How to Wine Taste in Napa Valley for Cheap, Perfect for First Timers!

It’s just plain nuts to spend a lot of money to wine taste in Napa Valley if you don’t have to. Unless you are a oenophile or sommelier you’re not going to leave any winery in Napa not loving their wine. With few exceptions if you’re tasting a wine with grapes grown and produced in Napa it’s going to be great, like really great.  This is Napa, after all!

So let’s skip out on wineries with sky high tasting fees and max out our wine time with the two for one wineries. Start with getting one Priority Wine Pass per couple for $39 and follow my agendas below to visit my favorite 2 for 1 wineries.  You’ll love every sip and love coming home without a huge credit card bill.

The Classic First Timer Agenda

First timers love this itinerary filled with the wineries that have been on your bucket list for a long time. And this itinerary is large group friendly as long as you have one Priority Wine Pass for every two people.

STOP 1: BERINGER VINEYARDS: Taste in their caves and then stroll the beautiful grounds and browse their gift shop. Stunning architecture makes perfect Instagram backgrounds. Two for $35 with the wine pass.

STOP 2: V. SATTUI: Built by the same person who built the Napa castle, its’ old world charm is, well, charming. Sit inside and get two for $45 or outside, two for $55. Grab some lunch and you can even buy a bottle to enjoy on your own.

STOP 3: STERLING VINEYARDS: Everyone wants to ride the tram so finish the day here with their self guided tour and stunning views from their overlook patio. Two for $55 with the wine pass.

COST PER PERSON WITH WINE PASS: $67.50 pp*

A Day of Fun Wineries with a Perfect Lunch Stop

A bit of a deeper dive with some wineries known for their fun vibe and great experiences.

STOP 1: RAYMOND VINEYARDS: Eclectic and vibrant and a bit irreverent, Raymond Vineyards is not your usual Napa winery. Get two tastings for $50 with the wine pass.

STOP 2: LUNCH AT RUTHERFORD GRILL: Essential dining, grab a table outside on the patio or inside at the bar, my favorite.

STOP 3: NIEBAUM-PENNINO: An offshoot of Inglenook Winery and located at its entrance, it’s literally across the street from Rutherford Grill. Cozy, cute, young, it’s a great stop for hanging out in a boutique winery. Two for $40 with wine pass.

STOP 4: DUCKHORN COLLECTION AT PARADUXX: End the day with really nice wines from Duckhorn Vineyards in a very cool Napa house setting. Two for $50 with wine pass.

COST PER PERSON WITH WINE PASS: $70 pp*

Explore the Silverado Trail

You can bring snacks for the car or do a little detour and stop in at Oakville Grocery for lunch while tasting at some of the best wines along the Silverado Trail.

STOP 1: HAGAFEN CELLARS: Love this little family run boutique winery that starts with a splash of sparkling while seated at your own private table. Two for $45 with the wine pass.

STOP 2: LUNCH TIME: If you are short on time do what I do and just bring some cheese and a crusty baguette and snack in the car or parking lot at your next stop. Or if time permits do a detour to Oakville Grocery for a gourmet sandwich at one of their picnic tables.

STOP 3: PINE RIDGE VINEYARDS: Some seriously good wines here at Pine Ridge, known best for their classic Napa cabs. Two for $60 with wine pass.

STOP 4: CLOS DU VAL: With views of the vineyards your final stop can’t get any more relaxing. Experience a “high end” winery without the high end price - two for $75 with wine pass.

COST PER PERSON WITH WINE PASS: $90pp*

Taste Some Big Cabs on the Wine Pass

Napa is known for making big, bold cabs - let’s taste a few of these today and add in a classic lunch spot.

STOP 1: SADDLEBACK CELLARS: Nil’s Venge does it again, a master of red wines at his family run winery where you’ll be treated to personal hospitality sitting next to the vineyards. What a deal at two for $40 with wine pass.

STOP 2: RUTHERFORD GRILL: Park your car for a bit at Rutherford Grill which shares its lot with your next stop. Get a grilled artichoke if it’s in season - it’s out of this world for ‘choke fans.

STOP 3: BEAULIEU VINEYARDS: After lunch walk across the parking lot to BV. f you love reds you must try their cult classic, Georges de Latour Private Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon. Two for $55 with the wine pass.

STOP 4: MATHEW BRUNO: Limited production, single vineyard cabs in the cutest house turned tasting room across the street from Rutherford Grill. How easy is that? Two for $75 with the wine pass.

COST PER PERSON WITH WINE PASS: $85pp*

Off the Beaten Path (and away from the crowds)

It’s true, sometimes Napa can get so busy you need to just get away and these two wineries are the perfect respite - and great wines.

STOP 1: MAXVILLE WINERY: Take a 17 drive up the winding country roads and you won’t believe you’re still in Napa. A modern and opulent winery with views of a lake, indulge in a private tasting and cave tour. Two tasting options - two for $49 or two for $75 depending on your wines.

STOP 2: POPE VALLEY WINERY: It feels like no one has touched this winery for over 100 years, like something out of an old west movie. But it’s not props, it’s just the way it is at Pope Valley Winery. Wonderfully rustic with a huge picnic area that’s free with you have a Priority Wine Pass. Two for $55 tasting experience and bottle service after to enjoy with your lunch. You will seriously want to stay here all afternoon.

COST PER PERSON WITH WINE PASS: $48.50 pp*

A Most Relaxing Day (and mud bath!)

Calistoga is famous for its mud baths that have lately been overshadowed by the giant resorts and fancy spas. Leave those for the big spenders and indulge in what might be the most relaxing day in Napa.

STOP 1: ENVY WINERY: Winemaker Nils Venge pops up again at this quint winery with views of Old Faithful. Come before noon and it’s two for $30 with wine pass.

STOP 2: GOLDEN HAVEN MUD BATHS: Get out of your comfort zone and into the mud bath and you might never want to leave. Couples will be guided through the experience that includes a soak in the mud and mineral baths. $99 per person with wine pass, not available Sat and holidays so plan ahead.

Afterwards grab some sandwiches to bring to your next spot or grab lunch in the town of Calistoga.

STOP 3: HANS FAHDEN: With gardens that look like you stepped into a Monet painting and deluxe wine caves, enjoy two tastings for $45. Outside food is allowed.

COST PER PERSON WITH WINE PASS INCLUDING MUD BATHS: $136.50 pp*