napa 101: ITINERARIES AND TRIP PLANNING

From Budget to Splurge Worthy, Planning Your Ultimate Trip to Napa

Auugghhh, so many wineries My FOMO is in overdrive!

It’s easy to get overwhelmed planning a trip to Napa with well meaning friends (and well paid influences) all telling you what to with no idea of what you’re looking for. 

That’s why I created Napa 101, thoughtfully curated itineraries for wine lovers of all levels. And know that every winery I selected must be a good value, whether it’s a 2 for 1 deal or if full price that it’s worth it.

And if you’re still confused just reach out - I respond to every email and happy to help you build the perfect custom itinerary, free of charge. Who else does that?

Which Wineries are on the Priority Wine Pass?

Here’s the current list of winery deals. You’ll find big names like Beringer Vineyards and Sterling Vineyards as well as hidden gems and fancy boutiques you might have missed. You’d have to try really hard for the pass not to pay for itself but you decide and if you do get it, get it through me as I have the lowest price offered anywhere and your support is what keeps this site alive and my advice free.

Look for this symbol for Wine Pass Deals: 🍷

Napa’s most popular wineries: Day 1

Visit some of Napa’s most popular wineries, splurge at the end with a tour at the castle!

First timers often ask me which wineries they should visit and here they are. Fun wineries, great settings, and lots of good backdrops to post on your social media. As a bonus four of the five stops will take your Priority Wine Pass and offer two for one discounts.

🕙 STERLING VINEYARDS: Start your day early before the crowds and experience their 60 minute Sterling Stroll Experience that will literally sweep you off your feet with a tram ride to the top. Self guided tour, incredible views from the grand terrace. In all honestly the wines on this standard experience are, well, standard, but the experience is anything but. 🍷

📞 Call (800) 726-6136 or Book Online. Walk-in’s welcome. $55 per person, or 2 for 1 with a Priority Wine Pass - Promo code provided once pass is purchased. Group friendly and 2 for 1 honored with one pass for every two people. 🍷

🕛 V. SATTUI: Napa’s most popular picnic spot made even better with the recent remodel of their Mercato del Gusto Artisan Deli with over 200 cheeses, gourmet sandwiches and paninis, charcuterie made in their own salumeria, and a huge picnic area with tables and grass. On the weekends there’s even a BBQ truck and food truck - and don’t forget the wine! 🍷

📞 Call (707) 963-7774 for reservations. The 60 minute Premier Outdoor Tasting is $55 per person and inside is $45 per person, or 2 for 1 with a Priority Wine Pass. Group friendly and 2 for 1 honored with one pass for every two people. 🍷

🕑 BERINGER VINEYARDS: One of the original Napa wineries, the architecture and landscaping is enough to take your breath away. But wait until you visit their caves. Unlike modern winery caves that are little more than cement tunnels, the wine caves at Beringer were hand dug with pick axes by Chinese laborers back in 1876. The 30 minute Legacy Cave Tasting is $35 per person, or 2 for 1 with a Priority Wine Pass. 🍷

📞 Call (707) 257-5771 or book online. Mention you have a Priority Wine Pass for the discount. Group friendly and 2 for 1 honored with one pass for every two people. 🍷

🕓 CASTELLO DI AMOROSA: I saved the best for last, a tasting and tour at the Napa Castle. Built using authentic materials and workmanship, it’s hard to tell it apart from a real castle in old world Europe - except this castle has wine tastings which makes it one of the best castles you’ll experience. The nearly 2 hour Diamond Estate Tour and Tasting gets you access to most of the castle and is the way to go, $75 per person. Standard tasting skips the tour and limits you to the front rooms of the castle but is cheaper at $60 per person.

📞 Call (707) 967-.6272 or book online - Reservations required. No discounts and everyone pays to enter.

WINE TASTING FEES USING THE WINE PASS

Sterling $55 + V Sattui outdoor tasting $55 + Beringer $35 plus Castello di Amorosa $150 = $295 for two, or $147.50 per person. Yes, the castle makes this a bit more expensive so if you want to save money you can skip the castle and replace it with Pestoni Family which has a very nice 2 for $50 tasting experience. Don’t forget to add the $39 cost of the wine pass if you need one.

day 2: bubbles + more

Do you like sparkling wine? Are you on a budget? You’re in luck!

This could be your second day in Napa or a perfect “Napa on a Budget” day. Wines by the glass, 2 for 1 deals, and even free tastings with wine purchase - bring that bottle to dinner tonight!

🕙 CHANDON: Imagine this - it’s you holding a flute of “champagne” and toasting the start of another beautiful day in Napa. You’re surrounded by lush green landscaping, mature trees and a pond, and the birds are chirping. This is Chandon, a modern winery surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Now this is the way to start a wine tasting day in Napa! Flights start at $45 but get a glass instead, starting at $10.

📞 Call (707) 204- 7461 for reservations. Walk-in’s welcome, give yourself 30 minutes to sip that glass and then move on.

🕚 OAKVILLE GROCERY: Calling yourself a foodie is so passé but I wouldn’t blame you if your foodie spirit come alive when you step into this gourmet country store, so full of charm and deliciousness. Get some sandwiches or snack foods for lunch, your next stop.

🕦 SADDLEBACK CELLARS: You’ve visited some big name wineries so far with more to come but a trip to Napa isn’t complete without tasting at a small, family run winery like Saddleback Cellars. This winery has serious wine cred, owned by Nils Venge who is a big name in Napa for those who know wines. But don’t worry, this isn’t some snooty “shhhh” winery where you feel out of place. This is a casual and fun winery 90 minute experience, $40 per person, or 2 for 1 with a Priority Wine Pass. Outside food allowed and winery dog on duty.

📞 Call (707) 944-1305 or reserve Online. Mention you have a Priority Wine Pass if you have one to get the discount. 🍷

🕐 NIEBAUM-PENNINO: Charming little winery right that feels like you somehow tripped into a family run winery in Tuscany. Of course the family in this case is Coppola and this winery is an offshoot of his flagship winery, Inglenook. Casual and assessable, enjoy a 60-75 minute flight of their wines, $40 per person, or 2 for 1 with a Priority Wine Pass.

📞 Call (707) 967-7111 for reservations at Niebaum-Pennino, or book online. 🍷

BONUS: If you have the time stop in at Inglenook, one of the prettiest wineries in Napa that feels like you are somewhere in Europe with toy sailboats in the fountain and ivy climbing the historic building. You can get a glass of wine at their “bistro” (but oddly no food despite the name). Reservations required, book online.

🕝 CAYMUS VINEYARDS: Won’t lie, Caymus Vineyards has plenty of detractors who claim this winery is too popular, too corporate, and that their wines aren’t as good as they used to be. But they still remain one of Napa’s most popular wineries and they’ll waive your tasting fee, normally $50 per person, when you purchase $50 in wine. That’s a great deal so tell the naysayers to get lost. Allow 90 minutes.

📞 Call (707) 967-3010 for reservations or book online.

OPTIONAL: If Caymus is on your “no-go” list then know that nearby is Honig Vineyards, one of Napa’s least expensive tasting experiences at just $30 for their 30 minute “fly by” and $45 for their standard.

🕓 MUMM NAPA: Finish strong at Mumm Napa where their outdoor patio overlooks their vineyards. As the sun begins to set and the light turns golden, make a final toast with a glass of sparkling wine to the end of a perfect day in Napa. You could splurge on a flight but I’d go with the glass, starting at $15. Last call is 5:00 and they close at 6:00 so get there on time to enjoy the grand finale of your day.

📞 Call (800) 686-6272 for reservations. Walk-in’s welcome.

WINE TASTING FEES USING THE WINE PASS

Chandon $30 + Saddleback $40 + Niebaum-Pennino $40 + Caymus $50 but waived if you buy wine + Mumm Napa $30 = $140 for two, or $70 per person. Of course I used a bit of magic math here by assuming you took advantage of the Caymus deal but why wouldn’t you?  Don’t forget to add the $39 cost of the wine pass if you need one.

cheap day in napa using the wine pass

Three wineries for $82 per person, including the cost of the Priority Wine Pass?

This might be the ultimate cheap Napa on a Budget itinerary, three excellent wineries with two picnic options. And remember, the $39 pass is included and good for a full year so your next visit is even cheaper. Get the pass, keep half of your tasting fees, drink more wine!

🕦 BERINGER VINEYARDS: One of the most impressive caves in Napa and the cheapest cave tasting at just $35 per person, or two for $35 with the Priority Wine Pass. It’s short, just 30 minutes, but that gives you time to stroll their grounds and marvel at their impressive architecture and history.

📞 Call (707 ) 257-5771 for reservations or book online.🍷

🕛 V. SATTUI: Built by the same person by built the Napa Castle, you’ll love the old world charm of V. Sattui,. But the main attraction is the new deli marketplace filled with gourmet sandwiches, top quality cheeses and charcuterie, and bottles of wine to enjoy with your picnic. You can select your two for one tasting experience, either an indoor spot that’s two for $45 with the wine pass, or two for $55 for the outside spot.

📞 Call (707) 963-7774 for reservations or book online. Walk-in’s welcome. 🍷

🕑 SADDLEBACK CELLARS: As fun and exciting as Beringer and V. Sattui are I like to end the day at a calmer and perhaps more authentic winery. Saddleback Cellars is a family run winery with picnic tables (bring some snacks) and friendly hospitality. When people talk about “the way Napa used to be” they’re referring to wineries like Saddleback. Tastings are two for $45 with your wine pass.

📞 Call (707) 944-1305 for reservations or book online. 🍷

WINE TASTING FEES INCLUDING THE WINE PASS

Wine Pass $39 + Beringer $35 + V. Sattui $45 + Saddleback $45 = $164, or $82 per person, including the cost of the pass.

two + lunch itineraries

Sometimes Less is More - Just two wineries a day

A few years ago I showed my readers how they could do 10 wineries in a day. Times were different then and perhaps we’re all a bit smarter today. A lot of people are cutting back and slowing down to really enjoy their time in Napa and these 2 + Lunch itineraries give you a lot more breathing room to savor the experience…. and the wine.

Look for this symbol for Wine Pass Deals: 🍷

🕦 ROBERT MONDAVI WINERY: Refreshed and reimagined, Robert Mondavi Winery reopens after a three year renovation. Tasting experiences are priced from $60 to $180 per person.

🕧 OAKVILLE GROCERY OR MUSTARDS GRILL: Two iconic lunch stops - Oakville Grocery has gourmet sandwiches and picnic tables as well as the Oakville Wine Merchant next door with self serve “wines by the sip” machines starting at $5 an ounce. Or for that classic Napa lunch experience it has to be Mustard’s Grill, the restaurant that helped popularized “California Cuisine” with upscale versions of your favorite comfort foods.

🕑 OPUS ONE: Robert Mondavi and Baron Philippe de Rothschild brainstormed the concept of a high end, prestigious “cult” wine with Opus One. It’s impressive, and expensive at $125 to $200 per person for three sips of wine. That’s out of my price range but I know plenty of people who have splurged with no regrets.

COST PER PERSON: $185 for standard experiences, $380 for premium, it isn’t cheap but it will be memorable.

🕦 CAKEBREAD CELLARS: The classic Cakebread tour is a must for anyone visiting Napa. Small groups are taken on a short production tour while learning how wine with a bit of history thrown in, all with a glass of wine in your hand. At $50 per person it’s a good deal. PRO TIP: Cakebreak offers a 2 for 1 Mon-Thurs. 🍷

🕧 RUTHERFORD GRILL: Popular with both visitors and locals, the smell of smoke and food is as intoxicating as any wine. It’s often busy so if you see a seat at the bar, grab it.

🕑 INGLENOOK WINERY: It’s stunningly beautiful here, a French Chateau with a grand facade covered with ivy and huge formal fountain with toy sailboats. Tastings start at $75 per person but you can stretch your budget and just reserve a spot at their “bistro”, and outdoor setting with less impressive wines by the glass but equally impressive setting.

COST PER PERSON: $125 per person, or if you have a Priority Wine Pass and they’re running a deal you can lower your cost to $100 per person. You can also skip the tasting at Inglenook and do a glass of wine at their bistro and really have an inexpensive but fun day in Napa.

🕦 CLOS DU VAL: Relax in their Hirondelle House, a casual indoor/outdoor space where they’ll take you through their current releases with a complimentary dip and sourdough bread. $75 per person, but get the Priority Wine Pass for $39 and you get a Two for One. TRIVIA: Hirondelle is French for “swallow”, as in the small birds that live there. 🍷

🕧 B CELLARS: The best wine and food pairing in Napa and that’s saying something. Expect enough food for a light lunch, prepared for you in their open kitchen. Every bite is impressive, a bit like a poor man’s French Laundry experience and worth the $150 per person cost.

🕑 FROGS LEAP: There’s something charming about an old frog farm (yes, they once raised frogs here) reinventing itself into one of Napa’s most famous wineries in the Stags Leap area. Great wines, fun tasting and tour, one of my favorites. $75 per person, and if you have a Priority Wine Pass they’ll give you an extra pour at the end. They have set tasting times that change depending on the season so work your day around this one. 🍷

COST PER PERSON: $300 per person which sounds expensive but remember you’re getting three wineries and lunch with this itinerary. And if you have a Priority Wine Pass you can knock $75 off that price at Clos du Val and get an extra pour at Frog’s Leap which makes this deluxe day seem almost affordable.

🕦 SCHRAMSBERG VINEYARDS: A lot of wineries market their caves but to be honest most of them are just cement lined tunnels, hardly impressive. Not so with Schramsberg Vineyards where their hand dug candelabra lit caves are downright romantic. $100 per person.

🕧 GATEHOUSE RESTAURANT AT THE CULINARY INSTITUTE OF AMERICA: Let future chefs prepare a gourmet lunch for you at the CIA. This isn’t sloppy amateur hour, it’s a finely prepared and impressive meal that’s worthy of being part of the Napa dining scene. $45 for four courses - check out the menu. Add a wine pairing for $35.

🕑 AXR NAPA VALLEY: Historic winery tucked off the road, hidden away from the throngs of tourists who miss this enchanting winery set next to the redwoods. Take a stroll into the forest, glass in hand, and uncover the magic of their wines as you gaze up into the fairy circle. What’s a fairy circle? You’ll see when you visit. Tastings are $90 per person but if you have a Priority Wine Pass and purchase $300 worth of wine they’ll waive two tasting fees. 🍷

COST PER PERSON: $190 per person though you can knock off $90 if you purchase wine at AXR which is pretty easy to rationalize - you’re basically getting $300 worth of wine for just $120 when you use your Priority Wine Pass.

🕦 MATHEW BRUNO: With it’s down home hospitality and vibe, a tasting at Mathew Bruno Winery feels like hanging out with your new best friends. Ultra friendly and premium wines, tastings start at $50 for all whites, $75 for their current releases, and $100 for their reserve wines which includes a charcuterie plate. Get a Priority Wine Pass - you’ll get a two for one on the $75 or $100 tasting. 🍷

🕧 FARMSTEAD AT LONG MEADOW RANCH: Farm to table upscale American dining with classics like smoked ribs and grilled fish, the perfect outdoor dining spot on a nice day. And I’m giving you one more chance to try Rutherford Grill which is right across the street from Mathew Bruno Winery - their grilled artichoke when available is the best you’ll ever have.

🕑 AONAIR WINERY AND CAVES: Nestled in the hills at the base of Howell Mountain is a getaway that feels so far away from the commercial touristy wineries below. Private, intimate, personal, they book up a month in advance by wine lovers seeking an authentic wine tasting experience. Tastings are $85 per person but they’ll waive two tasting fees if you have a Priority Wine Pass and purchase $300 worth of wine. 🍷

COST PER PERSON: $160 to $185 per person but if you have a Priority Wine Pass and take advantage of both deals you can drop your tasting fee down to an incredible $37.50! Yes, I know that you have to buy $300 worth of wine to get that price but if you’re not bringing wine home from Napa you’re doing something wrong :-)

🕦 ENVY WINERY: What’s not to love? A small, unassuming winery with views of the Old Faithful Geyser serving exceptional wines in a unhurried family-like environment. Nils Venge is one of the founders so you know the wines are going to be spectacular. Tastings are just $35 per person and if you have a Priority Wine Pass you get a two for one. 🍷

🕛 SAM’S SOCIAL CLUB: Everyone who visits loves Sam’s Social Club, serving inspired American cuisine with classic Napa style. From burgers to more adventurous dining, the outdoor patio creates the perfect atmosphere for a memorable lunch.

🕜 GOLDEN HAVEN MUD BATH: For the adventurous - an hour long couples mud bath and spa treatment. You’ll literally soak in warm mud and then relax in a hot springs mineral bath, so relaxing, so calming. Priced around $128 per person but discounted to $99 if you have a Priority Wine Pass. 🍷

🕒 CHATEAU MONTELENA: Incredible architecture, amazing Chinese pond and it’s place in Napa history as the winner at the Judgement of Paris tasting, the event memorialized in the movie Bottle Shock, for their chardonnay. They have various tasting experiences at set times throughout the day so find one you like and work the rest of your schedule around that. Tastings range from $65 to $300, I would opt for their $75 “Story Behind the Bottle” experience, a semi-private bar tasting.

COST PER PERSON: Tasting fees for one start at $100 but you can drop this to $82.50 if you have a Priority Wine Pass.

Bay area day trip to “SOUTH” NAPA

Embrace the wine pass and bring back the cheap Napa day trip!

You are so lucky if you live in the Bay Area and can pop into Napa on a whim. Stick to the area near the entrance of Napa so you can max out your wine time. And use your Priority Wine Pass to get 2 for 1 deals. Need a pass? 🍷

🕚 TIN BARN: I know, I know, Tin Barn is in Sonoma but it’s on your way since you’re coming from the Bay Area. It’s an unpretentious industrial winery where the winemaker just might pop by your table to say hello. This is the sort of place that locals love, casual and relaxed with really good - and affordable - wines. Use your Priority Wine Pass for a 2 for 1 - That’s TWO tastings for just $20! 60 to 75 minute experience

📞. Walk In’s Welcome or call (707) 938- 5430 or book online. They only have seating at 11:00, 12:30, 2:00 and 3:30. 🍷

🕧 BLOOM CARNEROS: Located with Kivelstadt Cellars, Bloom Carneros is a casual restaurant with a casual gourmet menu that somehow flies under the radar. It’s my “go to” spot for lunch and never disappoints. As a bonus if you have a Priority Wine Pass you can taste 2 for 1 at Kivelstadt on Thursday, Fridays and Mondays.

📞 Call (707) 412-0438 to make reservations book online. Walk-in’s welcome. Kid and dog friendly. Beers also on tap. 🍷

🕑 RUVANGO: Another hidden gem winery, RuVango will feel like a fancy and ridiculously expensive Napa winery with its private art collection, modern tasting room, and great wines. But it’s not expensive. In fact RuVango is Napa on a Budget friendly, a way to feel like you’re splurging even if you’re not.

I put this one last because RuVango has a philosophy to encourage people to sit as long as they want and with their deck overlooking the vineyards you might stay here all afternoon. Use your Priority Wine Pass for a 2 for 1 - That’s TWO tastings for just $45.

📞 Call (707) 253-1615 to reserve or book online. Walk-in’s welcome, groups welcome and they’ll honor the Priority Wine Pass deal with one pass for every two people. 🍷

WINE TASTING FEES USING THE WINE PASS

Tin Barn, $20 for two + RuVango, $45 for two = $65 for two, or $32.50 per person. Even adding the cost of the Priority Wine Pass if you need one, $39, makes this one of the cheapest days in wine country.

domaine carneros day trip

If Domaine Carneros is on your bucket list then do this itinerary

For a lot of people a trip to Napa isn’t complete without visiting Domaine Carneros. Instead of wasting time driving there for a 60 minute tasting and then turning around why not plan a complete day in the area?

🕙 DOMAINE CARNEROS: You can spend a lot of money here but use your willpower and book the standard flight at $45 per person. Beautiful views of the vineyards on their outdoor terrace, opulent interior, it’s so fancy. You can order food but wait, lunch stop is next. 📞 800-716-2788 or book online.

🕦 BOON FLY CAFE: Located in the Carneros Resort, Boon Fly Cafe has a daily brunch with everything from gourmet doughnuts to egg dishes to burgers and flatbreads. You’ll find something for everyone here and the food is top notch. 📞 (707) 299–4870 or reserve online.

🕐 ETUDE WINERY: Tastings are $60 per person, or get a 2 for 1 with your Priority Wine Pass. Great pinot noirs here, you’ll learn the nuances of how “terrior” impacts the flavors of the wines. 60 minute experience. 📞 (707) 257-5782 or book online. 🍷

🕝 BOUCHAINE VINEYARDS: Impressive and beautiful, it’s unbelievable that so few people know about this winery. Priority Wine Pass gets you $25 off per person on their VIP Terrace Tasting, normally $75 per person but just $50 if you have the pass. 📞 (800) 654-9463 or book online. 🍷

WINE TASTING FEES USING THE WINE PASS

Domaine Carneros, $45 per person + Etude, $60 for two + Bouchaine $100 for two = $250 for TWO, or $125 per person. Don’t forget to add the $39 cost of the wine pass if you need one.