The name Napa Valley creates romantic visions of rolling hills, endless vines, rustic architecture, and deep red wines, but for most people, it also means expensive. As one of California’s most beautiful and special regions, Napa Valley attracts visitors from all over the world and therefore is not geared toward budget travel. However, with a few tricks, you can definitely get more out of your travel experience for less with these budget travel tips for Napa Valley. Here’s how to save money on your trip to Napa Valley:
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When to go to Napa Valley
The first time I stayed in Napa Valley, the concierge told me that I should come back in the winter when “prices are lower but service is double.” The valley’s low season is December-April. Winter in Northern California is the rainy season, but the weather can be mild, with sunny days and temperatures in the 50s, 60s, and even 70s. Spring starts early here, even in February with cold mornings and evenings but daytime temperatures often in the 70s.
February is a great month in Napa Valley because the yellow mustard plants fill the vineyards, making for beautiful views even though the vines don’t have leaves at that time of year. Weekends tend to be very busy in Napa Valley year-round but are quieter in the winter and early spring.
Accommodations in Napa Valley
Staying in Napa Valley is expensive. The area’s luxury hotels and B&Bs enhance the travel experience here, so this may be the part worth splurging on. You can usually get a lower rate during low season, especially on weekdays. If you’re looking for deals, avoid September-November when hotels are packed with people ready to experience harvest, crush, and the Napa Valley Film Festival; however, that time of year is possibly my favorite in Northern California because of the beautiful weather and fall colors.
More tips: Search for special rates in Calistoga, where more budget-friendly options exist at small hotels and motels. Search for discount codes online, especially in the off-season. There are some lower-priced accommodations, such as Best Western and Travelodge, in Napa and nearby Fairfield. There are also camping facilities at the area’s state parks and RV parks.
Wine Tasting in Napa Valley
Wine tasting is a great way to connect with locals in Napa Valley. The tasting room managers are friendly and knowledgeable and ready to answer your questions about the area, what it’s like to live there, the grapes. Wine tasting in Napa Valley can be expensive, with most wineries charging at least $40 per flight. However, there are ways to taste wine and stick to your budget:
Wineries offering value or complimentary tastings
Consider sharing a tasting: Many wineries will offer for you to share a tasting or won’t mind if you ask to do so.
Ask at your hotel. Hotels often have discount codes or offers for nearby wineries.
Discounts for Napa Valley wine tasting: Get 2-for-1 tastings by checking out the array of coupons available via the WineryFinderApp, Groupon and Visit Napa Valley specials, or by asking what deals are available at the Visitor Center. If you know someone who lives in the area, you can ask them to take you around and take advantage of the Napa Neighbors discounts.
Free tours in Napa Valley: Get more bang for your buck by taking a tour with your tasting. Ask at the Visit Napa Valley visitor’s center for recommendations.
Smaller wineries in Napa Valley: Some small or boutique wineries offer less expensive tastings (because they don’t charge for tours). Even when the fee is not less, smaller wineries often have a more personal touch so you get more for your money. For example, Envy Wines just outside Calistoga has great reds, a cozy tasting room, and tastings for $35.
Wine passports: In the low season, wine passports are a good way to save if you plan to visit several wineries. Check out the Winter in the Wineries passport and Napa Valley Tasting Passport on the Napa Valley Specials page.
Napa General Store (next to Napa River Inn on the Downtown Napa riverfront): This shop, cafe, and wine tasting room features only carefully-chosen wines from small, lesser-known wineries. Tastings are $20 per flight of five wines.
Other activities in Napa Valley
There are plenty of things to do in Napa Valley besides tasting wine. One is hitting the outdoors. One of the best characteristics of Napa Valley is its natural beauty, and its rolling hills and quaint roads provide many opportunities for exploration. You can bike the Silverado Trail. Biking is such a beautiful way to really see the area, and bikes are widely available for rent; just take precautions to stay safe on those small highways.
Hiking in Napa Valley is another popular activity, especially around Calistoga; Oat Hill Mine Road just outside Calistoga is popular among locals. You can find out more about hiking trails here. Outdoor activities also include kayaking the Napa River (you can start in the city of Napa), hot air ballooning, boating and hiking at Lake Berryessa, and viewing the geyser in Calistoga.
Downtown Napa has a strong sense of community that is easy to see during the city’s many free festivals and outdoor events. Look for seasonal festivities and live music at the Do Napa website.
Spas in Napa Valley: The area is also known for its spas, and not all are expensive. Calistoga offers a wealth of spa treatments. The town sits on top of hot springs, and the healing waters are used in bath soaking treatments, mud baths, and more at places like the Roman Spa in Calistoga, where basic treatments begin around $70.
Budget Options for Food in Napa Valley
The food in Napa Valley is excellent, and there are plenty of places to eat that don’t cost too much.
Oxbow Public Market is my favorite place to get reasonably-priced food, from tacos and sliders to ice cream and excellent beer. You can sit down for a meal, pick up fresh produce, or get dessert at this foodie’s haven. The cheese shop inside Oxbow and Model Bakery, just around the corner, make a great place to pick up picnic supplies.
Oxbow also has Happy Hour specials Monday-Thursday evenings and “Locals’ Night” every Tuesday at 5:00 when the merchants offer special items for local residents and visitors to enjoy.
Grace’s Table: One of the best restaurants in Downtown Napa, if not in the whole valley, Grace’s Table has Happy Hour with small plates at lower prices in the late afternoon.
Gott’s Roadside: With two locations, one in Downtown Napa next to Oxbow Public Market and one on Hwy 29 near St. Helena, Gott’s serves traditional American diner food that everyone raves about. The fish tacos and sweet potato fries are excellent!
Tra Vigne: The pizzas, salads, and pastas are delicious, the outdoor seating is nice, the location on Hwy 29 is convenient, and the prices are reasonable. Check out their 7-O-7 Happy Hour 7 days a week from 4 -6 pm with $1 oysters on the half, $7 select wines by the glass, $5 well drinks and $5 craft beers.
Model Bakery: With locations in Downtown Napa behind Oxbow Public Market and in St. Helena, Model Bakery is a great place to pick up fresh bread (baked twice daily) or a sandwich for an easy lunch or picnic.
V. Sattui: This winery has a deli with a large variety of easy food to take out, from sandwiches to salads and picnic supplies. There is a huge outdoor picnic area where you can eat your lunch or, on special days, grab fresh BBQ.
By following these tips, Napa Valley can become an approachable, affordable getaway. The area is so beautiful and such an important part of California’s wine culture that it really shouldn’t be missed. By making a little extra effort in planning, you can find ways to make your budget go farther and have a great visit in Napa Valley on a budget.
Do you have budget travel tips for Napa Valley? Please share!
Other resources about Napa Valley
A Family-Friendly Visit to Napa Valley on a Budget
Build the Perfect Day Trip to Napa Valley
30 Things to Do in Napa Valley
Where to See Art in Napa Valley
You’ve pulled together some great budget ideas for Napa. I think heading there in February when the mustard is blooming sounds wonderful. Reading the post makes me wish a visit to Napa was easier to do for me. My husband and I spent 10 days biking the area in 2010 and had a really good time.
Thanks, Leigh. I love hearing that you spent 10 days in that area. It is really worth a long stay (instead of the 1-2 days that many people devote to it). I’m sure you’d love it in February.
Wonderful post! I just want to point out that unfortunately, Bistro Sabor has closed.
As one who lives in Napa, I’d suggest Alexis Bakery (ABC) and Napa Valley Roasting Company as places to get a treat and meet locals. And another way to beat the high cost of dining out is to eat lunch at the restaurant that is most expensive and then have a dinner at a less expensive restaurant.
A very fun and relaxing thing to do is just to visit each town in the valley and walk around downtown.
If you bring your dog with you, go to Alston Park in Napa. There are on-leash and off-leash areas and again, it’s a good way to meet locals.
Please don’t ride bikes on Silverado Trail unless you’re with a large group. We’ve had a lot of people killed there in the last few years. Unfortunately, the mix of locals (who view the trail as their private autobahn) and tourists (who tend to drive slowly) create very unsafe conditions on the Trail. Highway 29 is safer and is also quite scenic.
And lastly, consider Air BnB as a way to find reasonably priced accommodations.
Thank you so much for all your suggestions! I have been to ABC and had the most delicious lemon ricotta pancakes with a blueberry sauce. Oh, yum.
Joan, since you are local, I was drawn to your comment. My husband and I will be in Napa from December 14 to 20th. We are traveling on a “budget.” Are you aware of any events during that week ) in napa or surrounding area? Also, do you recommend making reservations at wineries before we go, or to play it by ear.
Downtown Napa has nice Xmas events. You should be able to find information about them on the DoNapa.com website. Also try Cornerstone Sonoma. I also don’t seen any reason to make reservations at wineries unless they are wineries that are by appointment only. Check out my 3-day itinerary on Amazon.com for more ideas: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00L72JCSG/ref=as_li_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00L72JCSG&linkCode=as2&tag=thismyha-20&linkId=NEIVWWOTXNE4L7LD
Nancy, So sorry I missed your comment until today. Thanks, Jenna, for giving such good advice. I might add, most wineries give information on their hours of operation,cost of tastings, etc. on their websites. If in doubt,call first. I like to take guests to a mix of wineries,some large and some small. The smaller wineries are often family-owned and can often provide a more personal, low-key tasting experience.
Now I know I have to refer to this if and when I visit the beautiful Napa valley. Thanks!
I love Oxbow Public Market! You’ve put together some great tips for visiting Napa on a budget.
I agree with your reader about the silverado trail as dangerous, it truly feels like an autobahn for the locals! I’m glad I don’t see oakville grocery on the list because it is outrageous now, $5 for a muffin, etc. I’m sad because it was always a stop for me In napa. Last time there, a stroll in Calistoga, a visit to Clos pegase for outdoor Art viewing (cost zero) and then a splurge in st Helena at their wonderful truffle shop ( one truffle is enough, but savor it!). The sights are worth a million dollars in itself.
So true. Just being there is enough. I also like Clos Pegase for a nice walk around.
I haven’t been to Oakville grocery yet. It’s on my list of things that i want to do there, but I will be aware of the too-high prices.
And thanks for chiming in about the Silverado Trail. Too bad there isn’t a better (safer) place for cyclists to enjoy the natural beauty of Napa Valley.
Great advice. Napa can be such an expensive place to visit, especially with the great restaurants there. This is helpful for the next visit.
You’re right, the restaurants can really dig into a budget, but there are plenty of not-too-expensive choices (based on what’s considered expensive in California).
When we went to the Hamptons we rented a VRBO apartment for the weekend and went wine tasting to the neighborhood vineyards and it was actually economical. I don’t suggest hotels, I suggest rentals in this ritzy area
Yes, in some places, a rental can be more economical than a hotel. We always get rentals in San Francisco, and even though the rentals are also pricey (that’s just how the city is), the amount of space and having a kitchen makes it worth it and probably cheaper than a hotel.
Lucky for us we didn’t have to worry about hotels when we visited. We definitely would have liked to do more and enjoy the spas but I guess we are ultra-budget people. Here was our experience there.
http://marriedwithmaps.com/2015/10/25/napa-sutter-home-and-castello-di-amorosa/
The hotels in the Napa area are very expensive, so it’s nice that you didn’t have to worry about hotels.
Where was this scenic quaint brick house taken. So European looking.
Hi Catherine,
The tiny brick house at the top is at Castello di Amoroso winery, and the larger one about half way down in this article is the V. Sattui winery.
Thank you!
Another thing to do in Napa Valley that’s really fun and won’t break the bank is to go on a kayaking tour. There’s lots of companies that do them in Napa, but my favorite is https://enjoy-napa-valley.com/ – they’re great! They also offer a historical tour that’s really cool.
What a nice place.
I want to go there with my family.
It would be nice to travel here as a group.