By Kohleun Adamson, on July 19, 2019

Travel Tips + Cheap Wineries in Napa

Did you know California produces 81% of America’s wine? Thanks, Golden State! Among California’s vineyard-covered valleys, Napa is by far the most famous. In fact, you’ve probably toasted with Napa natives like Sutter Home, Beringer, and Chandon. All in all, Napa is home to more than 400 wineries, and sipping your way through just a few of those tannin tamers can cost a pretty penny. So, we scouted out cheap wineries in Napa where you get an amazing tasting experience without the sticker shock.

Ready to visit Napa Valley? Whether you say rosé all day, or hurrah for syrah, here’s how to sip and save on the best Napa wine tours and tasting rooms.

Where to find cheap wine tasting in Napa

The Napa Valley wine region isn’t just one town, though the city of Napa is its anchor. You’ll find several award-winning Napa Valley wineries and vineyards in Calistoga, St. Helena, Yountville, and other towns too.

Wineries with complimentary tasting flights

Sutter Home Winery
St. Helena

We all have that bottle of iconic Sutter Home white zin in the fridge “just in case.” When you crave that refreshing pink drink, make a beeline to the winery’s historic tasting room for a complimentary flight of their most popular wines. This household name dates back to pre-Prohibition days, and for decades they’ve made delicious wine affordable and accessible for many. Cheers to that.

Vincent Arroyo Family Winery
Calistoga

Wine travelers love Arroyo for the intimate tasting and tour you get from knowledgeable winemakers. The experience is free to the public and includes a tasting flight and vineyard tour, but be sure to reserve an appointment. The winery is known for their petite sirah, so leave enough room in your suitcase for a couple bottles of bold red.

Buehler Vineyards
St. Helena

Wine travelers love Arroyo for the intimate tasting and tour you get from knowledgeable winemakers. The experience is free to the public and includes a tasting flight and vineyard tour, but be sure to reserve an appointment. The winery is known for their petite sirah, so leave enough room in your suitcase for a couple bottles of bold red.

Seven Stones Winery
St. Helena

A group of hands cheers wine glasses at a winery in Napa.
Via Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com

The tasting experience at Seven Stones appeals to oenophiles and art lovers alike. While you sample the winery’s accolade-collecting cabernet, view the Wornick family’s unique collection of conceptual art. The sculptures have been installed by several artists over the last two decades—the perfect pairing to one of the best Napa Valley wineries’ free tastings.

Wineries with tasting fees $25 and under

Stonehedge Winery
Napa

Stonehedge may be a small boutique winery, but they are the talk of the town. Tasting room staff members are well loved by locals and visitors for their hospitality and unparalleled wine knowledge. Bonus: The $20-$30 tasting fees are waived when you purchase two bottles. You know you want to…

Napa Cellars
Oakville

Tasting experiences at Napa Cellars start at just $20 and include wine education and a tour of the expansive vineyards. Napa Cellars makes a range of varietals, including chardonnay, zinfandel, and sauvignon blanc. You’re sure to find the right pairing to your favorite culinary creations.

Beringer
St. Helena

Already one of the most affordable Napa wineries, Beringer even makes tasting their wildly popular vintages easy on the budget. Tasting experiences start at $25 in the rustic Old Winery Tasting Room and reservations are requested.

Chandon
Yountville

With daily tasting fees starting at $20, Chandon makes it easy to sip and sample stellar still and sparkling wines. You choose your tasting location—the terrace, lounge, patio, lawn, or tasting room—and find out what’s new with the makers of iconic California bubbly.

How to score cheap Napa wine tours and other savings

  • Buy a Priority Wine Pass. This insider special gets you complimentary tasting flights and other discounts at more than 400 wineries on the West Coast, including Napa wine tasting deals. It’s a sweet sip at just $40.
  • Catch the trolley. Classic Napa Valley Wine Trolley Tour stops at four tasting rooms and includes a guided tour, lunch, and non-alcoholic beverages as you travel. Wine tasting fees are not included.
  • Take a brewery tour! Beer is taken very seriously in the Valley, but it’s much cheaper. Book a craft distillery tour and spirits tasting at Napa Valley Distillery—tastings and samples are included.
  • Explore downtown tasting rooms. Tastings are half off when you have a Downtown Napa Wine Tasting Card, which you can purchase directly from the Napa Tourist Information Center.
  • Take a self-guided taco tour! Some of the best cheap eats in Napa are tacos, and they are plentiful. Taqueria Rosita, C Casa, and Tannya’s Taqueria are just a few local favorites, all with menu items under $8.
  • Hit up the right happy hours. When you’re ready to sit and sip a glass or two, gather your friends—or meet new ones—at happy hour downtown. Some of the best early evening deals can be found at Bounty Hunter Wine Bar & Smokin’ BBQ (Monday-Friday, 3-6 p.m.) and Eiko’s Modern Japanese Cuisine (Monday-Friday, 4-6 p.m.).

Northern California wine country is overflowing with natural beauty and history. Add many more Napa activities to your travel plans and get ready for a delicious adventure. Learn more about visiting Napa on a budget. Cheers!

Header image: Via Ersler Dmitry/Shutterstock.com