Napa on a Budget

  The cost of a trip to Napa may shock you. There are ways to not get scalped, it just takes some planning. If you're on a budget similar to mine, you can do things to pay less. For wineries, there are 2-for-1 and maybe even free tasting deals out there. Ask about sharing a tasting with your SO. 

How fancy do you want?

  

There is a Priority Wine Pass you can purchase online that will give you a few deals in Napa, plus better deals in other parts of the state. Before buying, check their list of Napa wineries and what they offer and see if it makes sense for you. 

  Google search something like "napa tasting fees" to find out what wineries of interest have reasonable fees. Then go to the winery's website to verify the fee and make a reservation. Hint: If you go up valley towards Calistoga and along the Silverado Trail instead of the main drag, Highway 29, you'll often find less expensive tastings. 

  For eating, skip the high prices of this year's trendy spots. There are BBQ and burger joints, plus lots of  taquerías, just like anywhere else. Check where the locals go because they can't afford the trendy restaurants either. Gott's Roadside and Buster's BBQ are a couple N.V. institutions.

  For accommodations, instead of staying right in the valley, consider staying nearby in American Canyon, Fairfield, or Santa Rosa. The average price of a room in Napa Valley was $400 a night in March, during the off-season. Everybody and their brother will be travelling this summer, so expect high prices for lodging, wherever you go.