Since the Pandemic, almost all wineries went to a reservation system for crowd control. Most have kept that system. In Napa Valley, many wineries required a reservation before, and almost everybody does now, but there are a few exceptions. Those allowing walk-ins will always be based on availability. Note that larger groups will need to make a reservation. Check the winery's website when in doubt.
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| 19th century at Beringer image from beringer.com |
Info from the San Francisco Chronicle, The Best Wineries Where You Don't Need a Reservation, dated June 26, 2023. By labeling this article as "best" means there are other wineries allowing walk-ins, too. Still, it's quite a long list.
In case of a paywall or you just want the short version, here is a summary.
Alpha Omega
Tastings start at $75
Benevolent Neglect
A tasting room in downtown Napa, where many do not require reservations, though I found no mention of walk-ins being accepted on their website. Tasting fee $35.
Beringer
Historic and iconic Napa Valley, started at $35 for a tasting and cave tour. Tasting of their better wines starts at $55 and I recommend going that way. This place is huge and often crowded; that's probably why they offer a $20 glass of wine and allow you to wander around the estate instead of an actual tasting if they're too busy.
Bouchaine
Where the tastings start at $40 and their webpage says, "Reservations required. Walk-ins welcome if seating allows." Not sure who wrote that piece of logic.
Brendel
Another downtown Napa tasting room, this one owned by a rich guy from Arkansas who also possesses Heitz, Burgess, Ink Grade, and Stony Hill. Biodynamic wines. Chronicle says their tasting fee is $30, though I couldn't find the cost on the website.
Charles Krug
Another historic and iconic winery. Their website says, "All tastings now by appointment only." That might be for the summer. The Chronicle article says if they can't seat you, there's still the opportunity to order a glass or bottle of wine and even a pizza. You might want to call first before going.
Clif Family
Yes, it's the Clif Bar folks. An informal tasting room in downtown St. Helena. Tastings start at $50 and includes a food pairing. If it's too crowded, you can order wine and something from their food truck instead.
Frog's Leap
Tastings start at $40 at the bar. Their style is more restrained winemaking, i.e. lower alcohol levels, something unusual for Napa.
Hall
Tastings start at $40 weekdays, $60 weekends, for a Cabernet flight, the wine they're most known for.
Martini
Another historic winery, now owned by Gallo. Tastings start at $50 which seems slightly outrageous.
Mayacamas
It's $35 for their downtown Napa tasting room, much higher for the historic estate. Website does say reservations are required, but I expect if you drop in at a slower time to the downtown location, you won't be turned away.
Merryvale
Tastings start at $50.
Peju
You can't miss them as you drive by the funny-looking sycamore trees out front. Tastings start at $40 to stand at the bar, though there is often a bit of a wait for an open spot.
RD
In an industrial park, Vietnamese owned, offers unique wine varietals, and the Chronicle says they love walk-ins. Tasting starts at $30.
Rutherford Hill
Great views, great place for a picnic, tastings start at $30.
Stewart
Downtown Yountville, trendy-looking, $40.
Sattui
Almost always busy, $45 tasting fee, I would never pay that for these wines and this atmosphere, but somehow it's on the Chronicle's best list.
ZD
Off the beaten path. $50 fee.
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| V. Sattui image from touringandtasting.com |
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