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.

CAN IT BE DONE? NAPA ON A BUDGET 🤑 UNDER $150 A DAY?

Napa on $150 a Day? Can It Be Done?

I was wasting time on YouTube today and a recommended video popped up claiming you can do NAPA ON A BUDGET FOR UNDER $150 A DAY! Hmmm, Napa has gotten really expensive, especially after Covid-19 jacked up all the tasting fees. This looked like click bait to me and like a hungry trout sniffing a wriggling worm wrapped around a treble hook I bit down hard. Before I go on let first let me say that I really like Tim and Fin. They’re entertaining, they’re fun, and they do a good job at creating compelling content, certainly better than I could. But with all due respect, I think i could plan a better Napa on a Budget day than they did.

Their strategy for keeping costs low was to only go to one winery per day. In their case they picked Castillo di Amorosa, the Napa Castle. I like the castle, and I totally get how they wanted to simulate a trip to Italy since they had to cancel their trip to Tuscany. But the castle is $55 per person for the tour and tasting. That means they pretty much blew their entire budget on one stop. And while the castle is unique, it can border on being a bit touristy. If they had asked me how to do it here is my plan.

First, I would buy a Priority Wine Pass. This is the 2 for 1 Pass. It’s $40 but you only need one per couple. Let’s see, $150 - $40 leaves you with $110.

Then I would go to these wineries:

1. Beringer: Stunningly beautiful, it’s iconic Napa. Use the Priority Wine Pass and get 2 tastings for $30. That leaves you with $80.

2. V Sattui: Tim and Finn went to Castello di Amorosa but I would instead go to V. Sattui, the original winery owned by the same person who built the castle. They have a full deli here and huge picnic grounds. Plus, you get half off one tasting so you save $17.50. If your budget is tight split the tasting and get yourself a sandwich. Let’s assume you spend $20 for lunch and $17.50 for a shared tasting, total $37.50. This still leaves you with $42.50.

3. Merryvale: Let’s do a boutique winery with exceptional wines. Use the Priority Wine Pass and get 2 tastings for $30. With that you end the day with $12.50 left in your pocket. enough for some tacos at La Esperanza Taco Truck for dinner.

The entire day comes in under $150 which includes a picnic lunch and a Napa local dinner “destination”, a taco truck. I know, you might need to search for quarters in the seat cushions in your car if you want to splurge at V. Satuii and yes, i am totally stiffing the servers on tips which is not going to give you good Karma, but you did get to visit three wineries AND if you are coming back to Napa in the next 12 months you can use the Priority Wine Pass again as it’s good for a full year.

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napa Updates for Fall 2020

New Wally Preferred Drivers, the Safe and Fun Way to Get Around Napa!

Just about everyone wants a driver these days when wine tasting in Napa. Sipping and Driving isn’t tolerated and Uber is no longer a good option since you now need to be ON TIME for reservations, something Uber was never that good at in Napa. Don’t hire a driver based solely on price - get one that has a track record of doing a good job, a driver that I’ve already vetted out for you. I don’t charge you to connect with them - just let me know when you are coming, how many people, and if you would rather have someone drive your vehicle/rental or if you want them to drive you in their vehicle. I’ll match up your needs to one of my Preferred Drivers and send you their info. Simple as that. No hassles, no upcharges, and no wondering if you’ve made a good decision or not. And driver rates are all very competitive so don’t worry about my gold plated service costing you more than a Craigslist driver. Email me to connect - from couples to bachlorette parties I have drivers who can handle it all.

Sterling $10 Off Freebie Still Available, a Local Wally Exclusive!

Yes, Sterling was hit by the Napa Glass Fire and as of mid-October is currently still closed but the main winery was not impacted and sources say that they are rushing to reopen as soon as possible. If you coming to Napa towards the end of October there is a very good chance they will be open for tastings again.

Make sure you request my free $10 off code! It’s totally free, no catches, but you do need to email me to get it.

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Napa, Somona, and Covid FAQ's: Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting During Covid 19, Fall 2020

Sterling Vineyards: Yes, I still give away my exclusive $10 off code - More info below!

Is Napa Open? How about Sonoma?

Yes, wineries in both Napa and Sonoma are open! The two areas have different restrictions so don’t make any assumptions and call every winery you want to visit before you arrive. Some have more limited hours and some who don’t have outside tasting areas are still closed, especially in Sonoma.

OCT 21 UPDATE: Napa wineries are back to allowing some indoor tastings! Obviously not exactly back to normal but getting there. Call the wineries to make sure as we approach cooler weather.

Didn’t Napa Burn Down? Is it Even Worth it To Visit?

Not going to lie, Napa has been hit hard by fires. But as I write this update in October the fires are out, the skies are clear, the air quality perfect. But yes, some of our favorite wineries have been destroyed or damaged, notably Sterling (still not open as of Oct 21 but will reopen soon), Burgess (sadly gone), Dutch Henry (damaged but will reopen shortly), and the castle, Castello di Amorosa (partially damaged but open). The bulk of Napa’s wineries are open for business and Napa on the whole needs tourist dollars to stay afloat so a trip to Napa is not only good for you, it’s good for everyone. When the damaged wineries reopen make sure you visit as 2020 has been a tough year for everyone and the damaged wineries especially - And Buy Wine! I know you’re thinking “wine tasting” but buying wine is what keeps the wineries in business.

Do I Need Reservations for Wineries?

Absolutely - every winery requires reservations. Some will say the are “reservations preferred” but what they are really saying is that those walking in will only get in if the winery has space - which may not be very often since the wineries now have more limited space to do actual tastings. So plan ahead, make reservations.

I’m Coming During CRUSH 2020 and Want to Stomp Grapes! Where Can I Go?

Well Lucy, some bad news. From what I’ve been told by the wineries all events like grape stomps or harvest dinners or whatever are cancelled or on hold. You can check Grgich Hills’ website in case things change as they are the most popular so if anyone does it it will be them.

What About Cave Tours in Napa?

As of right now most of the traditional group tours are on hold, though you might find wineries who have found a way to do it safely. Things are changing all the time so call and ask, don’t assume.

Do I Really Have to Wear a Mask?

Yes. Once seated you can remove your mask but for the health and respect of those around you and serving you, follow the mask mandates which right now say you must wear masks.

Is it SAFE to Go Wine Tasting in Napa?

Yes, wineries are being very careful. Masks going in, servers with masks, drivers with masks, tons of social distancing. So yes, pretty darn safe. And yeah, I know, it’s not quite the same as it was way back in January but it’s still Napa, you’re still drinking Napa wine, it’s still more fun than sitting at home watching Netflix.

Is Uber Still Running in Napa?

Yes - But I don’t recommend any ride share service since you now must be ON TIME to your winery appointment. Many wineries require your credit card to save your spot and if you don’t show, guess what? Don’t waste your time, hire a driver. I have a small number of drivers who I can recommend who have a long track record of driving my readers and doing a great job. Some can legally drive your rental (do your own due diligence to make sure), others have vehicles that can seat up to 14 and beyond. EMAIL ME for names of drivers I trust. And don’t think you can sip responsibly and still drive. Trust me on this - when someone puts a delicious $100 bottle of wine in front of you and asks if you would like a sip it is nearly impossible to say NO, especially if you’ve already have had wine. Does your dog ever turn down treats? No, and no one ever has enough will power to turn down Napa wine.

I Have a Big Group and Can’t Find any Wineries!!

That’s one of the big problems these days in both Napa and Sonoma - regulations suggest that the wineries limit groups to 6 or less. In fact, I believe the regulations also suggest that those in each party be from the same family or pod or whatever. Basically, 6 is the limit and most wineries are holding true to this.

But…. How About if We Break Up into Smaller Groups??

Some wineries will allow you to form smaller groups but once you sit down at your table you cannot get up and mingle. But don’t worry, I can help you. I have a small handful of wineries that I can refer you to who can safely take larger groups. Just email me and I’ll help you out - but be flexible! Forget about your bachelorette party invading Castello di Amorosa, the castle, or stomping grapes at Grgich Hills. Many of these wineries are a bit off the beaten path - which is actually good if you are looking for a place your group can forget about Covid for a few hours and safely taste wine and enjoy your time together.

And yes, I can arrange transportation for you as well, even if you want a pick up in the Bay Area.

Are Restaurants Open?

Yes! Though seating is more limited so make sure you make reservations. I mean, make them as soon as you know your dates as the popular restaurants book up far in advance.

Should I Tip at Wineries?

Yes, especially during these Covid times. These people working the wineries need all the support they can get. They have families, they have rent due, and they’re risking their health to serve you. So yes, the standard 20% tip for good service should be adhered to.

Additionally, if you are visiting a smaller winery not owned by a giant corporation you should always buy wine. Just go to each winery with the idea that you will take home at least a couple of bottles. Many small boutique wineries used to make their money selling wine to restaurants and with that industry in turmoil it’s up to the winery to close the gap. So while in the past it was fine to taste and move on, today you should buy wine whenever possible.

Does the Priority Wine Pass Still Work?

Yes - the popular “two for one” pass still works at dozens of wineries in both Napa and Sonoma so I still recommend it. Figure the pass is $39.99 for two people but you can get $45 off at Grgich Hills, $45 off at Charles Krug, $30 off at Beringer, etc - I mean, you don’t even need to do the math to see how it pays for itself and saves most people on average a hundred bucks a day. And yes, if you get the pass I still offer FREE advice and will help you pick the best wineries for your wine tasting experience. To buy the wine pass go to this link so you get my discount and remember, only get one pass per couple. You will find all of the deals here.

OK, How About that FREE Sterling $10 Off Code?

YES, I still give away the free $10 off code. All you have to do is email me and I’ll send it to you within 24 hours. No catches, no gimmicks, totally free for my readers. You do know my email by now, right? wally@napatouristguide.com

Virtual Wine Tastings with Napa Wineries to Chase Away Covid-19 Blues

Looking for the Best Napa Valley Virtual Wine Tastings? Ask Me!

For over a decade I’ve been helping people plan their trips to Napa Valley and Sonoma with my free advice on winery picks and how to get the most wine (and most fun) for the least amount of money. That’s what Local Wally has been all about and let me tell you, it’s been a super fun. That is, until 2020. You know what I’m talking about because NO ONE is having much fun this year.

I can fix that. There is no reason why we have to accept that 2020 is the worst year of our lives. Sure, we’re all locked down and banned from the rest of the planet but ha ha ha, we still have wine! And traveling to Napa is no longer a requirement to getting access to Napa’s best wines, the stuff that normally stays IN the tasting room, because not they will ship it to you and host a VIRTUAL WINE TASTING EVENT for you and your friends.

Here’s How Virtual Wine Tastings Work

Step One: Pick the Winery: OK, don’t worry, this is where I can help! I know these wineries so if you just reach out to me I can help you select one that fits your wine personality. Figure pricing per shipment is $100 to $200 and they will ship you normally three bottles of wine. Get your friends involved! Virtual Wine Tastings can be just you, or any number of people you want to virtually hang out with.

Step 2: Schedule a Time for the Video Call

Step 3: Get out of your Jammies, it’s time to Drink Wine! You’ll be joined by the winery owner or wine maker who will walk you through the wine selections and hang out with you as you enjoy the wine. It’s fun, it’s interactive, and it’s almost like being in Napa. Kick it up a notch by adding a nice charcuterie plate, perhaps sit outside on a picnic table under an oak tree, heck, take the call from a nearby castle if you can find one. It’s almost like Napa!

So Many Opportunities for Virtual Wine Tastings

Sure, it’s a great way to get together with friends you haven’t seen in months but Napa’s Virtual Tastings are also excellent for:

• Corporate Events and Team Building: If you’re responsible for keeping employees happy and figuring out how to do corporate team building events during an time when no one can travel then do it virtually. Imagine how happy your employee (and their significant other) will be when bottles of Napa wine arrive on their doorstep. Seriously, I used to be in charge of large corporate events and team building and this is a lot cheaper than flying people in, getting hotel rooms, feeding them, etc.

• Client Meetings: Host a happy hour event with top clients and key prospects. What client wouldn’t want to do some wine tasting before diving into a proposal? All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.

• Happy Hour: Can’t go to your favorite hangout with your friends or co-workers?

• Celebrations! We need to laugh more in 2020, to focus on the good things that are still around us. Find any reason to celebrate and host a Virtual Wine Tasting to make it special.

Here’s What to Do Next

If you would like more info just reach out to me and I’ll send you a list of wineries offering the BEST virtual tastings as well as their pricing. If you decide you want to book, just let me know and I’ll connect you with my booking partner who will take care of all of the details, from shipping location to scheduling your event. And yes, it’s true, they pay me a very tiny finders fee that doesn’t affect your price but does help keep my website in business during these tough times. Let me know if you have any questions by clicking the button below!

Cure to the Coronavirus Blues: A Trip to Napa Valley

Walking through the redwoods on the AXR tasting experience

MAY 15 UPDATE: GOV NEWSOM HAS REQUESTED THAT ALL WINERIES AND BREWERIES CLOSE DUE TO CORONAVIRUS. STAY TUNED - UPDATED COMING.

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Is Napa Valley the Cure to the Coronavirus Blues?

Everywhere you look is bad news. The Coronavirus aint no joke and I’m not here to make it one. But I’m bummed. My vacation to Italy, cancelled. That’s OK, how about a trip to LA to hit the Grand Market and then a day at Disneyland? Nope, avoid big crowds they say, All right, I’m going to the movies. Wait, a sneeze from 6 feet away could be a problem? Damn, Redbox? Does the DVD Player still work? Oh crap, there are germs on the touchscreen? Ahhgggghhhh!

I Need Wine. Good Wine.

The good news is if you live driving to distance to Napa Valley you can do a mini vacation getaway, a sure cure for the Coronavirius Blues. Look, I’m no doctor. But I do know that drinking good wine makes me happy and Napa has plenty of good wine. And with visitors down a bit it’s a good time to visit. For the super cautious you can avoid the big crowds by hitting some boutique wineries where you’ll get one on one tastings away from everyone but your date and your server. I can’t guarantee anything but hand sanitizer is your friend wherever you go - cleanse your hands after sitting down, after touching the menu, you know the drill. Now let’s drink wine.

Napa Getaway On a Budget?

If you’re trying to escape reality don’t make it worse by racking up a huge wine tasting bill by the end of the day. Napa wine tasting can be notoriously expensive. $25 per person, $50 per person, not unusual. But do the Napa hack to save money - get a Wine Pass for two for one’s. The Priority Wine Pass is the annual pass that gets you half off or other discounts all over Napa and Sonoma. If you live in the Bay Area and don’t already have this pass, you need one. And yes, you only need one pass for every two people. You can get it here with my $20 discount, making the pass only $39.99. It pays for itself before you leave the second winery and you can use it again and again for the next 12 months. It’s a deal - a sweet deal for sure.

GET IT HERE: DISCOUNTED WINE PASS FROM LOCAL WALLY - One Per Couple

Charles Krug Winery

Wineries That Deserve to Be on Your Short List

BERINGER: Iconic winery, the perfect photo opp. The tasting room is inside their retail shop with plenty of room to spread out. As a bonus, you can use their gorgeous picnic grounds for free - and you can buy bottles to entertain yourself and outside food is allowed. It’s two for one with the pass, save $25.

CHARLES KRUG: Huge tasting room, separate tables to really spread out, a sprawling picnic area (no outside food allowed), another iconic Napa winery. Two for one, save $40.

DUTCH HENRY: Fun and funky, an industrial looking winery set among oak trees and picnic tables, plenty of room inside and out, and great wines - I mean, really great wines. Two for one, save $25.

CLOS PEGASE: Strange architecture by Michael Graves, semi-private seated tastings, it feels fancy and you’ll feel like a VIP for a price that’s very agreeable with the Wine Pass. Two for one, save $40. Make reservations for this one.

AXR: A true hidden gem tucked away near Beringer. If you want to experience some of Napa’s finest wines without going broke, then AXR needs to be on your list. Incredible deal with the Wine Pass - the private tour and tasting is normally $75 per person but they will waive fees for two people if you buy a total of only $100 worth of wine, basically two bottles. Let me run that by you again - you save $150 in fees, you take home $100 worth of wine. It’s a private experience, they even have picnic tables for you to enjoy after your tour. Charming winery, you will love this one. Make Reservations.

AUBURN JAMES: More really great “high end” wine, served in a private setting inside their winery cottage. You’ll have the cottage to yourself and your server, it’s two for one per couple with the Wine Pass, save $40. If you have never done a private tasting before don’t worry, it’s not snobby or intimidating. Auburn James is very friendly, you’ll love this experience. Make Reservations.

STERLING VINEYARDS: The famous tram ride to the top is included with all of their tasting experiences. Don’t forget, I have a ten dollar off code I send out for free that’s good for all of their experiences. I like the more exclusive experiences there a lot, including their sparkling wine on weekends. Email me if you would like the code.

And There’s More….

Go here for the complete list of discounted wineries and remember that I’ll help you pick if you get totally overwhelmed. And if you need to still buy a wine pass, well, here is the link below with my discount. Remember, you only need one pass for every two people.

Stocking Up on Supplies Includes Wine

You have 14 days of toilet paper, mac and cheese, and essentials but do you have wine? Now is the time to buy that case or two of really great wine, you know, just in case. Focus on wines you can drink now but will age gracefully. Oh heck, just buy lots of wine you can drink right now. I’m not kidding, you are going to be thanking me if you wake up one morning to find yourself quarantined to your house. And if you’re not quarantined you’ll still be thanking me. There is no downside to stocking up on good wine.

Napa Wine Tasting… Chasing the Blues Away, One Sip at a Time

I hope you don’t think I’m making light of a very serious world crisis. I’m frankly as freaked out as the rest of us. But I also know that it’s easy to over react and you can only binge Netflix for so long. Of course, you need to use your own judgement anytime you leave the house these days but I can’t help thinking that a day in Napa, done right, is about as safe as hanging out with friends in your backyard. Cheers to you, no hugs please but I know you want to :-)

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CORONAVIRUS CONVID-19 UPDATE

Valuable News Links to Napa Coronavirus Updates

County of Napa Official Page: March 12, 2020 - Napa County has 0 confirmed cases of COVID-19, and additional testing kits are gradually becoming available to Napa County. Right now the risk of infection still appears to be MODERATE in Napa County.

BottleRock 2020: Everything You Need to Know BEFORE You Get Here - FAQ's, Tips, Discounts

BottleRock 202 in Napa is May 22 - 24

QUICK BOTTLEROCK INFO

WHAT IS BOTTLEROCK?:

Napa Valley is a 3-day music, wine, food and brew festival in Napa, California May 22 -2 4, 2020. There are five music stages, a culinary stage and more. Basically it’s Woodstock done Napa Style, which means lots of food, wine, and great bands. Crowd size? 120,000 people! It’s big!

WHEN IS IT AGAIN?:

The three day festival is on Memorial Day Weekend, May 22 - 24. The 3 Day Tickets are all SOLD OUT but you can still buy individual days.

TICKETS? HOW DO I GET TICKETS TO BOTTLEROCK?:

Go to the official BottleRock site to buy tickets - here is their link.

HOW MUCH DO TICKETS COST?

General Admission single day tickets are $159. You’ll get access to all stages and all the bands that day, can view celebrity chefs on the culinary stage, and purchase food, wine and beer from the various vendors. Upgrade to the VIP tickets which are $359 and you gain access to the VIP Village with premium bars, more food, comfy seats, up-close prime viewing near the stage, and Yes, VIP only bathrooms. That might be worth it right there!

PRO TIP: Ticket Prices increase as the event gets closer so buy them as soon as you know you are going. The prices quoted are valid as of Jan 9, 2020.

DANG IT! TICKETS TO BOTTLEROCK ARE SOLD OUT. NOW WHAT?

You waited too long, didn’t you? If you want tickets you can go to their link above and be put on a waiting list.

GETTING TO BOTTLEROCK AND WHERE TO STAY

WHAT AIRPORT SHOULD I FLY INTO?

You have options - Oakland International is probably the top choice, followed by Sacramento, Santa Rosa and then San Jose. And yes, you can fly into San Francisco but my experience there is to expect flight delays if the fog rolls in, which is often.

WHERE SHOULD I STAY?

The key location is downtown Napa but be ready for sold out hotels and high rates. As of this writing there is only ONE Napa hotel that I could find that still has availability - the Motel 6 Napa. It’s nearly $400 a night, way more expensive than it’s worth but book it or you might be wishing you did. You can move out farther to the outlying areas like Fairfield where the Motel 6 Fairfield is currently $220 a night. Figure an Uber will set you back around $60 to $75, maybe more if they surge the prices.

WIN VIP ACCESS IF YOU CARPOOL

Attend with four or more people and you might be randomly picked to a VIP upgrade. That’s cool.

PARKING

Parking is free in the surrounding downtown area - head over to Fuller Park area as a starting point. It’s about a mile away. Look, parking is going to be tight so just grab a space there an walk past the line of cars searching for that one last elusive spot.

BottleRock Festival in Napa

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GO WINE TASTING ON A BUDGET IF YOU CAN’T GET INTO BOTTLEROCK

Have a bit of extra time and want to go wine tasting? Tried to get tickets and could not? Whether you’re a Bay Area local who comes to Napa and Sonoma multiple times a year or an out-of-towner who is just here for the weekend, if you want wine tasting discounts you need a Priority Wine Pass. The PWP gets you two for one tastings at a ton of Napa and Sonoma wineries, saving you $25 or more at every winery stop. The pass is just $39.99 using my promo code localwally and you only need one pass per couple. Basically you hit up two wineries and you more than break even and then you save again and again, enough for a nice dinner at the end of the day.

Click here for the complete 2020 updated list of deals on the Wine Pass.

Napa Wine Tasting

Napa Wine Tasting Tips During BottleRock Weekend (aka Memorial Day Weekend)

1. Wineries will be busy - try to find wineries that require reservations and book in advance. Make sure you keep your reservation, too. Many of the Napa wineries are small businesses who count on you showing up.

2. Hire a Driver! Uber can be tough during BottleRock so hire a driver and be treated like the VIP you are. Figure a driver will cost you $45 an hour, chump change when compared to a DUI. I’ve just started a new driving service called Nick + Wally’s Wine Tours where my driver can take up to 14 people in his vehicle. Interested? Email me for more info.

3. Groups of 8 or more are tricky! A lot of wineries, especially on a busy day like Memorial Day Weekend, will turn down large groups if you try to crash in without a reservation. If you are trying to do a day of tasting even with a group of over four email me and let me help you pick wineries and plan out your day. I don’t charge - just give me a shout and I’ll get right back to you.

Best Walk In Wineries That Accept the 2 for 1 Wine Pass (4 or less per group)

• Sterling: Normally $35 per person, get two for one and save $35.

• Beringer: Normally $25 per person, get two for one and save $25.

• V. Sattui: Great deli, normally $20 per person, get two for one and save $20.

• Grgich Hills: Come in without a pass and pay $40 per person, come in M-F with a pass and get a special flight, two for $25.

Downtown Tasting Rooms that Accept the Priority Wine Pass

• Gustavo Wines: Across the street from Oxbow Market, get two for one tastings, save $18.

• Krupp Brothers: Free upgrade from Signature flight to Reserve flight for two, save $40.

• Outland Wines: 2 Free tastings with a 4 bottle purchase, save $50. These are great wines at a nice price, recommended.

• JaM Cellars: 2 for 1 tastings, save $25, open late. No tasting flights on nights that have live music so call ahead.

• Wines in First: Happy Hour glasses of wine all the time and two free tastings with the purchase of one bottle, save $15.

• Cornerstone Cellars: M-F, two for one tastings, save $30.

• Ancien: Special price of $40 per person gets you a VIP tasting with cheese and charcuterie, make reservations, save $40.

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Best Food at BottleRock - Don’t Miss!

Here’s the complete list of food offerings at Bottle Rock 2020 in Napa! OFFICIAL SITE

Fried Chicken from Ad Hoc

La Calenda

What sets BottleRock apart from other music festivals is that the food and wine are elevated to, well, Napa level. No crummy hot dogs that have been warming under lights for 5 hours, you can expect incredible food and drinks. My recommendation is to hit the Thomas Keller options - a bucket of Ad Hoc Fried Chicken is an absolute must. Don’t think about it. Do it. And for a snack later get the tacos from Thomas Keller’s new Mexican inspired restaurant, La Calenda. Is this the hip version of The French Laundry? Ha, I bet by the end of the day it costs just as much but what they hey, you only live once.

DID SOMEONE MENTION THE FRENCH LAUNDRY? HERE’S A VERY POPULAR ARTICLE I WROTE ON MY EXPERIENCE THERE.

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Who’s Playing at BottleRock Festival 2020?

FRIDAY BOTTLEROCK LINEUP, MAY 22

Red Hot Chili Peppers, Miley Cyrus, Brandi Carlile, Foals, Jimmy Eat World, Local Natives, Finneas, Milky Chance, Amos Lee, Village People, Muna, Ripe, The Frights, Digable Planets, Atlas Genius, Oliver Riot, White Reaper, Meg Myers, Tessa Violet, Uncle Blazer + DJ Ango from Workaholics, 99 Neighbors, In the Valley Below, Ryland James, Chris Pierce, Pacific Radio, The Haden Triplets, Grass Child.

SATURDAY BOTTLEROCK LINEUP, MAY 24

Stevie Nicks, Khalid, Janelle Monáe, Maggie Rogers, Blondie, Of Monsters and Men, Empire of the Sun, Tegan and Sara, CAAMP, Grace VanderWaal, Eric B. & Rakim, Hamilton Leithauser, Ra Ra Riot, Jack Harlow, MAX, DJ Z-Trip, TWIN XL, DeVotchKa, Reignwolf, slenderbodies, Smith and Thell, Madison Ryann Ward, JJ Wilde, Hembree, almost monday, Peter Harper, Lily Meola, Sam Johnson, Napa Valley Youth Symphony.

SUNDAY BOTTLEROCK LINEUP, MAY 25

Dave Matthews Band, Anderson .Paak & the Free Nationals, Zedd, The Avett Brothers, Maren Morris, Michael Franti & Spearhead, Iration, Jon Bellion, Matt Nathanson, Trampled by Turtles, The Band Camino, Turkuaz w/ Jerry Harrison & Adrian Belew: Remain in Light Turns 40, Mandolin Orange, Hobo Johnson & the Lovemakers, Big Freedia, Absofacto, Eliza & the Delusionals, Black Joe Lewis & the Honeybears, Evie Irie, KOTA the Friend, Full Moonalice: The THC Revue, Buffalo Gospel, The Alive, Lily Meola, Obsidian Son, Silverado Pickups.

THANKS TO BOTTLEROCK NAPA WEBSITE FOR THEIR LINEUP PHOTOS. VISIT THEIR SITE AT https://www.bottlerocknapavalley.com/.

How Bad Are the Napa and Sonoma Fires? Should I cancel my Trip 2019?

Kincade Fire Nearly Contained as of 11-5-2019

Photo: Josh Edelson, AFP Via Getty Images

11-5 Update on the Sonoma Kincade Fire

The fire is nearly contained and things are getting back to normal - despite the 3rd earthquake in the past week. But don’t worry, if you are planning a trip to Napa or Sonoma just keep the plans and come on in - the wines are pouring and everyone in the industry is looking forward to your visit.

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10-30 Update on Sonoma Kincade Fire

The Kincade Fire has scorched 76,825 acres and is only 30 percent contained as it continues its destructive path across Sonoma County, This morning is a critical time for firefighters as gusty winds pick up.

Napa remains fine though planned power outages are having impact on visitors this week. If you are coming I would stick to the plan and not postpone but would recommend you call each winery the day before and the day of visiting to make sure they have power.

AS OF THIS MORNING RIGHT NOW THE SKIES IN NAPA ARE BLUE AND THE POWER IS ON. Here is a photo taken just a few minutes ago - 10-30-2019 at 19:00 AM

It goes without saying that our thoughts and prayers go out to our Sonoma neighbors and fire fighters. But if you are visiting Napa I would still come. The last fire had a devastating effect on the tourist economy and was deeply felt by the wineries, restaurants, and many small business owners as visitors stayed away thinking that Napa was burned to the ground. The Sonoma fire is serious but Napa is largely unaffected, as is the bulk of Sonoma. Feel free to email me if you have questions or concerns.

Wally

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10-29 UPDATE

The Kincade Fire has spread to 75,415 acres and is 15 percent contained. Of the 124 structures destroyed, Cal Fire says 57 are homes. Of the 23 structures damaged, officials say 15 are homes.

Winds eased overnight, but firefighters have concerns about gusty winds that are expected to pick up this afternoon.

Last night, Cal Fire issued an evacuation warning for parts of Lake County due to the Kincade Fire, including Twin Pine Casino in Middletown.

Meanwhile, some evacuation orders have been downgraded for parts of western Sonoma County, including Bodega, Bodega Bay, Carmet, Muniz Ranch, Sebastopol, Occidental, Freestone, Camp Meeker, Forestville, Rio Nido, Hacienda, Monte Rio, Cazadero, Guerneville and Valley Ford.

OCT 28 UPDATE ON SONOMA KINCADE FIRE 2019

The Sonoma Kincade fire is now in its 5th day with only 5% containment. Most of the destruction is on the Sonoma side towards Geyserville but Calistoga is now nearing evacuation.

Evacuation for Sonoma Kincade fire as of 10-28, 2019

How is Napa Valley Impacted by the Sonoma Kincade Fire? Should I Cancel my Trip?

Tough call as I don’t want to send you into a fire area but Napa Valley is marginally impacted, mainly forced power outages and reduced air quality. However, here is a photo of Napa taken 10-27-2019. As you can see the fires are having minimal impact but you will want to keep an eye on this if you are coming this week, especially if you are staying towards Calistoga. The best source is your hotel - call them before you jump on the plane.

I’ve been getting emails from people asking if they should cancel their November plans and I think in that case I would not - a lot can happen in a few days and it would be unthinkable that the fires will still be raging another week or more. So be calm, stay on top of the news, but don’t cancel just yet.

Napa is marginally impacted by the fires in Sonoma.

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UPDATE FROM 10-25: Fires are raging in the northern section of Sonoma - if your plans were to visit the Healdsburg or Geyserville section of wine country you might want to reconsider.

Note where Calistoga is, the north tip of Napa Valley

But What About Napa and the Fires? Should I cancel My Trip? How Bad is It?

While fires can swiftly change, as of this morning the skies are blue and everyone is cautiously optimistic about the impact to Napa Valley. So if you have a trip planned just keep an eye on things but don’t cancel! Everything should be fine and if the air quality later isn’t perfect remember that the wine will be.

Our thoughts and prayers continue to go out to the people impacted by the fires and to our fire fighters keeping the blaze in check. We love you guys.

Napa 101: First timers Guide to Napa