Known as the Wine Tasting Room Capital of the World, Downtown Napa features more than 55 tasting rooms, most within walking distance of your hotel, especially if you book a room at one of the many renowned lodging options in the area. In fact, you can leave your car at the hotel (or park for free anywhere Downtown!) and take a leisurely stroll around Downtown Napa, visiting the wide variety of wine tasting rooms and restaurants sure to please any palate.
If your goal is to hold costs down so you can extend your stay and partake in everything Downtown Napa has to offer (or perhaps splurge on a Michelin-star meal), we’ve got wallet-friendly wine tasting room suggestions that will surprise and delight. Also be sure to check out the lodging specials available at a number of Downtown Napa inns and hotels.
WINE TASTINGS
OUTER SPACE WINES
Head to Outer Space Wines, where they feature a rotating selection of their favorite wineries each month. Discover a variety of exquisite wines, from crisp Chardonnays and elegant Pinot Noirs to vibrant sparkling wines and robust Cabernet Sauvignons. The tasting is $20, free with three bottle purchase or wine club sign up. Also, receive a 10% discount on purchase of six or more bottles. Wines from the tasting are also available by the glass. No reservation is required, but for parties of 6 or more, we recommend calling ahead at (707) 657-7401 to ensure there is a table ready for you.
CHATEAU BUENA VISTA
Founded 165 years ago, Buena Vista Winery is California’s first premium winery. Enjoy a vision of its past, present and future with “A Taste of Buena Vista” at their newly-opened swanky Downtown Napa outpost. Make a reservation and sample a flight of four exceptional varietals from Sonoma and Napa counties for $40 per guest. Buena Vista Winery also hosts a Thursday Happy Hour from 4 to 7 p.m., with a 25% discount on featured by-the-bottle and by-the-glass wines; no reservation required.
FEAST IT FORWARD
Wine lovers, furry friends and just about everyone else will enjoy the unique experience of sitting in a live studio/experiential showroom. Wine tastings, held in The Studio at Feast it Forward, run $35 for four wines, or take advantage of a better deal by trying six wines for $45. On Saturdays and Sundays, Wineland tastings are $25 per person, a cost that is waived with a purchase of a bottle of wine.
GAMLING & MCDUCK
You’ve got to love a wine tasting room that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Visit Gamling & McDuck’s website for a truly fun read, then visit the winery for truly impressive Cabernet Francs and Chenin Blancs (including the whimsically named Poor and in Love wine). Make a reservation for the weekend tastings or smaller weekday tastings. Either way, the $35 per person charge is a steal!
HOUSLEY NAPA VALLEY
The laidback family atmosphere is immediately apparent the minute you enter Housley Napa Valley. Run by the Housley family, the winery boasts numerous award-winning Northern California wines and scrumptious food. You’ll feel like you’re at home while you partake in five wines for only $25, and you may want to indulge in chocolates paired with the vino for an additional $12. Don’t bother trying to make a reservation; Housley doesn’t take them.
REBEL VINTNERS
Although Rebel Vintners has only been open since 2018, the word has gotten out about their cozy atmosphere, friendly staff and unique tasting room. Rebel Vintners is a collective tasting room, featuring more than 30 different wines from three small independent wine producers: Cadle Family Wines, Leaf & Vine and Uncharted Wines. The wine tasting experience, which includes white and red wine from each of the three winemakers, is only $30. Appointments and walk-ins are welcome.
WALT WINES
Enjoy a variety of the latest selection of Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays during Walt Wines’ Current Release Tastings, priced at $40 per person (reservations required). Held daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Walt’s recently remodeled and state-of-the-art facility in the Oxbow district, the staff will guide participants in a journey of the wines that are crafted from some of the top vineyards along the Pacific Coast.
BRANDY TASTINGS
CALIFORNIA BRANDY HOUSE
While wine is made from grapes, brandy is distilled from wine, and nowhere except the California Brandy House will you discover the true delight that is brandy. The first stand-alone tasting room dedicated solely to luxury California brandies, California Brandy House staffers will provide a look at the amazing history of the beverage, including how it’s made. Reserve your time to experience the tasting, which is priced from $25-$65 per person.
Plan a few days or a week or two in Downtown Napa, where you’ll find so much more to do in addition to enjoying some of the best wines in the nation.
Please note that prices are subject to change and it’s best to call ahead for the most up-to-date info.