Napa Valley Cheat Sheet: Everything You Need to Know in One Quick Blog Post
Local Wally
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.