features a seasonal flight of Italian varietals accompanied by locally baked fresh bread with an olive oil and balsamic vinegar dip, Two for One?? Do this one and Cline back to back as they are across the street from each other. Super beautiful winery that looks like you are back in Tuscany. Like Cline, the two for one excludes Saturdays but no worries, you’ll still get club pricing on the All'Italiana food and wine pairing experience.

Wellington Cellars in Glen Ellen

WELLINGTON CELLARS, GLEN ELLEN, 2 FOR 1, SAVE $30

It seems like the good old days are coming back with wineries like Wellington Cellars in Glen Ellen (north Sonoma) where you can just show up and walk up to the bar for a tasting experience - two for one! Afterwards buy a bottle of wine to savor the ambiance on their patio. So relaxing, so chill, a short drive north from Sonoma takes you to this experience and it’s worth the drive.

NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN DISCOUNTS & DEALS FOR 2024: IS THE WINE TRAIN WORTH IT???

Lunch aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train

New Deals and Discounts for the Napa Valley Wine Train in 2024!

It’s finally back! The Napa Valley Wine Train now is offering the following discounts for 2024!

LEGACY TOUR: Set out on a full-day Wine Train adventure, where every detail is one to savor, and each moment is one to remember. Delight in stunning sights, four courses of Valley-inspired fare, and exceptional tastings at Charles Krug and V. Sattui — all while riding in sophisticated style aboard fully restored Pullman rail cars. With ONE Priority Wine Pass you get $30 off each person, up to four people.

GOURMET EXPRESS LUNCH OR DINNER: Soak in the splendor of the Valley as you embark on a leisurely lunch ride, settling into traditional rail seating surrounded by elegant etched-glass partitions. Embrace a slower pace while aboard antique Pullman rail cars on a return trip from Downtown Napa to St. Helena. With ONE Priority Wine Pass you get $20 off each person, up to four people.

VISTA DOME LUNCH OR DINNER: Marvel at panoramic Napa Valley views from the second-floor observation-style Vista Dome car. As you pass rolling hills and rows of vines, indulge in a four-course lunch prepared and served onboard—personalized service, opulent furnishings, and a sophisticated ambiance complete this three-hour voyage. With ONE Priority Wine Pass get $25 off each person, up to 4 passengers.

Photo Credit: Napa Valley Wine Train

HOW TO GET THE NAPA VALLEY WINE TRAIN DISCOUNT DEAL

One Priority Wine Pass is all you need to get all of the discounts for up to four people. Plus the wine pass is good for a full year so if you’re here for more than a day you’ll want to use it again and again for deals all over Napa and Sonoma. What kind of deals? How about a two for one at Sterling where you’ll ride the tram to the top for one of the best views in the valley? Save $55 per couple with the Priority Wine Pass. Or how about a picnic at a winery nearby that looks a bit like a Monet painting with ponds and wooden bridges? Two for one, of course. There are plenty of other killer deals on the pass (and even a free concierge service to help you plan it all out) so get your pass here.

Is the Napa Wine Train Worth It?

OK, yes, the Napa Valley Wine Train can be expensive! But with these discounts it makes it all a bit more affordable. And hey, really, why not pocket the savings and buy yourself a nice bottle of wine? If sipping wine and dining on gourmet food on a vintage refurbished train is on your bucket list then you owe it to yourself to check that list before you, well, kick the bucket! The experience is luxurious and special, the sort of thing you might talk about for the rest of your life. So yes, it’s worth it, especially with the discounts. Remember, you only need ONE Priority Wine Pass to get the discount for up to four people so bring some friends to max out the savings.

Are you a local? Live in the Bay Area? Then for sure get the Priority Wine Pass for winery deals all over Napa and Sonoma (remember, the pass is good for a year) and then use it when mom and dad come to town to really impress them with a fun adventure. Mother’s Day? Valentines Day? Just about any reason is good enough to jump on the Napa Valley Wine Train. If you have any questions you can email me, of course!

Is the Priority Wine Pass Still Worth It in 2024?

When I started writing Napa Tourist Guide back in 2007 you could still find free tastings and coupons were everywhere. The Winery Finder App was huge and the Priority Wine Pass had tons and tons of deals on it. Fast forward to 2024 and the free tastings are long gone, the coupons just a memory, the Winery Finder App hasn’t been updated in years… but the Priority Wine Pass is still there.

Wait - what’s the Priority Wine Pass? It started mainly as a 2 for 1 pass and all of the big names and a ton of boutiques were on it. Today it still has 2 for 1’s but also a lot of deals and discounts. But at $49 is the Priority Wine Pass still worth it in 2024?

Feast it Forward is on the Priority Wine Pass

The Priority Wine Pass is Still Worth It in 2024 - if you use it right

So the one thing my therapist told me was to stop looking at yesterday with huge regrets so if you remember the days when the Priority Wine Pass had all the big names on it, well, forget about it. But that’s not to say it’s not essential to your Napa trip. It can save you a lot of money and expose you to new wineries that you might not have known about - if you use it right!

Bouchaine Vneyards is on the Priority Wine Pass

the Strategy to using the priority Wine pass

If you want the Priority Wine Pass to be WORTH IT in 2024 then make your first booking with a winery that will pay for the pass with savings. First timers love Sterling Vineyards with the tram ride to the top of the mountain - book it with the Priority Wine Pass and you save $55 per couple. The pass is just $49 so you get to keep $6 in your pocket. Boutique winery lovers should book Auburn James, one of my favorite little wineries with incredible wines. Use your Priority Wine Pass and you get two tastings for $50, a $50 savings. With either of those two reservations you just broke even on the pass. But you want to do more than just break even, right?\

The next step to maximizing the Priority Wine Pass is to check out the complete list of wineries on it right here - https://prioritywinepass.com/wine-regions/list-view/. I would make sure I booked TANK GARAGE since they offer FREE TASTINGS with your Priority Wine Pass, a $30 per person savings. Want a picnic? V. Sattui has a full deli and has the same owner as the Napa Castle, Castello di Amorosa. It’s not a castle but has the same old world feel and a full deli with picnic tables - save $22.50 with each wine pass there. Want to bring some wine home? Go to Hill Family Winery in Yountville where you get two free tastings, a $80 value, if you buy $100 worth of wine. You get the idea, just check out the complete list and pick and choose some wineries that interest you. You already broke even on the pass if you booked Sterling or Auburn James so take some chances, explore some new wineries, keep some money in your wallet.

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NEED A DRIVER? I can connect you with drivers who can legally drive your rental or will drive you in their vehicle. Don’t just hire anyone, use one of my friends who you can trust to take good care of you and offer discounted rates to my readers. Email Me and I’ll connect you.

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Free concierge service

Did you know that if you buy the Priority Wine Pass you get FREE concierge service to help you pick wineries and plan out your day? No, they won’t make reservations for you but they will help you plan it out stop by stop and all you need to do is call to reserve. Some are charging up to a few hundred dollars to do this same service that you get included with your wine pass.

GET A PRIORITY WINE PASS WITH THE LOCAL WALLY DISCOUNT HERE!

GET IT - THE PRIORITY WINE PASS IS STILL THE BEST WAY TO VISIT NAPA OR SONOMA

Napa and Sonoma has so many wineries to discover so use your Priority Wine Pass and uncover your own favorites while saving money in the process. I predict that there will come a day when we will look back on these days and lament how there are no longer any deals left in Napa but for now you can still live it up without breaking the bank as long as you have the Priority Wine Pass.

Paso Robles 2 for 1 Deals (and other discounts!)

Daou Winery in Paso Robles

Is Paso Robles the new Napa Valley?

Paso has come a long ways in the past few years and in many ways reminds me of Napa Valley in the 80’s. Wineries are spread out on country roads and while there are a more and more large corporate wineries moving in there are plenty of small ones where the person serving you might be the winemaker.

And guess what? The Priority Wine Pass works in Paso Robles as well so you can use if for discounts. Here are all of the deals as of March, 2024:

Ampelos: 2 for 1 tastings and 10% off wine purchases

AronHill Vineyards: 2 for 1 Tasting and 10% off select wine purchases ($20 Savings)

Baileyana, Tangent & True Myth: 2 for 1 tasting and 15% off wine purchases ($15 Savings) Known For: Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Rhone, Riesling, Rosé, Sangiovese, Sauvignon Blanc, Sweet Wines: Muscat/Moscato, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier, Zinfandel

Barr Estate Winery: 2 for 1 Tasting ($15 Savings) Known For: Albarino, Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot

Ca’ Del Grevino Winery: 2-for-1 wine tastingTasting fee refunded with bottle purchase$2 off glasses of wine ($40 Savings) Known For: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Cambria Estate Winery: Receive a “surprise and delight” bonus pour with reservation ($10 Savings) Known For: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz

Castoro Cellars: 1 Complimentary Tasting and 10% off wine purchases ($20 Savings)

Chamisal Vineyards: 2 for 1 on Estate Patio Flight and 10% off wine purchases ($35 Savings)

Cottonwood Canyon Vineyard & Winery: Complimentary Tasting and 10% off wine purchase ($29 Savings) Known For: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz

Four Brix Winery: 2 for 1 and 10% off wine purchases ($16 Savings)

Foxen Vineyards: 10% Off Wine Purchases One $25 Tasting flight waived with a 3-bottle purchase. One $30 Pinot Noir tasting flight waived with a 4-bottle purchase.

HammerSky Winery: 2 for 1 tasting and 10% off purchases ($30 Savings) Known For: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Red Blends, White Blend, Zinfandel

Happy Canyon Winery: Receive one additional tasting pour of a reserve or library collection wine Known For: Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc

Kessler-Haak Wines: Priority Pass Holders Receive 25% off all wine purchases. Known For: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Syrah/Shiraz

Laetitia Vineyard (Temporarily Closed): 2 for 1 tastings Thursday - Friday and tasting fee waived on weekends with $100 wine purchase. Special pour daily for PWP members. ($15 Savings)

Le Vigne Winery: One Complimentary Classic Wine Flight per Priority Wine Pass. Add a Gourmet Cheese Pairing to your flight for $5. ($20 Savings) Known For: Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malbec, Primitivo, Red Blends, Rhone, Sparkling Wine, Viognier

McPrice Myers Wines: 2 for 1 Tasting ($25 Savings) Known For: Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre, Rhone, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier

Montemar Wines: 2 for 1 tasting and 10% off wine purchases ($25 Savings) Known For: Bordeaux, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Red Blends, Rhone

Opolo Vineyards: 2 for 1 Tasting ($30 Savings) Known For: Barbera, Chardonnay, Grenache, Hybrid Grapes, Merlot, Petit Sirah, Petit Verdot, Pinot Noir, Red Blends, Rousanne, Sangiovese, Sparkling Wine, Syrah/Shiraz, Tempranillo, Viognier, Zinfandel

Refugio Ranch Vineyards: 2 for 1 tasting 10% off wine purchases ($15 Savings) Known For: Grenache, Petit Sirah, Rousanne, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier

Region San Luis Obispo: 2 for 1 Tastings From The Winery Of The Week ($20 Savings)

Sculpterra Winery: 2 for 1 tastings & 10% off wine purchases ($20 Savings) Known For: Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Grenache, Merlot, Mourvedre, Muscat, Petit Sirah, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Port, Primitivo, Rosé, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling Wine, Syrah/Shiraz, Viognier

Silver Wines: 2 for 1 tasting and 10% off wine purchases ($15 Savings) Known For: Cabernet Franc, Grenache, Nebbiolo, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Syrah/Shiraz

SummerWood Winery: 2 for 1 Tasting ($15 Savings) Known For: Bordeaux, Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris/Pinot Grigio, Rhone, Zinfandel

Tercero Wines: 2 for 1 Tasting10% off Wine Purchases ($25 Savings)

Tooth & Nail Winery: 1 additional Reserve splash with your wine tasting (Monday - Thursday) Known For: Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Petit Sirah, Syrah/Shiraz

Tres Hermanas Vineyard and Winery: Purchase one tasting and receive a second complimentary tasting and receive 10% off any wine purchase.

Tooth and Nail Winery in Paso Robles

The same wine pass that gets you deals in Napa and Sonoma works in Paso Robles and surrounding areas as well so don’t forget to show it to get your deals. And if you need a pass get it here so you get my discount - $49 for the pass, good for a full year and comes with free concierge service.

AVOID THIS WEEKEND IN NAPA 2024 (unless you are going to BottleRock)

BottleRock 2024 is taking place May 24-26, 2024 and runs from 11:30am with the las act ending at 10:00pm.

Go to your calendar right now and check again the weekend you are coming to Napa because if you’re coming this weekend and NOT going to BottleRock you might want to reschedule. Oh sure, everyone will be at the concert which this year features act such as Pearl Jam, Ed Sheeran, Stevie Nicks, and a host of other non-stop artists. So yes, you might get lucky and find the wineries nice and pleasant. So if you can’t change your plans, well let’s hope for the best. But you can expect 40,000 or so people invading Napa that weekend causing the hotel rates to skyrocket and restaurant reservations harder to get than, well, tickets to BottleRock.

BOTTLEROCK IN NAPA IS MAY 24-26, 2024

Of course you might WANT to be here for BottleRock and if that’s the case then tickets go on sale Jan 9th, 2024. Click the button to be transported to the official ticket site. General Admission tickets are $456 for the 3 day event and if you want to go and there are tickets I would not hesitate as this event sells out and sells out fast.

Get $10 Off Sterling Vineyard Tasting and Tram Ride 2024 FREE Promo Code

Sterling Vineyard Tram

Don’t you just hate it when you search for a PROMO CODE and get jacked around with fake or bogus coupons? That’s not my style, no sir-ee Bob! So let’s cut to the chase -

THE FREE PROMO CODE FOR THE STERLING VINEYARD TRAM RIDE AND TASTING IS WALLYNAPA.

Go to the Sterling site and make your reservation. When you get to the last page you’ll see a spot to add the promo code. That’s IT! Use it, enjoy it, tell everyone about it!

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STERLING 2 FOR 1 OFFER!

$10 off is a good deal but I also have a 2 for 1 deal which will save you $55 - well, sort of. To get the 2 for 1 you would need a Priority Wine Pass, the Napa and Sonoma pass that gets you lots of two for one’s and other discounts. The pass is $39.99 with my discount so if you ONLY want to do Sterling then it’s not really worth it but if you also wanted to check out wineries like Beringer or V Sattui, or perhaps do the tour at Clos Pegase or visit some cool boutiques then it’s definitely worth it.

Here are all of the NAPA AND SONOMA Discount Deals - click here!

And if you need a pass use this link so you get my discount - get ONE pass only for the two for one’s. And remember, the Priority Wine Pass comes with FREE concierge service. I work closely with the concierge to help plan out stop by stop agendas using deals on the pass combined with “must see” winery stops to make sure that every stop is a good one. No dud wineries! No snooty experiences. And no overpriced tasting!!!

Since I have you if you need a discount driver let me know as I have friends all over Napa and Sonoma who drive my readers for a living. Some are budget friendly, some are full service luxury drivers, I even can hook you up with limos and busses so just reach out to me. It’s a good idea to hire someone to drive as it’s a lot more fun wine tasting without worrying about drinking too much. And trust me, it’s really easy to drink too much when the wine is this good. Just email me and I’ll connect you with good drivers I trust.

Napa Drivers on a BUDGET - PROMO CODE - The BEST Cheap Drivers

Whether you’re a large group or a couple, I have a driver for you!

If you’re looking to do NAPA ON A BUDGET but the cost of a driver is blowing up your plans then you’ve come to the right place. Hi, I’m Local Wally and I help connect visitors to the best resources in Napa and lately everyone wants a driver but everyone is shocked to see how much it costs.

Wait - so how much is a driver? It’s not unusual to pay $60 an hour for a driver with a 6 hour minimum. But I have drivers who charge my readers much less than this. And not to worry, they are all legitimate drivers with proper insurance and licenses*. So whether you want to hire a DESIGNATED DRIVER who drives your rental or personal vehicle, or a driver who drives you in their car, just email me with from this post which has a built in PROMO CODE (localwally) to get the lowest rates. Some drivers even run specials so if you use this post I’ll make sure you get the lowest rates possible.

Remember, reach out to me for the following:

• Designated Drivers who drive you in your vehicle

• Standard Drivers who drive you in their vehicle

• Tour Guide Drivers who have extensive winery background and who can give you info on the wineries and region you are in.

• Deluxe Drivers who will not only help you pick your wineries but will make all of the reservations so you just show up and go.

• Join in Tours - I work with Platypus Tours if you want to just jump on the shuttle and join in with a group for a day of tastings. If you book with them make sure you tell the LOCAL WALLY SENT YOU.

• Large corporate events or bachelorette party groups

*Standard Disclaimer: While I do my best to ensure that the drivers I refer to you have the proper licenses and insurance it is 100% your responsibility to do your own due diligence if you have concerns. I accept no legal responsibility for drivers credentials or behaviors, but I will vouch that I only allow drivers on my site that I trust and that have a long track record of taking good care of my readers.

Napa Valley's BEST Designated Drivers - LOCAL WALLY APPROVED!

Photo thanks to Nick from San Diego Bay Wine Tours, one of my top drivers - Sterling Vineyards

What should you look for in a Designated Driver to take you around Napa or Sonoma? I work with some of the BEST drivers in Napa and Sonoma and I’ll tell you what I look for before recommending them to my readers.

FULLY INSURED AND LICENSED: Before you ask someone to driver your vehicle or rental you want to make sure that in case of an accident you are not on the hook. All of the drivers I work with have the proper credentials but of course you’ll want to check them yourself to make sure. A good driver is prepared for these sort of questions and should be able to provide you with the documentation you’re looking for.

EASY ON THE BUDGET RATES: Rates vary depending on the driver and their availability but all of my standard drivers know that most of my readers are looking for honest, good rates. Cheap isn’t necessarily always better, but it also doesn’t always mean low quality or inexperience.

WINE INDUSTRY BACKGROUND: All of my drivers have either hospitality or wine industry background. This means you’re getting more than a driver who just, well, drives, and more of a tour guide who can tell you about the area you’re driving through and about the wineries you’re visiting. If you know nothing about wine the drivers I use can really help you not only pick good wineries but tell you which wines the winery is known for so you taste the best each winery has to offer.

FUN PEOPLE: You’re going to be hanging out with these people all day so make sure you like hanging out with them! During my vetting process for drivers if I don’t connect with them as people then they don’t make it to my site to drive my readers

And if you don’t want someone to drive your vehicle and would rather they drive you in their own I can help with that as well. My drivers are independent drivers for the most part versus drivers who work for a larger company so you get better rates. Either way just email me and let me know your date and number of people in your party and I’ll match you up with one of my preferred drivers.

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CLICK TO EMAIL ME WITH MY PROMO CODE TO GET A DRIVER FOR JUST $299 A DAY FOR UP TO 6 PEOPLE - OFFER GOOD THROUGH 2023 AND SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY -

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HERE’S A RECENT EMAIL I RECEIVED (2023) FROM ONE OF MY READERS:

I just wanted to make sure and take a moment to let you know how much we enjoyed our driver that I found (even though she was at the bottom of your recommendations) on your page! Celest was fabulous, she knows so much history about napa valley and wineries/estates which made for a very fun drive and was able to ensure we had a dinner reservation by calling ahead while we were doing our wine tasting.  She recommended several spots for us to add to our list including going to Sonoma and suggested a host she knew there at Fulcrum wines which we adored. She made our drive to Calistoga wonderful and was very communicative throughout the process even following up after to see if we needed anything! She took pictures of us during our tasting at Reverie which was such a special experience.  I cannot recommend her enough!

Local Wally’s Designated Drivers get you there on time and back safe and sound!

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Why Hire a Driver in Napa and Sonoma? Is it Expensive? Is it Worth It?

In the old days, perhaps not good old days, I will admit that I used to drive from winery to winery and sipping way too much. I mean, everyone did this but that was a long time ago back when Napa was country roads and even on a weekend you might only see a handful of random cars all doing the same thing. That’s not to excuse my poor decision making but things were different back then. Heck, even 5 years ago a lot of people would drive drunk in Napa.

Don’t worry, they hired a driver in Napa!

But today it’s too risky to drive yourself when wine tasting in Napa or Sonoma. It’s busy, so if you don’t hurt yourself you might hurt others and no one wants that. So if you don’t drive yourself what are the options?

1. UBER: I know, it seems to work just fine back home but in Napa the cell service can get really spotty once you leave Highway 29 or the Silverado Trail so an Uber might get you there but damn, how are you going to request one to pick you up if your phone isn’t working? Add to that there are not enough Uber drivers anyway so even if you stay in the main area of Napa you are rolling the dice you can get one in time for your next winery appointment.

2. HIRE A DRIVER WHO DRIVES YOUR RENTAL: I work with drivers who claim they can legally drive your rental and this is the cheapest way to go. However you will want to verify their licenses and insurance on your own to make sure you are satisfied with their credentials. There are plenty of drivers who are not doing this professionally and not insured properly so do your own due diligence.

3. HIRE A DRIVER TO DRIVE YOUR ITINERARY: If you know where you want to go you can hire one of these drivers to pick you up and get you to your next stop on time. They’ll typically wait outside the winery but politely tap you on the shoulder when it’s getting close to exit time. PRO TIP: If you don’t know much about wineries and want me to help you plan it out just email me - I do this for free for my readers.

4. HIRE A FULL SERVICE DRIVER: Some of my drivers will not only pick the wineries for you (with your input) but will make the reservations. If you are short on time and just want to make sure your trip to Napa goes perfectly then do this.

5. JOIN IN TOURS: I work with Platypus Wine Tours if you want to just jump in the shuttle and leave all of the details, including lunch, to them. Good for couples, good for groups, even corporate groups or bachlorette parties love this option. FAVOR: They pay me a small commission so please tell them LOCAL WALLY sent you if you book with Platypus.

6. NAPA WINE TRAIN: OK, this isn’t really transportation but they do have train excursions that stop at a few select wineries. Let me know if you’re interested in this as I have discounts I can show you.

YES, HIRING A DRIVER IN NAPA IS WORTH IT - MUCH BETTER THAN A DUI!

You want to have fun wine tasting, right? So why limit your sips hoping you won’t drink too much? And do you really want to toss that super delicious sip of very expensive wine that you just paid for into the spit jar just because you drew the short straw to be the designated driver?

What Napa Wineries OPEN Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years 2023? Napa Wine Train, Beringer, Castello di Amorosa, and More!

Napa Wine Train is the perfect holiday event!

Visiting Napa Valley on Christmas and New Years in 2023? Well hang on, don’t assume that wineries are open. In fact, assume that they are NOT open with a few exceptions. Here is my list so far and I’ll keep adding to it to make sure you are not stuck like Clark Griswald showing up at Walley World and finding it closed.

Wineries Open on Christmas and New Years - discounts as noted with your priority wine pass

GIRARD: Thanksgiving open 10-3, Christmas Eve open 10-3, Closed Christmas Day, open New Years Eve 10-3, open New Years Day 10-3. Show your Priority Wine Pass for a special pour.

CLOS PEGASE: Thanksgiving open 10-2, Christmas Eve open 10-2, Closed Christmas Day, open New Years Eve 10-2, open New Years Day 10-4. Show your Priority Wine Pass for a special pour. 2 FOR 1 M-F

V SATTUI: Thanksgiving open 10-3, Christmas Eve open 10-3, Christmas Day closed, open New Years Eve 10-5, open New Years Day 10-5. Show your Priority Wine Pass for HALF OFF one tasting with each pass.

CONSENTINO: Thanksgiving open 10-3, Christmas Eve open 10-6, Christmas Day 10-6, open New Years Eve 10-6, open New Years Day 10-6.

CASTELLO DI AMOROSA (CASTLE): Thanksgiving closed, Christmas Eve open 10-6, Christmas Day closed, New Years Eve regular hours, open New Years Day with limited hours.

AUBURN JAMES: Christmas Eve open, Christmas Day closed, open New Years Eve, open New Years Day. 2 for 1 with Priority Wine Pass.

BENNETT LANE: Christmas Eve open, Christmas Day closed, open New Years Eve, open New Years Day. $5 off tastings with Priority Wine Pass.

DAVIEw (SCHRAMSBERG SPARKLING): Christmas Eve closed, Christmas Day closed, open half day New Years Eve 10-6, closed New Years Day. Various offers with Priority Wine Pass - call winery for details.

WHITEHALL LANE: Christmas Eve open morning only, Christmas Day closed, open New Years Eve morning only, New Years Day closed. 2 for 1 with Priority Wine Pass.

BERINGER: Open Christmas Eve and New Years Eve but closing at 3.

NAPA WINE TRAIN: Excursions on Christmas Eve and New Years Eve, morning only.

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STANDARD DISCLAIMER: All info is accurate as of publication date but wineries reserve the right to change their hours and offers. Always call the winery to verify the offer with the Priority Wine Pass during holiday hours.