Wine Information

the best and cheapest way to wine tasting at north california? place? price?

i want to go with my friends at the napa county and go wine tasting. However, we are in a budget. Is there a way to go wine tasting in several places without spending more than $10 for each place we go. Btw, we never went wine tasting, and we want to learn how to properly identify wines and such.

Public Comments

1. I know that have it for free at the biltmore house
2. You might try the Benziger tour. It's slightly off the road in the Sonoma Valley, which is a much quieter, less commercial area to visit. The tour costs $10/person and features a tractor-drawn wagon that takes you through the vineyard, and then a tour of the wine making process, the caves, and the tasting room.
3. Personally, if you want to save your money and are on a budget, I would go to the Livermore Valley or Sonoma Valley instead, they rarely charge tasting fees and the wines are excellent. However if you want to go to Napa, the standard is definitely $10 per person, however most allow you to share if you prefer. if you are not used to how different wines taste, that might be the way to go. There are a number of places that only charge $5 per tasting too, if you hit the right places, some will even waive the charge if you buy a bottle or 6 (depends on the place). Another thing to look for is some places carry cards for other wineries for complimentary tastings, that will help conserve your budget. i was there yesterday and went to 2 new places as a result! An excellent choice is Casa Nuestra which is on the Silverado trail, it only charges $5 per person, but you have to phone for an appointment unless you are in their wine club, don't let that put you off, it is well worth the trip and they have a good mix of white, blush and red wines for you to try! The smaller wineries will take the time to explain how they make the wine and how they differ from each other, both in grape variety and location, it can be very imformative. Depending on how long you have and your budget for a Napa trip, I have attached a list of my personal favorites (mostly at the north end of the valley near Calistoga), but I have refined my list after going to a number over the years. I am sure other people will add to your list, but here we are anyway. Sattui is a bigger place, but has a deli to have a picnic as well!