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.

Wine Tasting in Your AirBnB! Private Chef? Discounted Rates? Yes Yes Yes!

Coming to Napa or Sonoma with a group and staying at an AirBnB or VRBO? End your day of winery hopping with a private wine tasting event at your place! My friend Laura from Wildcrafted Wines will come to you with her favorite wines from various wineries. She can also arrange food and private chefs to really knock this out of the park. Are you a local? Of course Laura can come to your house or even a work event.

Outdoor Private Tastings with Winemakers?

For smaller groups of 8 or less Laura can arrange to meet you at an outdoor location to pour wines, sometimes even bringing along the winemaker to discuss what you are drinking. Vineyard views, a shady tree, a glass of wine, doesn’t this sound better than being pushed around in a crowded tasting room?

Great for Bachlorette Parties!

Hit up some wineries but get back to your own place where you can really have fun! Let Laura know what sort of wines you love as she has access to, well, everything. You’ll love being about to just relax and sip wine, lots of wine.

Best yet, Laura will give my readers a nice price break off her already reasonable rates. Spoiler Alert: It’s cheaper than going to a winery! Interested? Then let me connect you to Laura and you can work out the details.

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!

Sterling, Beringer, Castello di Amorosa - Napa Holiday Hours - What Wineries are Open Christmas and New Years?

Top Napa Valley Wineries Open Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day

STERLING VINEYARDS HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: Open 10 to 3 - Christmas Day: Closed. - New Year’s Eve: Open 10 to 3 - New Year’s Day: Closed

Ride the tram to the top and sip some wine - make sure you email me for the FREE $10 off Promo Code!

BERINGER VINEYARDS HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: Open 10 to 3 - Christmas Day: Closed. - New Year’s Eve: Open 10 to 3 - New Year’s Day: Closed

Iconic Napa winery that should be on your list.

CASTELLO DI AMOROSA (THE NAPA CASTLE) HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: Open 10 to 4 - Christmas Day: Closed. - New Year’s Eve: Open 10 to 5:30 - New Year’s Day: 10 TO 5:30

OMG, an actual castle? With wine???

BEAULIEU VINEYARDS (BV WINES) HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: Open 11 to 3 - Christmas Day: Closed. - New Year’s Eve: Open 11 to 3 - New Year’s Day: Closed

Historic Napa winery with a very cool intimate tasting bar.

CAKEBREAD CELLARS HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: Open 12 - 2 - New Year’s Day: Closed

One of Napa’s best tours, make sure you make reservations.

DARIOUSH WINERY HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: Closed - New Year’s Day: Closed

Sorry Griswald, it’s closed.

GRGICH HILLS ESTATE HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: 9:30 to 4:30 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: Open 9:30 to 4:30 - New Year’s Day: Closed

One of my favorites, an old school winery with an old school tasting room. Incredible deal on the Priority Wine Pass if you have one - normally people pay $40 per person to taste here but if you show them your pass you get two tastings for $25. Need a pass? See below for the link.

INGLENOOK WINERY NAPA HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: Open 10 - 5 - New Year’s Day: Closed

She’s a beauty!

V. SATTUI WINERY HOLIDAY HOURS

Christmas Eve: 9 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: Open 9 - 5 - New Year’s Day: 9 - 5

Super cool winery with a full deli because you will be hungry after drinking all that wine.

NAPA WINERIES ON THE PRIORITY WINE PASS HOLIDAY HOURS

Looking to save a bit of money on your wine tasting fees? Just use your Priority Wine Pass for 2 for 1 and other discountson the wineries below. Don’t have a pass yet? Get it here for $39.99, a $20 discount. You only need one pass per couple to get the deals. MAKE RESERVATIONS WHERE NOTED.

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Andretti Winery: Christmas Eve: 10:30 - 5 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10:30 - 5- New Year’s Day: 10:30 - 5 - TWO FOR ONE TASTING , MAKE RESERVATIONS

AXR Napa Valley: Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 5 - New Year’s Day: 10 - 5 - FREE TOUR AND PRIVATE TASTING WITH $100 COMBINED PURCHASE, MAKE RESERVATIONS

Beaulieu Vineyards: Christmas Eve: 11 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 11 - 3- New Year’s Day: Closed - TWO FOR ONE TASTING, MAKE RESERVATIONS

Bennett Lane Winery: Christmas Eve: 11 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 11 - 3 - New Year’s Day: 11 - 3 - FREE UPGRADE TO PRIVATE SEATED TASTING EXPERIENCE

Beringer Vineyards: Christmas Eve: 10 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 3- New Year’s Day: Closed - TWO FOR ONE TASTING, MAKE RESERVATIONS

Black Stallion Winery: Christmas Eve: 10 - 2 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 3 - New Year’s Day: 10 - 3 - TWO FOR ONE TASTING

Brian Arden Winery: Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: Closed- New Year’s Day: 11 - 4 - HALF OFF WINE TASTING FLIGHTS FOR 2, M - TH

Burgess Cellars: Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 4 - New Year’s Day: Closed - TASTING FEE WAIVED WITH 2 BOTTLE PURCHASE

Clos Pegase: Christmas Eve: 10 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 3 - New Year’s Day: 10 - 4 - TWO FOR ONE TASTING, TWO FOR ONE TOUR, MAKE RESERVATIONS

Conn Creek Winery: Christmas Eve: 10 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: Closed - New Year’s Day: 10:30 - 4:30 - TWO FOR ONE TASTING, or $25 OFF PER PERSON ON THEIR BLENDING SEMINAR, MAKE RESERVATIONS

Davies Vineyards: Christmas Eve: 10 - 3:30 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 5 - New Year’s Day: Closed - FREE UPGRADE FROM PINOT TASTING TO SPARKLING + PINOT TASTING

Delectus Winery: Christmas Eve: 10 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 3 - New Year’s Day: 10 - 4 - TWO FOR ONE TASTING, MAKE RESERVATIONS

Elizabeth Spencer Winery: Christmas Eve: 10 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 3 - New Year’s Day: 10 - 5:30 - EXTRA POUR WITH FLIGHT

Girard: Christmas Eve: 10 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 3 - New Year’s Day: 10 - 4 - TWO FOR ONE, MAKE RESERVATIONS

Grgich Hills Estate: Christmas Eve: 9:30 - 4:30 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 9:30 - 4:30 - New Year’s Day: 10 - 4 - GET TWO TASTINGS FOR $25 - WITHOUT THE PASS TASTINGS ARE $40 PER PERSON

Hall Wines: Christmas Eve: 10 - 1 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 3 - New Year’s Day: Closed - RESERVE WITH WINE PASS AND GET MEMBERSHIP PRICING ON EXPERIENCE AND PURCHASES

Hill Family: Christmas Eve: 10 - 2 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 -2 - New Year’s Day: Closed - TWO FOR ONE TASTING

JaM Cellars: Christmas Eve: 10 - 5 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 12:30 - New Year’s Day: Closed - TWO FOR ONE TASTING

Jessup Cellars: Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 2 - New Year’s Day: Closed - TWO FOR ONE TASTING

Judd’s Hill Winery: Christmas Eve: 10 - 4 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 4 - New Year’s Day: Closed - FOOD AND WINE PAIRING FOR $100 PER COUPLE, NORMALLY $135

Krupp Brothers Downtown: Christmas Eve: 2 - 6 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 2 - 8 - New Year’s Day: 2 - 8 - FREE UPGRADE TO RESERVE TASTING

Miner Family: Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 2 - New Year’s Day: Closed - TWO FOR ONE TASTING

Napa Cellars: Christmas Eve: 10 - 2 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 5 - New Year’s Day: Closed - TWO FOR ONE RESERVE TASTING

Rutherford Hill Winery: Christmas Eve: 10 - 2 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 5 - New Year’s Day: Closed - FREE UPGRADE TO SIGNATURE TASTING

Rutherford Ranch Winery: Christmas Eve: Closed - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 3:30 - New Year’s Day: 10 - 3:30 - FREE TASTING FLIGHT WITH EACH WINE PASS

Swanson Vineyards: Christmas Eve: 10 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10:30 - 3:30 - New Year’s Day: 10:30 - 3:30 - TWO FOR ONE, MAKE RESERVATIONS

Trinchero Family Estate: Christmas Eve: 10 - 2 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 10 - 5 - New Year’s Day: Closed - 20% OFF WINEMAKERS SELECTION FLIGHT

V. Sattui Winery: Christmas Eve: 9 - 3 - Christmas Day: Closed - New Year’s Eve: 9 - 5 - New Year’s Day: 9 - 5 - TWO FOR ONE TASTING

Is Napa Valley Just Like Disneyland Now?

Happiest Place on Earth? Castello di Amorosa in Napa Valley

How to Find (or avoid) Disneyland Napa

Napa Valley has many personalities but the one that seems to stick these days is that Napa Valley has become “just like Disneyland”. Depending on who is saying it this is either a compiment (“It’s so fun - and there’s wine!!”) or disparagement (“Auggh, the crowds, the cost, the traffic!”). A lot of well meaning guidebooks focus on one or the other, discounting the alternatives, but that’s not right. It depends on what kind of experience you are looking for - a lively party Napa, or a more romantic and quiet one. And both can be had on the same weekend if you know where to look.

Is Sonoma Better? Oh, Stop It!

Right after the Disneyland comparison you will often hear how Napa is spoiled and Sonoma is the place to be. I totally disagree with this. I love Sonoma (check our SonomaTouristGuide.com) but the idea that Napa is somehow spoiled or ruined is just not true. Napa has over 400 wineries and over 300 of them now require reservations. Making reservations is a form of crowd control and unlike Disneyland where limiting the number of visitors at Star Wars Galaxy Edge still means monster crowds, a reservation in Napa means you get your own slot, your own space, your own private or semi-private experience - away from the masses. But I’m getting ahead of myself. Some people will want the Disneyland excitement of Napa, the massive wineries, the mega tasting rooms, and there’s nothing wrong with that! So here are my top picks for the most popular, the most Disneyland-esque wineries in Napa.

The Best Napa Wineries for the Disneyland Experience

If you are coming to Napa for the first time, if you are hanging with friends just looking for a weekend getaway, if you just want to drink wine versus tasting wine to buy, then these wineries will be right up your alley.

1. CASTELLO DI AMOROSA - THE NAPA CASTLE: This is insane, an actual full size castle built in the same manner as they would have built a castle back in the middle ages. Everything is authentically recreated, right down to the dungeon and hand painted frescoes. The basic tasting experience gets you in through the front doors but the tours will take you deep into the castle, a Game of Thrones sort of experience that can’t help but impress. TIP: Come early as they close the doors once they hit their daily number of visitors.

2. V. SATTUI WINERY: If the exterior of V. Sattui looks a bit like the Napa castle it’s no surprise - the same person owns both. V. Sattui is the picnic spot in Napa, a full deli inside, an expansive picnic area outside, and always a lively crowd.

3. DARIOUSH WINERY: A Persian palace exterior, a trendy Las Vegas feel to the interior, Darioush Winery certainly stands out. You expect to see Lara Croft jumping from column to column with a machine gun strapped to her back. You have to see this one, you really do!

4. DEL DOTTO VINEYARDS AND WINE CAVES: Adventure into the wine caves where you’ve be surrounded by barrels and barrel tastings! With three locations in Napa Valley pick the cave that suits your personality - go rustic in the historic caves handpicked out of the rocky mountainside, or go total Las Vegas in their over the top Italian caves surrounded by marble and intricate tiles. It’s all fun, do all three!

5. HALL ST HELENA: When I first started visiting Hall Winery it has a tiny tasting bar about the size as the one in my kitchen. That all changed with a remodel that increased the size of the tasting room to what seems like Marriott Ballroom dimensions. And that adds to the lively party feel to this “no reservations required” experience. Head outside to see the vineyards for a breather.

6. STERLING VINEYARDS: With a tram ride that takes you to the picturesque hilltop winery, you have to do Sterling! What? Tram ride? That’s right, just like the old Skyway ride at Disneyland. But unlike Disneyland where the tram just went back and forth, the Sterling tram takes you to wine tasting and killer views of the valley.

   WANT A DISCOUNT ON THE TRAM? Just email me and I’ll send you a totally free promo code for $10 off per person on the tram ride and tasting experience. Free. I mean that.

Want to Avoid the Disneyland Experience? Visit these Napa Wineries!

If you want a quieter Napa experience then get your phone out and make reservations at the following wineries, all of them my personal favorites.

1. AXR NAPA VALLEY: It’s a bit hard to find, tucked away near Beringer (wait, add Beringer to your Disneyland experience!) but will feel like a totally different world. This is a private tour and tasting where you’ll take a walk into the redwoods with a glass of wine, visit a fairy circle (you will see, it’s cool), and then head in for a tour, maybe a sip from the barrels, and some of Napa’s best wines. 90 minutes, you’ll savor each one.

2. SWANSON VINEYARDS: You’ll swear you’ve stumbled into the French countryside when you pull into Swanson Vineyards. The outdoor area is just charming with rustic tables next to the vineyards. Inside the Sip Shoppe is perhaps the most enchanting and whimsical tasting room I have ever seen - it was co-designed by the late Kate Spade. Private tastings, very fun and casual, romantic as can be. Sip here all afternoon, you’ll be very happy.

3. MAXVILLE LAKE WINERY: Don’t let the 15 minute drive off the Silverado Trail sway you from visiting Maxville Lake Winery. It’s one of the most beautiful modern wineries in Napa, one that no one seems to know about. A reservation here usually means you have the entire winery to yourself, including the outdoor area that’s perfect for a picnic with a view of the lake. Tours of the caves, barrel tastings, they are open to whatever sort of experience you want.

4. KRUPP BROTHERS WINERY: The gates swing open and you drive the narrow road to what appears to be a genuine Italian villa, stone buildings with a view of the vineyards and small lake. It’s a hidden gem, not to be confused with their downtown tasting room. Make reservations here and you will forget all about the castle.

5. REGUSCI WINERY: A historic stone winery, one of Napa’s oldest, in a romantic setting that looks straight out of the movie “Under the Tuscan Sun”. Come during harvest and you’ll even see them shaking the olive trees in front. Reservations required means the tasting room never gets that crowded and their staff is one of the friendliest in the valley. Highly recommended, and their wines are top rated.

I Wouldn’t Be Local Wally if I Didn’t Tell You About Discounts!

Many of Napa’s wineries offer discounts, including some listed in this article. You can always reach out to me and I’ll help you personally pick wineries, either Disneyland or not, and show you the best deals. Or search yourself on this complete list of Napa deals. You will need a Priority Wine Pass to get the deals but remember you only need ONE for every two people. The pass is $39.99 if you use this link to get it with my discount.

And you can always email me of you have questions! I am one guy doing this with the simple goal of making sure that you have the best time in Napa. I don’t charge for free advice (that’s why it’s free!) so go ahead and ask.

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2019 - EVERY NAPA VALLEY, SONOMA, RUSSIAN RIVER WINE TASTING DEAL RIGHT HERE!

LOOKING FOR THE UPDATED LIST OF NAPA, SONOMA, AND RUSSIAN RIVER WINE TASTING COUPON OR DEALS?  HERE IT IS, UPDATED JAN 2019.

Buy One Wine Pass for tons of 2 for 1 Deals in Napa and Sonoma

To get these Napa and Sonoma wine tasting deals just purchase the Priority Wine Pass for $39.99.  You only need ONE pass per couple and the savings add up fast!

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Blue Note Music Venue & Restaurant (Downtown Napa): Complimentary glass of wine and complimentary dessert *show tickets are required, see Blue Note Napa website for artists, pricing and availability. ($25 value)

Tarla (Downtown Napa next to the Andaz Hotel): Complimentary Appetizer with Priority Wine Pass ($12 Value)

Gustavo Wines (Downtown Napa next to the Oxbow Market):- 2 for 1 tasting flight and 20% off shipping ($18+ SAVINGS) Known for: Red Blends, Cab, Chardonnay, Merlot

Krupp Brothers Tasting Room (Downtown Napa):-Complimentary upgrade from our Signature flight to our Reserve Flight for two ($40 Savings) Known for: Red blends, Cab

Feast It Forward (Downtown Napa next to the Oxbow Market):- 2 for 1 Tasting ($35 Value) Known for: A bit of everything (outside food welcome to bring in to enjoy with your tasting or a bottle purchase)

Learn How To Taste Wine with Victor Orozco (Downtown Napa next to the Oxbow Market): Victor is a level 3 Somm who hosts private morning lessons where you can learn about the ways of tasting and then can go out and use those skills at the wineries during the day. Normally $90pp wine pass members and guests receive the class for $65pp w/reservation: 707-812-9292

Twenty Rows: (Downtown napa) 2 for 1 tasting AND 20% off wine purchaswith reservation ($25 SAVINGS) Cab, Red Blends, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Zin

Outland Wines (Downtown Napa):-2 complimentary tastings with 4 bottle purchase ($50 SAVINGS) Known for: An array of wines ranging from Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir, to Trousseau and Riesling

JaM Cellars (Downtown Napa):- 2 for 1 tasting flight ($20+ SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Sparkling, Red blends…open LATE!

Winetasting on First: (Downtown Napa):- Happy Hour Glasses of Wine All the time & Two Complimentary tasting tastings with the purchase of One Bottle ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Red Blends, White Blends,Chardonnay, Cab, Pinot, Petite Sirah

Cornerstone Cellars (Village at Vista Collina Resort in Napa):-  One Complimentary Tasting per wine pass($30 SAVINGS) Known for:Sauv Blanc, Riesling, Cab, Pinot, Zin, Syrah

Cornerstone Cellars (Downtown Napa):- One Complimentary Tasting per wine pass($30 SAVINGS) Known for:Sauv Blanc, Riesling, Cab, Pinot, Zin, Syrah

Wine Train Gourmet Lunch or Dinner: (Downtown Napa) $25 off tickets pass members and up to 3 guests ($80 Savings) Reservations required please call (707) 253-2111 and mention you are a wine pass member during booking. At check-in please bring ID and wine pass to obtain special pricing. 

Castello Di Amorosa Wine Train Tour: (Downtown Napa) $25 off tickets for pass members and up to 3 guests ($80 Savings) Reservations required please call (707) 253-2111 and mention you are a wine pass member during booking. At check-in please bring ID and wine pass to obtain special pricing. 

Collective/Estate/Legacy/Famiglia Wine Train Tours: (Downtown Napa) Receive $35 off tickets for pass members and up to 3 guests based on availability ($140 Savings) Reservations required please call (707) 253-2111 and mention you are a wine pass member during booking. At check-in please bring ID and wine pass to obtain special pricing. 

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Caves at Long Meadow Ranch

Main Napa Area Tasting Deals

Bouchaine (Napa) One Complimentary 1030am Vineyard Tour and Tasting with prior reservation per wine pass (Save $50) Known for: Pinot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Rose

Ceja Vineyards (near Carneros Brewery in Sonoma) 15% off in-person wine purchases ($20SAVINGS) Known for our Pinot, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Red Blend, Merlot, Syrah, Cab, and Late Harvest/Dessert Wine.

Bourassa (Napa):-2 for 1 Tastings and Complimentary Wine Educational Experience, and 10% off wine purchases ($40+SAVINGS) Known for: Riesling, Syrah, Cab, Zin, Port, Red Blends

Leaf & Vine Winery (Napa): 50% off tasting and meet the winemaker ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Zinfandel, Sauv Blanc, CAB, Petite Sirah

Avinodos (Napa):-2 for 1 Tasting and Barrel Tasting and a meet and greet with the winemaker  BY APPOINTMENT ONLY($20 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc and Malbec

LE (Carneros): 10% off wine purchases  Known for: Rose, White blends, Pinot, etc

Ancien (Coombsville): Recieve a tour and tasting for $25pp (for up to 4) with reservations Known for: Pinot and Chardonnay

Judds Hill (Silverado Trail Napa):-  2 for 1 Tasting BY APPOINTMENT ONLY($25 SAVINGS) or Cardholders will enjoy a special rate of $100 per couple (normally $135) for the Judd’s Hill Wine and Food in Balance Seminar. (RESERVATION required) Known for: Pinot, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Syrah, Cabs, Meritage, Blends

Black Stallion (Silverado Trail Napa):- 2 for 1 tastings ($25 SAVINGS) Known for: Cab, Merlot, Syrah, Zin, Pinot, Chardonnay, Viognier, Red blends, Dessert wine

Hagafan (Silverado Trail Napa):- 2 for 1 tastingsBY APPOINTMENT ONLY(except Holidays & Saturdays)($25 SAVINGS) Known for: Riesling, Late Harvest, CAB, Merlot, Tempranillo, Red blends, Sparkling, Sweet wines, pinot

Andretti (Napa): 2 for 1 Tasting and 10% off wine purchases. ($35+SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Late Harvest, Sangiovese, Pinot

Relic Wine Cellars (Off of Silverado Trail Napa): Complimentary Private Tasting for Two with a $300 purchase or $40 tasting fee per person (this winery is allocation only, so members receive access to this winery to purchase their wine when otherwise you would not be able to do so. Known for: Pinot, Petite Sirah, Cab Franc

Patland Cave Experience (Off of Silverado Trail Napa): Receive $50 off a Tour and Tasting for 2 (normally $75pp)…reservations is required email:mpatland@patlandvineyards.com (Save $50) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Rose, Syrah, Zin, Malbec, Cab, Prop Red Blend, and Port

Pine Ridge (Silverado Trail Napa): Reservation Required 50% off tasting for up to 2 people M-Thursday and 10% off wine purchases Fri-Sun (except Saturdays)BY APPOINTMENT ONLY(  ($45 SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Late Harvest, Sangiovese, Pinot

Silverado Vineyards (Silverado Trail Napa): 2 for 1 Premier Tasting ($45 SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, Cab, Sangiovese, Merlot

Miner (Silverado Trail Napa): 2-for-1 tasting for the walk-in Bar Tastings OR 2 for 1 Group Cave Tasting & Tour Experience with Reservation Monday-Friday email customerservice@minerwines.com Or SATURDAY & SUNDAY: COMPLIMENTARY TASTING with 2 bottle purchase($50 SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Merlot,  Sangiovese, Pinot, Cab, Viogner, Rose, and many others

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Yountville and Oakville Tasting Deals

Hill Winery (Yountville): 50% off tasting for up to Two People ($25 SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Sauv Blanc, White Blends, Rose, Cabs, Red blends

V Cellarplace (Yountville): 2 for 1 tasting experience and 15% off wine purchases ($25+ SAVINGS) Known for: A bit of everything!

Travel Food & Wines (Yountville): Complimentary tasting experience per wine pass and with reservation ($25 SAVINGS) Known for: The unique and hard to find wines of Napa Valley (By Appt Only: email: laura@travelfood.com)

Jessup Cellars (Yountville): One Complimentary Tasting per pass  ($40 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Cab, Pinot, Zin, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cab Franc, Port

Girard (Yountville):  Save $125 on our Cabernet Experience. Reservations Required. Experience five of our most exclusive appellation Cabernet Sauvignon selections presented side by side and paired with small bites of chocolate,cheese, and charcuterie. Includes three bottles of our Cabernet Sauvignon in a wooden gift box.Please let us know at the time of booking that you are a Priority Wine Pass member. Your experience can be reserved by calling us at 707.921.2795 or emailing us at hospitality@girardwinery.com

Cosentino (Yountville): 2 for 1 Tasting (Maximum of 8 guests) ($40 Savings): Known for: Zin, Cab, blends

Napa Wine Cellars (Oakville):-2 for 1 Reserve Tasting for up to 4 guests ($60 Savings): Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Cab, Zin, Merlot, Pinot, & Syrah

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Rutherford and St Helena Tasting Deals

Elizabeth Spencer (Rutherford): Complimentary Upgraded tasting for 2 with purchase of charter tasting (reservations are recommended) ($25 SAVINGS ) Known for: Chardonnay,Riesling, Rose, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Cab,Grenache

Rutherford Hill Winery (Rutherford): Complimentary upgrade to a Signature Tasting for 2. Plus, enjoy 10% savings on wine purchases.($30+ SAVINGS ) Known for: Red blends, Cabs, Merlot

Rutherford Ranch Winery (Silverado Trail St. Helena): One Complimentary Tasting per wine pass (BY APPT ONLY) : Enjoy a selection of four to five wines from our portfolio, both red and white wines, rotated seasonally ($40 SAVINGS) Known for: Cab (several only available at the winery), Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Zin and Rhiannon, a proprietary red blend.

Conn Creek Winery (Silverado Trail St. Helena): Complimentary Anthology Saloon Tasting with reservation OR 2 for 1 Walk-in Bar tasting  OR $25 off of one Barrel Blending Experience®, up to 4 guests w/reservations  ($100 Savings)

Grgich (St. Helena): One Complimentary Tasting per wine pass ($25SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Cab, Zin, and red blends

White Hall Lane (St. Helena): 50% off tasting for 2 people walk-in OR 2 for 1 Reserve Tasting in their Members Lounge with reservation ($50 SAVINGS)  Known for: Rose, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Cab, Merlot, Pinot, Red blends, Dessert Wine

Delectus (St. Helena): 2 for 1 VIP Tasting Experience with reservation ($55 SAVINGS) Known for: Cab Sauv, Cab Franc, Merlot, Petite Sirah, Syrah, Sauv Blanc

Prager Port (St. Helena): 10% discount on a purchase of 6 bottles. 20% discount on a purchase of one case. ($20+SAVINGS) Known for: PORT

V.Sattui (St. Helena): Two for One Tastings ($20 SAVINGS): Known for: CABS but they have over 60 varietals and several sweet wines!

Long Meadow Ranch (St.Helena): Receive 2 Complimentary Mayacamas Estate Tours with the purchase of a Chefs Table Dinner ($150 Savings) Email: scarter@longmeadowranch.com to make reservations and to learn more

Davies Vineyard (St.Helena): Purchase a Sparkling or Pinot Flight and receive a complimentary upgrade to a combination flight by appointment ONLY ($50 savings) OR Bubbles and Caviar brunch…$50off per person (normally $130pp)  Friday, Saturday and Sunday at 10 am. OR the basics of wine pairings with cheese $35off per person (normally $95pp) Monday through Saturday at 11  and reservations are required

Known for their Schramsberg Sparking wine and Davies Pinots and Cabs

Beringer Winery (St. Helena): 50% off of the Beringer Old Winery Tasting for up to TWO people ($25 SAVINGS) Known for: Reds, Whites, and Blends

Schweiger Vineyards (St. Helena/Spring Mountain): Complimentary Tasting for Two and Free Shipping with a Case Purchase ($150 Savings) Known for: Chardonnay, Cabs, Port

Trinchero Winery (St. Helena): 2 for 1 Tasting, ($25 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Merlot, Cab, Petite Verdot, Cab Franc, Meritage

Boeschen Vineyards (St. Helena):Complimentary Tastings and tour of the underground winery, Victorian gardens, and classic car collection for TWO people with 2 Red bottle purchases by appt only. Please phone the winery (707 963-3674) or send an email info@boeschenvineyards.com ($150 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Rose, Petite Verdot, Estate Blends, Cab

Benessere (St. Helena): Complimentary Tour and Extra Pour of their Reserve Wine with reservation: email ryan@benesserevineyards.com  , ($25 SAVINGS) Known for: Pinot Grigio, Sangiovese, and other Italian style wines

Maxville Estate Winery (St.Helena near Pope Valley): 2 for 1 Historic Winery Cave Tour and Tasting or 2 for 1 Cave Tour and Cheese and Wine Pairing w/reservations  ($85 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Cab Franc, Cab Sauv, & Petit Sirah

Auburn James (Silverado Trail in St. Helena): 50% off Tasting/Tour for up to 2 people with Reservation, ($40 SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Cab, Pinot, Red Blends

Ladera Vineyards (St. Helena):Receive the private tasting experience ($60 a person) at the price of our outdoor experience ($35 a person). Member and up to 3 guests may take advantage of this offer.Reservation is required ($100 SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Cab, Red Blends, Pinot, Malbec, Sauv Blanc, Rose

AXR Napa Valley at V Madrone Vineyard (St.Helena/Calistoga): 2 Complimentary Tastings with 2 bottle purchase Reservation Required ($100 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Red blends, Cab

Charles Krug (St. Helena): Complimentary Tasting OR An estate tour and tasting for the price of a reserve tasting with reservation ($65 Savings) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Malbec, Red blends, Cab, Chard

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Calistoga/Deer Park/Angwin Tasting Deals

Burgess Cellars (Howell Mountain): One Complimentary Tasting in the cellar experience per wine pass and reservations are required ($30 Savings) Known for: Estate Cabs, Red blends, Merlot, Grenache, Chardonnay, Syrah, Petit Sirah

Teachworth Estate Winery (Calistoga): 2 for 1 Tasting with the owner or winemaker and access to purchase some private reserve cabs from 2011-14. Reservations are required ($50 SAVINGS) Known for: Cab

Pope Valley (Pope Valley): One Complimentary Tasting per wine pass ($30 SAVINGS) Known for: Sparkling, Chenin Blanc, Rose, Sangiovese, Merlot, Malbec, Cab, Port

Madrigal Family Winery (Calistoga): Complimentary Private Tasting for 2 with two bottle purchase….By Appointment Only & Vineyard Lunch with tasting for $85 (normally $100pp)($70 SAVINGS) Known for: Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, Gewurztraminer, Zinfandel, Sauvignon Blanc and small lots of single vineyard and estate wines.

Amici Cellars (Calistoga): 15% off on a CASE purchase ($40+ SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Red blends, Cab

Envy Wines(Calistoga): 2 for 1 Tasting before Noon ($20 SAVINGS) Known for: Syrah, Cab, Petite Sirah, Red blends, Rose, Sauv blanc, and Late harvest!

Summers Estate(Calistoga): 2 for 1 Tasting with PRIOR APPOINTMENT ($25 SAVINGS) Known for: CAB, Chardonnay, Charbono, Merlot, Malbec, Red blends, Muscat

Dutch Henry (Silverado Trail Calistoga):  2 FOR 1 WALK-IN Current Release Tasting OR 2 for 1 Collectors Tasting with barrel Sample ($35 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Rose, Pinot, Red blends, Cab, Cab Franc, Merlot, Syrah, Zin, Petite Sirah

Picayune Cellars (Calistoga): 2 for 1 Tasting or Complimentary upgrade to the Music and Wine Pairing with the purchase of a standard tasting ($25 SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc, Pinot, and Red Blends

Clos Pegase (Calistoga): 2 for 1 tasting and 20% off wine purchased that day ($25+SAVINGS) Known for: Pinot, Cab, Merlot, Syrah, Red blends, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Port, Rose

Sterling (Calistoga): 2 for 1 tasting please see special code in welcome email to make online reservations or call and mention you’re a priority wine pass member  ($35 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Cab, Red blends

Brian Arden (Silverado Trail Calistoga): 50% off of the wine flight tastings for up to 2 people 10% off select wines Sorry, no shared tastings.  One pass per two people($30 SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Rose, Chardonnay, Cab, Red blends

Bennette Lane Winery (Calistoga): Complimentary Upgrade to a Private Seated Tasting for Priority Wine Pass Holders (valued at $70 per couple) for our Signature Tasting Price of $40! Limited to groups size of 6 or less and by appointment only.

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Sonoma Valley and Russian River Tasting Deals

Landmark Vineyards in Sonoma

Winery Offers:

McEvoy Ranch (Petaluma): 2 for 1 bar tasting with reservation ($20 SAVINGS) Known for: Pinot Noir, Syrah, Montepulciano, Grenache, Viognier, and Olive Oil.

Adobe Winery (in Petaluma) 2 for 1 Tasting ($15+ SAVINGS) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Semillon, Viognier, Rose, Pinot, Grenache, Zin, Syrah, CAB

GREEDY Wines (Sebastopol): Complimentary tasting and meet the winemaker ($20+SAVINGS) Known for: CAB & Sauv Blanc BY APPT ONLY

Ekitmo Wines (Sebastopol): 2 for 1 tasting ($10+SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Pinot, Zinfandel,Petite Sirah, Sauv Blanc

LE Estate (Carneros): 10% off wine purchases. Reservations are recommended

Jean Edwards Cellars (Sonoma Plaza): 2 for 1 tasting (Save $20

Larson Family (Sonoma): 10% off wine purchases  Known for: Three Lab Cab, Chardonnay, and Pinot

Ceja Vineyards (near Carneros Brewery in Sonoma) 15% off in-person wine purchases Known for: Pinot, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Rose, Red Blend, Merlot, Syrah, Cab, and Late Harvest/Dessert Wine.

Schug Vineyard (Sonoma): 2 for 1 tasting for TWO ($20+SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Pinot, Late Harvest, Sauv Blanc, Merlot, Cab, Malbec

Viansa (Sonoma): 2 for 1 tasting M-F and 20% off their picnic lunches with reservations any day of the week email: JSandine@vintagewineestates.com ($30+SAVINGS) Known for: A bit of everything

Cline Cellars (Sonoma): 2 for 1 Reserve Tasting and 10% off wine purchases ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Zin, Mouverde, Chardonnay…and they really have it all.

Jacuzzi Cellars (Sonoma): 2 for 1 Reserve Tasting and 10% off wine purchases ($20+SAVINGS) Known for: Italian style varietals

Canihan Winery (Sonoma): 2 for 1 tasting and meet the winemaker by appointment only ($20+SAVINGS): Pinot, Syrah BY APPT ONLY

Mayo Family Winery (Glen Ellen): 2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off wine purchases ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Zin, CAB

Kivelstadt Cellars (Glen Ellen): One Complimentary Tasting per pass and 10% off wine purchases ($15+SAVINGS): Red Blends, Pinot, Syrah, Viognier, Sauv Blanc, Rose

Spann Vineyards (Glen Ellen): 2 for 1 Tasting or Complimentary Tasting for Two with a bottle purchase. Special discount on Pizza lunch and wine pairing (reservation required)  ($20SAVINGS) Known for: Zin, CAB, Chardonnay, Blends

Deerfield Ranch Winery Caves (Kenwood): One complimentary tasting per pass ($15SAVINGS) Known for: DRX, Meritage Red Blends, Cabs, Malbec, Merlot, Pinot, Sangiovese, Syrah, Zin, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauv Blanc, Rose, White blends

Muscardini Cellars (Kenwood): 2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off wine purchases ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Single-Vineyard Designate Zinfandels, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Bordeaux-style blend and Late Harvest Zinfandel.

Manzanita Creek: (Kenwood) Complimentary Tasting for Two and 15% off purchases ($30+SAVINGS) Known for: Syrah, Zin, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Pinot, Red blends

Ty Caton Vineyard (Kenwood): 2 for 1 Tastings ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Merlot, Red blends, Syrah, Malbec, Petite Sirah, Petit Verdot, Cab, Dessert Wines

B Wise (Kenwood): 2 for 1 Tastings ($20SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Red Blends, Cabs, Syrah, Rose, Pinot

VJB Vineyards(Kenwood): 2 for 1 Tastings ($15SAVINGS) Known for: Italian Style Wines and they also have a wonderful Deli.

Chateau St. Jean (kenwood): 2 for 1 Tasting ($20 SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, CAB, Merlot, Pinot (they also have a wonderful reserve menu)

Landmark (Kenwood):Tower tasting by appointment. Offer Priority Wine Pass members our wine society price of $30, rather than $40 regular price OR Upgraded seated courtyard tasting by appointment to include a complimentary cheese plate for two. 24 hour notice required. ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay AND Pinot

St. Francis Winery (Santa Rosa): 2 for 1 Tastings and 10% off wine purchases ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay, Zin, Cab, and other reds

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Healdsburg, Lake County & Other Sonoma County Wineries - Russian River Area

Trecini (dwntn Santa Rosa): 2 for 1 tasting and 15% off wine purchases ($15+value) Known for: Merlot, Pinot, Zin, Sauv Blanc, Sparkling

St. Francis Winery (Santa Rosa): 2 for 1 Tasting and 10% off wine purchases ($10+value) Known for: Cab, Chardonnay, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Gewurztraminer, Zin

Lost Canyon Winery (Santa Rosa): Complimentary Tasting for Two ($20 value) Known for: Chardonnay, Syrah, Pinot

GREEDY Wines (Sebastopol): Complimentary tasting and meet the winemaker ($20+value) Known for: CAB & Sauv Blanc BY APPT ONLY

Ekitmo Wines (Sebastopol): 2 for 1 tasting ($10+value) Known for: Chardonnay, Pinot, Zinfandel,Petite Sirah, Sauv Blanc

Balletto Vineyards (Santa Rosa): ,4 Complimentary Tastings ($40 SAVINGS) Known for: Reds, whites, and red blends

Wine Guerilla (Forestville): Complimentary Tasting for 2 and 10% off wine purchases Known for: Zin

Landmark (Forestville): Upgraded seated courtyard tasting by appointment to include a complimentary cheese plate for two. 24 hour notice required. ($15+SAVINGS) Known for: Chardonnay AND Pinot

K Squared Cellars (Windsor): 2 for 1 tasting ($15 value) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Pinot, Merlot, Zin, Rose

Trione Vineyards & Winery (Geyserville): 2 for 1 tasting and 10% off case purchases ($30+ Savings) Known for: Chardonnay, Pinot, Syrah, Zin, Sauv Blanc, Primitivo

Cast Wines (Geyserville): 2 for 1 tasting  ($25 Savings) Known for: Chardonnay, Pinot, Zin, Sauv Blanc, Sparkling Wine, Cab

Meeker Vineyard (Geyserville):2 Complimentary Tastings ($30+ Savings) Known for: Dry, age-worthy, bold reds, and unusual white, rosé, and dessert wines

VML (Healdsburg): 2 for 1 tasting ($15+value) Known for: Chardonnay, Pinot, Sauv Blanc, Sparkling, Zin, Red blend, Syrah, Dessert wines/sweet wines

ACORN Winery/Alegría Vineyards (Healdsburg): 2 for 1 PRIVATE sit down tasting with owner or winemaker with reservation and 10% off bottle purchases ($30 Value) Known for: Cab, Cab Franc, Sangiovese, Red blends, Syrah, Zin,Petite Sirah

West Wines (Healdsburg): 2 for 1 tasting ($30 Value) Known for Cab, Viognier, Chardonnay, Sauv Blanc

Portalupi (Healdsburg Square): Complimentary 3 pour tasting for TWO with bottle purchase ($20 value) Known for: Red blends, Sauv Blanc

Blanchard Family Winery (Healdsburg Square): 2 Complimentary Tastings BY APPT ONLY and 15% off wine purchases ($20+value) Known for: Red blends, Whites

Spicy Vines (Healdsburg Square): 2 for 1 and 10% off wine purchases Known For: Zinf, Syrah, Petit Sirah, Chardonnay, Rose

Hudson Street Wineries (Healdsburg): Complimentary Tasting and 15% off wine purchases ($10+value) Known for: Chardonnay, Zin, Cab, Syrah, Sauv Blanc, Rose, Petite Sirah, Pinot

Hart’s Desire Wines (Healdsburg): 15% off wine purchases, 20% off case purchases, and complimentary tasting with purchase Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Grenache, Sangiovese Rose, Pinot, Tempranillo, Zin, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Claret, Late Harvest, and Muscat

White Oak Winery (Healdsburg): Complimentary Tasting, 10% wine purchase, ($25+value) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Merlot, Syrah, Zin, Cab, Pinot, Red blends

Alexander Valley Vineyards (Healdsburg): 2 for 1 Reserve Tasting ($20 value) Known for: Chardonnay, Merlot, , Zin, Cab, Red blends, Gewertz

Sapphire Hill (Healdsburg): 15% discount on wine purchases, 20% discount on all case purchases & complimentary tasting with bottle purchase ($10+ value) Known for: Sparkling, Moscato, Gewertz.

G&C Lurton Vineyard (Healdsburg): 2 Complimentary tastings and 10% off wine purchases & private estate tour available by appointment ($20+ value) Known for:Bordeaux style wines, cab, merlot, cab franc, sb

Viszlay Vineyards (Healdsburg): 2 for 1 Tastings with Advance Reservations ($15 value) Known for: Rose, Chardonnay, Pinot, Red Blends, Zin, Petite Sirah, and a Prosecco

Merriam Vineyards: (Healdsburg) 2 for 1 Tasting ($15+value) Known for: Cabs, Pinots, Red blends, Petite Verdot, Merlot, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, and Late Harvest wines

Rued Winery: (Healdsburg) 2 for 1 tasting Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot, Zin, and Cab

*(voucher req’d)Kendall Jackson: (Healdsburg) Two for One tasting ($15+value) Known for: Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Meritage, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Muscat, Pinot, Merlot, Cab, Syrah, Zin, Red blend

Manzanita Creek: (Healdsburg) Complimentary Tasting ($15+value) Known for: Syrah, Zin, Chardonnay, Petite Sirah, Pinot, Red blends

Rodney Strong: (Healdsburg) 2 for 1 on our Estate tasting in our tasting room. 15% off Wine Flights and Wine & Food Pairings on our Terrace when available. 15% off Winter Food & Wine Pairings. 15% off wine purchases. (Some wines may not be discounted). ($25+value)

*(voucher req’d)Ferrari-Carano Vineyards: 2 for 1 Classic Tasting ($5value) Known for: Chardonnay, Fume Blanc, Sauv Blanc, Pinot, Merlot, Sangiovese, Zin, Cab, Red blends

Albertina Cellars (Hopland): Complimentary Tasting & Tour. Owner and winemaker will be offering a 1-2hour tour of the vineyard. Known for: CAB, Merlot Reservations Required. BY APPT ONLY

Chacewater: (Lake County) Complimentary Tasting ($10+value) Known for: Chardonnay, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot

Six Sigma: (Lake County) 2 for 1 Tasting ($10+value) Known for: Rose, Sauv Blanc, Pinot, Tempranillo, Cab,

Sky Pine Vineyards & Bobdog Wine: (Cloverdale) Complimentary Tasting ($10+value)Known for: Cab, Malbec, Meritage, Merlot, Port, Rose, Zin, Dessert Wines BY APPT ONLY

Fritz Winery: (Cloverdale) 2 for 1 Reserve Tasting ($15 value) Known for: Rose, Sauv Blanc, Chardonnay, Red blends, Zin, Pinot

Tired of the Same Old Napa Wineries? How to Taste Your Way Through Napa Like a Local!

Everyone stops at Mondavi Winery in Napa - But Should You?

Alternative Napa - Where Do Locals Taste Wine?

I totally get it - it's your first visit to Napa and the labels of the wines you see in your supermarket are haunting you.  Mondavi.  Beringer.  Sterling.  Domaine Chandon.  And that castle, yes, the famous Castello di Amorosa.  Must see, must see!  Or should you?

Sure, these are all great stops but there's another side to Napa that locals know and love and that's the smaller boutique wineries.  Don't believe what you might have read on places like TripAdvisor who claim that the smaller wineries don't have good wine.  I actually found the opposite to be true.  That's because the small wineries are hoping you buy a bottle or case so they're pouring the good stuff whereas the famous wineries have buses of people waiting to get in to snapchat and instagram their selfies.  Wine is almost secondary to the winery at some of the big names - tram anyone?

What do you want?  A castle with millions of visitors or a wine tasting getaway at a boutique?

So where to go?  How do you visit Napa and taste like a VIP? 

Here are a few of my favorites.  First timers, go ahead and make that stop at Mondavi or Beringer but make sure you spend at least 50% of your time in these smaller wineries if you want to get away from the tourists and deeper into the heart of Napa.  For those of you who have been here before you can also email me and I'll help you pick some good ones and even help you get discounts, many unpublished, so you can taste like a VIP without breaking the bank.

Here are a few "off the grid" wineries you should be checking out.

Patland Estate Vineyards

Kitchak Cellars

B Cellars

Dutch Henry Winery

Bell Winery

Auburn James Winery

Let me help you plan it out!  I don't charge, I don't get kickbacks from the wineries, I'm not associated with any wine shops, restaurants, or anybody!  I am just one guy who knows and loves Napa and happy to share my favorites with you, all honest and unbiased recommendations so that you don't leave Napa thinking it was a theme park.  Email me and give me your dates you will be here, the number of people in your party and whether you are a wine expert or just looking for fun places to taste.  Give me two weeks if possible and I'll get you some free Napa advice on how to taste your way through Napa like a local - on a budget, of course. 

Local Wally

Conn Creek Winery Barrel Blending Experience: Get a Discount for Napa's Best Winery Tour

Getting Set up for some seriously fun wine blending at Conn Creek Winery in Napa

Napa Valley's BEST Winery Experience:  Conn Creek Barrel Blending

Every trip to Napa should have at least one BIG adventure, the winery experience that caps off your wine tasting vacation. Take the Sterling Tram? Tour the castle at Castello di Amorosa? Visit the caves of Del Dotto?  Yes, all good options but for me the BEST Napa experience is the Conn Creek Winery Barrel Blending Experience.  And yes, I have a discount but that comes later.

What I love about Conn Creek's Barrel Blending Experience is that how it makes you define what you like in your wine. I mean, I drink a lot of wine and I know what I like but if you asked me to describe it I get all befuddled.  Umm, tar?  Leather?  Plums?  Yikes, my cover as a self proclaimed wine expert is shattered. 

Lots of Wine at the Conn Creek Blending Experience

Look, I took notes which helped me when I started blending.

At the barrels making the mix. This guy looks pro.

Here's my blend - it's a good one!

Almost done, pouring it into a bottle.

But not anymore.  That's because I went to the Conn Creek Barrel Blending Experience, a 90 minute "class" where you taste 6 different cabs grown in different areas of Napa.  Like a good student I took a few notes and honed in on what I liked and what I didn't like in each, which was a good thing because before I knew it I was taking my little eyedropper and mixing up a glass like I was some sort of scientist. And then after some tweaking I was kneeling in front of the barrels and carefully measuring out quantities of each to make up my own blend. I call it Local Wally Reserve Cab.  It's limited - very limited!

Conn Creek's blending seminar is super cool, a quick way to get a wine education that's valuable to everyone from newbie wine lovers trying to understand what they like to industry insiders who want to further their knowledge.  And it's fun - no stuffy classroom setting - and afterwards you go straight to the tasting bar to try all of their wines. You like wine, you'll love this experience.

30 Days Later......

The blind tasting begins

Cheers! This is super fun!

And the winner?? Or is he?

After waiting a month I invited my wine blending group over for a blind tasting.  Will our wines hold up?  Will we still love them?  And who made the best?  We wrapped the wines in foil to hide the labels and surrounded ourselves with wine glasses and sipped like the experts we had become.  Surprisingly, all four bottles tasted very different from each other. 

My wine started off as big, bold and nearly over the top but as it sat open and we tasted more I noticed that the LW Reserve was the one we all gravitated to.,  Well, at least that's how I remembered it.  In truth I think all of us could defend our wine blends to the end, just like real wine makers. The winner - the one we all secretly thought was our own - started off soft and drinkable and remained complex without going over the top.  It wasn't mine.  Damn!

The tasting party continued as the rib eyes were tossed on the grill and our wines were so good that all four bottles were gone by the end of the night :-)

Local wally recommended

Everyone needs to do this.  I mean, everyone! It's fun, it's educational, and the wine tasting competition a month later lets you bring home the Napa experience for your friends and family.  And won't everyone be so impressed when you say things like how you wanted a bit more boldness so you added a drop of Petite Verdot and how the Cab Franc really sends the aroma over the top.  Oh you wine expert you.

TIP:  Save your cards with your measurements on it because if you LOVE your wine you can have Conn Creek make you up a custom case. Now that's cool!

This is the winning formula!

Discounts for Conn Creek Blending Experience

Get a $50 discount with a Priority Wine Pass.  Get your pass here, it's $39.99 per couple so the card already more than paid for itself.  And remember, get the pass and I'll build you a stop by stop agenda to make sure you get your money's worth.  OK, sure, it's still $100 per person after the discount but figure you get to take home a bottle of Napa wine that you made - most Napa wines are at least $60 - $75 per bottle these days - and you got to taste at the bar (normally $25 per person) - and you got a wine education that you just can't get anywhere else - so a hundred bucks is really a bargain.  Highly recommended for my readers, skip the tram ride and the crowds at the touristy wineries and do the Conn Creek Blending Experience!

Links

Get the Priority Wine Pass to get your $50 Discount

More Info on the Conn Creek Blending Experience