Napa Valley Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need to Know in One Quick Blog Post

Normally I respond to your email questions within 48 hours but even Wally gets to go on vacation. During the month of June, 2022, I will not have access to emails so will not be responding - but hey, I still have you covered with this quick cheat sheet to help guide you through planning your trip to Napa or Sonoma. Ready?

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FIRST TIME TO NAPA?

NAPA 101: First timers start here - a stop by stop planning agenda that outlines the best Napa wineries to visit from Yountville to Calistoga.

NAPA 102: The sequel to Napa 101 takes you along The Silverado Trail, the other main artery through the valley.

BEST WINERIES FOR FIRST TIMERS ON A BUDGET: This popular page details wineries with discounts and overall good deals.

NAPA ON A BUDGET - TRIP ITINERARIES AND DISCOUNTS: Every discount deal in Napa is here along with sample trip itineraries. If you are completely overwhelmed just follow the advice on this page and visit these top wineries who offer the biggest bang for yoru buck.

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WHAT IS THE PRIORITY WINE PASS, IS IT WORTH IT, AND DO I NEED IT?

In the past Napa had tons of coupons and offers but today most wineries with deals just offer them via the Priority Wine Pass. For $39.99 you get a pass that gets you mainly two for one’s. It’s good for a year, and good in both Napa and Sonoma. Click here to see all of the winery deals.

You only need ONE pass for every two people - Get it HERE so you get my $20 off discount.

Top wineries on the pass include Beringer (save $30), Charles Krug (save $45), Napa Cellars (save $25), Wm Hill Estates (save $35), V. Sattui (great picnic spot, save $22.50). There are also plenty of boutique wineries as well as discounts on the Napa Wine Train and eBike winery tours.

IS IT WORTH IT? At only $39.99 for two it’s hard not to make the pass pay off. Even if you just went to Beringer and Krug you come out ahead by $30. I don’t know about you but if I found $30 on the sidewalk I pick it up - definitely - and I might even start dancing and singing Hallelujah depending on how much wine I already have had.

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BACHLORETTE PARTIES OR GROUP EVENTS

GROUPS OF 6 OR LESS, ON A BUDGET

Most wineries allow groups of 6 of less with no limitations or extra fees. If you want discounts then get one Priority Wine Pass for every two people (example: Get 3 passes for a group of 6) and then go to this list to pick wineries. Space them out every 90 minutes to two hours and make sure the second one allows picnics or has food for sale. A simple itinerary might be:

10:00 Beringer: Grab a glass of wine and stroll the groups, with the Priority Wine Pass it comes out to only $15 per person.

11:30: Charles Krug: A historic winery with a modern interior, get two for one with your Priority Wine Pass. Each tasting comes out to $22.50 with the two for one. Then grab some snacks (wood fired pizza, anyone?) and have a picnic.

1:30: Hans Fahden: They discount groups of 10 or less so take the short scenic drive to Calistoga and do this one. It’s simply beautiful and if you want instagram worthy shots this is the place with it’s reflecting ponds and old wooden bridges. Two for one, just $20 per person with your Priority Wine Pass.

3:30: For the last stop you could do Castillo di Amorosa, the Napa Castle. There are no discounts here but it’s worth the full price and super fun for groups. Or stay on budget and go to Louis M Martini or V Sattui, both really nice wineries with outside areas perfect for your final stop.

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LARGE GROUP ADVICE

GROUPS OF 10 OR LESS: Go to my WINERIES THAT LOVE BIG GROUPS page for a list of wineries that will take your large group.

GROUPS OVER 10, UP TO 100: Go to WINERIES THAT TAKE LARGER GROUPS page for help planning a super large event of over 10 people. Tip: Not many wineries allow these super large groups so make your reservations as soon as you have your dates. With Wedding or Corporate events it’s sometimes best to just pick one winery, but a good one, and allow your guests to hang out and mingle for a couple of hours.

If you are not coming until Fall then you can send me an email and I’ll work on this when I return. As long as you plan ahead by a month or more you should be fine.

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Shortcuts to Top Info Requests

WALLY’S PREFERRED DRIVERS: Most visitors now just hire a private driver as Uber doesn’t work well in Napa and driving yourself is risky. I have drivers who can drive rentals, drivers who will make your reservations for you, and drivers with limos and large group shuttles, all at great rates. Go to my Preferred Drivers page to see which one works best for you.

THE TOP 10 NAPA RESTAURANTS: From The French Laundry ($1,000 per couple) to Happy Hour BBQ, you won’t be disappointed with any of these options.

IS THE FRENCH LAUNDRY WORTH IT?: Join me as I dine at The French Laundry with lots of photos and see for yourself.

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Coming to Napa Soon and Need Help Right Now?

While I can’t respond personally to your email if you need someone to jump in and get it done for you then use one of these two options:

HIRE MELISSA AS YOU TOUR DRIVER: For groups of 6 or less Melissa will take you in her luxury SUV. Best yet, she will play out your agenda and make the reservations for you.

BUY A PRIORITY WINE PASS AND USE THEIR FREE CONCIERGE SERVICE: As long as you buy a pass (get it here, one for every two people) you can take advantage of their free concierge service. They will help you pick and plan your wineries just like I do, and it’s free as long as you get the pass first.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Then I would go to these wineries:

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

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

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

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

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napa Updates for Fall 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is Napa Open? How about Sonoma?

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

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

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

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

Do I Need Reservations for Wineries?

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

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

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

What About Cave Tours in Napa?

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

Do I Really Have to Wear a Mask?

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

Is it SAFE to Go Wine Tasting in Napa?

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

Is Uber Still Running in Napa?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are Restaurants Open?

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

Should I Tip at Wineries?

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

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

Does the Priority Wine Pass Still Work?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s How Virtual Wine Tastings Work

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

Step 2: Schedule a Time for the Video Call

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

So Many Opportunities for Virtual Wine Tastings

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

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

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

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

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

Here’s What to Do Next

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

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.

Trip to Napa Cancelled Due to the Coronavirus: Now What?

Ahhh, the good old days wine tasting in Beringer Vineyard’s famous caves.

Don’t Let The Coronavirus Win - keep drinking wine With Virtual Wine Tasting!

Now that reality has set in it’s time to take action. There’s no point in sitting around all day feeling sorry for yourself. OK, you had to cancel your trip to Napa. But that doesn’t mean that life - or loving wine - has to stop. We’ve partnered with a handful of wineries who are bring Napa Virtual Wine Tasting to Your Home. Here’s how it works:

Napa Valley Virtual Wine Tasting

1. Go to this list to see which wineries are participating.

2. Order your wine and then schedule your time slot.

3. Make sure you tell them that WALLY SENT YOU so I get credit.

4. Boot up that laptop that work made you take home and instead of a boring video chat with the boss you can chat with a wine server who will walk you through your tasting. Video calls have never been this much fun!

5. And when this Coronavirus is over, go visit these wineries and enjoy their wines once again.

Remember to tell them that WALLY SENT YOU.

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When is Napa Going to Reopen?

At this time, March 20th, no one really knows. But when it does will you be ready? Planning your trip is half the fun so if you’re home bored and looking for something to spark your enthusiasm start planning your future trip. You can email me and ask questions - I am super slow right now so ask as many as you want! And remember, even though this Coronavirus looks like it has no end it WILL end. So let’s get out of the doldrums and start planning your trip. It will make you feel better. It will make ME feel better, too!

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Napa Valley Wine Deals

Etude Winery:

Some really great Pinot Noir’s here - their winery is located in the Carnero’s area, a hidden gem. They are on the Priority Wine Pass, two for one tastings once Click the image to go to their site.

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Maroon Wines

A private winery, check with me in the future if you would like to visit. Until then here are some awesome deals on their great wines. Click the image to go to their site.

Help Me Stay in Business

I’ve run my Local Wally websites since 1996. That’s right, I was one of the very first websites EVER. I started my first site as a project for work as a “proof of concept” to pitch the idea of websites to corporate accounts. Over the years my sites have grown and last year were so successful that I quit my corporate job to do this full time. Who knew that the Coronavirus was coming? I mean, every fortune cookie I opened said good stuff was coming.

For full transparency, I get paid a small bit when you book a hotel, buy a Wine Pass, book with one of my preferred drivers, or click an ad. Yesterday I made $.13. I am not joking! So if you like what I do and have the ability to help out a small business I ask that you bookmark my site and if you can, and only if you can afford it, that perhaps you add some money to my tip jar. It’s tacky, I hate asking for a tip, but I also want to keep doing this for you after this crisis is over and every little bit helps me pay my bills to keep the site running. And every tip comes with free good vacation karma!

Local Wally's Wine Tours, Napa and Sonoma Wine Tasting Packages for Every Budget

Happy Wine Tasters on a Local Wally Wine Tour

Local Wally Launches His Wine Tour Company

Over the years I’ve been asked to offer a complete Wine Tour option for my guide. I resisted. I procrastinated. That’s because 10 years ago when I started writing this guide most people just drove their own cars when wine tasting. But times change and now drinking and driving isn’t an option, at least not a very good one. That left sending my readers to Uber or Lyft which sort of worked, though long waits and high surge pricing left a lot to be desired. Add to that Covid-19 which makes getting into a strangers car perhaps more risky than you want. AND if that wasn’t enough, wineries now require reservations and no longer offer drop in bar tastings which means you need to be on time - or risk forfeiting your tasting fee.

Introducing Local Wally’s Wine Tours

You know me - I spend my days answering emails from my readers asking what wineries to go to. I’ve teamed with professional driving companies to offer customized Napa and Sonoma Wine Tours that stay focused on giving you the best Napa or Sonoma experience. Whether you’re coming here as a couple or planning corporate event, low budget or extravagant, we have it covered. Bachelorette party? Oh yeah, we can help!

Here’s how it works -

Option 1: Priority wine Pass Discount winery tour

Whether you pick your own wineries or you let me help, using the Priority Wine Pass will get you tremendous discounts, even if you are just here for a day. It’s a two for one pass that’s only $39.99 with my discount. Visit Krug, get two for one, save $45. List Beringer, get two for one, save $30. Grigch Hills, two for one, save $50. You get the idea. Look, if you’re on a budget or just want to keep that hundred dollar bill in your wallet at the end of the day then focus your winery picks on the ones that offer discounts. As always, email me if you have questions.

Part two is to add transportation. Just let me know how many people are in your group, the date, and if you are looking for someone to drive your rental, someone to drive you in their vehicle, and if you want standard or luxury. I have a list of drivers I trust, people who have driven a lot of my readers, and I’m happy to send you their names. There’s no fee, of course. Don’t guess, let me point you to good drivers!

OPTION 2: NO WORRY WINE TOURS

Sometimes you just don’t want to hassle the details. That’s when you reach out to me for a No Worry Wine Tour. I’ve been working with drivers I know to create unique and affordable Wine Country Tours in both Napa and Sonoma, a one call and it’s done sort of thing. Here are some options:

• THE ROMANTIC GETAWAY FOR TWO

• Visit four to five wineries per day, we’ll do all the picking and reserving for you for a nominal fee.

• DEEP DIVE NAPA FOR WINE LOVERS

• Discover the hidden boutiques with a true Napa wine expert. He’ll pick the wineries and make all the reservations for a nominal fee.

• SONOMA AND RUSSIAN RIVER, THE NEW FRONTIER

• Budget wine tasting now means getting out of Napa. Lucky for you I have some experts in the Sonoma and Russian River area who can take you to the best the area has to offer, all at an affordable rate. Yes, we’ll pick the wineries and make the reservations for a nominal fee.

• THE ULTIMATE BACHELORETTE PARTY EXPERIENCE

• I do a lot of bachelorette parties! I now can offer everything from budget events to luxurious extravaganzas and can even set up large groups, something that’s very hard to do during these Covid times.

• CORPORATE EVENTS, WEDDING PARTIES, THE BIG ONES

• Big events require big wineries willing to let you do a “take over” of their facilities. Do it yourself and pay big bucks. Or let me help and I’ll connect you with wineries who not only will allow you to host your big event at their winery but will offer you a discount since you’ve come through me.

OPTION 3: The Premium Experience

Coming from the Bay Area and just want to spend a few hours sipping wine, eating good food, and forgetting about Covid-19 for awhile? Then don’t winery hop where your risk goes up at every stop! Instead go to ONE winery but make it a good one, a long drawn out experience with the best wines and gourmet food to pair it with. I’m working with a small handful of premium wineries who cater to the higher end wine lover. Costs aren’t that much more than a standard day in Napa but the experience is over the top luxury, a feast for wine lovers and an experience that you won;t soon forget. Email me, of course!

COMING WITH A LARGER GROUP? In our Covid times it’s not as easy as you might think to book wineries with groups over 6 - but it can be done! Just email me. I’ll hook you up with some wineries who claim they can take larger groups and you can work it out with them. Do this as soon as you can as there are seriously only a handful of wineries who will take large groups and they book up fast.

Keeping Within Your Budget is My Goal

I know wine tasting can be really expensive so I do my best to keep transportation prices as low as they can go and stick to wineries that are within your budget. Not on a tight budget? Well I also know the very cool “over the top” experiences as well and can help you get discounts if available. In the end I try to keep everything super simple and give you the most bang for your buck, no matter what your budget is.

To get my rates you simply email me and I will get right back to you - pronto!

Spread out in a 14 person vehicle, just one of the many options if you use one of my preferred drivers.

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We know how to plan a GREAT bachelorette party!

Wally’s Bachelorette Party planning!

Did you somehow raise your hand and offer to plan a Bachelorette party in Napa and Sonoma and now have no idea how to do it? Make it easy on yourself and let us do it. Here are some tips:

• If you want to keep costs down keep your group size to 14 or under. A Ford Transit fits 14 but once you go over this number you have to rent a much larger vehicle.

• Wineries that offer two for one’s cap the number of people who can come in together with wine passes. If you are on a super tight budget keep your group ideally to 6 and make it an even number since you get two for one tastings. Note that due to Covid a lot of wineries are limiting group discounts to groups of 4 or less so bottom line, reach out to me and let me help. The rules keep changing and I can give you the latest info. Do I need to say it again? I don’t charge for advice so ask!

• Don’t ask anyone in your group what wineries they want to go to! Trust me, no one will ever agree on winery selection. If you want to keep it super simple I work with the owner of the Priority Wine Pass and between the two of us we know the wineries who will take your group. Best yet, we can get you discounts (yes!!) if you let us book it. So no extra fees for you, no extra work searching for wineries, a discounted rate, let me pass on my connections to help you shortcut the process. And as always, I never recommend places I don’t love. No dumps. No rip offs.

• Plan way ahead, set it and forget it! Give us as much time as you can as wineries that allow large groups (and specifically bachelorette parties) are not as common as you might think and fill up fast. As soon as you can, book it, reserve it, done!

• COVID-19 UPDATE: Wineries are limiting groups to 6 or less but larger groups can be done - email me for more info. I can connect you to wineries that might be able to take larger groups.

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*Standard Disclaimer: While I am happy to make driver recommendations I am in no way am I accepting responsibility or legalities should things not go as planned. Do your due diligence when choosing any driving company when it comes to safety, insurance, and licenses.

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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