Napa Valley on a Budget

Napa Valley on a budget is definitely doable. Despite the fact that the Napa Valley is home to fine dining, luxury lodging, exquisite spas, and the finest wineries in the world, it is possible to visit the Napa Valley without spending a fortune. Read here to find ways to save.

Budget Napa Lodging

Travel off-season and/or midweek. This is the way the greatest savings can be found on many attractive B&B's. Off-season varies but is generally from November through February.  There is also a host of inexpensive lodging establishments. They may not be all that fancy but they are very comfortable. See Napa Budget Lodging

Always check lodging Website pages for last minute Internet specials. Several Calistoga accommodations also have deals on their spa offerings.

Visiting Wineries - Budget Style

Do your homework. Many wineries charge fees as high as $20 per person for tasting. Avoid those wineries and find ones that have no tasting fee, two-for-coupons, or a tasting fee that can be applied to a purchase.

Share a tasting. All wineries allow couples to share one glass and pay for one tasting.

Pick up two-for-one coupons at the Yountville Chamber at 6484 Washington Street, or the Calistoga Visitor Center at 1506 Lincoln Ave. in Calistoga. Your B&B usually has a few of these coupons.  Thumb through some of the free wine publications and clip out the tasting room coupons. You will find these publications in hotel lobbies, tasting rooms, etc.

Take a free tour. Mumm Napa has free tour at 10 am daily. They also have a two-for-one tasting coupon on their Website. Frog's Leap Winery has a free tour and tasting but it is by appointment. Call at least one week in advance.

Franks Family Winery and August Briggs as of the Fall 2008 have no tasting fee. Casa Nuestra  Winery has a $5 tasting fee and it can be applied to a purchase of wine.

Some planning ideas for which wineries to visit.

Dining on a Budget in the Napa Valley

Breakfast is included at B&B's. Otherwise, coffee shops such as the Napa Valley Roasting Company in Napa and St. Helena, or the Calistoga Roastery in Calistoga and St. Helena, have pastries and great coffee. The Model Bakery in St. Helena is another great spot, and the Bouchon Bakery in Yountville has outstanding pastry products.

Lunch: best deal is a picnic lunch. Pick up a lunch at a deli and picnic at a winery and experience one of life's greatest pleasures.  See List of Deli's and Ideal Picnic Locations.

Dinner : check out the bar menu at Bar-Vino in Calistoga. Or, dine at Cindy's Backstreet Kitchen and select some small plates to feast on.

Check out Pearl in Napa, Taylor's Refresher in St. Helena, or Tra Vigne Pizzeria in St. Helena, or the Pacific Blue Cafe in Yountville.

Here is a useful book on the wineries of the Napa Valley: Back Lane Wineries of Napa