11 Cheap Wineries In Napa: Wine Tasting On A Budget
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Napa Valley Wine Train
In this article, we will discuss some of the best and cheapest wineries in Napa Valley! Napa county is a renowned area in Northern California surrounded by gorgeous countryside with world-class vineyards. This is the heart of California's wine country located just a little over one hour’s drive north of San Francisco, with great weather all year round, making it perfect for visiting during your summer vacation or winter break.
It is a beautiful region of the United States, but it is as expensive as it is gorgeous, with very few wineries still offering complimentary wine tastings. To make things easier, we have curated this list of the best and most affordable wineries in Napa Valley. These are all outstanding wineries that sell their wines at relatively cheap prices yet still provide memorable winery experience. So let’s head to a tasting room, pour a glass of pinot noir, and explore Napa Valley's world-class wine!
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849 Zinfandel Ln, St. Helena, CA 94574-1645
This unique and funky vineyard turns you into a winemaker for one day. Raymond Vineyards is a non-traditional estate with delicious white and red wines, which always reminds guests why Napa Valley is such an incredible wine destination. This place has beautifully decorated, artistic, and whimsical rooms, like the Red Room, the Grove, and the elegant Crystal Cellar, and is a perfect venue for intimate gatherings like small meetings or family dinners, as well as large events like weddings with unique themes.
Raymond Vineyards hosts many events, from private tastings, and complete tours of the estate, to winemaking so you can learn as much as possible about each wine and how it’s made. They host outdoor and indoor tastings in all their rooms and patios, so you can choose the best place for you to enjoy a complete experience. Price range: $50
4038 Big Ranch Rd, Napa, CA 94558-1405
With wines as old as 140 years, the Robert Biale Vineyards is your go-to place for a wide selection of traditional old wines. Their benchmark wine is the famous Black Chicken Zinfandel, made of an old grape originating from the Adriatic coast. While you might already be familiar with the Zinfandel from your local supermarket, there are also other delicious varieties you will only find at the winery.
At Robert Biale you can also taste the other 20 wine varieties while enjoying an exquisite view of Napa Valley. They have knowledgeable wine educators who will help you learn about the vineyard and founding family's history during exciting, personalized wine tours through the area.
Price range: Under $40
Get The Napa Wine Pass Here
When searching for wine-tasting deals in Napa Valley - get the Priority Wine Pass. This is a great way of saving big money while touring the Napa Valley wineries, as well as other famous wine areas on the West Coast. This pass offers several deals and discounts, especially for some amazing 2-for-1 deals. You can opt for a digital or physical pass option and be able to use it at over 75 wineries.
You can also get extra pours, Wine Train deals, group discounts, and more. The Napa Wine pass costs $39.99 and, with so many wineries accepting it, it almost instantly pays for itself when you visit 2-3 Napa wineries. Most prices will reflect the Wine Pass deals, but always check before your trip, so you make sure the prices are accurate.
1240 Duhig Rd, Napa, CA 94559-9713
This one is our best recommendation for sparkling wine tastings on a budget! They have a wonderful Chateau with a beautiful outdoor terrace placed in the middle of breathtaking views of Napa Valley. Many couples chose this iconic place for their honeymoon and spoke of a dream-like experience. This is a great spot for selfies and social media posts. They have helpful and experienced guides who will walk you through the tasting and pairing options, as well as the history of their wine and property.
Families should keep in mind that all visitors must be at least 21 years old to be allowed in, so children and infants will not be able to join, and no pets either. Also, groups are currently restricted to a maximum of 8 visitors. If you love their wines, join the Chateau Society Classic Sparkling Wine Club so you get the chance of tasting more of their wines at home later.
Price range: Under $40
3 Executive Way, Napa, CA 94558-6271
Offering a different and refreshing wine country experience, the first Vietnamese-owned winery in Napa Valley is also a sustainable and dog-friendly place. Asian accents and calming turquoise shades are found all around the place, encircling a central high bamboo centerpiece in the middle of the bar. They like to focus more on making your experience personal, rather than on etiquette and conventions.
RD Winery is home to the “Fifth Moon” wine label, with wine tastings starting at $25. Enjoy them in the winery’s relaxing lounge or cool outdoor patio. Their tasting room is open Thursday – Monday and is full of good vibes. They also organize private events like group tastings or corporate events in their private tasting room and art gallery. Price range: under $30
7481 Saint Helena Hwy, Napa, CA 94562
For the most casual experience in the heart of Napa Valley, go for a picnic at Napa Cellars, one of the few wineries where you can still do this. They allow you to bring your food from outside and choose the most comfortable spot either at a picnic table on their patio or on your blanket on the ground. Apart from great wine, they also serve delicious charcuterie boards, and you will get the best advice on pairing your wines with the best cheese plates. You get to enjoy the picturesque and relaxing views of Oakville vineyards and coastal mountains.
They have wines from all around the world and very fun and knowledgeable staff, who will help accommodate non-drinkers as well. Children and pets are welcome here, making it a great place for families. Napa Cellars also offers one of the most affordable tastings in Napa Valley, for only $25 per person. With the Wine Pass Deal (More about the Wine Pass later!), you get 2 for 1, meaning that you will only pay $12.5 per person. Price range: under $30
2000 Main St, St. Helena, CA 94574-9500
A tunnel of trees welcomes you on your way to the oldest and one of the prettiest wineries in Napa Valley. There, you will find a luxurious-looking mansion with immense grounds and lots of tasting options. With a tradition of over 140 years of winemaking, Beringer Vineyards is glad to guide you through its Old Stone Winery, the Rhine House, and its beautiful grounds.
You can also take a self-guided tour if you like to explore the vineyards at your own pace. Conveniently located between St. Helena and Calistoga and with passionate staff, this winery is very accommodating for families with kids, who are not always allowed into a winery otherwise. Price range: under $30
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2812 Saint Helena Hwy N, St. Helena, CA 94574-9655
With a beautiful outdoor patio with string lights and olive trees as well as a refreshing Historic Stone Cellar, Markham Vineyards is an excellent spot for your life more romantic moments. Book it for special occasions like rehearsal dinners or corporate events on one of the oldest and widest winemaking facilities in the area. Markham Vineyards encompasses four different vineyards, spreading over 350 acres. Markham Cellars is home to delicious single-vineyard Cabernets, Merlots, as well as other amazing varieties brought by a unique tasting experience.
This welcoming place is quickly gaining popularity, especially as being one of the few female-led wineries in the region, and is also listed in San Francisco Chronicle's "10 Wine Country Openings to Check Out in 2023". Markham Cellars is a great place to learn everything about winemaking, from growing the grapes until when it’s poured into the glass, from the most informed and entertaining hosts. If you’re lucky enough, you might even get the chance of meeting the winemakers in person! Price range: $40 - $50
3522 Silverado Trl N, St. Helena, CA 94574-9663
If you want to enjoy exquisite wines while admiring some breathtaking hilltop vineyard views, Rombauer Vineyards is one of the best places to go in Napa Valley. They make one of the most famous Chardonnay wines in Napa and offer one of the most delicious and affordable tastings, for as low as $25 per person. If you already have your favorites, you can buy a whole bottle of wine and enjoy it in their beautiful gardens with redwood trees and lush greenery. Apart from those in Napa Valley, Rombauer Vineyards also have an equally entertaining tasting room in the Sierra Foothills, and the staff is as fun and knowledgeable as in the original vineyard built in the 1980s.
You will also be glad to learn that Rombauer Vineyards do care about the environment and practice sustainable agriculture. Apart from their famous Chardonnay, they are also well-known for their Zinfandels, Merlots, Cabernet Sauvignons, and Sauvignon Blancs. Rombauer Vineyards are kid-friendly, so you can also bring your kids along. Price range: under $30
1111 White Ln, St. Helena, CA 94574-1551
With over 130 years of experience in winemaking and more than 60 top-rated wine varieties, V. Sattui is a beautiful place for celebrating your happiest events like weddings or vow renewals, or for enjoying a peaceful picnic. The winery features a Salumeria and an exquisite cheese shop with over 200 selections and helpful staff who will help you pair it with your favorite wines.
The estate has beautiful historic cellars and two dozen picnic tables spread among ancient Valley Oak trees and beautifully polished terraces and gardens. It is a family-friendly and dog-friendly estate with a warm and personal atmosphere that everyone loves! Price range: $20 (free for active duty military)
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Hot Air Balloon Ride Over Napa Valley
Check out Napa Valley group day trips and tours from San Francisco at Viator. This is a great option for a weekend getaway if you don’t wish to drive there yourself.
277 St. Helena Hwy (Hwy. 29) South, St. Helena, CA 94574-2202
This one’s a real gem! One of the last wineries that offer complimentary wine tastings by reservation. Sutter Home is your go-to place for white wines, sweet wines, and easy-drinking wines. Their signature wine is the White Zinfadel, which they invented themselves, so this place is a must for all Zinfadel lovers. Apart from the free base tasting, they offer very affordable upgrades (up to $10) and include a wide variety of dry, sweet, and other wines. It’s a pleasure to enjoy such delicious wines on their beautiful lawn, admiring their rose garden.
The staff is very patient and always available to teach you everything you need about the wine you are tasting. Joining their Wine Club comes with great discounts for tastings and bottled wines and special prices for shipping in case you want to order later (and you will, given that this is one of the most reasonably priced wineries). There is no minimum order to join their wine club compared to other wineries, which may want you to order at least $100 worth of wine before joining. Price range: Free
1460 1st St Part of JaM Cellars Tasting Room, Napa, CA 94559-2843
Our last winery is a small, independently owned family winery that also offers free tastings in Napa Valley. Tastings are held by owners themselves right in their vineyard. Smith Devereux is an eco-friendly winery that farms sustainably, uses minimal packaging, and values its customers above all. They only farm the best quality grapes to ensure the best wines, and their first wine, Verse & Chorus was selected by Whole Foods as a Top 10 Holiday Pick and Wine Club Selection and won Best in Class and a Gold Medal at the West Coast Wine Competition.
Since this vineyard offers free tastings, support this small business by buying a few bottles of your favorite wines, or join their wine club to order more after leaving. Their wine is very affordable for its quality and the care they put into it, so it’s a pity to miss it while touring Napa Valley. Price range: Free
Pro Tip: A couple touring 4-5 wineries can easily get to spend up to $300 only for tastings, so make sure you ask ahead about complimentary tasting offerings! (Or just come back this article!)
Other Tips and Tricks While Visiting Napa Valley
Take The Napa Valley Wine Train
Want to tour Napa Valley elegantly and uniquely? Take the Wine Train. With its early 1900s-style carts, this train is more than just transportation. It’s a luxurious fine dining restaurant on wheels, serving authentic California cuisine. They only use fresh and local produce like superior meats and sustainable seafood, as well as the freshest fruits and vegetables. While eating, take your time to admire the beauty of Napa Valley, and stop by the most celebrated local vineyards.
There are several Wine Train tours and packages available, like day trips and hotel & train packages, so you can choose your favorite way of touring the Wine Country. Stop by their affordable gift shop and look for your favorite Napa Valley wines (80% of their stock is produced in Napa Valley), or other Californian regions.
Visit Oxbow Public Market
With the perfect climate and so many vineyards, there are endless wineries one can visit while in Napa Valley. Choosing just one can be overwhelming, but you can buy some excellent and affordable wines at the Oxbow Public Market as a delicious alternative to winery hopping! The market spreads along the Napa River and features a diverse mix of local food and organic produce vendors, artisan cafes, and sweets shops.
The market is located at 610 and 644 First Street in Napa, perfectly situated along the Napa River and Napa River Trail, adjacent to the Oxbow Preserve and Oxbow By-Pass Commons. It is open Monday to Sunday and is only closed on Thanksgiving and Christmas. Most of the vendors here are open until 9.00 PM each day, with extended hours on Friday evenings. Parking is available in the parking lots on the North and South side of the market hall.
Oxbow Public Market hosts an event called Local’s Night each Tuesday from 4.00 PM to closing time in Oxbow Garden, with live music and merchant specials, so make sure you pass by on a Tuesday after a long wine trip during the day.
Choose The Best Airport For Your Visit
The Napa region is very accessible by plane, with several airports nearby, like the Sonoma County Airport, San Francisco International Airport, and Oakland International Airport. Some airports will have a much longer drive to Napa than others and getting around the region has a variety of unique options. Check out our complete guide for the Best Airport To Napa Valley
Plan Ahead
Napa Valley's popularity means that accommodations, restaurants, and winery tours can fill up quickly, especially during weekends and the peak harvest season in the fall. Start planning your trip well in advance, and make reservations for wine tastings, dining, and lodging. This way, you can secure your preferred choices and avoid disappointment.
Consider the Season
Napa Valley offers a different experience in each season. Spring (March to May) brings lush vineyards and blooming flowers, ideal for nature enthusiasts. Fall (September to November) is the grape harvest season, offering vibrant foliage and the excitement of the crush. Summer (June to August) is perfect for outdoor activities and al fresco dining, while winter (December to February) provides a cozy ambiance with fewer tourists. Choose the season that aligns with your preferences.
Winery Reservations
Many wineries in Napa Valley now require reservations for tastings, and some have limited daily capacities. Research your preferred wineries and their policies, then book your tastings ahead of time to ensure access. This planning will help you make the most of your wine-tasting experience.
Designated Driver or Wine Tour
Wine tasting in Napa Valley can lead to indulgence, so it's essential to have a plan for getting around safely. Consider hiring a designated driver or joining a guided wine tour. These options not only ensure responsible drinking but also offer valuable insights into the region's wines and history.
Pack Picnic Supplies
Many wineries in Napa Valley have picturesque picnic areas where you can enjoy your own food alongside their wines. Packing a picnic basket with local cheeses, charcuterie, and fresh bread is a delightful way to complement your wine tastings and enjoy the beautiful vineyard views.
Exploring Downtown
While the wineries are the main attraction, don't overlook the charming downtown areas of Napa, Yountville, and St. Helena. These towns offer unique shopping boutiques, art galleries, and cultural experiences. Take some time to stroll through their streets and savor local cuisine in their excellent restaurants.
Start your journey to Napa at Booking.com to check flight and hotel availability.
Napa Valley is a renowned world-class wine destination with many stunning wineries and excellent shops to choose from. If you are not careful though, you could spend quite a bit of money at the most expensive of locations. We recommend checking out some of these 11 affordable wineries and also getting the Priority Wine Pass to help save on your visit and still enjoy an unforgettable vino experience. No matter what wines you like best, there is at least one affordable winery that specialized in making it and sharing its story. Looking for lodging in Napa? Check out our guide to the 9 Best Bed & Breakfast Inns of Napa Valley
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