Are Napa Wineries and Restaurants Open 2021? How to Plan A Trip to Napa During Covid Times and Other Frequently Asked Questions

Is Napa Open Again?

As of January 26, 2021, Napa has been given the green light to reopen!

Are Napa Wineries Open and Serving Tastings Now?

Yes, though tastings of of this writing are still OUTSIDE. A lot of wineries have added tents and have made their tasting spaces very hospitable so you might not even notice or care - after all, you’re still in Napa, you’re still tasting great wine, it’s better than sitting at home watching TV, right?

Are There Any Winery Production Tours Open in Napa?

Not likely, nor will there be any cave tours or anything else that is done indoors.

Do I Have to Wear a Mask When Wine Tasting?

Masks are required when you enter a winery (or anywhere where you cannot remain 6 feet apart) but you may take them off once seated and tastings. Proper etiquette is to replace your mask when the server approaches your table.

Do I Need Reservations at Napa Wineries?

Yes, the days of popping in and bellying up to the bar were ending before Covid and have now been replaced with sit down, reservations required, wine tastings. Because of this some wineries are holding firm on their 21 and over rules so always call ahead if you are bringing minors with you.

Are Napa Restaurants Open Again (Jan, Feb, Mar, 2021)?

As of January 26, 2021, restaurants are OPEN again with outside dining.

Is The French Laundry Worth It?

At roughly $1,000 a couple for dinner and choosing from their wine list frugally, it’s expensive. It’s not recommended if you are a politician but for normal folks looking to celebrate the end (or near end) of the pandemic there’s no substitute. Read my review from my experience (or drool over the high res photos I shot). If you can afford it, do it!. Reservations are hard to get so start planning now if this is on your bucket list.

What Happens If I Plan a Trip to Napa in 2021 and It Gets Shut Down Again Due to Covid? Will I Get Refunds?

Wineries that have been forced to shut down due to Covid in 2021 will most certainly refund any fees they might have charged for your reservation. Some wineries actually just take your credit card number but don’t actually charge you until you arrive. Just verify this when booking. Drivers on my site that I recommend will all refund any deposits should you have to cancel, even if you just change your mind. Just give them enough notice so that they can rebook your time slot.

What Happens if I Buy the 12 Month Priority Wine Pass But Can’t Use It Due to Covid?

Buying the 12 month Priority Wine Pass keeps me in business as I get a small affiliate fee when you do. Plus, to make sure you get your money’s worth I offer FREE advice and help you plan your trip, all with honest and unbiased personal advice. But I get that you might not want to pay for a pass if your trip might be cancelled. If this happens, reach out to me and while I can’t promise a refund I can most likely get your pass extended so you can use it once Covid is over. Covid has been really hard on my travel website business so I do appreciate anyone who buys the wine pass today.

I’m Trying to Plan a Bachelorette Party in Napa for 2021 and Need Help!

After years of helping folks plan group events and bachelorette parties I’ve become a bit of an expert. The days of invading wineries with a group and expecting to be served are over. Groups 8 and above require reservations and planning. Covid has made this even harder so I have partnered with a handful of wineries who are happy to take larger groups and provide exceptional personal service for your event, all at prices not much more than a standard tasting fee. I also can provide transportation to make sure everyone gets home and tucked into bed safely. Don’t try to figure this out on your own! Just reach out to me, I don’t charge for my advice and happy to help.

Is Sterling Vineyard and the Tram Open? Do You Still Offer the FREE $10 Off Coupon Code?

Sterling is not slated to reopen until Summer 2021. It could open sooner, but use that as an estimate. I am working with Sterling to continue my free $10 off deal once they re-open, as well as deals on other experiences once Covid is history.

Is Uber Back Up in Napa?

Uber never really went away but is not recommended for Wine Tasting in Napa because wineries now require you make reservations and Uber has never been very good about consistently arriving on time in Napa. Add to that the chance that the previous people might have been contagious and it’s just too risky. Instead, reach out to me and let me connect you with one of my drivers. Their rates are just a bit more than if you used Uber all day and you get personal service from drivers I trust.

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!

Is Napa Closed Again Due to Corona Virus - Covid-19? Are Napa Wineries Still Open? July 2020 Update

Empty patios Again?

NAPA VALLEY COVID-19 UPDATE: ARE NAPA WINERIES BEING FORCED TO CLOSE AGAIN????

I’m not going to force you to read a lot of junk just to get to the info you are looking for. Here is the link to the latest updates on Covid-19 and if Napa is being forced to close again https://www.countyofnapa.org/2739/Coronavirus

JULY 7TH UPDATE: Napa is set to shut down dine in restaurants, bars, indoor tasting rooms, starting Thursday - But this doesn’t appear to be a done deal. Napa is being monitored closely due to a spike in cases with the decision pending. Also, “indoor tasting rooms” doesn’t necessarily mean wineries are shut down.

https://napavalleyregister.com/news/local/napa-to-again-shut-down-dine-in-restaurants-bars-indoor-tasting-rooms-starting-thursday-as/article_3d41ba5c-35d4-5615-b038-696f3b6a76e3.html

Napa Wineries Move Tastings Outside

https://www.northbaybusinessjournal.com/article/article/napa-wineries-move-more-tasting-outside-under-new-rules/

Should you cancel your trip to Napa?

No - Most Napa wineries have already modified their tasting experiences to include outside tastings which are not impacted. Restaurants are not closed but rather cannot do INSIDE dining so you can opt for outside patios. So while it’s not the same as pre-Covid Napa, it’s not like last month when everything was more or less shut down. So keep with the plans but plan ahead by making reservations as soon as you think you are coming. Reservations will be harder to come by so don’t wait.

The same goes with drivers - no one wants to Uber these days and at least for me the idea of jumping into a tour van or even the trolley with people I don’t know is a bit risky when all I want to do is have fun. Let me connect you with a driver or transportation company that is focused on keeping things safe. Just email me - I’ll hook you up. Wally@napatouristguide.com

GROUPS OVER 6? For sure I can help you. Most wineries are limiting groups to 6 or less but I can connect you with wineries who are willing to split you up into smaller groups to make it work. Again, email me and I’ll just connect you. No need to cancel.

Below is the official notice from July 5th, 2020.

The California Department of Public Health has notified Napa County Public Health that the reported COVID-19 case rate over the past fourteen days has placed the County on the statewide monitoring list effective Sunday, July 5, 2020.

It is expected that Napa County will remain on the monitoring list for three consecutive days and will be subject to the requirements listed in Governor Newsom’s July 1 order.

Starting 12:01 a.m. Thursday, July 9 the following businesses should prepare for closure of their businesses and/or indoor operations and remain closed until at least Thursday, July 30.  This closure period may be extended by the State and is dependent upon the State’s monitoring of cases and other data metrics.

For the following industries, indoor business is closed, sector may be modified to operate outside or by pick-up:

Dine-in restaurantsWineries and tasting rooms (Indoors)Movie theaters Family entertainment centers (for example: bowling alleys, miniature golf, batting cages and arcades)Zoos and museumsCardrooms

Additionally, the following sectors must close all operations both indoors and outdoors.

Bars, brewpubs, breweries, and pubs

Napa County Placed on COVID-19 Data County Monitoring List

(NAPA, CALIF.) – The California Department of Public Health has notified Napa County Public Health that the reported COVID-19 case rate over the past fourteen days has placed the County on the statewide monitoring list effective Sunday, July 5, 2020. 

On Saturday, July 4, 2020, the County’s reported case rate over the past fourteen days was 137.9 cases per 100,000 population. The State places a county on the monitoring list when the metric exceeds 100 cases per 100,000 population. 

It is expected that Napa County will remain on the monitoring list for three consecutive days and will be subject to the requirements listed in Governor Newsom’s July 1st order requiring the closure of the following businesses for a minimum of three weeks:

·         All brewpubs, breweries, bars and pubs, both indoor and outdoor services

·         Indoor dining at restaurants

·         Indoor wineries and tasting rooms

·         Indoor family entertainment centers

·         Indoor movie theaters

·         Indoor zoos and museums

·         Indoor cardrooms

With the exception of brewpubs, breweries, bars and pubs, outdoor operations for the above businesses are allowed, and all previously issued State guidance for those sectors continue to apply in outdoor settings.

Businesses listed above should prepare for closure of their businesses and/or indoor operations effective 12:01 a.m. on Thursday, July 9th and remain closed until at least Thursday, July 30th.  This closure period may be extended by the State and is dependent upon the State’s monitoring of cases and other data metrics.

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NEW CONTENT

Everyone wants to do a picnic, especially with the Covid-19 issues. Don’t assume that winery that let you picnic last year will sill allow it. This is the most complete and accurate Napa Winery Picnic Guide on the internet.

Napa Valley Wineries that Allow Picnics - Updated July 2020

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TRENDING ARTICLES

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: I stand by the new Napa rules and regulations. Not responsible for any actions taken by wineries, restaurants, or drivers who are on my site or referred by me who might think or act otherwise. Every visitor should do their own due diligence on drivers as I am in no way offering any guarantees of their insurance, licenses, or other legal issues.

New Bay Area Winery Transit Service (BAWT) to Cater to Bay Area Residents Going to Napa

Residents in the Bay Area, fatigued with the Covid-19 lockdown, are flocking to Napa in droves to get a bit of normal, if only for the day. Helping to keep everyone safe while enjoying their wine tasting, Trinity SF Bay Tours has teamed up with NapaTouristGuide.com to create BAY AREA WINE TRANSIT, or BAWT, that caters to this crowd.

Nick will pick you up at your home and drive you to Napa for a day of food and wine. You can either pick your own wineries or rely on Nick and Wally to pick them for you with advanced notice. The vehicles are disinfected and wiped down and every customer not only gets a bottle of welcome sparkling wine but a mask, gloves, and hand sanitizer. At the end of the day you’re dropped back at you home, safe and sound.

Due to the virus many wineries have moved to sit down service and charge higher rates. If you are coming with 6 or fewer people you can still use the Priority Wine Pass for two for one’s. Here are all of the deals with the pass (link). You’ll find $45 savings at Grgich Hills and Charles Krug, $35 savings at Sterling, $25 savings at Beringer, and many more. If you still need a pass get it here with Wally’s discount - the pass will be $39.99 but you only need one pass per couple. The annual pass is perfect for Bay Area residents who might visit Napa or Sonoma multiple times a year.

Groups over 6 are a bit trickier as the current Napa guidelines prohibit wineries from talking groups this large. But don’t despair, there are still ways to host a larger group so reach out to me and I’ll connect you with some people who might be able to help.

Premium Experiences for Day Trippers

There are also PREMIUM EXPERIENCES for those who really love their wines. Nick will take you to two select wineries, one with food, where you’ll have extended experiences tasting Napa’s finest wines. Some experiences include a bottle of wine to take home at each stop and even offer discounts for wine purchases. Email me for more info - these experiences are becoming more popular for Bay Area people who aren’t looking for a jam packed day of one winery after another and instead want a relaxing day sipping good wine and tasting good food.

You’ll find Nick’s rates to be some of the best in the area. His vehicles range from town cars to 14 person shuttle vans. He doesn’t charge more to have additional people in the vehicle so those looking for the ultimate safety zone can rent out his largest shuttle and spread out with their small group.

To get more info simply email me and I’ll get right back to you. Remember, all wineries now require reservations so it is never too early to start booking your spots.

Planning a Trip to Napa Summer or Fall 2020 - Are Wineries Open After Coronavirus and Are There Deals?

No Social Distancing Required in 2017 - What About 2020?

June 6 Update: Napa Poised to Re-Open!

Big News - As of June 6, 2020, Napa has been given the green light to reopen. However, that’s not to say that you and your buddies should jump in the car this weekend and willy-nilly hit the wineries. Many of the wineries are not set to reopen until sometime next week and when they do there will be these new rules in place:

1. RESERVATIONS REQUIRED: Assume you will need reservations at every stop.

2. GROUP SIZE LIMITS: Depending on the winery, assume that group sizes will be limited. Many are saying they cannot accept groups over 4 or 6.

3. MASKS AND SOCIAL DISTANCING: You know the drill by now. Napa wineries are not a free for all, things are not “back to normal”, but you can still have fun. Just respect the rules and keep everyone safe.

I will be contacting the wineries next week to check on deals and discounts but for now if you are planning on using your Priority Wine Pass I recommend you ask the wineries what their offers are. My site was written pre-Cornona and wineries can change their deals at any time so don’t assume the deals are still the same.

ALSO - BUY WINE! Wineries have been deeply hurt by Covid-19 so buy wine, as much as you can! It’s a solid win-win. You get great wine, the wineries get some revenue, I see no downside here.

More to come - The articles below will be updated later this weekend.

Wally

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What to Expect in Napa in Summer or Fall 2020

I’m writing this April 9, 2020. Right now the entire planet is basically on hold with most of the US in lock down. But it doesn’t take a genius to predict that someday this will all be over and when it is you will want to be in Napa, drinking wine, wine, and more wine. I will be the first to tell you that I have no crystal ball but I will say that it’s safe to assume that Napa will be as packed as Castello di Amorosa on a busy Sunday when the virus is over. So that means you need to plan. Here are my predictions on what to expect in Napa if you come in Summer or Fall 2020.

MAY 17 2020 UPDATE: NEW GUIDELINES JUST PUBLISHED - It’s as you might guess, 6 feet apart, face masks, etc. The biggest impact though appears to be on group size - 6 or less - as well as wineries being required to move to RESERVATIONS ONLY. More info coming as I get it.

THE IMPACT OF CORONAVIRUS ON THE WINERIES

Napa has both big wineries owned by giant corporations and small family run wineries and all of them will be greatly impacted by the lack of tourism by the time they open. We know that Napa struggled to rebound after the recent fires in 2017 and 2019. The Convid-19 will have even greater impact. Napa wineries rely on visitors, people like you, tasting and buying wine. They also rely on restaurants who buy and serve their wines. Both of these are shut down right now. Big wineries will show low profits this year but small wineries will be hanging on for dear life. If you are coming after the Coronavirus please focus on the smaller wineries first and BUY WINE - I can help you pick, that comes later, but know that while all the wineries will be hurting the small wineries really need your help.

WILL WINERIES BE OPEN IN SUMMER OR FALL 2020? JUNE, JULY, OR AUGUST 2020?

The second the social distancing ban is lifted you can expect the wineries to all reopen. I have not heard of any wineries closing their doors as of today - but a lot can happen before Summer. I also suspect there will be plenty of deals once Napa is reopened. If you have not followed my site until now then know that I was the first guy to put all of the Napa deals on one site, the guy who wrote the original TripAdvisor articles on Napa, and your best source for all of the two for one or discount wine tasting deals in Napa. I know all the deals and happy to send them your way - including the exclusive and free $10 OFF Sterling Vineyard tram ride and tasting offer. Email me for deals, it’s that easy.

However, you can assume that some of the wineries will be changing their deals and offers (and tasting fees) once Napa reopens. We do know they will be moving to a Reservations Only model based on the new regulations I got to preview.

WILL IT BE SAFE TO GO TO NAPA OR SONOMA IN SUMMER OR FALL 2020?

My guess is that Napa will only reopen when it is safe enough for everyone to feel secure. I mean, wine tasting isn’t going to be any fun if you are thinking it might be your last hurrah, right? But I have confidence based on Gov. Newsom’s plan that opening Napa or Sonoma for wine tasting is not going to be a quick decision so when it does open, well, you can assume it’s because those in charge believe it is safe.

That said - and remember, I am no doctor - staying safe will rely on decisions you make as to what sort of Napa experience you take. Personally, and I err on the side of safety, I would go with a private driver in their largest vehicle to mitigate any social distancing issues in transportation. If that means hiring a 14 person vehicle for your group of 6 I would consider it. The cost difference isn’t huge between hiring an SUV or a large shuttle van, especially when split up between the group. Second, until I see how the big wineries will handle crowds I would stick to the boutiques, the private tastings where crowd control is a given. This is all very fluid - I am writing this on May 5, 2020 - but if I am working with Nick who drives a lot of my readers and we are brainstorming a Napa adventure where you safety is the main concern and focus. You’ll be picked up in a just-cleaned van, you’ll be taken to select wineries who are on-board with our plan, you’ll dine in a picnic area away from others, and all wine purchases will be wiped down and disinfected before you pick them up. If you are interested just email me and we can work out the details.

WILL NAPA BE BUSY IN SUMMER OR FALL 2020?

With rampant unemployment it’s very likely that all tourist destinations will be down in 2020. But a huge part of Napa tourism are locals from the Bay Area or other parts of California and a quick day trip or weekend in Napa will be a very popular escape from recent reality. I predict that Napa will bounce back faster than the Stock Market and tourism will be huge once it is reopened.

HOW WILL CORONAVIRUS IMPACT TASTING ROOMS?

Until there is a vaccination the need for social distancing will be a part of the “new normal”. This most likely means that the massive, crowded, party atmosphere of the popular wineries will most likely give way to smaller tasting room experiences and crowd control. I predict that most wineries will move to a “reservations required” mode to control the total number of people entering the winery. This isn’t bad - anyone who has tried to go to Domaine Chandon or Castello di Amorosa only to find Disneyland sized crowds will appreciate a bit of crowd control. And yes, I can help you pick - it’s what I do and I never charge for advice.

BUYING WINE, TIPPING THE SERVER

Before the virus if you asked me whether you need to buy wine I would have told you that it’s not mandatory. Today, I suggest that if you are visiting Napa after the Coronavirus that you plan on buying wine, at least a bottle or two at every stop, especially if you are going to the smaller wineries. Join their wine clubs and make sure you tip the server. The server doesn’t benefit much from wine sales but a $5 tip for their time really helps them bridge that gap. I wrote this article on tipping recently and now more than ever it’s required reading if you are coming to Napa or Sonoma.

ARE THERE WINE TASTING DEALS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT?

There are always deals in Napa. The bulk of them will be on my site but it’s too early to tell what the deals will be once the Coronavirus is over (or the social distancing ban relaxed). Right now we are working with the wineries to be ready for the day that Napa is reopened and to help them get their post-virus deals ready to go. Email me - I’ll give you everything I have so you can visit Napa without going broke.

WHAT EVENTS ARE HAPPENING IN NAPA IN SUMMER OR FALL?

Assuming Napa is reopened there will be plenty of events happening to lure people back in. Subscribe to my newsletter and I’ll keep you up to date on the best events and dates. BottleRock has been moved to Oct 2 - 4 so avoid that weekend unless you have tickets. And fall is the time for Grape Stomps - Grgich Hills has an annual stomp as do other wineries - I’ll know more when we get closer to Fall so make sure you subscribe or email me to stay up to date.

I’M TRYING TO PLAN A BACHELORETTE PARTY - HOW DOES CORONAVIRUS IMPACT MY PLANS?

Assuming Napa is back in business, you’ll want to take extra precautions if you are planning a bachlorette party or corporate event. First, knowing that people are drinking and that social distancing will still be the responsible thing to do you will want to make sure that every winery you pick is PRIVATE and offers you your own space and server. You’ll also want to make sure that the transportation you select has the same level of concern that you do. Look, let me just toss this out there - I have helped a lot of people plan big events so let me help you. I would avoid all wineries that have big crowds and focus on wineries that will give you personal attention and your own space. And I can get you deals, of course. Just reach out to me. I don’t charge to help and happy to give you my contacts at the wineries to set this up.

MAY 17 UPDATE: I just heard that wineries will be limiting groups to 6 or less - but not sure whether this applies to wineries who do private tastings. I am working on this! If you have a bachlorette party coming reach out to me and I’ll work with you personally as the details unfold.

WHEN SHOULD I START PLANNING AND BOOKING HOTELS?

As long as the hotel offers a fully refundable rate I would book right now. Below is a screen shot of a very popular hotel in Napa that normally charges $600 a night during the Fall. Rates right now are in the $209 range. Rates have not been this low since 1990. So book it and cross your fingers and you might end up with a killer deal.

As for wineries, it’s not too early to reach out to me and I’ll help you at least start building a short list of wineries you might want to visit. I can show you what the deals are right now and you can book your reservations with the wineries. I predict more deals once Napa reopens so just be on top of it, watch the deal list on my site, sign up for my newsletter where I’ll provide deal updates.

Remember, a big part of what I do is help people plan their trips. I don’t charge, all of my advice is free, and right now I’m doing nothing so it’s a good time to start a conversation.

ONE LAST QUESTION - WILL NAPA TOURIST GUIDE BE AROUND AFTER CORONAVIRUS?

Yes, I will be here. Luckily my overhead is very low so as long as I don’t die from either the virus or boredom I plan to be here when this is all said and done. I do have bills to pay, however, so I’ve used my spare time to reopen my online store.

NAPA VALLEY HOME + GARDEN

Visit my online store to purchase Napa items that I personally love and use. All items are fulfilled by Amazon and the cool thing is if you go to Amazon through my site and then buy anything, even products that are not in my store, they will pay me a tiny little marketing fee. I am hoping that these pennies all add up to pay for my hosting fees. And you don’t pay more, you just shop Amazon like you always do and know that you are helping Local Wally stay in business whenever you buy something.

Also, you probably know that I support the Priority Wine Pass on my site. I know the owner and she is also a small micro business. The wine pass gets you two for one’s and is good for a full year. I’ve worked out a deal with the owner that if you purchase a pass today and cannot use it due to the Coronavirus that she will extend it for another year for no additional charge. When you buy a pass from me I not only give you a $20 discount but I get paid a referral fee - so buy a wine pass now if you can and know that we will totally take care of you if something comes up. Remember, you only need one pass for every two people. It’s $39.99 after my discount and you’ll save $25 to $50 per winery stop so it pays for itself many times over.

Free Planning Guide for a Trip to Napa Valley (Life After Coronavirus)

We made it. Now let’s go drink wine!

Post coronavirus guide to Napa

I’m going to jump ahead a bit. I mean, right now we’re all in the middle of a huge world wide pandemic, a lot of us are quarantined in our homes, the stock market is dropping, life pretty much has stopped. But I see a day when it’s all over, when things turn back to normal, and when that day comes I want you to celebrate life with your friends, with your family, heck, with strangers. And I want you to do this in Napa or Sonoma because, well, I love it here.

Step by Step Guide to Plan a Trip to Napa or Sonoma

Let’s talk about that - Napa or Sonoma. People can get very opinionated on this but I’ll give it to you straight. If you have never been to Wine Country then make it Napa first. Napa is home to many of the big names you see in your market, from Beringer to Sterling. It’s home to some of the most beautiful wineries in the world, like the historic Inglenook (insanely beautiful) or the full scale castle, Castillo di Amorosa. It’s also home to many, many small boutique wineries tucked away from the crowds. The main criticism of Napa is that it’s “too commercial” or “too busy”, but that’s not necessarily so.

Sonoma, on the other hand, is less ornate, less “developed”, and many suggest it’s a bit more down to Earth. I like Sonoma a lot, but if Napa is Disneyland then Sonoma is Knott’s Berry Farm. It’s good, in fact it’s great, but do Napa first. If you have three days you can do two in Napa, one in Sonoma.

Overwhelmed? Not to worry, just email me for free advice.

Step One: Get a Hotel

Hotels in wine country are notoriously expensive so book early. And let me get this out of the way - If you book through me I get a very small commission. Like just about every small business, the Coronavirus has nearly killed my business so I really appreciate it if you can support me by booking with me. At the top of the page are links to hotels where you can check rates, availability, and make reservations. If you are not sure about a hotel, ask me! I built this site based on offering free and honest advice and I’ll tell you the truth about a hotel and its location so you get exactly what you are looking for, whether a budget motel or a 5 star resort.

Location matters in Napa as you want a hotel close to restaurants. Right now you might look at Googlemaps and say “but the restaurant I want to go to is only 15 minutes from my hotel”. Trust me, after drinking wine all day you want a restaurant you can walk to or is only minutes away. Start with downtown Napa and if you can afford it, Yountville. Calistoga is at the northern tip and has some less expensive options as well as some high end resorts, but the food scene is more robust in downtown and Yountville.

Viansa Winery

Step Two: Build a Winery Itinerary

Figure you can go to 4 to 5 wineries a day. A good plan is to hit up one of the big name wineries right at 10, a second at 11, visit a winery that allows a picnic at 12, and then another at 2 and then 3. Here’s an example:

Stop 1: Sterling Vineyards: Ride their tram to the top of the mountain, do their self guided tour, check out the views. Sterling gets packed by midday but at 10AM it’s nice and peaceful. And don’t forget, I have a FREE $10 OFF CODE for every Sterling experience. Just email me and I’ll send it to you.

Stop 2: Clos Pegase: You need reservations for this one, located right across the street from Sterling. This pretty much eliminates drive time, a good strategy if you want to see a lot of wineries. This is a seated tasting, fancier than Sterling, but not snooty or anything. Highly recommended.

Stop 3: Picnic Time! You have a few options here. If you want to stay on the “big name” path go to Beringer. They have an awesome picnic area on their lushly landscaped grounds. Or if you want someplace a bit off the beaten path, go to Dutch Henry where it’s fun, funky, and very low key. They have picnic tables for you as well as a bocce ball court. You can also hit up V. Sattui which has a full deli onsite, or Charles Krug which has a nice charcuterie dining section as well as pizzas on the lawn during season. Remember, if they sell food you cannot bring in your own.

Stop 4: Lunch will drag on, it’s a fact in Napa, so make the next stop nice and casual. I really like Grgich Hills during the week. Mike Grgich is legend - rewatch Bottle Shock to see where he fits into Napa history. His winery is like a 70’s throwback, very cool and old school.

Stop 5: Prime Solum: I like to end the day at a seated tasting with food and Prime Solum is a good choice. Not many people know about this one, it’s actually owned by Bill Hill who once owned Wm. Hill Estates. He sold the big winery and now does small production, high end wines. His daughter Elana runs the tasting room and her husband makes the gourmet bites. Reservations required, it’s a great way to wrap up the day.

Before I Forget, Get a Wine Pass

The Priority Wine Pass will get you Two For One’s all over Napa, including the wineries listed above. Yes, I get paid when you buy a pass but it’s really more about saving you money so it’s a nice win-win, right? You only need one pass per couple and if you buy it with my code below you get $20 off the retail price - it will be $39.99. Is it worth it? Well, you save $35 at Sterling alone and then save anywhere from $25 to $60 at every winery stop thereafter. So yes, worth it. Definitely.

Step 3: Hire a Driver

You don’t want to drive. I mean, you didn’t survive the Coronavirus to spend the night in jail for drinking and driving. So you need a driver. You can use Uber or Lyft but there are some serious downsides to using them as your only transportation - mainly the wait times but also the cost. You main options are to hire someone to drive your rental, or hire a personal driver who will pick you up in their vehicle. Figure someone driving your rental will cost you $45 an hour. Someone driving you in their vehicle is about $350 for 6 hours. Add tip to both of those, 15% to 20%. I know, it’s a lot but just factor it into the cost of your trip.

Not all drivers are equal, especially the ones who drive your rental. I know of a few drivers who can legally drive your rental so email me and I’ll connect you. I also work with Nick, the owner of SF Bay Trinity Tours, to drive my groups, as well as Vine Country Transportation to drive my large corporate or wedding events. Basically, just reach out to me and I’ll connect you. Email link below.

Nick + Wally’s Wine Tours - Still Around? You Bet!

Right before the you know what hit the fan my buddy Nick and I got together to figure out if there was a better way to plan a trip to Napa. We came up with Nick + Wally’s Wine Tours, a simplified way to plan your trip. Some people like to pick their own wineries, no problem. Others want us to pick them. no problem. And what everyone wanted was a cheaper price than piecing it together yourself. That’s what we were all about, helping couples to bachelorette parties (our favorite!) to corporate events. Anyway, we are still here and still open for business. All you need to do is reach out and you can chat with me personally to figure this all out.

What About Platypus Tours?

If you want to avoid doing any planning, just hop on the Platypus Tour but TELL THEM LOCAL WALLY AND NAPA TOURIST GUIDE SENT YOU so they give me the referral fee. I really like what these guys do and their drivers are friendly and knowledgeable. You can’t use the Wine Pass with them however and you can’t pick wineries but it’s a nice alternative if you just don’t want to think about it. Here’s the link to Platupus Tours.

Incredible food everywhere in Napa - these wings are from Redd Wood in Yountville.

Step 4: Make Dinner Reservations

Do not come to Napa without dinner reservations. The French Laundry is Napa’s most famous restaurant, one of the best restaurants in the world. Dinner for two will set you back about $1,000 after wine and reservations are hard to get but if you can swing it you need to do this. Here’s an article I wrote about my experience there with lots of photos and tips. I know, that’s a ton of money but you deserve it after being cooped up in your house eating frozen Trader Joe’s during the Coronavirus.

Other top picks include Mustards Grill (essential, should be #1 on your list), Bistro Jeanty (incredible casual French bistro food), Ad Hoc or Bouchon (Thomas Keller’s more affordable restaurants), Rutherford Grill or R+D Kitchen (yes, they are chains but they are very, very good), among others. Check out my dining guides and my Top 10 Restaurant List.

Step 5: Email Me with Questions!

I love answering your questions about Napa and Sonoma and helping you plan out your trip, whether you’re coming as a couple or planning that bachelorette party blowout. I can connect your with wineries and experiences that only locals and insiders know about and help you plan your trip from start to finish. I don’t charge and all of my advice is honest and unbiased from any advertisers. Reach out to me - I’d love to hear from you even if we’re still stuck in the middle of a pandemic and you just want to dream a bit.

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.